Beals Library exhibits artwork by Ukrainian children
WINCHENDON – The Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon is hosting a traveling exhibit of drawings by children ages 9 to 11 from the Kharkiv Region of the Ukraine. The exhibit, entitled, “What Happens When Animals Move North?” illustrates how these young Ukrainian artists depict the real and imaginary ecological changes caused by climate change. The artwork will be displayed in the Children’s Room of the library throughout the month of November.
This international intercultural art exchange uses children’s art as a tool to bridge distance, language barriers and the real-world difficulties faced by youth in Ukraine. The project is in collaboration with the Fermata Arts Foundation with support from the Connecticut Office of the Arts, which also receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
For more information, call the library at 978-297-0300. The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant St. in Winchendon.
Beals Library seeks entries for Toy Town Tree Festival
WINCHENDON – The holiday season is fast approaching and the Beals Memorial Library’s Toy Town Tree Festival Committee is seeking businesses, organizations, families and individuals to deck the halls of the library with beautifully decorated trees.
The festival, which will run from Monday, Nov. 30 through Saturday, Dec. 12, is sponsored by the Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon, and all donated trees will be a part of a silent auction to raise funds for the future construction of a children’s library on the ground floor of the library.
This year’s theme is Stepping Back through Time in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary. Trees can highlight the rich, diverse history of the nation, exploring the things that have shaped its identity. Examples include pop culture, fashion, childhood memories, and various historical periods, among others. Trees must be family-friendly.
The entry deadline is Monday, Nov. 16, and applications can be picked up at the library, in locations around town, or found on www.bealslibrary.org/treefestival. Setup dates run from Tuesday, Nov. 17, through Saturday, Nov. 21. Setup times and other guidelines can be found on the application and on the library’s website. Each participant will have their name displayed next to their tree and on all marketing and media regarding the event. There is no fee to participate.
The culmination of the festival will take place on Saturday, Dec. 12, when the library will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The open house will include a bake sale by the Friends of the Library, and a visit from Santa. At 2:30 p.m. the library will host the Boston Jazz Voices a cappella singing group for a holiday concert.
For more information, call the library at 978-297-0300 or go to www.bealslibrary.org/treefestival. The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant St. in Winchendon.
Vietnam Veterans of America donates $4,000 to veteran students
GARDNER – Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) is pleased to announce a $4,000 scholarship donation from the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Local Chapter 907, continuing a longstanding tradition of support for the college’s veteran students.
The annual contribution helps sustain the MWCC Veterans Scholarship, providing financial assistance to students who have served in the armed forces as they pursue their educational and career goals.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Vietnam Veterans of America and its local chapters for their continued commitment to our students,” said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “Their generosity recognizes the sacrifices made by our veterans and helps ensure they have access to the educational opportunities and resources they need to build successful futures.”
Representatives of the Vietnam Veterans of America joined MWCC leadership for the annual presentation. Those attending included Jim Benton, vice president of the VVA Massachusetts State Council and former president of VVA Local Chapter 907; John Durling, VVA Chapter 907 vice president; Charles Hodgkinson, VVA Local Chapter 907 president and his wife Michelle; and Ed LaFord, VVA Chapter 340 president. Also representing the college was Robert Mayer, MWCC director of Veterans Services.
Over the years, the VVA’s contributions have helped strengthen MWCC’s commitment to serving those who have served this country. Their support has also inspired additional community organizations and individuals to invest in veteran education, expanding opportunities for students throughout the region.
Mount Wachusett hosts Jean Tandy art scholarship fundraiser
GARDNER – Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) and the East Wing Gallery are celebrating the legacy of professor emerita Jean Tandy with a special exhibition and online art auction benefiting the Jean Tandy Art Scholarship Fund. The community is invited to enjoy original artwork on display at the East Wing Gallery while supporting the next generation of artists at the Mount.
The exhibition at the East Wing Gallery in the Raymond LaFontaine Fine Arts Center on the Gardner campus will be on display through Dec. 10, when a closing reception will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The online auction bidding is now open and will close on Sunday, Dec. 6, at midnight.
Jean Tandy is a potter, watercolorist, poet, and activist. In 1963 she was a founding member of the MWCC Art Department and spent 40 years inspiring students to explore their creativity, develop their artistic abilities, and pursue their passion for art.
At 95 years old, and with the help of her daughters, she has donated more than 75 works of art, including ceramics, paintings, and watercolors to raise funds for the Jean Tandy Art Scholarship, which she established upon her retirement to continue the support and encouragement of the art students to whom she dedicated her career.
“We hope to raise funds to sustain this scholarship for many years to come,” stated Joyce Miller, professor and gallery director. “By participating in our auction, you are not just acquiring original art by Jean Tandy; you’re offering direct support to young artists and their success.”
To learn more and participate in the auction, visit the East Wing Gallery at mwcc.edu/east-wing.