Friends of Quabbin planning ‘holiday party’ with bridge talk
BELCHERTOWN — The volunteer-run nonprofit Friends of Quabbin is planning a Dec. 7 “holiday party” during which Michael Weitzner, of Thistle Stone Works in Brattleboro, Vermont, will deliver a presentation detailing how he stabilized the historic Keystone Bridge at Gate 30 in New Salem by working with Curtis Construction Services of Brookfield.
The presentation is scheduled for the state Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Les and Terry Campbell Visitor Center at 100 Winsor Dam Road at 2 p.m.
The 160-year-old bridge was in danger of collapse and has been stabilized through a $120,000 project funded by the Friends of the Quabbin. The bridge, which is held in place by gravity and required a specific approach to save, spans the middle branch of the Swift River, which provides water to the Quabbin Reservoir and is within the Quabbin Reservation.
The Friends recently announced the completion of the stabilization phase. The Friends worked closely with the DCR’s Division of Water Supply Protection, and more information about the project can be found at www.friendsofquabbin.org/keystone.
Moonlight and Morning Star teaming up with Wendell Community Chorus
NEW SALEM — The multicultural duo Moonlight and Morning Star are teaming up with the Wendell Community Chorus for a Dec. 17 concert.
This show is slated to begin at 2 p.m. and feature songs from many traditions, with a couple of sing-alongs. The group comprised of George Moonlight Davis and Morning Star Chenven and George Moonlight Davis has performed in and around New England for at least 30 years. The Wendell Community Chorus has been singing locally for roughly 15 years. For more information, contact Chenven at morningstar210@gmail.com.
Two workshops set for Dec. 4 at New Salem library
NEW SALEM — Two workshops are scheduled for the New Salem Public Library on Dec. 4, according to the New Salem News.
A “Canva for Beginners” workshop is planned for 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Canva is a free-to-use online graphic design tool for creating social media posts, presentations, posters, videos, logos, and more. A holiday card workshop with Lynn Layton is set for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Registration is required. Call 978-355-6334, email nsdirector@cwmars.org, or stop by the library at 23 South Main St.
New Salem residents invited to review open space and recreation plan
NEW SALEM — The draft update of the New Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan has been posted to the town website (shorturl.at/hE3U4), along with the presentation slides from the Nov. 20 public forum.
Residents are invited to review the materials and share their feedback and ideas through Dec. 8. Email comments to Tamsin Flanders at tflanders@frcog.org.
New Salem memorial Christmas lighting set for Wednesday
NEW SALEM — The lighting of the memorial Christmas tree is set for 6 p.m. on Dec. 3, according to the New Salem News.
Bulbs can be purchased for $5 in honor or in memory of friends or family members. Checks or cash made out to New Salem Central Congregational Church, memo line “Memorial Tree” and the people you want to remember. The Rev. Jim Ewen will give a brief talk about the origins of the Christmas tree tradition and Christmas carols will be sung. The Church’s address and mailing address is 22 South Main St., New Salem, MA 01355.
Those who are to be remembered will have their names printed in the church bulletin and the church’s website, newsalemcongo.org. For more information, contact bojan45h@gmail.com.
Soprano Vandermeer to perform at New Salem Museum and Academy of Fine Art
NEW SALEM — Coloratura soprano and Welsh triple harpist Zoe Vandermeer has a concert scheduled for the New Salem Museum and Academy of Fine Art on Dec. 19.
Doors open and drinks will be available starting at 6 p.m., with the performance starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Ticket reservations are required for entry.
Vandermeer presents an array of baroque and classical music in her special concert, “Musical Portraits in Harp and Song.” The program highlights the subtlety, beauty and signature sounds of famous composers, singers, harpists, poets, and politicians from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Guests will hear the music of Giulio Caccini, one of the primary composers who heralded in the era of New Music, a song by Dutch composer and politician Constantijn Huygens (who was also one of Rembrandt’s patrons), and vocal ornamentation of Handel’s music by created by famed soprano Isabella Girardeau in 1711.
