Candlelight tour being postponed

HAWLEY — The state Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Hawley Historical Commission have postponed their interactive tour of the Old Town Common to Monday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m. due to anticipated rain.

The candlelight tour, to be led by DCR Park Interpreter Christian Drake, will give insight into the life of Hawley residents in the 1800s.

Oct. 11 talk to discuss roadside attractions

SHELBURNE FALLS — The Shelburne Falls Area Women’s Club will host a talk exploring the history of roadside attractions on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. at the Shelburne-Buckland Community Center, 53 Main St.

Historian Robert Weir will tell the stories behind the Mohawk Trail’s “Big Indian,” the giant milk bottle in Whately and other unusual sights that have long attracted the attention of tourists and locals.

Weir is the author of the book “Who Knew? Roadside Revelations in Western Massachusetts.” He holds a doctorate in American history from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Western Massachusetts Backcountry Alliance celebrates first year

CHARLEMONT — The Western Massachusetts Backcountry Alliance will host a party celebrating its first year at the Crazy Horse Bar and Grill on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Jeremy Davis from the New England Lost Ski Areas Project and Torey Lee Brooks will be the featured speakers. Brooks will screen her new film about her trip along the Catamount Ski Trail.

There will also be a fundraising raffle that includes skis by Hagan, overnight accommodations at Blue Vista and Shelburne Springs, and more.

The event is open to the general public, with a suggested donation to benefit the featured presenters.

Historical Society hosting ‘Those Colrain Girls’

COLRAIN — The Historical Society will host a program sharing stories of hijinks involving women who grew up in Colrain during the 1950s and 1960s during its October meeting. The program will take place on Thursday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. at 7 Main Road.

The evening will begin with a potluck supper at 6 p.m., followed by a business meeting and the election of officers. Attendees are asked to bring an entree, vegetables or dessert to share, along with a table setting. There will be cider to drink. The program is free and open to the public.

Library hosting
family story hours

CHARLEMONT — Tyler Memorial Library will host family story hours on Saturdays, Oct. 14 and 28, at 11 a.m. Families are invited to listen, dance and read at the library, located in the Town Hall.

Learn organization at the library

CHARLEMONT — Tyler Memorial Library will host an organization clinic on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m.

Home organizer, interior decorator and author Bonnie Borromeo Tomlinson will share her secrets for organizing homes that best suit each individual. The clinic will help people live an organized life without constant maintenance.

Hydrant flushing planned this month

SHELBURNE FALLS — The Shelburne Falls Fire District will perform its seasonal hydrant flushing from Oct. 16 to 20 and Oct 23 to 27.

Flushing will take place between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Residents should expect low water pressure and rust-colored water in their homes.

Taxes due Nov. 2

COLRAIN — Second quarter tax bills must be paid by Thursday, Nov. 2. The second quarter bill was mailed to all residents at the end of June with the first quarter bill.

New copies of the bill can be accessed via the online payment center at colrain-ma.gov. Residents can view and print current bills, past bills and yearly tax documents for tax returns. Visit the homepage of the Colrain website, click “pay collector” and type your last name in the search bar.

Treasurer/Collector Paula Harrison can help residents with navigating the new website. She can be reached at 413-624-5549.