New Salem Cultural Council accepting grant proposals
NEW SALEM — The Cultural Council is accepting proposals for a range of cultural activities that engage all age groups and serve various sectors of the community, such as local libraries, schools, the Council on Aging, social media initiatives and historic venues.
Priority will be given to applicants that have made prior arrangements for a local venue and have an approved budget in place. Grant awards typically range from $250 to $500.
In fiscal year 2026, the Cultural Council is supporting a statewide initiative that fosters enrichment and deeper understanding of Massachusetts’ role in the American Revolution, highlighting untold and lesser-known stories from communities across the state.
Applications must be completed at massculturalcouncil.org. The deadline for applications is Oct. 16. To learn more about the New Salem Cultural Council, visit tinyurl.com/NewSalemCC or contact Ami Fagin at amyfagin@gmail.com.
Friends of New Salem Public Library holding book sale
NEW SALEM — The Friends of New Salem Public Library will be back at Old Home Day with the popular used book sale.
People can donate books through Sept. 11, during library hours. Donors can bring books into the Community Room. (Do not use the book drop.) Clean boxes are needed, so donors are encouraged to bring their books in a box if possible. Only books in good condition will be accepted. DVDs or CDs will not be accepted.
Those who are interested in helping with book sorting can add their names to a signup sheet at the library, which is open on Tuesdays from noon to 8 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. With questions, email nsfriendsoflibrary@gmail.com.
24-hour Village Ultra returning
NEW SALEM — The Village Ultra, an annual 24-hour fundraising event, is scheduled for the town common from 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12.
Participants can run or walk as much (or as little) as they want during the 24 hours. This year, money is being raised for the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA). The Village Ultra is staffed by volunteers and all food and supplies are donated.
Participants can choose any of four routes on and near the town common. They can use those routes in any order, as many times as they want. One lap around the common is all it takes to be an official finisher. Participants will enjoy fresh air, snacks and personalized keepsake medals for finishing.
The cost is $90 for the full 24 hours, $50 for 12 hours and $10 per hour to drop in at any time. Participants can register for the 12- or 24- hour version, or just show up on Oct. 11 or Oct. 12 and register in person. The online registration link is tinyurl.com/NewSalemUltra.
Anyone with questions can call 978-490-6606 or message Carla Halpern on Facebook Messenger.
Village Neighbors to hold volunteer orientation
NEW SALEM — Village Neighbors, the nonprofit that helps senior citizens in Wendell, New Salem, Leverett and Shutesbury live at home for as long as possible, has a volunteer orientation set for the New Salem Public Library at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
Attendees will learn about the organization and meet other volunteers. The orientation is expected to last about an hour, and attendees can fill out a volunteer application and give consent for a background check. Those who plan to volunteer to provide transportation will need to bring a copy of their driver’s license and Page 1 of their insurance coverage selection pages. Attendees are also asked to bring contact information for two references.
Orange Collector, Assessors’ offices moving
ORANGE — The Collector and Assessors’ offices have moved to the other side of Town Hall.
The collector is now sharing an office with the town clerk, and the assessors are now with the Accounting Department. Their previous office door will be locked until the Cheney Street offices are moved.
The Planning Board, Board of Health and Building Department are expected to move to the far side of the building, in the location where the Collector and Assessors’ offices were.