North Quabbin Notes, Nov. 21

PETERSHAM — Below are some of the upcoming events at the Petersham Memorial Library. Some of these programs require registration, so call the library at 978-724-3405 to participate.

Design your own Advent Calendar — Getting excited for the holiday season? Love the lead-up to Christmas, Hanukkah, and the Winter Solstice? Elementary-aged children are welcome to register for an artistic day of drawing, painting and creating a holiday countdown calendar. The library will provide inspiration and instruction. Drop off is on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m.-noon. Space is limited, so call 978-724-3405 or stop by to register.

Pictures with Santa — Come to the library on Sunday, Nov. 26, from 2:30-4 p.m. for free pictures with Santa, courtesy of the Petersham Lions Club. Library staff will provide a craft activity and snacks for the kids. At 4 p.m., join around the bandstand as the Petersham Town Christmas Tree is lit, with carols.

Saturday Morning Story Time — On three Saturday mornings in December, the library will host a seasonal story time. At 10 a.m. on Dec. 9, Dec. 16 and Dec. 23, hear seasonal stories, sing songs and have fun at the library. Story time is geared toward young children, but anyone who enjoys seasonal picture books is welcome to join.

Lego Raffle — The library is raffling off an Elf Club House Lego set for the holidays. Create something truly magical with the family this holiday season. With decked-out trees, presents, sleigh rides and festive treats, this kit is filled with favorite holiday traditions. Raffle tickets are $2 each; proceeds go to the library.

ATHOL — The Athol Energy Committee will present a heat pump workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m. Loie Hayes of the Green Energy Consumers Alliance will present an introduction on the basics of heat pumps along with additional information, such as the economics of operating compared to other heating and cooling systems and current incentives.

A local contractor will provide additional insights and experiences with heat pump installations.

This workshop will be a hybrid meeting, with the presentation at the Athol Public Library, and in-person attendance is limited to 75 people. Register for in-person attendance at amoore@townofathol.org.

The workshop will be streamed live via Zoom. The Zoom Meeting ID is 874 2333 6189 and the passcode is 947237.

Organizers will plan to record the workshop, which will be placed for viewing on the Town Energy Committee’s web site, www.athol-ma.gov/town-energy-committee.

Please visit this site for more information on heat pumps, including National Grid Incentives and information on other MassSave Program Opportunities.

ATHOL — St. John’s Thrift Shop will be closed until Saturday, Dec. 2. Please do not bring any donations until Tuesday, Dec. 5.

ORANGE — The North Quabbin Animal Control will host pictures with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m.-noon. at Mount Tully Kennels at 138 Fryeville Road, Orange.

Pets and children are welcome. Cost is $8 per framed photo. The 4-by-6 photo comes in a folder frame.