Selectboard OKs medical marijuana license for 253 Farmacy

MONTAGUE — The Planning Board will consider amending 253 Farmacy’s special permit to accommodate a Cannabis Control Commission medical marijuana license following the Selectboard’s verbal approval on Monday.

The dispensary on Millers Falls Road would also have its host community agreement altered upon approval from the Planning Board. The business is “vertically integrated,” meaning its staff grows, processes and sells its own cannabis, which is a requirement for companies looking to hold a medical license.

Co-founder Seth Rutherford brought the prospect to the Selectboard on Monday with hopes “to see where the town stands.” The Selectboard took no issue with the idea of 253 Farmacy offering medical marijuana, with Chair Rich Kuklewicz commenting that the company is generally well-received in town.

“Personally, I don’t really see a problem,” Kuklewicz said. “I have heard of no issues with 253 at all from anyone, really.”

Public input on Farren site development sought at tabling session

TURNERS FALLS — Montague Planning Department staff and planning firm Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB) will hold a tabling session from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12, at Peskeomskut Park “to solicit public input about re-envisioning the Farren property and how it may fit in with the surrounding neighborhood and its connections,” according to Town Planner Maureen Pollock.

The tabling session, the first of two public events intended to field public opinion, coincides with a concert headlined by Home Body, which begins at 6:30 p.m.

With questions or comments, email Pollock at planner@montague-ma.gov.

School Committee looks to fill two vacancies

MONTAGUE — There are open seats for two Montague residents on the Gill-Montague Regional School District School Committee.

Interested Montague residents should email Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Tara McCarthy at tara.mccarthy@gmrsd.org or send a letter to McCarthy at 35 Crocker Ave., Turners Falls, MA 01376. The committee will consider potential candidates at its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 22.

Informational walk to be held at Montague Plains

MONTAGUE — Environmental activists will “walk and talk” with the public on Saturday, Aug. 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to discuss the pine barrens restoration project at the Montague Plains Wildlife Management Area.

Topics of discussion will include the area’s history, an explanation of pine barrens restoration, and the strategies, costs and benefits of restoration. Speakers will include Michael Kellett, executive director of RESTORE: The North Woods, and Wendell resident, biologist and forest advocate Bill Stubblefield.

Those interested in attending should come to the Montague Plains parking area at the power lines along Old Northfield Road, 0.3 miles from Lake Pleasant Road.

For more information, contact Janet Sinclair at jasinclair@verizon.net.

Church hosting day of entertainment

MONTAGUE CENTER — Books, puzzles, a secondhand clothing sale and music from local musicians honoring David Kaynor will be available for the public to enjoy at the First Congregational Church of Montague on Saturday, Aug. 19, from 8 to 11:30 a.m.

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