Late resident leaves 10% of her estate to Wheeler Memorial Library

ORANGE — The Selectboard voted unanimously last week to accept an approximately $80,000 gift from a deceased resident’s final will and testament.

Kay F. Johnson died on Jan. 12, 2025, at age 85. She left 10% of her estate to benefit Wheeler Memorial Library.

Town Manager Matthew Fortier explained that the state suggested that both the Selectboard and the board of trustees of the Orange Public Libraries vote to accept the gift, as the will designates the funds not for the library, but for the town for the purpose of being given to the library. He said the trustees already voted to accept the money.

Selectboard member Kelli Gervais called it “a wonderful gift.” She mentioned that Johnson’s niece, who is the executor of the will, plans to visit in the winter to formally present the gift to the Selectboard at a meeting.

Anderson joins wastewater superintendent selection committee

ORANGE — The Selectboard voted unanimously to allow Vice Chair Reid Jeffries “Jeff” Anderson Jr. to serve on the committee tasked with finding a new superintendent for the wastewater department.

Oscar Rodriguez took over for Edward Billiel Jr. on July 1, 2023, and resigned in the summer of 2025. The superintendent serves as the Orange Wastewater Treatment Facility’s chief operator, overseeing the department’s budgeting, operations and day-to-day tasks. Red Tail Services is being contracted to operate the treatment facility until a new chief operator is chosen.

“They have not had a lot of success in finding a new one,” Anderson said at last week’s meeting, adding that he was approached about serving on the selection committee.

Under the new town charter, the wastewater superintendent will be hired by Town Manager Matthew Fortier.

Second annual PTCA Craft Fair set for Swift River School

NEW SALEM — The second annual Parent Teacher Community Association (PTCA) Craft Fair will be held at Swift River School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7.

There will be 57 local vendors as well as 13 student vendors. Admission is free, and there will be food for sale, a raffle table, baked goods and coffee. Proceeds support Swift River School students and staff through the Backpack Buddies food program, field trips, school events and more.

For more information, email teamsrs@swiftriverschool.org.

New Salem library director candidate withdraws acceptance

NEW SALEM — The woman selected to be the next New Salem Public Library director has rescinded her acceptance.

Kara L. Jund had been hired by the library trustees following an interview process and was expected to start on Nov. 12. But Linda Chatfield, who has been interim director since Diana Smith retired five years ago, said Jund notified the trustees via email on Oct. 21 that she was withdrawing her acceptance.

Jund is listed as the Wales Public Library director, in Hampden County.

Chatfield said the trustees hope to interview another candidate soon.

State AG approves New Salem bylaw

NEW SALEM — A bylaw revision approved by voters at Annual Town Meeting in May has gone into effect, having been approved by state Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.

The bylaw stipulates that Annual Town Meeting “shall be held on the first Monday in June of each year, unless otherwise set by the Selectboard, at such time and place as the Selectboard shall determine and as set forth in the warrant.”

State law requires final approval by the state Attorney General’s Office on bylaws or revisions adopted at a Town Meeting.

Wendell real estate tax bills due

WENDELL — Real estate tax bills have been mailed, and anyone who has not received theirs is encouraged to notify Tax Collector Penny Delorey at taxcollector@wendellmass.us.

Tax payments are due by Nov. 5, according to Wendell’s municipal website.