ORANGE — Ten “intriguing” local storytellers regaled an audience packed the Orange Historical Society’s mansion parlor on Aug. 4. Each took the microphone in a first ever Hear and Tell of “unbelievable true stories” of Orange. Seated in rows of vintage folding wooden chairs, the audience included mostly society members and out-of-towners, including one from Connecticut, who’d learned of the event having read advanced coverage in the Recorder. The 90-minute program—covering topics spanning the homespun, otherworldly and extraterrestrial—was followed by a reception serving complimentary refreshments. Members pledge to present a Hear and Tell annually.
ATHOL — On Sunday Aug. 20, at 1:30 p.m., a history of the Millers River valley. Geomorphology, geological, and industrial history. A concurrent program for kids will make the event a positive day for the whole family. The series is open to all and is free of charge.
Sunday Aug. 27, 1:30 p.m.—Join herpetologist Mike Jones of Masswildlife for a great look at local Massachusetts reptiles. Always fun and informative for the whole family. Doors open at 1 p.m. and the program starts at 1:30 p.m. A concurrent program for kids will be held. The series is open to all and is free of charge.
ATHOL — An electronic/appliance/household items Recycle Day will be held at Saint Francis of Assisi, 101 Main Street, Athol, on Saturday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will be held, rain or shine, and payment can be made in cash or check.
These are the items that will be accepted.
Small electronics items: computer towers, scanners, VCRs, printers, copiers, DVDs, stereo equipment, computer towers, lighting, vacuums, answering machines, faxes, speakers, compact discs, circuit boards, radios, record players, modems, word processor, fans, video equipment, game consoles, tape players and typewriters, $5 each.
Appliances: dishwashers, dryers, stoves, $20 each. Microwaves $15 for small models and $20 for larger models.
TVs and monitors/flat panel monitors—18”-26,” $20 each. 27”- 35,” $25 each. Over 35” or projection TVs, $40 each.
Air conditioners, $25 each
Dehumidifiers, $20 each
Refrigerators, $20 for small ones and $40 for large models
AC $25, Dehumidifier…$20, Refrigerators..$20(dorm) $40 Large
Grills, $20
Empty propane tanks, $15
Exercise equipment, $20-$40
Weight sets, $10
Household items: Table, dresser, headboard and rails, bookcase, bureau, TV stand, entertainment center, wood door, coffee table, sinks, $10-$20 each. Wood chair, $5 each.
Sectional furniture (by the piece): sofa, recliner, love seat, $20-$40.
Mower, $20 and ride-on mower, $40
Snow blower, $40
Other items, except paint and chemicals, pricing may vary with size. Call for more information and pricing.
No charge on these items: keyboards, car, boat, lawn mower, motorcycle batteries, cables, wire and cell phones.
Also included: Bicycle Recycle Day, no fee. Bring that unwanted old or new bicycle and drop it off, it will be reused again. Mountain, Road, BMX, Cruiser (old to current), New, Kids, etc. Working or non working mini bikes and mopeds are accepted.
PETERSHAM — The local bioregion of the Quabbin and Nichewaug possess many ancient stone and landscape features created by past residents and civilizations. These sites, when understood, can give information to the modern era on how to live, learn, and act in concert with the Earth.
The University of the Wild, whose self-directed education curriculum on “Sense of Place” will offer a symposium on ancient landscape and stone structures on Monday, Aug. 28, at 2 p.m. at their facility at 73 Glasheen Road, Petersham.
The symposium will include a range of practitioners working in the fields of geomancy, archeology, Feng Shui, and human ecology, who will offer overviews of their work and how it relates to local landscapes. The following have been invited to participate on a panel discussion: Matt Adams, founder of New England Historic Stone Sites; Michael Menders, co-founder of Stone Structures of Antiquity; New York author Linda Zimmerman; local geomanist Pam Kimball; and local stone mason, Jim Dowd.
One focus of the event will be the history of the “Underground Chambers” on Glasheen Road which have been documented to be thousands of years old and adapted by a range of people over the years, with the most recent being Indigenous Nipmuc Tribe and the early settlers of Petersham
The program is Free and open to the Public with donations welcomed. For more information Contact Dr. Larry Buell at Larry@UofWild.org or 978-855-1420. To register, visit www.UofWild.org.
ATHOL — On Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. at the Millers River Environmental Center, Dave Small, president of the 250 member Athol Bird and Nature Club, will present “Living with Nature.” He explores the transformation of his yard from a boring suburban lot dominated by lawn to a rich habitat for natural wildlife. Removing invasive species, planting native plants, and providing water, food, and cover for a variety of wildlife and people. The result is a space that has become a wonderful place to hang out with family and friends enjoying a wide variety of wildlife.
Focusing on lands of conservation interest, he has organized biological inventories finding and documenting state listed species for The MA Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program and the US Amry Corps of Engineers. He has served on the boards of several non-profits including Millers River Watershed Council and Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust to name just a couple.
Attendance is free. Garden club members and guests are welcome.