Fortier to attend 89th Citizens’ Legislative Seminar

BOSTON — Orange Town Administrator Matthew Fortier was nominated by state Sen. Jo Comerford to attend the 89th Citizens’ Legislative Seminar in Boston on March 25 and March 26.

He told Selectboard members that state Senate President Karen Spilka accepted the nomination and he will represent Comerford’s district. Fortier will learn about the legislative session, including how a bill becomes law. The curriculum of this seminar, offered in the spring and fall, includes the history of the Legislature, the budget, the parliamentary role of the clerk of the Senate and the future of the Legislature. The presentations are made by state senators and Senate staff.

Selectboard members congratulated Fortier when he mentioned this honor at last week’s meeting.

March 25: Village Neighbors volunteer orientation

NEW SALEM — A volunteer orientation for Village Neighbors will be held at the New Salem Public Library on Tuesday, March 25, at 6:30 p.m.

Village Neighbors is a nonprofit that provides a range of services, such as transportation and minor home repairs, that help people ages 60 and up live independently in Leverett, Shutesbury, Wendell and New Salem.

If you hope to attend, call Village Neighbors at 413-345-6894 or send an email to volunteers@villageneighbors.org.

Orange Dems to convene March 29

ORANGE — Democrats will convene at Stage on Main at 17 South Main St. at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, to elect delegates and alternates to represent Orange at the 2025 State Democratic Convention.

Registered and pre-registered Democrats in Orange who will be 16 years old by March 29 can vote for delegates and be elected as delegates or alternates during the caucus. People ages 16 to 35, people with disabilities, people of color, veterans and LGBTQ community members that are not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org.

The 2025 convention will be at the MassMutual Center in Springfield on Sept. 13.

Those who are interested in getting involved with the Orange Democratic Committee should contact Chair Tom Ziniti at zinitit@gmail.com.

Annual poetry event set for April 3

NEW SALEM — The Friends of the New Salem Public Library will host the annual poetry event honoring New Salem poet Dorothy Johnson in the library’s Community Room on Thursday, April 3, from 5 to 9 p.m. Johnson died in February 2022.

Dee Waterman will read some of Johnson’s poetry and local poet Mara Bright will read selected poems. Refreshments will be served and the library will also have an exhibit of children’s poetry and art from a local school.

Learn ukulele with Julie Stepanek

NEW SALEM — Julie Stepanek will teach the basics of playing the ukulele, as well as share some of its history, at the New Salem Public Library on Thursday, April 10, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Ukuleles will be provided, though attendees can bring one if they have one. This program is supported by a grant from the New Salem Cultural Council.

Shirley Page Award nominations due May 1

ORANGE — Nominations for the Shirley Page Community Pride Award are due May 1. The award recognizes people who make Orange a better place to live.

Forms can be found at tinyurl.com/ShirleyPage2025. The Pioneer Junior Women’s Club was named the winner last year.