The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The Athol Board of Health is offering free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to the public. These tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The tests are for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
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.
He has also been involved in research projects focusing on sustainable agriculture practices, soil health, and water conservation. Hashemi’s research has been instrumental in developing and implementing sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in the context of climate change. His work has contributed to the development of innovative solutions for managing soil health, water resources, and nutrient cycling.
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.