Hilltowns
New Russell-Montgomery Police Dept. garage dedicated to veteran
RUSSELL — The new Russell-Montgomery Police Department garage on the grounds of the former Russell Elementary School was dedicated to decorated Vietnam veteran Jan “Boomer” Boomsma of Russell who passed away in 2022 and was the father of Mark Boomsma, who built the garage for the town.
HCHC seeks new home for community center
HUNTINGTON — The Hilltown Community Center social service programs at 9 Russell Rd. are moving to different locations, in anticipation of the sale of the building where they have been housed for several decades.
Huntington artist shows watercolors, oils at Chester gallery
CHESTER — “The Natural World,” an exhibit by Huntington artist Daniel Delisle, is opening at A Reason to Pause Art and Artisan Gallery in Chester on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 2 p.m. The exhibit will be featured through the end of August at the gallery.
Russell board discusses roadwork, elementary school reuse
RUSSELL — During the Russell Board of Selectmen’s meeting on July 24, Thomas Kulig and Wayne Precanico reviewed highway and police updates, proposed usages of the former Russell Elementary School and approved an expenditure of American Recovery Plan Act funds. Member Gloria Farrell was not present at the meeting.
Demolition derby among highlights of 2024 Littleville Fair
CHESTER — Moe Boisseau Sr. said he expects the demolition derby will be the biggest draw at this year’s Littleville Fair, which runs Aug. 2, 3 and 4 in the fairgrounds at 15 Kinnebrook Rd. in Chester.
Country ballads entertain Huntington during break in heat
HUNTINGTON — Concertgoers enjoyed soulful country ballads and a break in the weather on July 18, as they brought their lawn chairs to listen to Easthampton singer-songwriter Greg Hall play in front of the town gazebo from 6:30 to 8 p.m., accompanied by Miguel Santiago of Worcester on harmonica.
Farm Day returning with new sites in Southwick, Granville
SOUTHWICK — Folks who want to see farming up close will get their chance in August when the town’s Agricultural Commission hosts its second annual Farm Day.
Special permit put on pause for Hilltown Sand and Gravel
HUNTINGTON — Melvin Hess and other principals of Hilltown Sand and Gravel, at 87 Worthington Rd., came before a joint meeting of the Huntington Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals on July 9, to discuss whether the company needed a special permit to continue operating.
Hilltown Hikers embrace adventure, conservation, history
The Western Mass. Hilltown Hikers’ next group hike will be at Granville Gorge in Southwick and Granville on July 20 at 10 a.m. The hike rating is moderate, an approximately 3.5 mile loop with 600 feet of elevation gain, a brook crossing, and one steep climb to the vista.
STGRSD starting Acceptance and Compassion panel
SOUTHWICK — While administrators were responding to alleged incidents of racism at Southwick Regional School in February, School Committee Chair Robert Stevenson said he wanted to create a committee of community members to strengthen bonds among stakeholders in the district.