Programs are free and open to the public. Dogs and domestic animals are prohibited on watershed lands. Winter trail and parking conditions can be unpredictable; call 774-261-1809 to check program status. For more information, contact the program coordinator at 774261-1809 or Kathryn.Parent@mass.gov.
Wachusett Reservoir hike Gate 8.
Saturdays, Feb. 11 and 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Get to know the trails of Sawyer Bluff. The guided winter hiking series will continue every Saturday in February, meeting at Gate 8, and exploring different trails and shoreline areas of the Narrows, Lord Cove, and Hastings Cove. Easy to moderate slow-paced hike will be approximately 3 miles. Trekking poles and traction devices recommended. Meet at Gate 8, the intersection of Cross Street and Route 70, Boylston, GPS address 1199 Main St., Boylston.
Cabin Fever Snowshoe Ranger hike.
Saturday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Join Watershed Rangers on a family-friendly hike. Bring your own snowshoes if there is snow. Meet at Gate 8, the intersection of Cross Street and Route 70, Boylston, GPS address 1199 Main St., Boylston.
Owl Pellets. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 11-11:45 a.m. Discover the characteristics that make owls successful hunters. Be prepared to take a closer look and dissect an owl pellet. All ages welcome. Meet at Stillwater Farm, 228 Redemption Rock Road, Sterling.
Habitat hike. Tuesday, Feb. 21, noon-1 p.m. Discover the wildlife of the watershed and search for signs of wildlife. Think like an animal and look for cozy winter resting places. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring trekking poles, ice cleats, or snowshoes depending on trail conditions. About 1 mile moderate walk. All ages welcome on this family-friendly hike. Meet at Stillwater Farm, 228 Redemption Rock Road, Sterling.
Bark and Buds Winter Trees.
Saturday, Feb. 25, 1-2 p.m. Can you identify trees in winter? The diverse forest of the watershed protects drinking water quality. Get out to the forest to become a nature detective. About 1/2 mile slow-paced walk. All ages welcome on this family-friendly hike. Meet at Stillwater Farm, 228 Redemption Rock Road, Sterling.
COA Art Show
PAXTON — The Paxton COA gallery, 17 West St., continues its monthly art shows. The gallery is open to the public weekdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Legion meat raffle
STERLING — Hiram O. Taylor Post 189 of the American Legion will hold a meat raffle at the Eight Point Sportsmen’s Club, 147 Beaman Road, Sterling, at 1 p.m. Feb. 12.
The Effects of Climate Change on Your Garden HOLDEN — The Wachusett Garden Club is hosting a program on drought tolerance and gardening. Club president Dot Odgren will discuss climate change and practical steps on how to respond to keep your home garden healthy. This includes seasonal changes, best gardening practices, using native plants, trees and shrubs, and specific drought tolerant plants. Gardeners are in a unique position to adapt to changing climate and weather. Having this program in February will provide you with some information to help you plan your garden design and plantings for this summer.
The program will be held Wednesday, Feb. 15, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Holden Light Department (lower level), One Holden St. The program is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served. For more information on WGC programs, visit www. wachusettgardenclub.org.
Ecology & You
STERLING — The Sterling Garden Club invites the public to the second of a free conservation program series. SGC is hosting Ecology & You; Lake & Reservoir Protection, Invasive Alert, Youth Climate programs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, in the Chocksett Middle School Theater, 40 Boutelle Road. Featured topics are East Lake Waushacum, Sterling Conservation Commission; Watershed Protection—Gulls & Geese, DCR Water Supply & Protection; and Lanternfly Alert & Youth Climate Leadership Program, Mass Audubon.
Ecology and You will include local and regional ecological efforts to protect lakes and water supplies, to alert the public on an invasive species and to highlight a youth leadership program on climate change actions young people are taking. This is a chance to connect with others who are concerned about the future of our environment, ask questions and become part of the solution to ‘save your part of the planet’.
To learn more about the Sterling Garden Club, visit: https://sterlinggardenclub. wixsite.com/1934 or the SGC Facebook Page at: https:// www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100082122114115. Email SGC at SterlingGardenClub1934@gmail.com.
Science of Snow for Paxton, Rutland girls PAXTON — Girls and their guardian are invited to a free Science of Snow event from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at the Paxton Senior Center, 19 West St. Participants will learn about the different types of snowflakes, learn why it snows, make their own snow, and earn their first official Girl Scout patch. Adults will join us and discover creative ways to form a new troop together.
This event is for girls in grade K and 1 who are not currently Girl Scouts. Register to save her spot at the event by Feb. 13 at https:// bit.ly/snowpaxtonrutland. For more information, contact Tammy Gilpatrick at tgilpatrick@ gscwm.org.
K-9 Nose Work Demo
NORTHBRIDGE — Join Debbie Kiernan, certified K9 Nose Work instructor from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 (snow date Feb. 25) at the Alternatives Whitin Mill, Singh Performance Center, 60 Douglas Road, to learn all about the sport of Nose Work. This is a great opportunity for dog lovers of all ages to learn about the sport and meet some furry friends. The demo will start with a brief introduction to Nose Work. Debbie will explain how and why it can help improve the life of many shy, nervous, and fearful dogs. The demonstration will include dogs at different levels from intro puppy to working elite levels. Cost is $5 per person at the door. Cash only. The demo is sponsored by the Community Membership Department at Open Sky Community Services. Volunteer opportunities are available. For more information, visit https:// www.openskycs.org/k9 or email Dana Chalberg at dana. chalberg@openskycs.org.
Wintertime Care for Indoor Plants PAXTON — The Paxton Garden Club will hold a program on Wintertime Care for Indoor Plants at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb 25, at the Paxton Senior Center, 17 West St. The program is free for members, $3 suggested donation for nonmembers.
This program will go through how to take care of several varieties of indoor houseplants, cacti and succulents during the winter. The group will also talk about some general first-aid for plants: How to recognize diseases and stressors, maintain watering schedules and adjust soil mixtures. Finally, the discussion will touch upon propagation methods that students can do at home. Light refreshments will be on hand. For more information, visit www.paxtongarden.club.com.
Community Lunch
STERLING — All are welcome to the Community Lunch at First Church in Sterling on Saturday, March 4, at noon. The lunch is open to all at no cost, and requires no reservations. This month’s menu is corned beef dinner, roll and dessert. This lunch is prepared by volunteers and run by volunteers. For volunteers opportunities, go to Signup.com/go/RRcJmPy or call 978-422-6657.
Conant Library
STERLING—ConantPublic 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.
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.
Series Celebration: Diary of a Wimpy Kid. 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15. Celebrate Jeff Kinney’s wildly popular series in a special book club meeting. Discuss the characters and style of the books, test your knowledge and play some games to celebrate the books. Open to confirmed fans and those who want to try something new; children should have read at least the first book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, before the meeting. Books will be available for checkout at the library. Open to readers in grades 2-4. Registration required.
Middle School Book Club: Dear Student. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15. Come discuss Dear Student by Elly Swartz. Participants should read the book before the meeting and bring the book with them; copies will be available at the library. Open to readers is grades 5-8. Registration required.
1970s Snack Bags. You’ve had International Snack Bags — now it’s time to explore the decades and experience delicious snacks from the 1970s. Grab your bell-bottoms and head to the library to grab a 1970s Snack Bag. Each bag will contain snacks popular in the 1970s as well as books from the decade of disco. Available at the library beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, for kids of all ages, while supplies last.
Community Coloring. 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21. Help complete the library’s giant coloring posters. Drop in and spend a vacation day coloring with friends in the Baker Room. No registration required, open to people of all ages.
February Cookbook Club.
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22. Discover flavorful, feel-good food at the Cookbook Club. Sample from the wide array of recipes found in Alton Brown’s Good Eats: The Final Years. Choose a recipe from the 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.
Explorers’ Club: LEGO! 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23. Come explore the world of LEGO. LEGO trivia, speed challenges; make a LEGO souvenir to take home. Open to children in grades 1-4. Registration required.
Drop-In LEGO Time. 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23. Come play with LEGOs in the Baker Room. No registration required.
Parents’ Night Out Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23. The group will discuss
The Secret of Snow by Viola Shipman. Come enjoy some good book talk. No 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 — The Richards Memorial Library is at 44 Richards Ave.
All month long, while supplies last: Drop-in Crafts for Young People Valentine’s Day Cards through Feb. 14. Pop-up Groundhog Craft Feb. 15-28.
Don’t Spill the Tea Club (adults): Organic Loose leaf Hibiscus Ginger Tea & a surprise!
Book displays: Black History Month and February Love.
Book Love – Check out a book and you will be automatically entered to win a Dairy Queen gift card. (Young adults 12 and older and adults) Also available: Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce 2023 Business Directory Appointment Books and Massachusetts State Tax Booklets Weekly Programs Drop-in LEGO Challenge:
Tuesdays 3:30-4:30 p.m. Feb. 14, and 28. Ages 5+ due to small parts. Take the challenge or build from your own imagination.
Outdoor Story & Play Time: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15. 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 4-5:30 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 9 and 16, all ages. Play, learn and teach chess together.
No regular weekly programs the week of Feb. 20 due to School Vacation Week.
Youth Book Clubs
Registration required. Visit the rmlpaxton.org tween and teen pages for more information and to register.
Graphic Novel Club (ages 8-12). February book: Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang & Mike Holmes. Enjoy a featured graphic novel, take home activity, and small treat each month. Optional In-Person Meeting: Wednesday, March 1, 4-4:40 p.m. for discussion and fun activities related to the book.
Teen Book Club (ages 1217). February book: Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown (MA Teen Choice Book Award 2nd Place Winner). Enjoy a book — and treats — each month.
Events Winter Sow Workshop – Saturday, Feb. 11, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Hands-on workshop. Plant native seeds in a milk jug “greenhouse” to plant in the spring for beautiful flowers and food for birds and insects. All materials provided. Children (ages 5 and older), families and adults welcome.
Read, Build, Play! with Community Connections. Friday, Feb. 17, 10-11 a.m. STEM activities for young children and their caregivers. Upstairs juvenile/young adult room.
February Vacation Riddle Scavenger Hunt for Kids – Feb. 21-28. Search inside the library to find the clues and solve the riddle.
Art show participants Please pick up your artwork at the front desk. Everyone enjoyed the show.
Closed Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023 – Closed Saturday when Monday is a holiday.
Ongoing: Puzzle Exchange, bring a puzzle or take a puzzle; museum passes to local museums and other venues.
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.
Join us for Valentine Week Special Valentine Lunch at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14. Reservations required. OR Divine Valentine Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16. Tickets are $5, available at the Senior Center. Please choose EITHER lunch OR dinner Singer-songwriter Bob Jordan will be playing songs from the ‘20s through the ‘70s in “Memories are Made of This,” including some love songs along the way. Friday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m. No reservations required.
Make & Take Soaps for Valentine’s Day class with Laurel. Using hearts and flowers molds, learn how to melt and mold soap for your loved ones. Friday, Feb. 10, at 1 p.m. Free. Reservations required.
If you ordered a Rotary Club lasagna dinner, don’t forget to pick it up between 1 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12.
Lunch is served daily at 11:30 a.m. No reservations required. $3 suggested donation.
Local artists Sid Solomon, Ralph Caputo, Linda Johnson and Denis Coughlin display their Passionate About Pastels exhibition throughout February.
Pool tables are available Monday through Friday.
If you are claiming insurance reimbursement for 2022 fitness classes, call and the center will provide documentation of your fitness expenses at the Senior Center.
Growing Places Pop-Up Market will be inside the center on Tuesday, Feb. 14, noon-1:30 p.m.
Dull Men’s Club will host local author Ray Tatten discussing his latest historical novel,
Sawyer’s Regret. Thursday, Feb. 9, 9:30 a.m.
Book Club will discuss Mrs Kennedy: The Missing History of the Kennedy Years by Barbara Leaming at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15. Copies of the book, including large print, are available to borrow at center.
Therapeutic chair massage with Sherrill Sasser LMT, CAT on Feb. 22. Call for reservation. Intro offer of $8 for 10-minute session.
Fat Daddy’s Mobile Market will be at the center from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Pancake breakfast is 7:30-9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24. Special server will be Leanne Boudreau, proprietor of NOTWOWN GOODS in Sterling. $4 suggested donation.
Evening Mindful Meditation is on Mondays at 5 p.m. Free in February.
History Club will discuss One Summer: America, 1927 by Bill Bryson on Thursday, March 2, at 9:30 a.m.
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.
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 (Feb. 24 and March 9 & 23).
Caregivers please join our new format Caregiver Program. The center will run a supervised activity for your loved one as you attend the support group. New day, new time, new format. Every first Friday of the month, 1-2 p.m.
Parkinson’s Support meets at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, in person and via Zoom.
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.
Keep up to date with announcements, program updates and more at www.facebook. com/SterlingMASeniors.
Submit items for inclusion in Goings On to editor@thelandmark.com. The deadline for inclusion in the next week’s issue is noon Friday of the preceding week.
