EASTHAMPTON — Digital equity efforts are taking off in Easthampton, with new digital education opportunities in the works, technology lending opportunities and more.

GoDigitalEasthampton, the city’s digital equity program, is now beginning to offer iPhone and Android classes to familiarize students with using smartphones in everyday life. The program has also launched its official website, godigitaleasthampton.net, where interested parties can sign up for classes, get help, and learn more about what’s available.

“We’re trying to expand the curriculum and class offerings,” said Jeffrey Mastroianni, executive director of E-Media, which is working with the Massachusetts Broadband Institute and Tech Foundry in Holyoke to make class offerings available in the community.

GoDigitalEasthampton also is offering “learn to earn” classes, where participants can earn their own Chromebook by completing six classes, two online training modules via Northstar and two proctored Northstar assessments. Soon the program will begin offering group study sessions where participants can independently work through Northstar modules with someone available to answer questions.

Community members also can take part in GoDigitalEasthampton’s lending programs, utilizing the Chromebooks and hotspots available. For those seeking help with their own devices, tech help hours are periodically available at the Easthampton Public Library and at the E-Media office.

However, amid federal funding uncertainty, Mastroianni said that the program may soon have to start scaling back its digital literacy classes to just a few times a month, and potentially pull back on lending devices.

“We may have to rely more on volunteer work for the tech support staff,” Mastroianni added.

The program has a Massachusetts Broadband Institute reimbursement grant for up to $100,000. Mastroianni said that “at the end of the day here, we won’t have spent anywhere close to that,” but there are still concerns that the grant may be impacted by funding cuts.

But overall, Mastroianni said that the feedback for the program has been overwhelmingly positive thus far.

“We’re starting something new and I think overall it’s been very successful … Everyone is leaving the classes smiling, and I haven’t made anybody cry yet,” he joked.

Fire department to hold critical blood drive

EASTHAMPTON — The Easthampton Fire Department is partnering with the Baystate Health Blood Donor Program to host a blood drive on Monday, June 9.

Massachusetts is facing a significant blood shortage, and blood donations are needed to help patients across the state. Just one donation can save multiple lives.

“We are proud to partner with Baystate Health for this important cause,” said Easthampton Fire Chief Christopher Norris in an announcement. “The blood shortage is a serious issue, and we are calling on our community to join us in making a difference. Your donation could be the difference between life and death for someone in need.”

Appointments can be scheduled by calling 413-794-4600, but walk-ins are also welcome on the day of the drive.

The drive will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Easthampton Fire Station at 32 Payson Ave.

Manhan Rail Trailconstruction has begun

EASTHAMPTON — Repairs to the Manhan Rail Trail are underway, and several sections of the trail will be closed until further notice.

Portions of the trail closed for renovations are Coleman Road to Payson Avenue, Union Street to Ferry Street and Fort Hill Road to North Street.

For more information and updates, visit https://easthamptonma.gov/820/Manhan-Rail-Trail-Bike-Path or contact Mandy Morrissette in the Engineering Department with any questions at 413-529-1400 ext. 423 or via email at mmorrissette@easthamptonma.gov.

Police requestinfo on car break-ins

SOUTHAMPTON — The Southampton Police Department is seeking community help in gathering information about reports of car break-ins.

The incidents were reported in the Bissonette Circle, White Loaf Road and Pequot Road area. The break-ins are suspected to have happened between 3 and 4 a.m. last Tuesday.

Every vehicle that was entered had been left  unlocked.

Any community members who have information or ca mera footage should contact the Southampton Police Department at 413-527-1120 or email officer Angers at dangers@southamptonpolice.com.

Alexa Lewis can be reached at alewis@gazettenet.com.