April vacation at Beals Memorial Library

WINCHENDON – During the week of April school vacation, the Beals Memorial Library will be offering several fun programs and activities to keep kids busy.

On Wednesday, April 23, at 1 p.m., enjoy Beginner Birding for Kids. Come learn more about the local birds and how to start identifying them. Begin the easy journey into birding by learning more about these creatures by learning a few common bird songs and create two simple feeders to attract local birds. Participation is limited. Contact the library to sign up.

On Thursday, April 24, at 1 p.m., kids ages 5-10 are invited to get their hands dirty with some experiments doing Springtime Science with Melissa. Can you really make a bouncy ball? Can a fairy house grow something? And what do mentos and diet coke have to do with science? Sign up to find out.

On Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m., young fans of the “Dog Man” comic book series by author, Dav Pilkey, are invited to join in for a fun Saturday morning celebrating the hit book series and its animated film release. Enjoy a variety of “Dog Man” activities inspired by the comics. There will be games, creative activities, and snacks. Then, at 11:00 a.m., there will be a screening of the new “Dog Man” movie.

The Beals Memorial is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon. For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit their website at bealslibrary.org.

Athol Democrats to elect delegates to DSC

ATHOL — On Saturday, May 3, at 10 a.m., Democrats will convene at the Athol Town Hall, Liberty Hall (use basement door) to elect four delegates and four alternates to represent Athol at the 2025 Massachusetts Democratic Convention.

Registered and pre-registered Democrats (16 years old by Feb. 15) in Athol may vote and be elected as delegates or alternates during the caucus. Youth (age 16 to 35), people with disabilities, people of color, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org/massdems-convention. The 2025 Convention will be in person at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA on Sept. 13.

Those interested in getting involved with the Athol Democratic Committee should contact Co-Chairs Margot Parrot and Scott MacPhee at AtholDems@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page for the Athol Democratic Town Committee.

Petersham Art Show

PETERSHAM — The Petersham Cultural Council invites the public to attend the 2025 Petersham Art Show, a celebration of creativity, community and artistic expression.

Held at historic Petersham Town Hall, 1 South Main St., this exhibition will feature works by local and regional artists exploring the theme “Expressions Through Art.” Visitors are invited to experience a diverse collection of artwork that reflects personal stories, social issues, and the power of art to connect us all. This free, public event is open to art lovers of all ages.

The art show will be held on the following dates and times:

Friday, May 9, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Opening reception with live music

Saturday, May 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, May 11, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, contact the Petersham Cultural Council at petershamculturalcouncil@gmail.com.

Mount Wachusett awarded $100,000 for auto center

GARDNER – Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the George I. Alden Trust. This grant will support the first phase of a three-phase expansion of the Automotive Technology Center.

The grant will cover 29% of the funding needed for the installation of two modular classrooms, adding 2,000 square feet of instructional space to meet the increasing demand in the Automotive Technology program. This growth is driven by MWCC’s electric vehicle (EV) courses, launched with funding from a National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education grant. The addition of EV training has already driven a significant increase in program enrollment, equipping students with essential skills in both traditional and cutting-edge automotive repair, including hybrid and fully electric vehicles.

Phase II will convert existing space into additional instructional areas, followed by Phase III which will focus on the renovation of the second-floor of the facility to increase student support services at the facility.

For more information about MWCC’s automotive programs and the ongoing expansion of the Automotive Technology Center, visit www.mwcc.edu/auto.

DCR Recreational Advisory: Lake Dennison

WINCHENDON – Effective immediately, the Department of Conservation and Recreation has reopened the parking area at the Lake Dennison Recreation Area in the Town of Winchendon. The dirt roads will remain closed for use. These areas were closed due to flooding caused by US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) holding water at Birch Hill Dam.