EASTHAMPTON — Residents can get an inside look into the work of Mayor Salem Derby in an interview series called “Mayor Monthly,” a new program that will zoom in on the happenings inside the corner office each month.
The one-on-one, desk-style interviews will take place inside the Easthampton Media (EMedia) studio and be posted on the first Thursday of each month, debuting this Thursday, April 9. The series is the brain-child of local filmmaker and Emmy-award winner, Thomas Draudt, who is seeking to create a production for his community.
“It’s just a good way for the mayor to have yet another way to get in front of his constituents,” Draudt said.
Draudt will ask and discuss the same three questions each month: What is Derby currently working on, what are some upcoming projects and what are some personal insights into being mayor of Easthampton?
Draudt said the goal is to discuss more “candid” and conversational aspects of Derby’s perspectives on being mayor of Easthampton, talking about his philosophy.
While Draudt’s filmmaking days have brought him everywhere from San Francisco and Boston to producing a number of local short films and documentaries, he will be stepping in front of the camera to interview Derby.
“The show is purposefully simple because it needs to be repeatable,” Draudt said. “It’s not about me, it’s about him.”
Now retired, Draudt didn’t have much time to get involved in local municipal government while working in filmmaking. But having moved back to the area three years ago, and with a strong set of skills in filmmaking, he wanted to create something to combine several community aspects, getting EMedia involved and giving other residents a way to stay informed.
“When I was working, I was never really able to participate in my local community and government,” Draudt said. “But now that I’m here and have more time, I have the skill set to contribute to where I live.”
The interviews will be posted on multiple platforms, mainly accessible on the EMedia charter channel, website and YouTube page. It is being produced by volunteers.
Heat pumps, other work at Westhampton Town Hall
WESTHAMPTON — Town officials anticipate the town will experience significant savings on heating and cooling utilities after receiving a $181,000 state grant to install heat pumps at and weatherize the Town Hall.
The competitive Green Communities grant through the state Department of Energy Resources will fund the installation of heat pumps at the Town Hall and its annex, and also insulate both buildings. The total cost of the project is approximately $250,000 but utility incentives will cover the remaining expense.
Select Board members were informed of the grant award at its March 23 meeting by the town’s energy manager Dan Abrahamson of Valley Business Partners. Abrahamson and town officials said the work will provide significant savings on utilities. Smart thermostats will be installed with the pumps to help better regulate the use of heating and cooling.
“We should see operating cost reductions due to the weatherization,” Abrahamson said. “Obviously we’re going to reduce our emissions profile in both these buildings, so just tons of benefits all around and with it fully funded, the return on investment is great.”
“Being able to move some of our heating load over to electric heat pumps is going to be a benefit,” Town Coordinator Doug Finn said at the meeting. “It means we’re going to be able to reduce the amount of oil we burn in the winter.”
Select Board members additionally wanted to make sure they are getting the most up-to-date heat pumps and have further discussions about when heating and cooling should be used after the pumps are installed, to save the town the most money.
Southampton to hold caucus on Thursday
SOUTHAMPTON — The town will host its town caucus on Thursday, April 9, at 7 p.m. in Town Hall, where residents can nominate people for a number of positions with terms expiring.
Several of the terms expiring include two Select Board seats, the town moderator, the treasurer and collector and more. The town’s annual Town Meeting will be held on May 2 and the Election will be held May 19, where residents will be voting on an override question.
Westhampton wildlife videos
WESTHAMPTON — The town is no stranger to New England wildlife. Laurie Sanders will share wildlife videos from more than 10 trail cameras in town displaying and discussing the important role that Westhampton plays in providing habitats for wildlife in the region.
The talk will be held this Thursday, April 9, at noon, in the Westhampton Church Dining Room. Sanders, executive director of Historic Northampton, has been sharing her wildlife videos on the organization’s Facebook page and in the “What’s Up Westhampton” Facebook group. The program is sponsored by the Westhampton Council on Aging.
The COA is also looking for a parttime volunteer transportation coordinator, a one to two hour-per-week role that coordinates transportation services for Westhampton seniors. Email COA Coordinator Christine Blakesley, coa@westhamptonma.gov, if interested.
Arcadia to host spring events
EASTHAMPTON — The Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is hosting a number of upcoming events as winter flips to spring, including a Big Night event this Saturday, a day of mass migration of frogs and salamanders that travel to vernal pools to find a mate and lay eggs.
Activities and viewing of the species will start at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, with an entrance fee. Visitors can watch a live performance by the “Vernal Pool Crew,” a performance of costumed characters like the spotted salamander, fairy shrimp and wood frog, perform skits about their species. Visitors will also be able to explore different species live and perform multiple other activities.
Easthampton, Southampton, Westhampton fire safety grants
Easthampton, Southampton and Westhampton received funding through the state Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program, that’ll help fund new gear and equipment.
They are three of 307 Massachusetts fire departments to receive a portion of $5 million in grant funding to support the purchase of new safety equipment.
Southampton recieved $15,500 that’ll fund headsets for radios to ensure clear communication between crew members, drivers and officers.
“These devices allow all crew members on the truck to hear dispatch and alarm information clearly without having to try and hear over the siren and engine noise when responding,” a Southampton Fire Department statement says.
Westhampton received $10,500 that’ll replace turnout gear and Easthampton received $19,000.
“We thank the Commonwealth for their continued support and providing these grants for equipment we otherwise would not be able to afford,” a Southampton Fire Department statement says.
