Paxton summer music series
PAXTON — The Paxton summer music series continues, with concerts every Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Paxton bandstand. July 27 – Paul Courchaine, www.facebook.com/paulcourchainemusic; Aug. 3 – ASB Band, www.ambientsojourn.com. Special thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council and Country Bank.
Legion meetings
STERLING —There will be two regular meetings in August of the Hiram O. Taylor Post 189 of the American Legion: Monday, Aug. 7 and Monday, Aug. 28. Both are at 7:30 p.m. at the post hall, 32 School St. American chop suey served on Aug. 7 and hot dogs and chili on Aug. 28. The 28th is the September meeting. E-Board at 6:30 p.m. All veterans welcome. Sterling Association drawing on the 28th.
Gale Free Library tour
HOLDEN — On Saturday, Aug. 5, from 10 a.m. to noon, come to the Gale Free Library, 23 Highland St., for a historic tour of the Damon Memorial building, home to the library. Local history librarian Nancy Richards will lead the tour, which will explore all levels of the building, as well as the outbuilding. Participants will also have the opportunity to ring the school bell, housed in the combination bell tower and clock tower. The rain date will be Saturday, Aug. 12. For more information, or to register, call 508-
Gale Free Library
HOLDEN — Events at the Gale Free Library, 23 Highland St.
Art Exhibit and Reception: This month, the library is featuring the watercolor paintings and cartoons of the late George Ludway. Ludway was a cartoonist and watercolor artist in Grand River, Ohio. After serving his country as a pilot during WWII, he returned home to practice and refine his talent as a full time artist. For many years after the war, he made his living by creating and selling cartoons to magazines like Field & Stream and The New Yorker. At 75, he began making watercolor paintings. He was self-taught and created works until he was 86, when he passed. George’s artwork is shared by his nephew and current resident of Spencer, photographer Vern McClish.
Adult Summer Reading Program: This year’s theme is “Go Anywhere with a Book!” Books can take you anywhere in the world. And with the assortment of books available — from hardcover and paperbacks to e-readers, CD audiobooks and the Libby app — you have the ability to take books almost anywhere, too. This summer, let your reading take you places by entering to win gift certificates from local businesses. An entrant will be chosen each week to receive a gift certificate from one of our fantastic local shops. For more information on how to participate, stop by the library or call 508-210-5569.
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. Summer hours (July and August) on Saturdays, the library is open 9 a.m. to noon. On Saturdays during the rest of the year, the library will be open 9 a.m. to 2 pm.
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.
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. Stop by the Children’s Room to pick up a list of 100 of the library’s 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. 10 to earn a prize and a special recognition at the library.
Adult Summer Reading: The annual Summer Reading Program begins Tuesday, Aug. 1, and will run through Thursday, Aug. 31. Check out adult reading materials (books or audiobooks) and receive a raffle ticket. Local businesses are offering wonderful prizes for the raffle. Open to adults ages 18-plus.
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.
Josie Marie book talk. The library welcomes Sterling author Josie Marie at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 31, as she discusses her book From God, Through Daisy: A Thirty-Day Devotional to Grow Your Awareness of God’s Presence in Simple, Everyday Moments. Patrons are welcome to come hear Josie speak and ask her questions. She will also be selling copies of her book. Registration required.
Masterpiece Monday: Wonderful Watercolors. From 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, July 31. Let your creativity flow like a river with this gently vibrant medium. All ages, no registration required.
LEGO Mania. Come to the library at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, for some brick building fun, including cooperative and individual minute-to-win-it challenges, then some free time to build whatever you like. For a special treat, you’ll even get to take some of the fun home with you. Open to children entering grades k-5. Registration required.
Open Mic Night. Calling all musicians, writers and poets ages 16 and older for an open mic night. Come and perform your original work or your favorites by someone else on Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Registration required.
Cutie Crochet. Youth ages 9 and older are invited to come learn simple crochet. Participants will work on basic crochet techniques, then work on creating one adorable amigurumi character. Wednesday, Aug. 2, at 5 p.m. Registration required.
Teen Volunteer Opportunities. Teens seeking service hours can help with program preparation and keeping library materials in order. Helpers are also needed to assist with children’s programming. Organized session Wednesday, Aug. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. Open to youth entering grades 6-12. Call the library to register or sign up via the calendar at sterlinglibrary.org; sign up to be a program helper or do craft preparation at other times in the Children’s Room. Registration required.
August Adult Craft. Thursday, Aug. 3, at 6:30 p.m. or Thursday, Aug. 10, at 6:30 p.m. Make ocean-themed beaded stem glass charms. These charms will be a fun way to jazz up your August celebrations. All supplies provided; registration required. Space is limited and priority is given to Sterling residents.
Big Trees of Massachusetts with Kevin Martin. Join Kevin Martin at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7, as he presents Big Trees of Massachusetts. Kevin will conduct a slideshow and discuss big trees in the area, including in the towns of Marlborough, Northborough, Shirley and Princeton. After the presentation he will be available to answer questions and his books will be available for purchase. Registration required. This program is sponsored by a grant from the Mass. Cultural Council, a state agency.
Scrabble and Snacks. Love to play Scrabble, but have trouble finding friends to play with? Adults are invited to secure new opponents and show off their wordsmithing skills on Thursday, July 27, and Tuesday, Aug. 15, at 1 p.m. Snacks provided. No registration required.
Richards Memorial Library
PAXTON — The Richards Memorial Library is at 44 Richards Ave.
The Friends of Richards Memorial Library book sale is back on a monthly basis. The next sale is Saturday, Aug. 12. 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.
Friends of Richards Memorial Library Meeting: Thursday, July 27, 2 p.m. Please share your skills and talents with the Richards’ Friends group. Opportunities to volunteer for events, fundraising, book sale, and more. Make a difference in our community.
Find Your Voice: Collage Art for Tweens & Teens: Friday, July 28, 2-3. Explore different collage techniques using decorative paper, magazine cutouts, torn pages and pages from discarded books. PLUS mixed media (Sharpies, Tempera paint sticks). No experience needed. Drop in, no registration. For ages 8 and older.
Find Your Voice Celebration Concert with Julie Stepanek: Tuesday, Aug. 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m. All ages. Celebrate the end of Summer Reading with this all-ages, participatory music program. Supported in part by a grant from the Paxton Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass. Cultural Council.
Summer Reading Program for Children and Teens: “Find Your Voice” is 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.
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.
YOUTH BOOK CLUBS – Registration required. Visit the rmlpaxton.org tween and teen pages for more information and to register.
Teen Book Club (ages 12-17). Enjoy a book — and treats — each month.
Ukulele Play Alongs (virtual): Mondays, 7-8 p.m. for teens and adults. Register for Zoom link & song sheets: bit.ly/40EKtZe.
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 required. $3 suggested donation.
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. Drawing July 28 during Pancake Breakfast.
History Club will discuss The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 3.
Art display by Larry Schuyler. On display at the Senior Center throughout July and August.
Van Trip – Join us or meet us there! Music at the Gazebo on Aug. 9. Call to reserve your seat on the van, or for meet-up info.
Pancake Breakfast, Friday, July 28, 7:30-9 a.m. Meet our special servers JoAnn Griffin from CMDART and Kelly Jones, Sterling Animal Control Officer. $4 suggested donation. Fat Daddy’s Mobile Market will be at the Center on Friday, July 28, 7:30-9 a.m. during the pancake breakfast.
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.
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.
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