Town mulls fate of ash trees

TURNERS FALLS — Two ash trees located in front of Gary’s Coins and Antiques on Avenue A in Turners Falls were the subject of a brief tree hearing on Thursday, May 15 as contractors with Mountain View Landscaping continue their work for street improvements.

Two residents, including Gary’s Coins Owner Gary Konvelski, Assistant Town Administrator Chris Nolan-Zeller, Tree Warden Jason Kingsbury and Doug Serril of Berkshire Design and Ed Dweyer of Mountain View Landscapes attended the 10-minute hearing. Konvelski said that the time to remove the trees is now, rather than waiting till replacement is more cumbersome, and expensive.

“They need to be gone,” he said, adding that the ash trees were previously treated for an emerald ash borer infestation, and they will die soon as they’ve reached their lives. “So why wait for them to die, and wait for the cost to increase?”

The idea to replace the trees was first broached with the Selectboard on April 7, with Nolan-Zeller explaining the offer would be a no-cost change order, meaning the town would not pay for the new trees. The ash trees would be replaced with non-ash trees that are considered less susceptible to disease.

Following a Selectboard meeting on April 16, the board is looking at a gradual approach to replacement as to not disrupt the streetscape too dramatically by removing all the trees, which Nolan-Zeller mentioned at the hearing. He said the feedback from the hearing helps guide the town as this project progresses.

Cooking class and dinner at Brick House

TURNERS FALLS — The Brick House Community Resource Center at 23 Third St. will host Kyle Zegel of Just Roots on Wednesday, May 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. for a cooking class with dinner.

Registration is required. Contact Stacey Langknecht at slangknecht@brickhousecommunity.org or 413-800-2496.

Mindfullness and stress reduction classes for seniors

TURNERS FALLS — Beginning Thursday, May 22, Yoga teacher Jean Erlbaum will be teaching a six-week class on mindfulness and stress reduction for seniors aged 55 and older at the Gill-Montague Senior Center in Turners Falls, 62 5th St.

The class, offered every Thursday at 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. until June 26, will feature Erlbaum leading some gentle relaxing stretches on a chair, talking about the physiology of stress and sharing some techniques that can give a greater ability to meet the stresses of everyday life and aging.

The cost is $100 for the six-week class that comes at a reduced rate from the partnership with the Senior Center. For more information, or to register, please contact Jean Erlbaum at 413-230-1518 or jean.erlbaum@verizon.net.

Montague Center Tag and Plant Sale

MONTAGUE CENTER – The Montague First Congregational Church will be hosting a Tag and Plant Sale on Saturday, May 24 at the church at 4 North St.

Starting at 9 a.m., and going to 12:30 p.m., there will be books, puzzles, household items and racks full of gently used clothing. For plants, there will be bedding plants and perennials available for purchase with a raffle for four tickets to the Red Sox. The sale will be held, rain or shine.

Planning for Medicare at Erving Senior Center

ERVING — The Erving Senior & Community Center will host a seminar titled “Planning for Medicare — Countdown to 65” on Tuesday, May 27 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 available to early retirees, such as COBRA.

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