ATHOL — Burbank Real Estate at 304 Main St. in Athol announced earlier this month it is merging with Keller Williams Realty North Central. The offices will operate under the Keller Williams brand and will be run out of 670 Mechanic St. in Leominster, effective immediately.
Burbank Real Estate owner Tony Paoletti has been selling real estate in the North Quabbin region since 1985, and has owned the company since 1987. According to a Keller Williams press release, he has been honored perennially as one of the top real estate professionals in the area.
Keller Williams North Central is the largest real estate salesforce in North Central Massachusetts in agent count, with over 150 agents and staff. The release states they are also No. 1 in total sold units.
“We are thrilled that two of Athol’s top real estate players are coming together into one,” said Rochelle Jonswold, operating principal of Keller Williams North Central. “We’re confident that this merger will have a positive impact on agents and, more importantly, for the buyers and sellers we serve in the North Quabbin region.”
“The real estate industry is changing at such a rapid pace. This merger is a means of offering our clients a huge strategic advantage in the marketplace through the new and innovative technologies and marketing strategies Keller Williams is developing” Paoletti said. “We’re excited about implementing the Keller Williams business models, technology and training, while maintaining our strong level of very personal involvement in the community.”
Edward Jones
offering gift cards
GREENFIELD — Edward Jones, a financial advising company at 21 Mohawk Trail, is offering free gift cards to local eateries as a way of supporting businesses and helping families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Financial Advisor Gordon Christiansen, the gift cards are attached to Edward Jones’ front door during business hours, while supplies last. The limit is one per household to help the maximum number of families.
“The time is now to show our support to our families and local businesses,” Christiansen said. “Combat corona with kindness and love.”
Market Basket
announces more
social distancing
measures
ATHOL — To ensure the safety of customers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, Market Basket has established new store protocols, effective Thursday. All Market Basket locations, including one at 147 Tower Road in Athol, will reduce the number of customers in the stores at any given time to encourage social distancing.
“We have been constantly refining our operations focused on the health and safety of our customers and associates,” said Joseph Schmidt, operations supervisor. “These changes reflect the wide range of input we have received on a daily basis — from our customers and our associates, and from the governors and public health experts who describe the next several weeks as critical for the health of the residents in our region. It is important that our customers have a pleasant, safe and healthy experience in our stores.”
According to a Market Basket press release, starting Thursday, the new shopping protocol includes:
■limiting the number of customers shopping at one time, based on the size of the store;
■designating a single entrance and exit for customers’ use;
■and having an associate clean and sanitizer a carriage for each entering shopper.
“Our hardworking associates are committed to helping our customers during this challenging time,” Schmidt said. “We firmly believe that with this newly refined approach we can make the grocery store experience better for all.”
Market Basket’s heightened disinfection program in response to coronavirus continues, focusing on high-touch surfaces including cash registers, counter tops, register belts, red baskets, shopping carriages, payment devices, touch pads, desks, door and drawer handles, phones and computers, the release states. Associates are required to practice good hygiene, including washing their hands frequently. Social distancing is also in place.
GREENFIELD — Gardner-based GVNA HealthCare Inc. and Webster-based VNA of Southern Worcester County announced they have merged to better serve the 98 communities in their catchment area, effective Wednesday. GVNA is maintaining its Greenfield office in the Cherry Rum Plaza, as well as offices in Gardner, Webster and Auburn.
The merge brings together two home health agencies who have collectively provided in-home care to patients for more than 219 years. The new name of the agency is Care Central VNA & Hospice Inc.
President and CEO Elaine T. Fluet is leading the two merged agencies, according to a Care Cental VNA & Hospice press release. Jacklyn Fleming, executive director of VNA of Southern Worcester County, has retired after leading the agency for the past 41 years.
Both CEOs felt strongly that this merge would be a natural fit, as both agencies share the same core values and love of community, the release states. Combined, the two agencies employ approximately 275 health care professionals and support staff.
For more information about Care Central VNA & Hospice, call 978-632-1230 or 508-943-0612.