Orange MA

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Orange MA Local News and Community Information

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• Cupcake Wars

  

  How Event Started

  Back in the late 1990’s, a parent almost lost a child due to alcohol poisoning. This provided the thought that maybe running an event to prevent kids from getting hurt would be a good idea. And thus, the MAPP was born. The Mahar After Prom Party has now been around for about 20 years, far longer than this particular fundraiser.

  Many businesses and individuals love to simply donate to the cause, and doing so is easy. Simply make out a check payable to MAPP and mail to: Helene Holmes, 350 Holtshire Road, Orange, MA 01364.

  Have questions? You can reach Helene Holmes via email at HeleneHolmes@yahoo.com or via phone at (978) 544-6377

  There is also a Facebook page, CLICK HERE.

  Cupcake Wars Back in Orange MA

  Cupcake Wars is slated to take place Sunday, May 22, 2022 at the Orange American Legion. The event benefits the Mahar After Prom Party. Directions, click here

  This year will be the 5th annual event as the 4th annual event was held in 2019 and no event was held in either 2020 or 2021. In 2019 there were 17 entries total in 3 divisions: professional, amateur, and youth. Abby Holmes co-organizes the contest with her mother Helene Holmes. This year there will be up to 30 Bakers participating.

  The goal of the event is to raise money for the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School’s after prom party which is run to keep students safe after the all night prom. Helene Holmes has been on the organizing committee for the after party since it started in the late 1990’s. This is just one fundraiser for a party that reportedly costs up to around $15,000 or so to put on. The after promo party is a drug and alcohol-free event intended to keep Mahar high school seniors and guests safe on prom night. All are locked in until 5am with fun games, food, entertainment, and activities such as swimming. This year’s proceeds will go towards the 2023 After Prom Party.

  The 5th Annual Cupcake Wars has public voting for the best cupcakes from 1:30 to 3:30 at the Orange American Legion. Entrance levels are $5, $10, or $15 depending on how many full size cupcakes you want to take home in addition to trying all of the available samples.

  The event will take up to 30 different bakers from 4 different categories: Professional, Amateur, Adult with child under 7, and Youth under 18. Entry fee is $20 per flavor, except Youth under 18 which is $10 per flavor. Contestant Participants are asked to bring a minimum of 3 dozen cupcakes plus samples. Theme this year is Celebrations. There are 3 judges per division who remain completely unknown to the contestants.

• Orange Water Tank Funding

  

  The Town of Orange has secured MA Grant Funding for Water Tank Project

  The $1 million in MassWorks grant funding for the Orange Industrial Park Water Tank Project  is designed to help protect employees, preserve business, and prepare for growth.  The award will be used to build a new water town for fire suppression serviced at the Orange Industrial Park.   There’s more information in the press release. CLICK HERE.

• Covid 4-1-22

  

  Massachusetts Covid Positivity under 2% as of 4-1-22

  Trends bode well for the Greater Gardner area as shown by the map at left. The City of Gardner is identified by the red G.

  CLICK MAP for larger view.

• Orange PD

  

  Orange Police Department Announces Drug Bust

  “After a lengthy investigation into the sales of illegal narcotics, stemming from complaints of concerned citizens and proactive police work, the Northwestern Anti-Crime Task Force, along with assistance from the Orange Police Department, executed a search warrant on February 9, 2022 at a residence in the town of Orange. Among other evidence, investigators located and seized the following illegal narcotics: • Approximately (181.5) grams of suspected cocaine;• Approximately (770) bags / DU of suspected fentanyl;• Approximately (84) tablets of suspected MDMA;• Various prescription pills; and• Approximately $1,558 US currency.As a result of the investigation, one male party was placed under arrest and charged with the following:◦ Trafficking a Class B Substance Greater than 100 grams (cocaine) ◦ Trafficking a Class A Substance Greater than 10 grams (Fentanyl)◦ Possession of a Class B Substance with Intent to Distribute (MDMA)◦ Possession of a Class E Substance with Intent to Distribute ◦ Possession of a Class B Substance ◦ Possession of a Class C Substance ◦ Possession of a Class E Substance. This investigation is still on-going, and more specific details are unavailable at this time.”  Orange MA PD Facebook page. CLICK HERE

• White Cloud

  

  More of the Diner Experience

  Other diners in the area with decent Google reviews include Blue Moon Diner, Gardner MA Facebook Directions – Kellies, Athol MA Website Directions – Ruschioni’s Cruisin 12 Diner, Winchendon MA Website Directions – Hometown Cafe, Winchendon MA Directions – Hubb Town Diner, Hubbardston MA Website Directions – Heavy Evies Diner Rutland MA Website Directions – The Hen House East Templeton MA Directions -Westminster Cafe Westminster MA Facebook Directions

  White Cloud Diner in Orange MA Knows How to Communicate

  Occasionally we come across a business which can serve as a positive lesson to others. In this case, the White Cloud Diner located at 627 E. River Street Orange, MA 01364 Directions.

  The diner posted its menu board on Facebook with the most graceful and clear penmanship we’ve seen in a long time. And that’s not the only communication art at which the diner excels. With a 4.6 Google Rating consisting of 315 Reviews, these courteous business owners recently responded to a 4 star rating with “Thank you, we hope you come back and we can earn that last star.” And here’s what one reviewer said, “Do not sleep on this little gem. This cozy spot will leave you floating on a little bliss cloud.” Check the reviews out yourself. CLICK HERE.

  From White Cloud: ” Our family owned and run diner has been in operation since 1958, although the newest family has only started in December 2018. We are across from the Orange Airport, and offer a delicious selection of breakfasts and lunches. Come check us out!”

  White Cloud Diner has a Facebook page: CLICK HERE

• School Closings

  

  Greater Gardner MA School Closings

  The three network TV affiliates in Boston each publish updated school closing information for our area: Here are the links: ABC — NBC — CBS

• Saturday Blizzard

  

  Is Greater Gardner MA in for a Saturday Blizzard?

  We’re ready at the Greater Gardner Weather Center. CLICK HERE We have several forecast services plus Interactive Maps which show you the various forecast models.

  PARKING BANS: Many communities will have parking bans in various areas. Times will vary, but the intent is the same, KEEP CARS OFF THE ROAD so plows can clear the snow.

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• Millers River

  

  Millers River Waterfront Project – Orange MA

  Field work is underway on the Millers River Waterfront Project.

  From the Orange MA website “The Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) is working with the Town of Orange on a plan for the Gulf Brook watershed and parts of the Millers River waterfront that will document existing conditions and identifies potential locations for storm water management and water quality improvement projects.

  FRCOG staff will be doing fieldwork at the end of January. Once completed, the Watershed-Based Plan will be submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s 319 Program. With an approved plan, Orange is eligible for grant funding for water-quality and storm water management/flood resilience projects.”

  Visit the Orange MA website for more information, CLICK HERE

• Test Reimbursement

  

  UPDATE: Free Covid-19 Test Kits and Reimbursement for Greater Gardner MA

  The Federal Government has a website in effect NOW from which Americans can order free COVID-19 tests. This began on January 19th. For the site CLICK HERE. These kits are absolutely free (limited to 4 tests per address) and don’t require any payment upfront.

  In addition, private insurers must cover the cost of up to eight at-home Covid-19 tests per month. (This started   January 15, 2022.) Consumers pay for the tests up front and get reimbursed by insurance. Previous purchases don’t count and tests must be on approved government list: Rapid Antigen —- Molecular (PCR).

  The Biden Administration has also announced that FREE masks will soon be available through your local pharmacy. Ask your pharmacy for details.

  Additional suggestion: With many venues requiring proof of vaccination, we suggest the purchase of an inexpensive all-in-one printer (less than $70 from any major retailer) so you can scan your vax card. Back up any documents and keep a file on your phone. Now an even easier suggestion: Get a digital Vax Card through the State of Massachusetts. To visit the portal, CLICK HERE.

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• Smokin’ Sewer

  

  Smoking the Sewers in Orange MA

  The Town of Orange MA will be performing Smoke Testing as part of a Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Survey on January 19, 2022 between the hours of 7am and 4pm. Non-toxic smoke is blown into sewer mains to determine any areas where storm and surface water may be entering the sewer system. Residents should not get smoke in their homes if they have proper plumbing, ventilation, and water traps containing water – should smoke occur inside, report to crews on site or call (800) 268-0281

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