Pet supply drive underway
ORANGE — A pet supply drive benefiting North Quabbin Animal Control is being held at Wheeler Memorial Library during open hours until Dec. 1.
Donations of dry or canned cat and dog foods, treats, blankets, towels, cat litter and toys will be accepted, as well as unscented, dye-free laundry detergent, trash bags and paper towels. All supplies must be new and unopened. No cash donations will be accepted.
Free Sunday concerts offered in Orange
ORANGE — Free Sunday concerts are coming to the First Universalist Church at 31 North Main St. on Oct. 19 and Nov. 2 during the matinee hours of 2 to 4 p.m.
The fall lineup of the “Petit Concert Series” continues the organizers’ goal of providing a cultural and social boost to the community.
Presented by Stage on Main, and sponsored by the Orange Revitalization Partnership and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the fall lineup is:
- Oct. 19 — A collaboration performing gospel, pop and ballad, including Ken Johnson (tenor), Candi Fetzer (soprano), Chuck Berube (bass) and accompanied by Judy Johnson on the piano.
- Nov. 2 — Singer-songwriter Richard Chase, a multi-instrumentalist who has appeared on stages to perform a variety of genres that include symphonic, orchestral, jazz, pop, original, rock, choral and contra.
The programming is free, though donations are always appreciated.
Touch-a-truck event coming to Wheeler Memorial Library
ORANGE — In collaboration with the Orange Fire Department, the Wheeler Memorial Library has scheduled a touch-a-truck event on Wednesday, Oct. 22, in honor of National Fire Prevention Month.
The free, sensory-friendly event is set for 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. Registration is not required.
Historical Society president to deliver talk at library
NEW SALEM — J.A. McIntosh, president of the Swift River Valley Historical Society, is scheduled to present “Swift River Secrets: Fact to Fiction” on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. at the New Salem Public Library.
McIntosh will talk about her latest novel, “Swift River Secrets.” Her novel is a contemporary mystery, set at the Historical Society, but its grudges and intrigues go back to the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir in the early 20th century.
McIntosh will have copies of her book available for purchase. This event is free and available on Zoom. More details and the Zoom link can be found at nsfriendsoflibrary.weebly.com. Email nsfriendsoflibrary@gmail.com with questions.
Church to host monthly open mic night
ORANGE — The First Universalist Church at 31 North Main St. is bringing live performance to the community with the launch of a new open mic night, held on the last Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.
Organizers hope the open mic night will help re-establish the historic church as a hub for creativity and connection. With few public gathering places that aren’t profit-driven, the goal is to offer a welcoming space where the community can share music, art and ideas.
Interested performers should contact organizer Hans Rickheit at hansrickheit@hotmail.com to reserve a spot. There is a suggested donation of $10.