Conway pens ‘thank you’ letter for state aid

CONWAY — The Selectboard has sent out a “thank you” letter to state and federal legislators, as well as a variety of state agencies, for helping bring disaster relief funding to the town to help pay for July’s storm damages.

“The town of Conway is gratified by and truly thankful for the generous grant of $1,245,000 to help the town recover from the disastrous floods in July of 2023,” the letter reads. “The town is aware that state officials across the state have been working to help relieve the town and its taxpayers of this incredible, unforeseen burden.”

Recipients of the letter include, but are not limited to, state Rep. Natalie Blais, state Sen. Paul Mark, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the town’s federal representatives.

“Lord knows when it looked bleak, I, in particular, was not shy of my criticism,” said Selectboard Chair Philip Kantor, referencing concerns he expressed in the months after the storms. “So, it’s only proper that when they do come through, we say, ‘Thank you.’”

Nomination papers available in Deerfield

DEERFIELD — Nomination papers for Deerfield’s annual town election are now available and must be returned by March 18.

Papers must be picked up in person at the Town Clerk’s Office during business hours and a minimum of 26 signatures from registered voters are required to be placed on the ballot. Town Hall is located at 8 Conway St. and business hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

The annual town election will be held May 6.

Deerfield’s luminary night returns Feb. 14

DEERFIELD — The Recreation Department’s Valentine’s Day luminary event returns this year with the theme “You Light Up My Heart.”

Residents are encouraged to light up their walkways and driveways with luminaries, which can be purchased from the Recreation Department. Folks are also encouraged to decorate their doors and yards with hearts and red lights in honor of people who fill their lives with love and happiness.

Ten bags and 10 tea lights are available for $10. Order and pickup can be arranged by contacting Sue Antonellis at 413-665-1400, ext. 107 or by emailing recdept@town.deerfield.ma.us. Folks can also make their own luminaries with empty milk jugs.

Mount Toby Concerts welcomes Herscovitch

LEVERETT — Mount Toby Concerts will welcome singer-songwriter and poet Lara Herscovitch for a performance on Saturday, Feb. 17.

The folk and Americana singer will take the stage at 194 Long Plain Road (Route 63) at 7 p.m.

A donation of $15 to $25 is requested, but folks may pay as they are able to. Seats can be reserved by emailing diacrowe@yahoo.com or calling 413-835-1695.

Frontier’s Winter Concert set for Feb. 13

SOUTH DEERFIELD — Frontier Regional School’s Winter Concert is set for Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The concert is free, although donations are welcome, and will feature the middle and high school string orchestras and a jazz ensemble, as well as the middle and high school concert bands. Musical selections will include Irish fiddle music, classical, jazz standards, symphonic band works, soundtrack hits and popular song arrangements, among others.

Leverett resident named to College of William & Mary’s dean’s list

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Leverett resident Giselle Hajir was named to the College of William & Mary’s dean’s list for the fall semester.

To be named to the dean’s list, students must pursue at least 12 credit hours and earn a 3.6 grade point average during the semester.

Village Neighbors holding Valentine’s Day meet-up

LEVERETT — Village Neighbors, a nonprofit that provides services to people ages 60 and up in Leverett, Shutesbury, Wendell and New Salem, is holding a Valentine’s Day meet-up on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Leverett Village Co-op.

Doug Tanner and Tom Randall will provide music. There will also be snacks and giveaways, with chances to get Village Neighbors T-shirts, informational calendars and more.

The following Wednesday at the same time and place, Ann Ferguson and Paul Newlin will provide music.