Astronaut Coleman to speak at NMH commencement

GILL — Cady Coleman, a former NASA astronaut and an advocate for inclusion in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM), will be the keynote speaker at Northfield Mount Hermon School’s 141st commencement ceremony on May 19.

“I’m delighted and honored to be the commencement speaker for Northfield Mount Hermon’s Class of 2024,” Coleman said in a statement. “As the mother of two NMH graduates, I have great respect for the education the school provides and the values it cultivates.”

During her NASA career, Coleman, an Air Force colonel, took part in two space shuttle missions, laying the groundwork for astronauts to conduct pioneering research aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and launching the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, which enables scientists around the world to learn about black holes and dark matter. Coleman also spent six months on the ISS, serving as the lead robotics and lead science officer, performing hundreds of experiments and leading the second-ever robotic capture of a supply ship from the station.

“We are honored that Cady Coleman has accepted an invitation from our senior class to speak at this year’s commencement,” NMH Head of School Brian Hargrove said in a statement. “Her story serves as both an inspiration and an affirmation of the values at the heart of our school: academic excellence and innovation, creativity, service to a greater good and inclusion.”

Coleman is now a research affiliate at the MIT Media Lab and recently completed a residency at Arizona State University as its global explorer. At ASU, she co-hosted the podcast “Mission: Interplanetary,” on which she and physicist and author Andrew Maynard interviewed a range of guests about the future of humans in space.

Coleman, a Shelburne Falls resident, serves as a board member of Greenfield Community College, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the ISS National Lab Education Advisory Group.

Administrative clerk resigns in Gill

GILL — Selectboard members unanimously approved the resignation of Administrative Clerk Tim Batchelder, effective March 15, during their meeting last week.

Batchelder has held his administrative clerk position since March 8, 2023.

“We really have been blessed,” Town Administrator Ray Purington said. “Whatever is asked, his willingness to help is fantastic. ... He’s done so very well.”

Among other changes in town government positions, the Selectboard also voted unanimously to appoint Brian Donahue to the Town Forest Committee, effective immediately.

His term will continue through June 30.

Selectboard approves grant for hydroelectric study

MONTAGUE — Selectboard members unanimously approved a contract during their meeting last week for a $6,000 Department of Energy and Resources Regional Energy Planning Assistance Grant that will pay for a hydroelectric feasibility study.

Clean Water Facility Superintendent Chelsey Little said that the study would look at the facility’s hydraulic profile and develop calculations for energy production potential.

The next step would be to develop a preliminary list of manufacturers and equipment and get cost estimates.

“If it appears feasible, we will pursue DEP’s Gap Energy funding,” Little said.

It’s anticipated that the study will be done by next September.

Montague to apply for grant to buy police cruiser

MONTAGUE — Assistant Town Administrator Walter Ramsey came before the Selectboard last week to seek approval to authorize an agreement with RCAP Solutions for assistance in pursing a grant through a U.S. Department of Agriculture program that would help the town buy a new police cruiser.

Ramsey said funds for a new cruiser are included with every annual budget, and the estimated $40,000 grant would supplement this.

“This may preclude us needing to spend the full amount,” Ramsey said.