North Quabbin Notes, Sept. 22

WINCHENDON — The Beals Memorial Library’s Board of Trustees invites the public to come celebrate the library’s 110th birthday. On Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the library will be hosting a Birthday Open House in commemoration of this special anniversary. Put on a party hat and join the celebration.

At the open house, party guests can take a tour of the library and learn some interesting facts about the library’s rich history over the last 110 years. There will also be an opportunity to learn about future plans for the library. Guests will also get to enjoy a cupcake as everyone wishes the library a happy birthday.

This event is supported by the Friends of the Beals Memorial Library and is free and open to the public.

The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant St. in Winchendon. For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or bealsmemoriallibrary@gmail.com, or visit bealslibrary.org.

PHILLIPSTON — The Program Committee has lined programs for the fall. The first program on Sept. 26 is all about the Doodlebug. Although it has been sitting around for nearly 60 years, it can be restored. Already Mike Como has been able to get the motor running. As part of the program, Como will have his 1926 Model T on display next to the Doodlebug, so people can see the ‘before’ and ‘after’ of Doodlebug making.

In October the society will visit a Victorian haunted mansion and in November will learn about the history of birthday cakes. December is the Memory Tree and 2023 Public Service Award.

On a final note, the society has two open positions on the board of directors: clerk and assistant treasurer. Also open is assistant clerk. Those interested, please contact the Kay Deans 978-835-9088, or Tom Specht 978-249-2197.

ATHOL — The Athol Police Department’s K9 program runs on donations and is currently in need of funds for food, vetting, training and equipment. The department is offering a K9 patch and a 5 x 7 print of K9 Gronk’s department photo for any donations of $20 or more.

Come into the lobby at the station to purchase. The department accepts cash, check or money order. Those interested in purchasing but can’t get to the station can mail a note with return address and payment to:

Athol Police Department

Attn: K9 Fund

280 Exchange Street

Athol, MA 01331

ATHOL — The Athol Lions Club will hold a Haunted Hayride on Oct. 13 and 14 and a rain date of Oct. 15. Rides begin at the playground on Pequoig Avenue at dusk. Parking is free, courtesy of L.S. Starrett Co., on Fish and Lake streets.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under.

Skits and actors are needed. For more information or to request an application, contact Athol Lions Project Chairman Ricky Misner at 413-522-6899.

ATHOL — Proposals for community-oriented arts, humanities, and science programs are due Oct. 17. The Athol Cultural Council has set this as the deadline for organizations, schools, and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community.

According to council Spokesperson Joann Deacon, these grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities in Athol–including exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies or performances in schools, workshops and lectures.

The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.

This year, the Athol Cultural Council will distribute about $15,800 in grants.Application forms and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program are available online at www.massculturalcouncil.org.

ATHOL—Join this forum to learn about plants and their uses during the American Civil War.

Slavery was at the heart of the South’s agrarian economy before and during the Civil War. Agriculture provided products essential to the war effort, from dietary rations to antimalarial drugs to raw materials for military uniforms and engineering. Drawing on a range of primary sources, this history examines the botany and ethnobotany of America’s defining conflict. The author describes the diverse roles of cash crops, herbal medicine, subsistence agriculture and the diet and cookery of enslaved people.

The discussion will be led by Judith Sumner, a botanist who specializes in ethnobotany, flowering plants, plant adaptations, and garden history. She has taught extensively both at the college level and at botanical gardens, including the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University.

This event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m. Registration is required. Please register by completing by calling 978-249-9515.

This event is made possible by a grant from the Athol Cultural Council.