The Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation in Waltham will host “Mill Talk: Mill Village/Mill City — Our Manufacturing Landscape” with photographer Steve Dunwell on Wednesday, Oct. 3. The talk begins at 7 p.m. at 154 Moody St. Dunwell will discuss New England’s rich history in the textile mill industry and his exhibit, “With These Hands,” on display through Jan. 24. Admission is free; registration for the talk is required. Visit charlesrivermuseum.org or call 781-893-5410.
The Hopkinton Center for the Arts, 98 Hayden Rowe St., will host a free reception for the exhibit, “Patio Life: Photographs by James M. Collins,” on Friday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. The exhibition features close-ups of the photographer’s backyard bugs, including beetles, spiders, wasps, bees, and many more. A large view of the backyard, complete with markers of where he shot each bug, also can be viewed in the center’s Lotvin Family Gallery. The exhibition is open through Nov. 14. Visit hopartscenter.org.
The Medway Cultural Council is accepting grant applications from artists and cultural organizations. “We invite applications for programs that promote access, education, diversity, and excellence,” said Carla C. Cataldo, the council’s chairwoman. Last year, the council awarded 11 grants, ranging from $50 to $800, to visual, performing arts, and humanities programs. Applications are due Oct. 15 at 11:59 p.m. Call 508-533-7674 or visit townofmedway.org/cultural-council.
Wellesley-based 3R Working Group — a partnership between the Wellesley Public Works Department, Natural Resources Commission, and Sustainable Energy Committee — was one of 28 recipients of the Environmental Merit Award given by the New England Region of the Environmental Protection Agency. The group partnered with the Facilities Management Department, Wellesley Health Department, local colleges and universities, and food vendors to donate food that would have otherwise been discarded to Cambridge-based Food for Free, which repackages donated food into single-serve meals and distributes them through its Family Meals program. An estimated 20,000 meals will be donated through the group’s efforts. Visit wellesleyma.gov/1128/Food-Rescue-Network.
Next June, an Acton Girl Scout will receive the Gold Award, the highest award in the organization, at the Massachusetts State House. Amiya Subramanian, a senior at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, organized a series of science, technology, engineering and math leadership workshops for girls in grades 7 through 12. Her project, “Closing the Gap in STEM Leadership,” featured a presentation by Marcia Metz, who leads the IT program and office vendor management at the information management company Iron Mountain and is a board member of Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, and other female leaders.
The Concord Conservatory of Music at 1317 Main St. is expanding its American Roots music offerings. Earlier this month, the conservatory added an Old-Time Jam Session on Wednesdays from 8 to 9:30 p.m., but students can still join. A 14-session subscription costs $210, and a single class drop-in costs $20. Bluegrass jam sessions, adult mandolin classes, banjo classes, and other programs also are offered. Visit concordconservatory.org/offerings, call 978-369-0010, or e-mail [email protected].
The Friends of the Marlborough Public Library will host a Fall Book and Bake Sale on Oct. 13. Adult hardcovers will be priced at $1; paperbacks at 50 cents. Young adult and children’s books will be priced at $1; paperbacks at 25 cents. Homemade baked goods, chili, sandwiches, and beverages will be available for purchase at the sale, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 35 West Main St. Call 508-481-1833 or e-mail [email protected].
Cynthia Fernandez can be reached at [email protected].