Part of the /r/PioneerValley reddit community!

Website says they are closing for the year on June 21, implying they’re open now. Previous updates on the website imply it was only open for a couple days in May for a plant sale, plus Google maps says they’re temporarily closed.

And if it’s open, is it worth going to right now?

https://archive.is/aM434

Pioneer Valley Transit Authority riders will travel for free this summer. In celebration of authority’s 50 years of service, deemed their “Golden Year Anniversary,” all rides have been prepaid starting on Saturday, June 1, and continuing through Aug. 31.

“Over the past 50 years, PVTA has grown, expanded service, an implemented technological improvements that have benefited the region’s residents,” PVTA Administrator Sandra E. Sheehan said in a statement. “PVTA has one of the most professional and dedicated workforces that allow us to provide transit services that make a difference in the lives of our passengers.” In celebration of this anniversary, PVTA plans to announce additional events, promotions, and other news throughout the year.

Up first are the free rides meant to reward loyal customers. Fares and passes will be eliminated for bus, van, and other transit services this summer. Rides for this period have been prepaid entirely by funding from the Try-Transit Program, appropriated by the state Legislature. PVTA will use $1,393,502 from this appropriation to cover the free fare.

PVTA was created in 1974 by Massachusetts General Law to coordinate transportation across the Pioneer Valley, and is now the largest regional transit authority in the state with 186 buses, 132 vans and 24 participating member communities.

“Over the past five decades, PVTA has been committed to providing the highest quality of convenient and accessible public transportation service that meets the changing needs of our riders in the most efficient and cost effective manner,” PVTA said in a statement.

New grants,expanding service

Service is also set to expand in the next few years, as PVTA will receive a portion of $37 million being awarded through competitive grant programs recently announced by the Healey-Driscoll administration.

Through the Community Transportation Grant Program, PVTA is poised to receive $188,008 to help acquire 29 accessible vehicles, 25 of which will provide general coverage in the PVTA service area of Hampshire and Hampden counties.

The remaining four vehicles will be awarded to councils on aging. The Easthampton and Amherst councils on aging will each receive one accessible vehicle, while the Tri-Town Trolley service, which runs in East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, and Hampden, will receive two accessible vans.

PVTA intends to use some of these vehicles to launch a new “Connecting Rural Communities” service, which is “designed to increase accessibility within the rural communities of Greenfield, Leverett, Sunderland and Amherst,” according to authority. The service will be provided cooperatively with PVTA’s grant partners: South County Senior Center, Amherst Council on Aging and PVTA’s ADA Paratransit provider MV Transit.

PVTA also filed a joint application for Regional Transit Innovation Grant funding with the Franklin Regional Transit Authority and the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority to rehabilitate seven buses and start a pilot program interconnecting the three service areas. This program would provide connections to rural areas between Pittsfield and Northampton as well as between North Adams and Greenfield.

They were also individually awarded $82,133 through the Regional Transit Innovation Grant for its proposed Connecting Individuals to Employment Program. The program will provide transportation that connects eligible individuals living in Amherst and surrounding areas to employment opportunities in Hatfield, Whatley and Deerfield.

Yale University has reached out to LGBTQ organizations across the country, including us in New Mexico, to understand more about how helpful mental healthcare is for LGBTQ people in our area. Check out the graphic or the (dm for the Link)a 5-8 minute survey to have your experiences captured. Folks who complete the survey will receive a $10 e-gift card and be entered into a raffle for a $100 e-gift card. #TDOV #NewMexico

We're in Shutesbury.

I moved out here for grad school while the pandemic was still happening. I've tried multiple times every year to try and just get a regular vet appointment and nobody ever seems to have any availability? Or if they do its some ridiculously far out BS answer like "Oh yeah you can have an appointment 7 months from now at 5am on saturday" type of answer. I'm supposedly on several "waitlists" but its been so long that I sincerely doubt any type of waitlist ever existed

I love my cat so much. I'm just trying to be responsible and its so incredibly disheartening to keep getting these responses. Is there anyone in the area who is actually taking new patients?

The Sounds2Syntax Lab is recruiting children with typical development (ages 3-6), children with a language impairment (ages 4-8), children with Down Syndrome (ages 9-17), and children with Fragile X Syndrome (ages 9-17) for a study on language and executive functions.

Travel/mileage is compensated for families traveling more than 10 miles to the lab, and families are compensated $75 for participating.

If you are interested in learning more, email us at s2slab@umass.edu. Thanks!

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What’s your favourite coffee shop and why?

Howdy! Relocating to Pioneer Valley from LA. Suggestions best places to look online for apartment/house rentals? Is Craigslist legit around here? Anything to avoid? I could only find comments on this topic that were a few yrs old. Looking between Holyoke and Greenfield along 91 corridor-ish and in the $2,500 range. Any guidance much appreciated!

Hi I am going from Greenfield to BOS airport on Thursday morning and was wondering if anyone was also headed that way or if anyone wanted some extra money for the trip. Flight is at 6am unfortunately, so would need to get to BOS at 5am. Thanks!

Husband moved here with me for a grad program I’m doing and needs work! Recommendations for listing sites/forums?

UMass researcher seeking people aged 14-20 in Massachusetts for confidential, zoom interviews about perspectives on and experiences with the school-based discipline and/or criminal justice system involvement for cannabis-related offenses. $30 gift card upon successful completion of interview. Contact Faith English at fenglish@umass.edu or text 802-387-0634.

Do you use marijuana? Are you 15-20 years old? Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are conducting a research study to better understand teens' marijuana use and daily lives. You can earn up to $249 for two in-person study visits and daily surveys on your phone or computer. If you are a 15-17 year old who is eligible and wishes to participate, parental consent is required prior to enrollment.

Visit this link to learn more: https://rally.massgeneralbrigham.org/study/sasu_study

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I'm curious if anyone knows the zoning bylaws of living in a converted van on your own property in Northampton. I'm thinking of buying some property and want to rent out the rooms to my family (aunt and nephew) and live in my sleeper van in the driveway. I have self contained toilet, and water and electric hookups.

Our Summer seasons are now open for registration!! Come join the fun to meet new people and get active this summer! Can't wait to see you out there!!

Springdale Park, Holyoke: Thursdays starting 6/29

Forest Park, Springfield: Wednesdays starting 7/26

Visit playvalleysports.com for more information

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I want to try raising quail - I've had chickens for years but need to spice it up a little. I can't seem to find anyone locally with quail chicks for sale. Anyone?

Does anyone know whether there will be PYO farms open for strawberries this weekend? Thanks!

Wife and I are relocating from a major metro area in the South. Our aim is for Northampton because 🏳️‍🌈 but are honestly looking at everywhere from Greenfield to Holyoke. We want to be as close as possible to N, but we know we'll just have to find what we can afford. She works remotely, and I'm currently searching for remote so work location isn't super relevant. I'm curious, about which areas are more social. We don't do a ton of clubs/bars, but we do like to go out occasionally. We also love a "Main St." vibe where we could pop over for coffee in the middle of the day. I guess I'm hoping for the opposite of a suburban/bedroom community vibe.

We're getting virtual tours of a few places in Greenfield, but also looking at some spots in Holyoke. Are we making a mistake by completely discounting Springfield?