Community Content
Rutland concerts on the common
RUTLAND — The Rutland 300th Anniversary Committee continues the Friday Concert on the Common series. The evening concerts on the town common include a beer tent and varying food trucks. Headliner bands play starting at 6 p.m. At 5 p.m., select local talents have been invited to perform an open mic session on the grounds. The concerts are free and available courtesy of the community sponsors.
Sept. 9: The Green Sisters, sponsored by Sentry Oil Sept. 16: The Otters, sponsored by the Ruchala family. Sept. 23: Rabble Rounders, sponsored by Cornerstone Bank.
Sept. 30: The Midnight Riders, sponsored by Cornerstone Bank.
Concerts are organized by the Rutland 300th Anniversary Committee
Holdin’ Back at Sterling Fair
STERLING — On Saturday, Sept. 10, the Holdin’ Back Band will appear at the Sterling Fair, completing their trifecta of major festival appearances. Holdin’ Back began these appearances at Holden Days (2018), Spencer Fair (2021) and now the Sterling Fair. Finally, the circuit has been completed for the band.
Few, if any, area bands have been able to appear in all three major fairs.
Holdin’ Back performs Sept. 10 at noon at the fair in the Entertainment Tent.
Holdenites Craig Smith, Paul Blaquiere and Dave Gozdur started out in 2013 as a power trio, and the band has evolved to include Emma Riffelmacher & Joe Ostrenga, with Phil Andrews and Dave Gozdur as backup drummers. 2022 marked the band’s eighth consecutive year appearing at the Holden Bandstand.
Grange breakfast at the Sterling Fair
STERLING — The Sterling Fair returns this year and so does the pancake breakfast, served by members of Sterling Grange with help from the nearby chapters of Central Community and Holden.
Two pancakes, two sausages, and choice of two beverages (coffee, juice, milk, water) will be served Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 & 11, from 7 to 11 a.m. for $8; a meal of one of each item will be $5. Maple syrup is being donated by Severance Maple Products of Northfield.
Fairgoers can also treat themselves to a strawberry or peach shortcake on Friday, Sept. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. for $6.
Proceeds from these events will benefit the Grange Hall Renovation Fund and community service projects. For more information on these events or the Grange in general, email sterlinggrange53@ gmail.com
or call 508-886-2341.
Book and bake sale
PAXTON — The First Congregational Church is sponsoring a book and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, on the Paxton Common Come by pick up a book or two along with a delicious homemade baked good. In case of rain the Book/Bake Sale will be held inside the church.
Harvest supper, auction
HOLDEN — Holden Grange invites all to enjoy some home cooking, have some fun, and support a local food pantry on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Holden Senior Center, 1130 Main St., at 5:30 p.m.
The annual harvest supper and auction is returning after a two year hiatus. The menu includes homemade meatloaf, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, bread, coffee, tea, milk, and homemade apple crisp. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for children younger than 12. For reservations, call 508829-6293 by Sept. 23.
Following the supper, there will be an auction of home-grown produce, flowers, and homemade food and items. Proceeds will benefit the Wachusett Food Pantry.
Cultural Council grant submissions
PAXTON — The Paxton Cultural Council wishes to encourage applicants to submit new grants for fiscal year 2023. Grant applications will be accepted from Sept. 1 to Oct. 17 at the Massachusetts Cultural Council website: https://massculturalcouncil. org/communities/ local-culturalcouncil- program/application- process/.
The Paxton Cultural Council supports equality in service to all ages from toddlers to the elderly and interests as varied as musical, scientific, historical and literary, with added attention given so that those with disabilities may also enjoy its programs.
Sterling Street Market
STERLING — The Sterling Street Market is an outdoor market with a wide variety of vendors held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the town common in Sterling Center (weather permitting). There is no charge to be a vendor, but please register at artonpark@ aol.com.
Save the date: Friends of Library craft fair
STERLING — The annual Friends of the Conant Public Library Arts & Crafts Show will be held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First Church, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road. Holiday and gift items, handmade by local artisans, will fill the main hall of the First Church and two additional rooms. The fair will also feature a raffle, bake sale, and lunch café.
Signup sheets will be available at the library’s front desk in October and November for those who would like to volunteer their time or contribute to the bake sale. Leominster Credit Union is a co-sponsor of this year’s fair. For more information about the Friends of the Library or the craft fair, search Facebook for Friends of the Conant Public Library Arts & Crafts Show or visit sterling library. org, click on About the Library, then Friends of the Library.
Paxton COA art gallery
PAXTON — The Paxton Senior Center, 17 West St., is hosting art shows through the end of 2022. There will be new art work at the Paxton COA from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays in August and September.
Artwork on display will be from Paxton residents Joan Bedard and Chuck Belisle.
Rutland Library passes
RUTLAND — The Friends of the Rutland Library offer passes for free or discounted admission at a variety of attractions around the state. This year, passes are available for Davis Farmland, Massachusetts State Parks, Old Sturbridge Village, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill and Worcester Art Museum. The program is funded in part by the Rutland Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information, call the library at 508-8864108.
Conant Library
STERLING — Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road, is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Registration for the following programs (if required) can be done at sterlinglibrary.org or by calling 978422-6409.
Climate Change: What It Means for New England. Thursday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Join in virtually for an informative and powerful talk by Quentin Prideaux, board member of Sustainable Wellesley. Prideaux presents the basic science of climate change and its effect on New England. Combining powerful images of the early effects of climate change with concrete data on what is happening right now, this presentation is both moving and enlightening. The talk will cover the impacts and causes of climate change, the actions we need to take, and what it all means for the Northeast. Registration required.
Storytime. Come hear stories, sing, and craft with friends. Registration opened Aug. 29 for a six-week session of Storytime beginning the week of Sept.12. Choice of two sessions: Mondays at 10:30 a.m. (2-6 years old with caregiver), or Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. (18 months-4 years with caregiver). Siblings welcome; registration required. Sessions end the week of Oct. 17.
Babytime. Enjoy a time just for babies up to 18 months and their caregivers. Share in simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and sensory activities to bond with your little one in a safe and social environment. Babytime will run for a five-week session beginning Thursday, Sept. 22, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. in the Baker Room. Registration is required and opens Monday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. Ends Oct. 20.
StoryWalk. Take a walk with a good book and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. A StoryWalk featuring “The Leaf Thief” by Alice Hemming will be on display beginning Tuesday, Sept. 13. The StoryWalk is located on the lawn next to the library and features a colorful fall story sure to have participants giggling.
Candy Masterpieces for Adults. Adults are invited to create their own edible masterpieces using only candy and frosting on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 1 p.m. Registration required.
Yoga for Adults. Wind down at the end of the day with a relaxing yoga class. Instructor Sharyn Hocurscak will lead yoga classes Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. at the1835 Town Hall in Sterling, beginning Sept. 13 and running through Oct. 18. Registration is required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
A Latina Heritage Author Panel with Isabel Cañas, Romina Garber, Priscilla Oliveras, and Caridad Piñeiro. Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. In this online panel, we’ll be chatting with authors Isabel Cañas, Romina Garber, Priscilla Oliveras and Caridad Piñeiro about their journeys to becoming published authors, keeping in mind their diverse Latinx backgrounds. Whether they were born in the U.S. or elsewhere, we wonder how their heritage has influenced their writing, characters, publishing journey, and fan base. Registration required.
LEGO Club. Build with friends after school. Drop-in LEGO event for children of all ages on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 4:30 p.m. No registration required.
Write Night. Want to be a writer? Come to a club just for you. Young people interested in writing can come practice their craft with like-minded peers on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 6:30 pm. Explore ways to generate ideas through brainstorming and free writing, and develop ideas through fun and challenging exercises. Creativity welcome, no pressure allowed. Open to young writers 8-16; registration required.
Adult Coloring. Discover the stress-reducing, relaxing benefits of coloring. Thursday, Sept. 15 at 2 p.m. in the Baker Room. Supplies provided. No registration required.
Classics Book Club. Thursday, Sept. 15, at 6:30 p.m. Discuss “Slaughterhouse- Five” by Kurt Vonnegut. Copies of the book will be available at the library. No registration required.
Local Author Talk with Marjorie Burke. Monday, Sept. 19, at 6:30 p.m. Meet local author Marjorie Burke of Clinton as she introduces her new book: The Wednesday Ladies – a story of friendship and perseverance amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on Burke’s real-life experiences, the book centers on a group of women who met through a Silver Sneakers class in Clinton and walks us through the group’s adventures in Zoom cocktail hours and socially distanced park meetups. Hear how these adventures unfolded and were made into a book. Registration required.
Science Time. Come explore science. Experiment, learn, and play on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 4:30 p.m. Registration required, open to children in grades 2 through 4.
Teen Taste Test: Name Brand vs. Store Brand Edition. Monday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m. Can you tell the difference between common name brand and store brand snacks? Could you do it blindfolded? Teens age 12 and older are welcome to this night of fun (and somewhat competitive) taste testing, where we’ll decide once and for all whether the brand is really as important as we think it is — all while finding out whose taste buds are the sharpest. Registration required; visit sterlinglibrary.org or call 978-4226409 to register. (Bonus: suggest some songs to help us build our teen program music playlist! bit.ly/3PtT0cn) Keva STEM Challenges. Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Use the library’s collection of Keva planks to engineer solutions to a series of STEM challenges. Try one or try them all, or just let your creativity flow and build with these versatile blocks. For all ages, no registration required.
Parents’ Night Out Book Club. On Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 6:30 p.m. the group will discuss “The Push” by Ashley Audrain. Come to the library without the kids and enjoy some great conversation. No registration required. Books are available at the library for checkout.
Cookbook Club. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 6:30 p.m. Choose a recipe from “Once Upon a Chef: Weeknight/ Weekend” by Jennifer Segal, prepare it at home, then bring it to the library to share with others. Cookbooks are available at the library for checkout; let us know which recipe you have chosen to avoid duplicates. Registration required.
Museum Pass. The library has a pass to the American Heritage Museum in Hudson. This pass provides half-price admission for up to six visitors. The American Heritage Museum is a military history museum that features one of the world’s largest collections of armored vehicles and tanks. For more information and to reserve a pass, call 978-422-6409.
Richards Memorial Library
PAXTON — Fall into … September at the library.
After a busy summer of pirates, family drama, drumming, reading to dogs, summer reading, playful engineering, outdoor library adventures, soap making, spice club, Adult Summer Reading, Ocean Adventure LEGOs, Game Cafe, and more than our share of beach reads, the library is ready for fall.
Events do not require registration unless otherwise noted.
All month, while supplies last: Spice Club for Adults – Ground ginger, plus a couple of surprises; Young Adult Take & Make Craft. Leaf scratch art. Ages 12-17; Drop-in Crafts – Backto- school inspirational apples. Ages 3-plus.
Sept. 1-16, Batman Battle Voting. Visit the library to vote for the “Best” TV or film Batman. Anyone who votes will be entered to win a Funko Batman. The Best Batman as selected by you will be announced on Sept. 17, Batman Day.
Drop-in LEGO Challenge: Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. beginning Sept. 13. Take the challenge or build from your imagination. Completed challenges displayed for one week. Ages 5-plus due to small pieces.
Wednesday, Sept.14, 21& 28,10:3011:30 a.m.: Outdoor Story & Play Time. Join in for healthy outdoor play in the library yard. Sing songs, go on scavenger hunts, tell stories, create, and play. Dress for outdoors. Check the library website for weather-related updates.
Saturday, Sept. 17, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Batman Day. Best Batman winner announced. If your Batman won, you will be entered to win a Batman LEGO set. Drop-in Batman crafts. Browse our Batman DVDs and books. All ages. (Funded by the Friends of Richards Memorial Library.)
Saturday, Sept. 17, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Celebration.
For children registered in the 1000BBK program, their families/ caregivers and families interested in the program. The library will recognize wherever children are on the 1000BBK journey and play in large, themed sensory bins thanks to Jaclyn Morse from Purposeful Play. In the library yard. Dress for the outdoors and mess.
Banned Book Week: Sept. 18-24. View our YA banned book display or try the Banned Book Trivia Challenge for adults. Drop-in.
Thursday, Sept. 22, 4-5 p.m., How to Bake a Universe STEM program. Massachusetts author Alec Carvlin, takes visitors through the cosmic cookbook for the beginning of everything. Grounded in science with humor, fun and action, this program is accessible to ages 4-8 but sure to be a favorite with children of all ages and their families. Dress for outdoors.
Thursday, Sept. 22, 7-8 p.m., Walking to Wachusett. A lively and personal re-enactment of Henry David Thoreau’s “A Walk to Wachusett” with author Robert “Bob” Young. Recommended for adults and teens.
Wed. Sept. 28, noon-4 p.m., Pokemon Picnic. All ages. Noon-4 p.m. (WRSD half day). A Pokemon Lure will be placed at the library PokeStop. Grab & Go: Pokemon Snack Bag (one per person, please). Pokemon craft, drop in. All ages. (Funded by the Friends of Richards Memorial Library.)
Tues. Oct. 4 – 7-8 p.m., Ghosts & Legends with Jeff Belanger. (Funded by the Friends of Richards Memorial Library.)
Wed. Oct. 5, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Special Storytime author visit: Caterpillar’s Search for the Perfect Halloween Costume Library App Tech Help. Tech Help service is now focused on library apps (Libby, Overdrive, CWMars). Call for an appointment.
Literacy and STEM Kits Available for Check-Out: Read, discuss, build, and create with our new literacy kits, designed to prevent summer learning loss and keep kids reading and learning all summer long. Also check out new STEM kits, with engaging activities ranging from electronics to natural history, thanks to support from the Barre Savings Foundation.
Ongoing: Puzzle Exchange, bring a puzzle or take a puzzle. 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, Museum passes to local museums and other venues.
The library will be closed Friday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day.
For more information, visit rmlpaxton.org or call 508-754-0793.
Sterling Senior Center
STERLING — The Sterling Senior Center is located at 36 Muddy Pond Road. The center is air-conditioned and open Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. If you are a Sterling resident and need a ride to the center, call 978-422-3032.
Sterling Senior Center and Age & Dementia Friendly Sterling will be offering car parking and a van shuttle service Sept. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. between the Senior Center and the accessible entrance to the Fairgrounds for the annual Sterling Fair for seniors and people requiring extra help including wheelchair assistance. For more information, call 978-4223032.
Congregate lunch is served daily at 11:30 a.m. Tables inside or on the patio. No reservations required. $3 suggested donation.
Pancake Breakfast is on Friday, Sept. 30, 7:30-9 a.m. This month’s celebrity server will be Sterling Selectman David Smith. $4 suggested donation.
Join the Wii Bowling group on Wednesdays at 1:00pm. Good, clean, air-conditioned fun.
Pool tables are available every day Monday through Friday.
Dull Men’s Club presents Walk for Health, Benefits for Body & Mind with Erica Saccoccio DPT, CSCS of Joint Ventures Physical Therapy, on Thursday, Sept. 8, at 9:30 a.m.
Growing Places Pop-Up Market Tuesday, Sept. 13, noon-1:30 p.m.; Mobile Market at Sholan Terrace on Tuesdays Sept. 7 & 21, 1-1:45 p.m.
Book Club will discuss “The Yellow Bird Sings” by Jennifer Rosen on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 12:30 p.m. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Senior Center.
Exercise classes: Tai Chi on Mondays at 8:30 a.m.; Beginner Tai Chi on Mondays at 9:45 a.m.; Pilates on Tuesdays at 8:15 a.m.; Line Dancing on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.; Chair Yoga on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.; Going Steady on Fridays at 10 a.m. Registration required for all exercise classes. Evening Mindful Meditation is on Mondays at 6 p.m. $5.
Pickleball outdoors at West Sterling Courts on Mondays and Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. New players welcome and must complete registration and waiver forms.
Learn to play the Ukulele! New weekly beginner classes start Thursday, Sept. 8, at 1 p.m. Loaner ukuleles available.
Sterling Strummers Ukulele Group meets for Ukulele Club on Thursdays at 2 p.m. and Open Strumming on Mondays 3 p.m.
BINGO: Mondays at 1 p.m. Game Day: Tuesdays at 12:30pm; Game Day: Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m. Rummikub: Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m.
Wii Bowling: Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Acrylic painting: $5, Thursdays at 1 p.m.
Mahjong: Thursdays at 2 p.m. Knit & Crochet Fridays at 9:30 a.m. Sign up for Foot Clinic (Sept. 8 & 22, Oct. 13 & 27) or for Keep Well Clinic with Amy from VNA Care (Sept. 13).
Caregiver Support. Sept. 29, 3-4:30 p.m.
Parkinson’s Support meets Wednesdays, Sept. 14 & 28 at 3:30 p.m. (Zoom available).
Veterans Services every Friday, 8 a.m.-noon.
Weekly van shopping trips on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. See newsletter or call for schedule.
Reservations required for most programs. For more information, call 978-422-3032. Check out www.sterling- ma.gov/senior-center for the latest newsletter including all services, programming, lunch menu, special news and more.
Princeton Historical Society scavenger hunt
PRINCETON — The Princeton Historical Society has added eight locations to its clue-based family, small group and/or individual scavenger hunt activity, Can You Find It? This activity began July 1, 2021, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the town of Princeton’s incorporation in1771. Last year there were more than 100 participants.
To join in the fun and learn about the now 16 historical locations in Princeton, an updated Scavenger Hunt Game Card and Directions can be picked up at the Princeton Library checkout desk during normal hours of operation. The updated game card and directions can also be downloaded from the PHS website, at https:// www.princetonmahistory.org/canyou- find. PHS plans to continue to add a minimum of eight locations each summer, which will result in 32-plus locations by the summer of 2024.
For more information, email princetonmahistory@gmail.com.
Our Town Paxton video online PAXTON — The Audio Journal was funded by the Paxton Cultural Council to prepare an Our Town Paxton CD based on historical texts supplied by the Historical Commission. The commission then added photos from its archives to create an Our Town Paxton DVD. Residents can access the video on the Paxton town website.
Two methods may be used to access it.
1) Go to https://www.townofpaxton. net/historical-commission. Click on Our Town: Historical Video, OR 2) Go to https://www.townofpaxton. net and click on the link (in red letters) below the photo (left side of the home page) of the outdoor town meeting. The Search bar may then be used to find the Our Town Paxton video as well as other town videos, including the 250th Anniversary Parade.
