TD Bank accepting donations for boy struck by vehicle

TURNERS FALLS — TD Bank locations are accepting donations for 12-year-old Jaiden Fred, who is recovering from a head injury, a knee injury and road rash he sustained after being hit by a vehicle at the corner of Fifth and L streets in September.

Neighbor Shelley Madden helped set up the donation account for the Fred family. Donations can be made in person at any TD Bank branch by asking to donate to “Funds for Jaiden Fred.” Zelle donations are also being accepted by using the same account name online and entering Alvin Fred’s email, fredalvin208@gmail.com.

Student essay contest to reflect on patriotism

TURNERS FALLS — Montague Elks Lodge No. 2521 is sponsoring an Americanism Essay Contest for students in grades five through eight, with an essay theme of “What Does Patriotism Mean to Me?”

Students in grades five through eight in the Gill-Montague Regional School District will have applications and contest rules provided to them. Essays must be submitted to the Montague Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Ave., Turners Falls, MA 01376, by Dec. 15

According to the Montague Elks Lodge, the contest will start with the local lodges and make its way through the district-level and state-level lodges. The contest with end with the naming of the national winners in Kansas City, Missouri, in July 2025.

On the national level, first, second and third place will be awarded in each division, with monetary awards of $1,000, $500 and $250, respectively.

With questions, call or text Linda Morey at 413-522-3145.

‘A First-Class Machine Shop’ on display until Dec. 1

TURNERS FALLS — As part of the ongoing series of “Food, Farms and Factories” programs and exhibits at the Great Falls Discovery Center, “A First-Class Machine Shop” will be on display in the Great Hall until Dec. 1.

The webpage for the exhibit states it “examines the critical supporting role that metalworking and machining had in launching industrialization in Turners Falls.” The Great Hall itself used to be a machine shop for the Montague Paper Co., which created newspaper and book paper.

This event is free. More information can be found at tinyurl.com/2btjz6t7.

Fall Volunteer Trail Workday planned for Oct. 19

ERVING — The Conservation Commission is sponsoring its annual Fall Volunteer Trail Workday on Saturday, Oct. 19 (with a rain date of Sunday, Oct. 20) starting at 9 a.m. at the Poplar Mountain Conservation Area on Old State Road.

The parking lot on Old State Road is just off Route 2. Tools will be available or participants can bring their own. Several areas on the trails are deteriorating and need improvement.

The areas in need of work are within reach of the parking lot. Once the work is done, there should be time for a hike to the top trail overlook.

Contact conservation@erving-ma.gov or just show up at the Poplar Mountain Conservation Area parking lot to participate.

Back Porch Songwriter Series: Lucinda Williams

TURNERS FALLS — The Back Porch Songwriter Series presented by Signature Sounds continues at the Shea Theater Arts Center on Sunday, Oct. 13, featuring the songs of Lucinda Williams.

According to an event announcement from Signature Sounds, “Williams had her breakthrough in 1998 with the classic album ‘Car Wheels On A Gravel Road,’ which won a best album Grammy award. Her songs have been recorded by Tom Petty, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Emmylou Harris, Miranda Lambert and many others.”

This show will feature the Deep River Ramblers (Jim Henry, Chris Brashear, Paul Kochanski) and JJ O’Connell as the backing band. Special guest artists will include Lisa Bastoni, Kris Delmhorst, Mark Erelli, Evelyn Harris, Ali McGuirk and Lisa Bastoni.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Shea Theater, with tickets on sale for $30 in advance or $35 day of show. Tickets can be purchased at signaturesoundspresents.com.

Fabric, Fashion and Fiber Creative Reuse Festival coming this weekend

TURNERS FALLS — Swanson’s Fabrics at 320 Avenue A will host the Fabric, Fashion and Fiber Creative Reuse Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12, and Sunday, Oct. 13.

The event will feature live music, food by Patch Burger, a clothing pop-up by Buckingham Rabbits Vintage and a community art market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Multiple free workshops will include flower arranging, mending, and clothing repair and dye techniques. Sunday’s lineup includes a performance by Poverlla from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by the Trash Rich Fashion Show hosted by Christopher “Monte” Belmonte and Richie Richardson.

Tickets to the fashion show are $10 and can be purchased at swansonsfabrics.com.