MONTAGUE — The town has released an online survey in hopes of garnering input from the public regarding future town development, as announced by Town Planner Walter Ramsey during Tuesday’s Canal District Master Plan Public Session.
Tuesday’s meeting was the second well-attended session hosted by Dietz & Co. Architects to brainstorm ideas regarding Canal District redevelopment. Principal Lee Morrissette reiterated that the district’s former Strathmore Mill complex is largely unsuitable for reuse. Potential redevelopment options mentioned at Tuesday’s meeting include mixed-use infrastructure, local business, canal visibility and enjoyment, housing, park space or simply cleared land that would be safe for future development.
“One important part of that visioning is getting input from the community, so that’s why we’re here,” Morrissette said.
Ramsey said around 400 residents have provided input via the town’s survey — 600 short of the 1,000-response goal. The survey, which encapsulates Montague’s town-wide comprehensive plan, is available at surveymonkey.com/r/montague5.
ERVING — The “Paws to Read” children’s reading program will be offered from 4 to 5 p.m. on Monday at the Erving Public Library.
“Paws to Read” pairs children with a trained and certified therapy dog, accompanied by a dog handler, to read children’s books. The national program, which has seen success locally, has “the goal of boosting the confidence of shy readers by giving them time to practice their reading in front of a non-judgmental listener,” according to the library’s event calendar.
Those interested in participating are encouraged to contact the library at 413-423-3348 or library@erving-ma.gov.
TURNERS FALLS — Leonore Alaniz’s imprints, which “capture the anatomy and life force of edible plants,” will be on display at the Great Falls Discovery Center from July 30 to Aug. 30, with a reception set for Saturday, Aug. 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. The showcase also includes works by other artists and poets.
TURNERS FALLS — The Ja’Duke Center for the Performing Arts is offering the youth theatrical production “Moana Jr.” this weekend.
Modeled after Disney’s animated movie “Moana,” the plot “follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage,” according to Ja’Duke’s website.
Shows will take place at 4 and 7 p.m. on Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Each show is set to run for one hour and have one intermission.
Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at eventtickets2u.com/jaduke-theater/moana-jr.