M.E. Jones

Pocket forests, or “Miyawaki” forests, based on a model created by the late Japanese botanist of the same name, will soon be a green and growing feature of Ayer and Devens streetscapes.

Miyawaki Forest pilot project could offer pride of place with benefits for Ayer, Devens

October 2, 2022 at 4:45 a.m.

Pocket forests, or “Miyawaki” forests, based on a model created by the late Japanese botanist of the same name, will soon be a green and growing feature of Ayer and...

SHIRLEY — Continuing a New England tradition that dates back more than a century, the Boston Post Cane was recently presented to the town's oldest citizen, John Casey, who turns 101 in December.

Shirley’s oldest citizen, World War II veteran, presented with Boston Post Cane

September 25, 2022 at 4:30 a.m.

SHIRLEY — Continuing a New England tradition that dates back more than a century, the Boston Post Cane was recently presented to the town's oldest citizen, John Casey, who turns...

The property owner, Prit Patel, who also owns a laundromat next door and a variety store across the street, previously filed an application for a special permit that the board approved. But the time limit expired and he later submitted another application.

Public Hearing on proposed Front Street gas station in Shirley set for Sept. 28

September 21, 2022 at 1:31 p.m.

The property owner, Prit Patel, who also owns a laundromat next door and a variety store across the street, previously filed an application for a special permit that the board...

Historians are like archaeologists, they dig things up to find things out.

Stratton Players, Fitchburg Historical Society, fire department pay tribute to city’s Civil War veterans

September 16, 2022 at 4:50 a.m.

Historians are like archaeologists, they dig things up to find things out.

SHIRLEY — People will soon be able to buy marijuana locally, as well as legally, thanks to a new cannabis dispensary on Lancaster Road slated to open by the end of this year, the only such facility in town.

Thrive on track to start legal cannabis sales in Shirley this fall

September 16, 2022 at 4:30 a.m.

SHIRLEY — People will soon be able to buy marijuana locally, as well as legally, thanks to a new cannabis dispensary on Lancaster Road slated to open by the end...

As with the earlier tries, the last attempt to rezone Vicksburg Square would have culminated with super town meetings, held simultaneously in the host towns of Ayer, Harvard and Shirley, with approval required from all three towns, per the protocols set out in the Devens Reuse Plan and its enabling state legislation, Chapter 498.

Ayer, Harvard, Shirley select boards back MassDevelopment’s bid to scrap Devens commercial growth cap

September 2, 2022 at 4:00 a.m.

As with the earlier tries, the last attempt to rezone Vicksburg Square would have culminated with super town meetings, held simultaneously in the host towns of Ayer, Harvard and Shirley,...

SHIRLEY — The vacant lot at 12 Front St. in the Village business district — partially fenced, strewn with rubble and stippled with weeds that attract litter like Velcro — has been an eyesore for some time.

New gas station in Shirley Village? That depends …

August 5, 2022 at 4:20 a.m.

SHIRLEY — The vacant lot at 12 Front St. in the Village business district — partially fenced, strewn with rubble and stippled with weeds that attract litter like Velcro —...

AYER -- The Ayer Senior Center, housed in a rented unit owned by the Housing Authority and located within its senior housing apartment complex on Pond Street, is squeezed for space and needs a new home, according to Council on Aging Director Katie Petrossi and Assistant Town Manager Carly Antonellis.

Ayer seeks 1.5 acres to site senior center

August 2, 2022 at 5:15 p.m.

AYER -- The Ayer Senior Center, housed in a rented unit owned by the Housing Authority and located within its senior housing apartment complex on Pond Street, is squeezed for...

TOWNSEND — Nestled in a grassy hollow below the Townsend Harbor bridge over the Squannacook River, across from the falls, stands a valued remnant of the town's history, and New England's as well.

Spaulding Grist Mill tour highlights upcoming events at Townsend Historical Society

July 29, 2022 at 4:00 a.m.

TOWNSEND — Nestled in a grassy hollow below the Townsend Harbor bridge over the Squannacook River, across from the falls, stands a valued remnant of the town's history, and New...

Brian Harrigan started his new job as Head of School at the Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School on July 1 but his official start date wasn't his first day on campus.

Parker Charter’s new head of school has found his niche

July 22, 2022 at 4:30 a.m.

Brian Harrigan started his new job as Head of School at the Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School on July 1 but his official start date wasn't his first day...

All Stories