Rep. Saunders to visit New Salem Public Library

NEW SALEM — State Rep. Aaron Saunders, D-Belchertown, will visit the New Salem Public Library on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Saunders is expected to open with an introductory statement about what to expect in the new legislative session and what might change based on the election results. This will be followed by an open question-and-answer session until 3:30. During the final 30 minutes, he will meet individually with residents.

For more information, call the library at 978-544-6334 or email nsdirector@cwmars.org.

Wendell Free Library to host ‘booklace workshop’

WENDELL — Jeannette Stockton will lead a “booklace workshop” at the Wendell Free Library on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Participants will be able to make themselves or a loved one a piece of statement jewelry that allows them to write down their thoughts wherever they are. Participants will learn to fold and create a tiny leather-bound decorative book to suspend from a chain or leather necklace. If time permits, they will also make a tiny hardbound book.

This program is possible in part due to a grant from the Wendell Cultural Council and is supported by the Friends of the Wendell Free Library.

Email wendell@cwmars.org to register for the workshop as required.

New textile art exhibit coming to Wendell

WENDELL — Phyllis Lawrence’s most recent rug-hooking exhibit, “Finding a Path,” will be on display at Wendell Free Library through December.

There will be a reception in the form of a demonstration from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. Lawrence belongs to a rug-hooking guild that meets once a month. Guild members have offered to hold their December meeting at the library.

Lawrence has been hooking rugs for many years. “Finding a Path” includes around 20 pieces that are medium in scale and her work extends into the glass case that graces the entrance to the library’s interior.

Wendell resident holding book release party

WENDELL — The Wendell Meetinghouse will host a reading and book release party for Court Dorsey and his new collection of mystical poems at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.

“Tiger Stripes: Poems of Shadow and Light” is published by Human Error Publishing. The event is free and open to the public, with donations accepted by the Wendell Meetinghouse.

Dorsey has been writing songs, poems, short stories and works for the theater for 50 years. Many of his original pieces have been performed on his concert tours. He also maintains a practice as a mediator near his home in Wendell.

“It’s a thrill for me to release these poems in my long-time home of Wendell and Franklin County,” Dorsey said in a statement. “I hope they can bring some inspiration and enjoyment to a world that is often flummoxed by its own confusion. Existential realities are unavoidable, but we can find a joyful place to live within them.”

For more information on the book release event or to order the book (which is available on Amazon) at reduced price, contact Dorsey at courtcdorsey@gmail.com.