SHELD facility topic of Knew Your Town in South Hadley
SOUTH HADLEY — Know Your Town will host a public information session on Thursday regarding the South Hadley Electric Lighting Department’s proposed facility ahead of a nonbinding ballot question at town elections on April 14.
Know Your Town member Marc Desrosiers will moderate the forum at the South Hadley Public Library community room starting at 6 p.m. SHELD General Manager Sean Fitzgerald and Municipal Light board members John Hine and Paul Dobosh will present the project and answer any questions.
Ron Coutu filed a petition for the nonbinding ballot question as a way to survey public opinion on the project. Coutu, who also sits on the Municipal Light Board, filed the position as a resident out of concern for the building’s estimated costs, which ranges between $35 million and $38 million.
Quabbin Photo Group to hold wildlife tracking presentation
BELCHERTOWN — The Quabbin Photo Group will host a presentation on Monday, March 23, featuring outdoor education specialist Jack Bonafini from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. His presentation, to take place at 7 p.m. at the Belchertown Recreation Department, 66 State St., will focus on tracking deer, designed especially for photographers
With nearly a decade of experience in the hunter education and learn to hunt programs, Bonafini brings deep field knowledge and practical insight into deer biology, habitat, food preferences and tracking techniques. This session will give attendees a clearer understanding of deer behavior and movement patterns, along with real-world strategies for reading sign and interpreting the landscape.
Founded in 1984, the Quabbin Photo Group traces its roots to the Belchertown Color Camera Club that was established in 1948 by noted local photographer Les Campbell. QPG welcomes anyone with an interest in nature photography, whether beginner or experienced. Meetings throughout the year feature educational presentations, guest speakers, and Member Nights where participants share and discuss their photographs.
For more information, visit quabbinphotogroup.com or contact QPG President Mark Lindhult atmlindhult@gmail.com or Program Chair Ed Comeau at ecomeau@comeauphotography.com.
Velis named senator of the year
BOSTON — The Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) recently honored Sen. John C. Velis, D-Westfield, with its 2025 Senator of the Year award.
ADDP represents more than 130 statewide organizations, their staff, and the individuals and families they serve. Velis was selected for this award by the association for his longtime commitment to strengthening disability services and supporting this essential human services workforce.
As Velis is currently on an active-duty deployment with the Massachusetts National Guard, his Director of Communications and Community Engagement Caitlyn Letourneau-Jancsy accepted the award on his behalf, which was made locally by an artist from Riverside Industries in Easthampton.
Community Foundation grants $200K to food bank
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts recently awarded a $200,000 grant to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts to help advance food access in the three-county service area of Hampden, Franklin and Hampshire counties. The funding strengthens the Food Bank’s core operations and supports its network of nearly 200 local pantries and meal sites during a period of sustained need.
Megan Burke, president and CEO of the Community Foundationl said the grant is intended to provide additional support to the Food Bank. The grant reinforces a regional approach to supporting organizations central to the well-being of local communities, she said.
In addition to this investment, the Community Foundation will soon launch a separate Community Resilience Grant opportunity to support local organizations responding directly to emerging community needs. This upcoming funding will help organizations continue providing essential support that keeps individuals and households safe and stable during a period of significant federal and state funding reductions. This opportunity will be posted on March 12, and is intended to complement regional efforts by strengthening the broader network of community-based providers across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties.
To learn more about the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, visit foodbankwma.org. For more information about the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, visit communityfoundation.org.