New Salem OSRP Committee hosting public forum

NEW SALEM — The town invites residents to a public forum scheduled for 7 p.m. on Nov. 20 to review the draft Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) in the New Salem Public Library’s Community Room or via Zoom: https://qrcodes.pro/gZ7V9m.

The OSRP outlines goals for protecting natural resources, improving recreation opportunities, and increasing climate resilience over the next 10 years. The meeting will include a short presentation and an hour for discussion.

A full draft of the plan and the public forum presentation will be available on www.newsalemma.org, starting Nov. 19. The Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee hopes to hear from residents about the draft plan during the public comment period, which will run Nov. 19 through Dec. 8.

Comments can be submitted via email to Tamsin Flanders at the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, at tflanders@frcog.org.

New Salem COA plans two lunches this month

NEW SALEM — The Council on Aging plans to hold two noon lunches at the Central Congregational Church on South Main this month, according to the New Salem News.

Honey salmon, orzo and green beans are on the menu for Nov. 14, while turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing and beans will be served on Nov. 21. Both meals will be served with a salad and dessert. 

Lunches cost $3.50. RSVP at 978-575-0116 by the Monday evening before the meal. Leave a message if necessary. The Nov. 14 meal will be preceded by a game day starting at 10:30 a.m.

New Salem Public Library plans beekeeping workshop

NEW SALEM — New Salem Public Library plans to host local beekeeper Chuck Neveu for a workshop on Nov. 15 and Nov. 18.

“Crafternoons: Making Beeswax Hand Cream” is scheduled for 1 to 2 p.m. Participants will learn how to make scented hand cream with beeswax. Neveau will demonstrate the step-by-step procedure, and participants will get the instructions so they can make their own handcrafted beeswax hand cream at home.

Registration is recommended — call 978-544-6334 or email n_salem@cwmars.org.

“Views from a Woodlot,” presented by Chris Hardee, of High Cairn Films, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 18.

The event will include a showing of Hardee’s documentary short film, which profiles the woodlot work and wisdom of retired forester and local resident Bruce Spencer. After the film, the director will speak about creating the film. He will also be on hand for a Q&A session.

The program is funded by the Friends of the New Salem Public Library.

Transfer station demolition and metal containers to be removed

NEW SALEM — The demolition and metal containers will be removed from the transfer station after Dec. 6, and people are advised to plan accordingly, according to the New Salem News.

The swap shed also will close after Dec. 6. The dates for reopening in the spring will be announced in the New Salem News by February or March. Trash sticker purchases will be limited for the time being.

Wendell food author to read, discuss book

NEW SALEM — Wendell author Cathy Stanton plans to read from and discuss her book “Food Margins: Lessons from an Unlikely Grocer” at the New Salem Public Library at 7 p.m. on Nov. 13, according to the New Salem News.

The book discusses global food issues as well as the local history of the Quabbin Harvest Food Co-op in Orange. This event is free and both in person and on Zoom. Register for the Zoom link at  https://tinyurl.com/NSPLFriendsSeries. Email the Friends at  nsfriendsoflibrary@gmail.com with questions.

First Universalist Church holding annual Holiday Fair

ORANGE — The First Universalist Church at 31 North Main St. has scheduled its annual Holiday Fair for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 22.

There will be the typical center table, food tables, plants and crafts for sale, popular corn chowder, apple pie with cheese, and a door prize. Lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.