Nomination papers available for May 5 election

MONROE — Nomination papers are available at the Town Clerk’s Office for anyone who is interested in running for this year’s town election on May 5. Papers are available until March 29 and must be returned by April 9.

Three-year terms are available on the following boards:

■Selectboard/Board of Health/Planning Board

■Conservation Commission

■School Committee

■Library Trustees

■Finance Committee

■Constable

One-year terms are available for the following positions:

■Auditor

■Tree warden

■Town clerk

■Moderator

For more information, email monroetownclerk@gmail.com or call 413-424-5272.

Tax exemption for veterans to go to Town Meeting

SHELBURNE — Voters at the spring Annual Town Meeting will be asked whether the town should offer veterans with disabilities a property tax exemption of up to 80%.

The HERO Act, which was signed into law by Gov. Maura Healey in August 2024, offers municipalities the option to give veterans additional benefits, including a property tax exemption of up to 100%, and double existing abatements for veterans.

The Selectboard voted 2-1 to recommend a property tax exemption of 80% at Annual Town Meeting. Selectboard member Andrew Baker voted against the proposal, saying he would prefer the town stick with the Board of Assessors’ recommendation of 60%.

Selectboard member Tricia Yacovone-Biagi said the difference between 60% and 80% could be up to a $900 difference per person, and that $900 would not make much of a difference on the town budget.

“That $900 would make a huge difference to our veterans,” Yacovone-Biagi said.

Winter tree identification walk set for March 22

HEATH — Learn how to identify trees in the winter when they do not have their signature leaves during a free walking program with the Berkshire Environmental Action Team on Saturday, March 22, at 10:30 a.m. at the Betty Maitland Memorial Forest.

On this guided walk, participants will learn to identify trees by examining twigs, bark and overall structure — characteristics that are visible even when trees are bare. Led by a local naturalist and tree enthusiast, the walk will include tips and tricks for recognizing tree species in winter or during other seasons.

The walk is expected to last one and a half to two hours. Participants should come dressed for the weather.

This event, organized in collaboration with the Heath Free Public Library and co-sponsored by the Franklin Land Trust, is free and open to the public. Those who want to attend are asked to reserve a spot by emailing chelsey@thebeatnews.org.