Nature ‘road trip’ at the Athol Public Library
ATHOL – The town’s library will be holding an interactive “road trip” to learn about different plants and animals on July 8 at 5:30 p.,m.
Brad Timm is a wildlife ecologist, author, and founder of the Northeast Wildlife Team, an organization dedicated to helping people better understand the natural world around them. He is the author of “America is Wild!” an illustrated state-by-state encyclopedia of nearly 200 animals and 200 plants of the United States, and the “Wildlife Out Your Window” regional wildlife book series.
Brad holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in wildlife conservation from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and has published extensively in scientific journals. These days he splits his time between writing upcoming wildlife books and leading wildlife programs and presentations for a wide range of audiences.
This presentation will be a 40-minute interactive slide show with time for Q & A and is suitable for adults and families with children ages 8 and up. Registration is required and this event is free and open to the public.
This event is part of the 2026 summer reading program, Plant a Seed, Read, and is made possible by the support of the Friends of the Athol Public Library. Please register by calling 978-249-9515 or visit athol.librarycalendar.com.
Vaccines available at Second Chance clinic
ATHOL – Pet owners in Athol and surrounding communities can now register for a low-cost Community Vaccine Clinic for cats and dogs hosted by Second Chance Animal Services on Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to noon at Athol Town Hall, 584 Main St.
The clinic will offer free distemper/parvo vaccines, $5 rabies vaccines, $19 Leptospirosis vaccines, and microchips for $22.
Distemper and parvovirus are highly contagious diseases that can be deadly, particularly for puppies, kittens and unvaccinated pets. Vaccinating pets not only protects them from serious illness but also helps reduce the spread of disease.
Microchipping is another simple step that can make a lasting difference. A permanent form of identification, a microchip greatly increases the chances that a lost pet will be reunited with the family waiting for them at home.
“Second Chance operates four veterinary hospitals that provide affordable care, including subsidized pricing for those who qualify, but we know many pet owners still face barriers to getting that care,” said Lindsay Doray of Second Chance Animal Services. “Our community vaccine clinics bring life saving vaccines directly into local neighborhoods to protect pets from diseases like parvo and distemper, along with low-cost microchips that help lost pets find their way back home.”
The clinic is open to all pet owners, regardless of where they live. Advance registration is encouraged, as space is limited. Walk-ins will be permitted as time allows. Pet owners can register online at https://www.secondchanceanimals.org/scasconnect-southbridge/.
For more information about Second Chance Animal Services and its affordable veterinary programs, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org.
Amanda Tozatto Edinil De Farias makes Dean’s List
WILLIMANTIC, CONNECTICUT – Eastern Connecticut State University recently released its Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester, recognizing 1,216 students for maintaining high GPAs.
Among them is Amanda Tozatto Edinil De Farias of Phillipston, a full-time senior majoring in business administration.
To qualify for Dean’s List, full-time students must complete a minimum of 12 credits in letter-graded courses with an average GPA of 3.5 or higher in the semester. Part-time students are eligible if they’ve accumulated 15 or more credits of letter-graded coursework with an average GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Ryan Romero Da Silveira achieves President’s List honors
DUDLEY – Ryan Romero Da Silveira of Phillipston, has achieved President’s List honors for the spring 2026 semester at Nichols College.
President’s List recognizes those students who achieve high grades during a single semester. Students whose semester grade point average is 3.85 or higher for at least 12 undergraduate credit-hours and no grades below B- will receive President’s List honors.
MWCC community members honored for excellence in emergency response, public service
GARDNER – Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) celebrated two members of its community who were recently recognized by the Central Massachusetts Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during their annual award ceremony.
Paramedic Program Clinical Coordinator John Bresnahan, MPA, NRP, I/C, was named Central Mass EMS Educator of the Year, while Officer Caleb Matson (US Army ret.), a graduate of MWCC’s criminal justice program and a Templeton Police Officer, received the First Responder of the Year Award.
The EMS Educator of the Year Award recognizes outstanding contributions to paramedicine education and honors educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, mentorship and professional leadership.
“John has been vital to MWCC in the development and launch of our Associate Degree in Paramedicine program,” noted Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences Kim Shea. “This recognition reflects his dedication, professionalism, and lasting impact on education and student success.”
Matson was also honored as First Responder of the Year for his fast-acting, life-saving response at the scene of a motorcycle crash involving severe traumatic injuries to the driver. His quick assessment, decisive actions, and emergency care helped stabilize the victim during a critical situation.
“These honors reflect the extraordinary dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service that define the Mount Wachusett Community College community,” said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “John Bresnahan’s leadership in paramedicine education is helping prepare the next generation of paramedics, while Officer Matson’s life-saving actions demonstrate the profound impact our alumni have in the communities they serve. We are incredibly proud of both of them and grateful for the difference they make every day.”