The owners of a property assessed for $250,000 will pay $3,325 a year, up from $3,095 last year.

Petersham Dog Licenses Available

The 2010 Dog Licenses are available from the Town Clerk’s Office. Proof of a valid rabies shot is required if one is not currently on file with the clerk. Monies may be mailed in with a SASE. Monies may be left with the Administrative Coordinator in the Selectboard’s Office with a SASE and the license and tag will be mailed back. Kennel licenses must be picked up. Anyone who has a dog on January 1st, 2010 will be required to obtain a dog license. A rabies clinic is being planned for January and licenses will also be available on that day. When the clinic is planned information will be distributed.

Memorial Library Launches First Ever Fund Drive

The Memorial Library is appealing to town residents for donations to help pay for its daily operations. The library, founded in 1891, is supported by an endowment and receives about 10 percent of its operating expenses from the town budget.

In a letter mailed Nov. 14, library board of directors president Deni Ellis said, "We are pleased that in these difficult economic times we are able to provide something for everyone at the Library, and always without charge. During this Thanksgiving season, we hope you will demonstrate your appreciation for our library by contributing to our first Annual Fundraising Appeal to benefit the daily operation of the Petersham Memorial Library."

Donations would presumably be treated as unrestricted funds. The letter does not specify levels of suggested donations. Ms. Ellis was not immediately available for comment.

Local Man Planning Trip for Disabled Veterans

Jesse Cole of 88 Shaw Road will be heading for the West Coast on May 2 in his 1916 Model T Ford. He and Jim Whitcomb of Northfield are planning a cross country trip in the vintage car, which has a top speed of 35 MPH, to raise money for the Disabled American Veterans national organization. Part of the money raised will go toward construction of a national monument  to disabled veterans that is planned for Washington DC.

Cole said Steve Raymond, of the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce, is helping to line up sponsors for the trip and that Ford Motor Company is expected to provide some support as well.. Sponsor names and logos will be displayed on a trailer stocked with tools and supplies that will be following Cole and Whitcomb on the trip. The trailer can also carry the Model T through cities and other locations where slower speed roadways are not available, Cole said.

Cole said  the pair will leave May 2 from Winchendon and stop frequently along the way  for fund-raising events including a large event in Cincinnati. On the trip home, Cole, a musician and long time Willie Nelson fan, plans to swing through Texas and hopes to meet Willie Nelson, he said,

Primary Election Dec. 8

A statewide primary election to select candidates to fill the US senate seat formerly held by the late Sen. Ted Kennedy will be held Dec. 8. Our polling takes place in the town hall.

A Great Night for Goblins

From creepy to cute, more than 100 creatures, goblins, and other kids in costumes descended on the center of town Saturday evening to demand or politely request treats. After the invasion, the crowd followed a Petersham fire truck and paraded to town hall for festivities and snacks.

Winter Classes at Petersham Craft Center

Get your camera out for the holidays to make family memories when you learn more about the art of photography at the Petersham Craft Center. Gail Hansche Godin, a nationally published photographer, will be teaching “You Have the Pictures: What Next?” This informative basic class will teach you how to make the most of your photographs. Topics include how to make files to organize your work, how to resize for print and internet, adjusting for maximum impact, and simple manipulation for fun. The class will be held on Thursday, November 12, from 7-9PM. The fee is $10 for members and $25 for non-members.

Bring in the new year with a new rug for your home! Alice Zanga, well known teacher and creator of textile arts, will be presenting “Rug Braiding with Alice” for six Wednesday evenings in January. You will learn how to create their own original braided rug out of cloth strips. In the process, you will experience and understand the various stages of rug braiding. Come as a new braider or an experienced braider to laugh, have fun, and make a family heirloom. The class will be held on Wednesdays, January 13th, 20th, 27th, and February 3rd, 10th, and 17th. It is open to teens to adults. The cost is $60 for members and $75 for nonmembers.

You can register by calling the Craft Center at 978-724-3415, or drop by the Center at
8 North Street in Petersham, Wednesday through Sunday, 12Noon-4PM. To enjoy a view of what the Center has to offer, see the website at petershamcraftcenter.org

Old Home Day & Craft Fair - On the common

The Petersham Lions Old Home Day on the common was held August 30 with lots of things going on all day for the kids, adults and entertainment. Mark Shelton from Vermont did a pirate theme for the children at 2PM.  Local resident and historian Larry Buell will have talks and displays under the big tent. BBQ was  served.  

Craft Center Opens New Exhibit

New Animal Shelter Nearing Completion

Only $3,000 to $4,000  remains to be raised to finish this handsome three-room animal shelter at the town Highway Department. The project was begun in 2008 by local animal eye doctor Alan Bacharach of East Street and other volunteers. A cement pad was poured  and the building was put up. Interior walls, finished wiring and an outside fence remain to be finished this spring. Dr. Bacharach said anyone wishing to make a donation of any amount should send it to the Petersham Animal Shelter c/o Dale Bull at the Selectmen's office in town hall.

We keep these Items (below) because we like them.

Church Fair Crowded Common

Hundreds of fair goers crowded children's games, food concessions, the book tables and shopped for bargains at the annual Congregational Church Fair on Saturday.

As always, auctioneer Paul Varney focused the crowd's attention on a variety of auction goods including spot welders, mowers, furniture and a snow blower or two.