New Salem Cultural Council seeks grant applications

NEW SALEM — The Cultural Council is accepting grant applications from organizations, individuals and schools to fund community-oriented arts, humanities and science programs in 2024. The deadline to apply is Oct. 17.

The Cultural Council looks to fund a variety of cultural activities that serve different age groups. Priority will be given to local applicants with proposals that pertain to, affect and can be easily accessed by townspeople, as well as proposals that will directly enhance the community’s cultural strength and diversity. Priority will also be given to applicants who have made prior arrangements for a local venue and have an approved budget already in place.

This year, the Cultural Council has approximately $5,500 to distribute. Grant awards typically range from $250 to $500. Applications must be done online at massculturalcouncil.org.

There is a webinar with information for applicants at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Register at bit.ly/3L1Y9ba.

For local guidelines and more information on the New Salem Cultural Council, contact Amy Fagin at amifagin@gmail.com.

DCR organizing 3 Quabbin hikes

NEW SALEM — The state Department of Conservation and Recreation has organized three Quabbin hikes leaving from New Salem this fall.

There will be a 3.2-mile moderate hike on the north side of the Quabbin watershed via Gate 33 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9. Participants will walk down to the water on a dirt road through the forest. Walking to the water, the hike covers 1.6 miles and is mostly flat. Hikers will then backtrack and head out the way they came in. Gate 33 is at the intersection of Blackinton Road and Route 122.

The Soapstone Mountain Hike from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1, will be a 2.7-mile difficult scenic hike that starts at Gate 37 and follows an easy woodland road before branching off to a short but very steep hike up the mountain. This hike is challenging and has points that require climbing over large rocks; however, the summit provides one of the best views of the Quabbin Reservoir. Gate 37 is off Monson Turnpike Road.

There will be a 5-mile moderate hike on the north side of the Quabbin watershed via Gate 35 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14. Participants will walk down to and along the water on a dirt road through the forest. The slope remains relatively flat. Gate 35 is off Old North Dana Road.

Each hike has a separate registration link — to find them all, visit bit.ly/3YWBfHY. Participants are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. All ages are welcome. Dogs are not allowed.

For more information, email QuabbinVisitor.Center@mass.gov.

Library hosting concert with Carrie Ferguson

NEW SALEM — The New Salem Public Library at 23 South Main St. will host a concert by Northampton singer-songwriter Carrie Ferguson from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 7.

Ferguson writes and performs original music for children and their parents. Shifting between piano, guitar and ukulele, Ferguson creates interactive live shows that are often sing-along dance parties, highlighting themes of inclusivity, social justice, Earth stewardship and LGBTQ youth/family pride.

Funding for the concert was provided by the Friends of the New Salem Public Library.

Water Department working to resolve discoloration

ORANGE — Suspecting a pipe rupture, Water Department employees are trying to determine the cause of discolored water that was being reported in the Highland Avenue and Walnut Hill areas late Tuesday morning.

The new water main on North Main Street has been successfully installed and has passed all required testing to be put into service, according to a post on Orange’s town website. The opening of the valves to do this is expected to cause minor discoloration that should clear quickly.

The post thanked residents for alerting the Water Department to the discoloration and for their patience during this large-scale project.