COVID test kits at Athol Town Hall

ATHOL – The Athol Board of Health has COVID test kits available for the public. The office is located on the bottom floor of Town Hall, 584 Main St., Room #1. The office is open, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and closed on Fridays.

Phillipston CPAapplicationsavailable

PHILLIPSTON – The FY25 Community Preservation Project Application is now available online at https://tinyurl.com/yc334w5u. The application is due by Dec. 31, 2024 for proposals to be considerd at the Annual Town Meeting to be held on May 7, 2025. For more information, email the Community Preservation Committee at communitypreservation@phillipston-ma.gov.

Film screening at Athol Library

ATHOL – Come to the Athol Public Library on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m. for a screening of “Monadnock: The Mountain that Stands Alone,” a one-hour documentary from filmmaker Daniel J. White and Rabbit Ear Films.

Filmed over 10 years on and around the mountain, the documentary uses live cinematography, original music and historical archival imagery to tell the story of the original inhabitants of the region, those who were inspired by the mountain – Mark Twain, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Abbott Thayer and Amos Fortune – and the work of those to preserve the mountain, including money from children’s piggy banks.

The screening will be hosted by Jackie Stetser of Rabbit Ears Media, Allen Young and Joann Deacon, who has hiked “Mother Monadnock” many times. Deacon will share images and stories from her climbs.

This event is free and open to the public and is made possible with support of the Friends of the Athol Public Library. Please register by calling 978-249-9515 or by visiting athol.librarycalendar.com.

Pasturemanagementworkshop

PETERSHAM – Join Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust at Doe Valley Farm in Petersham on Saturday, Sept. 21, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for an event focused on farm sustainability and pastureland management in a changing climate. Dr. Masoud Hashemi, a soil scientist and UMass Extension Professor, will share insights on extending the grazing season and implementing cost-effective aerated composting systems. This is a free opportunity to learn valuable techniques for improving land management practices.

Hashemi has over 30 years of research experience and through the UMass extension program, he has taught about farm systems, nutrient and manure management, and cover cropping. As farmers increasingly encounter milder winters and drier summers, adapting to changing grazing seasons and managing manure efficiently can boost farm finances while enhancing soil health. Hot beverages and snacks will be provided.

The workshop will take place at 5 Doe Valley Road, Petersham. Visit https://www.mountgrace.org/get-involved/events for more information.

Flu and COVIDvaccine clinic

ATHOL – A flu and COVID vaccine clinic for those ages 5 and older will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Athol Senior Center, 82 Freedom St., Athol.

To register, call the Montachusett Public Health Network at 978-602-2356. Registration is encouraged and walk-ins are accepted.

Please bring insurance card if you have one. COVID vaccine is expected to arrive prior to this clinic date. If COVID vaccine arrival is delayed, a second vaccine clinic will be offered at Athol Senior Center.