Governor Declares Nov. 28 As 'Green Friday'

HATFIELD, Mass. — To kick off the holiday season in Massachusetts and to highlight the state's Christmas tree and nursery sectors, Governor Maura Healey is declaring Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, as "Green Friday."

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle joined state and local officials today to celebrate the declaration at Chestnut Mountain Christmas Tree Farm in Hatfield. The event included a presentation of a Governor's Proclamation, followed by a ceremonial Christmas tree cutting.

"There's no better way to usher in the holiday season than by purchasing a locally grown Christmas tree and other festive plants," said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. "Our growers take great care of the land which produces beautiful evergreens that provide a perfect centerpiece to your holiday celebrations. Start your holidays off at a local farm or nursery for a memorable experience."

Massachusetts is home to 459 Christmas tree farms, which operate on nearly 3,000 acres of land and contribute more than $4.5 million to the local economy every year. These farms provide hundreds of seasonal jobs, and many year-round positions as well, boosting local economies through commerce and tourism. Many farms offer family-friendly activities like sleighrides and treats like milk and cookies or hot chocolate.

Christmas tree farms provide a stunning backdrop to the agricultural landscape in Massachusetts and help preserve open space across the state, bringing tremendous environmental benefits to the surrounding land. Often sited on soil that cannot support other crops, these farms enhance soil health, which helps prevent erosion and protect water supplies. After the holiday season, trees and other plants can be used as a renewable source of energy to be burned as fuel, used as mulch, fed to certain livestock, or composted.

To find more information on Massachusetts Christmas tree farms and nurseries, please visit MDAR's MassGrown page.

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.