Smidy appointed to state education board
BOSTON — Kristen Smidy, a former superintendent at Gateway Regional School District and former principal at Hampshire Regional High School, has been appointed by Gov. Maura Healey as the newest member of the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Smidy is a former teacher, principal and superintendent with nearly 20 years of experience as an educator in Massachusetts. She currently serves as the associate director for accreditation and school improvement on the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Commission on Public Schools.
Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler and other state officials said Smidy will bring an important perspective and a powerful voice for students and families in western Massachusetts to the board.
Smidy joined NEASC this fall after almost five years as superintendent for the Gateway Regional in Huntington. She previously served as principal of Hampshire Regional and began her career as a sixth and seventh grade social studies teacher at Duggan Middle School in Springfield.
Smidy has served on the Legislative Committee for the Massachusetts School Superintendents, the Connecticut Valley Superintendent Roundtable Executive Board, and the Massachusetts Inclusive Higher Education task force. She is a graduate of UMass Amherst and Boston University.
League of Women Voters book sale on Saturday
NORTHAMPTON — The 74th annual League of Women Voters of the Northampton Area book sale will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, 80 Locust St.
The sale is an excellent source of inexpensive good quality books on a variety of topics including hobbies, art, sports, classics, science/nature, biography and history, as well as a large number of children’s books and fiction including mystery, science fiction and graphic novels. A special section with information about banned books will be featured. Over 25,000 books will be available for bargain prices most for $1-$2.
The entrance is free to the public starting at 9 a.m., with an “early bird special” at 8 a.m. that offers early access in exchange for a $10 donation to the League of Women Voters.
The League of Women Voters is active in area communities supporting voter access and education on numerous issues involving health care, public education, human services and the environment. The book sale is an event of the League of Women Voters of the Northampton Area, which recently celebrates its 100th anniversary. The Northampton Chapter was founded in 1922, two years after American Women won the right to vote through passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. This local LWV includes 130 members in communities from Springfield through Williamsburg.
Rep. Sabadosa to host town hall in Cummington
CUMMINGTON — State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa will hold a Town Hall discussion on Monday, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m., at Cummington Town Hall, 33 Main St.
The event will last until 8 pm and will feature updates on the legislative session, specific policy updates, and a question-and-answer session. All are welcome to attend.
Pelham Cultural Council seeks funding proposals
PELHAM — The Pelham Cultural Council is seeking funding proposals for community-oriented arts, humanities and science programs. Applications are due by Oct. 16.
The council encourages organizations, schools and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community. These grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities in Pelham or the Amherst-Pelham public schools, including exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies, performances, workshops and lectures.
This year, the council will distribute at least $5,700 in grants. Previously funded projects and performers include a summer youth theater program, an engineering and tinkering workshop for kids, support for a local ballet studio and a multimedium, multilocation community art and place-making celebration called “Picturing Pelham.”
For questions or additional information, contact John Page at pelhamculture@gmail.com. Applications and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program are available online at www.massculturalcouncil.org.