Ashfield church hosts Youth Climate Action Now

ASHFIELD — An interactive climate workshop led by Youth Climate Action Now (YCAN) was held at the First Congregational Church earlier this month. The event was co-sponsored by Belding Memorial Library, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Citizens Climate Lobby and the Ashfield Energy Committee.

This workshop was the kick-off event for the church’s new series, “Young Voices: Listening to Our Youth.” The series was inspired by Mary Mosley’s art exhibit featuring portraits of and excerpts from interviews with 15 elderly Ashfield residents that was displayed in the church. Similarly to how Mosley focused on a certain age demographic of town, the church hopes to give the spotlight to youths.

Sadie Wilson, a fourth-grader, began the session by reading her essay about climate change. She was followed by Ollie Perrault and Sasha Kracauer, activists with Youth Climate Action Now.

“Fighting against climate change means fighting for social justice,” Perrault said. “We are committed to making sure that everyone on the front lines of these impacts in western Massachusetts has a leading voice in this evolving conversation.”

Ashfield resident graduates from Albany College

ALBANY, N.Y. — Ashfield resident Angela Szewczyk received her doctorate from the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences earlier this month.

Mohawk Trail graduate makes college dean’s list

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Ashfield resident and Mohawk Trail Regional School graduate Hale Walls was named to the dean’s list at Champlain College for the spring semester for maintaining a grade point average above 3.5.

Mohawk Trail graduate receives scholarship

SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley awarded Myah Grant, a Mohawk Trail Regional School graduate, the Cindy Ayre Memorial Scholarship.

Grant will attend Wheaton College, where she will major in history and political science. She was awarded the scholarship on June 13 along with 11 other students. Awards totaled $9,700.

Bridge Street work continues with sidewalk excavation

SHELBURNE FALLS — Work on excavating sidewalks on the south side of Bridge Street, beginning at the intersection with Mechanic Street, will begin on Monday. Railing installation between M&T Bank and Arms Library will also continue.

According to a notice from Linda Overing of Breezeway Farm Consulting, who distributes project updates on Shelburne’s behalf, crews will start resetting the curb beginning at Mechanic Street on Tuesday. No work is currently planned for the week of July 3.

Per the Shelburne Police Department, traffic will be detoured. The detour route will include Mechanic Street, Cross Street, the Keystone Market parking lot and Water Street in both directions. Vehicles will be able to park from Keystone Market to the Iron Bridge on both sides of Bridge Street, but parking between Baker Avenue and Mechanic Street will be limited.

All work is weather dependent. With questions or concerns, contact gcg@gcgassociates.net or 978-657-9714.

Shelburne Falls student awarded high honors

STEVENS POINT, WIS. — Harper Walker-West of Shelburne Falls was awarded high honors at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point for the academic year.

High honor citations go to those with grade point averages between 3.75 and 3.89.

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