Recreational Cannabis Sales in Massachusetts

A monumental day in the Bay State, with the first legal sales of marijuana east of the Mississippi!

Two retail shops opened yesterday and as one might expect, tourism to Massachusetts from a multi-state market showed there is the demand for legal and safe pot.

In Northampton, NETA opened its medicinal marijuana operation to the casual user.  Details of THC and CBD content are available on the website, that gives the patient or user a chance to get the right mix for health or relaxation.

Neighboring Maine and Vermont have also decided to provide legal marijuana but no shops have opened.

In the mean time "Taxachusetts" is set to become the destination for cannabis.  And it should be taxed!

May is Preservation Month in Massachusetts

Sorry I just found out about this.  But it is now Preservation Month 2017.  Still time to enjoy it though by taking a hike (or drive) to Bascom Lodge on Mt Greylock.  So check out:

Mount Greylock State Reservation, Visitor Center, 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesboro, 413-499-4262
For information call 413-499-4262. Visitors can drive or hike to the summit of Mount Greylock, a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Summit includes the Commonwealth’s official War Memorial Tower, Bascom Lodge, Thunderbolt Shelter and a recreational landscape, all fine examples of the rustic design and craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The 90 foot tall tower is topped with a beacon that shines in remembrance of the state’s fallen soldiers. Visitors can snack, stay or dine at Bascom Lodge (www.bascomlodge.net).

Bascom Lodge Saturday, May 27th, 12pm-6pm. Doors Open

Celebrate the season’s opening weekend with events and programs including live performances and demonstrations. Visit www.bascomlodge.net for more information. Parking fees apply.

Visitor Center at 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough. Open Daily 9am – 4pm

Most Excellent Majesty exhibits and orientation film. Before driving to the Summit, stop at the Visitor Center to enjoy interactive exhibits and a short film highlighting the splendors of Greylock.

War Memorial Tower Sunday, May 28th, 1pm-2pm.

Join DCR staff for a walk around the Greylock Summit to learn about the history of the War Memorial Tower, the Commonwealth’s tribute to veterans of war. A two-year rehabilitation of the Tower will be nearing completion at the end of May--a major effort to preserve its unique architectural character and protect it from the elements. The program will include the reading of excerpts from the original 1933 dedication, and details on some of the innovative aspects of the recent construction work. Meet at the summit. The walk is a 60 minute, easy stroll along paved pathways with frequent stops. Bring water and sunscreen.

24/7 Cheers Channel to Premier

Gov. Baker (R-Massachusetts) has announced the film tax credits will be removed and this may discourage Hollywood from filming in the Bay State.  Massachusetts has been the setting for several several recent films like  “The Judge” to “American Hustle,” “Labor Day,” “Ted,” “The Town,” “The Social Network,” and “The Fighter” and such TV shows as “Wahlburgers” and “Top Chef: Boston”.

A spokesperson for Baker counters however, by announcing the new streaming channel devoted to the hit TV series Cheers. When asked if the series could fill a 24/7 slot of entertainment, Spokesperson Sam Danson replied "sure, we plan to fill in gaps with live camera feeds of local bars."  People sitting around bars for hours on end, and drinking beer have lots of things to talk about.  We expect it to be more popular than the local news; and certainly a lot more entertaining."

Time will tell.

Community Preservation Act in Massachusetts

The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a smart growth tool that helps communities preserve open space and historic sites, create affordable housing, and develop outdoor recreational facilities. CPA also helps strengthen the state and local economies by expanding housing opportunities and construction jobs for the Commonwealth's workforce, and by supporting the tourism industry through preservation of the Commonwealth’s historic and natural resources.

For more info, visit http://www.communitypreservation.org/

Massachusetts may increase CPA funding

Massachusetts Senate is considering increasing the matching funds to support the Community Preservation Act.  The CPA is designed to match local funding to support recreation and open space, protect historic resources and create affordable housing.  I blogged about the CPA on 8 May 12, 3 May 12, 23 Mar 12, 25 Mar 12, and others (you can search on the right).

This is good news and will likely stimulate the economy.

How has the Community Preservation Act helped?

The Community Preservation Coalition is dedicated to help organizations and governments improve the quality of life in Massachusetts by improving recreation and open space, historic preservation and affordable housing.

For a list of communities that have adopted the CPA, see this link.

Is your community on this list?

Lesser Known Waterfalls of Massachusetts

I shot this picture will hiking the H. Newman Marsh Memorial Trail in the Chester-Blandford State Forest yesterday. It is a great looking waterfall that is found east of the more famous Sanderson Falls along this trail. There are several "vista" along the loop trail found on the top of the 500 foot or so climb.

Check it out and visit the Commonwealth's page.

If you check this area out on Google Earth, over Huntington, to the east, you can see a jet airline heading toward the Northwest!

An Act relative to geography education in Massachusetts

Funny thing here in Massachusetts is the lack of geography education at the K-12 level. That might change if S.182 passes.

An Act relative to geography education in Massachusetts found at:
http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/187/Senate/S00182

If you want to support, email one of the sponsors and if you are local, contact your rep or senator!