Williamstown Releases Early Voting And Registration Schedule
WILLIAMSTOWN — Wildfire smoke pushed the region's Air Quality Index above 100 this week, prompting an "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" alert from Town Hall, while the town clerk's office set schedules for early voting ahead of two fall elections.
TOWN HALL
The town issued an air quality alert Wednesday afternoon, warning that smoke from wildfires to the north and west has pushed the Air Quality Index above 100 in the northern Berkshires, a level rated Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Residents with respiratory conditions, young children and older adults are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exertion while the smoke persists.
Town Hall also released the early voting and voter registration schedule for this fall's elections. Residents can vote early in person ahead of the September 1 primary and the November 3 general election; registration deadlines and early-voting hours and dates are posted on the town website.
The Department of Public Works' Thomas Street water main replacement project, underway this summer, will pause for four days — construction is set to halt Monday, July 20, and resume Thursday, July 23.
Also before residents run out of time: the Town Clerk's Office has been displaying a hand-printed reproduction of the Declaration of Independence, made using traditional 250-year-old printing methods for the first time in that span. The display is open for viewing through Friday, July 17.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Milne Public Library's Holistic Sharing Circle meets next Thursday, July 23, at 6 p.m., with this month's focus herb, mullein, prized for soothing an irritated throat and known for producing more than 180,000 seeds per plant. The library is inviting residents to stop in, learn about the plant and share snacks and resources.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Williamstown: Hoosic River group plans river critter program" — a Hoosic River-focused community group is organizing a program on local aquatic insects and river ecology along the Hoosic River, according to a report from The Berkshire Eagle (read it at https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/community-news/williamstown-hoosic-river-group-plans-river-critter-program/article_c6f6cd1f-5899-48e7-b8ca-1c94e82f41fe.html).
"Selldorf Architects reveal new design for the Clark Art Institute in Massachusetts" — the Williamstown museum and research institute is set to receive a new building design from Selldorf Architects, per a report from Wallpaper Magazine (read it at https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/public-buildings/selldorf-architects-clark-art-institute-design-reveal).
COMING UP
The Williamstown Housing Authority meets Wednesday, July 22, at 9 a.m. at 35 Adams Road, followed the same day by the Fire District Prudential Committee at 4 p.m. in a hybrid session. The Conservation Commission meets Thursday, July 23, at 7 p.m., streamed on WilliNet and Spectrum Channel 1303. The Historical Commission meets Friday, July 24, at 2 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room at 31 North Street. The Select Board meets Monday, July 27, at 7 p.m., and the Affordable Housing Trust meets Tuesday, July 28, at 6 p.m., both hybrid sessions streamed live on WilliNet and Spectrum Channel 1303.