RUTLAND — The Rutland Historical Society will host its annual meeting and the program “A Revolution of Her Own” at the Rutland Library at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 18. “A Revolution of Her Own” is a theatrical performance portraying the life of Deborah Sampson, also named Massachusetts’ State Heroine.
Deborah Sampson was the first woman to professionally fight in the American military during the last years of the American Revolutionary War. She disguised herself as a man and changed her name to Robert Shurtlieff. This was scandalous during a time when women were considered to be second-class citizens.
“History At Play” founded in 2010, chronicles the lives of influential and often forgotten women in history. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Rutland Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Light refreshments will be served following the program.
Red Barn food drive
HOLDEN — The Friends of the Red Barn will sponsor a food drive for the benefit of the Wachusett Food Pantry from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Red Barn, 52 Shrewsbury St. Red Barn volunteers will collect donations outdoors in front of the barn. The event will be held rain or shine.
Food insecurity has not subsided in the Wachusett region in 2023. As a result, the Wachusett Food Pantry has specifically requested donations of the following items: cereals; baking items (cookie, cake and bread mixes); rice, couscous; crackers, and 100% fruit juices. Other nonperishable food items are also welcome.
PFAS listening session
BOSTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency New England Regional Office is holding a virtual listening session for New England communities to learn about and share feedback on EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap. The session will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2023. Members of the public are invited to attend and to speak.
This engagement session will provide information about EPA’s ongoing work under the PFAS Strategic Roadmap and what it means for New England citizens. The session will provide opportunities for communities to share feedback directly with EPA regional and program leaders to inform the implementation of the actions described in the Strategic Roadmap. This listening session is one of 10 announced by EPA in November 2022 to offer a series of virtual regional community engagement sessions in 2023 across the country.
To register to participate in the session, go to https://pfascommunityengagement. org/register/.
Person of the Year
HOLDEN — The Holden Woman’s Club is seeking nominations for its annual Person of the Year award. Nominees should be a Holden resident from any walk of life, any age or gender. Previous recipients have included community volunteers, local business owners, town employees and teachers. All have made a significant contribution to the quality of life in Holden. A brief written description of the nominee’s accomplishments and merits should be sent by April 15 to Robin Van Liew at RobinJVL@gmail.com. Please include your name and contact information.
Crossword Club
HOLDEN — The Gale Free Library, 23 Highland St., is excited to introduce its new Crossword Club. Every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m., come to the library to do a collaborative puzzle with local crossword constructor Frank Virzi. In addition to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Frank’s puzzles have been published in The Los Angeles Times, The New York Sun, USA Today, Games Magazine, and more. The next collaborative will be held Saturday, April 8. Let us know if you would like to attend by calling 508-210-5569 or emailing galefreelibrary@gmail.com. Puzzles and pencils supplied.
American Legion
STERLING — Hiram O. Taylor Post 189 of the American Legion will hold a meat raffle at Eight Point Sportsmen’s Club, 147 Beaman Road, at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 16.
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 Garden Club
PAXTON — The Paxton Garden Club will hold a program, Native Tonic Spring Tea, with Rachel Ross of Hillside Herbals on Saturday, April 8, at the Paxton COA, 17 West St. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. A clinical herbalist and CNM, Rachel Ross presents an informational and hands-on workshop on herbs that are familiar and local but also true plant medicines. She will speak about the gathering of these herbs, their habitats, when to collect them and how to dry them. Participants will then build a tonic tea blend with herbs Rachel has brought. Advance registration is required with payment by March 31 at https:// forms.gle/R912xz8czscQaTwK9.
Princeton Candidates Forum PRINCETON — There will be a hybrid candidates forum for candidates on the 2023 annual town election ballot, moderated by Library Board of Trustees Chair Jane Weisman, at 6:30 p.m. April 13. Although the town has no contested races this year, this is still a good opportunity to learn more about the people being elected. The in-person event will be held at the Town Hall Annex.
Virtual meeting information: 6:30-8 p.m. April 13. Join via computer, tablet or smartphone at https://meet.goto. com/985417085. You can also dial in using your phone: Access Code 985-417-085, United States: +1 (408) 650-3123.
Join from a videoconferencing room or system. Meeting ID: 985-417-085, dial in or type 67.217.95.2 or inroomlink. goto.com; or dial directly: 985417085@67.217.95.2 or 67.217.95.2##985417085. Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet. goto.com/install.
Order a rain barrel
PRINCETON — Think spring … and order a rain barrel through an EAC-sponsored sales event. The EAC has partnered with the city of Worcester to offer Princeton residents the opportunity to purchase rain barrels and accessories offered at a discount through the Worcester Community Program at The Great American Rain Barrel website. Order now through May 14, with pickup in Worcester on May 25. Collect and store rainwater in rain barrels to help conserve water, establish better drought resiliency and manage stormwater. Email princetoneac@ gmail.com with any questions or if you need help picking up your rain barrel.
Wachusett Reservoir
Salt Sleuth Citizen Science – May 8-13. During Drinking Water Week, become a Salt Sleuth doing freshwater forensics. An increasing trend in chlorides from road salt in both groundwater and surface waters of the Wachusett Reservoir Watershed has been documented. DCR’s Division of Water Supply Protection Environmental staff are calling for citizen scientist volunteers to collect water samples to help provide additional estimates on dissolved salts. Samples should be collected from a water body in West Boylston, Boylston, Sterling, Holden, Princeton, or Rutland.
Collect a surface water sample in the watershed towns from any stream, wetland, pond, etc., between May 8-13. Use any clean household container that can be sealed to collect a sample of about 8-12 ounces of water. Drop off water samples to be tested on Saturday, May 13, between 2 and 5 p.m. at the Meet a Scientist table at the Wachusett Reservoir Dam Day, located at the Wachusett Dam Route 70, Clinton. DCR Environmental Quality Staff will be on hand to answer questions and demonstrate how salt is measured. Samples will be tested for conductivity, a measure of the ability of water to pass an electrical current.
Samples can also be dropped off to be labeled between Monday, May 8, and Friday, May 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at DCR Division of Water Supply Headquarters, 180 Beaman St., West Boylston. Conductivity results will be shared with participants after May 13.
For more information on Road Salt Reduction, visit www. mass.gov/info-details/dcr-watershed- system-salt-reduction. For more information, call 774-2611809 or email Kathryn.Parent@mass.gov.
Sterling Grange supper
STERLING — April is recognized as Grange month across the nation. Sterling Grange is celebrating by holding a public supper at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at the Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, green beans, tossed salad, rolls and cake will be served.
Cost is $15 for adults, $8 for children 6-12, and free for children 5 and younger. Proceeds will benefit the Grange Hall Renovation Fund and community service projects. For reservations, call 508-886-2341, or email your name and number of tickets to sterlinggrange53@gmail.com.
The organization’s founding more than 150 years ago prompted this year’s theme. National Grange President Betsy Huber said, “The Grange is proud to be ‘Raised Right Here,’ and encourages Grange and community members to come together in celebrating hometown pride and sustainability.” The local chapter in Sterling was established in 1874.
Paxton cleanup
PAXTON — Join the fourth annual Pick It Up, Paxton! event, slated for April 22 to May 1, 2023. Visit https://sites.google. com/view/pick-it-up-paxton/ home to learn more and sign up to pick up trash. Special thanks to Pellegrino’s Trucking for donating the dumpster and to the Paxton Tennis & Fitness Club for hosting the dumpster. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/PickItUpPaxton.
Princeton cleanup
PRINCETON — Sign up to join the 4th annual Townwide Earth Month Cleanup event. During April, join your neighbors in cleaning up Princeton’s roadsides, parks and playgrounds, and trails. This event is sponsored by the Open Space and Environmental Action committees. Sign up or direct questions to princetonearthmonthcleanup@ gmail.com. For more information — including a map of road segments, a list of trails, park cleanup organizer contact information, safety information, and prize categories — visit the Earth Month Cleanup webpage at https://www.town.princeton.ma.us/ open-space-committee/pages/yearly- princeton-earth-month-cleanup.
Memorial Day concerts
PAXTON — The Paxton Cultural Council has sponsored two Memorial Day concerts. Paxton residents may purchase tickets for “Afternoon of Brass #2: Memorial Weekend Spectacular” at a special discount. Concertgoers can expect a spectacular and rousing flag-waving experience with unparalleled music at this family-friendly event.
To get a discount code, visit the Paxton Cultural Council at https:// massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/ paxton/. To redeem the code for tickets to the 3 p.m. May 27 concert at Old South Church, Boston, go to https://AB2Boston.eventbrite.com. To redeem the code for tickets to the 3 p.m. May 28 concert at Mechanics Hall, Worcester, go to https:// AB2Worcester.eventbrite.com.
2023 Food Truck Festival
RUTLAND — Would you like to participate in this year’s Food Truck Festival? Let us know if you are a food truck, crafter, non-profit organization or other type of vendor. Familiar faces are always welcome at the event, as well as new ones. The festival is scheduled for Saturday, July 29, from noon to 5 p.m. To fill out the survey, go to https://forms. office.com/Pages/ResponsePage. aspx? id= Nd9A- BJ6cE- D_ qGwl-gvBYtGwY58YpK5FvdDD8n8D-fxpUN0lMNEIxSE05MElWWEp PQ0NOQllBUlNQSC4u.
Vendors wanted for holiday craft fair STERLING — Applications are being accepted for the annual Friends of the Conant Public Library Arts & Crafts Show. This popular fair will be held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 18, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the First Church in Sterling, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road.
The application deadline is May 1. After that date, applications will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
For more information and an application, visit SterlingLibrary.org, click on “About,” then “Friends of the Library,” or send an email to sterlingcraftfair@gmail.com. To see posts from previous fairs, visit Friends of the Conant Public Library Arts & Crafts Show on Facebook.
Gale Free Library
HOLDEN — Children’s 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. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Adult puzzles available for checkout. Beat boredom this winter with fun new jigsaw puzzles. The library has added adult puzzles to our 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 the library at 978-422-6409.
Registration for the following programs (if required) can be done at sterlinglibrary.org or by calling 978-422-6409.
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 the library at 978-422-6409.
April Adult Craft. 1 or 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6. Make adorable curious bunny pots. This no-mess, simple craft is great for crafters of all abilities. All supplies provided. Registration required.
Adult Yoga. 7 p.m. Thursdays beginning April 6 and running through May 18 (no class April 20) at the 1835 Town Hall. Led by instructor Sharyn Hocurscak. Presented by the Friends of the Conant Public Library. Registration is required and will open the Monday before each class at 10 a.m., starting April 3rd; registration will be for individual classes rather than the entire session. To register, visit sterlinglibrary.org or call 978-422-6409.
Adult No-Bake Dessert. 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, make delicious Root Beer Float Pies. This simple yet tasty no-bake dessert may become your next family favorite. Registration required.
April Cookbook Club. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26. Discover sweet and savory comfort food at the Cookbook Club. Sample delicious recipes from The Red Truck Bakery Farmhouse Cookbook by Brian Noyes. Choose a recipe from the cookbook, prepare it at home, then bring it to the library to share. Cookbooks are available at the library for checkout; let them know which recipe you have chosen to avoid duplicates. Registration required.
Parents’ Night Out Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26. Discuss
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, recently made into a movie starring Tom Hanks. No registration required.
Soapmaking with Kulina Folk Arts. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12. Try your hand at soapmaking at the Sterling Senior Center. In this workshop led by Kulina Folk Arts, learn about soapmaking and create adorable rubber duckie soaps to keep hands clean and sinks pretty. For ages 8 and older; under 12 must have a caregiver present. All participants under 18 must have a waiver signed by parent/guardian before the program begins. Registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Conant Public Library.
Series Celebration: Warriors.
Calling all cats: It’s gathering time! At 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, come to a special book club celebrating Erin Hunter’s extensive Warriors series. These engaging fantasy books create a fully developed cat world that exists just out of our “Twoleg” sight. Discuss what makes the books so popular, play some games, and find your cat avatar. Open to confirmed fans and those who want to try something new; children should have read at least the first book, Into the Wild, before the meeting. Books will be available at the library. Open to readers in grades 3-7; registration required.
Kids – School Vacation: Retro Snack Bags. Discover the 1950s with our Retro Snack Bags. Each bag contains snacks first produced in the 1950s — some you may recognize, and others you may not. Snack bags are available for children of all ages beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, and will remain available while supplies last. No registration required, stop by the library to pick up your bag.
Kids Cook! Kids in grades 2-8 are invited to Kids Cook! at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 18. Choose a recipe from Kids Can Cook Anything by America’s Test Kitchen, prepare it at home, then bring it to the library to share. Cookbooks are available at the library; let them know which recipe you have chosen to avoid duplicates. Registration required.
PlayDough Playdate. Get creative during school vacation week at a PlayDough Playdate. Kids of all ages (kids under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver) are invited to drop in from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, April 19, to play with the library’s playdough and accessories. No registration required.
Watercolor Wednesday. From 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, in the Baker Room. Kids of all ages are invited to drop in and get creative; children under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver. No registration required.
Train Play. All aboard! Drop in from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 20, to enjoy an afternoon of train play. Piece together tracks and set the scene for a fun event. There will even be train crafts. Open to kids of all ages; kids under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver. No registration required.
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. April is National Poetry Month.
Seascapes: Pastel Workshop with Greg Maichack: 6-8 p.m. Thursday April 6. Create your own Winslow Homer-inspired seascape with pastels. No experience needed. All materials provided. Register at https:// tinyurl.com/RMLseascapes or call 508-754-0793 or email richards@cwmars. org. For adults and teens.
Drop-in Crafts for Young People: Spring collages; garden and spring coloring pages.
Don’t Spill the Tea Club (adults): Just breathe … Tension Tamer (decaf) Tea (supported by the Friends).
Book display: National Garden Month Sing & Swing with Deb Hudgins: 10-11 a.m. Friday, April 7. Music and movement for young children & their caregivers, upstairs in the juvenile/ young adult room. In collaboration with Community Connections.
April Poetry Challenge: April 4-28. Write a poem and submit it the poetry station at the library. Two poems will be randomly chosen on April 28 for a special prize. Poems will be displayed anonymously in the library. For all ages.
Poetry SLAM: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20. Choose a favorite poem written by you or someone else. Share the poem in a friendly, poetry- loving environment. Get ready to snap your fingers. For adults and teens age 12 and older.
April Vacation/Earth Week: April 18-22. Drop-in anytime during open hours for an April Kids Riddle Scavenger Hunt (with a small prize), board games and crafts.
T-shirt Bag Workshop: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 18. Learn to make bags from upcycled T-shirts. All materials provided. For tweens and teens age 10 and older. Optional: Take home a volunteer kit to make T-shirt bags for library programs.
Tree Celebration! 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 22. Dedicate a new tree in the library yard (conditions permitting). Enjoy tree crafts and activities. Take home a tree seedling (while supplies last). For all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of RML.
Earth Day Cleanup: Noon-1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Visit the library for garbage bags and gloves and help clean up the center of town. For adults and teens age 12 and older. This event is a collaboration with Pick It Up Paxton and the Paxton Garden Club.
Drop-in LEGO Challenge: 3:304:30 p.m. Tuesdays, April 11 and 25. No program April 18 (school vacation week). Ages 5 and older due to small parts. Take the challenge or build from your own imagination.
Chess Time at the Library: 4-5:30 p.m. Thursdays, April 6, 13 and 27. For all ages. Play, learn and teach chess together.
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