Literacy Project holding open house

ORANGE — The Literacy Project will hold an open house at its relatively new site at 18 South Main St. from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 17.

The open house will be an opportunity to meet staff and students and to tour the site. As a special educational offering, actress Jarice Hanson will present her one-woman show as Frances Perkins in “A Woman’s Work.” Light refreshments will be served.

The Literacy Project operates five sites around the Pioneer Valley and just recently celebrated its 40th anniversary of offering adult education and preparation for the high school equivalency exam. Sites in Greenfield and Orange have operated since the organization’s founding, but the Orange classrooms moved into their newest space in the spring of 2023. It serves 30 to 40 students per year and offers classes online and in person.

Town officials to participate in financial policies training

ORANGE — Four town officials plan to participate in a state-run financial policies training next month, one year after it was announced the town had paid $338,000 in fraudulent invoices.

Town Administrator Matthew Fortier said he reached out to the state to ask for help and was referred to a two-day seminar on financial policy document training and policy integration that is offered in Westford.

It was decided at the Selectboard meeting on April 2 that member Jane Peirce would join Fortier, Town Treasurer Amber Robidoux and Town Accountant Amber Dupell at the training sessions on May 14 and May 21.

“I’m glad to go,” Peirce said. “I have the right background for that.”

10 residents return nomination papers

NEW SALEM — Ten people returned nomination papers for the May 5 election.

The following candidates returned nomination papers: Lynn Layton, Board of Health; Stacy Senflug, town clerk; Cameron Dunbar, moderator; Andrew Ohlson, constable; Kathy Soule-Regine, Municipal Light Board; David Briand, assessor; Rick Taupier, Selectboard; Steven Blinder and Barbara Doyle, School Committee; and Brian Uphold, Planning Board.

No papers were returned for the one-year opening on the School Committee or for the library trustee position.

New Salem doglicenses available

NEW SALEM — Dog licenses are available for 2025.

The application is at tinyurl.com/NewSalemDogs for applying by mail, or licenses are available during the Town Clerk’s Office hours. According to the town website, the town clerk’s hours are 5 to 7 p.m. on Mondays.

Transfer Stationattendant sought

NEW SALEM — The New Salem Board of Health is in need of a Transfer Station attendant every Wednesday and as a substitute on Saturdays.

The hours are 2:45 to 6:15 p.m. on Wednesdays and 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Saturdays.

Letters of interest, which should consist of three references, should be emailed to nsboardofhealth@gmail.com.

Two events set for New Salem library

NEW SALEM — Rachel Webber and Anita Wilson of the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office will give a talk titled “Avoiding Scams & Identity Theft” at the New Salem Public Library on Thursday, April 24, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

This program is intended to bring some clarity to the issues of security and privacy. Attendees will learn how to not be taken in by scams, and how to identify theft and other fraudulent activities.

Also, Kim Larkin of Klassic Kreations is scheduled to deliver a culinary workshop from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the library on Saturday, April 26.

“Superfoods 101” will celebrate some of the powerhouses of nutrition, including cacao, goji berries and acai. Attendees will learn about the health benefits of these foods and the best ways to incorporate them into their lives. Larkin will provide tips, techniques and samples, as well as handouts and recipes for attendees to take home.

Registration is required. Sign up at the library or call 978-544-6334.

Residents OK paying highway bill from prior year

NEW SALEM — Residents unanimously approved the only article on Monday’s Special Town Meeting warrant, authorizing the transfer of $3,003 from available funds to pay a Highway Department bill from a prior year.

Town Coordinator Jessica Mooring said the bill is for road salt.