Wildfire smoke returns to region

Smoke from Canadian wildfires was expected to impact western Massachusetts on Monday, according to an air quality alert from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. The alert included the five counties in western and central Massachusetts.

Air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, such as asthma, older adults, children, teenagers, and people who are active outdoors. People with either lung disease or heart disease are at greater risk from exposure to air pollution.

MassDEP advises people in sensitive groups to reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, take more breaks, do less intense activities, follow asthma action plans, and keep quick relief medicine handy. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.

More details are available, including forecasts and real-time data, are available at eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/dep/massair/web/#/pollution/map/max

Haydenville church to hold potluck on Friday

HAYDENVILLE — There will be a Community Potluck Friday, July 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Haydenville Congregational Church.

The potluck is open to the wider community and everyone is welcome.

People can bring a main dish, sides or a dessert to share. Or, if pressed for time, come and enjoy the meal and make a donation.

Church Trustee and Treasurer Megan Jewett of Northampton said that the success of a potluck in June prompted church members to make it a monthly event.

Jewett noted that the 172-year-old church has always been a hub of the community, drawing members and visitors from throughout Hampshire County as well as Williamsburg.

The Rev. Mark Seifried, the new pastor, said the potlucks are an extension of the “generous welcome for which HCC is known.”

The informal gathering will be in the dining hall of the church located at 143 Main St. in Haydenville. Parking and the entrance to the dining hall are in the back off High Street.

Rep. Blais to hold office hours

State Rep. Natalie M. Blais, D-Deerfield, will host office hours in the 1st Franklin District at Montague Town Hall, 1 Avenue A, Turners Falls, downstairs in the Blue Annex Room, on July 24 from 4-5:30 p.m. The office hours are held on the fourth Monday of each month.

Office hours serve as a time for constituents to speak directly with Blais, whose office regularly assists with the following: unemployment benefits, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, MassHealth coverage, social service referrals, elder services, veterans affairs, public housing and vouchers, utilities, and more.

Should this date not work for individuals, or a phone call is preferred, 1st Franklin District constituents are encouraged to contact Blais’ office. They can also contact Corinne Coryat at corinne.coryat@mahouse.gov or 413-362-9453 to schedule an appointment.

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