Mahar holds homecoming

ORANGE — Homecoming weekend was held at Ralph C. Mahar Regional School from Oct. 5 to Oct. 7.

The weekend’s first event was a program held in the Kermit Cook Auditorium on Oct. 5, when the Homecoming Royalty was introduced by members of the Mahar Key Club. The candidates were Audrey Danielson, Alivia Patch, Laura McGinnis, Hazel Emery, Hailey Sousa, Melony Rodriquez, Arianna Canning, David Vitello, Dominic Whitman, Will Barnes, Caleb Rodriquez, and Jeff LaPlante.

A feature of the program was the lip-sync entries from each class for grades 9 through 12.

On Friday night there was a parade featuring the Homecoming Royalty, class banners, cheerleaders, the sports teams, and coaches. The Homecoming Royalty was presented to the crowd prior to the 7 p.m. football game against Greenfield. During halftime, parents of the varsity football team, the cheering squad, and the senior cross-country team were recognized by the Key Club. Parents of seniors received pictures, and parents of underclassmen received certificates of appreciation.

The varsity volleyball team faced off against an alumni team on Oct. 7. The parents of the varsity volleyball players were recognized before the game with pictures and certificates from the Key Club.

The Homecoming Dance featuring DJ Tina Riddell also was held Oct. 7. A highlight of the dance was the presentation of awards for class banners and the lip-sync competition. The junior class took first place for both its banner and its lip-sync performance. The royal court was presented, and David Vitello and Laura McGinnis were crowned as the Homecoming Royalty.

Homecoming Weekend is organized by the Mahar Key Club as part of its school and community service program.

Wendell Meetinghouse to host Sara Schley, Gaslight Tinkers

WENDELL — Sara Schley is slated to share excerpts from her “Secrets of the 7th Day” book and offer interactive teachings on ecumenical ways of working with Jewish practices at the Wendell Meetinghouse at 7 p.m. on Oct. 25.

This event will be part of the Wendell Meetinghouse’s ongoing Spirit Circle series, an offering of presentations and gatherings that support the community’s diverse spiritual lives through shared exploration, celebration and practice.

Schley, originally from Boston, is a longtime Wendell resident. Raised a relatively secular Jew, she became serious about her Shabbat practice in her 20s, and has been lighting Shabbat candles with her family almost every week for nearly 40 years. At the request of a dear Catholic friend, Sara authored “Secrets of the 7th Day” as an introduction to the practice. She wrote this based on Jewish practices, but with an intention to make it accessible to all.

In addition to hearing excerpts from the book, participants at the event will be offered a free signed copy of “Secrets of the 7th Day” and teachings on creating rituals that can be used at home. For more information about the event, contact Court Dorsey at 413-325-7587 or courtcdorsey@gmail.com.

Two days later, on Oct. 27, the Wendell Meetinghouse will host the Gaslight Tinkers and their blend of global rhythms and danceable music for a Halloween party. Costumes are welcome, but not required.

Refreshments (including wine and beer by donation) and snacks will be available. Tickets $15 to $25 at the door.

Novelist coming to New Salem Public Library

NEW SALEM — Author Faith Shearin, of Amherst, is scheduled to read from her young adult novel “Lost River, 1918” and answers questions about the story from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 26, according to New Salem News.

The book is about 13-year-old Anne’s mother, a midwife, who delivers a stillborn baby, only for her father, a mortician, to accidentally bring the infant back to life, raising questions about the relationship between the living and the dead.

Shearin will have copies of her book for sale. People can also join via Zoom. The event is free, but the Friends welcome donations.

More details and the Zoom registration link are available at nsfriendsoflibrary.weebly.com/events. Email questions to the Friends at nsfriendsoflibrary@gmail.com.