Low-cost pet vaccine clinics in Athol and Winchendon
Pet owners in Athol, Winchendon, and surrounding communities will have two opportunities to access affordable preventive care when Second Chance Animal Services hosts Community Vaccine Clinics in both communities on Saturday, Aug. 22.
The Athol clinic, originally scheduled for July, has been rescheduled and will now be held from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the back parking lot of Athol Public Library, 568 Main St. A second clinic will take place the same day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 637 River St. in Winchendon.
Both clinics 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 throughout the community.
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, chief veterinary officer at 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 clinics are 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-north-brookfield/.
Brass band to hold final summer show
PETERSHAM – The Petersham Brass Band will perform its final concert of the summer on Sunday, Aug. 2, at 7 p.m. from the Bandstand on Petersham Common. Sunday’s concert will be the band’s 869th presentation. The band is led by Joseph Gougen, who is in his sixth season conducting the band. The concert will also include special recognition for several of the band’s members.
Gougen has announced the following program for Sunday’s concert. Opening with the “Star Spangled Banner,” marches will include “Big Four” by King, “Invercargill” by Lithgow, “The Liberty Bell” by Sousa and “Lights Out” by McCoy.
The band will be performing several new pieces purchased with funding from a grant from the New Salem Academy. These will include “How to Train Your Dragon” arr. by O’Laughlin, “The Star Wars Epic – Part II” arr. by Smith, “An Irish Party in Third Class” arr. by Storm, “Jupiter” from “The Planets by Holst and “The Queen of Soul” arr. by Murtha.
Other selections will include “Evita” arr. by Cacavas, “The Maelstrom” by Smith, “South of the Rio by Olivadoti, “Radetzky March” arr. by Reed and crowd favorite “Instant Concert” by Walters that features and Anvil Solo. The concert will close with “The Shadow of Your Smile” by Mandel
Refreshments will be available at the band hot dog stand. The bake sale this week is sponsored by the Unitarian Church and the Lions will have popcorn available. The concert will be held rain or shine and will move inside in the event of rain.
Art Center hosts new exhibition for Guy Biechele
PETERSHAM – The Petersham Art Center will present a new exhibition by photographer Guy Biechele.
All are invited to join the artist for an opening reception of ‘Guy Biechele – The Luminous Shore: Maine Seacoast in Infrared Light’ on Sunday, Aug. 2, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Along with meeting the artist and enjoying a gallery full of his recent photographs, the reception offers refreshments and a time to see friends and meet new people from the area.
Biechele, an award-winning photographer and long-time Athol resident, has been exhibited in galleries across New England and the United States along with being included in many personal collections. His images has been featured on book, magazine, and catalog covers, in corporate advertising campaigns, and in magazine and newspaper articles.
The Art Center exhibition will focus on his use of infrared photography as a method which transforms his eye for capturing nature’s drama using his talent for timing, composition, color, and motion combined with his technical perfection, to another level of other worldly experience for the viewer.
“I am most likely to be photographing outdoors,” Biechele said. “My favorite subjects include New England landscapes, Maine coast seascapes, lighthouses, architecture and wildlife. My goal is to better ‘see’ the world around me and capture New England’s unique beauty in a way that can be shared and provide inspiration to others.”
The exhibition runs through Sept. 6. Regular Art Center hours are Thursday through Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about the exhibition and the center, please call 978-724-3415.
Since 1912, the Petersham Art Center, located at 8 North St. a short distance from Petersham Common, has been home to regional fine art and craft through its shop, gallery, classes, and special events.
UMass Amherst spring 2026 grads list
AMHERST – Approximately 7,000 students received bachelor’s degrees in over 100 majors at the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Undergraduate Commencement on May 15 at the McGuirk Alumni Stadium.
Below is a list of students from the North Quabbin area that received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst:
Athol – Lisa Marie Butinsky, April Lee Connor, Reily Claire Polana, Lindsey Caitlin Raymond, Ashley Rouleau, Emma Savoy, Naeshaun Malik Springer and Nadia Surin