Erving Cultural Council approves eight grants totaling $4,800 for fiscal year 2021

ERVING — February 9, 2021 — Erving Cultural Council unanimously approves $4,800 in grants for fiscal year 2021, rejecting two of ten applications. Meeting online on February 9, the six-member council funded eight programs ranging from a Hampshire Young People's Choir scholarship ($800, doubled from the $400 request to cover two students) to the Northfield Authors and Artists Festival ($200), with the Bad News Jazz and Blues Band already holding a June 25 date at Riverfront Park from a prior-year extension. The Winchendon Music Festival received its full $1,000 ask after members noted its free YouTube format made it more accessible than in past in-person years. Henry the Juggler ($425) and a Hip-Hop for Seniors program ($280) were approved contingent on each securing a confirmed Erving venue partner. Dog training classes and a Chainsaws, Cheeseburgers, and Rock and Roll motivational speaker were denied as not fitting the council's cultural mission. The council set aside $240 — five percent of the state allocation — for administrative expenses.