WORTHINGTON — After coming very close to closing in spring 2016 due to declining enrollment and increased expenses, the Worthington Swim Club is back on its feet and ready for its 49th year, with an opening scheduled for June 17.

Five new board members have joined longtime member Janet Dimock, helping to revive and strengthen the club. They are Alison Todd, Amanda Brooks Clemano, Eliza Lake and Ed Lewis, all of Worthington, and Robin Tesoro of Windsor.

Located on Huntington Road, the club boasts a 25-yard-long pool with a low diving board, lap lane, and 24-hour key access for adult members and children with an adult family member.

The swim club has been mainstay for summer activity in Worthington and the surrounding Hilltowns. Many adults who enjoyed swimming there as children now bring their kids to pool.

One does not have to live in Worthington to become a member of the swim club, as all Hilltown residents are eligible to join.

Family membership is $380 and individual membership is $180 per year.

This year there are two new discounts available for members and new members. Any current member who refers a new member will get a discounted membership rate as will the person they refer.

In addition, school-aged children in the region can receive a $50 discount on their family’s membership.

The club is also offering one-week memberships for people who live out of town or for those who have out-of-town guests. That cost is $100 for a family, or $50 for an individual, with a limit of two weeks.

The Worthington Swim Club operates as community organization, and as such, all members are expected to sign up for tasks that help keep the pool clean and maintain the grounds. Members can pay an additional fee to be exempt from this requirement.

Upcoming events at the swim club include an annual clean-up day Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Current and prospective members are both encouraged to come lend a hand with mowing, pruning, cleaning and some repairs in advance of the club’s big opening the following week.

Hours put in on the annual clean-up day will count toward membership requirements.

On opening day, the club will host an open house from noon to 3 p.m. Hilltown residents can stop by for a swim, partake of a few snacks, and find out more about the club and becoming a member.

For more information about the Worthington Swim Club, visit Worthington Swim Club-MA on Facebook, email alisontodd1@verizon.net or call 238-0198.

Picky Bastards play

The Picky Bastards, a bluegrass-centric band, will perform at the Hilltown Bash in Cummington on Sunday at Pettengill Park on Main Street.

The Hilltown Bash is a community concert and potluck picnic.

Also performing at the bash will be the Cummington band Radio Free Earth.

This event begins at 5 p.m. and all ages are welcome.

There is a suggested donation of $5 a person or $20 per family.

Animals and habitats

Meekins Library in Williamsburg will kick off its children’s summer reading program on June 17 with a presentation entitled “Animals and Their Habitats.” Teaching Creatures will present this live animal show that focuses onamphibians and reptiles, including snakes, turtles and tropical tree frogs.

The one-hour show begins at 10:30 a.m. Kids who sign up for the library’s summer reading program will receive a reading log and a prize for signing up.

Ideas for this column on life in the Hilltowns can be sent to Fran Ryan at fryan.gazette@gmail.com.

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