By Peter Spotts

The town announced its first confirmed case of Covid-19 on Wednesday, April 1, but town officials are optimistic with the measures that have been taken and the work the com-munity has done over the past few dif-ficult weeks.

Receiving daily updates from the Board of Health, information from the Department of Public Health, and calls with Rep. Natalie Blais’ office, the Board of Selectmen is maintain-ing daily opportunities to get the latest information and guidance on handling the Covid-19 situation.

Town works to combat Covid-19

By Peter Spotts

Calling all stuffed furry friends in the Gateway Hilltowns, attendance is requested at this weekend’s Huntington Safari Hunt and Hilltown Bear Hunt.

From 9 a.m. on Friday April 10, through 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, Huntington families are encouraged to put stuffed animals in their yard or window and then drive around the com-munity to see how many they can find. Huntington’s Fawn Busby said she was inspired by “bear hunts” that other towns have been doing during this time of shelter-in-place.

HUNT, page 2

COMBAT, page 7

Safari, Bear Hunt start Friday

HILLTOWNS

CHESTER

By Shelby Macri

Te a c h e r s f r o m L i t t l ev i l l e Elementary School, Gateway Middle School, and Gateway High School are getting creative and technology savvy, adapting their courses into remote learn-ing for students, now extended through at least May 4.

Teachers share remote learning

By Peter Spotts

Food providers find themselves facing unusual times. Grocery stores have seen the shelves be hit hard day after day as people stock-pile supplies to leave their homes as little as possible and restaurants face declines with only take-out business allowed by the state.

Outlook Farm Barn & Eatery in Westhampton has seen the highs and lows of both. Owners Brad and Erin

Morse have been kept on their toes keeping shipments of meat coming in, acquiring produce, stocking shelves, and enacting safety measures to help make shoppers feel safer for their grocery busi-ness.

“It’s been going very well here. We’re selling food and that’s what everybody is buying right now,” Brad Morse said. “They also like the locals more and people in

Restaurants, groceries adjust to Covid-19

TEACHERS, page 8

By Peter Spotts

As schools navigate through three weeks of remote learning, with at least another month remaining, Hampshire Regional Middle and High School have taken strides to make sure all stu-dents can access the work with or without internet access and raise community spirits.

While the Class of 2020 is spending the spring of senior year in isolation, Principal Kristin Smidy and her staff wanted to find a way to bring some senior year cheer to the soon-to-be graduates. The school donat-ed money to deliver lawn signs for the seniors, while maintaining social distanc-ing, bringing some positivity to the tough situation.

“That was met with such enthusiasm from the staff, I raised over $500 more than what the signs cost so we were able to donate money to organizations that are pro-viding food for kids,” Smidy said. “When we delivered the signs to the seniors, they all came out on their lawns and we’re really excited.”

Smidy also said that one way or another, the senior

class will get a graduation ceremony. Whether that hap-pens in the summer, or next fall, the event will be post-poned if necessary, not can-celled.

“Depend ing on the Governor’s recommendations and requirements around meetings and gatherings, we’re looking at summer,

CHEER, page 9

ADJUST, page 2

Outlook Farm in Westhampton has seen the highs and lows of coronavirus business impacts as the grocery business flourishes while restaurant take-out sales have dropped significantly.

Photo by Peter Spotts

School brings senior year cheer

SCHOOLS & YOUTH

Blandford ....................6, 7Business Directory ........11Chester ...........................7Classifieds ...............14,15Cummington .................10

Hilltowns ....................2, 3Huntington ......................3Middlefield ....................13Montgomery .................13Obituary ........................13

Opinion .......................4, 5Public Notices ...............12Puzzle Page ..................13Schools & Youth ..........8, 9Westhampton ...............10

HILLTOWNS

PAGE 9

SCHOOLS & YOUTH

A TURLEY PUBLICATION ❙ www.turley.com

April 9, 2020 ❙ Vol. 41, No. 50 ❙ 75¢ www.countryjournal.turley.com

“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.” — Laura Ingalls Wilder

Devoted to the Needs of the HilltownsCountry Journal

Becket, Blandford, Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Otis, Plainfield, Russell, Sandisfield, Westhampton, Williamsburg, Worthington

A self-serve community food bank sits on the lawn outside the Westhampton Congregational United Church of Christ in the center of town. Community members are encouraged to donate items they can, after sanitizing items with a disinfectant, and take what they need. Items taken from the food bank should also be wiped down upon returning home and then washing hands for 20 seconds afterwards. Food bank attendees are reminded to maintain a six-foot separation with other food bank attendees. Photo by Peter Spotts

SOCIALLY DISTANT SUSTENANCE

TURLEY PUBLICATIONS

page 2 Country Journal • Thursday, April 9, 2020

HILLTOWNS

Hilltown residents who think they have a vernal pool on their property can learn about what creatures inhabit the still-standing water with the Westfield River Wild & Scenic Committee.

The Committee wants to help identify and certify the dynamic salamander and frog nurseries across the hill-towns. These pools are a gardener’s dream because all the

critters that need them help eat the pests in gardens.Becket residents with a vernal pool can contact

Vernal Pool Representative Susan at susanbythe-sea6696@hotmail.com. For other hilltowns, contact Meredyth Babcock at 413-623-2070 for representative contact information. For more information, visit www.hilltownlandtrust.org/vernal-pool-plunge.

Identify vernal pools with Wild and Scenic

general like coming to a smaller place for exposure pur-poses. So, we’re getting a lot of that volume.”

On the flip side, the restaurant business has closed down its grill and Morse said they’ve experienced a drop in revenue from that portion of the business by more than 50 percent.

“Our restaurant side of things is pretty dead. We’ve gotten mainly just breakfast sandwiches and a limited menu,” Morse said. “The restaurant is off by at least 50 percent or more. Grocery and bakery meats and produce are up significantly. The hard part is to know how long it’s going to continue.”

When shelter-in-place advisories started coming in the state a few weeks ago, Morse said many stores, including Outlook Farms, weren’t prepared for the demand on food replacement would be. Since then, the learning experiences have helped business owners like Morse develop a routine with daily deliveries to keep the food coming in before goes out the door in shoppers’ carts. The greenhouse on site is starting to have crop come in as well, further bolstering the store’s supply.

“We were out of chicken and beef for four days when the stay at home order started,” he said. “We’re getting a load of produce coming in every day.”

Due to the grocery business success, Brad Morse said the store has been able to maintain it’s daily 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. hours and the entire full-time staff, about 15 employees, is staying employed throughout the crisis.

In Worthington, the Rabbit Hole Restaurant has been hit hard by the changes in business operations. Elaine Chase said they’ve cut their business hours to two days – Friday and Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. with just enough business to pay the bills. Unfortunately, staffing had to be cut down to three people – Owner Hunt Chase, Elaine Chase, and Sous Chef John.

“We just don’t have the volume. The minute we do start having [volume] we can open up or we’re busy enough we want to bring back all our staff,” Elaine Chase said. “We have a great, hardworking staff. This has impacted everyone. We’re just kind of squeaking by until we can hopefully make something.”

While business is down, the Rabbit Hole looks to keep its kitchen busy by making meals for the commu-nity. Donations from the community fund the purchase of the food, which the Rabbit Hole cooks and then distributes to the list of those signed up with the town. Food pickup is on Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 to 1:30 p.m. To request meals, call or text 413-238-16625 or relief@worthington-ma.us with a message for the number of meals needed.

For both businesses, sanitation is critical during the Covid-19 pandemic. Elaine Chase said they’ve been using lots of Lysol wipes and other cleaning materials and gloves to make sure things inside the restaurant are safe. When delivering food to cars out-side, they encourage patrons to bring their own pens. Restaurant pens are sanitized after every use.

“We’re being very aware. People have been terrif-ic. This community has been amazing,” she said. “We just feel we’re really lucky to have found this wonder-ful town. They’re very wonderful.”

At Outlook Farm, all pin pads, credit card machines, door handles, cooler handles, baskets, car-riages, and other points-of-contact are sanitized mul-tiple times throughout the day. Sneeze guards are in the cash register and bakery areas, and the employees are equipped with protective masks and gloves. About 75 percent of the customers are coming into the store wearing masks now too.

“Everybody’s paying attention,” Brad Morse said. “It just all about the safety and this fits me well because I’ve always been a stickler for sanitizing, food safety, and all this stuff and this is just another aspect of making sure everything is clean and the way it should be.”

It’s tough time for restaurants across the hilltown communities and any business given through take out is a boon as at least another month of these safety precautions and social distancing appears more likely. Local business owners are working hard to keep doors open, environments safe, and providing food for their community and those in the surrounding area.

ADJUST from page 1

“We had seen other towns had done bear hunt kind of things and then we had a community member reach out to us asking if we could do a bear hunt and I decided to expand to a safari hunt so people who don’t have a bear could participate,” Busby said. “That way we could include more people.”

Working with the Huntington Recreation Committee, the event was planned to be for the town over the past week, but other folks in the Gateway Hilltowns – Blandford, Chester, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, and Russell – heard about the plans and wanted to join in on the fun.

“I am a teacher in the town of Agawam and they had a very large very successful bear hunt last week,” said Russell’s Lyndsey Papillon. “I thought it would be a great community builder for the people who are even more isolated in the hilltowns to try and get out and do something fun while following social distancing recom-mendations!”

The Hilltown Bear Hunt will overlap with the first day of Huntington’s Safari Hunt, running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 10. On its Facebook page,

Hilltown Bear Hunt, a Google map is being updated with bear paw markers indicating which houses will have a stuffed animal to find. As of Tuesday, April 7, bears will be popping up from Russell, Blandford, and along Route 20 through Huntington to Chester and Middlefield. Check the Facebook page for updates.

“I am hoping it can be a bright spot for many Hilltown residents and families during this uncertain time,” Papillon said.

“We need anything we can right now to help us stay connected when we’re all social distancing,” said Busby. “We’ll definitely take a drive to other towns too.”

In Huntington, safari hunters are encouraged to take pictures of the animals they find and post them on the Huntington Recreation Facebook page.

“If people see other homes…I think it will motivate others to get out there and see so that’s what we ask,” Busby said. “I just hope everyone is able to have fun and enjoy themselves. Hopefully get out there and take some pictures to share with us.”

For more information on the Safari Hunt, visit the Huntington Recreation Committee Facebook page.

HUNT from page 1

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NEWS & FEATURESAs a paper of record, we attempt to cover all general

news, personality profi les, and community features that we know about. This includes all selectmen and school committee meetings as well as spot planning board, board of health, finance, and other town meetings determined by the issue’s relevance to our readers. There are the annual major community event features that we should always cover, but we are more than open to suggestions of other features to celebrate the fabric of our communities and their many interesting occupants. Our loyal advertisers provide funding for this paid staff coverage.

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The staff writer will cover municipal meetings, features and general news; essentially everything that unfolds in small towns. Assignments will be for both newspapers as well as other companywide publications.

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One is a free, brief Death Notice listing the name of deceased, date of death and funeral date and place.

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Country Journal • Thursday, April 9 2020 page 3

HUNTINGTON

April 25 shredding day cancelled

HUNTINGTON — The paper shredding event scheduled for April 25 at the Huntington Transfer Station is canceled due to Covid-19 safety measures. There are no plans to reschedule at this time.

HUNTINGTON — In accordance with the most recent Massachusetts Department of Public Health Stay-At-Home and Safe Practices Advisory, the following Covid-19 measures continue at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Littleville Lake and Knightville Dam.

The Littleville Lake Boat Ramp is closed to the public until further notice. The Knightville Dam Picnic Area is closed to the public until further notice. Recreation facilities, including public restrooms and trash receptacles, are closed to the public until further notice. The Littleville Lake and Knightville Dam offices are closed to the public until further notice. Access is limited to mis-sion essential employees, shipping com-panies, contractors and essential service personnel.

All USACE sponsored events, on-site interpretive programming and volunteer activities are cancelled until further notice.

No new Special event or activi-ty permits will be issued until further notice; those permits that have already been issued will be considered for revo-cation based upon latest Public Health guidelines.

The hiking and mountain bike trails remain open and accessible to the pub-lic, as allowed within state orders and advisories, should individuals and their families wish to get outside for healthy, outdoor recreational activity. For this measure to continue, and for the health and safety of all, visitors must adhere to the following guidelines:

Stay home if feeling sick; avoid

activities where individuals will come in close contact with one another and gath-ering in groups of 10 or more; maintain a physical distance of at least six feet.

Should crowds begin to form at var-ious locations, visitors are asked to leave that area, choose a different location or return at a later date or time; prac-tice healthy personal hygiene; leave no trace; take all trash, including pet waste, with you when you leave the property. Violators are subject to fine and removal.

Avoid touching surfaces frequently touched by others including, but not lim-ited to, benches, picnic tables, railings and signs. These surfaces are not being cleaned. Sanitize your hands if you do.

Additional closures may occur at Littleville Lake and Knightville Dam based on Federal, state or local health

and safety directives. Updates will be posted at the Knightville Dam and Littleville Lake pages at www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation and on the Littleville Lake Facebook page.

These measures are necessary to slow the spread of Covid-19, ensure and protect the health and well-being of vis-itors, employees, contractors and volun-teers, and safeguard the USACE’s ability to continue critical flood risk manage-ment operations.

The health of the team and the com-munity is a top priority. The USACE urges all visitors follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention guide-lines and remain diligent regarding hygiene and social distancing. CDC guidelines and more information can be found at www.conoravirus.gov.

Covid-19 preventative measures in place at Littleville Lake, Knightville Dam

NORWICH HILLThe First Congregational Church of

Huntington remains closed because of our deep care and concern for each other, our neighbors and our wider community. This means that we will not gather in our church sanctuary for worship service, nor in our church building for meetings, activities or gatherings until it is safe to do so. That means that we will not hold in person worship services for Easter Sunday.

However, though our doors may be closed, our spirits are not. We are open and engaging by gathering on Facebook, over the phone, by email and postal mail and in any way that we can be together without physically gathering. We encour-age everyone to join us in helping curb the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus by following the stay-at-home orders that are in place in our state for our health and wellbeing.

Please use the phone numbers and email address provided to stay in touch or to contact the pastor. You may also find us on Facebook at First Congregational Church of Huntington or at NorwichHill for updates and information.

Cancellations will be posted on Channel 22 WWLP and Channel 40 WGGB. For more information, contact 413-667-3935 or 860-798-7771 or first-churchofhuntington@gmail.com.

We sit alone

By Barbara Ferrante Bricker

Linked one by oneThru time and space

And feeling done.

We walk aloneLinked eye to eyeacross the roada smile decry.

We sing alone

Linked by the tuneFeeling hope

To touch you soon?

Nothingness Never Ends

By Fred Caron

Mysteries of our every dayLife’s sad one time, yet others gay.

Do some creatures of our earthHave such feelings after birth?

Bits of things are never shownSo there are things that can’t be known.

Be you human or a cat,Won’t know that! Won’t know that!

Poetry Corner

•

• •HILLTOWNS

By Elise Linscott

Several groups are calling for the release of inmates across the state in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus, but Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi and District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said Monday these broad-brush recom-mendations are “strongly ill-advised” and “careless.”

The ACLU, association of criminal defense lawyers and the committee of public counsel services have been pushing for the release of inmates statewide due to the coronavirus pandemic and the suscep-tibility of inmates in close quarters.

In a press conference Monday, March 30 Gulluni said that because society is in a precarious condition, releasing scores – potentially hundreds of thousands of inmates across the state – into society is “a bad idea.”

Gulluni also said these requests are a “broad brush approach, and a dangerous approach.”

“It does not consider victims’ statuto-ry rights, it does not consider public safe-ty,” Gulluni said. For instance, statutorily guaranteed victims wouldn’t have notice of inmates being released.

In the last week, Gulluni said his office agreed to a handful of inmates being released who “do not pose a risk to victims and do not pose a significant risk to public safety, and are at greater risk because of a preexisting health condition and or because of their age.

“We’ve taken a case by case basis, not insensitive to the risk that is posed to inmates, but thoughtful,” he said.

In the last month, 107 inmates have been released. A month ago, there

were 1,166 men and women in custo-dy between the Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow and the Western Massachusetts Regional Women’s Correctional Center. As of Monday, there were 1,059, Cocchi said.

There are zero cases of COVID-19 in any Hampden County correctional facil-ities currently, but Cocchi isn’t naive in believing it won’t happen, and the threat of someone new entering with the virus is “always present.”

“Jails are a direct reflection of our communities,” he said. “However, we have a strong prevention plan that is work-ing… and we have protocols in place to handle the situation without having it spread amongst our population.”

Individuals leaving now would also be released without a proper release plan and that could be problematic for those struggling with substance abuse and recovery. For example, an individual’s risk of overdose if released without insur-ance coverage for medication assisted treatment exceeds the risk of acquiring COVID-19 within the Hampden County correctional facilities, according to a joint press release from the sheriff’s department and DA’s office.

Most half-way houses are not accept-ing any new clients until this pandemic is under control, Cocchi said. Many of the inmates are self-reported as homeless and they need staffs’ assistance to find them an appropriate and safe living situation, “or we are just shifting the responsibility of care to our towns and cities,” according to the press release.

Hampden County covers several hilltowns including Blandford, Chester, Montgomery, and Russell.

Hampden County Sheriff, DA oppose releasing inmates

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page 4 Country Journal • Thursday, April 9, 2020

Be bear aware this springThough it’s beginning to look like our

shared community life will never emerge from its coronavirus hiberna-

tion, spring is definitely in the air — and the bears are waking up.

Soon, flowers will be in full bloom, tem-peratures will climb above 60 degrees, and the state will stock ponds and rivers with trout. Just as the rising temperatures and blossoming woods inspire folks to get outside, anoth-er group of mammals will also be walking around: the black bear.

While bears may be intimidating and strike fear in the minds of many people, bears and people often peacefully coexist with little to no contact. In some instances, they cause property damage to gardens and bird feeders as they search for a quick meal. In most, the bear comes away with a bad reputation or with a bounty on its head.

According to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, there are at least 4,500 black bears statewide. Those bears are now active and in search of food. To avoid property damage or the possible killing of a bear, MassWildlife encourages folks to remove bird feeders, garbage and compost from outside their homes, and to properly secure chickens, beehives and any livestock.

Perhaps their most important piece of advice is to “keep bears wild,” never feeding the animals intentionally or even uninten-tionally by leaving pet dishes or other food sources outdoors. Officials say most nuisance situations can be avoided by removing food or modifying human behavior.

Rather than using bird feeders, officials suggest planting native plants and adding water features, which may help to increase the attractiveness to birds while reducing the unnatural feeding of bears and other potential nuisance animals.

When composting, folks should avoid adding meat, oily and sweet-smelling or -tast-ing materials. Such products attract bears and other animals. Garbage, MassWildlife says, should be placed outside just prior to pickup and stored in closed containers in a garage or outbuilding.

Even when cubs are present, officials remind folks it is uncommon for a bear to attack. Mother bears often send their cubs up trees to avoid danger and won’t let them down until the threat is gone. If an encounter with any bear occurs, people should calmly back away and avoid running, talking calmly.

In the rare circumstances when a black bear may show aggressive behavior, folks should stand their ground and fight back if necessary. Make noise, wave arms or branches and look bigger than the bear.

More information about living with bears may be found online at mass.gov/bears.

While bears may be intimidating, their presence is often a natural occurrence. By being proactive and being aware of our own behavior, we can keep it that way.

What do you think? Send your letter to the editor to countryjournal@turley.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We have many viruses that are named according to the area they have come from – Lime, Swine, and SARS for instance. Why is the China virus racist? Why are the Democrats and American media sticking up for President Xi of China? I did not know how much you seem to hate the country you live in. Maybe China is a good place to go. A country that cares about its people. A country with no rights – speech, justice, individualism, journalism, and life to name a few. Communist China violates human rights daily. They lied to their people about this Chinese virus. Dr. Lee, an ophthalmol-ogist who posted concerns on Weibo from his hospital bed after he sent out an initial warning, wanting to get word out about the virus, was arrested for making false com-ments that had “severely disturbed the social order.” Not surprisingly, but sadly, it was reported that Dr. Lee was dead shortly after. They say he died from the virus. I won-dered. The Chinese Health Ministry were involved in trying to suppress Dr. Lee’s warnings and his effort to get the word out. Other doctors in communist China were told to destroy any and all tests. Reports indicate that Xi knew about this back in November. He continued to lie to his countrymen and the world about the Chinese coronavirus. His people were dying, but why would he care? Life means nothing in communist China. Xi was letting people travel out of the country knowing they would spread the virus. I believe this was a deliberate act on

his part. That’s my kind of guy. How about you democrats and mainstream media? So, democrats and American media, are you sticking up for this behavior? Do your stu-pid PC values mean more than life? Now Xi is blaming America for this virus. Do you believe that too?

Remember, everyone, that the Chinese people were protesting their communist government wanting their freedom for months before this happened. I loved see-ing the numbers out in the streets. Then they disappeared. The streets were empty. If “we” would protest “you” (mainstream media and democrats) and our “congress” as a whole, in those numbers “you” would probably stop sticking up for communist monsters and start sticking up for your brethren. Congress might then start work-ing for the American people. Why do you (mainstream media and democrats) hate America so much? China started this glob-al pandemic. Many people will die. Keep saying it. The more you use the word racist, the less meaning it will have, until it means nothing. Many people will die. Do you have a word for that? I do. It’s called the Chinese coronavirus or Covid-19. Call me what you want, and I will call it like it is. By the way, Xi, you owe us 2.2 “trillion” dollars. Make that check out, payable to “the American people.”

Judy MadzunovicWesthampton

Why is the Chinese virus racist?”

What was once lost has been found! Charlotte, my Wheaton terrier mix-breed dog, went missing while on a walk on Patterson Road in Worthington on March 18. Many people searched for her, handed out flyers, put up posters and prayed for her. Charlotte was found by Wally Fritz of Worthington on March 24 after five nights and six days out in the woods. He told us she was just sitting in the road shivering. He had to coax her a bit, but she was calm when he let her sit on the back seat. He told her even his own dogs don’t get to sit in the car! My sister and I want to thank you all. Your help was invaluable in not only finding Charlotte, but in keeping us going through it all.

Nancy and Judy BabcockWorthington

Lost, but found, Charlotte comes home!

CORRECTIONS POLICY: If you notice a factual error in our pages, please let us know, so that we can set the record straight. Email information to countryjournal@turley.com, or call us at 413-283-8393. Corrections will be printed in the same sec-tion where the error originally occurred.

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Country Journal

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Country JournalTURLEY PUBLICATIONS

Country Journal • Thursday, April 9 2020 page 5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

I would like to update the communi-ty on HCHC’s response to the Covid-19 epidemic, and how this may affect your access to care. HCHC is committed to supporting our patients and community, and we are working to keep our staff, our patients, and our communities as safe as possible.

In keeping with state guidelines, HCHC is limiting certain services to reduce the risk of infection of our patients and staff. We will continue to see patients in all of our locations to meet their urgent needs, with the excep-tion of the Gateway School-Based Health Center, which is closed. All patients must be seen by appointment and should call first.

Patients with respiratory issues or fever should call for assistance. If your provider determines that you need to be evaluated in the health center, you will be given specific instructions to be seen at our Huntington Health Center, where we have the ability to safely evaluate you. We are currently not able to see patients

with acute respiratory issues or fevers in our Worthington center. We do not cur-rently have the ability to test patients for Covid-19 infection.

Please call first about any appoint-ments or questions. You can find our phone numbers at this link: www.hch-cweb.org/about-us/our-locations/

As of today, April 7, we are offering the following services: Emergency or urgent dental and eye care services only. Due to the risk to our staff and patients, we are not providing routine care in these departments. We will still offer emergen-cy services, so please call if you require immediate care. We are calling patients with routine dental and eye care appoint-ments to reschedule these visits.

Emergency or urgent medical ser-vices only. Medical care is being con-ducted by telephone and some visits will be rescheduled. Patients who require in-person evaluation should call to dis-cuss this with a medical provider first, so that we can arrange treatment in the safest manner possible.

Behavioral Health services by tele-phone only. Behavioral Health providers are contacting all patients with appoint-ments to convert them to phone calls.

Our Worthington and Huntington staff will be answering phone calls and determining what visits need to occur in the health center. To ensure the safety of our patients, our staff are talking to each patient and making decisions about whether the visit can be delayed, done over the phone, or if it is urgent enough to require a visit to a health center site. Please call so that we can provide you with the safest and most appropriate level of care. We are reaching out to our school-based health center patients to ensure that they still have access to care.

Community Programs staff are still available to support our patients with their non-clinical needs.

Our Community Health Workers are actively working with members of the community, patients and non-patients, to ensure that we are supporting their access to food, medication, and other supports

to keep them healthy and at home.Our Domestic Violence Victim

Advocates are still meeting with people who need them in the safest and most appropriate way, and are working closely with the State Police to be responsive to individual’s safety needs.

Our Health Access Insurance Navigators are meeting on the phone with community members who need help navigating changes in job status/income. They can assist with signing up for Medicaid or other insurances to ensure that everyone has the access to health care that they need.

Our Family Center is closed, but its staff are providing daily emails and sometimes phone calls to parents to provide support and guidance for those home with children

Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.

Eliza Lake, CEOWorthington

Hilltown Community Health Center Covid-19 precautionary measures

Such an interesting word - and world - as we sit here in our “bug out” bunker in Middlefield. We used to just live here but are now forced to socially distance ourselves. If anyone leaves and has any possible contact with the virus, they can’t return until after a proper period of quar-antine. How many have a blunderbuss propped up behind the front door because of the possibility that all the police are home sick?

It is our town’s social season, but this year there is no socializing. The caucus and annual Town Meeting are in abey-ance. The pancake breakfasts to support the fair and weekly COA get-togethers are cancelled for the duration. Azure Green,

and their weekly community meals, are amongst the missing. The Selectmen meet via telephone.

We are now planning and scheduling curbside pickups for groceries and pre-scriptions. Distance doctor appointments by phone or computer are the new hot date at Berkshire Medical. A trip to the post office is managed like a military campaign during closed hours and with mask and gloves to minimize possible exposure to the virus. Everyone in Middlefield has touched that door knob and leaned on the post office counter. Inquiring minds are asking if the clerk could be Typhoid Mary in disguise?

The years roll by and our infirmi-

ties and flesh wounds accumulate. These are now tallied up by the medical estab-lishment into a deadly dance score card. Waltzing with this virus is playing Russian roulette with rounds in half the chambers for those past the age of oldness.

Our leaders and experts spend their time blaming others and failing to take any action that might shorten this ordeal - even if it ruffles the feathers of some political donor or well-connected industry. This is true for both sides of our political chasm. Free money to the undeserving seems to be the only agreed upon cure for this virulent disease.

We sit here in our bunker - as many other sexa, septua and octogenarians are

doing in theirs - wondering if it will be two months or two years before we can pop our heads up above the parapet? Until that question is answered our total connec-tion to the world will be through a wire connected to Amazon, Walmart Online and Netflix. You can forget about reopen-ing restaurants, theatres, air lines and cruise vacations. A large group of your former customers will be missing from action. Lacking an answer to when, we are in limbo – or perhaps purgatory.

Never a dull hunkered down moment up here on the Skyline.

Howard KnickerbockerMiddlefield

Limbo

By Deborah Daniels

Nothing celebrates spring like a waterfall. Wahconah Falls offers a bit of outdoor wonderment

during a very trying time. Wahconah Falls State Park, off Routes 9 and 8A in Dalton, is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Thank you for protecting this scenic waterfall that has four drops of the Wahconah Falls Brook, over flat tiered rock that cascades 30 feet into a deep pool. Spectacular! Even better is the legend of how the Falls got its name. It is not a lover’s leap story, like Bash Bish Falls to the south, but a native American love story.

This is the story as adapted from Charles Skinner’s book, published in 1896, Myths and Legends of Our Own Land. Nessacus, a native American, was quenching his thirst at the Falls. He is observed by Wahconah, the daughter of Miacomo, the local Mahican Chief who is away in a Council with the Mohawks. Nessacus, with a band of braves is run-ning from the long knives (English sol-diers) and fighting in King Philips War in 1675. He and his men are battle worn. Wahconah invites them to rest at her village. While staying in her village, Nessacus falls in love with Wahconah. Meanwhile Chief Miacomo has prom-ised his daughter in marriage to the Mohawk Chief. This Chief is much older and already with wives. Chief Miacomo believes an alliance with the Mohawks is a wise move should the English become aggressive towards his tribe. So, when he returns home, he learns that Nessacus wishes to marry his daughter, the dilem-

ma is solved by Tashmu, an evil medi-cine man, who suggests that the Great Spirit will reveal a solution to him that night in Wizard’s Glen. He never gets to the Glen because the Mohawk Chief persuades him to dig the Wahconah Falls Brook deeper on one side of a large boulder in the middle of the brook. This is done to divert a painted canoe set afloat in the brook to go in one direc-tion around the boulder. If it goes to the East side, where Nessacus waits, he wins Wahconah and if it goes to the west side, where the Mohawk Chief waits, he will win Wahconah. Of course, The Mohawk waits on the side he has rigged the stream bed to force the canoe in his direction. However, the canoe hits the boulder and goes to the east side instead! Love triumphs over evil and Nessacus and Wahconah happily marry. Doesn’t set your world on fire? Well some of us need a little fairy light reading right now!

A memorable plant you may run into around the Falls is skunk cab-bage. If you noticed an eau de skunk fragrance, or some liken it to garlic or a rotting meat smell, then you are in skunk cabbage territory. It is a perenni-al flower that grows in swamps and in wet areas. There are two types – east-ern skunk cabbage, which has a purple color, and western skunk cabbage, with a yellow flower. The plant is most fra-grant right now. It flowers first, from February through April, and develops lush green leaves later in the season. It flowers before the tree leaves come out and shade the plant. It also has a remark-able trait called thermogenesis. This is cyanide resistant cellular respiration that

turns up the heat on this plant to 59 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This process heats up the nearby frozen ground so it can burst up and flower in winter weather. The flower is this knobby ball inside the hood, this is what emits the skunk scent. This attracts flies and bees, those polli-nators we are trying to protect. Respect skunk cabbage, it has a vital role in our environment. Native Americans boiled it and used it to treat bronchitis, asthma and nervous conditions. Think you need

to dose up? Think again, it is toxic to humans, said to burn your mouth if eaten raw. Do not eat skunk cabbage even in these worst of times.

Do appreciate your pets doing over-time with you and your family. This cat is thinking, “either they leave or I’m calling the SPCA to arrange a holiday.”

Do you have a memory or historical curiosity from the Hilltowns that you’d like to share with your neighbors? Send your story and photos to countryjour-nal@turley.com.

Spring Springs Eternal

HILLTOWN HISTORY

The Wahconah Falls. Photo Courtesy of Ger Joyce

Skunk cabbage, commonly growing in the area, has beneficial properties, but is also toxic to humans if eaten raw.

Submitted Photo by Deborah Daniels

OPINION

page 6 Country Journal • Thursday, April 9, 2020

BLANDFORD

By Mary Kronholm

BLANDFORD – Selectmen met Monday evening again via telecommu-nication.

Action items included rescinding placing a non-binding referendum ques-tion on the turnpike exit on the local election ballot in favor of having the question on a second ballot at the time of the federal election in November.

Chairman Cara Letendre, physically present, said she thought there would be a greater input at the November election rather than the town election.

Town Administrator Joshua A. Garcia said, “There was a concern about putting the question on the [federal bal-lot]” which is a district wide ballot, but with a second ballot at the time of the federal election, there would be a better idea of direction to the town.

“Let’s just get, for once and for all, an accurate view of ‘what does this town want?’…let’s take our time and get the best possible information we can,” said Letendre concerning having the second ballot at the November election.

The board’s vote was two to one in

favor of rescinding having the question on the ballot for the local town election. Board member Eric McVey made the dissenting vote.

McVey’s objection was, he said, “If it’s important enough to elect town offi-cials, it’s important enough to answer the question.”

Letendre said, “I agree, but people don’t show up [for town election]. I wish they did. Let this be a lesson.”

The question on the second, sepa-rate ballot for November will read, “Do you favor construction of a new exit on the Mass Turnpike between existing Exit 2 in Lee, Mass. and Exit 3 in Westfield, Mass. providing for access to the Town of Blandford?”

The board then voted to hold the annual Town Meeting on June 22 and voted again to hold the annual Town Election on June 27. These votes were unanimous.

McVey was concerned about late incoming invoices, but Garcia explained, “There is a process for that.”

The Finance Committee will have to schedule their informational “mini-town” meeting on the warrant and bud-

get for a date prior to the annual Town Meeting. At one point the board suggest-ed that meeting could be June 8.

Board of Health member Jennifer Girard gave the board a Covid-19 update.

“The biggest challenge is testing,” she said, and added that as far as all her resources indicate, there are no cases in Blandford. Keeping people aware is “the most we can do,” she said.

There is some funding available to local boards of health, according to Garcia, and there is

Girard is waiting to see “how this whole thing goes,” if the Board of Health spends the funds on something needed now, or could be utilized later. The funds available are $2,700.

Girard said it will be at least six weeks until things “start calming down.”

McVey asked if there could be fund-ing for a firefighter to be on duty at the Fire Station.

Ackley said right now there is no problem responding, but if there is a Covid-19 patient, “we have to re-evalu-ate.”

McVey suggested that “we need

a plan” to perhaps shift the volunteer department to a paid department. Input would be required from the Fire Chief.

Girard said that there are medical professionals available on standby for assistance.

McVey said we need a plan for what happens if the town loses one of its vol-unteers. Garcia told the board “We have up to $6,000” to spend through June 30 for additional assistance for the Fire Department.

The board then considered over-lay requests to the Board of Assessors. The board voted to reduce the $209,000 by $97,752 to retire the debt from Hurricane Irene and $25,000 transfer to the building stabilization fund for the library, leaving $86,000 for the over-lay account. Assessors use this fund for abatements.

There will be a warrant article establishing a specific library stabiliza-tion account.

The board briefly discussed possibly putting in sidewalks with grant funding.

R eg a r d i n g t h e Pa y m e n t - i n -

Turnpike question, Town meeting, election dates set

DATES, page 7

By Mary Kronholm

BLANDFORD - The Blandford Board of Health urges residents to take extra precautions during these next several weeks as the Coronavirus peaks. This is not to scare people, according to Board of Health member Jennifer Girard, this is an awareness that everyone must do their best to keep social distance.

“Stay home and stay safe,” Girard said.

The coronavirus symptoms can be confused with those of the flu. The two viruses have very similar effects. Girard cautioned, “so if you are sick, please stay at home, do not go out thinking it is just the flu.”

If a physician says it “sounds like Covid-19” and wants someone to stay home and isolate, then they must do just that. If there are others in a household, everyone must be in isola-tion for the full 14-day period. Every

safety measure must be followed. It is most important that anyone ill remain isolated for 72 hours after all signs of illness have disappeared. That means 72 hours without a fever or other symptoms.

“We ask that anyone who has been told by their physician that they may have Covid-19, it is very important that you contact the Board of Health,” Girard said.

The Board of Health may be reached at boh@townofblandford.com or 413-848-4279, ext. 401. All infor-mation is confidential and follows the HIPPA law.

Walking and fresh air is good, but remember to stay away from playing on the playground equipment or sitting on park benches and tables.

“We want to keep you, the resi-dents of Blandford, safe,” Girard said.

There are no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Blandford as of Sunday, April 5, according to Girard.

BOH encourages caution as Covid-19 peak approaches

It wasn’t an April Fool’s joke. A baby moose moseying around Blandford on Route 23 on Wednesday, April 1. Submitted photos by Ed Harvey

MOOSE ON THE LOOSE

BLANDFORD – There were two fire alarms at the library Saturday morn-ing. The first alarm came in just before 6 a.m. and the second shortly after 7 a.m.

Volunteer Firefighters turned out in full force for the first alarm, lights flash-ing, dressed in gear, ready to protect and preserve.

The department entered the build-ing and did a thorough investigation and found nothing awry. The furnace, which had become dysfunctional two weeks prior, the chamber having burned out, was not working. The building was cold.

The department barely had time to get back to the station when the sec-ond alarm sounded. Investigation by a trustee revealed nothing again and the Fire Department came with three mem-bers and one vehicle. Once again, their investigation turned up no fire.

The library’s fire and smoke alarms are serviced by DAS Alarm, who was contacted, and they arrived before the firefighters departed.

It was discovered that a mouse probably chewed through a wire on the detector in the basement. The system was repaired on Monday.

Mouse sets off library alarms

BLANDFORD — Jim Kronholm has been playing bridge on BBO.com. There are always plenty of games to play, or if someone joins the American Contract Bridge League, there are always a variety of tournaments for a very nom-inal fee.

During the afternoon there are often more than 40,000 players online. If someone is interested or has questions, call Kronholm at 413-848-2760.

Another resident says he pulls out all the stops at dinner time. Brings out the best dishes, stemware, etc. and prepares a meal for himself and his partner, away from television and avoids the news alto-gether.

Some families, teacher parents and student children, have to schedule time at the computer carefully so everyone gets a crack at either meeting with teachers or their students.

Pick up bridge while sheltering in place

Country Journal • Thursday, April 9 2020 page 7

lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) arrangement with Springfield Water and Sewer Commission, Garcia told the board that there are about 37 parcels still in ques-tion, but SWSC’s payment, now approx-imately $211,000 according to Garcia, to the town will increase by about $30,000. Garcia said SWSC and the Town are talking about $90,000.

Responding to a question about researching deeds for the property Tuesday morning, Garcia pointed out that the Town and SWSC have been working together to resolve their records with the Town, and vice versa, regarding land holdings in Blandford and PILOT payments. Harald Scheid from RRG, the Town’s assessing firm, has done extensive research on this using all avail-able information to him including deed research.

“The only issue we are facing at this point is trying to get an accurate listing of those parcels that were purchased pre-1946 versus post-1946,” said Garcia in his reply. He added that there are about 30 parcels that lack deed references that would let us determine the acquisition date and are identified as questionable at this time. Garcia continued, “SWSC will search their records to see what they have on those identified parcels to help fill in the holes. Besides those question-able parcels, there were others we have been able to reconcile and agree to a PILOT payment increase of $36,428.96 on top of the current $211,245, total-ing a PILOT payment to the Town of Blandford $247,673.96 based on the updated valuations.”

“Keep in mind, this does not include those remaining parcels that are ques-

tionable and are currently being looked into. If RRG is correct with his conclu-sion of those parcels, we may see anoth-er increase of roughly $60,000 in PILOT payments in near future.

Garcia concluded by adding, “In all, I’m glad to see some progress in this complex endeavor and greatly appreciate SWSC for working with us.”

In other business, selectmen learned that a new furnace will be installed at the library, replacing the burned out equipment. The town has received an insurance check for $3,875 for the replacement cost, and a $1,000 deduct-ible to cover the $4,875 cost.

McVey suggested that an option to cover the balance of the furnace instal-lation come from the reserve account. McVey said the Finance Committee will have to approve this.

Garcia said the library was also con-sidering air conditioning for the library, and he is getting prices for mini-splits.

The board rev iewed depar t -ment expenditure reports, leaving fur-ther discussion until after the Finance Committee meeting, which was sched-uled to meet on Wednesday, April 8.

Selectmen also learned that the town has submitted a grant proposal to the Department of Revenue, the 2020 Green Communities Competitive Grant, requesting $110,764 to “undertake ongo-ing energy efficiency projects at Town Hall, Porter Memorial Library and the Post Office Building.”

Both Ackley and McVey were pres-ent but were seated away from the table and wearing masks, maintaining social distance. Town Clerk Doris Jemiolo was present as well, also at a distance.

DATES from page 6

CHESTER

CHESTER— As a result of the global pandemic, and with the utmost concern for its audiences, artists, employees, and interns, and the resi-dents of the town of Chester, the Chester Theatre Company has made the neces-sary decision to cancel the first three shows of the 2020 summer season. A decision on the remaining show, Nia Vardalos’ Tiny Beautiful Things, will be announced by July 1.

Chester Theatre Company will be offering online content and events, and continuing to engage with its audience. Programming will include opportunities for the kinds of conversations that are central to CTC’s identity and mission. To view or participate, please sign up for the newsletter on the company’s website,

www.chestertheatre.org, and subscribe to Chester Theatre Company on Facebook and Instagram.

Producing Artistic Director Daniel Elihu Kramer said, “It’s clear that these cancellations are the right thing for our artists, our audience, and our community. That doesn’t make this announcement any less painful. We look forward to the time we can come together again.”

Patrons who purchased tickets will be contacted by staff in the coming days. They will have the option of converting their purchases to a tax-deductible dona-tion or receiving refunds. Ticket buyers are asked not to call the box office at this time. Staff is working remotely, and all affected patrons will be contacted by either email or phone.

Theatre company announces programming changes

BLANDFORD

“The Board of Selectmen posts a daily update on the town website as well as on the Chester Community Forum Facebook page. We are implor-ing citizens to follow social distanc-ing,” Selectman Barbara Huntoon said. “Town Hall has been closed to the pub-lic for a couple of weeks, but the busi-ness of the town is carrying on thanks to dedicated town staff. There is still much uncertainty as far as when we can expect to return to normal, but the State has been working quickly on many fronts, including legislation that will allow for rescheduling elections and annual town meetings, which Chester will do.”

The Board of Health is a critical piece of town efforts combating the sit-uation. Chairman Nick Chiusano, Greg Harrison, and Elizabeth Massa have stepped up to the plate to tackle the challenges.

“I will say Board of Health, espe-cially for being relatively new, has real-ly stepped up,” Huntoon said. “This is challenging in the best of circumstanc-es, but the part time members of the Board of Health have been working tire-lessly to keep us safe and follow pro-tocols set forward by the DPH. I am so proud of everyone in our town.”

“The Chester Board of Health is online with MAVEN, the State infec-tious disease reporting portal and is receiving [and] reporting all cases of Covid-19 in Chester,” Massa explained. “We also do all daily contact monitoring of all isolated and quarantined residents in Chester. We receive numerous daily phone calls and emails from residents regarding Covid-19 questions. We con-tinue to provide updates to residents via the town website and the Chester Community Forum on Facebook.”

Massa said that a few weeks ago the board was informed they wouldn’t receive any requested personal pro-tective equipment (PPE). Left on their own, the Board of Health solicited com-munity donations and looked for PPE purchase options. Home Depot and Westfield delivered, donating gloves, Tyvek suits, and makes to the town. Massa expressed thanks to Matthew Canty, Nick Niedzieldski, and the entire Home Depot team for their generosity.

The Board of Health has also pur-chased 200 blue medical masks – not the N95 grade, which are strictly for medical personnel – to distribute to seniors, town hall workers including inspectors, transfer station workers.

“We expect to have them all distrib-

uted by Saturday, April 11, for those in need,” Massa said. “We continuously search for masks on eBay and other online sources because all PPE is still impossible to find.”

The town has also been awarded a free public health nurse volunteer through the Massachusetts Officers Health Association. At the transfer sta-tion, new policies have been put in place for safety, one car is allowed in at the time and there are no cash transactions. This includes no demo or bulky waste dumping, no swap shop, electronics recycling, and no bag stickers for the entire month of April. Transfer station attendants have received PPE from the town.

Permits for perc tests, septic sys-tems, septic installers, and trash haulers are being accepted and pro-cessed, but must be sent in via email, Chesterhealth@comcast.net. Massa said she’s processing paperwork while out-fitted with full-face breathing protection and gloves.

“We are all in this together, our top concern is to keep The Town of Chester healthy,” she said.

Huntoon gave a special thank you to everyone who has helped chip in and help during this turbulent time.

“We are incredibly grateful to all of our emergency team, first responders, anyone working in the medical field, and any essential workers who contin-ue to go to work so the rest of us can access necessities,” she said. We are grateful for the strong sense of commu-nity in our town that has brought out the best in so many who are volunteering to deliver food, groceries, or medicines.”

While restaurants cannot serve customers in-house, Carm’s restau-rant, Chester Common Table, Chester Village Market, and Classic Pizza have been providing take-out and necessities, while the Blossom center in Middlefield and Moltenbrey’s Market in Huntington have also proved fruitful food suppliers for town residents.

For updates and more information, visit townofchester.net or the Chester Community Forum on Facebook. While social distancing and self-quaran-tines will be continuing through April, Huntoon remains optimistic and upbeat that the community can tackle the chal-lenges presented.

“This is a challenging time, prob-ably the most challenging time of our life,” Huntoon said. “We will persevere and the bonds our community already shares will be stronger than ever.”

COMBAT from page 1

The Chester Board of Health offers a big “thank you” to Matthew Canty and everyone from Westfield Home Depot for donating much needed personal protection equipment including gloves, Tyvek suits, and masks to the Board of Health. Submitted photo

A HELPING HAND

Send Us Your Photos!countryjournal@turley.com

TURLEY PUBLICATIONS

page 8 Country Journal • Thursday, April 9, 2020

SCHOOLS & YOUTH

With schoolwork and home-work being conducted online, a district Technology Committee has been lead-ing the distanced and digital learning for students. Teachers from each school are involved and are staying connected with each other as well as their students during the quarantine.

“It’s important to keep kids busy, give them enough to do so they aren’t stagnant or sitting in front of the television,” said seventh grade Science and Health teacher Sara McNamara said. “Give them enough to do so that they’re not looking for more, but don’t overwhelm them either. It’s tricky but it will help to stay focused and active.”

Members of the committee include McNamara, Susan Addis, a third and fourth grade English teacher; and Cheryl Wright, a high school math teacher. They spoke about the importance of staying connected to education during the break, as well as ways to interact with kids to keep them from solely using technology. While it’s important to stay caught up in school studies, it’s also important to learn new skills and take breaks when needed.

In regard to staying caught up with schoolwork during this time, all teachers are in contact with their students through email, online conferencing, and educa-tional sites and apps online. For those in High School it’s the time of the year to start preparing for tests like the ACT and SATs. Wright said there are sites online

that can help students’ study and prepare for those tests. There are also sites offering free courses for juniors and seniors, the subjects vary and are self-taught so stu-dents can go at their own pace.

Elementary school children especially need activities to keep them moving in order to dispel energy, as well as practic-

ing skills and learning while having fun.“We’re lucky to live in an area where

kids have big backyards that they can burn off energy in, while still staying safe,” Addis said. “They get to run around and it’s helpful for parents in the long run, especially for elementary kids.”

Some activities that get kids up and moving include a scavenger hunt around the house, a boot camp course outside, or even teaching them a new skill around the house. Other activities that are more educational include teaching them how to tie their shoe, showing them to clean up, teaching them to cook, showing them how to wash dishes, etc.

“Something I’ve heard from teach-ers, and can agree on as a parent, is that this is the first time we’ve had to teach and enrich our kids at home,” Technology Coordinator Chris Park said. “You can’t say that we planned for something like this because we didn’t. There were no plans in place for this situation. Everyday a par-ent, teacher, or grandparent has an idea on what to do while at home, then they share it with everyone else. This is what we need right now.”

Although it’s good to get kids up and

moving and outside, there are also many educational and enrichment opportuni-ties with technology including educational apps on mobile phones, online learning websites, and educational shows available on online viewing platforms and televi-sion. While teachers are helping to think up fun and educational ways to spend time with kids during the break, they’re also doing the same amount of work and taking care of families at home. “Nothing speaks more to this quarantine then having a work conference call while my kids are prac-ticing music lessons in the background,” McNamara said. “I have my work sched-ule and daily duties and my kids do as well. My kids lost sports so there’s been more music and more family actives.”

Addis expressed that her work sched-ule during the quarantine includes pro-viding her students who speak languag-es other than English language support. She conducts meeting with her students, responds to individual messages from stu-dents about work, prepares materials, and helps other teachers with their use of tech-nology.

“I’ve also been working on some professional development specific to my teaching of English language learners,” Addis said. “I’ve learned a lot from teach-ers in schools around the world who’ve been doing school like this for much lon-ger than us.”

Parents and students should check online often for updates from the school, and for contact from teachers. It can be challenging to manage work, schooling, and family needs during this time, but it’s important to stay up to date with the avail-able resources and tips as new information comes out every week.

“Tips I have for parents and kids is to set yourself a schedule, I have my own children and set weekly schedule,” McNamara said. “Otherwise they risk missing work, or floundering and end-ing up wasting time trying to figure out what to do next. It’s also important to take breaks and find ways to connect with friends and family digitally.”

Times can be stressful and hard but it’s important to take a step back, try to make connections during this isolating time, and stay consistent with work that needs to be done. For more information, visit www.grsd.org.

TEACHERS from page 1

Susan Addis, a third and fourth grade teacher from Littleville Elementary School, sets up shop at home while school doors are closed through May 4. Submitted Photo

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Country Journal • Thursday, April 9 2020 page 9

SCHOOLS & YOUTH

some other schools have talked about thanksgiving,” she said. “Everything is on the table at this point except cancel-ing.”

She added, “I really appreciate everyone’s patience as we navigate this new challenge and I really commend my staff for working super hard to do every-thing they can to keep learning going for students and keeping student health and wellness be the first priority.”

Knowing that some communities in the hilltowns are still in the process of getting broadband and online access can be spotty, Smidy and school admin-istration formed a system to get printed copy of the week’s work delivered on Mondays to families who request the service using the school’s vans.

“We have required teachers to give us their lessons and their lesson supple-mentary materials the week before the work goes out,” Smidy explained.

Work from the teachers for the first three weeks since the closure has focused on enrichment work that, based on Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recommendations, was equitable, accessible, and modified. However, it was not mandatory.

“Given the challenges of our district geographically and getting our students access, we were focused on getting assignments in place that would keep learning alive in our students,” Smidy said. “I think some families were a little frustrated that we couldn’t have the con-tent issued work be the required piece.”

Now, with the closure being extend-ed through May 4, DESE has sent revised guidance to engage students with content work that the school will

be grading, but final grades will be on a credit or no credit system.

“Pass-fail has an indication of final-ity about it. Credit or no credit, we want students to make sure they understand that if they had extenuating circum-stances and couldn’t complete the work [they could make it up],” Smidy said. “We wanted to make sure we weren’t using the pass-fail language. Credit or no credit still has the indication they could earn credit with some additional measures.”

Assignments are sent out with three different types – a general task, a modi-fied task, and an alternative task. Smidy said this provides students options to do the one they’re most comfortable with.

For example, a general task may be to read a passage and then respond to questions using previously taught ana-lytical skills. However, if a student is unsure about those skills, they could read a less complex passage as a mod-ified task. For an alternative, instead of reading a passage, students could watch the news and reflector analyze what they saw.

“It’s just doing a more real-world application of skills,” Smidy said. “I think that the first three weeks have real-ly just been transitional people are all starting to work from home, adjusting to checking school email and doing thing differently.”

The district posts its continu-al updates on Covid-19 on the district website, www.hr-k12.org. For families interested in getting on the list to receive hard copies of schoolwork, or questions, leave a message for Smidy at 413-437-5594 or ksmidy@hr-k12.org.

CHEER from page 1

Math Teacher Kim Hallett is having fun in the sun on sign delivery day.

Maura Joseph of Southampton stands behind her new sign.

French Teacher Greg Reynolds heads back to his car after placing a sign on a senior lawn.

Senior Aine McDonald of Worthington is thrilled to have her sign.

Katie Taylor of Southampton poses with her new Class of 2020 lawn sign. School staff donated money to buy the signs and deliver them to seniors last week.

Submitted Photos

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CUMMINGTONWESTHAMPTON

By Shelby Macri

WESTHAMPTON — As the Covid-19 pandemic has progressed over the past three weeks and the restrictions put in place to contain it continue to extend, many town services and events have been affected. No groups of more than 10 peo-ple are allowed to congregate and even then, there is a social distancing policy of staying six feet away from people at all times.

These specific guidelines effect daily routines, and businesses more than any-thing due to the social aspect of them and make large events such as the annual Town Meeting, Town Caucus, and Town election difficult to hold.

The Board of Selectmen have set new dates for the event at its meeting on Monday, April 6 – The Town Caucus will be on June 8, annual Town Meeting on June 13, with the election on July 25. These dates have been set under the assumption that the quarantine will be lifted on May 4, and in case it isn’t the town has time prepare.

There are specific guidelines and rules intertwined with these important town functions, and the quarantine has complicated these guidelines. For exam-ple, the Town Caucus has to happen 38 days before the Town Election, in order for ballot questions, warrants and other important information to be discussed beforehand. Also, the courts need to be notified 35 days before adding war-rants and questions for Town Election. In order to uphold these laws around the complications of the quarantine, the Town Caucus, annual Town Meeting, and Town Elections must be pushed to further dates.

The Town Caucus was original-ly scheduled for Sunday, April 19, but Governor Charles Baker’s recent exten-sion of the quarantine to May 4 made that nearly impossible to do. With the requirement of social distancing of six feet and no groups larger than 10 peo-ple, it’s almost impossible to hold the caucus at its current date. The board dis-

cussed the possibility of a call-in meeting or Zoom conference, but decided that it would get hectic quickly. With all the people in town involved, call-ins would be confusing and hard to control where-as a Zoom meeting would be easier to control, but harder to let everyone speak as audio cuts out when more than one person is speaking.

The Selectboard worked to schedule these important town dates far enough in the future to where they are likely to happen, but not too far that it would greatly interfere with terms and other government regulations. The board also wanted to be able to have the annual Town Meeting and the Town Election far enough apart so if a question needs to be added to the ballot, they have the appro-priate amount of days to add it.

Cemeteries and burial services have also been impacted by the restric-tions. Karl Norris, from the Cemetery Commiss ion , jo ined the on l ine Selectboard meeting on Monday to speak about the functions of the cemetery and its maintenance worker. Norris wanted to discuss regulations for burials and ser-vices as they arise during this time.

Norris explained there is one main-tenance worker that oversees the grounds and helps with burials. Typically, a ser-vice is held at the burial site for family and friend. The Selectboard decided that services for burials will be postponed. This is because there is no guarantee that 10 or less people will show up and, fur-thermore, there is no guarantee that they will stay six feet away from each other during such a hardship.

Another reason for this choice it that, for full burials, sometimes the Highway Department is needed to use heavy machinery to dig the grave. It was be reckless to allow so many different people onto the premises where they could end up spreading the virus. Though it was a difficult decision to make, the board decided to allow the one main-tenance worker to continue his daily duties, but to restrict them to important services.

Town Meeting, caucus, election receive new dates

CUMMINGTON — Until further notice, Pettingill Park will be closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This

includes the pavilion, play structures, swings, tennis court and baseball dia-mond. Stay home and stay safe.

Pettingill Park closed due to coronavirus pandemic

C U M M I N G T O N — T h e Cummington Covid-19 Workgroup – made up by the Selectboard, Board of Health, Fire Chief/Emergency Manager, and Police Chief – continues to monitor this unprecedented global pandemic and the challenges it brings to the rural com-munity.

The group is constantly gathering, and processing information received via emails, text messages, and conference calls. The work group communicates daily, sharing information, reassessing current data, all with the health, safety and welfare of all Cummington residents in the forefront of their minds.

This past week, Cummington Emergency Services received supplies through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. These supplies included protective gowns, face shields, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and liq-uid disinfectant.

As a reminder, all Cummington Municipal buildings remain closed to the public. All travelers coming to the community from outside the area are to follow instructions set forth by Governor Charles Baker and adhere to a mandato-ry 14-day quarantine. As of Wednesday, April 8, the Town of Cummington has one confirmed case of Covid-19 in quar-antine; one case of COVID-19 exposure, in quarantine; one case of travel related 14-day quarantine, completed. This is a stark reminder that everyone must do their part; be vigilant with handwash-ing, personal hygiene, maintain social and physical distancing, travel only for essential needs such as groceries and prescriptions, and get information from reliable sources. Visit www.mass.gov/covid-19 for more information.

During this difficult time, please reach out to neighbors; a simple phone call will make a difference.

Town emergency services receive protective supplies

REGION

We are looking forward to col-oring eggs later this week! My oldest daughter has been caught up in learning about her Polish ancestors so I thought it would be fun to follow my mother’s family tradition of dyeing eggs with onion skins. I remember her taking a large pot and packing it with the outer, papery skins of either red or yellow onions. The more skins in the pot, the more intensely colored the eggs would be. Some people would even save skins a month prior to Easter just to have enough!

With the skins in the pot, she would then add the raw eggs with just enough water to cover them. After boiling for several minutes the eggs would be col-ored shades of maroon or brown. Where the eggs rested against the skins there would even be an imprint left behind. If you find that you like this mottled look better than the plain background color, wrap the eggs in the skins and secure them with rubber bands prior to boiling for an even more exaggerat-ed appearance. Polish them with a bit

of vegetable oil on a clean cloth and they will be shiny enough to use in all sorts of creative table decorations. Incidentally, the eggs aren’t flavored “onion” and are completely edible, although you may find them far too pretty to crack and eat!

Using natural dyes is trendy right now, and may even be used out of necessi-ty when coloring eggs this year. Although I have never tried these natural egg dyeing materials, you might have fun experimenting with them on your own. Follow the directions above but replace the onion skins with beets or frozen raspberries for pale red eggs. Carrot tops or the spice tumeric are said to impart a light yellow dye, where-as spinach leaves will leave your eggs pale green in color. Blueberries or red cabbage leaves can be used to make a bluish tint. A teaspoon of vinegar (more for a large batch) added to the pot will set the color.

Easer lilies decorating the altar will be one thing missed this year. While we can witness the beauty tele-vised, it will be hard to con-jure up that smell, that glo-rious smell! Lore has it that lilies sprung from the ground, marking where Christ’s drops of sweat had fallen in his final moments of agony. It has also been said that lilies were found growing in the

Garden of Gethsemane, and for that rea-son are sometimes called “white-robed apostles of hope.” They are mentioned numerous times in the Bible, perhaps most memorably in the Sermon on the Mount, where Christ said to his follow-ers: “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet…Solomon and all of his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Emblems of new life, hope and beauty, fragrant Easter lilies decorate churches en masse during the Easter season.

You can keep an Easter lily alive long past the holiday. After the indi-vidual flowers have withered, remove them from the plant. The process of “deadheading” will direct energy away from seed production and back to the bulb below. Don’t cut away the foliage, however, leave it intact as long as it is green. Once the weather has warmed, pick a sunny, well-drained spot in the garden and sink the bulb three inches below the soil surface. Don’t expect it to flower again this season, or even next March or April. Easter lily growers force the plant into bloom for the holi-day; without manipulation it will flower naturally during the summer months.

Roberta McQuaid graduated from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts. For the last 28 years, she has held the position of staff horticulturalist at Old Sturbridge Village. She enjoys growing food as well as flowers. Have a ques-tion for her? Email it to ekennedy@turley.com with “Gardening Question” in the subject line.

Natural Easter egg dyes and floral lore

SPRINGFIELD – The phone hasn’t stopped ringing since Adam Quenneville recently put out an A.P.B. to local contractors to donate new N95 surgical respirator masks with NIOSH on the labeling to Baystate Health. Contractor calls and calls from other sources prompted Baystate Health to set up a donations hotline so it can review the calls to determine whether the sup-plies that are donated can be used by clinicians and how to drop them off.

“Our brotherhood of contractors is really coming together to get this done,” said Adam Quenneville, organizer of the drive.“Contractors from all over are reaching out to me directly. I am referring them to the new number at Baystate Health where they can learn

if their donations can be used by staff and how to get their donations to the hospital. We still need more N95 masks. Let’s keep it coming! Thank you and be well.”

She is coordinating the donation process to keep it safe and organized. N95 respirator masks with NIOSH imprinted on the labeling are designed to protect against particulate matter such as dust, fumes, mists, aerosols and smoke particulates. They are effec-tive against biological particles such as pollen, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, animal dander and allergens, and aero-solized droplets invisible to the naked eye. To make a donation Phone: 413-794-2025, or email covid19PPE@bay-statehealth.org.

Baystate Health sets upequipment donation hotline

Roberta McQuaid

Turley PublicationsColumnist

i n t h eGaRden

Send us your news & photosCOUNTRY JOURNAL

24 Water Street, Palmer, MA 01069email: countryjournal@turley.com

TURLEY PUBLICATIONS

Country Journal • Thursday, April 9 2020 page 11

Chips Norcross of the Blandford Historical Society poses at the Knox Trail marker in Blandford.

The Hilltown Hikers explored the Knox Trail in Blandford with the Historical Society’s Chip Norcross.

Pictured clockwise from center, Karen McTaggert, Lyle Congdon, Kim Kelliher, and Liz Massa at Camp Moses in Russell. Submitted Photos

Kim Kelliher checks out the Wolf Pit in Russell. The pit was used to bait and trap “problem” animals like coyotes.

Keeping the hiking spirit alive…

A look into the Russell Wolf Pit.

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To Advertise OnThe Business Directory

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page 12 Country Journal • Thursday, April 9, 2020

CLUES ACROSS 1. Canadian law

enforcers 5. Actor Idris 9. Cut or bruise11. Vegetables13. Aircraft delivery15. To make obsolete16. Things similar to

those already noted17. Columbus is a

famous one19. Age group21. Denotes nature of

sound22. Klutz23. Uninteresting25. Computer

manufacturer26. 2,000 lbs.27. Genus of seabirds29. Emerges31. Baseball stat33. Witnesses

34. Observed36. Satisfy38. Former OSS39. Small Eurasian deer41. Wife of Sparta’s king43. Ballplayer accessory44. Temporary cessation

of breathing46. Where construction

workers ply their trade

48. Arguments that justify a religious doctrine

52. Thick cloud of tiny water droplets

53. Widens54. Detection56. Period of inactivity57. Tomato and vodka

are two58. Greek war god59. Urinates

CLUES DOWN 1. Churned 2. Seal bottles 3. Million barrels per

day (abbr.) 4. Meat from a pig

(French) 5. Within 6. Walk in a slow pace 7. Cries 8. About Andes 9. Fishermen use it10. Expresses delight11. Shouts12. Feudal agricultural

laborer14. Sailboat15. Small Eurasian

willows18. S. American native

people20. Extreme disgust24. Nonsense (slang)

26. Produce male reproductive cells

28. Computes30. Pop singer32. Weds secretly34. Having two poles35. Yankee hero Bucky37. Building38. Per __, each40. Six (Spanish)42. Makes amends43. Scoundrels45. Baseball’s best

pitchers47. Some are scrambled49. Emit coherent

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VIRGO Aug 24/Sept 22Virgo, if you have not been exercising regu-larly of late, now is the ideal time to get back in the action. Embrace the physical and mental ben-efits of being active.

LIBRASept 23/Oct 23Let your ambition guide you this week, Libra. Spend the week mapping out strategiess. Once you have a plan on paper, you can work towards exe-cuting it to perfection.

SCORPIOOct 24/Nov 22Do not have a moment’s hesitation when taking on a project or spearheading plans this week, Scorpio. Your organizational skills are right for the job.

SAGITTARIUSNov 23/Dec 21Sagittarius, this week should go well for you. Expect to feel a renewed energy and harbor a more positive outlook. Use this to your advan-tage in your career.

CAPRICORNDec 22/Jan 20Ambition is creeping up on you and it cannot be ignored, Capricorn. You have the time now to de-vote to any plan of action, so don’t be afraid to go all-in.

AQUARIUS Jan 21/Feb 18Aquarius, do not be surprised if you wake up feeling super this week. Chances are this renewed strength and energy has something to do with better lifestyle habits.

PISCES Feb 19/Mar 20Pisces, the cosmos puts an end to any lethargy you have been feeling. Use this opportunity to be active and pursue new goals.

Country Journal • Thursday, April 9 2020 page 13

Town of BecketNotice of Invitation to Bid

The Town of Becket will receive sealed bids for FDR with Injected Asphalt Stabilization Fine grade and Compaction and Superpave Intermediate and Surface Course HMA Mixes unti l Wednesday, May 06, 2020 at 4 p.m. Bids for the materi-als are to be submitted to the Selectmen’s Office, Becket Town Hall, 557 Main St. Main St., Becket, MA. 01223 on or before the above date and time. The bids will be pub-licly opened and read aloud on Wednesday May 06, 2020 at 7:05 p.m. Enclose bids in a sealed envelope plain-ly marked: BID FOR Yokum Pond FDR and HMA. The Town of Becket is an Equal

Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and encourages MBE/WBE firms to submit bids.

The Board of Selectmen reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids in the best interest of the Town.

Wage rates are sub-ject to minimum wage rate as per M.G.L. Chapter149, Sections 26 to 27F, inclusive and a wage rate schedule is included in the specification. 100% performance bond is required of successful bid-der, 5% bond required with bid. Prequalification of bid-ders is required. Contractors must submit Proposal Form R-109 to Mass. Highway Prequalification and Contract Office and receive Approval Form from that office in order

to bid on the project.Price adjustment clause in

affect for hot mix asphalt mix-tures. OSHA 10 requirement.

William CaldwellTown Administrator for the

Board of Selectmen4/09, 4/16/2020

Town of WilliamsburgNotice of

Public Tree HearingPlanning Board and

Tree WardenMonday, April 20, 2020

at 7 p.m.By Telephone Conference

1-844-854-2222Access No. 754749#To review requests to• Remove a 22.5” diam-

eter Sugar maple tree at 9 North Street. Intent is to replace with a native tree

form of Amelanchier.• Branch and limb pruning,

small tree removal, and pos-sible digging/blasting impacts to larger tree root systems between #33 and #35 Village Hill Road to support laying of sewer line and tie in..

All trees to be removed have been marked 4/09, 4/16/2020

Town of Blandford CANCELATION OFINFORMATIONAL PUBLIC HEARING

APRIL 15, 2020 The Blandford Planning

Board is canceling the public hearing formerly scheduled due to the COVID-19 Virus.4/09/2020

Town of BecketNotice of Invitation to Bid

The Town of Becket wi l l receive sealed bids f o r Ambu lance Garage Floor Drain project unti l Wednesday, May 06, 2020 at 4 p.m. Bids for the mate-rials are to be submitted to the Selectmen’s Office, Becket Town Hall, 557 Main St. Main St., Becket, MA. 01223 on or before the above date and time. The bids will be publicly opened and read aloud on Wednesday, May 06, 2020 at 7:05 p.m. Enclose bids in a sealed envelope plainly marked: BID FOR Ambulance Garage Floor Drain project. The Town of Becket is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and encourages

MBE/WBE firms to submit bids.

The Board of Selectmen reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids in the best interest of the Town.

Wage rates are subject to minimum wage rate as per M.G.L. Chapter149, Sections 26 to 27F, inclusive and a wage rate schedule is includ-ed in the specification. 100% performance bond is required of successful bidder, 5% bond required with bid. OSHA 10 requirement.

William CaldwellTown Administrator for the

Board of Selectmen4/9, 4/16/2020

Frederick O. Huntoon, 74, of Hinsdale passed away March 29 at his home, sur-rounded by his loving family.

Born in Westfield, MA on May 12, 1945, he was the son of the late Phillip and Ruth Willey Huntoon.

He attended Chester Schools and went on to marry the former Charlotte Avery Sanford.

Mr. Huntoon worked as a machine oper-ator for many years, for Lee Line/Old Castle, from which he retired.

He enjoyed the outdoors and tinkering on tractors and lawnmowers.

Frederick leaves behind his wife of 51 years,

Charlotte Huntoon; son, William Sanford and wife Sarah of Stephentown, NY; daugh-ters, Judith Lennon and partner David Rittenhouse of Middlefield, and Paula Tennyson of Russell; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; many broth-ers and sisters, nieces and nephews; as well as his two daughters, Phyllis and Regina.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Brenda L. Dean, in 2018.

The family would like to give a Special Thanks to Raymond Huntoon as well as HospiceCare In the Berkshires.

There will be no services. Dery Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Turley Publications offers two types of

obituaries.One is a free, brief Death Notice listing

the name of deceased, date of death and funeral date and place.

The other is a Paid Obituary, costing $100, which allows families to publish extended death notice information of their own choice and may include a photograph. Death Notices & Paid Obituaries should be submitted through a funeral home to: obits@turley.com.

Exceptions will be made only when the familyprovides a death certificate and must be pre-paid.

Obituary PolicyCountry Journal

HUNTOON, FREDERICK O.Died March 29

There will be no servicesDery Funeral Home

DEATH NOTICE

Public NoticesWE’VE EXPANDED OUR WEB SITE

ARE NOW ONLINE

visit www.publicnotices.turley.com

Email all notices tonotices@turley.com

Access archives anddigital tear sheets by newspaper title.

Find a quick link to the state of Massachusetts’ public notice web site to search all notices in Massachusetts newspapers.1 2 3

Public notice deadlines are Mondays at noon, Fridays noon for Monday holidays.

OBITUARY

PUBLIC NOTICES

Frederick O. Huntoon, 74

MONTGOMERY

Montgomery Community Church is a nondenom-inational church body that has Jesus Christ as head of the church. We teach from the Bible and trust God in all things. Come and learn more about us and enjoy fellow-ship.

Our Sunday Service starts at 10 a.m. during this time. We will be live on Facebook. Search for event “mcchurch service” and click on it at 10 a.m. or after to hear the mes-sage. We will be doing these for the duration of the pan-

demic. There will also be a Bible study Sunday evening at 7 p.m. on Facebook on Resurrection Sunday. Please join us as we worship together.

The message will be about Easter Sunday from the book of Matthew. The Bible study will cover 1,2,3 John.

During this time of social distancing, our church peo-ple will try to help people as much as we can. If you need to contact Pastor Howard R. Noe 413-862-3284, 413-219-7091, or pastornoe815@gmail.com.

MONTGOMERY COMMUNITY CHURCH

MIDDLEFIELDMIDDLEFIELD SENIOR CENTER

L u n c h i s s e r v e d a t t h e Senior Center, 169 Skyline Trail, Middlefield, each Wednesday at noon.

A $3 donation is suggested. Reservations should be made, and meal choice stated, by calling and leaving a message at 413-623-9990

the Monday before.The menu on Wednesday, April

15, is a choice of barbecue pork rib or Philly cheese steak sandwich with oriental vegetables, red bliss potatoes, whole wheat pita bread, and birthday cake.

BLOSSOM COMMUNITY CENTERBlossom Community Center will

continue food options for take-out only. Pick-up time is noon to 2 p.m. weekdays at the main door, upper parking lot, in back at 16 Bell Road. There will be both fresh-made and frozen options. If low-risk volunteers have plans to deliver to vulner-able neighbors, please let the kitchen staff

know and provide contact info for future coordination of needs and readiness.

Wi-fi for essential personnel, like those facilitating distant-education, can be accessed at an indoor location so long as maintaining sanitizing and distance pro-tocols. Wi-fi access from the parking lot only for others.

TURLEY PUBLICATIONS

page 14 Country Journal • Thursday, April 9, 2020

ClassifiedsA TURLEY PUBLICATION ❙ www.turley.com COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE Call us toll free 800.824.6548

13 WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS ❙ SERVING 50 LO CAL C OMMUNITIES

ANTIQUE AND PERIOD CHAIRS – Restored with new woven seats – Many styles and weaves available. Call (413)289-6670

CENTRAL BOILER CLASSIC EDGE OUTDOOR WOOD FUR-NACE. Heat more with less wood. Call today! 413-296-4320.

DISH TV - $59.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-877-925-7371

FIREWOODATTENTION!!!

FIREWOOD FOR SALE!!Why wait? Buy now and Save

$$$ next Winter!Unseasoned wood, cut and split

$225.00 per cord with free delivery up to 15 miles

If you wait ‘til Fall for seasoned wood, cut and split, the price will be

$245.00 per cord with free delivery up to 10 miles.

Call now for your great savings on firewood!

TANGLEWOOD SERVICES413-207-7592 or email

tanglewoodservices@yahoo.com

MISCELLANEOUSA PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts to-day! Our service is FREE/no obliga-tion. CALL 1-855-799-4127

DEALING WITH WATER DAM-AGE requires immediate action. Local professionals that respond immediate-ly. Nationwide and 24/7. No Mold Calls. 1-800-506-3367

DO YOU HAVE chronic knee or back pain? If you have insurance, you may qualify for the perfect brace at little to no cost. Get yours today! Call 1-800-217-0504

INVENTORS- FREE INFOR-MATION PACKAGE Have your product idea developed affordably by the Research & Development pros and presented to manufacturers. Call 855-380-5976 for a free idea starter guide. Submit your idea for a free con-sultation.

LIFE ALERT. 24/7. One press of a button sends help FAST! Medical, Fire, Burglar. Even if you can’t reach a phone! FREE brochure. CALL 800-457-1917

MOBILEHELP, AMERICA’S PRE-MIER MOBILE MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEM. Whether you’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Bro-chure! Call Today! 1-844-892-1017

OXYGEN-ANYTIME. ANY-WHERE. No tanks to refill. No deliv-eries. Only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: Call 1-855-917-4693

PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCT, ser-vice or business to 1.7 million house-holds throughout New England. Reach 4 million potential readers quickly and inexpensively with great results. Use the Buy New England Classified Ad Network by calling (413)283-8393, classifieds@turley.com. Do they work? You are reading one of our ads now!! Visit our website to see where your ads run communitypapersne.com

STAY IN YOUR HOME longer with an American Standard Walk-In Bath-tub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-866-945-3783.

STOP STRUGGLING ON THE STAIRS. Give your life a lift with an ACORN STAIRLIFT! Call now for $250. OFF your stairlift purchase and FREE DVD & brochure! 1-844-325-8610

OLD CARPENTER TOOLS want-ed. Planes, chisels, axes, etc. Also hunting, fishing gear. Old advertis-ing, cast iron cookware. Call Ken (413)433-2195.

**A CALL WE HAUL**Dumpsters available on site

Call for delivery (413)531-1936

acallwehaul@gmail.com

A DUMP TRUCK clearing out attics, cellars, garages, barns, whole house clean-outs, scrap metal. Free esti-mates. 413-374-5377

CHAIR SEAT WEAVING & re-finishing - cane, fiber rush & splint - Classroom instructor, 20+ years expe-rience. Call Walt at (413)289-6670 for estimate.

WE RENOVATE, SELL & PUR-CHASE (any condition) horse drawn vehicles such as sleighs, carriages, surreys, wagons, dr’s buggies, drive-able or lawn ornaments. Some fur-niture and other restoration services available. Reasonable prices. Quality workmanship. Call (413)213-0373 for estimate and information.

DEMERS & SONSBELCHERTOWN, MA

FOR SALE

MAIL TO: Classifieds, 24 Water St., Palmer, MA 01069or call toll free: 800-824-6548

Name: ____________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________________

Town: _____________________________________________________ State:_______ Zip:_____________

Number of Weeks: _________________________________________ X per week rate = $______________

Credit Card: ❏ MasterCard ❏ VISA ❏ Discover ❏ Cash ❏ Check# ___________

Card #: ______________________________________________ Exp. Date ___________ CVV __________

Amount of charge: ___________________________________________________Date: _______________

First ZONE base price ___________

Add a second ZONE ___________

Add a third ZONE ___________

Subtotal ___________

x Number of Weeks ___________

TOTAL Enclosed ___________

$10.00$5.00

Quabbin❏

Suburban❏

Hilltowns❏

Run my ad in thefollowing ZONE(s):

Includesadditional words

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28

29 30 31 32

33 34 35 36

37 38 39 40

Base Price$9.50

Base Price$10.00

Base Price$10.50

Base Price$11.00

Base Price$11.50

Base Price$12.00

Base Price$12.50

Base Price$13.00

Base Price$13.50

Base Price$14.00

Base Price$14.50

Base Price$15.00

Base Price$15.50

Base Price$16.00

Base Price$16.50

Base Price$17.00

Base Price$17.50

Base Price$18.00

Base Price$18.50

Base Price$19.00

Base Price$19.50

FILL OUT AND MAIL THIS MONEY MAKER

CATEGORY:

DEADLINES: HILLTOWNS – MONDAY AT NOON QUABBIN & SUBURBAN – FRIDAY AT NOON

OUR CLASSIFIEDS REACH 50 COMMUNITIES EVERY WEEK!

HilltownsCirculation: 11,900

Buy the Hilltowns ZONE for $9.50 for 20 words plus 50¢ for each additional word. Add $10 for a second Zone or add $15 to run in ALL THREE ZONES.

CALL YOUR LOCAL TURLEY PUBLICATIONS SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR INFORMATION AND RATES ON ADVERTISING YOUR TAX SERVICE HERE!

413-283-8393 • 1-800-824-6548

TAX TIME2020

CHANTEL BLEAUACCOUNTING SERVICES

For Full Accounting & Tax ServiceRegistered Tax Return Preparer

413-967-8364228 West St., Ware, MA 01082 Call For An

Appointment

The IRS does not endorse any particular individual tax return preparer.For more information on tax preparers go to irs.gov.

Kitchen Table TaxesPersonal & Small Business Tax Returns

"David The Tax Man"

Credit Cards Welcomekitchentabletaxes@gmail.com

David E. WhitneyEnrolled AgentSixty-Five Jim Ash RoadPalmer, MA 01069-9814www.kitchentabletaxes.com

Tel: 413-289-0058Fax: 413-324-2167

(413) 283-559662 Jim Ash Road

Palmer, MA 01069

Bruce J. Charwick

Income Tax Preparation~ 32 years tax experience ~

Personal & Small Business Federal & All States

IRS Certified Tax Preparers1622 North Main Street

Palmer, MA 01069Fasttax@charter.net

Free E-File & Direct Deposit

$50 OFF Reg. Prices

To All New Clients

Melchiori Tax and Financial ServicesIRS Problems?

Let a Professional Handle it for you.Call us anytime!

Complete Tax Services:Personal, Business, Corporations and PartnershipsTelephone (413) 786-8727 • Fax (413) 786-1833

betty@melchioritax.com • pauline@ melchioritax.com24 Southwick Street, Feeding Hills, MA 01030

PROCRASTINATORS WANTEDAre you still putting off filing your taxes?

Why not let the tax professionals at AJE Financial Services help!We will do whatever it takes (within our power) to make it

as painless as possible. Why not give us a call today!It shouldn't have to hurt!

588 Center StreetLudlow, MA 01056

www.ajefinancial.com(413)589-1671

Specializing in Tax Preparation & RepresentationBusiness & Personal

Visit our Website; www.ajefinancial.com364 East Street, Ludlow, MA

413-589-1671

TAX FILING DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO JULY 15

Find archives of this local newspaper at

www.newspapers.turley.com

Country Journal • Thursday, April 9 2020 page 15

For your convenience, you can securely subscribe online by visiting countryjournal.turley.com

New Renewal Gift A GIFT CARD WILL BE SENT TO ANNOUNCE YOUR GIFT!

CJ18TMC

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❑ $46 ���������������������������������������������������������2 year in state

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Country Journal24 Water St., Palmer, MA 01069

TURLEY PUBLICATIONS

ClassifiedsA TURLEY PUBLICATION ❙ www.turley.com COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE Call us toll free 800.824.6548

13 WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS ❙ SERVING 50 LO CAL C OMMUNITIES

CHILD SERVICES*NEW STATE LAW. Anyone adver-tising caring of children must list a li-cense number to do so if they offer this service in their own home.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

ACOMASONRY, HEATING &

AIR CONDITIONINGAll types of masonry work.

Chimney repair, tile work, stucco,stone, brick, block, concrete,

flat work, pavers, retaining walls.Heating & Air Conditioning

Service & InstallationFurnaces, Sheet Metal

Power WashingLicensed & Insured

Commercial & ResidentialFree Estimates

Competitive RatesCall Adam Ouimette

413-374-7779

DELREO HOME IMPROVEMENT for all your exterior home improve-ment needs. ROOFING, SIDING, WINDOWS, DOORS, DECKS & GUT-TERS. Extensive references available, Fully Licensed & Insured in MA. & CT. Call GARY DELCAMP @ 413-569-3733

MASONRY

STOP WET BASEMENTS

ABC MASONRY & BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

All brick, block, stone, concrete. Hatch-way doors, basement windows, chim-neys rebuilt & repaired, foundations repaired, basement waterproofing sys-tems, sump pumps. BBB+ rating. Free estimates. Lic #14790. Call (413)569-1611, (413)374-5377

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/ Models 2000-2019! Any Con-dition, Running or Not. Top $$$ Paid! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-513-1505.

HORSESHORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS offered year round at our state of the art facility. beginner to advanced. Ages 4 years to adult. Boarding, sales and Leasing also available. Convenient lo-cation at Orion Farm in South Hadley (413)532-9753 www.orionfarm.net

FOR RENT

ALL REAL ESTATE advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” We will not know-ingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

VACATION RENTALS

WARM WEATHER IS Year Round In Aruba. The water is safe, and the dining is fantastic. Walk out to the beach. 3-Bedroom weeks available. Sleeps 8. Email: carolaction@aol.com for more information.

SERVICESSERVICES REAL ESTATETOWN OF BECKET

HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENTThe Town of Becket is seeking qualified appli-

cants for the position of Highway Superintendent Position has an annual base salary of $65,000 to $75,000 plus overtime depending on qualifications. Requirements include a minimum of a high school diploma, with an engineering degree desirable; min-imum CDL Class B and Class 2A Hoisting licenses, at least five years of progressively responsible ex-perience or supervisory experience at the level of general foreman or above. The Town of Becket has a year-round population of approximately 1800 with a significant second home population. The town has approximately 60 miles of road, including 30 miles of gravel. Physical requirements of the position include walking, shoveling, raking, lifting moder-ately heavy to heavy objects, climbing, using hand tools and equipment, driving vehicles, and operating heavy equipment. A full job description is available at the Becket Town Hall, 557 Main St., Becket, MA 01223, on the Town’s website www.townofbecket.org . Send resume, including at least three referenc-es with cover letter to Office of Town Administra-tor, 557 Main St., Becket, MA. Priority deadline of May 8, 2020, however position will remain open until filled. The Town of Becket is an EOE.

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status (number of children and or pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, or any intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain about discrimination call The Department of Housing and Urban Development “ HUD” toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. For the N.E. area, call HUD at 617-565-5308. The toll free number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

FOR RENT

Classified Advertising

DEADLINESQUABBIN & SUBURBANFRIDAY AT NOON

HILLTOWNSMONDAY AT NOONPLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

page 16 Country Journal • Thursday, April 9, 2020

* To enable text alerts, you will be required to register your mobile phone number and update your alert settings. Mobile carrier charges may apply. ** Mobile carrier charges may apply.

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