Mass Cultural Council supports creative learning programs in North Quabbin

Mass Cultural Council announced the 274 recipients of the Fiscal Year 2023 STARS Residencies grants. This $1.4 million investment into creative learning opportunities will bring cultural partners and their expertise in the arts, humanities, and sciences directly into classrooms for 30,131 Massachusetts students this year.

“Today’s students are our next generation of leaders,” said Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “Our STARS Residencies provide children access to new and innovative approaches to learning using the arts and creativity – and if just one student sits up, takes notice, and begins their learning journey in earnest due to these investments, then we have done very good and impactful work today.”

This year, STARS (Students And Teachers working with Artists, Scientists and Scholars) grant awards range from $2,500 to $6,100 – the largest awards in the program’s history - and bring students and teachers together with practicing artists, scientists, and scholars. The residencies create rich cultural experiences of three days or more, resulting in vibrant learning opportunities for Massachusetts school children.

Mass Cultural Council received 335 eligible applications in this grant round, the most to date in the program’s history. Below are the North Quabbin communities that received grants.

LaunchSpace in Orange-$6,100 for to bring three grades of the Swift River School together with LaunchSpace Instructors to create, innovate and experiment with robots.

Petersham Center School-$6,100 to allow students to experience the process of a full creative arc: imagining and making puppets, creating a skit, practicing and performing.

Village School in Royalston-$4,300 to bring five days of dance programming connecting the cycles of nature through movement exploration, improvisation, rhythm and each child’s experience to all students at The Village School.

Petersham Congregational Church providing adult Christian education

PETERSHAM — Orthodox Congregational Church of Petersham is providing Adult Christian Education on various topics at the church’s Andrew Hall, 21 N. Main St (Rt. 32), on the second and fourth Wednesdays starting at 6:30p.m. The current series is “What’s the Difference? Christian Church Edition” exploring the difference between the various types of churches. Programs simulcast on Zoom.

Petersham Congregational Church to hold to-go braised beef dinner

PETERSHAM — The Orthodox Congregational Church of Petersham will be holding a braised beef dinner as a to-go meal, with pick-up starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, at the church, 21 N. Main St (Rt. 32). Menu includes: braised beef, potatoes, tossed salad, a veggie, and a dessert. Cost is $15 per meal, proceeds to help repair weather damage to the church ceiling. Reservations required, call 978-724-3362.

Petersham Congregational Church holding semimonthly family programs

PETERSHAM — Orthodox Congregational Church of Petersham announces revised its semimonthly Friday Funday Programming at the church’s Andrew Hall, 21 N. Main St (Rt. 32) starting at 7p.m. First Fridays of the month will feature a family movie night where a selection of options will be provided and the attendees will vote on which movie.

Third Fridays of the month will feature a games night for all ages and all types of games, and attendees may bring their own games to share. Light refreshments will be provided at both programs, but attendees may bring items as well. Details and updates on the Facebook page.

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