Disabilities council names Comerford legislator of year

BOSTON — State Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, was honored at the State House on Wednesday by the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, receiving its Legislator of the Year award during the organization's 46th legislative advocacy day.

MDDC is an independent agency, funded by the federal government, dedicated to empowering people with developmental disabilities and their families to enjoy productive lives by promoting self-sufficiency, community inclusion, and opportunity.

In accepting the honor, Comerford said she shares the values of the council, including its commitment to full inclusion and respect for all people and to ensuring that the people most affected by any policy and budget decisions have a voice in shaping them.

‘Walk for Tibet’ in region this Sunday

Tibetans in western Massachusetts will convene Sunday to observe the 65th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising against the occupation of Tibet by the People’s Republic of China.

The Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts in Western Massachusetts will honor this day through a series of events, including the “Walk for Tibet” — an 8-mile peace walk from Amherst to Northampton, alongside the ceremonial reading of proclamations and the hoisting of the Tibetan flag outside the town halls of Amherst, Northampton and Easthampton.

The schedule includes:

■Amherst Town Hall, 9 a.m. Town Council members will read the proclamation. State Rep. Mindy Domb and the Regional Tibetan Association Massachusetts President Tsultrem Kunsang will hoist the Tibetan flag. The Walk for Tibet will begin at 9:45 am.

■Northampton City Hall, 2:30 p.m. The city will proclaims March 10, 2024, as Tibet Day, and City Council President Alex Jarrett will read the proclamation. He will be joined by state Sen. Joanne Comerford, state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, and Kunsang to hoist the Tibetan flag outside Memorial Hall.

■Easthampton City Hall, 4:30 p.m. The city of will host the last leg of the walk with the City Council President Homer Gomez reading the proclamation. State Rep. Daniel Carey, Gomez and Kunsang will hoist the Tibetan flag.

Sen. Mark to hold office hours

WILLIAMSBURG — State Sen. Paul W. Mark will host office hours in Williamsburg on Tuesday, March 12, and Tuesday, March 26, from 1-3 p.m. at the Town Offices, 141 Main St.

Residents of any of the 57 municipalities in the Senator’s Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Hampshire District are encouraged to share ideas on current or potential state legislation, or to ask for assistance with issues involving any state agency.

Appointments are not required.

Change clocks, check alarms this weekend

STOW — With daylight saving time beginning March 10, Massachusetts fire officials remind residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they change their clocks.

Of 45 fire deaths in Massachusetts last year, 31 took place at home. Nearly 75% of these residential fire deaths took place in one- and two-family homes. Investigators found working smoke alarms at just one-third of those dwellings.

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code requires replacement battery-operated smoke alarms in older one- and two-family homes to be photoelectric and have sealed, long-life batteries and a hush feature. These alarms are easier to maintain and less likely to be disabled while cooking or by someone using the batteries for other household appliances.