Wendell Historical Society giving back by helping neighbors
WENDELL — After three years of renovations, the Wendell Historical Society’s future home at 466 Wendell Depot Road has a new look.
Interior work is progressing, with anticipation of a 2027 opening of the town’s first history museum and repository in what was once the depot store and post office.
The Historical Society and some friends plan to help two neighbors with cutting, splitting and stacking firewood on Saturday, June 20, as a way of thanking the community for its support.
Mahar School Committee increases school meal prices for adults by 50 cents
ORANGE — The Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District School Committee voted last week to increase by 50 cents the price that an adult will pay for a school meal.
Public school students get free meals every school day thanks to state and federal funds, but adult employees must pay. The cost at Mahar is $5.50 per meal, and it will go up to $6 at the beginning of the next academic year to reflect increases in food and fuel costs.
“Everything is skyrocketing,” said Elizabeth Zielinski, superintendent of the Ralph C. Mahar Regional and Union 73 school districts.
Michelle Tontodonato, Mahar’s administrator of finance, said adults still get a great deal.
“And the food is amazing,” she said at the June 11 meeting.
Orange Community Band starts summer season
ORANGE — The Orange Community Band is starting the 2026 summer season after a series of rehearsals practicing new music. The first of seven Friday evening concerts at the bandstand in Butterfield Park is set for June 19.
The concert theme for June 19 is “Just an Old-Fashioned Band Concert.” It will feature band favorites and some new music from Broadway, Disney and classical repertoire.
The theme on June 26 is “Beach Night,” and then July 3 will be the annual patriotic concert. The theme is “A Nation’s Story in Song.”
Storm cancellations will be announced by 4:30 p.m. on the Orange Community Band’s Facebook page the day of a scheduled concert. The Salvation Army operates a concession stand for the concerts, with proceeds benefiting children in the community.
Stephanie Parker is returning for her 24th season as conductor.
Public health nurse to talk summer heat, sun safety
NEW SALEM — Samantha Piragis, a public health nurse with the North Quabbin Health Collaborative, will share some information about the importance of heat and sun safety on Tuesday, June 23, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the New Salem Public Library.
This event, which will include tips on staying safe and comfortable this summer, was rescheduled from June 13.
Second Chance Animal Services holding pet vaccine clinic
ORANGE — Pet owners in Orange and the surrounding area are invited to register their cats and dogs for an upcoming vaccine clinic hosted by Second Chance Animal Services. The clinic will take place on Saturday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Orange Fire Station, located at 18 Water St.
The clinic will offer free distemper/parvo vaccines, $5 rabies vaccines and $19 Leptospirosis vaccines, along with microchipping for $22. These services are designed to help pet owners protect their animals from common but serious diseases while also improving the chances of reuniting lost pets with their families.
“Bringing affordable vaccine clinics into local neighborhoods is one of the most effective ways we can support both pets and the people who love them,” Lindsay Doray of Second Chance Animal Services said in a statement. “These clinics help prevent suffering, reduce the spread of disease and keep more pets where they belong — at home with their families.”
The clinic is open to all pet owners, regardless of where they live. Advance registration is encouraged, as space is limited. Walk-ins will be permitted as time allows. Pet owners can register online at secondchanceanimals.org/scasconnect-north-brookfield.
This clinic is made possible in part by Petco Love and the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts. For more information, visit secondchanceanimals.org.