| In 1999 then-owners of Sholan Farm, the Possick family of New
Jersey, submitted plans for a 161-home subdivision to Leominster's
Planning Board.
Mayor Dean Mazzarella immediately contacted the Possick family's
attorney to notify them of the City's interest in purchasing Sholan
Farm and to begin negotiating a purchase price.
Letters and e-mails from students, citizens, businesses and organizations
from across the country came pouring in pleading with the City to
save Sholan Farm and offering support and assistance for Leominster's
efforts.
The Mayor's Office partnered with a local candle company, Wickey
Wax Candle Shop, to sell Baked Apple Candles to help raise money
to purchase the farm. This effort led to a national campaign through
Appleseed's Catalog Company, with a mailing that went out to over
100,000 homes across the country.
Appleseed's Advertising company also greatly assisted with Leominster's
fundraising efforts, creating gold apple pins and pewter pins that
sya "Save the Orchard".
Mayor Mazzarella and the Possick family entered into a Purchase
and Sales Agreement in September of 2000 for a purchase price of
$4.75 million.
The City has been working to raise money through donations, grants,
and foundations to offset the cost to the City and, ultimately,
the taxpayers.
Most recently, a group of residents has formed the Friends of Sholan
Farm committee, which meets on Thursday evening at Leominster City
Hall. Anyone wishing to join the Friends of Sholan Farm can contact
the Mayor's Office at 978-534-7500.
Note: The Friends of Sholan Farm will be seeking volunteers
to help man the farm during September and October. The farm will
be open for Pick-Your-Own:
- Thursday & Friday 10AM-2PM
- Saturday & Sunday 10AM-4PM
Volunteers will be needed to collect money and pass out bags for
people who come to pick apples. If you are interested in volunteering,
please call the Mayor's Office at 978-534-7500.
All volunteers are welcome! |
