Halloween happenings at the Beals Library
WINCHENDON – The Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon will be hosting three Halloween-themed events during the last week of October.
On Saturday, Oct. 24, at 11 a.m., the library will hold its annual Not-too-Spooky Sensory-Friendly Halloween Celebration. Come in costume and enjoy crafts, stories, including an indoor Story Walk, and more. This event is designed for individuals who are neuro-divergent, on the autism spectrum, or have other special needs, as well as their families. Noise-reducing headphones will be available for use if needed. Registration is encouraged, but not required. This program is in partnership with the Winchendon CFCE.
On Friday, Oct. 30, the library will be screening a Halloween Movie Night Double-Feature for teens, starting at 6 p.m. Teens are invited to come in costume, and enjoy the chills and thrills of a back-to-back showing of the films, “The Goonies” and “Lights Out.” Both films are rated PG-13, and snacks and drinks will be provided.
On Halloween morning, Oct. 31, the library will host a Kid’s Halloween Dance Party starting at 11 a.m. Children and their families are urged to come in costume and dance the morning away. There will be snacks and games, and kids will go home with a Halloween goodie bag. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
For more information, please call the library at 978-297-0300, or go to www.bealslibrary.org. The Library is located at 50 Pleasant St. in Winchendon.
Veterans benefits seminar coming to Athol
ATHOL – Disabled American Veterans is a nonprofit charity that provides support for veterans of all generations and their families. One of the various services DAV provides at no cost to veterans is its Information Seminar program. A seminar will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the North Quabbin Veteran Center, 72 Freedom St., Athol.
Staffed by DAV national service officers, information seminars provide professional support throughout the claims and appeals process. Veterans attending a seminar should bring identification, their Social Security number and any other pertinent documentation regarding their military service. DAV membership is not required to utilize these free services.
To learn more about DAV and its services, visit DAV.org.
Petersham Art Center’s November exhibition, reception
PETERSHAM – The Petersham Art Center will present a new exhibition, “Making More Magic: Works by Gary A. Lippincott & Linda Graves.”
Artist and illustrator Gary A. Lippincott will present his original watercolor paintings, prints, and books featuring worlds of fantasy and magic. Linda Graves will show her sculptural works featuring fairy folk and creatures.
All are invited to join the artists for an opening reception on Sunday, Nov. 1, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Along with meeting the artists and enjoying a gallery full of their works, the reception offers refreshments and a time to see friends and meet new people from the area. The exhibition is on display through Nov. 29.
Petersham-based Lippincott’s highly detailed watercolors have graced the covers of books by authors including Ursula K. Le Guin, J.R.R. Tolkien, Jane Yolen, Tanith Lee, Mary Edgehill, and Charles de Lint, among many others. His work has been part of illustrated stories, showcased in gallery exhibitions and purchased by collectors worldwide. Having long admired illustrators of the “Golden Age” and contemporary artists such as Allen Lee and Brian Froud, Lippincott’s art has a style of old world craftsmanship often found in folk and fairy tales.
Graves explains that shecan not remember a time in her life when she did not want to create artistically. Growing up in the Pittsburg area and moving back and forth between California and the east coast as a child, she remembers always having paper and pencil in hand and sitting and drawing as early as 3 years old. Graves graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in illustration leading her to a career illustrating childrens’ books, which have been sold and enjoyed worldwide. Linda has illustrated more than 40 books for the world’s leading children’s book publishers. Her illustrations have also appeared on calendars, cards, toys, posters, and in national advertising and major magazines.
The “Making More Magic” exhibition runs through November. Regular Petersham Art Center hours are Thursday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. For more information about the exhibition and the center, please call 978-724-3415.
Douglas Delay named Volunteer of the Year by Cooperative Credit Union Association
WINCHENDON — Douglas Delay of Winchendon was awarded the 2026 Volunteer of the Year by Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA). The annual Awards of Excellence contest selects one winner from CCUA’s member credit unions, recognizing service and commitment to credit union boards and other leadership roles.
Delay has served on GFA Federal Credit Union’s board of directors since 1985 and currently serves as chief governance officer.
“What sets Doug apart is his ability to lead the board through its evolution. Building upon a strong foundation, he has championed thoughtful discussions around governance, board effectiveness, strategic oversight and leadership development,” said GFA Federal Credit Union in a statement. “His leadership embodies the very best of the credit union movement: service before self, stewardship of resources, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others.”
Delay also serves on Winchendon’s Finance Committee, Capital Planning Committee, and Town Manager Search Committee, helping strengthen financial stewardship and long-term planning within the community. Delay accepted the award at CCUA’s APEX 2026 conference in Connecticut on Friday.