Royalston author to read at New Salem Public Library

NEW SALEM — Longtime Royalston author Allen Young is scheduled to read from his latest book at the New Salem Public Library from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17.

“From the Octagon: People. Places. News. Views.” is a collection of articles Young wrote over several years. Most of the articles were previously published in the Athol Daily News, with others taken from a left-wing blog originating in Austin, Texas. New Salem resident Ami Fagin is one of several artists lauded by Young. Topics include museums, drag queens, marijuana and solar arrays. Books will be available for purchase.

People can also hear Young speak via Zoom, at tinyurl.com/AllenYoungLink.

Young is an 85-year-old journalist and activist with experience in the anti-war, gay liberation and environmental movements. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and master’s degrees from that school and Stanford University. A native of the Borscht Belt in New York’s Catskills, he lives in Royalston on Butterworth Farm, an intentional community he and four friends founded in 1973.

Museum announces winners of painting competition

NEW SALEM — The New Salem Museum and Academy of Fine Art’s 2026 International Painting Competition winners have been chosen.

T. Allen Lawson won the $35,000 grand prize in the New Salem Museum and Academy of Fine Art’s 2026 International Painting Competition for his painting, “End of Day.” It is an oil painting on linen mounted on a cradled panel. Credit: CONTRIBUTED

The grand prize $35,000 Acquisition Award went to T. Allen Lawson for his painting, “End of Day.” It is an oil painting on linen mounted on a cradled panel.

Andrii Kateryniuk was named the People’s Choice Award winner and gets $2,500 for his oil painting, “Not Alone.” Voting for the People’s Choice Award was open to all museum visitors during the length of the finalists’ exhibit, from May to August. The museum exhibit has concluded, but people can still see the finalist paintings (including other award winners) at tinyurl.com/2026NewSalemSeason.

There were nearly 1,600 submissions from artists in 44 countries.

Andrii Kateryniuk entered the New Salem Museum and Academy of Fine Art’s 2026 International Painting Competition and was named the People’s Choice Award winner, earning $2,500 for his oil painting “Not Alone.” Voting for the People’s Choice Award was open to all museum visitors during the length of the finalists’ exhibit, from May to August. Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Wendell Selectboard makes three appointments

WENDELL — The Selectboard made three appointments at its Sept. 9 meeting.

Phyllis Lawrence was appointed to the Cultural Council, Ray DiDonato was appointed to the Planning Board and Phil Delorey became a Zoning Board of Appeals alternate.