Events Calendar
Happy School Vacation Week! See what's going on this week. PLAY A FUN TRIVIA GAME!
School Superintendent Presents Overview of Proposed Budget and Completes Entry Plan
Level-service budget proposed. Check out video of Dr. Houle's Entry Plan findings.
Belchertown Community Television Looks To Improve Coverage
Selectmen support offering stipends to videographers.
Clapp Memorial Library Program News
Find out when and where to enter the library hosted Yo-Yo contest.../
Race for Board of Selectmen Shaping Up
So far two candidates look to unseat incumbents on Board of Selectmen.
O'Brien of Belchertown hired as Pastor for Sudbury church
On Sunday, January 24, the congregation of Memorial Congregational Church in Sudbury called Thomas O’Brien of Belchertown, Massachusetts as the settled pastor. The selection follows an eighteen-month search process that began in June, 2008. Reverend Dirkje Legerstee of Westford, Massachusetts, who served as the interim pastor during the search, completed her ministry on Sunday February 7.<br><br>
From the Desk of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Judith Houle
Dr. Houle addresses bullying in schools and how families can help.
Belchertown Democrats Set Caucus
The Belchertown Democratic Committee has announced a public caucus to elect eight delegates to the June 5th State Convention in Worcester...
Events Calendar
Have you checked it this week?
Follow-Up Inspection Classifies Condition of Upper Bondsville Dam As "Fair"
Office of Dam Safety to review findings.
Belchertown Resident Battles Capricious Pole Relocation Charges
Knowing that telephone poles have been relocated without charge in the past, Steven Henn wants to know why Verizon wants to charge $7,000 for 7 feet.
Belchertown Housing Report Already Prompting Action (w/video)
The report was commissioned by the CPC because since the town’s adoption of the Community Preservation Act, not one application has been submitted for affordable housing...
EDIC News
EDIC interviews new attorney, discuss possible sale of parcel, and update on MassDevelopment.
Belchertown 250th Anniversary Committee Plans For 2011 Celebrations
The 250th Anniversary Committee held its monthly meeting on February 4. The committee hopes to offer several events in celebration of the town’s 2011 anniversary year, starting with a New Year’s Eve event on 12/31/10...
Town Clerk's Office Announces Process for Candidates
Information regarding nomination papers for the nomination of town officers...
Town Clerk's Office Announces Vacancies For Town Election
Elections for Town Offices to be held May 17, 2010
Belchertown CAN! Food Drive Inspires Local Business
STOP & SHOP FOOD BINS TO BENEFIT LOCAL PANTRIES
Library Expansion Project Effort Still Has Momentum
Donors stand behind library expansion effort in Belchertown...
Lucey's Recipients of Leadership Award from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Jeffrey Lucey and his family were given an award for Leadership in the area of Suicide Prevention on Monday, February 8 at the Statehouse...
Carriage Production In Belchertown
What was once a major 19th century industry in Belchertown continues on a small scale in the 21st century. Check out the slide show.
Selectmen Endorse Community Preservation Applicaton For Boundless Playground
Selectmen soliciting letters of interest for a Playground Committee, organizers meet with Hasbro and parents of the late Jessica Martins
Bits of News
Selectmen endorse use of roads, discuss possibiltiy of new liquor license, early retirement incentives, accessory apartments, upcoming meetings, and new open meetings laws.
Streetlights A Solution If Residents Are Willing To Pay
In economic climate where Town is looking at cuts, selectmen discuss options for residents who want illuminating infrastructure.
Secret Ballot Box's Age A Mystery
Town Clerk Bill Barnett can count on one hand how many times it’s been used, which is only when an Annual Town Meeting or a Special Town Meeting requests a secret ballot.
EDIC Hold Special Meeting To Discuss Sale of Parcel
Town Planner applies for zone change on behalf of EDIC.
Firearms Safety Course Offered
Sign up for Feb. 21. class
From the Events Calendar
Do you see your event on the calendar?
Board of Health Reports on H1N1 Vaccine Usage
With the combined three H1N1 clinics offered in Belchertown, a total of 1,015 doses have been administered since November.
Tri-Lakes Fishing Derby Held On Lake Metacomet
It was sunshine and blue skies on Sunday, January 31 as the Tri-Lakes Association held its 15th Annual Ice Fishing Derby on Lake Metacomet.
Recreation Department Basketball Teams Victorious
The Recreation Department boys basketball teams enjoyed a couple of victories at the Chestnut Hill Community School Gymnasium on January 19th.
New Associate Member Appointed to EDIC
An introduction to Jennifer Fay.
Belchertown CAN! Food Drive Hits Target
Community Aid Network collects 4 tons of food and collects $1500 in donations...
EDIC Relationship With MassDevelopment Still Not Formalized
Nearly two months after a meeting with MassDevelopment, state legislators, and town officials that proposed a path forward; EDIC struggles with getting commitments
Belchertown Voters Strategic Primary Voters?
Primary results indicate overwhelming support for Martha Coakely, but Special Election results show a different picture.
From the Events Calendar
Going fishin' ??
Stress Management Comedy Show At Clapp
The Clapp Memorial Library is hosting a fun, stress-free evening for adults and young adults...
Bits of News
Green energy updates, new appointments, and new committees...
Conservation Commission Works on Stormwater Bylaw Amendments
Recent public hearing regarding changes not well attended.
Bits of News
Miscellaneous news
Affordable Housing Application Submitted To Community Preservation Committee
First application for affordable housing since Town adopted Community Preservation Act may be an opportunity for home owners in need.
Food Drive Off To A Promising Start
The extraordinary efforts of two local scout troops highlighted the first of two food collection days for the “Community Give-In,” propelling the food drive to a promising start...
From the Event Calendar
Now includes link to BHS sports team schedules...
Two Belchertown Residents Leave Port-au-Prince Just Hours Before Earthquake Struck
Members of Opportunities For Communities learn of earthquake that struck during their flight home upon their arrival at JFK International Airport.
Police Investigate New Year's Day Armed Robbery
Incident second armed robbery in Belchertown within a year.
Andy the Ambulance Gets a Boost (PHOTO SLIDE SHOW)
Friends of the Emergency Medical Services Department traded in their dignity for lives in a basketball game against the Harlem Superstars on Saturday, January 9...
EDIC News
The Economic Industrial and Development Corporation (EDIC) held their regularly scheduled meeting on January 6. They paid some bills and discussed the sale of a parcel...
Mierzewski A Welcome Addition In the Wake Of Tragic Loss
The sudden loss of Lloyd Armstrong was more than just a loss for Jabish Brook Middle School where he was the band director, it was a loss for the entire School Department and the Town of Belchertown. Considered by many to be the foundation upon which the Belchertown music program was laid, Armstrong left some big shoes to fill...
Businesses Assist Belchertown CAN! with Food Drive
More than a dozen businesses and other locations in Belchertown have agreed to host collection bins for the food drive currently underway to support five local food pantries...
Senior Nutrition And Health A Priority For Belchertown
Selectmen authorize hiring of Elder Nutrition Program Coordinator for Senior Center despite hiring freeze...
The Events Calendar
The calendar for January is getting quite full...
Long-time Veteran of Police Force to Retire
Selectmen authorize Chief Fox to move part-timer up to full-time position and promote another officer to the rank of sergeant.
Belchertown CAN! Food Drive Fast Approaching
Community Aid Network continues their charge.
EMS Department to Take on Harlem Basketball Team
Emergency Medical Services Department is holding a fundraiser this Saturday night at BHS...
Belchertown H1N1 Clinic Announced
Set for Saturday, January 9, 2010...
Case Made For Belchertown's Continued Participation In Council Of Governments
Significant value cited as major justification for Belchertown's continued participation in Hampshire County Council of Governments.
Proposed Accessory Apartment Bylaw Presented
Planning Board presents a draft accessory apartment bylaw to Selectmen. They hope to get it passed at the next Annual Town Meeting...
The Events Calendar
Two thousand ten OR Twenty ten?? Don't miss the events calendar this week...
Belchertown Real Estate in the First Decade of a New Millenium
A look at real estate market values in Belchertown over the past 10 years.
Town Employees Give Back
I work with a wonderful group of people...
Local Musician Recognized Internationally
An introduction to Kyle Vincent
The Events Calendar
Do you see your event/meeting posted??
Board of Selectmen Opt Not To Renew Class II License
Selectman close Trio's Autos Sales and order removal of trailer. R&M Enterprises Class II also not renewed.
Selectmen Express Frustration With Developer Regarding Retention Basin
Safety concerns prompt another letter to developer to mitigate issues.
Bits of News
Miscellaneous news
Fire Department Lends Northampton A Helping Hand
The Belchertown Fire Department lent a helping hand to Northampton in the wake of a series of fires in that city over the weekend...
Belchertown CAN! Sets Goal To Surpass Last Year's Accomplishment
Belchertown Community Aid Network to collect food donations for area food pantries.
From the Events Calendar: December 23 - December 29
HAPPY HOLIDAYS from Belchertown-News.com!
Library Gets A "Timely" Gift.
Clapp Memorial Library’s deadline for completing the requirements for receiving a $3.3-million State grant has been extended to June 15, 2010.
Biomass Study May Have Implications For Belchertown
December 17 meeting of the Energy Committee almost cancelled due to lack of quorum as members attend recent public forum in Holyoke regarding biomass.
Finance Committee Gets To Work Preparing For FY'11
In preparation for what has been forecasted as a challenging FY ‘11 budget season, the Finance Committee has started to meet with department heads to discuss the needs of each for what Finance Committee Chairman Steven Rose characterized as, “the first go-around”...
Economic Development and Industrial Corporation Works To Forge New Relationships
The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) met on Wednesday, December 16. They met with a party interested in developing a strip of EDIC property along Route 202; discussed how to include a potential new EDIC Director; a recent meeting with town officials, state legislators, and MassDevelopment; and recent interest from contractors with the State School campus site. They also talked about their exploration of hiring a new attorney...
Belchertown-News.com Expands To Real Estate
New page added to sister website, BelchertownBusiness.com, offers real estate resources for consumers such as: tax credit information, home inspection information, energy efficiency information, loan modification information, area real estate stats and more!!
Deadline for Community Preservation Act Applications Fast Approaching
January 15 is the deadline for consideration.
Deadline to Register Fast Approaching
December 30, 2009 is the last day of voter registration for the Special State Election for Senator in Congress to be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Live Map Of Last 1000 Hits
A live map of the world indicating where the last 1000 visits to Belchertown-News.com have com from.
From the Events Calendar: Week of December 16 - 22, 2009
HAVE YOU BEEN CHECKING THE EVENTS CALENDAR? It’s in the table of contents in the blue column, just under “Young Writers.” Go ahead and click on it.
State of Used Car License In Question
Used car dealer's pursuit of site improvement may have led to some unintended consequences for car dealer.
From the Passenger Seat of a Police Cruiser
A ride-along with Officer Ed Oey of the Belchertown Police Department
Belchertown Seeks Community Involvement
Selectmen seek to fill seats on town committees and boards.
Belchertown Shows Raise Money For Worthy Causes
Over this past weekend, the Belchertown Orioles Athletic Association (BOAA) and the Belchertown United Church of Christ (BUCC) both put on shows to raise money...
15th Annual Ice Fishing Derby Scheduled For January 31
Pre-registration encouraged
Citizens Graduate From Citizens Police Academy
The Belchertown Police Department held its last class of the eleven-week Citizens Police Academy on December 2. Students received certificates and shirts in recognition of their achievement...
Area Holiday Events
Area holiday festivities, not just in Belchertown! Keep checking back AND help us keep adding to the list!!
Looking for a Holiday Gift Idea?
Buy a calendar of Scarborough Brook Conservation area featuring photos of nature and wildlife throughout the seasons...
Bits of News
Miscellaneous news
Report Finds Belchertown Offers Limited Housing Options
Suggests appointment of committee or individual to plan for future and current housing needs.
From the Events Calendar: Week of December 9 - 15
HAVE YOU BEEN CHECKING THE EVENTS CALENDAR? It’s in the table of contents in the blue column, just under “Young Writers.” Go ahead and click on it.<br><br>
Firearms Safety Course Offered
State Certified Instructor, Officer Edward Oey will be offering a Firearms Safety Course on Saturday Dec. 19, 2009...
Tax Rate To Rise To $14.86
Single tax rate classification to continue.
State Legislators, Town Officials, and MassDevelopment Discuss State School Property Re-Development
Town lays groundwork for future relationship with MassDevelopment to get site cleaned up.
Selectmen Appoint Liaison To Tri-Lakes
Members of the Tri-Lakes Association recently met with the Board of Selectmen to request that a liaison be assigned to them...
Planning Board Discuss Range Of Issues
Brook Hollow Condominiums, housing study, and accessory apartments on agenda
Bits of News
Miscellaneous news
Zonta To Host Dinner
Also part of international campaign...
From the Events Calendar: December 2 - 8, 2009
HAVE YOU BEEN CHECKING THE EVENTS CALENDAR? It’s in the table of contents in the blue column, just under “Young Writers.” Go ahead and click on it.
Commonwealth Grants Extension To Land Trust
BLT president says they need more time than what was offered...
Police Seek Grant To Revamp Dispatch
Police Chief Fran Fox met with selectmen to discuss a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Grant. Fox explained that the grant is based on the number of 911 calls his department receives in a given year...
troop 507 boyscouts
Troop 507 boy scouts will be having annual wreath sale. nov 27,28 & 29 Dec 5 & 6 on the Belchertown common. Wreath sales range from $8.00 to $15.00 .
BUCC to present THE HOUSE OF THE WORLD
Wanting to do their part to help their neighbors in need, members of the Belchertown United Church of Christ (BUCC) decided to host again this year three performances of The House of the World on Dec. 4 and Dec. 5 at the Belchertown Congregational Church...
Community Preservation Committee Excited About Report
Says housing study is an opportunity for Belchertown.
Volunteers Needed To Tape School Events
Video to be aired on Channel 5
Deliquent Taxes Contribute To Budget Shortfall
Account for over $500,000
Builders Skeptical of Stretch Code
Concerned over increased costs and effects of a double standard
Citizens Police Academy: Week 10
School Resource Officer
Belchertown-News.com Launches Belchertown TV
New website offers complete video of various meetings and events in town.
Bits of News
Miscellaneous news...
