Police chief hiring committee established

MONTAGUE — The Selectboard has established a police chief hiring committee and is poised to appoint members on July 7.

The hiring committee will be tasked with selecting and screening qualified candidates to fill Police Chief Christopher Williams’ position, as he plans to retire in December. The committee will provide recommendations to the Selectboard, which will be tasked with hiring the new chief.

The hiring committee will consist of Town Administrator Walter Ramsey, a member of the Selectboard, a member of the Montague Police Department and two members of the public who have relevant knowledge or experience in public safety, finance or similar topics. Williams will also serve on the committee as a non-voting member.

The goal is to have candidates selected for preliminary interviews in August and for Williams’ successor to have time to train with him before his time with the department ends in December.

July 6: Live music at Peskeompskut Park

TURNERS FALLS — Rice: An American Band will perform Sunday, July 6, at 7 p.m. in Peskeompskut Park.

The rock group is made up of Christopher Ellis on drums, Mike Wood on bass and vocals, Brian DiMartino on guitar, and Phil Simon on guitar and vocals. This concert is free, and guests are invited to bring a chair and picnic. In the event of rain, a new date will be scheduled.

‘Do It Now’ performance and book fair returns

TURNERS FALLS — RiverCulture will present “Do It Now” on Sunday, July 13, at Peskeompskut Park.

At 1 p.m., a book fair will be set up with local authors and independent publishers.

“Do It Now,” a three-piece music and words performance group featuring guitarist John Sheldon, percussionist Tony Vacca and Beat Laureate Poet Paul Richmond, will showcase its “part hippy-trip, political commentary and part sensory journey” performance at 2 p.m.

Montague resident earns medical coding certificate

WELLESLEY HILLS — Montague resident Celina Stratford has earned a certificate in medical coding from MassBay Community College and has been honored with a spot on the college’s president’s list for the spring semester.

To be eligible for the president’s list, students must be enrolled in 12 or more credits, achieve at least a 3.7 grade point average and be in good standing with the college.