Town to hold public event for Hazard Mitigation Plan

SOUTH HADLEY — Community members are invited to attend a public engagement event to learn about and provide feedback on the town’s new Hazard Mitigation Plan. The goal of the plan is to assess the town’s natural hazard risks and provide plans to reduce any vulnerabilities.

The meeting will include discussions of the natural hazards and climate impacts faced by the town, a draft of the plan and the proposed mitigation actions.

Once the plan is completed, it will be sent to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for review and approval. If approved by FEMA, the Hazard Mitigation Plan would make the town eligible for federal and state mitigation grant funding.

The town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan is being compiled by the town in partnership with Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC), and is funded by FEMA. Town officials and PVPC staff will be available at the meeting to answer questions and respond to input.

A draft of the plan is available on the town website.

The public meeting will take place during the Select Board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Town Hall at 7:15 p.m. Participants can also join virtually on Zoom.

Big Y seeks help in providing meals to those in need

SPRINGFIELD — This holiday season, Big Y is again accepting donations to its annual Sack Hunger Campaign. The campaign provides funds to four nearby food banks, including the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and has donated millions of meals to those in need over the past 13 years.

With a $5 donation, customers can support the campaign at the register at Big Y supermatkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors or online at bigy.com/community/sackhunger through Dec. 11. Each $5 donation provides 10 meals for those in need.

Additionally Big Y is boosting this year’s efforts by pledginf a portion of every private label brand that they sell in the store through Dec. 4. From Dec. 5 to Dec. 11, they will also donate a portion of the proceeds from the meat department.

Winter farmers market launches at Holyoke YMCA

HOLYOKE — The Winter Farmers Market will launch on Dec. 4 at the Holyoke YMCA at 171 Pine St. and will be open every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market will feature fresh, local produce and goods.

The market’s new location is aimed to enhance access to healthy foods within the community, especially for those in low-income and moderate-income areas.

Shoppers are welcome to come and enjoy an array of seasonal produce, homemade goods and artisanal products provided by local vendors. There will also be special events and educational activities surrounding nutrition and healthy living. All are welcome to gather with the community at the market and support local farmers.

Mayor to interview police chief finalist

HOLYOKE — Mayor Joshua A. Garcia will publicly interview the finalist for police chief on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 4 p.m. The interview will take place in the City Hall Chambers at City Hall, 536 Dwight St.

“After a very diligent interview process, the Chief of Police Search Committee feels that the candidate who has passed all the rounds should be interviewed by Mayor Garcia,” Personnel Director Kelly Curran, who oversaw the search process, said in a statement.

This interview represents the conclusion of a selection process facilitated by Public Safety Consultants, LLC.

Residents who cannot attend the interview in person may join via Holyoke Media on cable channel 15 or the live stream at boxcast.tv/channel/d0fbxuecgtqbfmbop6ax.

Holiday festivities planned at Shutesbury church

SHUTESBURY— Shutesbury Community Church welcomes community members to celebrate the holiday season with a lineup of festivities on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. on the Town Common. The church will sponsor a community tree lighting, carol sing and a visit from Santa Claus.

Santa Claus will give gifts to the children who attend and read the story of Christmas. All are welcome to come enjoy the event as well as cocoa, hot cider and doughnuts.

In the event of inclement weather, the carol sing and Santa Claus visit will be moved into the church hall.

The church also needs volunteers to help decorate the tree on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 9:30 a.m. Each year, the tree is donated by West Brook Tree Farm at 1515 South Main St. in Athol.

For more information, contact Pastor Mark Ellis at (413) 349-8444 or via email at shutesburychurch@gmail.com.