North Quabbin Notebook: Dec. 9, 2022

ORANGE — LaunchSpace is building on its first full year of operations with two membership drives, gift-making workshops, and two new programs focused on area youth and adult entrepreneurs in the creative economy.

The makerspace in Suite 342 of the Orange Innovation Center plans to host at least 10 holiday-themed classes and workshops in December. Classes range from leatherworking to electronics and woodcarving. A list of classes can be found at launchspace-orange.com/classes.

LaunchSpace is also hosting a pair of holiday membership drives, with discounts on memberships purchased at the events, along with gift certificates for holiday presents. The first membership drive is slated for Saturday, Dec. 10, during the North Quabbin Midnight Madness event coordinated by the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce. There will be a makers market featuring handmade gifts, ornament-making, demonstrations, tours and an equipment clearance sale. The second membership drive will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. during the quarterly Maker Mixer, which will feature membership discounts, gift certificates, holiday make-and-take activities, refreshments and tours.

LaunchSpace has also partnered with Greenfield Community College and Greenspace CoWork to launch a new Route 2 Rural Innovation Accelerator program starting in January 2023. This six-month program is a place-based, self-directed program committed to building an entrepreneurial ecosystem. The series will emphasize inclusion and diversity to lower barriers to entry, provide resources to support success, and grow the region’s economic development and independence. Anyone who is interested in applying should email Max Fripp at frippm@gcc.mass.edu.

Starting in January, the makerspace will have new youth programs both after school and for homeschooled students. To learn more, email LaunchSpace Youth Program Director Sid Nordstrom at sid@launchspace-orange.com.

ORANGE — Nomination papers for the annual town election are now available and can be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office until Jan. 12. The election will be held on March 6.

The following offices will appear on the ballot: two three-year Selectboard seats; a one-year term as moderator; a three-year term as town clerk; a two-year term as constable; one three-year seat on the Board of Health; two three-year seats on the Elementary School Committee; one two-year seat on the Elementary School Committee; two three-year seats on the Regional School Committee; two three-year terms as library trustees; a three-year term as water commissioner; a two-year term as water commissioner; a three-year term as cemetery commissioner; a three-year term as Trustee of Soldiers’ Memorials (veteran member); a one-year term as trustee of soldiers’ memorials (non-veteran member); and a five-year seat on the Housing Authority.

Nomination papers must be returned to the town clerk by Jan. 17.