New venue forEasthamptonmeeting on flag

EASTHAMPTON — The Parks and Recreation Commission has moved its meeting next Monday, Dec. 2, to Easthampton High School to accommodate expected levels of interest in discussions regarding the American flag over Nashawannuck Pond. The meeting, which was postponed last week, is still scheduled for 6 p.m.

Eversource: Basic rates to drop

As colder weather arrives in Massachusetts amidst continuing volatility in the energy market, Eversource recently announced that its basic service rate electric customers can expect to pay a 7% lower winter supply price compared to their current summer rate.

The energy company recently filed new electric supply prices from power generators with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU), that will also be lower than last winter’s price — 12% lower for western Massachusetts customers and the lowest winter rate since 2021.

The supply rate changes twice a year, on Feb. 1 and Aug. 1. Eversource does not generate electricity and is required to purchase power on behalf of customers who take the basic service rate, and those costs are passed on with no markup or profit to the company.

With approval from the DPU, the new rate for western Massachusetts residential customers, basic service would change from the current 14.02 cents per kilowatt to 11.83 cents per kilowatt. For customers who use an average of 600 kilowatt per month, that’s a total bill decrease of $13.

Amherst Farmers’ Market to launchfor winter

AMHERST — The Amherst Farmers’ Market will launch its Winter Market at the Bangs Community Center every Saturday in December from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on the second and fourth Saturdays in January, February and March. This new venue offers a spacious and familiar environment for local farmers, artisans, and crafters to showcase their goods to the community.

The Winter Market will be held in the Large Activity Room of the Bangs, 70 Boltwood Walk. For more information, visit amherstfarmersmarket.com.

Greenfield Co-op Bank supports local toy drives

Greenfield Cooperative Bank is participating in two holiday toy drives to benefit local children in need.

The bank’s Hampshire County branches are collaborating with Bomba Radio and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to collect toys for the Toys for Tots program. From Dec. 2-13, community members can drop off new, unwrapped toys at any Hampshire County branch.

The bank’s Franklin County branches are partnering with the Salvation Army’s Angel Holiday Gift Campaign. Community members are invited to stop by their local branch to select a child’s toy wish list. Donated toys must be returned to the branch by Dec. 13.