PETERSHAM – The Petersham Orthodox Congregational Church will be concluding its Bicentennial Celebrations with an art show on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 1-4 p.m. at the Petersham Town Hall, 1 South Main St., Petersham. The Church’s Bicentennial Committee has issued an open call for art for works of any medium that depict in any of three categories—Hope and faith in a religious context, any aspect of POCC at 21 N. Main St., or depictions of the Trinity or Community Service. Works are still be accepted, by end of business on Friday, Oct. 6 at the Petersham Town Hall. More information on the Church’s Facebook page.
ATHOL — The weather did not dampen the spirits of Quabbin Valley Healthcare residents and staff on Friday when, in the pouring rain, a pink ice cream truck pulled up to the entrance of Quabbin Valley Healthcare while Elvis was performing ‘Summer Kisses” inside.
The staff and residents of the local nursing home, as well as some family, visitors and vendors, were treated to unlimited ice cream compliments of Beckie Amaral of Amaral Associates and served by Nancy Tessier, owner of Pops Sweet-Harts/Ice Cream Truck in Gardner.
As a court appointed guardian, Beckie is at Quabbin Valley multiple times a week visiting her clients, sometimes more than once a day.
“From the moment I walk through the door, you get the feeling of home, as it is for so many residents,” she said.
Like many healthcare facilities, hospitals, and home care agencies, Quabbin Valley is sometimes faced with staffing challenges. Amaral, who sees this first-hand, stated “I see staff that has picked up a second shift to stay and help because they know that the residents need dedicated staff to care for them. They put their personal life aside to make sure that the residents are taken care of.”
PETERSHAM — Poet and artist Kevin Mooney will share his poetry and his experiences creating his literary and artistic visions at an in-person reading and display of his work, “Poetry: In His Own Voice,” at the Petersham Art Center, on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 3:30 pm.
“I am so privileged to be invited to read here in Petersham from my collection of original poetry,” said Mooney. “I will share how my artistic expression came to be, how it evolved, and the process I use to create each poem. I will include previous works and new ones, some with my spiritual philosophy. And being a patriotic American who does not sit on the fence, I will also include my works called ‘My Flag and Prayer to My Uncle Sam.’”
Mooney has created his multi-dimensional poetry walk, “Poetry: To Get Lost In,”at the Petersham Art Center, which sets a meandering stroll throughout the grounds. The thoughts and poetic imaginings on the signs that are scattered among the trees and gardens evoke a meditation on wisdom, spirituality and a sense of place in the world. The poetry walk and the indoor exhibit of his works are on display now and will continue through Oct. 12. Everyone is invited to enjoy the poetry reading and sharing of ideas at the Petersham Art Center, 8 North St., off Rt 32, in Petersham. The program is free and open to all.
Petersham Art Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon-4 p.m. For further questions and information, call 978-724-3415.
ATHOL — The parishioners of Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church, 40 Island St. in Athol invite the community to their most popular seasonal supper. On Saturday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m. the church will be a classic roast turkey dinner. This complete, freshly-prepared meal includes oven-roasted turkey, real mashed potatoes, stuffing, a veggie, cranberry sauce, salad, bread, and their famous home-baked pie, all for $12. Reservations are required, will be accepted through Friday, Oct. 13, at noon, and can be made by calling 978-249-9561. Limited take-out and local delivery is available.
Prepared and served by dedicated volunteers, the kitchen is overseen by ServSafe-certified Head Cook Paul Maier Jr. Everyone involved is excited to have Fellowship Hall filled with guests partaking in great food, friendly conversation, and good company.
Make reservations now, and enjoy a delicious, homestyle meal and leave the cooking and cleaning to the volunteers at SMUMC.
In addition to in-person dining, a limited number of full dinners (including pie) are available for take-out/pick-up as well as local delivery. Reservations are required for all meals. Take-out meals will be ready for pick-up at 5:45, and guests should use the Marble Street parking lot and backdoor for easy access.
The church is fully accessible using the Marble Street entrance. Additional parking is available in the Athol Public Library lot. For more information on church suppers, weekly worship services, or any of the many things happening at the church, visit them on Facebook @StarrettMemorialUMC.
ATHOL – South Athol United Methodist Church at 65 Morgan Ave., offers its Saturday, Oct. 21 supper featuring fork-tender braised beef with gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, fresh dinner rolls and the popular homemade pies for dessert. All prepared and served family-style by experienced kitchen helpers, many of whom are Serve Safe certified.
Reservations are required and tickets are $14 each for the familiar 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. settings and are still available by calling 978-249-9212. Please note, when making reservations, please specify if they are for eat-in or takeout, this will simplify it for servers to accommodate all of diners. Although eat-in meals are served family-style, takeout portions are quite generous.
ATHOL – South Athol United Methodist Church at 65 Morgan Ave. is holding its annual Holiday Tin Auction on Friday, Oct. 27, at 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Please bring a gift item of minimum $10 value concealed in a decorative container to be auctioned off. The more attractive the packaging, the higher the bidding can be with all proceeds going to our local area charities. There also will be a table of additional items for silent auction bidding. Soup and sandwiches will be served. This event is open to the public, so please come on out and join an evening of fun, food and socializing.