Go Footloose
PAXTON — Join area seniors for a production of Footloose. After three successful bus trips — Lake Winnipesaukee in May, Boston in June and a Whale Watch in Gloucester in July, area seniors and friends are heading to the Interlakes Theater in Meredith for Footloose the Musical on Thursday, Aug. 17.
The group will leave the Paxton Senior Center, 17 West St., at 8:15 a.m., stopping at the outstanding Hart’s Turkey Farm. There will be a choice of entrees for lunch: turkey dinner, baked ham or baked haddock, each served with salad and dessert.
Reservations and payment of $122 per person (which includes the luncheon), made payable to FOCOA, is due to Bob Wilby, 11 Tanglewood Road Paxton, MA 01612 by Friday, Aug. 4. To reserve your spot, call 508-792-4662 or email rwilby@charter.net.
Holden Bandstand series
HOLDEN — The 2023 Holden Bandstand series is in full swing. Concerts are held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sundays at 1130 Main St. Upcoming concerts:
Aug. 6, Rick Barron & The Quavers, featuring country oldies and rock ‘n’ roll, sponsored by Perrone Landscaping and Pepsi Cola; Aug. 13, Holdin’ Back the 60’s, sponsored by Sunnyside Ford; Aug. 20, Rachael & Western Partners, classic country, sponsored by Gibbs Realty; and 5-7 p.m. (note time change) Sept. 10, Slo Grass, acoustic American bluegrass, sponsored by the Holden Cultural Council.
In the event of rain, concerts will be held in the Senior Center.
Paxton summer music series
PAXTON — The Paxton summer music series continues, with concerts every Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Paxton bandstand.
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.
Legion meetings
STERLING —There will be two regular meetings in August of the Hiram O. Taylor Post 189 of the American Legion: Monday, Aug. 7 and Monday, Aug. 28. Both are at 7:30 p.m. at the post hall, 32 School St. American chop suey served on Aug. 7 and hot dogs and chili on Aug. 28. The 28th is the September meeting. E-Board at 6:30 p.m. All veterans welcome. Sterling Association drawing on the 28th.
Gale Free Library tour
HOLDEN — On Saturday, Aug. 5, from 10 a.m. to noon, come to the Gale Free Library, 23 Highland St., for a historic tour of the Damon Memorial building, home to the library. Local history librarian Nancy Richards will lead the tour, which will explore all levels of the building, as well as the outbuilding. Participants will also have the opportunity to ring the school bell, housed in the combination bell tower and clock tower. The rain date will be Saturday, Aug. 12. For more information, or to register, call 508-
Holden Days Aug. 26
HOLDEN — The Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce will 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.
This year’s activities include 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 still 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.
Gale Free Library
HOLDEN — Events at the Gale Free Library, 23 Highland St.
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. Summer hours (July and August) on Saturdays, the library is open 9 a.m. to noon. On Saturdays during the rest of the year, the library will be open 9 a.m. to 2 pm.
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 log hours and enter tickets into the raffle is 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.
Adult Summer Reading: The annual Summer Reading Program begins Tuesday, Aug. 1, and will run through Thursday, Aug. 31. Check out adult reading materials (books or audiobooks) and receive a raffle ticket. Local businesses are offering wonderful prizes for the raffle. Open to adults ages 18-plus.
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 are 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.
August Adult Craft. Thursday, Aug. 3, at 6:30 p.m. or Thursday, Aug. 10, at 6:30 p.m. Make ocean-themed beaded stem glass charms. These charms will be a fun way to jazz up your August celebrations. All supplies provided; registration required. Space is limited and priority is given to Sterling residents.
Masterpiece Monday: Air Dry Clay. Aug. 7, 2-4 p.m. Come to the Baker Room to make miniature clay creations. Open to kids of all ages, no registration required.
Big Trees of Massachusetts with Kevin Martin. Join Kevin Martin at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7, as he presents Big Trees of Massachusetts. Kevin will conduct a slideshow and discuss big trees in the area, including in the towns of Marlborough, Northborough, Shirley and Princeton. After the presentation he will be available to answer questions and his books will be available for purchase. Registration required. This program is sponsored by a grant from the Mass. Cultural Council, a state agency.
Chocolate Olympics. Test your chocolate skills — and win delicious chocolate prizes — at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8. Tweens and teens ages 9 and older are invited to play Pudding Pictionary and other chocolate-related games (including taste-testing) during an afternoon of Chocolate Olympics at the library. Registration required.
Fit Lit Book Club. Enjoy a fun book discussion while also getting some exercise at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8. Participants should read Beach Read by Emily Henry, then meet at the Cider Mill entrance of the Sterling Rail Trail at 7 p.m. Rain date Wednesday, Aug. 9; call the library if the weather is questionable. Enjoy a discussion of this light, breezy summer romance as we walk and talk. Books are available at the library for checkout. No registration required.
Paint & Popsicles. Kids of all ages and their caregivers are invited to drop in on Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. Dress for mess and come to the library’s side lawn to paint with nontraditional items: squirt guns, flyswatters and more. Beat the heat with a popsicle while your painting dries. Rain date Thursday, August 10th from 10am-12pm. Please call the library if the weather is questionable. No registration is 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 2 and 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, to make bracelets and lanyards out of gimp. No 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 Tuesday, Aug. 15, at 1 p.m. Snacks provided. No registration required.
Masterpiece Monday: Beautiful Beads. From 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 14, come to the Baker Room to create with beads. Make a noodle necklace or a beaded butterfly. Open to kids of all ages; no registration required.
Zero Waste Kids: Birthdays, Lunches, and More (online program). Join Sarah Robertson-Barnes via Zoom on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at 7 p.m. as she provides practical tips to make your children’s birthday parties and school lunches eco-friendly and low waste. She will also be discussing how kids, families, and communities can be more sustainable. Sarah is the founder of the Sustainable in the Suburbs blog, a resource for living low waste with kids in a culture of convenience. Registration required.
Masterpiece Monday: Rock Painting. From 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 21, come to the Baker Room and turn a rock into a work of art. Is yours a dinosaur, a planet, a sea creature or a beautiful abstraction? No matter where inspiration takes you, you’ll make a unique paperweight. For all ages; no registration required.
Kids No Bake – Brownie Grill Bites, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22. Kids ages 8 and older are invited to make festive brownie grill bites. These treats are the perfect dessert to serve up after a family cookout. All supplies provided. Registration required.
Family Trivia Night, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23. Calling all trivia lovers. Gather your friends and family to create your own team and show off your collective knowledge. Registration required.
Masterpiece Monday: Snap Bracelets. From 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 28, come to the Baker Room and design your own snap bracelet. Use markers, yarn or crayons to decorate your own snappy wristband. Open to kids of all ages, no 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.
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: 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.
Annual Classic Car Show, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10. Rain date is Aug. 17. Come on over and discover wonderful motors of yesteryear. Live music with vocal group “Rhythm.” Food and drink will be available.
History Club will discuss The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 3. Sept. 7 book will be The Wager by David Grann.
Zen Garden and Meditation Workshop with Carol. 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10. Free. Registration required.
Make & Take Felted Soaps class with Laura. 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11. $5 includes all supplies. Reservations required.
Van Trip – Join us or meet us there! Music at the Gazebo on Aug. 9. Call to reserve your seat on the van, or for
meet-up info.
Book Club will be discussing A Widow for One Year by John Irving at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16. Copies of
the book, including large print, are available to borrow at the Senior Center.
Call for Crafters! Are you planning your annual fairs and events? Applications are now open for the SSC Annual Cookie
Sale & Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 9. Visit the FOSS page on our website for an application form, or call 978-422-3032.
Farmers’ Market Coupon Books are available. Call Outreach for details and to see if you qualify.
Growing Places Pop-Up Market will be at the Center on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Pancake Breakfast is Friday, Aug. 25, 7:30-9 a.m. Meet Chuck Goss, the town of Sterling’s facilities manager. $4 suggested donation. Fat Daddy’s Mobile Market will be at the Center on Friday, Aug. 25, 7:30-9 a.m. during the pancake breakfast.
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.
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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