June 2026

View this issue as a webpage or click "View entire message" at the bottom of this email to see the full newsletter

June is here, and Belchertown is fully alive with it: longer evenings, the Common buzzing, and that particular energy that comes when the whole town seems to be outside at once. It's a good time of year to be in Belchertown.

May was a busy and rewarding month for our community. On May 11th, roughly 200 residents came out to Town Meeting and voted to approve the FY27 operating budget, authorize a new Affordable Housing Trust, and protect 177 acres of conservation land—with minimal opposition and a real spirit of getting things done. A week later we held Town Elections, and I want to take a moment to thank our election workers sincerely. They show up every cycle, work long hours, and make sure every vote is counted. That kind of quiet dedication is what keeps this town running.

For election results, you can find the Town Clerk’s official elections results page here. For Town Meeting results, minutes from the Special Town Meeting (STM) and Annual Town Meeting (ATM) are still being prepared, but you can find the article-by-article vote breakdown at the bottom of www.belchertown.org/townmeeting. The STM results are displayed when you load the page, and you can click the “Annual Town Meeting May 11, 2026” tab to see ATM results.

As we head deeper into summer, a couple of things worth keeping in mind. With more people out walking—especially around the Common, through the Chestnut Hill Community Recreation area, and down toward Lake Wallace—please slow down and look out for your neighbors. And while you're outside, keep an eye out for spotted lanternfly egg masses, which are hatching in Belchertown right now. If you find any, scrape and crush them on sight and report sightings at mass.gov/spottedlanternfly.

Here's to a wonderful June. Enjoy every bit of it.

– Steve Williams, Town Manager

Town Updates

People Updates from the Office of Human Resources

Recognizing Years of Service

The Town is proud to recognize two members of our Fire-Rescue Department for their dedication and commitment to our community.

Maddison Dexter, Firefighter/Paramedic, is celebrating 5 years of service. Maddison has been an invaluable part of our emergency response team, providing skilled care and protection to residents. We thank Maddison for five years of service and look forward to many more.

Fire Chief John Ingram is also marking 5 years of service leading our Fire-Rescue Department. Under Chief Ingram's leadership, the department has continued to grow and serve our community with professionalism and dedication. We are grateful for his guidance and commitment to keeping our town safe.

Please join us in congratulating both Maddison and Chief Ingram on this milestone. Their service makes our community a safer place for all.

We're Hiring: New Jobs Posted in May

Interested in joining our team? Find our list of job postings here: www.belchertown.org/jobs, including 4 positions (in DPW, Fire-Rescue, and IT) posted in May.

Celebrate Pride Month in Belchertown at two events happening this June.  Join us on June 1st at 4:00 PM for a short Flag Raising Ceremony at Town Hall (2 Jabish Street).  Then on June 20th from 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM, join us on the Town Common for our Pride Festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, vendors, food trucks, music, and family friendly activities.  This event is hosted by the Belchertown D.E.I. Task Force and the Belchertown Police Department, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Special Town Meeting, Annual Town Meeting, and elections are behind us!

At the Special Town Meeting (STM), funds were redistributed among previously approved town government and fixed cost budgets* to ensure that budget balances are sufficient to support the final months of the fiscal year.  Unexpected costs inevitably come up as the year progresses, while savings through things like position vacancies, favorable conditions surrounding utilities, etc., also occur.  The “special before the annual” (town meeting) is an opportunity for departments and the financial team to make necessary adjustments prior to fiscal year-end.  All such transfers are contingent on affirmative town meeting vote.

In addition, funds voted from the Stabilization Fund for health insurance increases at the October STM were transferred back to Stabilization at last month’s STM. 

The business of the Annual Town Meeting (ATM) follows the spring STM each year.  Several of the ATM articles were financial in nature, with budgets and transfers approved by voters at the ATM set to take effect on July 1, the start of FY27.  The Finance Committee Report for FY27 defines the category limitations on departmental spending.  For example, many departments are listed in the report with their budgets broken down into the following categories: Salary, Wage, Expense.  Expense funds can never be used for salary or wages.  Wages cannot be expended for salaries or non-payroll expenses, and so on.  For this reason, a STM vote is required for any redistribution of funds as discussed above.

A balanced Fiscal Year 27 budget was voted on favorably as presented at ATM on May 11, completing budget season for the coming fiscal year.

*Massachusetts General Law provides local school districts the flexibility to transfer budgetary funds from one line item to another via a vote of the School Committee rather than requiring a town meeting vote.

Summer is almost here!

Please look at Belchertownrec.com for the listings of programs before they fill.

Don't forget about the Town Beach which is located on Town Beach Road on Lake Arcadia, opening on weekends in June and then seven days a week once school ends the week of June 22nd.

Here are a few programs that start in June to kickstart our summer:

NFL Flag Football provides the opportunity to experience fun, focus on teamwork, and learn the skills of the sport. Flag football offers non-contact continuous action, while requiring minimal equipment. Each player has an opportunity to play every position and will have equal playing time. The season will come to an end with the “Super Bowl.” This program includes NFL team jersey, flag belt, flags, mouth guard, and trophy. Dream Big, Play Big!  The season will run June 1st to July 29th on Monday and Wednesday evenings.

This summer we are excited to announce that we are now operating IncrediCamps, and we have a whole new set of programs to offer, including IncrediFlix (movie-making) and now also IncrediQuest programs. In case you didn't see the announcement, IncrediQuest teaches intro subjects where kids learn life skills by doing, and having fun! Just some of those subjects are magic, drawing, detective mystery, entrepreneurship.  Find our IncrediCamps listings on our website here or at the IncrediCamps Belchertown page here.

New IncrediQuest programs include Entrepreneurship & Board Game Design Creative Quest (June 22 to June 26, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM) and Comic Strip & Spy Intelligence Creative Quest (June 22 to June 26, 1:00 to 4:00 PM).

Any questions about activities, programs, and/or spaces you maybe interested in, please give us a call at (413) 323-0419.

The Belchertown Fire-Rescue Department is pleased to announce that our new UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) has been delivered. This new piece of equipment was purchased by an earmark from the state. The Department would like to thank Representative Saunders for his great work in securing this earmark. The new UTV has a 85 gallon water tank with an EMS transportation device to assist with patient removal from wooded areas. Our old unit had two separate attachments (one for water/firefighting, and one for patient transport) that took time to swap out. The new UTV has both capabilities built in, helping us respond more quickly to emergencies.

The Assessors Office is pleased to welcome newly elected member Jeanmarie Leone to the Board of Assessors, and to have Mike Caney continue on the Board after being re-elected for a second term. Congratulations to both.

The Assessors Office staff continue to conduct inspections related to building permits and new construction.

FY2027 Real estate tax exemption applications for disabled veterans, seniors (70+ with income and asset criteria), surviving spouses (with asset criteria), and the legally blind will be mailed out in July. The qualification date for these exemptions is July 1, 2026. Please contact the office if you would like to be added to the mailing list. Phone (413) 323-0413; email afilipkowski@belchertown.org. 

Veterans with a disability rating of 100% may qualify for an exemption from motor vehicle excise. Please submit an application for abatement along with your rating letter from the Veterans Administration to jenbenoit@belchertown.org.

Taxpayers with questions or concerns can contact the Assessors Office at (413) 323-0413 for further clarification. Please visit the Assessors Office webpage for additional information.

The Belchertown Cultural Council would like to highlight the following grant recipient events happening in June:

• “Fabric of the Revolution,” an ongoing project in which Holly Field explores the history of flags and flag making during the American Revolution. Episode 4, “Weaving The Cloth” is now up on Youtube. If you missed any of the episodes so far, they can all be found on her YouTube channel here. 
• Holly is also offering two exciting in-person events. The first, Fabric of the Revolution: Recreating a 13 Star American Flag, A talk with Fiber Artist Holly Field, will be held at the Clapp Memorial Library on June 9th at 7:00 PM.
• Her second event, Fabric of the Revolution Workshop: Dye your own Washington Standard Flag, will be held at the Clapp Memorial Library on June 13th at 10:00 AM. Kids under 13 need to be accompanied by an adult. Registration required: sign up here. 
• Head over to the Clapp Memorial Library on June 18th at 5:30 PM for LibraryBEATS! Drum and Rhythm with Otha Day. Geared towards ages 3 to 10, LibraryBEATS! is a fun and lively drumming circle. Children under the age of 10 must have a caregiver at least 14 years old on the Library property.
• Then, on Saturday, June 20th at 5:00 PM, singer-songwriter, jazz musician, educator and activist Pamela Means Presents: Black, Brown, Beige on the Clapp Memorial Library’s front lawn. This concert honors artists who have used their voices, their lives, and their art to call out injustice, inspire compassion, and prove possibilities of a just and loving world. Highlighted artists include Bessie Smith, Leadbelly, Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Marvin Gaye, Tracy Chapman, Prince, and more!

Food Truck Fridays returns for summer 2026! Come spend the third Friday evening of the summer months on the Common, starting June 19th for an evening of food, community, and entertainment. Bring your picnic blanket, sit back, relax, and enjoy this Belchertown tradition with us this summer!

The 2nd annual Belchertown Pride Festival will be hosted by The Belchertown D.E.I. Task Force and the Belchertown Police Department on Saturday June 20th from noon to 5:00 PM on the Town Common (see event page here. Enjoy live music, vendors, food trucks, and more! The BCC table will offer a free rainbow flag craft.

From our new Veterans Services Officer, Dustin Ruby:

Lots of upcoming events for Veterans and their families. Join me for Veterans Coffee Hour on June 17th from 10:00 – 11:00 AM (4 Berkshire Avenue), plus check out some of the other Veterans events happening in the area in June. Feel free to stop by my office anytime to talk about events or ways we can continue to support our Veterans!

Click to open pdf

As a member of the Belchertown School Committee, it is hard to put into words what Cold Spring School has meant to our community over the years. For generations of students, families, teachers, and staff, Cold Spring has been more than just a building. It has been a place of learning, friendship, growth, and memories that will last a lifetime. While this chapter is coming to a close, the impact of Cold Spring School will continue through the people whose lives were shaped within its walls.

The Belchertown Economic Development Industrial Corporation (BEDIC) is pleased to announce that Beth Maroney has been appointed as its new Chair. A board member since 2010, Beth brings more than 15 years of BEDIC experience and a background in commercial lending to the role. She succeeds longtime chairs Bill Terry and Kirk Stephens, who together contributed over 30 years of combined service to the organization.

BEDIC's central project is the redevelopment of the former Belchertown State School site. Since Belchertown and BEDIC entered into a development agreement with MassDevelopment in 2012, more than $18 million has been secured through various sources, with MassDevelopment covering ongoing costs such as insurance, maintenance, security, and professional fees. The site is now master-planned as Carriage Grove, a new mixed-use neighborhood designed for more than half a million square feet of development. Earlier BEDIC efforts have already paid off: a redeveloped parcel is now home to Pride Station, Tractor Supply, Alden Credit Union, and Planet Fitness, and properties on the former State School site generated $334,729 in tax revenue for Belchertown in 2024.

The work continues, with BEDIC currently pursuing a One Stop grant to fund demolition that would make the site more competitive for future developers. Redevelopment of this scale is a long process, and meaningful progress continues even when there’s nothing new to see on the ground. Residents who want to learn more and share their thoughts are encouraged to attend BEDIC meetings (agendas posted here) or reach out to BEDIC@belchertown.org.

Updates from the Department of Public Works

In DPW Administration:

• Beaver management presentation and walk on June 27th, 1:00 – 3:00 PM: In conjunction with the Massachusetts Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program, which funded culvert replacement project on Warren Wright Road over Hop Brook, a presentation from the Beaver Institute will take place at the Recreation Department (66 State Street) followed by a walk to the Pond Leveler flow device installed in Lake Wallace at Foley Field. A table with pond critters to explore the biodiversity and aquatic macroinvertebrates biomonitoring will also be set up lakeside. Beavers play a vital role in local flood control, water retention and infiltration, and habitat biodiversity. Come learn about these interesting and complex creatures and how tricking them with the installation of "beaver deceivers" allows us to happily coexist. This is a fun event for all ages.
• Hazardous Waste Day pre-registrations are already coming in for this year’s event scheduled for Saturday, September 12 from 9 AM to noon. Visit our event page here to find more information.

In the Highway Division:

• Town Beach parking lot reconstruction project is well underway.
• Catch basin cleaning is almost complete.
• Crack sealing on various streets is complete.
• Performed cleanup of tree damage from the storm on May 18th.
• Asplundh Tree was contracted to perform public tree removal and pruning throughout the month of May. 
• Rubber stone seal and paving will begin in June.

In the Cemetery Division:

• All of Belchertown’s veterans graves were decorated with American flags and a Memorial Day ceremony was held at South Cemetery.

In the Maintenance Division:

• Mowed and lined Belchertown High School Stadium Field for girls and boys lacrosse senior night. 
• Gutted the old EMS building, completed building asbestos abatement, and cut floor to add a new bathroom.
• In partnership with the Police Department, over 40 military tribute banners were installed around the Town Common and Town Hall area.
• Began sprinkler systems pipe replacement at the Recreation Department and Freedom Center buildings.
• Completed set-up and take-down preparations for town meetings and election voting.
• Conducted miscellaneous repairs at many buildings.

At the Transfer Station & Recycling Center: 

• The 2026 ReDuce, ReUse, ReCycle Guide is out with copies available at the Transfer Station and available online here. This annual publication hosts a variety of recycling campaigns with ideas on how and what to recycle. You can view.
• Stay up to date with the Transfer Station’s hours and closings here. The station will be closed on June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

At the Waste Water Treatment Facility:

• Pre-rehabilitation design walkthrough and sewer inspection of Jackson Street sewer structures in preparation for re-lining.
• Started spring sewer line cleaning.
• Marked out a service on Westview Street and assisted a resident with a sewer pump system issue on Grela Terrace.
• Conducted PFAS sampling.
• Seasonal cleaning of Post Equalization tank #2.
• Replaced Sequencing Batch Reactor decanter limit switch.

Fabric of a Revolution: Recreating a 13 Star American Flag

Tuesday, June 9th, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Join fiber artist Holly Field to discuss her “Fabric of a Revolution” project creating a historically accurate 18th century American flag. Holly will detail how she constructed the flag starting with the raw materials of sheep’s fleece and flax, then spinning, weaving, and dyeing the fabric, and finally sewing the flag. Learn about the connection this same process had to people in American history. The flag will be featured at the talk and displayed at the library through June. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Belchertown Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Fabric of a Revolution: Dye Your Own Washington Standard Flag

Saturday, June 13th, 10:00 – 11:00 AM (Registration required: sign up here)

Fiber artist Holly Field will join us again to host a fabric dyeing activity to make your own copy of George Washington's headquarters flag, the Washington Standard. This flag was flown during the Revolutionary War to mark Washington’s position in camp and on the battlefield. Participants will dye a Washington Standard of their own using a natural Indigo blue dye bath. The dyeing process can be messy so please dress appropriately. This activity is limited to 18 participants, ages 10 to adult, and will take place on the front lawn of the library. Kids under 13 need to be accompanied by an adult. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Belchertown Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Seeking Summer Reading Program Junior Volunteers – Apply now!

The library is officially looking for Junior Volunteers to help out at the library this summer! Responsible and friendly students entering grades 7-12 and graduates from the Class of 2026 are invited to apply to be Junior Volunteers. JVs play a crucial role in the success and operation of our Summer Reading Program. Students selected for the JV program will volunteer 10-15 hours throughout the summer. Volunteer tasks may include: manning the Children's Summer Reading Program table, helping at library programs under the supervision of library staff, assisting at a story time/children's activity, sharing a special talent, using the copier, shelving books, and more! The application closes on June 10th. Learn more and fill out the application here.

Be sure to visit our calendar for more June events and programs such as:

• Kinti Ensemble, Tuesday, June 2nd, 7:00 – 8:00 PM: Join us for an inspired collaboration between cellist Rebecca Hartka and Andean musician Curi Cachimuel! This unique duo has a sound rooted in the music of their Celtic and Andean indigenous ancestors, as well as original looped and partially improvised compositions inspired by the natural world. This program is funded by the Friends of Clapp Memorial Library.
• Pride Month Movie Matinees: Grab your popcorn for this program series! Tuesdays in June we’re showing a series of films for Pride Month in our Activity Room! Showings at 3:00 PM. Join us on Tuesday, June 9th for Were the World Mine (2008, TV14, 1hr 36min), a coming of age romance at a private boy’s school where a gay teen is cast as Puck, in the school’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and ends up with a love potion that causes havoc in his conservative town. Starring Tanner Cohen, Nathaniel David Becker, Zelda Williams, Judy McLane, and Jill Larson. No registration required. Public performance rights provided through Kanopy.

Coming up! Get ready for our Summer Reading Programs for Kids, Teens, and Adults starting Saturday, June 20th.

Clapp Memorial Library Hours:

Monday 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Tuesday 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Wednesday 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Thursday 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Friday 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

If you’ve been meaning to explore the Belchertown Greenway lately, check out the Friends of the Belchertown Greenway’s new brochure. If you’ve had a hard time figuring out how to access the trail, the new map shows you 5 unmarked parking areas.

Friends of the Belchertown Greenway is a group of residents working to turn the town-owned portion of the former railroad corridor into a trail for all to enjoy. On their website, belchertowngreenway.org, you can see news of current progress and events, and you can also sign up to a mailing list to learn about how to join a trail maintenance workday or track when meetings are held (usually the first Tuesday of every month at 4:00 PM in Town Hall).

See you on the trail!

Click to open pdf

“In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.”



– John Steinbeck

Summer Concert Series: The Belchertown Council On Aging (BCOA) is proud to present our 2026 Summer Outdoor Concert Series!! Get ready for a summer of great music! All shows are FREE to attend, and open to all ages! Shows will be rain OR shine! In the event of rain, the show will be moved indoors. No preregistration required, but if you’d like to attend lunch indoors before the performance, please call Kim (413) 323-0420 ext. 508 to sign up!

Here is the lineup, starting this month with a Neil Diamond tribute show by Charlie Lask on June 26th:

• Charlie Lask (Neil Diamond Tribute): Friday, June 26th, 12:30 – 1:30 PM. Charlie is known for his heartfelt delivery and engaging vocals, offering his fantastic Neil Diamond tribute show since 2005!
• Memory Lane ~ Happy 250th Birthday America! Wednesday, July 8th, 12:30 – 1:30 PM. Memory Lane sings all your favorite doo wop and patriotic hits!
• The Willies: Friday, July 17th, 12:30 – 1:30 PM. The Willies are a classic rock band, playing songs from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s!
• Stephen George ~ World Senior Citizens Day! Friday, August 21st, 12:30 – 1:30 PM. Stephen brings the energy wherever he goes, offering versatility in playing from all decades and all musical genres!

Plants of the Wetlands Walk on Monday, June 1st at 9:30 AM: Join our “Gentle Walkers” with special guest Louise Levy (Co-Leader, Friends of Lake Wallace) for a slow walk on the Lake Wallace Sensory Trail to learn about the plants that grow along the trail and in our wetlands.

Medicare Fraud Presentation on Tuesday, June 2nd at 10:00 AM: Learn how to protect yourself from Medicare fraud and scams! This program is facilitated by Sara Sturdivant, Outreach and Education Coordinator, Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program. Free to attend! Walk-Ins Welcome!

Celebrate Pride Month! On Wednesday, June 10th at 10:00 AM: Please join the Rainbow Social Group as Pride Month is celebrated! There will be snacks, arts and crafts, and maybe even a surprise or two! Feel free to bring a snack to share if you choose.

Be sure to view our newsletter for more monthly offerings and information!

Native plants are essential to maintaining local food webs, with many insects native to North America only being able to consume plants that are also native to North America. Native insect populations have been in sharp decline in recent years, largely due to the removal of native plants, the rise of various invasive species, and the use of pesticides. These insect populations are necessary food sources for songbirds, which rely on them to raise their young. By restoring native plants to our yards, we can help to protect the ecosystems and food webs within our own neighborhoods, ensuring that populations of a variety of creatures (including humans) remain healthy for many years to come. For more information on the benefits of native plants and how you can help, check out HomegrownNationalPark.org and MassPollinatorNetwork.org. Also, the next time you go shopping for plants, consider looking for a nursery that specializes in native plants like the Native Plant Trust’s Nasami Farm in Whately.

Click to download Mass Audubon’s Invasive Plant Guide (pdf)

In addition to planting more native plants in your yard, you can also help maintain local ecosystems by removing invasive species, many of which are able to get out of control because the native predators that keep them under control in their places of origin do not live here. That means that it is up to us to control them ourselves. For more information on which plants are invasive in Massachusetts and what can be done to control them, see the Mass Audubon’s Invasive Plant Guide, downloadable on their website here.

The following free apps are very useful for identifying plants and birds, making it much easier to tell what is native and what is invasive:

• Seek by iNaturalist: This is a phone app that allows you to take pictures of plants, animals, and fungi and will help you to identify them. You can also upload observations, which helps give scientists more data to perform research on the distribution and size of plant and animal populations.
• Merlin Bird ID: This is a phone app that allows you to record bird songs and will help identify which birds you are hearing.

Our Military Tribute Banner Program was a huge success again this year with more than 40 Military Tribute Banners installed around the Town Common and Town Hall. We sincerely thank everyone who helped make this year’s Military Banner Program possible through their support and participation. Check out some pictures below!

Also last month, we participated in the Umbrella of Wellness event on May 16th, with Officer Rivera conducting child safety seat inspections and installations. Earlier in the month, Officer Austin attended the Unified Games at Monson High School, a Special Olympics Massachusetts event with Belchertown representation.

On May 16th, BOAT (Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together) sponsored its fifth annual Umbrella of Wellness Fair at Chestnut Hill Community School in Belchertown.  This fair is a free community event offering access to local resources around substance use prevention, treatment and recovery, mental health, and wellness from seventy nonprofit organizations.  A variety of activities were provided for over 200 adults and youth in attendance this year.  Upon registering, each guest received a tote bag for resources with 3 raffle tickets for the forty eight donated raffle prizes and a token worth $10 to be used at the food trucks.  Barrow's Family Pulling Team, or "Pulling for a Cause" from Ware, MA was set up outside with their truck called "Bits and Pieces" aiming to educate people on depression and suicide prevention.  The Alex's Army trailer was also in attendance with a goal of educating parents on potential warning signs of youth substance use with a mock teen bedroom setup and resources for concerned parents.  Touch-a-Truck fire and ambulance vehicles were parked outside for children to enjoy and explore under supervision. 

This year's keynote speaker was Chris Sullivan, former NFL Patriots player who spoke about his personal journey of a mental health condition, substance use disorder, and recovery.  A Kid's Corner was made available this year led by the BHS Helping Hands students.  This allowed parents to attend the speaker portion of the event while allowing their children to enjoy the magic show, face painting, balloon making, henna tattoos, and coloring activity in a safe and supervised setting.  Smiley from the Woo Sox, Boomer from the Thunderbirds, and comfort dogs were also making the rounds and visiting guests throughout the fair.  We hope everyone enjoyed the event and look forward to next year's fair.

Regional, State, and Other Government Updates

A reminder that our state legislators, Senator Jake Oliveira and Representative Aaron Saunders, maintain regular office hours in Belchertown, offering a convenient opportunity for residents to discuss legislative matters and share concerns. Both legislators hold their office hours at the Belchertown Senior Center, located at 60 State Street.

Senator Jake Oliveira hosts office hours on the first Thursday of every month from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.  This month office hours will be on Thursday, June 4th.

Representative Aaron Saunders hosts office hours on the third Monday of every month from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. This month office hours will be on Monday, June 15th.

Community Updates

Join Jace’s Victory Squeeze, a lemonade stand fundraiser on Saturday, June 6th from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at 22 Metacomet Street. This fundraiser benefits Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and childhood cancer research.

This event honors Jace, who was diagnosed with a rare malignant germ cell yolk sac teratoma before his first birthday and underwent life-saving chemotherapy. Nineteen years later, we’re celebrating his journey by raising funds to help other children facing cancer.

Stop by for a cup of lemonade, hear Jace’s inspiring story, and help us squeeze out childhood cancer one cup at a time. Donations of any amount are appreciated, and all proceeds support childhood cancer research through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

Join us for Opening Day on Sunday, June 7th from 10 AM – 2 PM on the Town Common!

Opening Day will feature 14 Farmers, 8 Artisans, 2 Food Trucks, 5 Food Vendors, Live Music by Bruce Colegrove, a Dino Dig activity, and Sensory Hour from 1:00 to 2:00 PM.

Our season runs through October 4th.  Come back each Sunday for fresh produce, weekly baked goods, breakfast and lunch foods, music, and activities!  We proudly accept SNAP and HIP benefits at the Manager’s Tent, making fresh, local produce accessible.  Thanks to our Market Sponsors, we are again able to offer a $10 “SNAP Match” every Sunday.

For more information and to subscribe to our newsletter, visit our website: belchertownfarmersmarket.weebly.com.

Drop in to our Art Sale and Fundraiser on Sunday, June 7th from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Saint Francis Parish Center (12 Park Street).  The art sale will feature donated works by Quabbin Art Association (QAA) member artists, as well as individual vendor tables. This event coincides with the Belchertown Farmers and Artisans Market opening day, where QAA, with the support from the Belchertown Cultural Council and the Farmers Market, will offer our third annual free Art-on-the-Common experience to the community. Look for our booth at the Farmers Market and come make art with us! 100% of the proceeds from donated artwork will benefit QAA, helping us fund our mission and future programming.  Our goal is to keep membership and exhibit fees affordable, while continuing to offer a diverse range of art events and opportunities for our community.

Aaron's Race and Family Fun Day is going into our 5th annual event! Join us on the Town Common on Saturday, June 13th from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Families can make pinewood derby cars ahead of time or borrow one for the day and race to win trophies in different age categories. There are also many exciting free activities throughout the day: face painting, henna tattoos, balloon animals, magician, bounce house, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, and yard games! The Ice Cream Emergency truck will be there from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for donations. The Belchertown Lion's Club will be selling food as well. There will be a huge raffle with two levels of ticket prices and prizes. Aaron's Race Day encourages family fun while raising suicide awarness.  All proceeds from this event will go to education and prevention. Everyone is welcome to stop by and enjoy the fun!

Summertime and the living is easy on the Lake Wallace Sensory Trail! Come connect with your community and the natural world right here in Belchertown. Check out the Friends of Lake Wallace’s upcoming events:

Naturalist-led exploration with Senior Center Gentle Walkers on Monday, June 1st from 9:30 – 10:30 AM (rain date Wednesday)

Call (413) 323-0420 to sign up.  Meet at the Belchertown Senior Center (60 State Street), then enjoy a gentle walk as we focus on wetlands plants along the Lake Wallace Sensory Trail.

Critter Sampling for Kids on Friday, June 5th from 3:30 – 4:45 PM

Join the Friends of Lake Wallace for a fun hike and get to know some of Belchertown’s tiniest community members!  Park on the far side of Foley Field and meet by the “dog beach” (between the backstop and the sluiceway). Dress for the weather, dirt, and maybe even a little water! This is a paid event; register through the Belchertown Recreation Department here.

Friends Chat & Trail Tidy* on Friday, June 12th from 3:30 – 5:00 PM

*Or Critter Sampling for Kids if it’s rained out on the 5th … stay tuned through our Facebook page! Park by the Trailhead/Skatepark (5 Whitlock Way), meet at the Pocket Park.  Friends meeting from 3:30 – 4:00 PM, then from 4:00 – 5:00 PM we'll take a walk and see what the Trail needs!  Bring water and dress for the weather and dirt.  Stay tuned for a more vigorous Trail Crew day—details soon.

Booth at Belchertown Pride Festival on Saturday, June 20th from 12:00 – 5:00 PM

Come see us at the Friends of Lake Wallace booth at the Belchertown Common. Find out about the Lake Wallace Sensory Trail and all the opportunities for art, wellbeing, and nature all around the Lake Wallace area!  Stay tuned with event information at the Belchertown Pride Facebook event page here.

Enjoying and Appreciating Nature on Saturday June 27th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 noon

Park by the Trailhead/Skatepark (5 Whitlock Way). Part of the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) Belchertown Playgroup’s Puzzle of Parenting Series. Exploring Nature StoryWalk, nature-appreciation activities, and Trail Tidy. For children ages birth through kindergarten accompanied by an adult caregiver. Drop by any time, no need to register.

Beavers in Belchertown Talk on Saturday June 27th from 1:00 – 3:00 PM

At the Recreation Department (66 State Street).  Think you don't need beavers? Think wetlands are just swamps? Join the folks from the Beaver Institute for an informative talk about the importance of biodiversity and healthy habitats around us. Think water quality, reducing pests, and protecting us from the dangers of flooding. This event includes a walk over to the sluiceway by Foley Field, with a peek at the biodiversity in a healthy body of water like Lake Wallace. The walk is about 15 minutes, and participants may instead drive to the far side of Foley Field and walk about 50 yards.

ViewFinder Nature Photography Winners Reception on Wednesday July 1st from 6:00 – 7:30 PM

At the Clapp Memorial Library. After the ViewFinder 2026 Photo Contest has been decided, won’t you come join us to celebrate the winners? Swing by the Library to celebrate the Arts and Nature of Belchertown!

And save the date for the 2nd annual Lake Wallace Fall Fest on Saturday, October 3rd from 9:00am – 1:00 PM!

Mark your calendars and join us for a day of festivities, including a 5K Trail Run, 1K Kids Fun-run, and All-abilities Roll-or-Stroll. This is a family-friendly event and fundraiser for the Lake Wallace Sensory Trail. The event will be held at the Lake Wallace Sensory Trail & Foley Field, with dedications, informational and activity booths, Skatepark activities, music and more. Come celebrate your stewardship of this lovely slice of Belchertown!  Details are pending—stay tuned for updates!

For more information or questions about any of these events, email friendsoflakewallace@gmail.com.

Cutchins Programs for Children & Families is proud to share that Rudaun Graham, Director of Building Bridges & Outreach at our Three Rivers program in Belchertown, was honored with the Department of Mental Health's Deborah Janssens Award at the 26th Annual DMH Restraint & Seclusion Prevention Initiative Provider Forum on May 5, 2026.  One of just two recipients statewide, Rudaun was recognized for his 22 years of service and his leadership in advancing trauma-informed, relationship-based care.

Three Rivers is a Clinically Intensive Residential Treatment Program (CIRT) serving children 6-12 years old and their families.  It is part of Cutchins Programs for Children & Families, a nonprofit organization based in Northampton. You can find out more about Three Rivers here and read the full press release about Rudaun’s award here.

Before You Hop Off