Historical society to host program on Patty Day

PETERSHAM—The local Quabbin Region has had many noted artists, poets and writers. One of the most notable was Patty Day (1885-1983) a part-time resident of Petersham who was nationally known for her miniature paintings. In honor of Day’s life and times, the Petersham Historical Society will present, “Patty Day and Friends: A Program” by John Woolsey at its annual meeting on Friday, April 28, at 7 p.m. at Peterdsham Town Hall. The program is co-sponsored by the Petersham Historical Society and the Petersham Memorial Library.

The program will be offered by Woolsey, Petersham resident and research and writer of “A Patty Day Album: The Art, Writing, and Memories of Martha Buttrick Willson Day.” Woosley studied primary sources, historical records, letters, journals and oral history interviews to weave together a bound book where he said .“.Patty Day was a distinctive character—colorful, amusing and engaging.” Day was a well-known Petersham resident in the mid-1940s, 50s, and 60s, during which she made her art and engaged in community events of the times. Her home near Brown’s Pond was often the center of large parties and quiet afternoon teas on the back veranda.

Many present members of Petersham have endearing memories of Day, including Larry Buell, local historian who worked for Day in the summer for 25 cents an hour. Buell recently stated, .“..as a 12-year-old, working at Patty Day’s home opened my eyes to art, culture, and special ways to appreciate the local landscape of Petersham.” In the early 1980s, Buell facilitated a series of oral history interviews with Day that are partly incorporated into Woolsey’s writing. All are welcome to attend the program and share a story or two of Day. The program is free and open to the public.

Best-selling author Jarrett Krosoczka visits Winchendon

WINCHENDON—The final event of Winchendon’s ongoing town-wide read, One Book, One Community, is almost here. Come meet the best-selling author and illustrator behind the graphic memoir, “Hey, Kiddo,” Jarrett J. Krosoczka. It’s a story about the author’s childhood growing up with a drug-addicted mother, an absent father, and two unforgettably opinionated grandparents.

Krosoczka will be at the Murdock High School Cafeteria for a meet and greet on Friday, April 28, 5-6 p.m. During the meet and greet, he will be signing copies of “Hey, Kiddo.” Books will be available while supplies last, or bring your own. Light refreshments will be served. Following the meet and greet, Krosoczka will be giving a special talk about his book in the Murdock High School Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. This event is free, and everyone is welcome to attend. Child care will be provided by the Winchendon CFCE.

This program is funded by the Winchendon Cultural Council, the Office of District Attorney Early, and through a Library Science Technology Act (LSTA) grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Funding is also provided by the Beals Memorial Library, the Winchendon Public Schools and the Friends of the Beals Memorial Library. Collaborators include The Beals Memorial Library Board of Trustees, HEAL Winchendon, Youth ChangeMakers, Winchendon Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE), the Town of Winchendon, the Winchendon Police Department, and the Winchendon Community Action Committee (CAC).

Murdock High School is located at 3 Memorial Drive in Winchendon. For more information, call the library at 978-297-0300, email winchendonreads@gmail.com, or visit www.bealslibrary.org/townwideread.

Spaghetti dinner for Mahar Key Club

ORANGE — The Mahar Key Club will host its Spaghetti Supper on Friday, April 28, 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.

Garden Bundles at the Athol Public Library

ATHOL—The Athol Public Library and the Greenfield Farmers Cooperative Exchange are happy to bring back Garden Bundles and seeds for the Athol Library patrons during the month of May.

Beginning May 1, follow the news item link on athollibrary.org, or scan the T-Rex QR code on the flyer, to fill out a google form and request a bundle.

Participants must have a library card in good standing to check out a garden bundle. You will receive a bundle with up to three books checked out on the gardening topics of your choice and some seeds. These bundles are intended for library patrons over the age of 18. The library will contact participants when their bundle is ready for pick up. Bundles are free.

Seeds were generously donated for the third year in a row by the Greenfield Farmers Cooperative Exchange, Greenfield.

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