Eyed for removal, Historical Society’s ‘dead’ lilac wins reprieve by reblooming in fall

ORANGE — On Sept. 24, as Orange Historical Society members were about to close the doors for the fall and winter months, they were stunned to notice that their old lilac bush had somehow begun to bloom again.

The nine-foot-tall fixture located outside the 41 North Main St. museum had been virtually left for dead when, this past spring, it failed to appreciably bloom on schedule. At that point, President Kathryn Schiappa declared that the fading old friend may unfortunately be due for removal.

“It must have heard you,” quipped her husband, member Frank Schiappa, to the chuckles of colleagues, on this fall day, viewing the aged lilac that had reasserted its viability.

A member’s subsequent internet search for information found that the fall phenomenon, although it commonly takes observers by surprise, is not unheard of and can be triggered following a summer of quirky weather.

The Historical Society is dedicated to bringing Orange’s bygone persons, places and things “back to life” with Sunday tours offered from June through September and by appointment by phoning Kathryn Schiappa at 978 544-6814.

Caregivers gathering at the Wendell Meetinghouse

WENDELL — On Saturday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m., the Wendell Meetinghouse and convener Debbie Lynangale welcomes all past, current and future caregivers to gather, enjoy morning coffee/tea/juice and breakfast, and to share stories and questions about their caregiving experiences. The event is free and open to the pubic, with donations strongly encouraged to support renovations and programming at the Wendell Meetinghouse.

Lynangale notes, “So many of us have been on this journey with partners, loved ones and friends – almost everyone I talk with has a story or knows someone who has experienced some aspect of the caregiver role.”

The number of informal caregivers is growing, and as noted by groups like the Family Caregiver Alliance, many caregivers are juggling many different roles and responsibilities. Many end up doing tasks for which they have no training, and consequently often deal with unrealistic expectations of themselves, those they care for, and health-related institutions.

And yet there’s also another much more positive side to caregiving – the privilege of walking with those dealing with significant life challenges, of feeling like they make a difference, of honoring important relationships and people. Saturday’s gathering is meant to create a space where fellow caregivers can support each other and enjoy the company of others who know what it’s like.

Contact Debbie Lynangale at dlynangale@gmail.com for more details on the gathering.

Matt Samolis’ cymbal sound bath and Caregivers Gathering with Debbie Lynangale

WENDELL — On Sunday, Oct. 1, at 4 p.m., Matt Samolis will present a cymbal sound bath at the Wendell Meetinghouse, 1 Morse Village Road, on the Common in Wendell. The event is free, but donations are accepted to support renovations and programming at the meetinghouse.

Samolis has been working in sonic and visual mediums since 1987. His cymbal bath is performed on his steel cello, a bowed instrument that he assembled out of mounted cymbals and tuned steel rods. The sound that issues from this assemblage is contemplative, awe inspiring and other-worldly.

“My method of practice effectively blends the harmonic and drone traditions, and is entirely acoustic,” he wrote. “The result is a sound environment that is meditative and timeless, inviting the listener toward a stillness that is calming and rejuvenating.”

Samolis began studying flute, and later composition and tenor banjo. He has worked with ensembles at New England Conservatory, Brandeis University, Berklee and Tufts, as well as Open Hand Theatre, Pilgrim Research Collaborative, Mobius, Roy Hart Theatre and numerous other projects. He has previously donated many hours of his time and expertise to the renovation of the meetinghouse. For more information and examples of Samolis’ work, visit https://mattsamolis.wordpress.com/. For additional information on the Meetinghouse’s support for this event, contact Court Dorsey at courtcdorsey@gmail.com.

Turkey supper at Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church

ATHOL—The parishioners of Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church, 40 Island St. in Athol invite the community to their most popular seasonal supper. On Saturday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m. the church will be a classic roast turkey dinner. This complete, freshly-prepared meal includes oven-roasted turkey, real mashed potatoes, stuffing, a veggie, cranberry sauce, salad, bread, and their famous home-baked pie, all for $12. Reservations are required, will be accepted through Friday, Oct. 13, at noon, and can be made by calling 978-249-9561. Limited take-out and local delivery is available.

Prepared and served by dedicated volunteers, the kitchen is overseen by ServSafe-certified Head Cook Paul Maier Jr. Everyone involved is excited to have Fellowship Hall filled with guests partaking in great food, friendly conversation, and good company.

Make reservations now, and enjoy a delicious, homestyle meal and leave the cooking and cleaning to the volunteers at SMUMC. In addition to in-person dining, a limited number of full dinners (including pie) are available for take-out/pick-up as well as local delivery. Reservations are required for all meals. Take-out meals will be ready for pick-up at 5:45, and guests should use the Marble Street parking lot and backdoor for easy access.

The church is fully accessible using the Marble Street entrance. Additional parking is available in the Athol Public Library lot. For more information on church suppers, weekly worship services, or any of the many things happening at the church, visit them on Facebook @StarrettMemorialUMC.