HOLDEN — The Holden Grange will be holding a public pitch party at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at the Holden Senior Center, 1130 Main St. Admission is $4. A penny table and attendance prizes will be available. For more information, email holdengrange78@gmail.com or call 508-886-2341.
Sterling pitch party
STERLING —A public pitch party sponsored by Sterling Grange will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at the Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. Admission is $4. Attendance prizes will be awarded, and refreshments will be served. For more information, email sterlinggrange53@gmail.com or call 978-563-1437.
Economic Development survey RUTLAND — The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission is updating the Southern Worcester County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The CEDS is a document that will guide the region’s economic development strategy for the next five years. Please take a few moments to complete the CEDS survey, found at https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/85DKPBN.
Your input through this survey is critical for creating an effective CEDS. You will be asked to reflect on multiple topics related to economic development, including education, workforce development, employment, municipal capacity and support, agriculture, transportation, and tourism and recreation. This CEDS is an important opportunity to enhance economic development capacity, strengthen economic resiliency, and make our region a better place to live and work for all. Thank you for your participation.
Spring nature walks
PRINCETON — Register through April 22 for a series of nature walks led by Princeton naturalists. Sponsored by the Princeton Open Space and Environmental Action committees and the Princeton Land Trust, these walks take place on various dates in May and early June, covering a variety of topics, free of charge. Click here for all of the information and a link to register: https:// drive.google.com/file/d/1cDsn1f9r-BXYEMI7ZUiFm6t68_GuRlOXY/ view?usp=sharing.
Garden Club plant donations Spring is here, and the snow has finally melted. Everyone is getting excited about the upcoming gardening season. The Wachusett Garden Club Plant Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 13, at the Thomas Prince School, 170 Sterling Road, Princeton.
If you have plants to contribute to the sale, please dig up, pot, and label plant divisions as soon as possible so the plants will have time to settle in and recover. Email us at onlinewgc@yahoo.com before May 5. Members of the Wachusett Garden Club will contact you about where to deliver plants. Please no invasives. Proceeds from the plant sale fund community programs. For more information about the club, visit http://www.wachusettgardenclub. org.
2022 Outstanding Citizen
PRINCETON – The Princeton Select Board is accepting nominations for the 2022 Outstanding Citizen award. Nominations may be submitted to the town administrator at townadministrator@town.princeton.ma.us. The winner will be announced at the annual town meeting on June 20.
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/pickit- 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.
Tale of Two concert
PRINCETON — The Princeton Arts Society presents A Tale of Two in concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at the 1st Congregational Church, 14 Mountain Road. Suggested ticket donation is $10.
Back by popular demand, A Tale of Two is making their second visit to Princeton. The duo combines the best of Americana and blues melodies with timeless Southern storytelling. Award-winning vocalist Stephanie Adlington and guitarist Aaron Lessard draw influence from the likes of Patsy Cline, Tom Waits and Hank Williams Sr. This Nashville, Tennessee, duo is making a number of stops here in the Northeast. Come enjoy them in Princeton.
Community lunch
STERLING — The next community lunch will be held Saturday, May 6, at First Church. All are welcome to these free, no-reservation- required lunches. May’s menu is salad, baked Reuben casserole and dessert. Enjoy a dinner-type meal in a warm, respectful setting.
Lunch is at noon on the first Saturday of each month at the First Church in Sterling. For volunteer opportunities, go to https:// signup.com/go/SOghBqb.
Sterling Garden Club program STERLING — Spring Awakenings, hosted by the Sterling Garden Club, will be presented from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 4, in the Chocksett Middle School Theater, 40 Boutelle Road. Featured presentations will include: Student Conservation Club Happenings–HearfromChocksett Middle School Conservation Club students and teacher adviser Kristine Dick about some their activities and upcoming spring conservation projects.
Bee a Better Steward and Think Like a Bee – Discover the world of wild and managed bees, their diversity, biology and behavior with Dr. Kim Skyrm, MA Dept. of Agriculture.
Rewilding – Learn about growing native perennials through sustainable practices that affect the future of a healthy planet from Trevor Smith, chief horticulturist from Weston Nurseries in Hopkinton.
This is the third and final installment of the Sterling Garden Club’s free conservation and gardening program series. Take the opportunity to connect with others concerned about the future of our environment, ask questions and become part of the solution to ‘save your local part of the planet’. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Sterling Cultural Council and Mass. Cultural Council.
For more information, visit https://sterlinggardenclub.wixsite. com/1934 or our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100082122114115. Email SGC at SterlingGardenClub1934@gmail.com.
Dan Kirouac concert
PAXTON — Regional entertainer Dan Kirouac will bring a one-hour piano and vocal concert to the John Bauer Senior Center, 17 West St., at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 18. The program will feature radio-friendly pop, rock, and easy-listening songs of the 1960s and 1970s. The performance is open to members of the Paxton senior community and others as space and interest allow (lunch will follow, so a head count is needed). Inquiries at 508-756-2833.
The program is sponsored by a grant from the Paxton Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Kirouac is a Massachusetts-based musician and singer. More about him can be found at www.facebook. com/DanKirouacMusic.
Legion supper
STERLING — The Hiram O. Taylor American Legion Post 189 will hold a ham and potato supper at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the First Church in Sterling hall. Takeout will be available, and a $12 donation is requested. For tickets, call Jerry Boynton 978-870-3005 or Bob Temple at 978-294-4985.
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.
Vendors wanted for 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.
Memorial Day parade
STERLING — The Hiram O. Taylor American Legion Post 189 has announced that Sterling’s annual Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 29, 2023, beginning at 11 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery. Buses for participants will start running at 10 a.m. from the Legion Hall on School Street to the fire station on Main Street, then to Hillside Cemetery on Route 62. Marchers will begin formation at 10:45 a.m. The parade will proceed to Oak Hill Cemetery, Old Cemetery, the Memorial Area behind the fire station, and to the town common for the observance program.
The Avenue of Flags will be on display from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hillside Cemetery, weather permitting. Anyone, including Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, who would like to help honor deceased veterans should arrive at the cemetery at 7:30 a.m. to help raise the flags.
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, nonprofit 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_qGwlgvBYt GwY58YpK5FvdDD8n8DfxpUN0lM-NEIxSE05MElWWEpPQ0NOQll-BUlN-QSC4u.
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.
Crossword Club: 10-11 a.m. every Saturday. Come to the library to do a collaborative puzzle with local crossword constructor Frank Virzi. Reservations requested. Call 508-210-5569 or email galefreelibrary@gmail.com. Puzzles and pencils supplied.
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.
Adult Yoga. 7 p.m. Thursdays 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.; registration will be for individual classes rather than the entire session. To register, visit sterlinglibrary. org or call 978-422-6409.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 1822.
Drop-in anytime during open hours for an April Kids Riddle Scavenger Hunt (with a small prize), board games and crafts.
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: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 25. Ages 5 and older due to small parts. Take the challenge or build from your own imagination.
Outdoor Story & Play Time: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 26. No program April 18 (school vacation week).
Chess Time at the Library: 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 27. For all ages. Play, learn and teach chess together.
Youth Book Clubs: Registration required. Visit the rmlpaxton.org tween
and teen pages for more information and to register.
Graphic Novel Club (ages 8-12). Enjoy a featured graphic novel, take home activity, and small treat. April’s graphic novel: Agent Moose by Mo O’Hara. Optional in-person meeting: Wednesday, April 26, 4-4:40 p.m. for discussion and fun activities related to the book. Sign up at rmlpaxton.org/tweens.
Teen Book Club (ages 12-17). April book: Gideon Green in Black and White by Katie Henry. Enjoy a book — and treats. Sign up at rmlpaxton.org/teens.
May 11: The Librarian and the Saturday Evening Girls, Molding Success One Pot at a Time. Historic talk meets pottery wheel demonstration. Recommended for adults. This program is supported by funds from the Paxton Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
May 17: Mario Day (rescheduled from March) – Supported by the Friends of RML Paxton.
Library of Things: Did you know you can check out these items from the library? Literacy Kits, Museum Passes, STEM Kits, Telescope, Switch Games.
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.
Italian Evening Dinner, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20 (tickets $5 at the Senior Center).
SMLD will be holding a Pizza Lunch and Safety Presentation beginning at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 21. Preregistration required.
Make & Take Felting class with Laura and create a felt painting at 1 p.m. Friday, April 28. $5 includes all supplies. Reservation required.
History Club will discuss The Forgotten Man by Amity Shlaes at 9:30 a.m. May 4.
Enjoy some Therapeutic Chair Massage with Sherrill Sasser LMT, CAT on April 26. Call for reservation. $10 for 10-minute session.
Pancake Breakfast is from 7:30 to 8 a.m. Friday, April 28. Meet our special servers The Chocksett Peer Leaders. $4 suggested donation.
Fat Daddy’s Mobile Market will be at the center 7:30-9 a.m. Friday, April 28, during the pancake breakfast.
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