Publicize your meetings and community events in this free calendar, which comes out on Wednesdays in this space. Deadline: The Monday before. Email to: newsroom@atholdailynews.com.
BELCHERTOWN — “Early Bloom Exploration at Quabbin Park,” Thursday, March 3, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. is the first of a series of monthly outings to explore various plant habitats throughout the growing season. We will spotlight a few locations right off the Administration Road in Quabbin Park with the best chance to see the first flowers of the year. The exploration will be vehicle-led, with stops to get out and see the plants, but no hiking. COVID-safe carpooling is requested to minimize vehicles. Please wear safe, waterproof footwear and meet at the East Gate Entrance in the parking area. A reminder that dogs are not allowed.
Please register at bit.ly/3Hn7S7z.
NEW SALEM — Enjoy a delightful visual tour of some of the most gorgeous gardens in New England, presented by Joanne Pearson, Friday, March 4, 7 p.m. via Zoom.
This lively and informative presentation features a colorful slide show of some of the photographer’s favorite public and private gardens in the region. During the presentation, Pearson will also be sharing the history of the gardens and some valuable tips on garden design, plus some techniques for photographing flowers and gardens.
To register, call the library (978-544-6334) or email (n_salem@cwmars.org
BELCHERTOWN — On Saturday, March 5, 1 to 2 p.m. “Exploring the History of the Quabbin Valley through Headstones.”
Take a guided walk through the Quabbin Park Cemetery and learn about the history and lives of residents of the Valley towns. Meet at the Quabbin Park Cemetery off Rt. 9 in Ware. Although this is an easy .25 walk, it is over uneven ground. Please dress appropriately. A reminder that dogs are not allowed.
Please register at bit.ly/3HxFSxY.
Sunday, March 6, 2 to 3 p.m., REMOTE: “The Bald Eagle and Quabbin Reservoir.” Join retired DCR Education Coordinator Jim Lafley for a history of the Bald Eagle reintroduction program in the 1980s and learn how its success has led to record numbers of Bald Eagles nesting in Massachusetts today.
Please register at bit.ly/3vFZwWv and a link will be provided via email.
ATHOL — “Rich and Healthy: Soil Building and Low Maintenance Gardens” will be presented Wednesday, March 9, 6 p.m. at the Athol Public Library. This slide presentation with time for Q & A provides no-till ideas for using cardboard, compost, and mulches to start or enrich your garden, reduce watering and weeds, and be climate-resilient.
Our presenters will be Deb Habib and Ricky Baruc. Founders of the Seeds of Solidarity Farm and Education Center. Please register by visiting
https://athol.librarycalendar.com/
or by calling 978-249-9515.
Free and open to the public.
ATHOL — The Athol Bird and Nature Club invites you to “Wild Year: Explore North America thru the Season,” a virtual Zoom meeting, March 9, 7 p.m. Join John Slonina as he discusses different travel locations for the seasonal year. The locations include Alaska, Great Smoky Mountains, Florida, Greater Yellowstone, Delmarva Peninsula, Oregon and WA, and New England. A limited group viewing will be available at the Millers River Environmental Center, 100 Main St., Athol.
Register in advance for this webinar: https://bit.ly/3owU17U
ATHOL — Athol Congregational Church is putting on a Drive-thru Soup Meal to benefit North Quabbin Citizen Advocacy. 3 cups of soup, 3 rolls and dessert. Soup choices: Chicken noodle, corn chowder or vegetable minestrone. $10 per person. For reservations, call Maryann at 978-894-4258 by Friday, March 4. Pick up on March 11 from 5 to 6 p.m. at 1225 Chestnut St.
WINCHESTER, N.H. — A St. Patrick’s day dance is set for Saturday, March 12, 7 to 10:30 p.m., at the ELMM Community Center, 21 Durkee St., Winchester, N.H. Live music by: “Playin’ Possum.” Refreshments served; 50/50 raffle.
Everyone welcome. $10 Members / $12 Nonmembers. For further info: call Tom at 978-249-6917 or 978-790-9322.
ATHOL — The Athol Public Library and Athol Bird and Nature Club present “Living with Nature,” with ABNC President Dave Small, Tuesday, March 15, at 6:30 p.m., at the Athol Public Library, 584 Main St. First of a series of presentations on our local wildlife and tips on attracting them to our yards. Registration is required for these free programs: https://athol.librarycalendar.com/events/month
LEOMINSTER — Twin City Toastmasters of Leominster will host a public speaking Open House Event on March 15 at AIS, Inc., 25 Tucker Drive, 7 p.m., for individuals interested in expanding on their presenting and leadership skills. For more information, visit www.twincitytoastmasters.com.
ATHOL — Join the Athol Public Library at 568 Main St., on Thursday, March 17, from 6 to 7 p.m., when the library welcomes Frank Mandosa for a slideshow lecture on “Paul Newman: Star of the Stage, Screen and Salad Dressing!”
Sponsored by the Friends of the Athol Public Library, this program is free and open to the public. Registration is required; there will be a sign-in table at the door. You can register online with the new library calendar: https://athol.librarycalendar.com/events/
Questions? Please call the library at 978-249-9515.
GARDNER — Local nature photographer and avid historian Dale Monette will once again present a fascinating topic at The Gardner Museum, this time of the Quabbin Reservoir history. Thursday, April 14, from 7 to 8 p.m., after a museum-hosted reception from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Monette will share images of buildings before and after the creation of the reservoir in the 1930s. Since the early 1970s, Dale lived within 2 miles of the Quabbin reservoir; after receiving a BS degree from UMass’ Dept. of Environmental Conservation in Natural Resources Conservation, he spent his career working at Quabbin as an educator and naturalist. Admission for non-member adults is $3. Reservations required: Call 978-632-3277 or email info@gardnermuseuminc.com.
MARLBOROUGH — Columnist Mike Roche tells us, “The Fly-Fishing Show, which boomed when that sport had a growth spurt, has just announced a change in dates and will be held at the Marlborough Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center April 22-24. Local fly fishermen have always enjoyed this show, produced by a group that holds similar events across the country, as the latest equipment and many exciting destinations are always part of the lure as are the many interesting seminars.”
GARDNER — The Gardner Museum presents Athol author J.R. Greene and his newest book (“Calvin Coolidge in 100 Objects,” published fall 2021) about the man who graduated from Amherst College and went on to lead the nation as the 30th president of the US. It is J.R. Greene’s 23rd book and fourth pertaining to Calvin Coolidge. You will be able to purchase a signed copy of his book. Seven to 8 p.m. after a museum-hosted reception from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Admission for non-member adults is $3. Reservations required: Call 978-632-3277 or email info@gardnermuseuminc.com.