Early in-person voting in Royalston

ROYALSTON – Early in-person voting will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m.-5p.m. and Wednesday, Aug. 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the town clerk’s office, Whitney Hall, 5 School St. Saturday, Aug. 24, is the last day to register to vote in these elections. All registrations must be received no later than 5 p.m.

Children’s Night on the bandstand Friday

ORANGE – The Orange Community Band, under the direction of Stephanie Parker, will present its Children’s Night concert Friday, July 12, at the bandstand in Butterfield Park at 7 p.m. The band is composed of members ranging from their teens to the nineties, coming from as far as Lowell to present free, traditional summer concerts throughout July until Aug. 2. The concert traditionally includes balloons and other treats for the kids, including a march around the bandstand.

The concert will begin with the National Anthem and will include several march selections, along with pieces ranging from Disney’s “Davy Crockett” to “What was I made for?” from the “Barbie” movie.

The Salvation Army van will be available to provide refreshments. Proceeds are used to send children to summer camp.

Other themes this season include “Featuring…” on July 19 and “Heroes and Villains” on July 26, sponsored by Witty’s Funeral Home, including music for the town-wide “Return to Hogwarts.” The make up “Ladies Night” will be Aug. 2. The back to school concert will be Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. Programs are always subject to change.

Petersham Congregational Church to hold annual fair

PETERSHAM – The Orthodox Congregational Church of Petersham, 21 N. Main St., will be holding its Annual Church Fair on Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in and around the church. There will be luncheon foods, including strawberry shortcake and popcorn. Items for sale include a bake sale, attic treasures, books, toys, gardening, crafts, clothes and furniture. There will also kids activities and a penny scramble.

Birch Hill Wildlife field trip with Ernie Leblanc

ROYALSTON – Join a co-sponsored bird trip between the Brookline Bird Club and the Athol Bird and Nature Club to the Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area on the border of Royalston and Winchendon on Saturday, July 13, from 7 a.m. to noon. This area contains two clear-cut areas being managed as blueberry barrens, providing good habitat for early successional bird species such as prairie and chestnut-sided warblers, and field and white-throated sparrows.

Intermixed woodland and swamp habitats provide great opportunities for viewing the many breeding birds of the area. Be prepared for a modest amount of walking. Access to the area is via hard-packed dirt roads that may be rutted. Meet at the Royalston library in Royalston center at 6:45 a.m., where the group will ride to the walk location. Bring bug repellent, some good walking footwear, and maybe a basket for blueberries. Contact Ernie LeBlanc at ealeblanc13@gmail.com to confirm participation, or for more information.

Mammals of the North Woods at Athol Library

ATHOL – Dawn Marvin Ward, a naturalist and educator, will present a slideshow on mammals common to New England followed by a hands-on sharing of related nature findings. Ward is an educator and naturalist who has been sharing her knowledge and appreciation of nature to folks of all ages for over 25 years. She holds a degree in plant and soil science and has been a Certified Master Gardener since 1989. She is also trained as an early childhood educator.

Ward has her own business, Growing Up with Nature, which focuses on introducing nature to children and families with a hands-on approach. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4ecvsbds. This event is free and open to the public. Presented in memory of Kathy Richards.

West African drumming workshop

PETERSHAM – A West African drumming workshop with Jafar Manselle and the Wendell Warriors will be held on Saturday, July 20, 12:30 p.m. at Petersham Memorial Library. This is a free program and drums will be provided. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Petersham Cultural Council.

Lily King makes Dean’s List at Roger Williams University

BRISTOL, RHODE ISLAND – Lily King, of Athol has been named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List at Roger Williams UniversitY. Full-time students who complete 12 or more credits per semester and earn a grade point average of 3.4 or higher are placed on the Dean’s List that semester.