Feb. 22 is the deadline for chefs to commit to Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts Fork It Over Girl Scout cookie culinary event and fundraiser. The event will be held at Polar Park in the DCU Club, Worcester, from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 10. Space is limited. Once on board, chefs are provided a full selection of Girl Scout cookies with which to experiment. When their recipe is ready, chefs are provided all the cookies necessary to create the final product. The finished creations are presented to a panel of judges at the Fork it Over event. To find out more, please contact Jess at jhamilton@ gscwm.org or call 508-749-3623.
Chefs are asked to create approximately 250 bite-size portions of their creation(s) for guests to taste. Tables and linens are provided to all chefs to display their creation(s) and advertise their business. Will you puree Samoas cookies to create Samoa crusted shrimp? Or crush up Trefoils for a scrumptious pecan toffee tort? Savory or sweet, chefs may use any of the eight varieties of Girl Scout cookies to create what they will. From S’more fried ravioli to Thin Mint Mississippi mud bars, there is no shortage of creativity at Fork It Over.
Tickets will be available March 1. The evening will feature a silent auction, raffle and live musical entertainment.
Wachusett Reservoir Hikes
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.
Saturday, Feb. 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 slowpaced 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.
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.
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.
Paxton Garden Club events
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.
Also coming up is Botanical Painting with Jen Swan, professional artist and Muralist, from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 11. Cost for this program is $32 for members, $37 for nonmembers. Advance registration required by March 6; register at https://forms. gle/XFeaGpGXMF9TDpTu5. Working on a small canvas, paint your favorite blooms. Swan will give a lesson on how composition, color mixing and brush come together. Each painting can be both a botanical study and a unique piece of art. No experience needed; all materials included.
Conversation Cafe: Ron Rosenstock FITCHBURG — Join photographer and longtime Holden resident Ron Rosenstock for a talk about the creative and technical process of making photos while traveling the world. The talk will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, March 3, at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St. Rosenstock will provide photographic insights while sharing colorful stories. Reservations requested by calling 978345-4207 or emailing frontdesk@fitchburgartmuseum. org.
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.
Self-Defense Class PAXTON — The Paxton Police department is hosting a self-defense class for females 18 and older from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Paxton Center School, 19 West St. Tonya Peters and her team from Force Defense will lead the free class. Sign up by March 3 by emailing Officer Rob Noone at rnoone@townofpaxton.net. Include your full legal name, date of birth, and cell phone number (in case there are any questions regarding your registration for the event). The class is limited to 40 participants.
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.
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.
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. 6:30p.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.
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.
March Adult Craft. 1 or 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 2, or 1 p.m. Monday, March 6. Enjoy adult craft time and make hanging shamrock decorations. This craft is sure to be a fun addition to your St. Patrick’s Day decor, but does require painting, so please dress for mess. All supplies provided. Registration is required.
Adult Felting Class.
6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 7. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an adorable felted leprechaun. Adults of all ages are invited to create this felt craft with instructor Laura Darrow. All supplies provided. Registration is required. This program is provided by the Friends of the Conant Public Library.
Traditional Irish Music with Kate Chadbourne.
1 p.m. Friday, March 10, at the Sterling Senior Center. Join singer, harper and storyteller Kate Chadbourne for a lively program of songs, stories, and spirited company. Come to sing, listen and laugh, and to learn a little Irish language. Accompanied by the sounds of Kate’s beautiful harp, the Irish flute and the tin whistle, celebrate St. Patrick and the Wearin’ o’ the Green. A warm welcome — fáilte — awaits everyone at this Irish celebration. Registration is required. This program is co-sponsored by the Sterling Senior Center and the Conant Public Library, and is also supported in part by a grant from the Sterling Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Classics Book Club.
6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16. Discuss the Gothic suspense novel
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Copies will be available at the library. No registration required.
March Cookbook Club.
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 29. Discover cozy, low-maintenance recipes at the Cookbook Club. Sample fuss-free but delicious recipes from Home Is Where the Eggs Are by Molly Yeh. Choose a recipe from the cookbook, prepare it at home, then bring it to the library to share with others. Cookbooks are available at the library for checkout; let them know which recipe you have chosen to avoid duplicates. Registration required.
Parents’ Night Out Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 29. Discuss The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams. Come enjoy some good book talk. No registration required.
Kids 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.
Picture Book Club. 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 1. The book this month,
Absolutely One Thing by Lauren Child, is all about numbers. Join the group to talk about that book, enjoy a few more, and celebrate reading (and math!). Books can be checked out at the library (participants do not need to bring their copy to the meeting). Registration required. Open to children in grades k-2.
Teen Volunteers.
Volunteer in your community. From 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, teens can help with program preparation and keeping library materials in shipshape. Registration required. Open to ages 12-18.
Preschool Storytime.
Enjoy stories, songs, and crafts with friends at the library. Mondays at 10:30 a.m.; 6-week session begins March 6 and ends April 10. For children ages 3-6 (siblings of other ages welcome but must be registered) and caregivers. Registration required.
Toddler Storytime.
Enjoy stories, songs, and crafts with friends at the library. Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; 6-week session begins March 7 and ends April 11. For children ages 18 months-3 (siblings of other ages welcome but must be registered) and their caregivers. Registration required.
Babytime. A special introduction to storytime just for babies up to 18 months (siblings welcome but must be registered) 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 on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11 a.m. in the Baker Room beginning March 9 (ends April 6). Registration required.
MusicTime. Children and their grownups are invited tosharemusictogether with songs, dance, and instrument play. A 5-week session of MusicTime on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. begins March 9 (ends April 6). Registration required; open to children 18 months-5 years with caregivers.
Explorer’s Club: Engineering. 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 8. The club will test their problem-solving skills by working in groups to rescue a worm in peril, and try other challenges involving building and creative thinking. Open to children in grades k-4. Registration required.
Write Night. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 8. Young writers can hone their skills with like-minded peers. The group will have fun generating ideas through brainstorming games and freewriting. Let’s encourage each other to write something wonderful. Creativity welcome, no pressure allowed. Open to young writers ages 8-14; 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. 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: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28. Ages 5+ due to small parts. Take the challenge or build from your own imagination.
Chess Time at the Library 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 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).Februarybook:
Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown (MA Teen Choice Book Award 2nd Place Winner). Enjoy a book — and treats — each month.
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