Historical Society hosting author talk

COLRAIN — Colrain novelist Alfred Alcorn will discuss his novel “Sugar Hill” and growing up on a dairy farm in South Chelmsford during a Colrain Historical Society program on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

The program will be held in the Stacy Barn behind the Pitt House, 8 Main Road.

Published in 2013 and set in Colrain, “Sugar Hill” follows the story of an extended family attempting to survive marauding neighbors and a COVID-19-like pandemic.

The program will follow the Historical Society’s 7 p.m. meeting. Both are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

With questions, call 413-624-3453.

Catamount Hill Association holding annual meeting

COLRAIN — The Catamount Hill Association’s annual meeting will be held Saturday, Aug. 12, at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 81 Foundry Village Road.

In addition to annual reports, three stories of Catamount lore will be presented: Nathan Barnes’ fear of witches, Paul Davenport’s accidental third marriage and grandfather Dwight’s tales. The public is welcome.

The Catamount Hill Association was founded in 1875 by descendants of the area’s original settler families.

Historical Society holding open house

BUCKLAND — The Buckland Historical Society will open the Wilder Homestead and Museum on Sunday, Aug. 13, from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Wilder Homestead at 129 Ashfield Road (Route 112) includes a furnished 1775 saltbox home with five fireplaces. It also includes a 1790 English barn that is currently under reconstruction.

“Come see our progress with this barn-raising project,” Polly Anderson, of the Buckland Historical Society, wrote in a statement.

The Buckland Historical Society Museum, a former schoolhouse in the Greek Revival style, will also be open at 20 Upper St. The museum includes three floors of artifacts and town records, and features a new exhibit titled “The Caged Man of Buckland: The Life of Josiah Spaulding.”

Council on Aging invites public for discussion

BUCKLAND — The Council on Aging invites the public to a discussion on potential funding uses as part of the Age- and Dementia-Friendly Communities initiative. The meeting will be held Wednesday, Aug. 16, from 6 to 7 p.m. upstairs in Town Hall.

Sen. Mark’s staff holding office hours

BUCKLAND — State Sen. Paul Mark’s staff will hold office hours on Tuesday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon at Buckland Town Hall.

Residents of any of the 57 municipalities in Mark’s Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin and Hampshire District can ask for assistance with issues involving any state agency or share ideas on current or potential state legislation. Appointments are not necessary.

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