Ad hoc committee formed to review candidates

ORANGE — The town has formed an ad hoc committee to review candidates the Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management recommends for final interviews for the job Town Administrator/Treasurer Gabriele Voelker plans to leave on March 3.

The committee consists of Voelker, Town Clerk Nancy Blackmer, Human Resource Benefits Specialist Amber Robidoux, and residents Bruce Scherer, Larry Fisher and Bill Wrigley.

“We envision this as an ad hoc committee that would work with the Collins Institute on the greater bunch of resumés and interested candidates that they bring in,” Orange Selectboard Chair Jane Peirce said at last week’s meeting. “They work with the Collins Institute, sort of refine the selection that they bring forward to the Selectboard for final interviews.”

The Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management is based at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

Orange nomination papers available
until Jan. 12

ORANGE — Nomination papers for the annual town election may be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office until Jan. 12. The election will be held Monday, March 6.

Nomination papers must be returned to the Town Clerk’s Office by Jan. 17. The last day to register to vote for the election is Feb. 23.

Leverett Police Dept.
promotes 1 officer, hires new part-timer

LEVERETT — There has been a shift in staffing at the Leverett Police Department, which also serves Wendell.

Meghan Gallo has been promoted from part-time to full-time and Allison Dalpe has been hired as a new part-time officer. Gallo is also Wendell’s animal control officer.

Wendell is in an inter-municipal agreement with Leverett for that town to provide its policing services. The chief is Scott Minckler.

Wendell real estate assessments increase

WENDELL — The Board of Assessors’ Office has posted to the town website that real estate assessments have increased significantly for 2023.

The amount of Wendell’s total valuation of real estate and personal property has increased 11% based on real estate market sales data from the 2021 calendar year. Increases in tax bills will vary from property to property. The post states the tax rate typically drops after there is an increase in assessed value.

The post also states it is important to understand assessors do not raise or lower taxes. Massachusetts assessors determine property values based on highly regulated guidelines from the state Department of Revenue.

New Salem Public Library to host bark basket class

NEW SALEM — The New Salem Public Library will host a bark basket class taught by Jennifer Lee in the library’s community room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14.

Bark baskets are made from a single piece of tree bark. There is a $50 fee (cash only) to attend, and advance registration is required.

Lee’s interest began with the study of her Native American ancestors of the Northeast Woodlands. She teaches basket-making classes and other educational programs. The bark, roots and branches used in the classes are collected by her family in the northern Berkshire mountains.

Class size is limited; register in person at the library. Contact the New Salem Public Library at 978-544-6334 for more information.

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