Dan and Cheryl (Brackett) Mahoney of Royalston are pictured at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda, where they recently took a cruise to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They have a son, Damon, a daughter, Erin, and a grandson, Tyler. They were married June 2, 1974, in Athol. They were accompanied on the trip by their friends from Athol, Stanley and Helga Jackcynski.
Dan and Cheryl (Brackett) Mahoney of Royalston are pictured at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda, where they recently took a cruise to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They have a son, Damon, a daughter, Erin, and a grandson, Tyler. They were married June 2, 1974, in Athol. They were accompanied on the trip by their friends from Athol, Stanley and Helga Jackcynski. Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Community band begins summer rehearsals

ORANGE – Orange Community Band will begin its summer season rehearsals Wednesday, June 5, at the Orange Central Congregational Church. Rehearsals begin at 7 p.m., and will continue through the end of July. Al Benjamin will direct the first rehearsal of new music, and conductor Stephanie Parker will take the podium beginning June 12.

Six summer concerts begin Friday, June 21, and continue on Fridays until July 26. There will also be a back to school special concert Aug. 30.

The Orange Community Band traces its roots back to the 1850’s, when a “town band” performed in Orange. The same core group of musicians was involved as the Mechanics Band, the New Home Band, and then the Minute Tapioca Band. Since 1976, the group has been known as the Orange Community Band. They have all performed free family-style concerts in Butterfield Park. The purpose remains the same: to provide musical entertainment for the families of Orange and the surrounding area.

Corporate support ended when the Tapioca Company moved out, the band has been sponsored, first by the town, and now by the generosity of businesses and individuals throughout the community.

Area musicians are welcome to join the band by coming to the June rehearsals or contacting an officer. Band members range in age from middle school to Nonagenarians, and musicians of all levels are welcome.

Orange Senior Citizens Club

ORANGE – The Orange Senior Citizens Club will hold its annual installation of officers meeting on Thursday, June 6, at noon at the Orange Senior Center, 62 Cheney St., Orange. There will be a pizza party promptly at noon followed by the business meeting and installation ceremony at 1 p.m. Members and guests will pay at the door. Please bring cash. Soft drinks will be available, however, members may bring their own beverages if they prefer. No alcoholic beverages are allowed.

Annual dues of $5 should be paid at this meeting, or if the member is unable to attend, prior to this meeting. Any member who has not yet paid his/her dues for 2024-2025 is asked to please submit them to Treasurer Jerilynn Deyo as soon as possible.

The annual memorial service to honor all members of the Orange Senior Citizens Club who have died in the previous year is held at the June meeting. The Scholarship Committee will be announcing the names of the recipients of the two $500 scholarships awarded by the Orange Senior Citizens Club this year.

The Program Committee will be reporting on the programs planned for the meetings in Autumn. The Orange Senior Citizens Club does not meet in July.

Any current member who is no longer able to remain a member is asked to contact President Judy Rowe. Volunteers are always needed to serve on the various committees of the Orange Senior Citizens Club.

Phillipston Fire Department open house

PHILLIPSTON – The Phillipston Fire Department will hold an open house on Saturday, June 8, 9-11 a.m. The department is located on 99 State Road, Phillipston.

Springfield College recognizes Dean’s List students

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield College Recognizes Dean’s List students for the 2024 spring semester.

Springfield College has named Luke Melanson from Orange to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2024 spring semester. Melanson has a primary major of Marketing.

Springfield College has named Jacob Tenney from Orange to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2024 spring semester. Tenney has a primary major of Rec Industries & Therap Rec.