EASTHAMPTON — The Easthampton Public Library reopened its doors this weekend after the discovery of dead bats in the building prompted its temporary closure. While library staff were still able to offer some services such as curbside hours, Katya Schapiro, the library’s director, is glad that regular operations are able to resume.

“We’re good to open as long as we’re basically on bat watch for the rest of this month,” said Schapiro, who announced on the library’s social media Friday evening that the building was cleared to open on Saturday.

The library announced on Thursday, Aug. 1, that they would be temporarily closed because of a “building issue.” The issue was several dead bats appearing in the building. While Schapiro said the library is familiar with “old building things” like the incursion of local critters, finding multiple dead bats within its walls prompted further investigation and a recommendation by the Health Department to temporarily close.

A “bat remediation specialist” who visited the building on Thursday told Schapiro that there are a number of reasons why bats may be found dead within the building. The most concerning cause is bat-borne illness, but even more common are deaths related to extreme heat.

It was determined by health officials that the library was safe to reopen, barring any future guest appearances by bats. Schapiro said that library staff were able to engage in “interim mediation,” which consisted of “taping up some of the bigger holes” where bats could enter. More permanent solutions are scheduled to come in the form of maintenance at the end of the month.

CAN-DO reaches one-year mark

EASTHAMPTON — The city’s Caregiver Advisory Network for Disability Opportunities (CAN-DO) is celebrating one year of advocating for children with disabilities and their families. CAN-DO is a volunteer organization made up of parents and caregivers of students with and without disabilities aimed at supporting students with disabilities and their families within the Easthampton Public School District.

This past year, under the leadership of Kelly Brown, Sam Hunter, and Pilar Goldstein-Dea, CAN-DO has spearheaded a number of workshops and initiatives aimed at increasing accessibility, awareness, and resource availability for students with disabilities and those who care for them. This includes hosting workshops on individualized education programs, family rights in the special education system, and executive functioning training through collaborations with statewide parent advisory councils.

Moving forward, the advisory council plans to expand support offerings such as meetings, coffee hours and play dates. The council also encourages anyone with ties to the Easthampton special education system to get involved, and is seeking board members to fill several vacancies including the role of secretary, recently vacated by Todd Snider, as well as treasurer and program coordinator. Those interested in joining should contact CAN-DO at CAN-DO@epsd.us.

Caregivers are encouraged to reach out with and questions or concerns, and can learn more about the advisory council and its upcoming events at https://epsdcando.org/.

Southampton updating Hazard Mitigation Plan

SOUTHAMPTON — Updates to the town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan will begin with a meeting on Aug. 15 with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. The Hazard Mitigation planning process involves the assessment of risks facing the town as well as the ability of current mitigation measures to potentially meet the needs posed by those risks.

Hazard Mitigation Plans are developed by town staff and volunteers in partnership with the PVPC, with additional assistance from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). To maintain eligibility for federal funding, FEMA requires these plans to be updated every five years.

The meeting will include Town Administrator Scott Szczebak, Police Chief Ian Illingsworth, Fire Chief Richard Fasoli and members of the Board of Health and Highway Department.

Easthampton Fire Department to host open house

EASTHAMPTON — The Easthampton Fire Department invites community members to get to know their personnel, and take a look at their vehicles and equipment at an open house on Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mt. Tom’s Ice Cream will provide free ice cream at the event, and there will be a raffle for any Easthampton resident who attends an Easthampton school to win a fire truck ride to school.

All members of the Easthampton community are welcome to come enjoy free ice cream, explore the department, and chat with their neighbors and fire department personnel.

Bingo to support Easthampton Neighbors

EASTHAMPTON/SOUTHAMPTON — August’s Bingo with Molly monthly get-together at Glendale Ridge Vineyard in Southampton will support Easthampton Neighbors, a member-driven nonprofit that aids senior community members in leading independent, full lives through volunteer services and programs.

On Aug. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m., everyone is welcome to come enjoy Bingo and wine at no cover charge. Each participant will get two free Bingo cards and the opportunity to win prizes. While there is no charge to participate, donations are encouraged to support Easthampton Neighbors.

Flights and tastings will be available until 5 p.m. Those attending are welcome to enjoy beverages from the vineyard or bring their own non-alcoholic beverages with them.

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