Helping Local Vets Finish Hall Expansion in Time for Memorial Day Ceremonies: On Thursday, March 27, members of Essex Veterans Memorial Hall (EVMH) gathered inside the newly expanded kitchen area and gave The Essex Foundation board members a preview of the near-complete building renovation before accepting an additional $30,000 grant from the Foundation to finish the work before Memorial Day. The Foundation is also donating a portable public address system to improve the sound for future ceremonies and events. (fb)

Calling All Environmental Studies Students! The Essex Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2025 Elizabeth Barnes Callender and Mary Francis Barnes Scholarship. The $3000 annual award was established in upon a bequest in memory of the two sisters who were Essex residents deeply committed to land conservation and preservation. The scholarship is available to one Valley Regional High School graduating senior or graduate, or an Essex resident, who is pursuing studies related to land conservation and preservation at a two or four-year college, a technical school, or graduate school, or taking accredited courses. To be considered for this year’s award, applicants must submit materials no later than May 10. Information and application form can be found at https://www.TheEssexFoundation.org/scholarship. (fb)