Community is at the heart of the mission and values of the North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival. To amplify the wonderful work local organizations are doing to further health, education, and economic and environmental justice in our region, we invite local community organizations to join us at the Festival.
The community organizations that will participate in the 2023 Festival are listed below. Click on their names below to visit them virtually and see what they are doing.
Founded by Robert Coyle in 1963, an eighth grade science teacher at the Athol Junior High School, the club was a spin-off of the science curriculum which included studies in astronomy, geology, geography and field ornithology. Integral to our mission, ABNC is a managing partner of the Miller’s River Environmental Center, with a strong emphasis on the education and training of area citizens to enhance their appreciation for, connection with, and stewardship of the rich natural resources of the region through lectures, field trips and programs.
LaunchSpace – LaunchSpace is the region’s community makerspace located in the Orange Innovation Center and Pleasant Street School in Athol. The mission of LaunchSpace Inc. is to support innovative economic development in post-industrial, semi-rural communities by providing opportunities to explore and develop hands-on skills in support of enhanced personal satisfaction, increased employment value, and business incubation to benefit individuals, schools, businesses and the broader community. We offer member-based access to our spaces and a menu of programs for youth and adults for personal and professional growth in the creative economy. Watch a video tour and meet the founders here. If you would like to host a class or workshop please contact brianna@launchspace-orange.com.
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust –
MGLCT benefits the environment, the economy, and future generations by protecting significant agricultural, natural, and scenic lands and encouraging land stewardship in 23 communities in northern and central Massachusetts. Since 1986 we’ve helped conserve 37,000 acres, including 36 farms totaling over 4,500 acres of farmland. Our work is rooted in a collaborative, innovative approach to conservation that recognizes working farms and forests as the heart of healthy, resilient communities. Watch the Mount Grace movies Exploring Fungi, Nibbling on North Quabbin’s Wild Landscape and What The Land Is.
NOFA/MA – Through education and advocacy Massachusetts chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association promotes organic agriculture to expand the production and availability of nutritious food from living soil for the health of individuals, communities and the planet.
Nolembeka Project – The Nolumbeka Project envisions a Connecticut River Valley where the histories, cultures, and persistence of Northeastern Indigenous Peoples are recognized and celebrated, and where all beings coexist in balance and reciprocity. Watch a video of their mission. Nolembeka connects the public with Native culture.
RC Mahar RSD & Union 73 – Meet your local School Committees and learn about our districts.
The Foundation for Community Justice – an all-volunteer organization helping our neighbors in Franklin County with tangible support and encouragement in their time of need. Support includes assisting those recently released from jail, supporting the victims of crime, and promoting local restorative justice efforts.
Victoria Rose Scholarship Fund – Victoria Rose was a vibrant little girl who loved to dance and share that love with all those around her. Victoria was taken from us too soon, but through the Victoria Rose Scholarship Fund we will continue her legacy of joy, love and dance. Victoria was adamant that all of her friends get to experience dance on their own, and we hope to carry out that wish with the Victoria Rose Scholarship. Our mission is to allow as many children as possible to experience the joy of dance that Victoria loved.
Wheeler Memorial Library – Orange has maintained a free public library in various locations since 1859. The Wheeler library opened in 1914 and has been a center of community life ever since. Wheeler is currently working to make its space accessible and up-to-date through a building renovation.
In addition, several other organizations will be interspersed throughout the festival and listed on other pages on this website, such as the Portal to the Future.
