Petersham Common Local News Page

Students Heading Back to Center School

Students at the Petersham Center School will be back in school after the long Thanksgiving day weekend. The school switched to on remote
learning and students stayed home for a week after one positive Covid case was identified.

The School Committee Chair Lynn Peredina said, "Stats for the school remain - just the one positive case 
within the  school community. In-person learning resumed last week, and all has 
gone well. School is now on its Thanksgiving break through the weekend."

The school committee voted Nov. 10 to affirm an earlier vote to favor hybrid learning that has had half the students in the building with staff two days each week. The school has 124 students - about half from Petersham, and a staff of about 70 employees from area towns.

On Nov. 6, Glazier sent a voicemail to school families that reads in part, "I am calling today to inform you that a member of our school community has tested positive for Covid-19. We have been planning for this scenario ... and have a comprehensive plan in place to sanitize the school, inform families whose students were at risk of exposure or in close contact, and support the affected family... unless you have been contacted by the school, your child was not a close contact of the affected school member.

"... we are asking those parents whose students are tested for Covid-19 to please report the results to the school nurse, the message said.

Glazier told the committee, "We found that with our support staff being sent home as well we have almost no substitute teachers." That is not unique to Petersham but schools statewide can't find enough people to fill positions, he said.

Committee chair Lynn Peredina said the school was not closed. Staff and teachers were in the building for remote teaching but students stayed home for two weeks. Parent teacher conferences will also be remote. Glazier said the school has been adding technology to support remote learning.

The state Department of Public Health on Nov. 24 boosted the town's Covid case count from eight individuals to 14.

Almost 90 Percent of Petersham Voters Cast Ballots

Final national results of the presidential election are not decided but Petersham voters mainly supported Joe Biden according to Town Clerk Diana Cooley.

Eighty seven percent of the town's 1,009 registered voters cast ballots, either voting early or in person. Approximately 460 early votes were cast early either by mail or in a drop box. The rest were cast on election day. Cooley said that adds up to an 87 percent turnout.

Joe Biden received 528 votes. Donald Trump got 321 votes.

Pumpkin Carving, Scarecrow Contest at the Library

The scarecrows have arrived and you can get into the Halloween spirit by carving or decorating a free pumpkin and returning it to the library. Free pumpkins will be available Tuesday, October 20 from 12-6 p.m. during our curbside pickup.

Please slip a note through the book drop letting us know if you've taken any. Include a name, phone number, and the age of each pumpkin artist. Also include this info on the bottom of each pumpkin. Once you've worked your jack-o-lantern magic, return them on Saturday, October 24. to the library lawn amongst the scarecrows or on the ledge leading up to the library

For more information, email PetershamLibraryRequests@gmail.com or call (978) 724-3405.

Dogs, Cats, Local Bears and a Goat by the Road

October 2020 Animal Control

10/01 @6:45a Meet with resident of quarantined dog for transfer to veterinary facility
@10-11a Shelter maintenance

10/03 @7a Call from resident regarding barking dog in woods near home, to area, located owner of hunting dogs on scent trail

@12:30p Message from resident regarding a barking dog complaint between 10p-12a the previous evening, call returned, owner of dog identified and warning given

@1p Resident concern regarding recently moved equines new to the area, information given
@2:30p Re-visit barn inspection
Evening-follow up on barking dog issue from previous call

10/06 @8a Move litter of kittens held at shelter to Worcester Animal Rescue League, RT

10/07 @1p Pick up surrendered cat, transferred to Worcester Animal Rescue League, RT

10/08 @1p Barn inspection

10/11 Assist veterinary surgeon who volunteered to spay/neuter local cats, follow up care given
@12:30p Resident call regarding dog running at large, owner identified, dog home

10/18-20 Multiple calls regarding bear sightings, callers advised of best action plan

10/21 @10a Call from resident regarding odd acting raccoon, PPD also to area, animal relocated itself to storm drain, area to be checked throughout day by both

10/23 @11a Resident submission of photos of loose dog near/on property, all involved parties contacted

@11:30a Call from motorist/resident regarding loose goats on Rt 32 travelling north, to area, one goat secured and walked to home of owner (additional goat previously returned)

10/29 @10:15a Resident call regarding loose dog in yard, to area, likely owner identified, dog picked up by owner

10/30 @12-5p Virtual attendance National Animal Control Association annual meeting

Petersham Cultural Council Opens 2021 Grant Cycle

The Massachusetts Cultural Council has set a December 14 deadline for organizations, schools, and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community.

These grants support a variety of artistic projects and activities in the Quabbin region -- including exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies, or performances in schools, workshops, and lectures. The PCC also gives grants for funding projects in the sciences and the humanities, such as historical or environmental education.

The Board of Health has closed the swap shed at the transfer station until further notice to help minimize possible exposure too possible Covid-19 contaminants.

The Board also reminds residents that by state orders, residents should not bring returnable containers to the shed for redemption. Do not leave returnable cans/bottles or swap items at the shed. Returnables may be kept at home storage or put in the town recycle bin. Masks required. These steps are aimed at minimizing exposure to possible Covid- 19 contaminants.