Smith Academy student nominated for bravery award
BOSTON — State Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, has nominated Eli Bai for the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery, awarded annually by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
Bai, a Smith Academy student, performed the Heimlich maneuver to save a friend’s life during a May field trip to Six Flags New England in Agawam. Bai acted quickly when he realized his friend was chocking on the last bite of a hot dog that had lodged in his throat.
Due to Bai’s aid, the stuck food came out and his friend was able to breathe normally again.
The Sweeney Award acknowledges Massachusetts residents who have demonstrated “exceptional bravery, without regard for personal safety, in an effort to save the lives of another or others in actual imminent danger.”
“Eli’s quick thinking and courage turned what could have been a tragedy into a powerful story of bravery and care for another,” Comerford said in a statement. “Eli demonstrated the very best of our community’s values. I am honored to nominate him for this well-deserved recognition.”
Bai is a junior at Smith Academy in Hatfield, has learned both CPR and the Heimlich maneuver during health class at the school, and is exploring a possible career in the health care field.
“I am highly thankful to be nominated for this award,” said Bai. “This is something that I would do at any point in time for anyone if they found themselves in this situation. Thank you again.”
Domb announces September office hours
AMHERST — State Rep. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst, will hold community office hours at three locations in September.
The sessions are set for Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Granby Free Public Library, 297 E. State St.; Friday, Sept. 25, from 4 to 5 p.m. at Amherst Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Ave.; and Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Amherst Survival Center, 138 Sunderland Road.
No appointment is needed. Constituents of the Third Hampshire District can stop by any time during the hour to speak with Domb or a staff member about state legislation or to seek assistance.
For urgent matters, residents should not wait for office hours and can call 413-335-1362 or 617-722-2060. Those unable to attend, or with a time-sensitive or private matter, can reach the office by phone or by emailing mindy.domb@mahouse.gov, including their name, address and contact information.
Domb holds office hours monthly across the district and has also hosted summer coffee hours at local shops. The last summer event will take place Monday, Aug. 31, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., at the Earlee Mug in Granby.
Historic Deerfield sets fall lineup, ‘Ghosts of the Revolution’ tickets
DEERFIELD — Historic Deerfield will offer a fall season of Revolutionary War living history programs, open-hearth cooking demonstrations and artisan trade showcases from September through November, tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Tickets for the popular after-dark “Ghosts of the Revolution” program, formerly called Ghost Walks, go on sale to the public Aug. 29. Museum members get early access from Aug. 24-28.
The season also includes a one-day conference Sept. 26 marking the 350th anniversary of King Philip’s War, also known as Metacom’s Rebellion, bringing scholars and the public together to examine the conflict’s causes and impact.
Other offerings include demonstrations of blacksmithing, silversmithing, pottery, furniture making, candle making and other traditional trades, along with family activities at the Discovery Center and workshops in watercolor painting and hearth cooking.
Three exhibitions — “Picturing the Revolution,” “Dressing the Revolution” and “A Town Divided: Deerfield in the Age of Revolution” — remain on display through January.
General admission is $20 for adults and $5 for youth ages 13-17. Children 12 and under, Historic Deerfield members, and Deerfield and South Deerfield residents are admitted free. Details are available at historic-deerfield.org.
Granby Cultural Council to hold grant workshop
GRANBY — The Granby Cultural Council will hold an information session on its grant application process Sept. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the Granby Free Public Library, 297 E. State St. (Route 202).
The council offers project grants to performers, artists and groups for events and presentations that benefit the local community. Grant recipients can bring their projects to Granby venues with council funding upon approval.
Applications for the 2027 grant round are due by Oct. 15, 2026.
For more information, contact the council at gculturalcouncil@gmail.com.