BOYLSTON — The New England Camellia Society Display will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Drive. The display is the first of Tower Hill’s lineup of annual plant shows. Each show spotlights a specific plant group such as camellias, rhododendron, dahlias, lilies, carnivorous plants and more. Visitors can experience the fascinating variety that exists within plant families and gain plant care tips from experts.
Plant shows at New England Botanic Garden are included in regular admission, and purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended. To learn more about this year’s upcoming shows, visit https://nebg.org/shows/. New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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 774261-1809 to check program status. For more information, contact the program coordinator at 774-261-1809 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 slowpaced 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.
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.
Paxton Garden Club 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/XFeaGpGX MF9TDpTu5. 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.
Holden Garden Club HOLDEN — The Holden Garden Club will hold its next monthly meeting at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, March 2, at the Holden Light Department, 1 Main St. The formerly scheduled speaker will be unable to present her program on Gorgeous Gardens. The new speaker is Nancy Riggs, a Master Gardener and member of the club. Riggs will be presenting Fun with Trees: Basic Tree Identification, and some interesting information about each tree will be presented followed by a contest in identifying the trees presented. There will be prizes! The public is welcome. For more information about the club, visit www.gcfm.org.
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 978-345-4207 or emailing frontdesk@ fitchburgartmuseum. org.
Pitch party
STERLING — A public pitch party sponsored by the Sterling Grange will be held starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at the Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. Admission is $4. Attendance prizes and refreshments will be offered. For more information, email sterlinggrange53@ gmail.com or call 978-563-1437.
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.
Legion meeting, meat raffle
STERLING — There will be a regular meeting of the Hiram O. Taylor Post 189 of the American Legion on Monday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the post hall, 32 School St. Spaghetti and meatballs served at 7 p.m., E-Board at 6:30 p.m. Sterling Association drawing also. All veterans welcome.
Post 189 will hold a meat raffle at Eight Point Sportsmen’s Club, 147 Beaman Road, at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 12.
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 for kids of all ages, while supplies last.
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.Awarmwelcome — 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 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 to share music together 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.
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 12-17). 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 978422-3032. 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.
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