Publicize your meetings and community events in this free calendar, which comes out on Wednesdays in this space. Deadline: Monday. Email to: newsroom@atholdailynews.com.
Thursday: J.R. Greene on Calvin Coolidge
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-members is $3. Reservations required: Call 978-632-3277 or email info@gardnermuseuminc.com.
ATHOL — Friday, May 20, at 7 a.m., “Early Bird Birding with Jeff Johnstone.” Join Johnstone at the Environmental Center (100 Main St., Athol) before heading out to explore the North Quabbin area for spring migrant birds. These are great events for the novice birder to learn from one of our best field naturalists. Come for as long as your schedule allows. Severe weather cancels. Info: Jeff Johnstone, 978-249-9052. COVID-19 precautions are advised.
ATHOL — The members of the North Quabbin Garden Club will hold their annual Plant Sale this Saturday, May 21, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, at the Millers River Environmental Center, 100 Main St., Athol.
NEW SALEM — The New Salem Public Library will present “Ed the Wizard’s Alchemy Laboratory” on Saturday, May 21, at 2 p.m. in the Library Community Room.
Join us for this hands-on performance/workshop with Ed the Wizard, who has been amazing audiences for years with his special brand of magic. Participants will learn how to perform magic, including the science behind it, using everyday items found at home. For all ages. The program lasts about 45 minutes followed by a short Q&A session.
This program is sponsored by a grant from the New Salem Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
To register: contact the New Salem Public library at 978-544-6334 or n_salem@cwmars.org
WINCHESTER, N.H. — “NH Visitors” will provide live music for a dance at the ELMM Community Center, 21 Durkee St., Winchester, N.H., on Saturday, May 21, from 7 to 10:30 p.m.
Refreshments served; 50/50 Raffle. Everyone welcome: $10 members / $12 nonmembers. For further info: call Tom: 978-249-6917 or Barbara: 802-722-9205
PHILLIPSTON — Art & Music Festival set for May 20-22 at Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Avenue, Phillipston. Art activities, art vendors, food and raffles. Free admission. Sponsored by the Gardner Area League of Artists.
PHILLIPSTON — A military history expo is set for May 21-22 at 555 Highland Avenue, Phillipston, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For tickets and information, visit History-Expo.com
ATHOL — Residents of all towns are welcome to recycle their small electronics items and their appliances Saturday, May 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Saint Francis of Assisi, 101 Main St., Athol. There are small fees associated with this event, sponsored by Green Day Recycle.
PETERSHAM — The Petersham Historical Society will host Guest Speaker and Artist Ken Levine, who will present the program, “Lost Town and the Rabbit Run Railroad: A Quabbin Art and History Project,” Friday, June 3, at Petersham Town Hall, 1 South Main Street. A brief business meeting at 6:30 p.m. will precede the program, which begins at 7 p.m. Free. All are welcome. Great for all ages.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Petersham Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
ORANGE — The concert season will begin Friday, June 24, at 7 p.m., and will continue through the Fridays of July. Concerts will be held in Butterfield Park on the bandstand. Families are invited to bring blankets or chairs and gather around the bandstand.
WINCHENDON — There will be a food truck festival featuring battle of the bands, crafters and artists in GAR Park, Winchendon, on Friday, June 24, from 5 to 9 p.m.
ORANGE — The Orange Solstice Riverfest begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, with family activities, vendors, food, music and a lighted boat parade at 9 p.m. Sponsored by the Orange Lions Club.
June 25: BBQ
ROYALSTON — The Royalston Fire and EMS Association will hold a Chicken BBQ at 5 p.m. at the Royalston Fire Department, 4 Athol Road, Royalston. $20 for adult; $12, kids (under 12). Tickets can be purchased through Association members or at the BBQ.