Understanding Alzheimer’s and dementia

ATHOL — The Athol Public Library invites the public to attend this informative session to learn basic information regarding the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, stages, risk factors, research and FDA-approved treatments. This event will take place on April 25, 6 p.m. in the Program Room.

Alzheimer’s is not normal aging. It’s a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. The presenter will be Julie McMurray, MA, LMHC, CDP, Senior Manager, Central Regional Office & Community Outreach |Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH. The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Registration is required. Please register by calling 978-249-9515 or at https://athol.librarycalendar.com/event/understanding-alzheimers-and-dementia

This presentation will cover:

■The impact of Alzheimer’s.

■The difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia.

■Alzheimer’s disease stages and risk factors.

■Current research and treatments available to address some symptoms.

■Alzheimer’s Association resources.

This event is free and open to the public. The Athol Public Library is located at 568 Main St., Athol.

Petersham Wood Bank boosted by federal grant

PETERSHAM — The Petersham Wood Bank, a volunteer firewood heating assistance program managed by the Petersham Forest & Shade Tree Committee with support from the Mass. DCR and the Petersham Highway Department, has been awarded $14,933 in federal funds to purchase equipment for safety, splitting, storage and to support contracted labor by sawyers and log boom operators this year.

The Petersham Wood Bank – the first such operation in the state of Massachusetts – turns storm-downed street trees into firewood for Petersham households in need. The Wood Bank is actively seeking additional volunteers to help split and stack wood at the transfer station on volunteer days. To get involved, contact Jordan O’Connor at joconnor@JOAarchitects.com.

“Next winter will top off our first successful decade of helping local families stay warm in winter,” said Jordan O’Connor, lead organizer of the Petersham Wood Bank. “We started with one loaned splitter and some volunteers with chainsaws. But our operation has grown, and the need keeps coming. In winter 2022-2023, we served more than 20 Petersham households. With this new equipment on board, next year we hope to serve even more, especially with heating prices being as high as they are,” he added.

The new grant funding comes from the Alliance for Green Heat, a nonprofit organization chosen by the US Forest Service in 2022 to administer a nationwide, five-year grant program to support local firewood banks, with funds allocated by the US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Today there are more than 100 firewood banks operating around the US, including several more in Massachusetts (Athol, Goshen and Montague) launched in the past decade with grant support from the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation.

For more information on firewood banks, the upcoming summit, and the nationwide firewood bank funding program, visit https://www.firewoodbanks.org.

2023 street lists now available

ATHOL — The Athol Town Clerk’s Office is now taking orders for the 2023 Street List. The cost is $10 per book and must be prepaid in advance. The deadline to place an order is May 15. Order forms are available at the Town Clerk’s office and town website, www.athol-ma.gov. Office hours for the Athol Town Clerk are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Town Hall is closed on Friday. For further information, please call the Town Clerk at 978-721-8445.

Conserving headstones workshop

ROYALSTON — On Friday, April 28, at 7 p.m., in the upstairs of the Royalston Town Hall, 13 On the Common, learn how to clean and preserve headstones at a presentation led by Ta Mara Conde of Historic Gravestone Services. This event is sponsored by the Royalston Historical Society and is a great primer for those interested in the tools, techniques, and materials used in the restoration process. The workshop is free and desserts will be served.

Ta Mara Conde has been conserving and restoring historic grave stones for 16 years, beginning as an apprentice with FredOakly who was the head of conservation for the Association of Gravestone Studies (AGS). She continued studying conservation techniques through several institutions including AGS, the National Parks Service and Cathedral Stone Products Certification Program. Ta Mara has taught conservation workshops to educate cemetery employees, historians and the curious the public about proper conservation techniques across the US and Canada.

A few weekends following the workshop, there will be a cemetery workday in Old Center Cemetery Royalston on May 13 (rain date May 20). For more information contact Maureen Blasco at the Royalston Historical Society at 978-249-5138.

Spaghetti dinner for Mahar Key Club

ORANGE — The Mahar Key Club will host its Spaghetti Supper on April 29, and Friday, May 3, at 5:30 p.m. at the Mahar Dining Hall. Cost for children is $2 and $8 for adults. This event is all you can eat.

Spring hike in New Salem

NEW SALEM — April 30, at Gate 26 area, East Main St., New Salem. Meet at New Salem Common for 11 a.m. departure. Carpool may be necessary.

Bring a lunch (optional) and prepare for insects/ticks. Follow all DCR rules. Dogs not allowed. Hike lengths and times vary, due to either weather, ‘cellar hole poking,’ conversations and terrain difficulty. The general window for most hikes is four to six hours. Donations for these hikes would be greatly appreciated.

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