EMS chief leading ‘Lifesaver Awareness’ training

NORTHFIELD — Northfield EMS Chief Matt Wolkenbreit will lead a free “Lifesaver Awareness” training at Dickinson Memorial Library on Thursday, April 17, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Wolkenbreit will teach participants how to recognize life-threatening emergencies, contact 911, perform hands-only compressions and use an AED (automated external defibrillator). He will also provide information about choking relief maneuvers and administering naloxone, and there will be time for questions and answers related to emergency medical care.

Lasagna dinner to precede concert at Warwick Town Hall

WARWICK — In addition to the Rippopotamus concert planned for Saturday, April 19, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., Warwick Town Hall will also host a lasagna dinner immediately preceding the concert.

The lasagna dinner, from 6 to 7 p.m., is a separate event with separate admission. A variety of lasagnas will be served, along with salad, dessert and drinks. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options will be available.

The suggested donation is $15 for adults, $8 for children ages 3 to 12, and children under 3 will be admitted for free.

Northfield Bird Club plans programs on otters, swallows

NORTHFIELD — The Northfield Bird Club is co-sponsoring two programs in April.

David Brown, a local naturalist and wildlife videographer who has penned books on the art of animal tracking, will present “All About Otters” on Thursday, April 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center.

The program will acquaint attendees with the lives and behavior of river otters. These creatures live in our wetlands and waterways, feeding mainly on fish and crawfish, and are more common than is generally believed. Ways of detecting their presence through identifying tracks and sign will be discussed. No reservation is required.

On Tuesday, April 29, at 5:30 p.m. at Dickinson Memorial Library, Mara Silver will present the first part of the two-part “Providing Nesting Opportunities for Swallows.”

The program will start with a presentation on the natural history of cliff and barn swallows, the challenges these birds face and how to provide/enhance nesting habitat for them. Free ceramic nests and information will be available to participants, who will have the opportunity to meet with Silver to describe their properties and get specific recommendations.

The second component of the two-part series will be held in June (date to be determined). Participants will meet in Charlemont for a guided walk to view colonies of both barn and cliff swallows using ceramic nests.

April 25 marks last day to register to vote in Bernardston

BERNARDSTON — The last day to register to vote in the May 5 town election is Friday, April 25. The Town Clerk’s Office will be open that day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those who want to register to vote.

Early in-person voting will be held at Town Hall on Friday, April 25, from 1 to 5 p.m.; Monday, April 28, from 2 to 4 p.m.; Tuesday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Wednesday, April 30, from 2 to 6 p.m.; and Thursday, May 1, from 9 a.m to 1 p.m.

The Selectboard voted in February to opt out of voting by mail, however, residents can still get absentee ballots by completing an application. The application must be received at the Town Clerk’s Office by Monday, April 28, to allow time for mailing and returning the ballot. Applications can be left in the dropbox in front of Town Hall. Postmarks do not count.

Applications can be found at townofbernardston.org/town-clerk/page/2025-annual-town-election. Applications can also be picked up at Town Hall in the foyer, or requested by emailing townclerk@townofbernardston.org or calling 413-648-5408.

Polling hours for the May 5 town election will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Town Hall.