Montague Board of Health tables vote on nicotine-free generation initiative
MONTAGUE — The Board of Health opted to table a vote on adopting a nicotine-free generation policy on Wednesday, citing the need for additional local input.
The Board of Health first discussed the policy in January, and a vote was delayed at that time to get more public comment before a final vote.
Board of Health Chair Melanie Ames Zamojski said that the emails that have come through so far are from tobacco industry representatives, and she and other members indicated that they want to hear local voices weigh in. So far, she and member Michael Nelson have shared that they would vote “no” on adopting this policy in Montague.
The nicotine-free generation initiative aims to mitigate nicotine addiction among young people. To be part of the effort, a municipality adopts a policy that sets a date, and anyone born after that date can never be legally old enough to purchase tobacco or nicotine products. The boards of health in Northampton and Deerfield also recently had discussions about the initiative, and Conway became the first town in Franklin County to adopt it last summer, banning the sale of nicotine to anyone born after May 12, 2004.
The regulation is designed to phase out the sale of nicotine products over time, ensuring that individuals who are currently under the legal age to purchase such products will never be legally permitted to do so in municipalities that adopt the policies.
Erving Easter egg hunt planned for Sunday
ERVING — The Easter Bunny will hop to Riverfront Park, 10 Arch St., for an Easter egg hunt on Sunday, March 29. The event is hosted by the Erving Recreation Commission.
The Easter Bunny will arrive at the park at 10 a.m. and the egg hunt will begin at 10:30 a.m. sharp. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and guests are encouraged to bring their own egg baskets and cameras.
Bake sale coming to Erving Senior & Community Center
ERVING — Homemade baked goods will be available for purchase at the Erving Senior & Community Center, 1 Care Drive, starting Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3.
Proceeds will go toward programs at the Senior Center. Open hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Design input session scheduled for former Farren
MONTAGUE — As the town continues to plan for redevelopment of the former Farren Care Center lot, residents are asked to share their ideas in an interactive community design workshop on Tuesday, March 31, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The workshop will be held at the Shea Theater Arts Center, 71 Avenue A. It will feature a discussion on” architectural and site design, and how the design guidelines can complement the recently adopted Design Overlay District for the Mixed-Use Village Center, including parcels on Masonic Avenue, Rod Shop Road and parcels on Montague City Road to the north and south of the Farren site,” an event notice from the town explains.
Light refreshments will be served and the input session will be recorded by Montague Community Television for future viewing.
With questions and comments, contact Planning Director Maureen Pollock at mpollock@montague-ma.gov or 413-863-3200, ext. 112.