PLAINFIELD — Plainfield’s Annual “Rowdy” Dog Show, sponsored by the town’s Historical Society and Recreation Committee, will take place Saturday from 2-4 p.m.
Participants will gather behind the Safety Complex on North Union Street.
Each category will have three contestants. Categories include oldest, youngest, smallest, largest, friendliest, best dressed, longest hair, shortest hair, best tail wagger, best matched pair, best trick, best ears, curliest hair and dog that looks most like its owner, as well as other categories that participants may recommend.
Dogs should be vaccinated and on a leash. There will be dog treats provided by sponsors, including The Berkshire Dog in Lanesboro and Country Corral of Williamsburg. Water will be available, but organizers recommend bringing a personal bowl for participants’ dogs to drink from.
All donations will go to The Bright Spot, a therapy dog association, and to the Better Together Dog Rescue, and both organizations are seeking donations of canned dog food, toys, treats, and used linens, towels and blankets.
Registration forms are available at the library, town offices or can be downloaded online. The form should be filled out prior to the event, especially if participants want their dog entered in a certain category, and dropped off at either the town office or the Shaw Memorial Library.
The annual show was founded a few years ago after a dog tag was discovered by someone with a metal detector in the backyard of the Historic Shaw Hudson House. It was inscribed on one side with the name “Rowdy” and on the other side, D.H. Hudson. Research confirmed that Rowdy did indeed belong to Dr. Hudson, an ancestor of Clara Hudson who was the benefactress of the town library and Shaw Hudson House.
CUMMINGTON — Gear up for a ride through some of the most challenging gravel bike routes the hilltowns have to offer as part of a fundraiser for cyclists this Sunday, when bikers will line up for 9 a.m. at the Cummington Fairgrounds.
Put on by JAM Cycling, a nonprofit formed in 2003 to support aspiring cyclists, the, “Grand Fundo,” going into its 14th year in Cummington, will support the JAM fund development program for cyclists.
After Sunday’s ride, there will be a tables of food provided by the Chesterfield General Store. Just a few things on the menu include local homemade samosas, cotton candy, watermelon, smoked pork, chicken and vegan burritos with corn tortillas, marinated vegetables, rice and beans — and lots of beer.
Alongside lunch will be a waterslide, games, and a raffle.
While the ride will feature professional-level cyclists, there will be different tiers of difficulty for all ages.
The most challenging tier is the, “Adventure Route,” which covers a distance of 75.6 miles and climbs almost 8,000 feet, which organizers warn may even take a rider the entire day. Compare this with the lowest tier, or mini route, which is almost 30 miles with 2,435 feet of elevation.
There is also a 9-mile route for youngsters, as well as rest stops for each trail.
To participate in a full weekend, some participants camp out at the fairgrounds Saturday night when those participating will have a bike ride ride followed by opportunities to swim.
Registration closes Thursday night at 10 p.m., and can be completed at https://www.bikereg.com/jam-fund-grand-fundo.
GOSHEN — For those looking to escape the house for eight hours a week, a job as a maintenance person in the Town Hall and Town Offices may be the perfect fit.
This week, the town posted a wanted ad seeking a facilities manager and custodian for the two spaces, involving cleaning, maintenance, and minor repairs in the municipal buildings.
Among requirements is the ability to lift at least 50 pounds, the ability to work independently, and the willingness to occasionally respond for work outside of standard hours.
Hours would be drawn up with the agreement of the town administrator, and hourly wages will be commensurate with experience.
Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume, and completed job application to the town administrator at townadmin@goshen-ma.us.
Samuel Gelinas may be reached at sgelinas@gazettenet.com.
