By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Athol/Orange) As Massachusetts begins the reopening process, local fire and police departments are announcing the end of birthday parades. Athol Police Department announced yesterday their birthday parades for the Athol area will end June 1.
“We originally began doing birthday parades to bring some enthusiasm to our community in such a trying time,” said the department in a recent statement on Facebook.
Orange Police Department and Orange Fire are following suit. These decisions were made in light of the shift from the Stay at Home Advisory to the Safer At Home Advisory, allowing residents to spend more time outside and on the roads.
“Our focus needs to shift,” said the Orange Police Department.
Massachusetts began phase one of the reopening process on May 18. On May 25, many more businesses will be allowed to resume limited business activities as part of phase one.