Orange charts out roadwork plans

ORANGE — The town has sent a bid out through the Franklin Regional Council of Governments for roadwork throughout town. FRCOG will bid the work along with other towns in the region to get a better project cost.

A start date for the work is expected in the summer of 2025. Images of which roads are on the bid for milling and paving can be found at tinyurl.com/OrangeSlideshow. The images do not include the work being conducted on North Main Street.

The Fisher Hill Elementary School project included the paving of Dexter Street, and that work has also gone out to bid with FRCOG. That work is expected this summer as well.

The town will use Chapter 90 funding and money from the Rural Roadway Funding Program for these projects, with the exception of the work on Dexter Street, which is funded under the School Reconstruction Project, and the North Main Street project, which is funded through the federal Transportation Improvement Program.

Separately, the Orange Highway Department hopes to address potholes around town and some larger road areas, such as Hayden Street near Muzzey Field. People can contact the Highway Department or fill out a form at tinyurl.com/RoadwayIssue if they come across damage.

Changes announced at New Salem Transfer Station

NEW SALEM — Demolition and metal containers have returned to the Transfer Station and Recycle Center on Blueberry Hill Road. People are asked to check in with the attendant on duty regarding discarding any items.

Also, the swap shed has reopened for the season. All items must be checked by the attendant on duty to ensure they meet guidelines.

‘An Evening of Poetry’ coming to New Salem Public Library

NEW SALEM — April is National Poetry Month and, to celebrate, the Friends of the New Salem Public Library will host “An Evening of Poetry” at the library on Thursday, April 3, from 7 to 8 p.m. as well as on Zoom at tinyurl.com/NSPoetry25.

Guest poet Mara Bright will read her poems, and Dee Waterman will read a selection of poems by the late Dorothy Johnson. During the month, look for displays at the library featuring poems by Swift River School students.

After registering, attendees will receive an email with a Zoom ink for the event. There is no charge, but donations will be accepted. Email the Friends at nsfriendsoflibrary@gmail.com with questions.

Friends of Quabbin to hold annual meeting

BELCHERTOWN — The Friends of Quabbin will hold its annual meeting (tinyurl.com/mryjbyxj) at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, in the Fellowship Hall at the Belchertown United Church of Christ at 18 Park St. to share updates on the restoration of the historic Keystone Bridge in New Salem. The meeting is free and open to the public.

The bridge, built in 1866, is in critical condition. The Friends of Quabbin is seeking help covering the long-term costs of rehabilitating the Keystone Bridge, which sits near the Gate 30 parking area off Route 122. A professional engineer estimated the cost of the restoration to be around $60,000 and the Friends group has committed to paying for it, but monetary contributions are being accepted to recoup at least a portion of the group’s investment.

Large donations will be credited on a sign at the site at a future date, if the donors desire. Checks should be made out to Friends of Quabbin Inc. and sent to Friends of Quabbin, Quabbin Administration Building, 485 Ware Road, Belchertown, MA 01007. Donations are tax deductible.