HOLDEN — The Holden Garden Club’s annual plant sale will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Damon House, 1157 Main St. There will be a wide variety of area grown perennials, as well as variety six-packs of tomatoes, peppers and herbs. There will be gardening books available, a silent auction, and lots of club members ready to assist you.
There will be a membership table where you can find out more about the club and actually complete an application. Come browse and enhance your own gardens.
The annual plant sale is the only fundraiser for the Holden Garden Club. It supports monthly programs and multiple school grants the club awards to Holden schools each year. The purpose of the grants is to enrich student knowledge of the natural sciences, horticulture, and the environment. We are hoping to foster the love of gardening in the students, while keeping in mind the principles of ecology and conservation.
Paxton Recreation
PAXTON – Paxton Recreation is sponsoring the following programs.
Music and Movement for ages 5 and under. Mondays, 11 to 11:30 a.m., now to June 5 at the Paxton Senior Center. Drop in for only $10. Mrs. Caylin’s 30-minute music class is a mixture of music and movement for littles (ages birth to 5). This stay-at-home mom of two has been studying music since she was 10. She is well versed in guitar and ukulele. Mrs. Caylin brings a mixture of original songs, traditional and cover songs along with movement to her classes.
Mini Sports for Preschoolers with F.A.S.T Athletics. Boys and girls ages 3-5 on Tuesdays starting May 9. Every Tuesday for five weeks. 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the Grove Street Soccer Field. Fee is $75 payable to the town of Paxton. This program is a combination of warm-up games and sports such as soccer, kickball and T-ball. It will ease children into learning the basics of all these great games as well as teach them the importance of teamwork. Each class, F.A.S.T. Athletics will have a new games planned for the students.
For more information, visit https://www.townofpaxton.net/ recreation-department.
Intro to Girl Scouts
HOLDEN — Girls and their guardians are invited to a free Intro to Outdoor Skills event from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 18, at the Holden Municipal Light Department, 1 Holden Street. Your girl will earn her first Girl Scout patch while learning basic campfire-building techniques, first aid, and jackknife safety.
This event is for girls entering K and 1 in the fall, who are not currently Girl Scouts. RSVP by May 14 at https://bit.ly/osholden. For information on Girl Scouts, email lbrochu@gscwm. org or call 508-749-3611.
Join us and discover creative ways to form a new troop together.
Dan Kirouac concert
PAXTON — Regional entertainer Dan Kirouac will bring a one-hour piano and vocal concert to the John Bauer Senior Center, 17 West St., at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 18. The program will feature radio-friendly pop, rock, and easy-listening songs of the 1960s and 1970s. The performance is open to members of the Paxton senior community and others as space and interest allow (lunch will follow, so a head count is needed). Inquiries at 508-756-2833.
The program is sponsored by a grant from the Paxton Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Kirouac is a Massachusetts-based musician and singer. More about him can be found at www.facebook. com/DanKirouacMusic.
Rutland DPW open
RUTLAND — The Rutland DPW at 17 Pommogussett Road will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 20, for yard waste drop off, including brush.
Hungry for Music
HOLDEN — St. Francis Episcopal Church, 70 Highland St., will hold an evening of music to benefit the hungry on Friday, May 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. Performers will include classical guitarist Peter Clemente, classical pianist Osman Bilsel, Laura and Joe Papandrea with violin and bayan accordion, Jena DelCid with her a cappella group The Heart Beats, and solo vocalists Erik Gladwin and Cassie Blanchette.
Beneficiaries will be Abby’s House in Worcester, Dismas Family Farm in Oakham, and The Mustard Seed, also in Worcester.
Tickets at the door are $15, $5 for students, younger than 12 free. Tickets can also be purchased in advance for $15 (2 for $25). Attendees are invited to bring nonperishable food items to donate.
For more information, contact the Rev. Jane Griesbach at 508-769-6554 or jane.griesbach@ gmail.com.
Legion supper
STERLING — The Hiram O. Taylor American Legion Post 189 will hold a ham and potato supper at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the First Church in Sterling hall. Takeout will be available, and a $12 donation is requested. For tickets, call Jerry Boynton 978-870-3005 or Bob Temple at 978-294-4985.
Paxton Lions townwide yard sale
PAXTON — One of the large chores of spring is cleaning out, and there is no better way than holding a yard or garage sale. The Paxton Lions Club will be holding its annual Townwide Yard Sale on Saturday, May 20. The Lions are also offering space on the town common. The First Congregational Church will be holding its sale that day as well.
Start getting your salable articles together. It is also a great way to meet your neighbors, friends and others after a long winter.
Again the Lions will be producing a map of the locations of all the registered homes in town. Fees will not change from last year: Paxton residents at their home, $15; Paxton Common for Paxton residents, $20. Out-of-towners are welcome to join us on the common for $25. All participants on the common will need to supply their own tables and chairs.
For more details or to sign up, contact Lion Bob Wilby at rwilby@ charter.net or 508-792-4662. Payments should made out to the Paxton Lions Club and delivered or mailed to Bob Wilby, 11 Tanglewood Road, Paxton, MA 01612.
Yard sale, cookout and bake sale
PAXTON — The First Congregational Church of Paxton, 1 Church St., is holding its annual yard sale, cookout and bake sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 20, in the Fellowship Hall and on the town common. The church will offer hot dogs, hamburgers, chili and chowder for sale, and there will be homemade baked goods to eat there or take home.
Grange to recognize veterans
HOLDEN — The Holden Grange will hold a veterans recognition at 7 p.m. Monday, May 22, in the Holden Senior Center, 1130 Main St. All veterans and those presently in the service are cordially invited to attend.
Veterans in attendance will be recognized, along with the branch in which they served. Three of the veterans will be awarded Quilts of Valor. Lynette Gabrila, director of Veterans Services of Wachusett District, will speak on state and federal benefits, eligibility, and resources. Gabrila serves the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Gardner, Princeton and Westminster.
All are welcome to attend this free event. For more information on the evening’s program or the Grange in general, email holdengrange78@gmail.com or call 508-886-2341.
Holden Days Aug. 26
HOLDEN — The Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Holden Days, a townwide celebration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. Now in its 43rd year, this annual event promises food, fun and entertainment for the entire family, as well as promotional opportunities for area businesses and organizations.
A sampling of this year’s activities includes free Main Stage musical performances, a kick-off parade, activities and demonstrations in the Kids Court, an auto showcase, and bandstand performances with local musicians. In addition, visitors can stroll through the Marketplace, which promotes area businesses and nonprofits, visit the Art Lot and Craft Corner, which spotlights local artisans and crafters, and enjoy breakfast and lunch at the Food Court.
Vendor applications are now available. To reserve a space, visit www.wachusettareachamber. 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.
Scholarship Scramble Tournament
BOYLSTON—TheWachusett Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Scholarship Scramble Golf Tournament on Tuesday, May 23, at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, Boylston. The chamber is seeking players, sponsors and prizes for this event, which is sponsored by Country Bank. Proceeds benefit the Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund, which this year will award up to two $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors who reside in the Wachusett area.
Cost is $155 per player. The tournament fee includes greens fee, cart, grab-and-go breakfast, and lunch.
Registration is at 8 a.m.; shotgun start, 9 a.m.; lunch 2:20 p.m. The shotgun start is at 9 a.m. In addition, there will be drawings, a silent auction and special contests throughout the day.
Players of all ability levels are welcome. To register, visit www.wachusettareachamber. org. For more information, call 508-829-9220 or email info@wachusettareachamber. org.
Memorial Day parade
STERLING — The Hiram O. Taylor American Legion Post 189 has announced that Sterling’s annual Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 29, 2023, beginning at 11 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery. Buses for participants will start running at 10 a.m. from the Legion Hall on School Street to the fire station on Main Street, then to Hillside Cemetery on Route 62. Marchers will begin formation at 10:45 a.m. The parade will proceed to Oak Hill Cemetery, Old Cemetery, the Memorial Area behind the fire station, and to the town common for the observance program.
The Avenue of Flags will be on display from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hillside Cemetery, weather permitting. Anyone, including Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, who would like to help honor deceased veterans should arrive at the cemetery at 7:30 a.m. to help raise the flags.
Paxton Memorial Day
PAXTON — The annual Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony will be held on Monday, May 29. Starting at 8:30 a.m., join Boy Scout Pack 105 for the pancake breakfast at the Congregation Church. At 10 a.m., the parade from the Public Safety Building to the town common takes place, with the ceremony immediately following.
After the ceremony, join American Legion Post 306 in paying respect (gun salute) at each of the three cemeteries in town: Old Cemetery behind Congregational Church; Mooreland Cemetery at the WWII Memorial; and Worcester County Memorial Park.
American Legion Post 306 invites everyone to the Legion Hall for a luncheon following the last gun salute at WCMP.
In the event of rain, the ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. in the Paxton Center School cafetorium.
Gale Free Library
HOLDEN — Children’s events at the Gale Free Library, 23 Highland St.
Forensic Science Roadshow 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 18. Venture into the world of CSI with this interactive program that will introduce you to the fascinating subject of forensic science. Presenter Paul Zambella will discuss topics including blood, DNA, fingerprints, gunshot residue, footwear impressions and more. Paul was a forensic scientist at the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory for 36 years. His positions in the laboratory included crime-scene investigator, criminalist, drug analyst, serologist, and toxicologist. This program is for age 16 and older. Registration required. For more information or to sign up, call 508-210-5569 or email galefreelibrary@gmail.com.
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.
Crossword Club: 3-4 p.m. Tuesdays. Come to the library to do a collaborative puzzle with local crossword constructor Frank Virzi. No need to register. Puzzles, pencils and coffee provided.
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 978-422-6409.
Drop-In Knitting. Knitters (and all other fiber artists) are invited to a weekly drop-in program every Tuesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Work on your current project while enjoying conversation, advice and camaraderie with other knitters. Open to people of all abilities, no registration required. For more information, call 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 978-422-6409.
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.
The Friends of Richards Memorial Library will be sponsoring monthly basement book sales from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on specific Saturdays. This is also the only time book donations may be dropped off at the library for future book sales. The first book sale will be held June 10.
Drop-in Crafts for Young People: Mix-It-Up! New crafts all month. Drop by to see what’s new. Plus: coloring pages.
Don’t Spill the Tea Club (adults): Ginger peach black tea & surprises.
Book display: National Mental Health Awareness Month
Weekly programs
Drop-in LEGO Challenge: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, May 23 and 30. Ages 5-plus due to small parts. Take the challenge or build from your own imagination.
Outdoor Story & Play Time: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 31. May24-Special10a.m.starttime for A Very Hungry Caterpillar Picnic & Scavenger Hunt w/ Community Connections. Enjoy outdoor play and learning in the beautiful library yard. Sing, go on scavenger hunts, tell stories, play and have fun.
Chess Time at the Library: 4-5:30 p.m. Thursdays, May 18 and 25. All ages. Play, learn, and teach chess together.
Youth Book Clubs Graphic Novel Club (ages 8-12). Enjoy a featured graphic novel, take home activity, and small treat each month. Optional in-person meeting, Wednesday, May 31, 4-4:40 p.m. for discussion and fun activities related to the book. May’s book: Dog Man: Ten Thousand Fleas Under the Sea by Dav Pilkey. Visit rmlpaxton. org/tweens to register.
Teen Book Club (ages 1217). Enjoy a book — and treats — each month. May’s book:
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas, a Mass Teen Choice Book Award nominee. Visit rmlpaxton. org/teens for more information and to register.
Events:
Ukulele Play Alongs (virtual): Mondays, 7-8 p.m. for teens and adults. Register for Zoom link & song sheets: bit.ly/40EKtZe.
Library of Things: Did you know you can check out these items from the library? Literacy kits, museum passes, STEM kits, telescope.
Reminder: The Friends has a Creativity Counts Scholarship for Paxton residents pursuing additional education. Graduating seniors as well as students currently in college, university, or trade school are eligible to apply. Visit the library or rmlpaxton.org/friends for more information. The deadline is June 1.
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.
Congregate lunch is served daily at 11:30 a.m. No reservations are required. $3 suggested donation.
History Club will discuss American Midnight by Adam Hochschild on June 1.
Sterling Strummers will be performing on the Sterling Common during the spring Garden Club plant sale on May 20.
*NEW* Guys & Gals Fitness with Marty. A total body workout for men and women of all fitness levels. Mondays at 10 a.m. No signup needed. Free.
Sell or Shop at the FOSS Trunk Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at the Senior Center. Vendors $20 per vehicle; call 978-422-3032 or e-mail pdell@sterling-ma.gov for an application.
Summer Cookout Dinner, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 18 (tickets $5 at the Senior Center).
Make & Take Flower Soaps class with Laurel. 1 p.m. Friday, May 19. Free event includes all supplies. Reservations required.
Celebrate with Veterans Services at the Medal of Fidelity presentation, 9 a.m. Thursday, May 18. Coffee and continental breakfast will be served.
Therapeutic Chair Massage with Sherrill Sasser LMT, CAT on May 24. Call for reservation. $10 for 10-minute session.
Pancake Breakfast is 7:309 a.m. Friday, May 26. Meet our special server, Leanne Boudreau of NoTown Goods. $4 suggested donation. Fat Daddy’s Mobile Market will be at the Center on May 26 during the pancake breakfast.
Evening Mindful Meditation is on Mondays at 5 p.m. $5.
Pool tables are available Monday through Friday.
*NEW* Ladies pool every Friday, 9 a.m.-noon.
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.
Outdoor Pickleball at West Sterling tennis courts, Mondays and Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. All ages and levels welcome. No play on wet courts. No signup needed, but you must sign a participation waiver on your first visit.
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 second and fourth 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 May 25 and June 8 & 22.
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, May 24, 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.
Keep up to date with announcements, program updates and more at www.facebook. com/SterlingMASeniors.
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