Reparations commission invites residents to its meetings

NORTHAMPTON — The Northampton Commission On Racialized Harms invites residents to its upcoming meetings in July and August as it continues work on a report due this fall.

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 16, at 5 p.m., in the City council Chambers. Next month, meetings will take place on Aug. 6 and Aug. 20, also at 5 p.m. in council chambers.

The commission, established by the City Council in February of 2023, is charged to consider what initiatives should be funded and implemented by the city to support redress and fair treatment for Black people who live, work, and learn in the community, examine ways to restore, grow, and nourish Black community and culture in Northampton for future generations, and suggest ways the city might meaningfully atone for historic wrongs.

Leverett to boost cyber security with state grant

LEVERETT — Leverett was awarded a $3,407 g rant from the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association, the town’s property and casualty insurance provider, to fund cyber security upgrades that will help safeguard data, ensure the continuous operations of services, and protect the town against evolving cyber threats.

“Leverett has been working to consolidate and protect our digital data, and the implementation of these programs moves our effort forward significantly,” said Marjorie McGinnis, Leverett town administrator. “Leverett now has a new level of protections against cybercrimes, which benefits our residents, staff, and taxpayers — as well as creates additional liability protection for us and our data.”

For the 2024 fiscal year, MIIA awarded $1 million to fund over 150 grant requests from its members for loss prevention, risk management and safety activities and equipment, including items such as infrared cameras and moisture and temperature sensors, as well as efforts to enhance cyber security with assessments, training, and software solutions, among other initiatives.

The Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association is the nonprofit insurance arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

Chesterfield Library’s
summer programs

CHESTERFIELD — The Chesterfield Library has scheduled the following community events this month.

Performances will be at the old Town Hall on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. All shows are free and open to the public.

On July 10, the Tanglewood Marionettes perform “The Fairy Circus.” The program is funded by a Chesterfield Council on Aging HVES multigenerational grant.

On July 17, storyteller Diane Edgecomb presents a show titled “Let’s Go Eco.” The performance is funded by Chesterfield COA multigenerational grant funds. On July 24, magician and comedian Rich Gilbert performs. The program is funded by the Friends of the Chesterfield Library. And on July 31, Carrie Ferguson presents a family music concert. The show is funded by the Chesterfield Cultural Council and the local Council on Aging.

For more information, contact the library at 413-296-4735, or via email at chesterfieldpubliclibrary@gmail.com.

July is Shark Month at Granby Public Library

GRANBY — The Granby Library will celebrate “Shark Month” in July, where Finn, the library’s shark week mascot will be on hand.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by the library and check out any shark-themed book or movie to receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a “Crazy for Sharks” Gift Basket. Those feeling “Shark Smart” can take a shark trivia quiz or correctly answer a shark joke to earn a raffle ticket.

Finally, shark water bottles will be on sale, with all proceeds benefiting Friends of the Granby Public Library.