Acupuncturist to speak in New Salem
NEW SALEM — “TCM & Nutrition: Eating with the Seasons” is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the New Salem Public Library.
Gabrielle Freels, a licensed acupuncturist who owns Energy Works Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine, will lead the class and help participants rediscover the ancient wisdom of traditional Chinese methods where food is understood as energy medicine.
Participants will discuss practical ways to eat in alignment with the seasons and climate, and how to adjust food choices as your body’s needs shift throughout the year. There will be a variety of healthy foods to sample.
Quabbin Reservoir author, historian to speak
NEW SALEM — On Tuesday, April 14, local author and historian J.R. Greene will present a program at the New Salem Public Library about life in the Swift River Valley towns before the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir.
Greene is scheduled to speak from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the presentation is called “The Creation of the Quabbin Reservoir: The Death of the Swift River Valley.”
Greene has written many books on the history of the Quabbin Reservoir and Dana, Enfield, Greenwich and Prescott — the four towns that were disincorporated to create the reservoir in the 1930s, ensuring Boston had improved water access.
At least 1,100 structures, including 650 homes, were dismantled. Property was taken by eminent domain if homeowners refused to sell their houses to the state for fair-market value. An act of the Legislature disincorporated the four “lost towns” on April 28, 1938.
Wendell Meetinghouse announces artists, performers and event leaders for 2026 Community Arts & Conversations Initiative
WENDELL — The Wendell Meetinghouse has announced the list of artists, performers and event leaders whose applications were approved to participate in the 2026 Community Arts & Conversation project.
The Community Arts & Conversation series is designed to present high-quality, accessible exhibits, performances and classes at the Wendell Meetinghouse, while fostering engagement between performers and artists and the community.
Thanks in part to funding provided by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts and its Community Enrichment grant program, Community Arts & Conversation artists, performers and event leaders will receive stipends; free access to the Wendell Meetinghouse space; support with lighting, sound and other tech needs; and publicity and other support from the Friends of the Wendell Meetinghouse and its volunteers. Applications for the initiative were reviewed by a small community group.
The full list of artists, performers and event leaders can be found at wendellmeetinghouse.org/communityartsconversations. General information on Wendell Meetinghouse events, renovations and work with community members is available at wendellmeetinghouse.org.
Tick safety presentation coming to Wheeler Memorial Library
ORANGE — Public Health Nurse Samantha Piragis is scheduled to visit the Wheeler Memorial Library on Monday, April 27, for a “Let’s Talk” presentation about tick safety.
The free presentation, slated for 4 to 5:45 p.m., will focus on ticks, tick-borne illnesses and tick bite prevention.
Free Permethrin spraying for hiking/outdoor boots and shoes will be available. Guests are asked to bring a spare pair of boots or shoes to wear.
Seeds of Solidarity Farm and Education Center announces workshop lineup for 2026 season
ORANGE — The Seeds of Solidarity Farm and Education Center has announced its 2026 season, filled with free and sliding-scale workshops. Registration is now open.
Opening weekend entails a volunteer afternoon on April 25 to help initiate a new native plant nursery. Sliding-scale events include an experiential workshop on April 26 to gain techniques for climate-resilient, abundant gardens and farms.
People can sign up for a Soothe the Soul retreat on May 17 or to create a garden altar on June 14, when participants will leave with a handcrafted piece to adorn their yard or garden. Join Seeds of Solidarity founders for a potluck and conversation in July with the theme of “staying human amid havoc,” or learn new skills in a weekend building immersion on Aug. 22 and 23. Fall brings a volunteer and connect harvest event on Oct. 24, and an immersive no-till gardening and farming workshop on Oct 25.
In addition, the organization’s Women Healing Women Healing Earth initiative will host nine new workshops, offered with free admission or by donation to support access for women of all income levels. A range of presenters will offer arts, nature and healing experiences.
For details on these and other events, or to register, visit seedsofsolidarity.org.