ORANGE – The Selectboard voted unanimously on Wednesday to appoint Seth Kelley as a Planning Board alternate.

Clerk Andrew Smith read an email from Kelley before the Selectboard took its vote.

“I am interested in this role because I care deeply about the future of Orange and believe I can contribute meaningfully through thoughtful planning and community engagement,” wrote Kelley, who was present at the meeting. “I currently serve as the community conservation program manager at Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust and have experience working with municipalities on land use, zoning, and conservation-related projects.”

Bedinger joins COA

ORANGE – The Council on Aging has a new member after the Selectboard voted unanimously to appoint Linda Bedinger to the body.

Bedinger was not in attendance at Wednesday’s meeting and Selectboard member Jane Peirce said she would have preferred to meet Bedinger and learn her qualifications, though she joined her colleagues in voting to affirm Bedinger anyway.

St. John resigns from North Quabbin Veterans

ORANGE – The Selectboard on Wednesday accepted Bruce St. John’s resignation from North Quabbin Veterans, a local organization dedicated to recognizing and supporting North Quabbin area veterans and their families.

In a resignation letter read by Clerk Andrew Smith, St. John said a medical condition prevents him from further serving in the role. Selectboard members wished him well and thanked him for the time he has put into the position.

“He has absolutely been steadfast in serving in this position,” Selectboard member Jane Peirce said. “It’s much appreciated, Bruce.”

The Dance Studio of Orange to present annual dance recital

ORANGE – The Dance Studio of Orange plans to present its annual dance recital from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School on June 7.

Act I features “Alice in Wonderland,” a magical ballet interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale. Eva Richard stars as Alice, with Madalynn Warner as The White Rabbit, Florian Gordon-Halpern as Jack, Katy McGinnis as The Queen of Hearts, Vivienne Soucy as The Mad Hatter, Madalyn Vescovi as The Cheshire Cat, Kaylee O’Brien as The Caterpillar, Mallory Germain as The Dormouse, and Calleigh Neeland as The March Hare.

Act II, titled “School Days,” celebrates the energy and creativity of TDS dancers through a mix of styles including tap, jazz, modern, acro, and hip-hop. “School Days” will open with a high-impact tap production number featuring 30 dancers.

Tickets for the 3:30 p.m. performance only will be available at the door for $25. Cash or checks are accepted. The 10:30 a.m. performance is sold out.  

Send an email to thedancestudioorange@gmail.com for more information.

NSMA competition finalists’ exhibition on display

NEW SALEM – The New Salem Museum and Academy of Fine Art’s inaugural International Painting Competition Finalists’ Exhibition will on hand through June 29.

Sixty-one paintings were chosen out of nearly 1,200 submissions from around the world. The awards ceremony was held on May 3. The grand prize – a $25,000 Acquisition Award chosen by the finalists through a private voting process in which each finalists had to vote for a painting other than their own – as well as the Director’s Choice Award, a $2,500 package of Rosemary & Co. brushes, were announced.

The People’s Choice Award is now open for voting throughout the duration of the exhibition. Museum visitors are invited to vote for their favorite piece, and the winner will be awarded $2,500.

NSMA is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.