PAXTON — The Paxton Garden Club is hosting a fun “beat the winter blues and think spring” program: Decoupage Terracotta Pots with Sincerely, Michele, on Jan. 21. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Paxton Council on Aging, 17 West St. Cost is $25 for paid PMACG members, $30 for nonmembers. Space is limited, so advance registration is required.
For more information and to sign up and register, visit www.paxtongardenclub.com. Registration may also be done via https://fb.me/e/2sSQwUMsN.
Chamber directories available
HOLDEN — The Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce 2023 Business Directory and Appointment Books are available. Residents of Boylston, Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, Sterling and West Boylston can obtain the directories at their town hall, library, banks, and other high traffic areas. Copies also are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, located in the Damon House at 1174 Main St., Holden.
The directory includes listings of all Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce member businesses, town government contacts, and a month-at-aglance appointment calendar. For more information, call the chamber at 508-829-9220 or email info@wachusettareachamber.org.
Project Warm-Up
STERLING — The Hiram O. Taylor Post 189 of the American Legion, in conjunction with Project Warm-Up, is in the final stretch of its annual drive to collect items to be packed in backpacks and distributed to homeless and in-need veterans. Items needed: new or slightly used backpacks, sweatshirts and sweatpants, new heavy socks, heavy gloves, hats, long johns top and bottom; ponchos and 50 gallon trash bags for protection from the weather and hand and foot warmers; trial/travel size hand sanitizer, soap, lotion, toothbrushes and toothpaste; $5-$10 gift cards for Dunkin’ or Panera. This allows them to get something warm to eat and drink and to use the restrooms.
Items/donations will be accepted through mid-January. If you would like us to do the shopping you can send a check with “Vets Christmas” in the memo. Drop off items to the Legion Post at 32 School St., Sterling, or mail checks to Hiram O. Taylor Post 189, P.O. Box 245, Sterling, MA 01564-0245.
For more information, contact Bob Temple at 978-294-4985.
COA Art Show
PAXTON — Members of the Massasoit Art Guild are presenting a show at the Paxton COA gallery, 17 West St. The show runs through January 2023. Participants include Linda Spencer, Cheryl Rossier, Loretta Mederios, Sid Solomon, Susan Kenny and Irena Russell. The gallery is open to the public weekdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Grange supper
STERLING — Sterling Grange is holding a public supper on Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road, at 5:30 p.m. Ham, mashed potatoes, a vegetable, tossed salad, and brownies and ice cream will be served. Cost is $15 for adults, $8 for children 6-12, and free for children 5 and younger. Proceeds will benefit the Grange Hall Renovation Fund and community service projects. For reservations, call 508-886-2341 or email your name and number of tickets to sterlinggrange53@ gmail.com. In case of inclement weather, the supper will be held Jan. 28.
Legion meeting
STERLING — The regular meeting of the Hiram O. Taylor Post 189 of the American Legion will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, at the post hall, 32 School St. Shepherd’s pie served at 7 p.m., E-Board at 6:30 p.m. All veterans welcome.
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.
Adult puzzles available for checkout. Beat boredom this winter with fun new jigsaw puzzles. The library has added adult puzzles to our collection; puzzles can be checked out for three weeks with your library card. Puzzles range from 300 to 1,000 pieces and come in a variety of designs. For more information, call the library at (978) 422-6409.
Registration for the following programs (if required) can be done at sterlinglibrary.org or by calling 978-422-6409.
International Snack Bags. Each bag includes snacks from a particular country, suggestions of books set in that country, and fun facts. International snack bags will be available at the library beginning Tuesday, Dec. 27, and will continue while supplies last. Open to kids of all ages, no registration required.
Memory Kits. The library has added Memory Kits to its collection of nontraditional items for patrons to check out. The self-contained kits are ideal for individuals with memory-related issues and their caregivers. Each kit includes an assortment of books, activity sheets, DVDs, puzzles and more. The kits are designed to trigger special memories of life experiences and encourage interactions between individuals with memory-related issues and their caregivers. Each kit can be checked out for three weeks and renewed for an additional three weeks. For more information, call the library at (978) 422-6409.
Preschool Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs, and crafts with friends. Mondays at 10:30 a.m.; fiveweek session (no meeting Jan. 16) began Jan. 9. For children ages 3-6 (siblings of other ages welcome but must be registered) and caregivers. Registration required. Ends Feb. 13.
Toddler Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs, and crafts with friends. Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; sixweek session began Jan. 10. For ages 18 months to 3 years (siblings of other ages welcome but must be registered) and their caregivers. Registration required. Ends Feb. 14.
Drop-In Babytime. Wednesdays, Jan. 18 and 25, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, in the Baker Room for babies and caregivers to enjoy social time and play. This is an unstructured time; toys and manipulatives geared for ages 0-2 will be available, but library staff will not provide programming. Come check out some books and enjoy some time with each other.
MusicTime. Children and their grownups are invited to share music together with songs, dance and instrument play. A six-week session of MusicTime on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. begins Jan. 12. Registration required; open to children 12 months-5 years with caregivers. Ends Feb. 16.
Family Paint Times: Cardinal in Winter. Come to the library at 4:30 or 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, and follow a step-by-step plan to create a picture featuring winter’s brightest bird with acrylic paints. Age 5 and older; under 10 must have a supervising caregiver, who is encouraged to paint along. Registration required.
Classics Book Club. Meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, to discuss Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Copies of the book will be available at the library. No registration required.
“Walking to Wachusett” with Bob Young. 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23. Join Fitchburg resident Bob Young for a presentation of his re-enactment of the journey taken by Henry David Thoreau when he walked to Mt. Wachusett from Concord in 1842. While researching a trip to Mount Katahdin in Maine, Bob came across Thoreau’s “Walking to Wachusett” essay and decided to study it further. To experience Thoreau’s trip, he decided to walk the same route to capture in observations and photographs his thoughts and feelings about the historic, but little-known journey. Registration required. Thank you to the Friends of the Conant Public Library for sponsoring this event.
Wings of Fire Series Celebration. 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25. A special book club meeting celebrating Tui Sutherland’s wonderful fantasy series, discussing what makes the Wings of Fire world so wonderful. Participants will play some games, and craft dragon eggs. Open to confirmed fans and those who want to try something new; children should have read at least the first book,
The Dragonet Prophecy, in the original or graphic novel format before the meeting. Books will be available for checkout at the library. Open to readers in grades 3-8. Registration required.
January Cookbook Club. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25. The group will sample efficient but delicious weeknight recipes from The Modern Proper by Holly Erickson and Natalie Mortimer. Is baking more your thing? Choose a recipe from Good Housekeeping’s The Best-Ever Cookie Book instead. Choose a recipe from either book, 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.
Parents’ Night Out Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25. Give a nod to good intentions (and share some laughs) while the group talks over I’m Judging You: The Do Better Manual by Luvvie Ajayi. Come to the library without the kids and discuss a good book. No registration required.
Sterling Library’s Library Apps Explained. The library has a number of phone apps to help you to quickly and easily access books and materials. Come learn about Libby and the CW MARS app on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 1 p.m. Bring your phone or tablet with you to this interactive tech demo — and make sure you know your passwords. Registration required.
February Adult Craft. 1 or 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2. Love is in the air! Create a fun, festive heart-shaped wreath to help decorate your house for Valentine’s Day. Adults of all ages are invited to create this themed decoration. All supplies provided. Registration required.
Lotus Flower Lantern Workshop. 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6. For adults and teens 12 and older. Members of the Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project will help attendees make traditional lotus flower lanterns using colored paper and wire frames. All materials will be provided, and participants can choose the color of their lotus flower. Stay afterwards to learn a little about Korean history and culture. This is a hybrid program; choose to come into the library or Zoom from home (must pick supplies up ahead of time if doing at home). Registration required. Thank you to the Friends of the Conant Public Library for sponsoring this event.
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 — The Richards Memorial Library, 44 Richards Ave., is open after emergency boiler replacement/repair.
All month long:
Drop-in Crafts for Young People. ”Paint by numbers” but with pixel stickers in this communal activity for all ages and abilities.
Take Home Crafts for Teens (ages 12-17). Hot chocolate-themed craft and treat.
Don’t Spill the Tea Club (adults): Decaf Lady Grey Tea & a tea accessory.
Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce 2023 Business Directory Appointment Books are available. Come in to get yours.
Weekly Programs
Drop-in LEGO Challenge: Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Jan. 17, 24 and 31. Ages 5 and older due to small parts. Take the challenge or build from your own imagination.
Outdoor Story & Play Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Jan. 18 and 25. Outdoor play and learning in the beautiful library yard. Sing, go on scavenger hunts, do snow art and experiments, and have fun.
Chess Time at the Library: Thursdays, 4-5:30pm Jan. 12, 19 and 26. All Ages. Play, learn, and teach chess together.
Youth Book Clubs
Registration required. Visit the rmlpaxton. org tween and teen pages for more info and to register.!
Graphic Novel Club (ages 8-12). January book: The Big Adventures of Babymouse: Once Upon a Whisker. Enjoy a featured graphic novel, take home activity, and small treat each month.
Optional In-Person Meeting: Wed. Jan. 25, 4-4:40 p.m. for discussion and fun activities related to the book.
Teen Book Club (ages 12-17). January book: The Firekeeper’s Daughter (MATeenChoiceBookAward runner-up). Enjoy a book (and treats) each month from the MA Teen Choice Book Award winners and nominees. These books contain more mature content and explore complex questions. Optional: Write a book review for the library’s Honest Book Reviews page.
Events
Month of January: Mini Art Show by Humans. On display all month. Artists may collect their art work to bring home on or after Feb. 1.
Read, Build, Play! with Community Connections. Friday, Jan. 13, 10-11 a.m. STEM Activities for young children & their caregivers. Upstairs in the Juvenile/Young Adult room.
James Webb Space Telescope: Seeing to the Beginning of Time. Thursday, Jan. 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m. with Jim Zebrowski, Ppresident of the Aldrich Astronomical Society. Recommended for school age children and adults.
Wanted: Teen Volunteers to help with library tasks in a fun, friendly environment. The library can sign forms for Honor Society and other volunteer hours. Visit, call or email the library if you’re interested.
Ongoing: Puzzle Exchange, bring a puzzle or take a puzzle; museum passes to local museums and other venues.
Closed Saturday, Jan. 14. 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 open Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. If you are a Sterling resident and need a ride to the center, call 978-422-3032.
Lunch is served daily at 11:30 a.m. No reservations required. $3 suggested donation.
History Club will discuss The War That Made America by Fred Anderson on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 9:30 a.m.
Local artists Sid Solomon, Ralph Caputo, Linda Johnson and Denis Coughlin display their Passionate About Pastels exhibition throughout January and February.
Dull Men’s Club will host Kalyn Stapel and Bill Underhill from SMLD to help us understand streaming TV through the new fiber optic Internet (LAMB) in Sterling. Thursday, Jan. 12, at 9:30 a.m.
Join Doug Urquhart for Music of the Decades, a musical journey through the 1940s, ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13.
Book Club will be discussing Into the Abyss by Carol Shaben on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 12:30 p.m. Copies of the book, including large print, are available to borrow at the Senior Center.
Tickets are on sale for our Winter Warmer Ham & Bean Supper on Jan. 19 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $5, and are available at the Senior Center.
Love Bugs Make & Take with Laura D at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20. $5 covers everything you need to make a cute felt love bug in time for Valentine’s Day. Reservations required.
Enjoy some Therapeutic Chair Massage with Sherrill Sasser LMT, CAT on Jan. 14. Call for reservation. Intro offer of $8 for 10-minute session.
Fat Daddy’s Mobile Market will be at the center on Tuesday, Jan. 24, noon to 1:30 p.m.
Pancake Breakfast is 7:30 to 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 27. Meet our special servers Chief Sean Gaudette and Dawn Metcalf of the Sterling Police Department. $4 suggested donation.
Parkinson’s Support meets at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, in person and via Zoom.
Pool tables are available Monday through Friday.
Exercise classes: Tai Chi on Mondays at 8:30 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 5 p.m., free in January.
Beginner Ukulele class, 1 p.m. Thursdays. 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 12:30 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 (Jan. 12 and 26, Feb. 9 and 23), or for Keep Well Clinic with Amy from VNA Care (Jan. 10).
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.
The Senior Center will be closed Monday, Jan. 16, in observation of Martin Luther King Day.
Keep up to date with announcements, program updates and more at www.facebook.com/ SterlingMASeniors.
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