HOLDEN — Registration for summer music lessons is now open at the Wachusett Regional High School AIR (Artist-In-Residence) Program, offering music instruction for a variety of instruments and voice.
Students and adults may sign up for private, half-hour lessons scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday of each week beginning July 11 through Aug. 10. To enroll, and for more information, visit bit.ly/airmusiclessons.
Questions? Contact AIR Program Director Megan Will at megan_will@wrsd.net.
Learning music at any age is a fun and rewarding skill. If you have always wanted to learn, or have a young beginner of your own, please consider the vibrant AIR Community Music Program for lessons.
Tornado anniversary
RUTLAND—TheRutlandHistorical Society will take time to remember the devastating Tornado of 1953 starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 9.
At 7:15 p.m. view a video with photos of the path of the tornado with comments by witnesses. This video was put together by Lynne Amsden. At 8 p.m., there will be a screening of the television program with interviews of survivors. This video is provided by Dwight Marsh, who was interviewed. Dwight’s father, Rutland High School Principal Donald Marsh, was killed, as well as a student on that fateful day. Photos and other memorabilia from the tornado will be displayed.
The RHS will also celebrate the spirit of the community that came together to rebuild our town. Refreshments will be served.
Cornhole tourney
PAXTON — Join the Paxton Lions Club at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 11, for a Cornhole Tournament at 7 Saws Brewing Co., 112 Industrial Drive, Holden.
It will be a fun-filled day with cash prizes, raffles, food truck and, of course, adult beverages from the brewery. Live music from Paxton Crossing.
A few slots may be left for teams of two. Cost is $50 and can be paid by Venmo (@Paxton-LionsClub) or by contacting Sheryl Chapman at schap120@gmail.com. All proceeds go to the Paxton Lions Club charity account. Hope to see you there on June 11.
Historical Society cookout
STERLING — The Sterling Historical Society will hold its annual cookout from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, at the Museum and Barn, 7 Pine St. All are welcome, bring your neighbor, family and friends. Come experience this annual gathering. Also a great time to join the Society, be a part of history and learn the amazing history of Sterling Past. It’s renewal time for membership.
Rattle Root Farm tour
PRINCETON — The Wachusett Garden Club invites you to a tour of Rattle Root Farm with Joey Hersch to learn about a new Princeton Community Supported Agriculture. Rattle Root is at 89 Mirick Road, and the event will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 14.
Rattle Root focuses on no-till farming, how to use cover crops to enrich the soil and suppress weeds, and the intricacies involved in organic farming. Participants will see their newly planted perennial and herb gardens. Their goal is to regenerate topsoil, improve biodiversity and produce nutrient- dense food for the community.
For more information on the farm, visit https://www.rattlerootfarm.com/.
Drawing birds at Gale
HOLDEN — Explore methods for drawing birds in both studio and field. Wildlife artist Barry Van Dusen will present Drawing and Sketching Birds at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 15, in the program room at the Gale Free Library, 23 Highland St. Van Dusen will discuss the value of keeping a field sketchbook and the techniques, challenges and opportunities involved with drawing wild birds outdoors. Next, he will offer a follow-along drawing demonstration, in which he discusses bird anatomy and structure, and tips for drawing various parts of the bird. He’ll end the demo with a start-to-finish drawing of a Carolina Wren, offering a detailed sequence of steps for creating a complete bird drawing. This program is for ages 16 and up. Registration required.
For more information about this program, or to register, contact the library at 508-210-5569, or galefreelibrary@gmail.com.
British Landscapes tour
WACHUSETT — Area residents are invited to join the Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce on a tour of England, Scotland and Wales. The tour runs from April 14-23, 2024. A travel information session with a preview of the trip’s itinerary will be held Tuesday, June 20, from 6 to 7 p.m. at The Manor Banquet Facility, 42 West Boylston St., West Boylston. The trip is open to all area residents.
Trip highlights include Edinburgh Castle, York, Chester, Llangollen, Wales, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford and London. The 10-day trip includes round-trip transportation to and from Logan Airport, roundtrip airfare, 13 meals, experienced tour guides and deluxe bus tours. The full trip itinerary is available on the Wachusett Area Chamber website: www.wachusettareachamber. org.
This trip is provided by the chamber in conjunction with Collette, a leader in group travel since 1918. Reservations are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact Jen Stanovich at the Chamber at 508-829-9220 or email: info@wachusettareachamber.org.
Boston trip
PAXTON – Space is still available on a trip to Boston on Tuesday, June 27, with area seniors and coordinator Bob Wilby.
The trip departs at 7:15 a.m. from the Paxton Senior Center, 17 West St. The first stop is the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for The US Senate for a onehour guided tour. Learn how the US Senate works, and the importance of the Electoral College. You will have two hours to visit this important site to our freedom and democracy.
Lunch is at the Cheesecake Factory in Cambridge. The group will be given a special menu with an entree, and, of course, cheesecake for dessert.
After lunch, board the Charles River Cruise Boat. On the river, participants will be able to view the skyline of Boston, Beacon Hill, the Esplanade, Back Bay, Boston University and MIT and various rowing boathouses. The trip on the Charles will take about 70 minutes.
There will be a little time for shopping at the Cambridgeside Gallery. Departure from Cambridge is 4 p.m., with plans to be back in Paxton by 5:30 p.m.
Cost of the trip is $108 per person. Reservations must be made by Friday, June 16, to Bob Wilby at 508-792-4662 or rwilby@charter.net. Checks should be made payable to Friends of Council on Aging (FOCOA) and mailed to 11 Tanglewood Road, Paxton, MA 01612.
Holden Days Aug. 26
HOLDEN — The Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Holden Days, a townwide celebration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. Now in its 43rd year, this annual event promises food, fun and entertainment for the entire family, as well as promotional opportunities for area businesses and organizations.
A sampling of this year’s activities includes free Main Stage musical performances, a kick-off parade, activities and demonstrations in the Kids Court, an auto showcase, and bandstand performances with local musicians. In addition, visitors can stroll through the Marketplace, which promotes area businesses and nonprofits, visit the Art Lot and Craft Corner, which spotlights local artisans and crafters, and enjoy breakfast and lunch at the Food Court.
Vendor applications are now available. To reserve a space, visit www. wachusettareachamber.org.
Paxton Garden Club
The Paxton Garden Club is going on a bus trip Sept. 9 to Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol, Rhode Island. The trip includes transportation, admission, private 90-minute tour of the gardens with Q&A, bagged lunch, and free time to explore the gardens, mansion and gift shop. Cost is $55 per person, with a $20 nonrefundable deposit due at signup. Space is extremely limited. For more information and to sign up, go to www.paxtongardenclub.com/bus-trip.
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.
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: 3-4 p.m. Tuesdays. Come to the library to do a collaborative puzzle with local crossword constructor Frank Virzi. No need to register. Puzzles, pencils and coffee provided.
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.
Summer Reading 2023: Summer Reading 2023 officially begins Tuesday, June 20. This program is an interactive and fun way to encourage children to continue reading during the summer. Youth ages birth to 18 years are invited to participate. Pre-readers can participate by being read to by a caregiver. Participants log their reading hours for a chance to win fun prizes in the library’s raffle. The first day to register and log hours is June 20. The last day to register will be Saturday, July 22, and the last day to log hours and enter tickets into the raffle will be Thursday, Aug. 10, by 8 p.m. All participants who log hours during the program will receive a book, made possible by the Friends of the Conant Public Library. Registration is required – please go to www.sterlinglibrary. org or visit the library to
register.
100 Books of Summer: Want to spend the summer soaking up some stories? The library challenges children and families to join us in the 100 Books of Summer Reading Challenge. Beginning Tuesday, June 20, stop by the Children’s Room to pick up a list of 100 of the library’sr favorite children’s books and start checking them out. Read all 100, or mix and match with some of your own favorites (remember, listening to books also counts), and turn in your completed list by Aug. 10th to earn a prize and a special recognition at the library.
Summer Reading Kickoff: Magic with Scott Martell. There’s magic in the air! Celebrate the beginning of summer in style with a fantastic show featuring Magician Scott Martell. You’ll be spellbound by dazzling tricks and surprising stunts — and of course, laugh a lot. Afterward, head next door to the library and check out some books to get your summer reading off to a great start. The show will happen at the First Church in Sterling on Wednesday, June 28, at 11 a.m. All ages; no registration required.
SterlingPages:AnIntergenerational 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 978-4226409 to ask about this exciting new program. Have fun and thank you in advance for your contribution.
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 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.
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 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.
The Friends of Richards Memorial Library book sale begins again on a monthly basis starting Saturday, June 10. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The lower level of the library will offer a selection of used books, DVDs and music CDs for adults and children. The Friends has spent the last year reconfiguring the lower level to provide the library staff with more space for storage and future projects.
Materials for sale will cost $1 for hardback books, 50 cents for paperbacks, DVDs and music CDs.
The Friends welcomes donation of books, DVDs and CDs for the sale, but can ONLY accept donations on the day of the sales. Additional sales will be held Saturday, July 8, and Saturday, Aug. 12.
ALL MONTH Drop-in Crafts for Young People Stick Together Community Poster – Countdown to Summer Reading! It’s like paint-by-numbers with small, square sitckers. Fun for all ages. The poster image will be revealed as more stickers are added.
Adult Book display: Rainbow Book Month EVENTS
Wooden Starfish Craft to Paint: For adults. Friday, June 9. Drop-in between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for this quick, seasonal craft.
Paxton Days: Saturday, June 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Local favorite and balloon twisting master Dave from Major Amusements. Plus: Summer Reading information. Location: Library tent at Paxton Days.
Friends of Richards Memorial Library Meeting: Thursday, June 29, 2 p.m. Share your skills and talents with the Friends group. Opportunities to volunteer for events, fundraising, book sale, and more.
Summer Reading Program for Children and Teens: Registration begins Tuesday, June 27. Get ready for “Find Your Voice,” a summer reading adventure filled with prizes, fun programs, a reading dog, puzzles, scavenger hunts, a community song and more. Special gift card raffle for teens. Details available at rmlpaxton.org/ summerreading.
Summer Reading Kickoff Concert: Thursday, June 29, 6:30 p.m. Local performer Rachael Cobb Douglas will lead us in singing traditional and original songs in this interactive concert outside on the library lawn (weather permitting; indoors if not). Geared to children ages 0-12 and their families, but all welcome.
Summer Reading Program for Adults: After a super successful summer reading program launch for adults last summer, the program returns. Drawing Dates: June 30 Dairy Queen; July 7 – Big Y; July 14 – Dairy Queen; July 21 – Panera; July 28 – Barnes & Noble; Aug. 4 – Summer Bonus Prize (TBD). Each day you check out books, you will be receive an entry ticket at the bottom of your checkout receipt. After the winner is drawn, we will start over, so come in often. You may win only one time this summer.
WEEKLY PROGRAMS Mondays: Ukulele Play Alongs (Virtual). 7-8 p.m. for teens and adults. Sponsor: Friends of Richards Memorial Library. Register for Zoom link & song sheets: bit.ly/40EKtZe.
Tuesdays: Drop-in LEGO Challenge. 3:304:30 p.m., June 13. Ages 5+ due to small parts. Take the challenge or build from your own imagination.
Wednesdays: Outdoor Story & Play Time. 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 14. Enjoy outdoor play and learning in the beautiful library yard. Sing, go on scavenger hunts, tell stories, play, and have fun. Music & Movement Storytime with Julie Stepanek: 10:30-11:15 a.m. June 21, 28 and July 5. March, stomp, sing, and stretch in these interactive storytimes for young children and their families.
Thursdays: Chess Time.
4-5:30 p.m. Thursdays, June 8 and 15. 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 treateachmonth.Optional In-Person Meeting: Wednesday, June 28, 4-4:40 p.m. for discussion and fun activities related to the book. June’s book:
Nat for Nothing by Maria Scrivan.
Teen Book Club (ages 12-17). Enjoy a book — and treats — each month. June’s book: Queen of the Tiles by Hanna Alkaf.
Ukulele Play Alongs ( virtual): Mondays, 7-8 p.m. for teens and adults. Register for Zoom link & song sheets: bit. ly/40EKtZe.
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.
Join other gents for a Happy Father’s Day
Breakfast Pizza Bar on Thursday, June 15, at 9:30 a.m.
Sell or shop at the FOSS Trunk Sale on Saturday, June 17, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the center. Vendors $20 per vehicle, call 978-4223032 or e-mail pdell@sterling- ma.gov for an application. Rain date June 18.
Christmas in July Lottery Tree! FOSS Fundraiser – $200 in scratch tickets to the lucky winner. Tickets on sale at the center. $1 per ticket, or $5 for six.
Join us for old time favorites – sing along to banjo, clarinet, guitar and harmonica with Paul and Paul Luria on Friday, June 23, at 1 p.m.
Phone Apps! What should I load? A DMC discussion on apps to entertain you, inform you, and save you time. 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 8. Open to ladies, too. You don’t have to be a Dull Man to attend Dull Men’s Club events.
Join the Chocksett Peer Leaders for an Old Time Game Day on Wednesday, June 14, at 11 a.m.
Make & Take Canvas Bags class with Karen. Free event includes all supplies. Friday, June 16, at 1 p.m. Reservations Required.
*NEW* 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.
Book Club will be discussing House Rules
by Jodi Picoult on Wednesday, June 21, at 12:30 p.m. Copies of the book, including large print, are available to borrow at the Senior Center.
Growing Places Pop-Up Market will be inside the center on Tuesday, June 13, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Therapeutic Chair Massage with Sherrill Sasser LMT, CAT on June 14 and 28. Call for reservation. $10 for 10-minute session.
Pancake Breakfast is on Friday, June 30, 7:30-9 a.m. Meet our special server, Anthony Trapasso of Halstead Insurance, Sterling. $4 suggested donation.
Fat Daddy’s Mobile Market will be at the center on Friday, June 30, 7:30-9 a.m. during the pancake breakfast.
Evening Mindful Meditation is on Mondays at 5 p.m. $5.
Pool tables are available Monday through Friday.
*NEW* 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.
Sign up for Foot Clinic May 25 and June 8, 22 and 29, or for Keep Well Clinic with Amy from VNA Care June 9.
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. Next meeting June 2.
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.
