WESTHAMPTON — Voters deciding on two contested seats in this year’s town election in Westhampton will have a chance to meet the candidates before casting their ballots.

Jonathan Albitz and Jennifer Milikowsky are running for a seat on the town Select Board, while Andy Hilnbrand, Jose Whiting-Cruz, and Scott Johndrow are running for a seat on the Regional School Committee.

Candidates running for office will convene at Town Hall for a reception and Q&A session on Thursday at 6 p.m. The conversation, moderated by Maureen Dempsey, will offer candidates an opportunity to say why they are running and comment on current issues. Residents are encouraged to ask questions during the session.

The event is open to the public and is organized by the Friends of the Westhampton Public Library.

The election will take place on Saturday, June 1 at Town Hall, and polls will be open from 8 a.m. until noon.

 

Road closure on East Street

The Southampton Water Department has issued a traffic alert notifying drivers of a road closure on Thursday.

A portion of East Street spanning from Whispering Meadow Lane to house 121 on East Street will be closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. due to water main expansion work. The timing will not affect school bus routes.

“Eastbound traffic will be detoured at Strong Road to Whiteloaf Road to Middle Road and back onto East Street,” the alert says. “Westbound traffic will be detoured at Middle Road to Whiteloaf Road to Strong Road and back onto East Street.”

The town asks drivers to plan accordingly for this closure, and notes that local traffic will have access from Strong Road or Middle Road.

Further questions and concerns can be directed to the Water Department (413) 532-4249 or watersuper@townofsouthampton.org.

Easthampton Farmers’ Market is back

EASTHAMPTON — The Summer Farmers’ Market will open on Sunday, providing the community with local produce, live music, food trucks, artisan crafts, and more.

The market will continue to offer fresh vegetables, fruit and other kinds of produce, bringing together farmers and artisans from across the Pioneer Valley and western Massachusetts.

“Our goal is to have a full lineup of the freshest and most diverse, seasonal offerings each week at our market,” organizers say in a statement on their website. “Additionally, the market offers value-added, locally made products including baked goods, ice pops, kombucha, and more.”

The market is a family-friendly event, and actively seeks vendors who accept SNAP and HIP to aid those who may be experiencing food insecurity.

The market will take place in the parking lot of 50 Payson Ave. every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., ending on Oct. 23.

 

Council on Aging to host ‘Grill and Chill’

EASTHAMPTON — Community members who are 55 and older are invited to Nonotuck Park on June 6 for a picnic with city government representatives.

The event, organized by the Easthampton Council on Aging, will feature live music by guitarist Tom Carroll. Food will be provided by Hamel’s Catering, with on-site grilling.

Residents will have the opportunity to socialize among themselves and their city officials in a casual setting.

Attendees must RSVP by Tuesday, May 28, and may also request free transportation to the event by that date. Easthampton residents will be given preference, but members of surrounding communities are welcome.

This event is aided by a grant awarded to the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. It will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and food will be served for the full two hours.

Those interested may register by contacting the Council on Aging at 527-6151 ext. 136 or coa@easthamptonma.gov.

 

Made With Pride

EASTHAMPTON — Pride Month is fast approaching, and CitySpace in Easthampton is preparing to celebrate with its Made With Pride Pop-Up Market on Saturday, June 1. Artists and artisans from Hampshire County and beyond will gather in the Blue Room at Old Town Hall from 2 p.m. to 7 p,m, to showcase their creative works.

From pottery and paintings to clothing and books, the community is invited to browse a vibrant array of crafted goods.

Confirmed vendors currently include Captain Debbie, Desmond Shea, Dragonlight Designs, Ouroboros Studios, KafkaEzque Alternative Stationery, Michael Sjostedt, Mossy Bee, Night Critter Prints, Paul Specht, pushcart judaica, Sophia Jakobson, The Shiny Bunny, ArtfromRainyDays, Bookends in Florence, brilliant trades, and butchknits.

Easthampton’s Art Walk will also take place on this date, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Both events are free.

 

Battle of the Bands

EASTHAMPTON — Nine local bands will take the stage with their original music at Easthampton’s Battle of the Bands.

Community members are invited to listen to local groups spanning a variety of genres as they compete for the first place prize: a spot in the lineup at the Thunder in the Valley Concert and Fireworks Festival in 2025.

The competitors are Aurora Blues, Cora Monroe, DC Wolves, Failed to Say, Man About a horse, Modern Ego, GDI, Ramshackle, and Theater of Malum.

The event is hosted by the Easthampton Healthy Youth Coalition and Easthampton Parks and Recreation, and will be held on Saturday, July 20 at Millside Park on Ferry Street. Music will begin at noon.

For more information, contact battleofbands@easthamptonma.gov.

Alexa Lewis can be reached at alewis@gazettenet.com or on Instagram and Twitter at @alexamlewis.