Sept. 10: ‘Naturally Beautiful Yards’ with Amy Meltzer

NORTHFIELD — Amy Meltzer of the Massachusetts Pollinator Network and Grow Native Massachusetts will lead a program at Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main St., on Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 6 to 7 p.m. called “Naturally Beautiful Yards.”

Meltzer will discuss how skipping the fall cleanup routine can help create habitat for pollinators, birds and other essential wildlife. Ecological gardening practices reverse biodiversity loss, increase resilience in landscapes and slow climate change. Leaving plant stalks and leaves in the garden through the winter provides food and shelter for birds and beneficial insects.

Cultural Council offering grant application guidance

LEYDEN — Cultural Council members will be holding office hours to provide advice and support local artists who are interested in applying for Cultural Council grants. The office hours will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Town Offices at 7 Brattleboro Road.

Town celebrating Veterans Memorial upgrades

BERNARDSTON — The community is invited to celebrate upgrades to the Bernardston Veterans Memorial at Cushman Park on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 11 a.m.

Upgrades include the addition of a new stone that will feature the names of Bernardston residents who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. There are also three new granite benches that will be dedicated to prominent townspeople.

Former Selectboard member Stanley Garland and Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans Services District Deputy Director Stacey Geneczko will speak. Congressman Jim McGovern is the keynote speaker.

There will be music from Alana Martineau, Don LaCoy and the Falltown String Band. Local Cub Scouts will also participate in the program.

Lasagna available to-go on Sept. 21

NORTHFIELD — St. Patrick’s Church at 80 Main St. will offer to-go lasagna dinners on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 3 to 5 p.m.

Each meal includes lasagna (meat and vegetarian options available), salad, a roll and dessert. All the food is homemade by church parishioners. The price is $15.

Reservations are required by Tuesday, Sept. 17. Call 413-800-2228 to reserve a meal.

Powers Institute Building turning 167 years old

BERNARDSTON — The Bernardston Historical Society will open its doors at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 18, for an ice cream social celebrating the Powers Institute building’s 167th birthday.

In 1855, when Goodale Academy was about to close, Bernardston native Edward Powers died and left the town $10,000 to be used for education. Two years after his death, the Powers Institute opened its doors to its first 45 students.

Library program to detail tree care

NORTHFIELD — Dan Ziomek, from Sugarloaf Gardens and WRSI’s “Birdsong” program, will demonstrate how to properly plant a tree at Dickinson Memorial Library on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 5:30 p.m.

After, attendees will head inside the library for a discussion about why trees are important and how best to care for them. Ziomek has been in the gardening industry since 1988.

The program is being offered by the Northfield Garden Club, the Northfield Tree50th Committee and Dickinson Memorial Library.

‘Walk with Ease’ program offered in Bernardston

BERNARDSTON — Franklin County’s YMCA is offering a “Walk with Ease” program on Mondays and Wednesdays through Sept. 25 starting at 8:30 a.m. Participants will meet at the Bernardston Senior Center.

The evidence-based program is known to help people with arthritis or other related conditions reduce pain, improve balance, strength, walking and overall health.

Second Saturday Roast Beef Suppers returning Oct. 12

BERNARDSTON — The United Church of Bernardston’s Second Saturday Roast Beef Supper is back with the first supper of the season on Saturday, Oct. 12, with seatings at 5 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Suppers will continue on the second Saturday of each month through April 2025.

At a price of $15, each meal includes roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, a roll and dessert. Call 413-648-9306 to reserve your preferred seating time or to reserve take-out meals. The church is located at 58 Church St.