Paxton COA Health Fair
PAXTON — The Paxton Council on Aging, 17 West St., has announced events for September. For more information, call the COA office at 508-756-2833.
Wednesday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: COA Health Fair. Thirty medical professions and vendors will be on hand. CVS will provide flu shots, Holden Hearing will perform hearing tests, and blood pressure measurements will be by the Paxton EMTs. Health information and the café will be open for coffee and lunch.
Anyone interested in Mahjong should contact the Paxton Senior Center at 508-756-2833.
Grange program on STEM in Kenya
HOLDEN — The Holden Grange will host a program at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25, at the Holden Senior Center, 1130 Main St. Holden residents Susan Swanberg and Kathy Mills, volunteer members of the Board of Directors of the Beverly School of Kenya, will speak about the successful STEM program that integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills into the already diverse curriculum at this private, co-educational school. Having visited the school several times, Swanberg and Mills will share their experiences through a narrated visual presentation. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome. For more information, email holdengrange78@gmail.com or call 508-886-2341.
Harvest Supper and Auction
HOLDEN — Holden Grange is holding its annual Harvest Supper and Auction on Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Holden Senior Center, 1130 Main St., at 5:30 p.m. All are invited to enjoy some home cooking, have some fun, and support a local food pantry. The supper menu includes meatloaf, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, bread, coffee, tea, milk and homemade apple crisp. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for children under 12. For reservations, call 508-829-6293 or email masonfarm2@aol.com.
Following the supper, there will be an auction of home-grown produce, flowers, and homemade food and craft items. Proceeds will benefit the Wachusett Food Pantry.
Paxton Garden Club seminars
PAXTON — The Paxton Garden Club has seminars coming up.
Intro to Invasive Plants Management with Joe Johnson, MS: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, Richards Memorial Library, 44 Maple St. Joe will share his journey to understand and manage invasive plants. He will review the multitude of agencies and regulations and jurisdictions that make applying for help so complicated. Visit www.paxtongardenclub.com for more information and Joe’s bio.
Get to Know the Greater Worcester Land Trust: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9, Richards Memorial Library, 44 Maple St. Come learn about the Greater Worcester Land Trust and its mission to preserve and protect open space in Worcester County. Colin Novick, executive director, will especially focus on GWLT properties in Paxton. Visit www.paxtongardenclub.com for more information.
Crocodile River Music
STERLING — Sterling Arts Collaborative is sponsoring an evening of African rhythms, movement and cultural exploration with Crocodile River Music at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, at the Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. Suggested donation is $5 for admission at the door. Internationally recognized, the group consists of members from Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and the U.S. Crocodile River Music’s mission is to connect audiences with African artists and cultures through performance and education. For more information on this and upcoming events, visit www.sterlingartscollaborative.org/events.
Sterling Arts Collaborative is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization located in Sterling, Massachusetts. The collaborative’s goal is to bring increased opportunities for the public, of all ages and abilities, to have art-related experiences in their lives.
Wachusett Reservoir events
Programs are free and open to the public. Dogs and domestic animals are prohibited on watershed lands. Reasonable accommodations are available upon advance request. In case of inclement weather to check on event status, call 617-352-4044.
Hike to Greenhalge Point, Saturday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m.-noon. Enjoy the scenic shoreline views on this 4-mile moderate round trip. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes and bring water/snacks. Meet at Wachusett Reservoir Gate 35, at the intersection of Route 110 and Chace Hill Road, Sterling.
Dam Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. The DCR Division of Water Supply Protection will open the top of the Wachusett Dam in Clinton for the public to access, walk across, and enjoy. DCR Watershed Rangers will be on hand to provide information regarding the agency’s watershed protection program.
Parking is available along Route 70 and will also be available at the Clinton Middle School or Clinton High School for a 1-mile easy walk to the dam along the North Dike Path. Enjoy a family friendly StoryWalk placed along the way. There is limited reserved parking for people living with disabilities at the entrance to the promenade. Reasonable accommodations available upon request. For more information, call the Wachusett Reservoir Ranger Station at 978-365-3800. Due to increased security, backpacks, briefcases, and other large bags will not be allowed at this event. All other items brought to the event may be subject to search. No dogs allowed. Wachusett Dam, Route 70, Clinton.
Guided walk to Dam Day, 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. Meet at Gate 39, the intersection of South Meadow Road and Route 110 in Clinton, for a guided 1 mile walk along the North Dike to Dam Day.
Cast your ballot
PAXTON — Voice your choice by helping to pick the latest People’s Choice Award artist in the Paxton Senior Center Art Gallery, 17 West St. The Paxton Council on Aging gallery welcomes artists from the Massasoit Art Guild for their third artistic display, continuing through December. The current art show features artists from West Brookfield, Spencer, Charlton, Holden and Brookfield, including Deborah Roberts Kirk, Richard Kirk, Tom Gately, Karen Farrell, Maggie Hart, and Mary Hollingsworth.
Vote for the artist and artwork you feel is worthy of the award. An available list of thought-provoking criteria will help you pick an artwork of which to be proud. Stop in today during gallery hours, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Legion meeting
STERLING — There will be a regular meeting of the Hiram O. Taylor Post 189 of the American Legion on Monday, Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the post hall, 32 School St. Hamburgers and salad at 7 p.m. E-Board at 6:30 p.m. All veterans welcome.
Paxton calendars
PAXTON — The Paxton Historical Commission will again be selling calendars containing 12 archival monthly photos from Paxton’s past. Calendars will be available at the Paxton Marketplace and the Senior Center and cost $10. Profits from calendar sales over the past decade have helped the commission to recently purchase a large historic sign commemorating the life of Maj. Willard Moore, Paxton’s hero from the American Revolution.
Gale Free Library
HOLDEN — Events at the Gale Free Library, 23 Highland St.
Author Talk – Judith Ferrara’s A Feast of Losses, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26. Portrayed in her son Stanley Kunitz’s poems and interviews as an unforgiving and unaffectionate mother, Yetta Dine’s recently recovered letters, memoir, and diary reveal a more complicated story. Learn about this fascinating woman, who lived on Vernon Hill in Worcester and managed a children’s clothing factory on Water Street, when Judith Ferrara talks about her new book, Feast of Losses: Yetta Dine and her son, the poet Stanley Kunitz. Described by writer Nicholas Gage as “part immigrant saga, part character study, and part detective story,” the striking details of Yetta Dine’s life have emerged against all odds.
For more information about this program, please contact the Library at 508-210-5569, or galefreelibrary@gmail.com. No registration needed.
Refugee Artisans of Worcester Craft Demonstration, 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30. Throughout September, the Refugee Artisans of Worcester (RAW), a nonprofit project that works to support refugees in the city through recognizing the beauty of their traditional artwork, has been displaying its work at the Gale Free Library. On Sept. 30, you are invited to watch the artisans at work. Families are welcome. This is an open house-style offering, allowing you to come and go and learn about the RAW organization as the artisans craft their wares.
RAW was created to embrace the cultures and skill sets of Worcester refugees while working to financially support these new Americans. The project values recent and long-standing refugees by recognizing their dedication to hard work, ability to produce beautiful art, and willingness to try new projects. In addition, RAW complements the many refugee resettlement programs in the city by seeking community awareness and assistance.
For more information about this program, please contact the Library at 508-210-5569, or galefreelibrary@gmail.com. No registration needed.
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., Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 pm.
Libby and CWMARS App Help. Interested in learning how to download free eBooks and eAudiobooks to your device? Schedule a one-on-one appointment with staff at the Conant Public Library to learn how to use Libby, a library reading app offering thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, and electronic magazines. Appointments to learn how to use the CWMARS app are also available. Call the library at 978-422-6409 to schedule an appointment.
Adult Writers’ Workshop: Short Memoir Essays: Everyone has a story to tell. Join in for a supportive writing workshop for adults. The workshop will look at the components of a memoir as participants try writing short memoir essays about their lives. The group will share writing each week with the other members of the group. Notebooks provided. This is a four-session series: Sept. 28, 1-2 p.m.; Oct. 26, 1-2 p.m.; Nov. 30, 1-2 p.m., and Dec. 14, 1-2 p.m. Registration is required.
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.
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 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.
Scrabble and Snacks. Do you 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, Oct. 17, at 1 p.m. Snacks will be provided. No registration required.
Homeschool Community Meet and Greet. Come to the library from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, to meet other homeschooling families from Sterling or the area and the librarians who are eager to support you. Toys and games will be available for children while parents talk. Let’s discover together what programs the library can offer that would help support you the best. All ideas welcome. No registration required.
Classics Book Club. Join us at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, for the next meeting of the Classics Book Club. Discussing One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez. Copies will be available at the library. No registration required.
Wood Slice Owl Craft. Adults are invited to the library for a craft night at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25. The group will be making adorable wood slice owls to add to fall decor. Hang them on the wall or from a tree branch. All supplies provided. Registration required. Sterling residents will be given priority in registration; after one week, open spots will be given to nonresidents in the order that they registered.
September Cookbook Club. Discover low-effort meals with few ingredients as well as delicious desserts at the Cookbook Club. At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, sample recipes from I Dream of Dinner (so You Don’t Have To) by Ali Slagle and Bake by Paul Hollywood. 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 us know which recipe you have chosen so we can avoid duplicates. Registration required.
Youth Programs:
Teen Volunteer Night. Wednesday, Oct. 4, 6-8 p.m. Teens seeking service hours can help with program preparation and keeping library materials in order. Registration required. Open to young people ages 12-18.
Preschool Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs, and crafts with friends at the library on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. Six-week session begins Sept. 18 (no meeting Oct. 9). For children ages 3-6 (siblings of other ages welcome but must be registered) with caregivers. Registration required.
Toddler Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs, and crafts with friends at the library on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Six-week session begins Sept. 19. For children ages 18 months-3 (siblings of other ages welcome but must be registered) with their caregivers. Registration required.
Babytime. The littlest readers and their caregivers will enjoy a story time created just for them. Children 0-17 months come together for lap reading, singing, signing, and play on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Baker Room. Sept. 27 and Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25. Registration required.
MusicTime. Children and their grownups are invited to share music together with songs, dance, and instrument play. A 6-week session of MusicTime on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. begins Sept. 21. Registration required, open to children 18 months-5 years with caregivers.
Intergenerational Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20. The Intergenerational Book Club asks young people and an adult partner to read the same book and share their thoughts. September’s book, The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick, centers around a similar club, in which a group of reluctant middle schoolers reads Little Women; you may be inspired to check out that local classic, as well as this one, which features places some readers may recognize. While the main characters of the book are moms and girls, the book, aimed at ages 9 and up, is really about life with young teens and has universal appeal. Open to intergenerational pairs age 8 and up; registration required.
Sticker Swap. 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27. Come to the library on the WRSD half day and build your sticker collection. We will begin with a story or two about the art of the trade, and talk about why swapping can be useful. Then we will distribute stickers at random and let the trading begin. After a set time, you’ll hear a bell, get another set of stickers and begin another round of trading. Will you make a deal to get your perfect sticker? For children in grades 2-5. Registration required.
Write Night Story Club. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27. Do you like to write stories? Come meet others who do, too. Have fun generating ideas through brainstorming games and freewriting. If desired, writers may bring a page or two of their writing to share. Let’s encourage each other to write something wonderful. Open to young writers ages 9-14; registration required.
Memory Kits. The library has Memory Kits, collections 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.
EVENTS:
Conversation Cafe. 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28. Creating a Sensory-Friendly Space in the Library. Paxton families, caregivers, educators — join in for a casual conversation about all things sensory. The library wants to create a space for all of you. Attend one conversation or more; multiple dates. Part of the ALA LTC Accessiblity Grant. Recurs: Friday, Oct. 6, 10-11 a.m.; and Friday, Oct. 13, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Taverns and tavern life in Early New England. 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at the library. With historian Tom Kelleher, Old Sturbridge Village curator. From typical food and drink to the common topics discussed and kind of songs sung by the fireside, this talk will look at what it was like inside those “public houses” that dotted the highways and center villages of virtually every town in new England. Sponsored by the Friends of Richard Memorial Library.
Sing & Swing with Deb Hudgins. 10-11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22. Music and movement for young children and their caregivers. With Wachusett Community Connections.
Barbie & Ken Day. Drop in anytime between 1:30 and 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27 (Wachusett Regional Schools half day). Barbie & Ken LEGO build, fashion design, photo shoot and challenges. Intended for school-age children. Sponsored by the Friends of Richard Memorial Library.
Friends of the Library monthly meeting. 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28. Have an idea for fundraising or programs? Please come.
September adult book display: All things library – Celebrate Library Card Signup Month with a great library-themed read.
Drop-in Crafts for Young People: Rainbow Loom weaving plus puzzlers and coloring.
Library Card Signup Month. Register for a library card and receive a book bag (ages 5-17) or a bookmark book log (adults).
WEEKLY
Mondays: Ukulele Play Alongs (Virtual) with Julie Stepanek. 7-8 p.m. for teens and adults. Sponsored by the Friends of Richards Memorial Library. Register for Zoom link & song sheets: bit.ly/40EKtZe.
Weekly library programs that follow the WRSD school-year schedule are back.
LEGO Challenge. Tuesday, Sept. 26, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Age 5 and older (due to small pieces). Join the building fun. Try a new challenge each week, or free build. We supply the LEGOs, you supply the imagination! Drop-in, no registration required.
Outdoor Story & Play Time. Wednesday, Sept. 27. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Enjoy outdoor play and learning in the beautiful library yard. Sing, go on scavenger hunts, tell stories, play, and have fun.
Chess Time. Thursdays, Sept. 21 and 28. 4-5:30 p.m. All ages welcome. Play, learn, and teach chess together. Other board games available.
YOUTH BOOK CLUBS
Teen Book Club (ages 12-17). September’s book: Beneath the Wide Silk Sky by Emily Inouye Huey. Receive a library copy of the book plus a treat. MA Teen Choice Book Award voting began Sept. 1. Vote in person at the library or vote online. Find out more at rmlpaxton.org/teens.
Graphic Novel Book Club (ages 8-12). Resumes in October. Register now at rmlpaxton.org/tweens.
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.
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.
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.
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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