New Paxton art show
PAXTON — The Paxton Senior Center, 19 West St., is sponsoring a new multimedia show in the COA dining room art gallery. Residents of Paxton are encouraged to submit their multimedia works including painting, pastels, photography, and texture/fabric artwork. The show will begin the end of February and continue until at least the end of April. For more information, contact Anita Fenton, art gallery coordinator, at 508-756-2833, the COA office.
Photography and fiber arts
RUTLAND — The combined Rutland “Then and Now” Photography Exhibit and the Fiber Arts Showcase are open for viewing at the Rutland Free Library, 280 Main St., during library hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. This event is sponsored by Mass Humanities, Rutland Events Committee and the Rutland Library. Thank you to Rutland community friends who loaned the photos and fiber arts for this program.
Gale Free Library
HOLDEN — Gale Free Library, 23 Highland St., is open Monday & Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Community Art Show. In honor of National Library Lovers’ Month in February, and the new art display space in the upstairs lobby, Gale Free Library presents a Community Art Show. The show runs through Feb. 28. For more information, contact the Library at 508-210-5569 or galefreelibrary@gmail.com.
Genealogy for Novices. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 27 and March 5. Have you postponed researching your family because you’re not sure where to begin? Then join the group to learn how to: avoid many of the stumbling blocks beginners encounter, organize and preserve your information and materials, and use online databases and the documents they provide. For more information, or to register, contact the Library at 508-210-5569 or galefreelibrary@gmail.com.
American Legion meeting, meat raffle
STERLING — There will be a regular meeting of the Hiram O. Taylor Post 189 of the American Legion on Monday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the post hall, 32 School St. American chop suey and bread at 7 p.m. All veterans welcome.
The Hiram O. Taylor Post 189 will hold a meat raffle at Eight Point Sportsmen’s Club, 147 Beaman Road, at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 10.
Nominees sought
HOLDEN — The Holden Woman’s Club is accepting nominations for its Person of the Year Award. Nominees should be Holden residents from any walk of life, any age or gender. Previous recipients have included community volunteers, local business persons, town employees and teachers. All have made a significant impact on the quality of life in Holden.
A written description of the nominee’s accomplishments and merits should be sent by April 12 to HoldenWomansClubMA@gmail.com. Include your name and contact information with your nomination.
The recipient will be notified in May and will be honored at the annual meeting and luncheon on May 16. The Woman’s Club will make a donation to an organization of the recipient’s choice.
2024 Watershed Wednesdays series
Watershed Wednesdays is a series of evening talks held at the Wachusett Reservoir Headquarters, John Augustus Hall, 180 Beaman St., West Boylston. Division staff will share their knowledge about water conservation to bring communities in the watershed together for engaging conversations. Talks will take place one Wednesday each month, and are free. Program will be canceled if West Boylston Schools are closed. For questions, email Kathryn.Parent@mass.gov or call 617-352-4044. Below are a few of the upcoming talks. The full schedule can be found at https://www.mass.gov/doc/wachusett-watershed-wednesday-events-2024/download.
It’s flood season! Know your flood risk. 6:30-7:30 p.m. March 20. An interactive presentation by DCR’s Floodplain Management Specialist.
Macroinvertabrates. 6:30-7:30 p.m. April 17. Find out why we care about these aquatic creatures big enough to see without a microscope. Get your hands on samples to identify with Education/Outreach staff.
Paxton Garden Club business meeting
PAXTON — The next PMAGC business meeting is at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, in the Community Room at the Paxton COA. To view the agenda, past meeting minutes and proposed bylaw update, visit www.paxtongardenclub.com/about-usjoin/meetings-minutes. All are welcome.
Kindergarten registration
Kindergarten registration is open for the 2024-2025 school year for the Wachusett Regional School District. Parents can register their children via the online registration portal at the following link: https://www.wrsd.net/for_parents/enrollment_forms.
Students are Kindergarten eligible if their birthday falls between Sept. 1, 2018, and Aug. 31, 2019.
License your dog
RUTLAND — 2024 Dog Licenses are now available. The 2024 dog tag is a Red Fire Hydrant voted on by the 2nd grade classes at Naquag Elementary. License your dog before March 31 to avoid late fees. The application can be filled out online at https://www.rutlandma.gov/317/Dog-Licenses, or compete the copy enclosed in you census (arriving soon). The license fee can be paid online at Unipay or by cash or check in the office/drop box in front of Community Hall.
Fee per dog if registered by the March 31: Spayed/neutered, $10; intact, $15.
Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140 Section 137, all dogs 6 months or older must be licensed. Rutland bylaws require a license be obtained by March 31 each year.
Craft Fair vendor applications
STERLING — Applications are now being accepted for the annual Friends of the Conant Public Library Arts & Crafts Show, which features high-quality crafts and art. All items must be handmade.
The fair will be held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First Church in Sterling, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road. Thirty-five booths are available in three rooms.
The application deadline is May 1. Vendor spaces fill up quickly. The fair will be advertised online and in local newspapers. For an application, visit SterlingLibrary.org, click on “About,” then “Friends of the Library.” Printed applications are available at the front desk of the library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road.
For more information, email Beth Cyr at sterlingcraftfair@gmail.com.
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.
Book Bingo for Adults: A January to June Program. Book Bingo is a self-directed reading challenge for adults from Jan. 2 to June 1 with opportunities for prizes. Receive a raffle ticket for each Bingo you complete for chances to win a gift certificate to a local restaurant. No registration necessary; pick up your Bingo sheet at the circulation desk or view it at sterlinglibrary.org beginning Jan. 2 and find out all the details. Book Bingo is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Snow-Themed Drop-In Kids Crafts. Drop in 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22. Running out of activities to keep the kids busy and happy during school vacation? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Kids ages 5 and up are invited to drop in for a variety of snow-themed crafts. Choose one, or do them all. No registration required.
New England UFOs with Ronny LeBlanc. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at the Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. The library is pleased to welcome back bestselling local author Ronny LeBlanc as he discusses New England UFOs. LeBlanc has been featured on both Animal Planet and the Travel Channel. This presentation will be held at the Sterling Senior Center. Registration is required. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Sterling Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass. Cultural Council, a state agency.
Write Time Story Club. 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28. Like to write stories? Come meet others who do, too. Generate ideas through brainstorming games and freewriting. Writers may bring a page or two of their writing to share. Open to young writers ages 9-14; registration required.
February Cookbook Club. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28. Discover small bites for all occasions as the group samples recipes from Brilliant Bites by Maegan Brown. Choose a recipe from the 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.
February Adult True Crime Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29. Love a true crime thriller? Come to the library where the club will once again take a deep dive into a book, this time American Fire by Monica Hesse, which describes the serial arson that took place night after night in Accomack County, Virginia. No registration required. Books will be available at the circulation desk.
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.
Richards Memorial Library
PAXTON — The Richards Memorial Library is at 44 Richards Ave.
Reminders: The roof repairs have been delayed by the weather and temperatures. Updates will be posted on rmlpaxton.org. For winter weather cancellations, visit Rmlpaxton.org. When Wachusett Regional schools are closed or delayed, there are no morning programs at the library.
The library is closed Saturday, Feb. 17. The library is closed Saturday when Monday is a holiday.
The library thanks Barre Savings Charitable Foundation for the grant to renew these museum passes: Old Sturbridge Village, the EcoTarium, and the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.
The Buck-a-Bag Book Sale returns in March; no sale in February. The Friends are not accepting donations at this time.
All holds must be picked up within one week of the notification. Contact the library if you need an extension.
Bring your library card when checking out books. Lost it? The library will replace it for free.
All month
Adult Book display: Black History Month, Feb. 15-29
Drop-in Activities for Youth: In celebration of National Pokemon Day, all month long the library is having a Pokemon Scavenger Hunt with small prizes, book displays, coloring sheets, and word searches.
Celebrate Leap Year at the library with a “rare” unicorn craft (all month) at the drop-in craft area.
Events
Love Your Library Month – Book Bingo (for adults). Pick up your Bingo card at the library; read at home. Receive prizes for getting a Bingo and enter to win a tote bag.
2nd Annual Mini Art Show by Humans. On display through February. View mini art created by all of you. Art will be available for pickup beginning March 1. Sponsored by Friends of Richards Memorial Library.
Ready, Set, Grow: Seed of the Month Club. February: Seashells Cosmos Mix (flower) seeds. One packet per person, available when you check out an item; no holds or reserving; while supplies last. Sponsored by FRML.
Leap Year at the Library: Drop-In Frog Leap Contest Feb. 23-29. Whose plastic frog will jump the farthest?
National Pokemon Day, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 3 p.m.: Library lure set for digital players.
WEEKLY
Tuesdays 3:30-4:30 p.m., LEGO Challenge. Ages 5 and older (due to small pieces). Join the building fun. Try a new challenge each week, or free build. Drop-in, no registration required. No LEGO on Feb. 20.
Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 a.m., Outdoor Story & Play Time. Join in for healthy outdoor play and learning in the library yard. Sing songs, go on scavenger hunts, tell stories, do snow art and experiment, and have fun.
Thursdays 3:30-4:30 p.m., Chess Time. All ages and skill levels welcome. Play, learn, and teach chess together. Other board games available. No Chess Feb. 22.
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. Register 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.
Looking Ahead …
Creative Space for Teens: Pop Art Pet Portraits, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14. A new monthly series for ages 12-18.
Friends of Richards Memorial Library meets at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 28. The board of the Friends of Richards Memorial Library will not meet in February. Anyone interested in joining the board or attending the meeting is encouraged to come to the library.
Springtime Charcuterie. 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 11. CharcCUTErie_Woo is back by popular demand. Create a spring-themed charcuterie board. Enjoy an evening out, comedy included. Space is limited. Registration and upfront payment are required through the CharCUTErie_Woo link: http://tinyurl.com/RMLCharcute. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Friends of Richards Memorial Library.
Buck-a-Bag Book Sale, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16. $1 per bag. No donations, no exceptions. Recurs April 6. A FRML event. All proceeds benefit library programs.
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. Closed Monday, Feb. 19. 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 reservation required. $3 suggested donation.
History Club will discuss Presidential Courage by Michael Beschloss at 9:30 a.m. March 7.
Art Exhibit by Linda and Maurice Iorio through February.
Pancake Breakfast, Coffee with a Cop and Fat Daddy’s Market, 7:30-9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23.
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. Registration required for all exercise classes.
Sterling Strummers Ukulele Group meets for open strumming at 3 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 21 and 26; Ukulele Club at 2 p.m. Thursdays. 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, Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m.; Mahjong, Thursdays at 1 p.m.; Knit & Crochet, Fridays at 9:30 a.m.
Caregivers, please join the Caregiver Program. The center will run a supervised activity for your loved one as you attend the support group. Every first Friday of the month.
Parkinson’s Support meets at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28 in person and via Zoom.
Sign up for Chair Massage with Sherril (Feb. 28).
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. Goings On is compiled by Kristen B. Payson, editor.
