BHS girls get a lesson in self defense - The Sentinel

GRANT | FROM PAGE 8
The AEEP grants will support projects such as automated
irrigation systems for cranberry operations, manure storage
areas, compost pads, fencing, milkhouse wastewater
treatment areas, and zone tillage equipment for a vegetable
operation.
“AEEP has been a proven tool in helping us safeguard
the environment, while ensuring that our local food supply
remains viable,” said DAR Commissioner Scott J.
Soares. “We are delighted to support our local farmers in
their efforts to ensure a sustainable future for their farms
and I congratulate all of this year’s award recipients.”
For information on the Division of Technical Assistance
programs, visit www.mass.gov/agr/divisions/ag_technical_assistance.htm
DAR’s mission is to ensure the long-term viability
of agriculture in Massachusetts. Through its four divisions
– Agricultural Conservation & Technical Assistance,
Agricultural Markets, Animal Health, and Crop and Pest
Services – DAR strives to support, regulate and enhance
the rich diversity of the Commonwealth’s agricultural
community to promote economically and environmentally
sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfill
agriculture’s role in energy conservation and production.
For more information, visit DAR’s website at www.mass.
gov/agr, and/or follow at twitter.com/agcommishsoares.
SOLAR PANELS | FROM PAGE 1
continue to be in agriculture that will have crops growing on
it,” said Jonathan Spiegel, who is on the NESFI board.
According Spiegel, this site could serve as an example to
farmers throughout the northeast who need a way to make
their land more profitable, without sacrificing their focus on
farming. He said that this solar array project will have major
benefits not just to NESFI, but for all farmers who can enable
more clean energy without sacrificing their land.
There has been a lot of opposition in Belchertown to this
project. On Monday, Dec. 11 the Board of the Selectmen
unanimously voted to recommend that the Planning Board
deny the site plan proposal.
The major issue that numerous residents, many of whom
appeared at the public hearing, have with the proposed arrays
is the location of the hayfield they will be built on, which is
near many privately owned homes. Several citizens at the
hearing argued that this project involves placing what is essentially
an industrial complex in a residential neighborhood.
“Is this a rural community or an industrial park?” asked one
concerned citizen.
One of the greatest concerns that has been brought up
repeatedly is the impact that arrays will have on the view of
the area’s natural beauty. There is a range of mountains and
vistas that overlook the area, and residents are worried that
the arrays will be an eyesore. Abutters also expressed fears
the solar arrays may lower property values.
Spiegel responded to these concerns by explaining that
the array will hardly be visible to those driving up Jackson
St. until they reach the Department of Public Works Garage,
when a corner will become visible. The arrays will be partially
visible on George Hannum Street and Hamilton Street,
but it will not have nearly as much impact on the view as
residents may believe.
NESFI Director Judy Gillam said there are plans to have an
outside company draft a model that will show a roadside view
of what the arrays will look like to people driving along the
road. She said this will be completed in approximately four
to six weeks and she feels that this will alleviate many of the
concerns.
As for the obstructions to the abutter’s view of the vista,
Spiegel told the crowd at the hearing that NESFI plans to
work individually with each property owner to ensure that
there is proper natural screening installed.
Despite these assurances, many members of the crowd
were still opposed to the plans. Melissa Desautels, who was
one of the citizens who attended the hearing, said that there
has never been a project of this size and type located so close
to a residential neighborhood.
Residents at the hearing brought up fears about the health
concerns living near the arrays could cause, since it technically
emits electromagnetic fields. Spiegel responded by stating
that numerous studies including one conducted by goodcompany.com,
showed no discernible link between low-level
magnetic fields and adverse health issues.
Furthermore, he stated that this project will produce very few
EMF’s and that a person will absorb more radiation by standing
next to their toaster oven. He told the crowd that once the arrays
are completely they will not cause any health issues.
The counterargument that was brought up during the hearing
is that research 25 years from now may prove that living
in close proximity to a solar plant is bad for a person’s health,
but by then it may be too late.
Legally, NESFI’s plans are considered what Planning
Board Chairman George Synan called a “by-right project.”
This means the Planning Board can’t deny the site plan based
on whether or not it is popular. It must approve the plans
unless it finds that the project poses a threat to the health,
safety and welfare of the community.
“We can’t deny the proposal just because we don’t like it,”
said Synan.
The phrase “health, safety and welfare,” is where the grey
area looms. The Planning Board must consider whether or
not the issues that residents opposed to the project brought up
are serious enough to warrant denying the project. It is not the
Planning Board’s job to determine whether building the array
is a good idea, only to review the site plan and determine if it
is harmful.
There will certainly be a much more discussion on this
topic as both sides will continue to research and refine their
points. The public hearing was scheduled to be continued on
Feb. 28 at Lawrence Memorial Hall at 7:30 p.m.
THE SENTINEL • THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012 PAGE 25
Calendar
Wednesday, Jan. 18
OPEN HOUSE: The Belchertown Community
Preschool, a parent cooperative, will be having an Open
House on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. Parents and caregivers
are invited to learn more about the schools program
for 3 and 4 year olds and take a tour of the school. BCPS
is located behind the Hope United Methodist Church at 31
Main Street. If you have any questions, call 323-4795.
HEART OF THE VALLEY CHORUS: Open house
for women of all ages. Join us on Wednesday, Jan. 18,
2012 at 7 p.m. for our special guest night in the cafetorium
of the JFK Middle School, 100 Bridge Road in the
Florence section of Northampton. Come for the fun of it
and discover the joy of singing a capella! For more information
call Toby 413-256-1282 or Judy 413-323-5460 or
visit www.heartofthevalleychorus.org.
Saturday, Jan. 21
FOOD DRIVE: Belchertown CAN! is hosting its
fourth annual town-wide food drive on Saturday, Jan.
21 at Stop & Shop, Checkers or Dwight Station Minimart.
All donations will be given to the three local food
pantries and the Amherst Survival Center. Bring your
donations to the Auditorium in Lawrence Memorial
Hall (Town Hall) anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on
Saturday, Jan. 21 or donate when you shop. Come join us
and help out your neighbors! For more information, go to
www.belchertowncan.org.
Sunday, Jan. 22
EXPLORE SKY MEADOW: On Jan. 22, Nick and
Valerie Wisniewski, co-founders of Walnut Hill Tracking
and Nature Center, will lead exploration on the inspirational
grounds of Sky Meadow and the adjoining protected
wildlife habitat from 10 a.m. to noon. For more
information call Campbell at 413-323-7405.
Monday, Jan. 23
MOVIE NIGHT: Please join us at the Clapp Memorial
Library for a movie night on Monday, Jan. 23. The hit
movie “The Help” starring Emma Stone will be shown on
the big screen starting at 7 p.m. Please call the library to
reserve your seat at 323-0417.
WOMAN’S CLUB TALK: Monday, Jan. 23, 1:30
p.m.: “C. J. Walker: The Politics of Black Hair,” by Nina
Scott, Professor Emerita, UMass Spanish Department.
Amherst Woman’s Club, 35 Triangle St., Amherst. Public
welcome. For information, call 549-6865.
Tuesday, Jan. 24
FREE MEAL: The community is invited to “A Simple
Free Meal” of soup and bread at Hope’s Place at 6 p.m.
on Tuesday, Jan. 24 in the fellowship hall at Hope United
Methodist Church, 31 Main St., Belchertown. All are
welcome.
Friday, Jan. 27
FAMILY NEW YEAR: The Holyoke Creative Arts
Center, located at 400 South Elm St., Holyoke is having
its first family gathering of the new year at the Holyoke
Lodge of Elks on 250 Whitney Ave. Come to dine with
family and friends for a succulent prime rib dinner on
Jan. 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. The cost of the meal is $16 per
person. There will also be a raffle for those feeling lucky
along with a cash bar. For additional information, call the
Center at 413-532-0465 or visit the Center’s website at
www.holyokecac.org.
Saturday, Jan. 28
WINE AND BEER TASTING: St. Francis of Assisi
Knights of Columbus Council #10698 of Belchertown
will host a wine and beer tasting night on Saturday, Jan.
28 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mill Valley Golf Links 380 Mill
Valley Road here in Belchertown. Tickets are $20 per
person and will be available after all weekend Masses this
month at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Tickets may also
be purchased at Village Package Store next to Dunkin
Donuts on Rt. 9/Federal Street. For more info, speak with
any KofC member or call 323-5822.
FARMER’S MEETING: The Belchertown Agricultural
Commission is holding its annual Farmer’s meeting on
Saturday, Jan. 28 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.
It’s a time to visit with friends and talk about farming.
Anyone with an interest in food supply may attend.
OF EVENTS
POLICY: Our calendar section is intended to promote “free” events or ones that directly affect a volunteer-driven
organization that benefits the community. The deadline to submit calendar items in the mail, by fax or emailed in Word
document format is MONDAY BY NOON or sooner. The listings should be brief, with only time, date, location, brief
activity explanation, and contact information. Please email all entries to ahenderson@turley.com.
Sunday, Jan. 29
CHIMPS:“Chimps” by Gregory Barrett will be at
Amherst College’s Cole Assembly, Converse Hall Red
Room Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are free and
seating is open. No reservations required.
ICE FISHING DERBY: The 17th annual ice fishing
derby sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Watershed Association
Inc. will take place on Sunday, Jan. 29 from 6 a.m. to 2
p.m. at Lake Metacomet. Entry is at the boat ramp on Bay
Road and Poole Road, Belchertown. Pre-Register early as
there is a limit of 400 participants. Pre-registrations will
be accepted on a first come, first served basis or until they
reach 400. The first 60 children (6-13) who are registered
for the fishing derby will receive a trophy for their participation
in the event. In order to be eligible to win a prize,
kids must be registered, with adult, by Jan. 20.
Friday, Feb. 3
U2CHRIST: What do you get when you cross the
music of Irish rock band U2 with a Communion service?
An “U2charist!” And it’s coming to West Brookfield, for
the first time ever. The program, which features the music
of U2 performed by the Willie Sordillo Band is far more
than “church with a twist!” As with all U2charist services,
the event is offered to help fight hunger. One hundred
percent of the proceeds of the free-will offering will
benefit local disaster relief. In addition, people are invited
to bring a non-perishable food item. Truly, this is not an
event that you want to miss, with professional musicians
from the Boston area including Marlene Del Rosario on
piano, Patrick Mottaz on guitar, Willie Sordillo on saxophone,
and Hilmar Lehnert on bass guitar. Please join us
on Friday Feb. 3 at 8 p.m., 36 N. Main St., W. Brookfield.
Call the church for more information at 508-867-4462.
Saturday, Feb. 4
ANNUAL MURDER MYSTERY DINNER:
“Muscling In On Murder” by Paula Hilton will be performed
by BUCC’S Playhouse at the Villa Rose in
Ludlow to benefit the Belchertown Historical Association
and the Belchertown Congregational Church. Event starts
at 6:30 p.m. with the show at 7 p.m. The cost is $35 per
person includes complete chicken dinner and the show.
For further information please call Tom Stockton at 323-
0946. Tickets on sale at Cold Spring Discount Liquors
(on the Common) and at the Villa Rose.
Saturday, Feb. 11
REGISTRATION DEADLINE BASIC FIREARMS
SAFETY COURSE: A basic firearms safety course will
be held at the Knights of Columbus, 460 Granby Road,
Chicopee, Saturday, Feb. 18, 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. $80
per person includes light refreshments and lunch. Prerequisite
for those wishing to apply for license to carry
or FID card. Registration deadline is Feb. 11. Call Kevin
Joslyn, 543-3505.
GRANBY CAUCUS: Democrats in Granby will be
holding a caucus at 257 East State St., Aldrich Hall on
Saturday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. to elect delegates to the 2012
Massachusetts Democratic Party’s nominating convention.
ONGOING:
ST. FRANCIS MASSES: The Spiritual Life Commission
of St. Francis of Assisi Church Masses on a weekly basis:
Saturday, 4 p.m. Mass with Confessions from 3 to 3:45 p.m.
Sunday, 8 a.m. and 10:30 Mass. Morning Mass is offered
at 8 a.m. in the Chapel Monday through Thursday and on
the first Friday and first Saturday of the month at 8 a.m.
Also, on a weekly basis Eucharistic Adoration is held in the
Chapel from Monday to Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
BIPOLAR SUPPORT GROUP: Guided Challenges presents
a support group for people with bipolar or similar disorders
at Burger King on King St. in Northampton, Friday
nights 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Please RSVP Fran 413-586-5881 in
case of cancellation.
SING WITH YOUR BABY: Sing with your Baby presented
by Happy Dan the Music Man the first Friday of the
month from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Clapp Memorial Library.
Music, movement, instruments, and fun for 0 to 2 year olds.
MORNING PRAYER: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
invites you to join them in Sunday Morning Prayer
Service at 9 a.m. to be followed by coffee and fellowship.
Saint Mary’s Church is located across from Old Mill
Pond School on Main Street in Thorndike. See you there!
SATURDAY EVENING SERVICES: St. Mary’s
Episcopal Church invites you to join them for Saturday
Evening Services with Father Andrew Williams at 5 p.m.
Saint Mary’s Church is located across from Old Mill
Pond School on Main Street in Thorndike.