Art of the Scandal at Gale
HOLDEN — “Art of the Scandal: Thefts, Vandals & Forgeries” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 13, at the Gale Free Library, 23 Highland St. This program explores some of the most brazen criminal acts in the art world, and features works by artists including da Vinci, Michelangelo and Rembrandt. Attendees will learn more about the paintings and sculptures that were targeted and how they were recovered and restored for our enjoyment today.
Presenter Jane Oneail holds a master’s in art history from Boston University and a master’s in education from Harvard University. A New Hampshire native, she has worked at some of the state’s most esteemed cultural institutions, including the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, where she served as executive director, and the Currier Museum of Art, where she held the role of senior educator. For more information, or to register, contact the library at 508-210-5569 or galefreelibrary@gmail.com.
British Landscapes tour
WACHUSETT — Area residents are invited to join the Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce on a tour of England, Scotland and Wales. The tour runs from April 14-23, 2024. The trip is open to all area residents.
Trip highlights include Edinburgh Castle, York, Chester, Llangollen, Wales, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford and London. The 10-day trip includes round-trip transportation to and from Logan Airport, roundtrip airfare, 13 meals, experienced tour guides and deluxe bus tours. The full trip itinerary is available on the Wachusett Area Chamber website: www.wachusettareachamber.org.
This trip is provided by the chamber in conjunction with Collette, a leader in group travel since 1918. Reservations are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact Jen Stanovich at the Chamber at 508-829-9220 or email info@wachusettareachamber.org.
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.
Paxton Garden Club
The Paxton Garden Club is going on a bus trip Sept. 9 to Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol, Rhode Island. The trip includes transportation, admission, private 90-minute tour of the gardens with Q&A, bagged lunch, and free time to explore the gardens, mansion and gift shop. Cost is $55 per person, with a $20 nonrefundable deposit due at signup. Space is extremely limited. For more information and to sign up, go to www.paxtongardenclub.com/bus-trip.
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 summer music series
PAXTON — The Paxton summer music series begins July 13, with concerts every Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Paxton bandstand.
July 13 – The Midnight Riders, www.facebook.com/themidnightridersbandma
July 20 – Donna Lee and the Crooked Ledge Band, https://www.donnaleeentertainment.com
July 27 – Paul Courchaine, www.facebook.com/paulcourchainemusic
Aug. 3 – ASB Band, www.ambientsojourn.com
Aug. 10 – Petty Larceny Band, www.petty-larceny-band.com
Aug. 17 – Paxton Crossing, www.facebook.com/PaxtonCrossing
Aug. 24 – Open for any Rain Dates
Special thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council and Country Bank.
Gale Free Library
HOLDEN — Events at the Gale Free Library, 23 Highland St.
Art Exhibit and Reception: This month, the library is featuring the watercolor paintings and cartoons of the late George Ludway. Ludway was a cartoonist and watercolor artist in Grand River, Ohio. After serving his country as a pilot during WWII, he returned home to practice and refine his talent as a full time artist. For many years after the war, he made his living by creating and selling cartoons to magazines like Field & Stream and The New Yorker. At 75, he began making watercolor paintings. He was self-taught and created works until he was 86, when he passed. On Wednesday, July 19, at 6 p.m., the library will hold a reception for George’s exhibition. George’s artwork is shared by his nephew and current resident of Spencer, photographer Vern McClish. Refreshments will be served. No registration needed.
Gamespace: Begins Wednesday, July 12, 5-8 p.m. Escape the heat and join in each week for an evening of tabletop games. Bring your friends along, relax and have fun. A variety of board games will be available. Let us know if there is one in particular you would like us to have on hand. (Additional dates will be Tuesday, July 19, and Wednesday, July 26. Drop in anytime, no registration required. For more information, call 508-210-5569, or email galefreelibrary@gmail.com.
Adult Summer Reading Program: This year’s theme is “Go Anywhere with a Book!” Books can take you anywhere in the world. And with the assortment of books available — from hardcover and paperbacks to e-readers, CD audiobooks and the Libby app — you have the ability to take books almost anywhere, too. This summer, let your reading take you places by entering to win gift certificates from local businesses. An entrant will be chosen each week to receive a gift certificate from one of our fantastic local shops. For more information on how to participate, stop by the library or call 508-210-5569.
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.
Transparent Language: Interested in exploring a new language? Get the ball rolling with Transparent Language, an online learning tool offered by the library. This free resource provides a variety of lessons and activities in more than 110 languages, including ESL, available for adults and children. Find it on sterlinglibrary.org, under the “Resources” tab.
Summer Reading 2023: This program is an interactive and fun way to encourage children to continue reading during the summer. Youth ages birth to 18 years are invited to participate. Pre-readers can participate by being read to by a caregiver. Participants log their reading hours for a chance to win fun prizes in the library’s raffle. The last day to register is Saturday, July 22, and the last day to log hours and enter tickets into the raffle will be Thursday, Aug. 10, by 8 p.m. All participants who log hours during the program will receive a book, made possible by the Friends of the Conant Public Library. Registration is required; go to www.sterlinglibrary.org or visit the library.
100 Books of Summer: Want to spend the summer soaking up some stories? The library challenges children and families to join us in the 100 Books of Summer Reading Challenge. Stop by the Children’s Room to pick up a list of 100 of the library’s favorite children’s books and start checking them out. Read all 100, or mix and match with some of your own favorites (remember, listening to books also counts), and turn in your completed list by Aug. 10 to earn a prize and a special recognition at the library.
Sterling Pages: An Intergenerational Community Writing Project. Patrons can check out a notebook on their library card and add to the writings of friends and neighbors. This is an effort to record shared memories and favorites and continue to build a strong community. There are five notebooks with five different themes. All ages are welcome to participate. Stop by or call the library at 978-422-6409 to ask about this exciting new program. Have fun and thank you in advance for your contribution.
Adult puzzles available for checkout. The library has added adult puzzles to its 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.
Summer Writing Contest. In celebration of our 2023 Summer Reading theme, “Find Your Voice,” the library invites young writers in all genres to enter the Summer Writing Contest. Prizes will be awarded in three age categories and across genres. Writers will have the opportunity to be published on the library’s website. Fiction, nonfiction and poetry of all kinds are welcome. Contest runs June 20-July 31. Open to writers from Sterling and surrounding towns entering grades 2-12. Visit the library for more information and submission guidelines. Sponsored by the Friends of the Conant Public Library.
Cutie Crochet. Youth ages 9 and older are invited to come learn simple crochet. Participants will work on basic crochet techniques, then on creating an adorable amigurumi character. Tuesday, July 25, at 2:30 p.m., or Wednesday, Aug. 2, at 5 p.m. Registration required.
Teen Volunteer Opportunities. Teens seeking service hours can help with program preparation and keeping library materials in order. Helpers are also needed to assist with children’s programming. Organized session Wednesday, Aug. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. Open to youth entering grades 6-12. Call the library to register or sign up via the calendar at sterlinglibrary.org; sign up to be a program helper or do craft preparation at other times in the Children’s Room. Registration required.
Masterpiece Monday: Plein Air Painting. The library is setting up an art studio outdoors. Join in on the library’s lawn from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, July 17, to use washable paints to create a masterpiece. There will be plenty of colors, and plenty of fresh air. Rain cancels. All ages, no registration required.
Superhero Snack Bags. Library snack bags have super powers this summer. Each bag includes snacks from favorite superheroes, as well as suggestions of books and movies with the same characters. Superhero snack bags will be available beginning Monday, July 17, and will continue while supplies last. Open to kids of all ages, no registration required.
Teddy Bear Picnic. Bring your stuffed buddy to a special storytime on the lawn at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 18. Come sing, craft, and hear stories beside your teddy (or other special friend). Stuffies will get to dance, parade, and even bounce in a parachute. If weather permits, bring a blanket and snack and gather on the lawn outside. For ages 2-6 with caregivers; siblings welcome. Registration required.
Escape Room Family Challenge. The Baker Room will turn into an Escape Room from Monday, July 17, through Thursday, July 20. Families are invited to work together to solve puzzles and use clues to escape the room before the clock runs out. Children in grades K through 12 are invited to participate. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver to participate, and adults must have a child with them to participate. Each Escape Room group may have up to six participants. Registration required.
Drop-In Gimp Bracelets and Lanyards. Remember making bracelets out of gimp with your friends at summer camp? Or are you asking yourself, or your parents, what on Earth is gimp? Patrons of all ages are invited to drop in between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 22, or between 2 and 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, to make bracelets and lanyards out of gimp. No registration required.
Masterpiece Monday: Stickermania. Sticker lovers of all ages are invited to go wild with these appealing adhesives. On July 24 from 2 to 4 p.m., come and make a name sign or create your own art with stickers. All ages, no registration required.
Adult Craft – Pint Glass Painting. Summer is the perfect time to kick back with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade. Shouldn’t your glassware look as festive as you feel? Adults are invited on Monday, July 24, at 6:30 p.m. to paint their own pint glasses using oil-based Sharpies. Registration required. Spaces are limited, and priority is given to Sterling residents.
Adult Murder Mystery at the Theatre. Love a good mystery? Enjoy getting together with friends? Are you good at gathering clues and solving mysteries? Join us for our first Adult Murder Mystery evening, Murder Mystery at the Theatre, a 1920s murder mystery, on Tuesday, July 25, at 6 p.m. Dress to impress with a period costume and break out your sleuthing skills. Best costume, best detective and best acting award will be given. Registration required.
Karaoke and Cookies. Calling young singers! On Wednesday, July 26, come and find your voice at Karaoke and Cookies. Take the mic for a chance to shine, or sing along with friends to songs from Disney, Broadway, and more. Two sessions: 2 p.m. for kids up to grade 4, 3 p.m. for grades 5 and up. Registration required.
Parents’ Night Out Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, to discuss The Sister Effect, a new novel by Susan Mallery. This summer read looks at how “family might be complicated, but sometimes complicated is beautiful.” Books are available for checkout at the library. No registration required.
July Cookbook Club. Join us at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, to sample recipes from The Forest Feast Mediterranean: Simple Vegetarian Recipes Inspired by My Travels by Erin Gleeson and Dappled: Baking Recipes for Fruit Lovers by Nicole Rucker. Choose a recipe from either cookbook, prepare it at home, then bring it to the library to share with others. Cookbooks are available at the library for checkout; let the library know which recipe you have chosen to avoid duplicates. Registration required.
Scrabble and Snacks. Love to play Scrabble, but have trouble finding friends to play with? Adults are invited to secure new opponents and show off their wordsmithing skills on Thursday, July 27, and Tuesday, Aug. 15, at 1 p.m. Snacks provided. No registration required.
Masterpiece Monday: Wonderful Watercolors. From 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, July 31. Let your creativity flow like a river with this gently vibrant medium. All ages, no registration required.
Josie Marie book talk. The library welcomes Sterling author Josie Marie at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 31, as she discusses her book From God, Through Daisy: A Thirty-Day Devotional to Grow Your Awareness of God’s Presence in Simple, Everyday Moments. Patrons are welcome to come hear Josie speak and ask her questions. She will also be selling copies of her book. Registration required.
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 book sale is back on a monthly basis. The next sale is Saturday, Aug. 12. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The lower level of the library will offer a selection of used books, DVDs and music CDs for adults and children. The Friends has spent the last year reconfiguring the lower level to provide the library staff with more space for storage and future projects.
Materials for sale will cost $1 for hardback books, 50 cents for paperbacks, DVDs and music CDs. The Friends welcomes donation of books, DVDs and CDs for the sale, but can only accept donations on the day of the sales.
Read to Shamrock the Reading Dog: Wednesdays, July 12 and 19, 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, July 14 and 21, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Bring or borrow a story to share with Shamrock, a miniature labradoodle certified through Therapy Dogs International. Outdoors (may be canceled in inclement weather). Drop in. Ages 5-plus.
An Evening of Music with Hans Betancourth: July 18, 6-7 p.m. All ages. Hans will play keyboard, saxophone and guitar. You are welcome to bring your own instruments. We will provide sheet music, shaker eggs and other small percussion instruments. Come sing, play, or simply enjoy the music.
Friends of Richards Memorial Library Meeting: Thursday, July 27, 2 p.m. Please share your skills and talents with the Richards’ Friends group. Opportunities to volunteer for events, fundraising, book sale, and more. Make a difference in our community.
Find Your Voice: Collage Art for Tweens & Teens: Friday, July 28, 2-3. Explore different collage techniques using decorative paper, magazine cutouts, torn pages and pages from discarded books. PLUS mixed media (Sharpies, Tempera paint sticks). No experience needed. Drop in, no registration. For ages 8 and older.
Find Your Voice Celebration Concert with Julie Stepanek*: Tuesday, Aug. 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m. All ages. Celebrate the end of Summer Reading with this all-ages, participatory music program.
*Starred programs are supported in part by a grant from the Paxton Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Summer Reading Program for Children and Teens: “Find Your Voice” is a summer reading adventure filled with prizes, fun programs, a reading dog, puzzles, scavenger hunts, a community song and more. Special gift card raffle for teens. Details available at rmlpaxton.org/summerreading.
Summer Reading Program for Adults: After a super successful summer reading program launch for adults last summer, the program returns. Drawing dates: July 14 – Dairy Queen; July 21 – Panera; July 28 – Barnes & Noble; Aug. 4 – Summer Bonus Prize (TBD). Each day you check out books, you will be receive an entry ticket at the bottom of your checkout receipt. After the winner is drawn, we will start over, so come in often. You may win only one time this summer.
Mondays: Ukulele Play Alongs (Virtual). 7-8 p.m. for teens and adults. Sponsor: Friends of Richards Memorial Library. Register for Zoom link & song sheets: bit.ly/40EKtZe.
YOUTH BOOK CLUBS – Registration required. Visit the rmlpaxton.org tween and teen pages for more information and to register.
Teen Book Club (ages 12-17). Enjoy a book — and treats — each month.
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.
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.
Christmas in July Lottery Tree! FOSS Fundraiser – $200 in scratch tickets to the lucky winner. Tickets on sale at the center. $1 per ticket, or $5 for six. Drawing July 28 during Pancake Breakfast.
History Club will discuss The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 3.
Art display by Larry Schuyler. On display at the Senior Center throughout July and August.
Happiness for Seniors – What it is and how to attain it, presented by Henry Quinlan. Thursday, July 13, at 9:30 a.m. A Dull Men’s Club presentation. Everyone welcome – you don’t have to be a dull man to attend!
CMDART (Central MA Disaster Animal Response Team). Learn about the work of CMDART and how you can properly prepare for unexpected incidents. Thursday, July 27, at 9:30 a.m.
Join the Make & Take Gourd Bird Houses class with Greg and Laurel. Free event includes all supplies. Friday, July 16, at 1 p.m. Reservations required.
Van Trips – Join us or meet us there! Music at the Gazebo on July 17 & Aug. 9. Ice cream trip to Rota Spring on July 25. Call to reserve your seat on the van, or for meet-up info.
Book Club will be discussing A Place Called Home by David Ambroz on Wednesday, July 19, at 12:30 p.m. Copies of the book, including large print, are available to borrow at the Senior Center.
Pancake Breakfast is on Friday, July 28, 7:30-9 a.m. Meet our special servers JoAnn Griffin from CMDART and Kelly Jones, Sterling Animal Control Officer. $4 suggested donation. Fat Daddy’s Mobile Market will be at the Center on Friday, July 28, 7:30-9 a.m. during the pancake breakfast.
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.
Evening Mindful Meditation is on Mondays at 5 p.m. $5.
Pool tables are available Monday through Friday.
Ladies pool every Friday, 9 a.m.-noon.
Wii Bowling group, 1 p.m. Wednesday. Meet new friends in the bowling circle, where it’s always fun.
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.
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.
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. Next meeting July 7.
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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