ATHOL — On April 30, from 6-7 p.m., the LaRose campaign hosted its inaugural virtual Town Hall with residents from across the district.
Will LaRose, a Democrat from Athol, is running for state representative of the 2nd Franklin District, a post currently held by Susannah Whipps, I-Athol.
“During these times, we have to be adaptable and creative in our methods to engage with voters,” LaRose said in a prepared statement. “Technology like Zoom offers a great platform for our campaign to continue to engage with residents from multiple towns simultaneously.” In an effort to continue to hear from voters in the time of COVID-19, the campaign is making every effort to host a weekly town hall and continue to spread its message and policy platform.
Should you or your group like to participate in an upcoming call, reach out to the LaRose campaign at wlarose124@gmail.com.
ATHOL — As communities struggle with COVID-19’s economic impact, the North Quabbin region is seeing unprecedented demand for food assistance. Local food pantries and homeless shelters are exhausting their resources to help the region’s most at-risk populations.
Athol Savings Bank, a North Quabbin based community bank since 1867, has pledged to make $1,000 donations to seven local food banks or organizations: Winchendon Community Action Council; Gardner Community Action Committee; Athol Salvation Army Corp; Ashburnham Community Church; Barre Food Pantry at the Congregational Church; Templeton Food Pantry in Baldwinville.
“A crisis like this can be devastating for many people and families in our community,” said Athol Savings Bank President and CEO Daniel Zona in a prepared statement. “As a financial institution with a mission rooted in community service and a solid foundation for growth, we feel a duty to help keep food on every table during these turbulent times. The overall health and well-being of fellow community members is something that we care deeply about.”
Athol Savings Bank is the largest mutual savings bank in the North Quabbin region with seven full-service offices located Ashburnham, Athol, Baldwinville, Barre, Gardner and Winchendon.
ATHOL — There are three raised beds still available for Athol residents at the Rosie Community Garden, located on the corner of School and Lumber Streets. There is normally a $20 fee to participate, but all fees are being waived this year. ”
We recognize that people need and want to grow their own food right now,” Cathleen O’Keefe, secretary of the Agricultural Commission, who manages the garden, said in a prepared statement. “And we want to encourage area residents to do that, regardless of financial ability. ”
The Agricultural Commission also oversees the Athol Farmers Market, now located on the lawn of the Millers River Environmental Center, 100 Main St. The market’s mission is to provide economic opportunity for local farm-based businesses, while offering the larger community a diverse selection of fresh, local produce and farm products in a convenient location.
The Athol Farmers Market will open Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 23, from 9 to noon. Vendor space is still available for farm/garden vendors. The season runs through Labor Day.
For more information about either the garden or farmers market. contact the Agricultural Commission via email, agriculture@townofathol.org; or send a Facebook message to https://www.facebook.com/AtholAgComm/ ; or contact Cathleen O’Keefe by phone at 413-387-2316.