Cocker Spaniel fundraiser
STERLING — Sterling Public Market – A benefit for Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England. This free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the First Church, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road. All sorts of goodies from gift cards to restaurants, wineries, breweries, hotels and museums around New England will be for sale. In addition, hand-crafted items, including jewelry, framed artwork, chocolates, desserts and more will be offered. Stop in and get your holiday shopping started.
Flu clinic
RUTLAND — The Rutland Board of Health will be holding a Flu Clinic on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rutland Public Library, 280 Main St. All patients must preregister using these links: Adult vaccinations – flu & Moderna: https://www.cvs.com/vaccine/intake/clinic/clinic-info; children vaccinations (Ages 12-18) – Moderna booster: http://home.color.com; children (6 months-18 years) – injectable flu vaccine: http://home.color.com; or children (age 2-17) – nasal mist flu vaccine: http://home.color.com.
Voter registration deadline
RUTLAND — The deadline for voter registration for the Nov. 7 special state election is Saturday, Oct. 28. The Town Clerk Office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the 28th. The special state election to fill the vacated seat of Sen. Anne Gobi, who resigned in June, will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The deadline to request a vote by mail ballot is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31. Please use large ballot drop box in front of Community Hall at 250 Main St. for fastest service. In-office absentee ballots are available in the clerk’s office. Absentee Ballots are for voters who will be away from town during polling hours or those with physical disabilities or religious beliefs that prevent attendance at the polls.
Land trust program
PAXTON — The Paxton Garden Club is sponsoring Get to Know the Greater Worcester Land Trust at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9, Richards Memorial Library, 44 Richards Ave. 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. For more information, visit www.paxtongardenclub.com.
Halloween Night Hike and Hayride
PRINCETON — Registration for the Halloween Night Hike and Hayride at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, is open. On Saturday, Oct. 28, there are three time slots to choose from: 5:30, 6:30, or 7:30 p.m. Come experience the sanctuary with a night hike, hayride and fall treats around the campfire. This event fills fast, so check availability ASAP.
Rutland First Congregational
RUTLAND — First Congregational Church, 264 Main St., is holding the following events:
Halloween Party: 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29. Games, food and fun. Free, open to all.
Annual Turkey Supper Drive Thru: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. $15 per meal, includes turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, butternut squash, stuffing, rolls and butter, and apple crisp. Call the church office at 508-886-4453 by Saturday, Oct. 21, to reserve your meal and pickup time.
Worship services are held Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. and Sundays at 8:30 and 10 a.m. There will be no 8:30 a.m. service on Sunday, Oct. 22, and no 4:30 p.m. service on Saturday, Nov. 4.
Photography Exhibit & Fiber Arts Showcase
RUTLAND — The Rutland Free Public Library, The Friends of the Rutland Library, and Rutland’s Events Committee are hosting a photography exhibit and fiber arts showcase starting Jan. 7, 2024, and running through the end of March. Programs regarding photography and fiber arts will be held on to-be-determined Sunday afternoons. The theme of the photography exhibit is “Rutland-Then and Now.” Any color or black & white photograph, taken anytime anywhere in Rutland welcome to be displayed. You do not need to be a Rutland resident to participate as long as the photograph was taken in Rutland. Download the application from https://www.townofrutland.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif1156/f/news/photo.fiber_application.pdf. Applications must be returned to the library no later than Nov. 22.
Veterans Day parade
STERLING — Hiram O. Taylor Post 189 invites all veterans to join them on Saturday, Nov. 11, to observe Veterans Day. The parade will start at 11 a.m. at the Butterick Building on Park Street and proceed to the Memorial Park behind the fire station for a program.
Eagle Award dedication
RUTLAND — Rutland American Legion (Post 310) is hosting a dedication ceremony for a Boy Scout Eagle Award project, conceived and constructed by Liam Deaden, to upgrade the veterans’ monument to honor Rutland veterans has been finalized and a plaque recently installed by Post 310. The dedication will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, on the upper common in front of Rutland’s Community Hall (rain or shine). Refreshments immediately following at the Rutland Congregational Church.
There were criteria to have a name put on this plaque: A veteran’s “Home of Record” had to be listed as Rutland, Massachusetts, when they entered into
service; having received an honorable discharge; and military service between August 1990 and August 2021. It is with heartfelt appreciation that we thank all veterans for their service to our country.
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.
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 helped the commission to recently purchase a large historic sign commemorating the life of Maj. Willard Moore, Paxton’s hero from the American Revolution.
Rutland Library Halloween Fun
RUTLAND — The Rutland Library, 280 Main St., is hosting a Halloween Fun event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Events include an Author Fair, with 30 authors, across all age groups and genres, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Children’s Halloween parade and activities (costumes optional), from noon to 2 p.m.; and a Friends of the Library book and bake sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Special Fall Town Meeting
RUTLAND — Rutland’s special fall town meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at Glenwood Elementary School. The warrant closed at noon Friday, Oct. 13.
Craft fair
RUTLAND — The Rutland Friends of the Council on Aging is sponsoring a Yuletide Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior/Community Center, 53 Glenwood Road. There will be craft vendors, lunch and bake sale at affordable prices. The Friends is also looking for vendors to participate in the fair. For more information, call 508-886-7945.
Small Works & Holiday Marketplace
PRINCETON — The Small Works & Holiday Marketplace will be held Fridays, Dec. 1 and 8, from 6-8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Princeton Senior & Community Center, 206 Worcester Road.
Come browse, shop and enjoy hundreds of fine art and artisan-made, affordable holiday gift items made by members of the Princeton Arts Society. Small wall art in many media available, as well as jewelry, cards, prints, ornaments, fabric items, original books, bags, ceramics, woodworking and more. Support local artists. The Princeton Arts Society is a nonprofit organization promoting the arts in Central Massachusetts through programs, events, and shows.
Gale Free Library
HOLDEN — 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., Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 pm. For programs that require registration, visit sterlinglibrary.org or call 978-422-6409.
Write Time Story Club, 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1. 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. Open to young writers ages 9-14; registration required.
November Adult Craft, 1 or 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2or 6:30 p.m. Make a beautiful stained glass piece to display. This craft uses acrylic paint, so dress accordingly. Registration is required and limited. Priority will be given to Sterling residents; after one week, spots will open up to residents of other towns in the order that they registered.
Preschool Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs, and crafts with friends at the library. Mondays at 10:30 a.m.; 6-week session begins Nov. 6. For children ages 3-6 (siblings of other ages welcome but must be registered) with caregivers. Registration required.
Toddler Storytime. Stories, songs, and crafts with friends. Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; 6-week session begins Nov. 7. For children ages 18 months-3 (siblings of other ages welcome but must be registered) with caregivers. Registration required.
Fit Lit Book Club moves indoors at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. Enjoy a fun book discussion while also getting some exercise. Participants should read The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan, then meet at the Food Court of the Whitney Field Mall at 7 p.m. Books are available at the library for checkout. No registration required.
Sound Healing with Julia Nadolny, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. Feeling stressed, or seeking more balance in your life? Sound healing is an ancient practice that helps to relax your body and your mind. Julia Nadolny, who is certified in energy medicine, will play her quartz crystal singing bowls to help participants realign and heal energy systems. Attendees are asked to bring a blanket, towel, or yoga mat to lie on during the program. Attendees are also welcome to sit in provided chairs if preferred. This program will be held at the Sterling Senior Center. Registration is required. This program is sponsored by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Picture Book Club, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8. The club will read Fall Mixed Up by Bob Raczka. Come have fun with friends while reading and discussing that book and a few more, play a game or two, and celebrate fall. 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.
MusicTime. Children and their grownups are invited to share music together with songs, dance and instrument play. A five-week session of MusicTime on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. begins Nov. 9 (no meeting Nov. 23). Registration required; open to children 18 months-5 years with caregivers.
Homeschool Art Class, 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. For homeschoolers ages 5-16. The class will be creating a beautiful, snow-covered pine tree painting to get in the mood for snow. Dress for mess, as the group will be using acrylic paints. Registration required.
A Discussion on Funeral Planning on Zoom. 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. Presented by Memorial Hall Library in Andover. An in-depth conversation and Q&A session with funeral director and former funeral home owner Rick Dewhirst. His goal and the purpose of this presentation is to help illuminate the many options and choices and ease the process of providing ourselves and loved ones with a meaningful, sensible, and cost-effective funeral plan. Registration required.
Creativebug. The library has a new database available to patrons, Creativebug. Creativebug offers free access to more than 1,000 craft classes, including art and design, paper crafts, knitting, quilting, crochet, sewing, food and home, and holiday and kids crafts. Free patterns are also available for knitting, sewing, and crochet. Sign up for Creativebug on sterlinglibrary.org, using your Sterling library card. For more information, call the library at 978-422-6409.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Richards Memorial Library
PAXTON — The Richards Memorial Library is at 44 Richards Ave.
Adult Book display: “Things that Go Bump in the Night” for the remainder of October.
Drop-in Crafts for Young People: Pumpkins, apples, candy corn, and more autumn-themed crafts. Coloring sheets, too.
Friends of the Library Monthly Meeting, 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26. Have an idea for fundraising or programs? Please join us.
Slime Day! Drop in 1:30-4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1. Slime add-ins, play, contests, and take aways. Intended for school-age children on the WRSD half day.
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.
Tuesdays: LEGO Challenge, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Oct. 31. Ages 5-plus (due to small pieces). Join the building fun. Try a new challenge each week, or free build. LEGOs supplied – you supply the imagination. Drop-in, no registration required.
Thursdays: Chess Time at the Library, 4-5:30 p.m. Oct. 26. All ages welcome. Play, learn, and teach chess together. Other board games available.
Youth Book Clubs
Graphic Novel Book Club (ages 8-12): Receive a book and activity or treat each month. Optional in-person meeting the last Wednesday of each month, 4-4:40 p.m., for discussion and fun activities. October’s book: Welcome to Feral by Mark Fearing. 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.Closed Monday, Oct. 9.
Congregate lunch is served daily at 11:30 a.m. No reservation required. $3 suggested donation.
Beware of Holiday Scams! A presentation by Ashley Grossi, fraud analyst, at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26.
Friday, Oct. 27, for Coffee with a Cop, Pancake Breakfast and Fat Daddy’s Market. 7:30–9 a.m.
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.
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.; Guys & Gals Fitness on Mondays at 10 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.; Holistic Yoga, 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19. 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 Monday, Oct. 23 at 3 p.m. Beginner ukulele classes meet at 1 p.m. Thursdays.
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 1 p.m.; Knit & Crochet, Fridays at 9:30 a.m.
Sign up for Foot Clinic Oct. 26.
Caregivers, please join the 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.
Submit items for inclusion in Goings On to editor@thelandmark.com. The deadline for inclusion in the next week’s issue is noon Friday of the preceding week.
