American Legion Post being renamed to honor Donald J. Hurtle

ORANGE — The newly named Donald J. Hurtle American Legion Post 172 will be officially dedicated at a special ceremony set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 28.

Comments will be delivered by a representative of the state American Legion as well as Hurtle’s son, Kevin, before Hurtle’s grandchildren remove tarps to unveil the post’s new name. This will be followed by hors d’oeuvres.

Hurtle held American Legion membership for at least 50 years before he died on July 28, 2023. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era and was the post’s bar manager for 35 to 40 years.

“He was everything to this place. He was here every day. He always went above and beyond,” American Legion Post 172 member and longtime friend Arthur “Tim” Herk said in 2023, shortly after members voted to rename the organization. “Everybody knew him, everybody loved him. ... If you knew Orange American Legion Post 172, you probably knew Donnie Hurtle.”

Orange Community Band to perform June 27

ORANGE — The Orange Community Band is scheduled to perform its second of six Friday evening concerts on the bandstand at 7 p.m. on June 27.

Conductor Stephanie Parker has chosen the theme of “Let’s Go to the Movies” for this concert. Friday’s program will include the following selections: “Country and Western,” “Edelweiss,” “The Entertainer,” “Studio One,” “Indiana Jones,” “Midway March,” “Magnificent Seven,” “West Side Story,” “Hooray for Hollywood,” and “Fantasia 2000.”

The Salvation Army food truck will provide refreshments, and all proceeds go to youth programs, including music lessons.

Summer season sponsors for the Orange Community Band include Witty’s Funeral Home, Donald J. Hurtle American Legion Post 172, the Nursie Perkins family, the Lyman family in memory of Gordon and Madena Kilhart, Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee Co., Dotty Verheyen and Miffy Sirois, state Rep. Susannah Whipps, the John M. Howe family, the Orange Lions Club, the Trustees of New Salem Academy, Venture Community Services and Honest Weight Artisan Beer.

Other themes this summer will include “From Sea to Shining Sea” on July 4 and Prom Night on July 11. Children’s Night on July 18 will have the theme “Guys and Gals,” and the final concert of the regular season on July 25 will be “Down Memory Lane.”

Valuing Our Children gets donations

ORANGE — Parishioners and friends of St. Mary’s Parish in Orange have helped the St. Mary’s Women’s Club to donate a large collection of baby clothes, diapers and other necessary baby items to Valuing Our Children in Athol.

For more than a decade, the Women’s Club has set up a crib in the entry of the church between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and parishioners have responded generously. Items include handmade blankets, diapers of all sizes, bottles, rattles, bibs and onesies. Some clothing for toddlers is also in the crib. In fact, parishioners were so generous this year that the leg on the crib broke and items needed to be removed early.

Club Secretary Mary Carey brought the items to Samantha Caranfa and Chelsea Cwalina of Valuing Our Children.

Museum schedules photography program

NEW SALEM — The Swift River Valley Historical Society at 40 Elm St. has scheduled a program titled “Reconstructing the Past Through Archival Photos,” presented by photographer Peter Peirce, at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 29.

This program, at the North Prescott church on the grounds of the Swift River Valley Historical Society, kicks off the museum’s open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Dot Frye at dotfryesrvhs@gmail.com.

Retirement send-off set for fire chief

NEW SALEM — A gathering has been scheduled at the New Salem Museum and Academy of Fine Art from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, to honor New Salem and Wendell Fire Chief Joe Cuneo, who is retiring after 26 years of service.

There will be light refreshments. Donations to the party and gifts will be accepted at the door. A short gift presentation and remarks will begin at around 5:30 p.m.

RSVP by emailing Sara at newsalemfireassociation@gmail.com by July 9.

North Quabbin Dog Park having trivia fundraiser

ATHOL — The North Quabbin Dog Park has a trivia night fundraiser set for the Ellinwood Country Club at 1928 Pleasant St. on Saturday, June 28.

A social hour begins at 6 p.m. and trivia starts at 7. Advance registration is encouraged, as are costumes and team names. There will a 50/50 raffle and a scratch ticket tree raffle. There will also be a cash bar and light refreshments.

The cost is $120 for teams of six and $20 for individuals or couples. Contact Jade Bailey at baileyjadeirene2000@gmail.com.

Carrie Ferguson to perform at library

NEW SALEM — Carrie Ferguson will offer a family music concert on Saturday, June 28, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the New Salem Public Library at 23 South Main St.

The musical celebration will kick off this year’s Summer Reading Program.

Ferguson’s concerts are intended to be interactive and fun for all ages. She will be playing the guitar and keyboard with lots of audience participation, including movement and singing. The program, which is funded by a grant from the New Salem Cultural Council, will be held in the Community Room with light refreshments.