Adam Viens exhibit at Mount Wachusett

GARDNER – The East Wing Gallery at Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) presents a new exhibition by contemporary artist Adam Viens, titled “The Inverse Problem.” The exhibition will be on view through March 12 at the East Wing Gallery, located in the Raymond M. LaFontaine Fine Arts Center on the MWCC Gardner campus.

All gallery exhibitions and events are free and open to the public, with regular gallery hours Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. The gallery also remains open during Theatre at the Mount performances and is closed on Massachusetts state holidays. 

“The work edges in and out of familiarity. It resists fixed meaning. Though personally motivated, the work gestures toward the perennial. Viewer interpretation is central. Meaning is contingent. The work is not didactic. It is an invitation. It poses questions, not answers,” stated Viens.

The East Wing Gallery serves as a dynamic space for regional and visiting artists, as well as student work exhibitions and special events. Recent exhibitions have included showcases of contemporary painters and opportunities for community participation, reinforcing the college’s commitment to arts education and public engagement. 

Quabbin Photo Group forum on wildlife tracking

BELCHERTOWN – The Quabbin Photo Group will be hosting a presentation at its February meeting featuring Outdoor Education Specialist Jack Bonafini from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. His presentation will focus on tracking deer, designed especially for photographers.

 With nearly a decade of experience in the Hunter Education and Learn to Hunt programs, Bonafini brings field knowledge and insight into deer biology, habitat, food preferences, and tracking techniques. This session will give an understanding of deer behavior and movement patterns, along with real-world strategies for reading sign and interpreting the landscape.

This will take place on Monday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. at Belchertown Recreation Department, 66 State St., Belchertown (behind the Belchertown Police Department).

 Founded in 1984, the Quabbin Photo Group traces its roots to the Belchertown Color Camera Club, which was established in 1948 by noted local photographer Les Campbell. What began as a small group of friends meeting in homes a few times a year has evolved into a vibrant organization that now holds monthly meetings and educational programs for photographers of all levels.

Mount Wachusett receives grant

GARDNER – Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) has received a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts (CFNCM) to support food security initiatives through the MWCC food pantry, Monty’s Market, to help ensure students have access to nutritious food while pursuing their education.

The funding will directly support the college’s ongoing efforts to address food insecurity among students by expanding access to essential grocery items and related resources. The MWCC food pantry serves students across the college community, with locations in Gardner and Leominster, providing discreet and reliable assistance to help reduce barriers to academic success.

“We are grateful to the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts for their generous support,” said Carla Zottoli, MWCC Foundation Director. “This gift strengthens our ability to meet students’ basic needs and reinforces the importance of community partnerships in supporting student success.”

Aishlinn Stanley named to U of Alabama dean’s list

PHILLIPSTON – Aishlinn Stanley of Phillipston was named to the University of Alabama dean’s list for fall 2025.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute dean’s list

WORCESTER – Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has announced its dean’s list for the fall 2025 semester.

The criteria for the WPI Dean’s List differ from that of most other universities as WPI does not compute a grade point average (GPA). Instead, WPI students are named to the Dean’s List based on the amount of work completed at the A level in courses and hands-on projects.

The following students were named to the dean’s list:

  • Logen Girard of Athol, Class of 2028, majoring in electrical and computer engineering
  • Alexander Sawicki of Phillipston, Class of 2027, majoring in robotics engineering
  • Caraline White of Orange, Class of 2027, majoring in civil engineering