News
North Quabbin Notes, April 24
Volunteer drivers needed to helpothers get to and from medicalappointmentsLifePath has a program to help older people get to medical appointments, and matches local volunteers with individuals in need of transportation or medical advocacy. There is a...
Plan calls for upgrades to Silver Lake in Athol
By GREG VINE
ATHOL – Residents and town officials joined members of the Open Space & Recreation Commission for a walking tour of Silver Lake Park Tuesday night.The purpose of the meeting, which convened at the park’s pavilion, was to discuss a master plan for the...
Parents question handling of threat at Erving Elementary School
By MAX BOWEN
ERVING — Following a report of a threat that involved an Erving Elementary School student, parents questioned the School Committee on Tuesday about what can be done in light of concerns over the administration’s response.According to a joint statement...
Magic comes to Red Apple in Phillipston
By MAX BOWEN
PHILLIPSTON — Red Apple Farm will become home to faeries, knights, trolls and lots of magic on the first weekend in May.The Enchanted Orchard Renaissance Faire will take place on May 4-5. Richard and Rajuli Fahey of Winchendon have been to the farm a...
A Page from North Quabbin History: Women of Royalston display
By Carla CharterThe Royalston Historical Society will hold its grand reopening on May 19 with a “Women’s Lives of Royalston” exhibit, which will share the stories of Royalston women’s lives throughout history from their own perspectives, according to...
Athol Royalston School Committee approves budget on second attempt
By GREG VINE
ATHOL – It took two votes, but the Athol Royalston Regional School Committee approved an $32.1 million FY25 general budget for the district at its meeting on Monday, April 22.The final vote came after more than two hours of public comment and...
Spilka pledges ‘comprehensive climate bill’ in Senate
By SAM DRYSDALE
BOSTON — Signaling the potential for more change in the transportation and energy sectors, Senate President Karen Spilka revealed Monday that the Senate plans to tackle a major climate bill before formal sessions come to a close in just over three...
Alumnae gather in Athol to honor Spelman College founders
By GREG VINE
ATHOL – Saturday’s morning rain did little to dampen the enthusiasm of those who attended the third annual Spelman College Founders Day at Silver Lake Cemetery to honor Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles.According to the college’s web site, the...
White’s Mill development proceeds following roof cave-in
By MAX BOWEN
WINCHENDON—A planned re-development of the former White’s Mill complex in Winchendon Springs is proceeding, following a partial collapse of the roof from a snowstorm on April 4.Since then, Amelia Giovanoni, acting director of the Mill Farm Initiative...
Senate adds bills to reform electric industry
By SAM DRYSDALE
Senate Democrats plan this week to make a big push for reforms to the state’s motor vehicle “Lemon Law,” insurance coverage for home heating oil leaks and the controversial competitive electric supply industry.The Senate on Monday formally added a...
North Quabbin Notes, April 23
Scam presentation in RoyalsonThe Royalston Ladies’ Benevolent Society is hosting a presentation on scams which target older adults this Thursday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the Royalston Town Hall. The presentation will be given by a representative...
New Realtor Association CEO looks to work collaboratively to maximize housing options
By ABNER ROJAS
SPRINGFIELD — As the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley’s new CEO arrives to a Massachusetts housing market plagued by high prices and a lack of stock, he aims to work alongside elected officials to maximize the availability of different kinds of...
A Page from North Quabbin History: The story of the Millers River
By Carla CharterThe Millers River meanders through both Athol and Orange, carrying with it not only the beauty on its surface, but a long history stretching back to when the river was first formed 25,000 years ago. Local historian Chris Coyle will be...
Mass. saw nearly 200 percent rise in antisemitic incidents last year
By ALISON KUZNITZ
BOSTON — New England saw a staggering surge in antisemitic incidents last year that exceeded the increase logged nationally, the Anti-Defamation League said in a new report released Tuesday.There were 623 antisemitic incidents of assault, harassment...
Regional farming alliance strengthens educational, networking opportunities for apprentices
By CHRIS LARABEE
In 1994, a new movement began to grow out of the Pioneer Valley, Berkshires and Hudson Valley, as a group of organic farmers banded together to form a cooperative educational program for farm apprentices.That year marked the birth of the Collaborative...
Shelter money fading, but ‘not at the end of the line’
By CHRIS LISINSKI and SAM DRYSDALE
BOSTON — State dollars for the emergency family shelter system are dwindling, and restaurateurs who for years enjoyed expanded outdoor dining and the ability to sell drinks to go remain “in limbo” amid a sustained period of legislative...
Nicole Gough seeks seat on Phillipston Selectboard
By GREG VINE
PHILLIPSTON – After living in town for two decades, Nicole Gough has decided it’s time to make her first foray into local politics.Gough is running to fill the one year remaining on the term of former Selectboard member Dan Sanden, who resigned...
With eye toward teaching firearm safety, Mahar’s Junior ROTC adding air rifles
By DOMENIC POLI
ORANGE — It appears Ralph C. Mahar Regional School’s Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps will participate in competitions with an air rifle aspect next year, though the program’s instructors are still waiting on air tanks, targets and other...
Quabbin region studied for MWRA expansion
By SAM DRYSDALE
As House Democrats eye the expansion of its public drinking water service area, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is considering whether the communities where that water comes from should finally get to reap the benefits of the...
Phillipston board opens talks on new police chief
By GREG VINE
PHILLIPSTON – Police Chief Kevin Dodge recently announced his intention to retire from a post he has held for more than a decade, and the Selectboard is reviewing the options for hiring his successor.The chief’s current salary is just under $85,000...
