Colorful Clarinets coming to library

NEW SALEM — The public is invited to the New Salem Public Library at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19, for a performance by Colorful Clarinets, a clarinet quintet consisting of musicians retired from a variety of professions who enjoy playing together.

The group is made up of New Salem resident Sue Dunbar, Shutesbury resident Veronica Richter, Northampton resident John McIntyre, Ludlow resident Tina Ziencina and Belchertown resident Jean Anliker.

Orange Historical Society wrapping up season Sept. 24

ORANGE — From 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24, the Orange Historical Society plans to welcome the summer’s final wave of visitors seeking tours of its 18-room mansion and adjoining three-story barn of local artifacts.

Society officials are grateful to faithful patrons and new supporters for their various contributions to the 2023 season that debuted new events, drew new members, managed some building repairs and recovered some mainstay activities that had been lost to the COVID-19 lockdown years.

The 1860s museum is located at 41 North Main St., where guided tours are offered on Sunday afternoons every June through September, and by appointment. President Kathryn Schiappa can be contacted at 978-544-6814.

Wendell Free Library exhibiting wood engraver’s work

WENDELL — The Wendell Free Library is exhibiting the work of Abigail Rorer, an internationally known wood engraver and illustrator, during the months of September and October. There is a selection of engravings, plus a few drawings and a silverpoint drawing.

A reception is scheduled for 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7. During the reception, Rorer plans to demonstrate her techniques of wood engraving and silverpoint drawing. This event is free.

Rorer also works with various other media, including pencil drawings, pen and ink drawings, and watercolors.

She grew up outside of Philadelphia and attended the Rhode Island School of Design, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in printmaking. She has illustrated more than 50 books with pen and ink drawings for trade publishers.

In 1989, she established Lone Oak Press, located in her home on a Petersham farm, to publish limited-edition, fine-press books featuring her engravings and etchings. She has also been commissioned for engravings for other fine presses and The Folio Society, a London-based publisher.

New Salem resident gets Mancuso scholarship

FRAMINGHAM — New Salem resident Cameron Doyle will attend Framingham State University without the burden of student loans thanks to a prestigious Mancuso English and Humanities Scholarship.

“It’s really incredible,” Doyle said. “My parents make a good living, but I have multiple siblings and when all of us are in college, we will rack up a lot of debt. This just makes the whole process easier, not worrying about having to pay off a loan.”

Doyle plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in history and is considering the university’s 3+3 Bachelor’s/Juris Doctorate Program, which can be completed at Suffolk or University of Massachusetts law schools.

Doyle is one of two Mancuso scholars this year, along with Worcester resident Marlin Polanco. The pair will have the opportunity to study all four years at Framingham State at no cost, but must meet certain scholarship requirements to have it renewed each year.

English professor Halcyon Mancuso created the scholarships through a $2.5 million financial commitment to Framingham State in 2018. There are two Mancuso scholarships awarded at the university every year. Students must also maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average, participate in at least one extracurricular activity each semester, and write a paper at the end of each academic year reflecting on their career and academic growth.

Visit bit.ly/44OwuSm to learn more about the Mancuso scholarships.