BELCHERTOWN — The third annual Belchertown Community Yard Sale returns next weekend, July 31 to Aug. 2, promising to be the largest iteration of the town-wide event yet. All signup fees and $5 map proceeds from the three-day event will benefit the Clapp Memorial Library.

More than 80 households are already registered to sell goods from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and organizer Kris Lynds said new registrations have continued to “pour in” over the last two days.

“In the third year, to start from an idea to get to here — and continually see support around town — is just wonderful,” Lynds said.

Each year, households across Belchertown sell their used clothes, toys, antiques and home decor on one weekend of the summer to raise money for a local nonprofit.

Festivities at the town fields the include 14 local crafters, sellers and nonprofits. DJ Jeremy Beats will play themed music sets depending on the day, from oldies to summer hits. Clapp Memorial Library will also be signing residents up for library cards and selling merchandise for their teen advisory council.

The town-wide yard sale is pet-friendly, and the event maps explicitly highlight which participating properties allow animals. In addition to the maps, shoppers can look for official lawn signs marking each participating home, while the main town fields remain open to dogs all weekend.

In the event of rain, the sale will be postponed to Aug. 7 to Aug. 9.

Participants can purchase map for $5 at 80 State St. All maps come with a free yard sale-themed sticker courtesy of Sticker Lodge.

SOUTH HADLEY — Town and school leaders want to hear financial concerns and questions from residents at a community meeting on Saturday, Aug. 1.

The hybrid meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the South Hadley Senior Center, moderated by Superintendent Jennifer Voyik and Town Administrator Lisa Wong. Residents will gather exactly one month ahead of the $3.5 million Proposition 2 ½ override vote on Tuesday, Sept. 1. If passed, the funds will help replenish reserves and stabilize municipal finances — particularly within the school department — for the next three budget cycles.

Residents who wish to submit feedback but cannot attend the event can email their questions to [email protected].

BELCHERTOWN — Belchertown Animal Control is offering financial assistance to local pet owners who want to spay or neuter their furry friends.

The department received $2,500 from the Massachusetts “I’m Animal Friendly” Pet Plate Program. The funds will partially cover the surgeries, with exact assistance amounts depending on the pet owner’s financial contribution.

In a statement, Animal Control Officer Anna Fenton said these surgeries reduce overcrowding in shelters by preventing unexpected litters.

“This grant is more than funding — it’s hope,” Fenton said. “Hope that fewer animals will be born into uncertainty, and more will live safe, healthy lives.”

Fenton predicts the grant could help cover up to 20 surgeries, depending on the animal. The Pet Plate Program raises money for the Massachusetts Animal Coalition, a statewide nonprofit promoting animal welfare. Massachusetts residents purchase a charitable license plate to contribute to the fund for spay and neuter surgeries. To date, the coalition has distributed $3.5 million statewide.

SOUTH HADLEY — South Hadley Falls property owners can apply for up to $50,000 in redevelopment grants to revitalize dilapidated, abandoned or vacant properties.

Created by the South Hadley Redevelopment Authority, the South Hadley Falls Redevelopment Fund helps transform underutilized buildings into viable multifamily housing or commercial properties. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

According to program guidelines, the fund acts as “seed money” to investigate code requirements or study underlying structural issues — information that is typically required to secure larger grants or low-interest loans. Awards can also fund physical renovations, including roof repairs, HVAC system upgrades and tenant improvements.

To qualify, projects must align with the goals of the South Hadley Falls Urban Redevelopment and Renewal Plan. These objectives include encouraging new businesses and residents, expanding local offerings and supporting the existing community.

For more information, email Department of Conservation and Planning Director Anne Capra at [email protected].

GRANBY— Drivers on Chicopee Street should expect delays the week of Aug. 18 while the Granby Department of Public Works resurfaces the road. Work will take place along the 1.7-mile stretch between School and Carver streets. Detours and closures are expected, and the DPW urges motorists to seek alternative routes when possible.

SOUTH HADLEY — South Hadley will no longer offer public syringe collection boxes after Oct. 1.

According to a statement on the South Hadley Police Department’s Facebook page, the collection box at the station lobby has already been removed, and the Department of Public Works will remove its box in the coming months. Town Administrator Lisa Wong explained that the phaseout is connected to the dispatch regionalization. Since the police station lobby will have limited reception and fewer open hours, people will not be able to access the collection box as frequently.

To ensure the continued safe disposal of sharps, South Hadley has partnered with Tapestry Health’s Mobile Syringe Services Program. Residents can call Tapestry Health at 413-270-3277 to arrange for free pickup, disposal and containers, or drop used syringes off directly at a Tapestry Health clinic.