CHESHIRE, Mass. — A pandemic should never stop a little spring cleaning and residents took the month of May to spruce up the town.
Since 2014, the Cheshire Community Association has organized a community cleanup during the month of May and even with challenges this year they found a way to persist.
"The CCA's first community event in October 2014 was a town clean-up day that attracted more than 40 hardy souls, including State Representative Gail Cariddi (may she rest in peace)," Cheshire Community Association members John Tremblay and Eileen Quinn said in a joint email. "During this very challenging time of separation and anxiety, our objective is to use this shared goal as a way of maintaining connection among our residents and continuing to build on the theme of ‘Cheshire Proud'."
Of course there is a stress on health and safety this year and volunteers are asked to wear personal protective equipment and work with family members or alone to minimize contact with others.
This year they have targeted Wells and Windsor Road, Notch Road. and Trailhead, Stafford Hill Monument grounds, the downtown area, and former Cheshire Elementary School grounds.
These are only suggestions and folks are urged to participate by cleaning up their own neighborhoods or wherever else needs a little extra attention.
Participants are encouraged to post photos of their cleanup efforts on the Facebook page.
"It has definitely seemed to boost community morale. We've already seen a very positive response with several folks taking on clean-up efforts in their neighborhoods, and expressing general appreciation for the 'Clean-up Month' concept. Our group clearly noticed this on Saturday with many thumbs-up, thank you's, and horn honks while we cleaned up Wells Road."
The Cheshire Community Association still plans to schedule a cleanup day in the fall and hopes during this time folks will be able to clean up Cheshire together.
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Hoosac Valley School Committee Defends Budget
By Daniel MatziBerkshires correspondent
CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Hoosac Valley School Committee reaffirmed their support of the Hoosac Valley Regional School District (HVRSD) proposed $23 million budget.
On Monday night the school committee and school leaders defended the proposed school district budget that the Cheshire Select Board opposed at one of their own meetings in April. Dean backed the budget, which increased by $1,096,525 over this fiscal year, as being as fiscally responsible as possible.
"We're doing a lot of great work here, a lot of work that I'm proud of," Superintendent Aaron Dean said. "And I cannot in good conscience recommend doing anything other than moving forward with this budget."
During an April select board meeting, the Cheshire selectmen announced that they were hesitant to adjust their proposed municipal budget that included a level-funded HVRSD assessment.
The school district's proposed budget included a $148,661 increase to Cheshire's assessment.
The Cheshire selectmen voted to plan for a Proposition 2.5 override. If the HVRSD budget isn't lowered to their liking, the town will be poised for an override vote - essentially putting the school budget increase to a ballot vote.
Monday, Dean said he was confused why Cheshire took such a strong stance against the budget, especially after it had been openly discussed as far back as January.
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