Downtown coordinator focus groups wrap up

TURNERS FALLS — The last of the focus groups the village has been holding, with help from consultant Ann Burke, about the rural downtown coordinator pilot project wrapped up on June 17, with members of the public engaging in a focus group to share their thoughts on what downtown Turners Falls could be.

Since the winter, Burke and Planning Director Maureen Pollock have been engaging with business owners and other stakeholders on what they think a rural downtown coordinator could assist with. This fifth and final focus group drew in seven members of the public to share their thoughts on what makes Turners Falls unique, and what traits the village can leverage to support community and outside engagement.

The chosen coordinator for the yearlong pilot program, funded through a $100,000 Rural Development Fund grant through the state Executive Office of Economic Development, will be tasked with testing a model for economic development in Turners Falls, as well as in Shelburne Falls and Northfield, in coordination with business owners and municipal leaders.

Some attendees at the June 17 focus group hoped for more youth programming that is accessible downtown and within walking distance, more community recreation opportunities, and continued arts and culture programming with support from RiverCulture, among other ideas.

Montague Center playground now complete

MONTAGUE CENTER — The new playground at Montague Center Park on Station Road is now open for summertime recreation.

The new playground was built by Mountain View Landscapes. The company broke ground last September and completed the project in May.

To celebrate its completion, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Saturday, June 14.

Montague Parks & Recreation Department Director Jon Dobosz said he and a small group gathered to thank several partners in the project for their contributions.

“The kids love it, the grandparents love it and the parents love it,” Dobosz said of the reaction from community members using the park.

The new playground is made of a black locust wood that Dobosz said hardens as it ages and reduces the chance of splinters.

There is also a new parking lot, a rain garden and a pollinator garden as part of the project, which was funded through a combination of allocations approved by Town Meeting voters, remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money and a state Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant for $340,000.

June 24: ‘Planning for Medicare’

ERVING — The Erving Senior & Community Center will host a seminar titled “Planning for Medicare — Countdown to 65” on Tuesday, June 24, at 1 p.m.

The seminar, led by a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts representative, is designed to help attendees make decisions about health insurance coverage.

Topics to be discussed include: an explanation of Medicare Parts A, B and C; the Medicare enrollment timeline; Medigap plans that help supplement Medicare coverage; Medicare Advantage plans; Medicare Part D prescription drug plans; and plans and programs that are available to early retirees.

There will be time for questions and light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 413-423-3649.

Green Mountain Mambo to perform

TURNERS FALLS — Green Mountain Mambo will present its world jazz fusion on Thursday, June 26, at 7 p.m. at the bandshell in Peskeomskut Park at Avenue A and Seventh Street.

Green Mountain Mambo blends rhythms from Africa, the Caribbean and American jazz with harmonies distilled from jazz and funk.

The group features Dan Dewalt (composition/keys/trombone), John Clark (French horn), John Wheeler (trombone), Wes Brown (bass), Julian Gerstin (percussion), Gary Fieldman (drums) and Brian Bender (trombone).

Attendees are advised to bring a lawn chair and a picnic dinner. In the event of rain, the concert will be rescheduled.

Pride Hike coming to Great Falls Discovery Center

TURNERS FALLS — The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is hosting a series of Pride Hikes this month, and the Great Falls Discovery Center will have its hike on Saturday, June 28, starting at 10 a.m.

Hikers can meet outside the main entrance of the Discovery Center.

This is a 2.6-mile, round-trip hike on a flat, paved trail for ages 10 and up.

The hike is being held in partnership with the Stonewall Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Q-MoB.

Registration is not required. Contact 413-863-3221 for more information.

Play ‘Jeopardy’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune’ in Erving

ERVING — Guests are invited to the Erving Senior & Community Center on Wednesday, June 25, at 1 p.m. to play “Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune.”

Desserts will be served. The event is open to all seniors, not just those who live in Erving. To register, call 413-423-3649.