HOLDEN — The Holden Woman’s Club is seeking nominations for its annual Person of the Year award. Nominees should be a Holden resident from any walk of life, any age or gender. Previous recipients have included community volunteers, local business owners, town employees and teachers. All have made a significant contribution to the quality of life in Holden. A brief written description of the nominee’s accomplishments and merits should be sent by April 15 to Robin Van Liew at RobinJVL@gmail. com. Please include your name and contact information.
Craft Fair
HOLDEN — The Oriol Foundation will host a Spring Fling Craft Fair inside the Holden Senior Center, 1130 Main St., on Saturday, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 25 local and unique artists, bakers and authors will be selling home décor, dog treats, gnomes, succulents, fleece, towels, glassware, woodworks, crochet animals, soy candles, natural soaps, wooden signs, handmade cards, jewelry, Easter gifts, ceramics, bowl cozies and more. A raffle for vendor items will benefit the Oriol Foundation. Free admission. For more information, visit the Oriol Foundation Facebook page or email dosipov@oriolhealthcare. com.
Crossword Club
HOLDEN — The Gale Free Library, 23 Highland St., is excited to introduce its new Crossword Club. Every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m., come to the library to do a collaborative puzzle with local crossword constructor Frank Virzi. In addition to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Frank’s puzzles have been published in The Los Angeles Times, The New York Sun, USA Today, Games Magazine, and more. The first collaborative will be held Saturday, April 1. Let us know if you would like to attend by calling 508-210-5569 or emailing galefreeli-brary@ gmail. com. Puzzles and pencils supplied.
American Legion
STERLING — There will be a regular meeting of the Hiram O. Taylor Post 189 of the American Legion on Monday, April 3, at 7:30 p.m. at the post hall, 32 School St. Roast pork, potato and vegetable served at 7 p.m. E-Board at 6:30 p.m. All veterans welcome.
The post will hold a meat raffle at Eight Point Sportsmen’s Club, 147 Beaman Road, at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 16.
Holden Garden Club HOLDEN — The Holden Garden Club will hold its next monthly meeting at the Holden Senior Center, 1130 Main St., on Thursday, April 5 at 6:45 p.m. We Are One with the Earth will be presented by Margaret Watson, author, lecturer, gardener, and active member of the Holden Garden Club. Watson will speak about some very interesting and well-known gardeners: Gregor Mendel, Eliza Pinckney, and Rachel Carson. All three were aware of the relationship between humans and the natural world. They sought to preserve the natural world with the goal of avoiding tragic events such as the potato famine in Ireland. The public is welcome to attend.
For more information, visit www.gcfm. org.
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, Native Tonic Spring Tea, with Rachel Ross of Hillside Herbals on Saturday, April 8, at the Paxton COA, 17 West St. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. A clinical herbalist and CNM, Rachel Ross presents an informational and hands-on workshop on herbs that are familiar and local but also true plant medicines. She will speak about the gathering of these herbs, their habitats, when to collect them and how to dry them. Participants will then build a tonic tea blend with herbs Rachel has brought. Advance registration is required with payment by March 31 at https://forms.gle/ R912xz8czscQaTwK9.
Wachusett Reservoir Salt Sleuth Citizen Science – May 8-13. During Drinking Water Week, become a Salt Sleuth doing freshwater forensics. An increasing trend in chlorides from road salt in both groundwater and surface waters of the Wachusett Reservoir Watershed has been documented. DCR’s Division of Water Supply Protection Environmental staff are calling for citizen scientist volunteers to collect water samples to help provide additional estimates on dissolved salts. Samples should be collected from a water body in West Boylston, Boylston, Sterling, Holden, Princeton, or Rutland.
Collect a surface water sample in the watershed towns from any stream, wetland, pond, etc., between May 8-13. Use any clean household container that can be sealed to collect a sample of about 8-12 ounces of water. Drop off water samples to be tested on Saturday, May 13, between 2 and 5 p.m. at the Meet a Scientist table at the Wachusett Reservoir Dam Day, located at the Wachusett Dam Route 70, Clinton. DCR Environmental Quality Staff will be on hand to answer questions and demonstrate how salt is measured. Samples will be tested for conductivity, a measure of the ability of water to pass an electrical current.
Samples can also be dropped off to be labeled between Monday, May 8, and Friday, May 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at DCR Division of Water Supply Headquarters, 180 Beaman St., West Boylston. Conductivity results will be shared with participants after May 13.
For more information on Road Salt Reduction, visit www. mass.gov/info-details/ dcr-watershed-system- salt-reduction. For more information, call 774-261-1809 or email Kathryn.Parent@mass. gov.
Sterling Grange supper STERLING — April is recognized as Grange month across the nation. Sterling Grange is celebrating by holding a public supper at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at the Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, green beans, tossed salad, rolls and cake 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.
The organization’s founding more than 150 years ago prompted this year’s theme. National Grange President Betsy Huber said, “The Grange is proud to be ‘Raised Right Here,’ and encourages Grange and community members to come together in celebrating hometown pride and sustainability.” The local chapter in Sterling was established in 1874.
Memorial Day concerts PAXTON — The Paxton Cultural Council has sponsored two Memorial Day concerts. Paxton residents may purchase tickets for “Afternoon of Brass #2: Memorial Weekend Spectacular” at a special discount. Concertgoers can expect a spectacular and rousing flag-waving experience with unparalleled music at this family- friendly event.
To get a discount code, visit the Paxton Cultural Council at https://massculturalcouncil. org/local-council/ paxton/. To redeem the code for tickets to the 3 p.m. May 27 concert at Old South Church, Boston, go to https://AB2Boston. eventbrite.com. To redeem the code for tickets to the 3 p.m. May 28 concert at Mechanics Hall, Worcester, go to https://AB2Worcester. eventbrite.com.
2023 Food Truck Festival RUTLAND — Would you like to participate in this year’s Food Truck Festival? Let us know if you are a food truck, crafter, non-profit organization or other type of vendor. Familiar faces are always welcome at the event, as well as new ones. The festival is scheduled for Saturday, July 29, from noon to 5 p.m. To fill out the survey, go to https:// forms . of f ice. com/ Pages/ResponsePage. aspx?id=Nd9A- BJ6cE- D_ qGwl-gvBYtGwY58YpK5F-vdDD8n8DfxpUN0lM-NEIxSE05MElWWEp PQ0NOQllBUlNQSC4u.
Rutland excise bills RUTLAND — Motor vehicle excise bills are due April 3. If you receive a bill for a vehicle you no longer own and need an abatement, call the Board of Assessors office at 508-886-4100, ext. 3004.
Make checks payable to Town of Rutland and mail, along with your payment coupon, to Town of Rutland, Dept. 1280, PO Box 986500, Boston, MA 02298-6500. Online payment is available at www.townofrutland. org. Click “Pay Bills Online” and then “Tax Collector Online Payments.” In addition, a secure payment drop-box is located just outside the front of our offices at 250 Main St.
There is no need to come into the office if paying by check. Your canceled check is your receipt. You may pay by cash at the Treasurer/ Collector’s office in the Community Hall at 250 Main St. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, call 508-8864103, Option 1.
Vendors wanted for holiday craft fair STERLING — Applications are being accepted for the annual Friends of the Conant Public Library Arts & Crafts Show. This popular fair will be held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 18, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the First Church in Sterling, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road.
The application deadline is May 1. After that date, applications will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
For more information and an application, visit SterlingLibrary. org, click on “About,” then “Friends of the Library,” or send an email to sterlingcraftfair@ gmail.com. To see posts from previous fairs, visit Friends of the Conant Public Library Arts & Crafts Show on Facebook.
Gale Free Library
HOLDEN — Children’s events at the Gale Free Library, 23 Highland St.
Lapsit Story Time: 10 a.m. Thursdays, age 2 and younger, in the Program Room. Join Miss Rachel for songs, short picture book stories, and more. This story time will focus on routine, repetition and early literacy skills like ABC’s and 123’s.
Preschool Story Time: 11 a.m. Thursdays, ages 3-6, in the Program Room. Join Mr. Kevin for lots of laughs and fun stories. This story time will focus on picture book stories and include some games or activities, and of course Mr. Kevin’s great sense of humor.
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.
April Adult Craft. 1 or 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6. Make adorable curious bunny pots. This no-mess, simple craft is great for crafters of all abilities. All supplies provided. Registration required.
Adult Yoga. 7 p.m. Thursdays beginning April 6 and running through May 18 (no class April 20) at the 1835 Town Hall. Led by instructor Sharyn Hocurscak. Presented by the Friends of the Conant Public Library. Registration is required and will open the Monday before each class at 10 a.m., starting April 3rd; registration will be for individual classes rather than the entire session. To register, visit sterlinglibrary. org or call
978-422-6409.
Adult No-Bake Dessert. 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, make delicious Root Beer Float Pies. This simple yet tasty nobake dessert may become your next family favorite. Registration required.
April Cookbook Club.
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26. Discover sweet and savory comfort food at the Cookbook Club. Sample delicious recipes from The Red Truck Bakery Farmhouse Cookbook by Brian Noyes. Choose a recipe from the cookbook, prepare it at home, then bring it to the library to share. 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, April 26. Discuss A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, recently made into a movie starring Tom Hanks. No registration required.
Picture Book Club.
4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5. A celebration of foolery featuring
April Foolishness by Teresa Bateman. Join book-loving friends to talk about that book, enjoy a few more, and celebrate reading. 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.
Middle School Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5. Discuss Operatic by Kyo Maclear. This graphic novel centers around a group of teens getting ready to graduate middle school and exploring music; readers are invited to come with a song or two in mind that speaks to them. Develop a club playlist. Participants should read the book before the meeting and bring the book with them; copies will be available at the library. Registration required. Open to readers in grades 5-8.
Soapmaking with Kulina Folk Arts. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12. Try your hand at soapmaking at the Sterling Senior Center. In this workshop led by Kulina Folk Arts, learn about soapmaking and create adorable rubber duckie soaps to keep hands clean and sinks pretty. For ages 8 and older; under 12 must have a caregiver present. All participants under 18 must have a waiver signed by parent/ guardian before the program begins. Registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Conant Public Library.
Series Celebration:
Warriors. Calling all cats: It’s gathering time! At 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, come to a special book club celebrating Erin Hunter’s extensive
Warriors series. These engaging fantasy books create a fully developed cat world that exists just out of our “Twoleg” sight. Discuss what makes the books so popular, play some games, and find your cat avatar. Open to confirmed fans and those who want to try something new; children should have read at least the first book,
Into the Wild, before the meeting. Books will be available at the library. Open to readers in grades 3-7; registration required.
Kids – School Vacation: Retro Snack Bags. Discover the 1950s with our Retro Snack Bags. Each bag contains snacks first produced in the 1950s — some you may recognize, and others you may not. Snack bags are available for children of all ages beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, and will remain available while supplies last. No registration required, stop by the library to pick up your bag.
Kids Cook! Kids in grades 2-8 are invited to Kids Cook! at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 18. Choose a recipe from Kids Can Cook Anything by America’s Test Kitchen, prepare it at home, then bring it to the library to share. Cookbooks are available at the library; let them know which recipe you have chosen to avoid duplicates. Registration required.
PlayDough Playdate.
Get creative during school vacation week at a PlayDough Playdate. Kids of all ages (kids under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver) are invited to drop in from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, April 19, to play with the library’s playdough and accessories. No registration required.
Watercolor Wednesday. From 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, in the Baker Room. Kids of all ages are invited to drop in and get creative; children under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver. No registration required.
Train Play. All aboard! Drop in from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 20, to enjoy an afternoon of train play. Piece together tracks and set the scene for a fun event. There will even be train crafts. Open to kids of all ages; kids under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver. 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.
Chess Time at the Library: Thursday, March 30, 4-5:30 p.m. All ages. Play, learn, and teach chess together.
Graphic Novel Club (ages 8-12). March book: Freestyle by Gale Galligan. Enjoy a featured graphic novel, take home activity, and small treat each month.
Teen Book Club (ages 12-17). March book:
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman (MA Teen Choice Book Award 1st Place winner). Enjoy a book — and treats — each month. Visit rmlpaxton. org/teens for more information and to register.
Library of Things: Did you know you can check out these items from the library? Literacy Kits, Museum Passes, STEM Kits, Telescope.
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.
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.
Congregate lunch is served daily at 11:30 a.m. No reservations are required. $3 suggested donation.
History Club
will discuss Brave Companions: Portraits in History by David McCullough on Thursday, April 6, at 9:30 a.m.
The Sterling Police Association Grab ‘n’ Go Spaghetti & Meatballs dinner is Saturday, April 1. Reservations required.
Fat Daddy’s Mobile Market will be at the center on Friday, March 31, 7:30-9 a.m. during pancake breakfast.
Pancake Breakfast
is 7:30-9 a.m. Friday, March 31. Meet special server Robert Marrama, Sterling Postmaster. $4 suggested donation.
Evening Mindful Meditation is at 5 p.m. on Mondays. Free in March.
Pool tables are available Monday through Friday.
Wii Bowling group, 1 p.m. Wednesday.
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, Thursdays at 1 p.m.; Mahjong, Thursdays at 2 p.m.; Knit & Crochet, Fridays at 9:30 a.m.
Sign up for Foot Clinic (\April 20 & 27).
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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