Latest news with #BealsMemorialLibrary
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Winchendon annual Town Election had two override questions: Here's how residents voted
The $1.9 million override in Winchendon was approved by 12 votes during the May 5 annual Town Election. It was a close count with 896 votes for "yes" on Ballot Question 1 and 884 votes for "no." Two ballot questions appeared in this year's Winchendon annual Town Election asking voters to approve either a $1.9 million override or a $2.9 million override. While Ballot Question 1 passed, Ballot Question 2, which asked voters if they approved the $2.9 million override, failed by a significant margin. Only 645 voters voted "yes," and 1,105 voters voted "no." This year, 1,749 Winchendon voters cast their ballot at the polls. Three town departments may be saved from closure If voters did not pass either of the override ballot questions, Beals Memorial Library, the Parks and Recreation Department, and the Senior Center would be eliminated from the town's FY26 operating budget. Other town departments, including the Police and Fire departments, would have faced major cutbacks, which could cause problems with effective service delivery. What's next for Winchendon voters? Now that the $1.9 million override ballot question has passed at the ballot box, Winchendon voters must also pass it at annual Town Meeting on Monday, May 19. This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Winchendon voters approve $1.9 million override at Town Election
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Here's a list of family friendly activities to celebrate Black History Month this year
February is Black History Month, a time to learn about the many contributions the Black community has made to American society. On Tuesday, Feb. 4, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, Council President George Tyros, and Ward 2 City Councilor Dana Heath signed the official proclamation to recognize February as Black History Month. Here's a list of local programs and events for the whole family to learn more about the Black experience and the community's history. Beals Memorial Library is partnering with the Winchendon Police Department to host a screening of "Walking While Black," a documentary that shows the Black community's experiences with law enforcement and the systemic racism they face. The film screening is on Monday, Feb. 24, starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m. with an open discussion after the film. There is no need to reserve a spot. The event is open to everyone. On Wednesday, Feb. 26, Ball in the House, a renowned a cappella group, will perform "And Now I See: Racism, and American Music' to celebrate Black History Month at the Gardner Mount Wachusett Community College Campus. The performance begins at 12:30 p.m. and continues to 1:30 p.m. in the South Café. Ball in the House performances feature a blend of pop, R&B, and soul music, which displays African Americans' cultural achievements. The Fitchburg Art Museum has an exhibit, "Africa Rising: 21st-Century African Photography," open until Sunday, Feb. 23. The series of photographs was made by internationally acclaimed artists Zanele Muholi, from South Africa; Lalla Essaydi, from Morocco; and Aida Muluneh, from Ethiopia. Through their photography, the three artists explore the aftermath of colonialism, environmental exploitation and decay, female empowerment, and Afro-Futurism, a cultural aesthetic and science philosophy that explores the intersection of the African diaspora history through culture, science and technology. The museum's family-focused art program, FAMily Program, will hold an event on Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., featuring "Africa Rising: 21st-Century African Photography." FAMily Programs allows young artists and art enthusiasts to enjoy looking at and talking about art and making art themselves with materials provided by the museum to create a connection with the exhibit. Space is limited, so signing up is required on the museum website. Another Black History Month activity is trivia night at the Fitchburg Historical Society at 781 Main St in Fitchburg, just a drive down Route 2. Due to the snowy weather, the historical society has rescheduled the Black History trivia night for Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. Although the event is free, space is limited, so signing up is required. This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Black History Month events in and around Gardner
