PAXTON — The Paxton Garden Club has three seminars coming up.
Fall Plantings with Roger McGaughey: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 7, Paxton Public Safety Complex, 576 Pleasant St. Join us for a public seminar to learn why fall is one of the best times to plant. Learn the basics of creating a new garden bed and some of Roger’s tried and true gardening tips. Roger McGaughey is a retired professional horticulturist and chair of the Paxton Garden Club Community Service subcommittee. This event will be live streamed on WPAX-TV. Visit www.paxtongardenclub.com for more information and Roger’s bio.
Intro to Invasive Plants Management with Joe Johnson, MS: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, Richards Memorial Library, 44 Maple St. Joe will share his journey to understand and manage invasive plants. He will review the multitude of agencies and regulations and jurisdictions that make applying for help so complicated. Visit www.paxtongardenclub.com for more information and Joe’s bio.
Get to Know the Greater Worcester Land Trust: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9, Richards Memorial Library, 44 Maple St. Come learn about the Greater Worcester Land Trust and its mission to preserve and protect open space in Worcester County. Colin Novick, executive director, will especially focus on GWLT properties in Paxton. Visit www.paxtongardenclub.com for more information.
Community Garden Open House
HOLDEN — The Holden Community Garden is holding an open house and garden tour on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Gardens at 175 Highland St. All are welcome to tour the grounds, speak with your neighbors about their garden plots, enjoy the flower beds and herb gardens, and learn about new programs. The open house is free; light refreshments will be served.
Sterling Fair
STERLING — The Sterling Fair will be held Sept. 8-10, 2023, on the grounds of the Sterling Airport, 121 Greenland Road.
New in 2023 are speed painter Rob Surette and Animal Adventures Live Exotic Zoo, along with visitor favorites including horse and oxen pulls, farmer’s market, Gillette Midway, Exhibit Hall, Livestock Show, frog jumping, tractor pull, Perkins Belgian Horse Parade, food and craft vendors, fireworks, helicopter rides, and live entertainment.
For schedule updates as well as livestock and exhibitor entry forms, vendor information and tractor/horse/oxen pull entry guidelines, visit www.sterlingfair.org or Facebook @TheSterlingFair.
Grange serves tasty traditions at Sterling Fair
STERLING — Attendees of the Sterling Fair, Sept. 8-10 on the grounds of the Sterling Airport, 121 Greenland Rd., can start their day at the Sterling Grange tent for breakfast. Two pancakes, two sausages, and choice of two beverages (coffee, juice, milk, water) will be served on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 9 & 10, from 7 to 11 a.m. for $8, or a meal of one of each item will be $5. Maple syrup is being donated by Severance Maple Products of Northfield. On on Friday, Sept. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m., fairgoers can treat themselves to a strawberry or peach shortcake for $6.
Proceeds from these events will benefit the Grange Hall Renovation Fund and community service projects. For more information on these events or the Grange in general, email sterlinggrange53@gmail.com or call 508-886-2341.
Holden Bandstand series
HOLDEN — The 2023 Holden Bandstand series is concluding its summer run. The final concert will be held 5-7 p.m. Sept. 10, Slo Grass, acoustic American bluegrass, sponsored by the Holden Cultural Council. Concerts are held at 1130 Main St. In the event of rain, concerts will be held in the Senior Center.
Crocodile River Music
STERLING — Sterling Arts Collaborative is sponsoring an evening of African rhythms, movement and cultural exploration with Crocodile River Music at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, at the Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. Suggested donation is $5 for admission at the door. Internationally recognized, the group consists of members from Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and the U.S. Crocodile River Music’s mission is to connect audiences with African artists and cultures through performance and education. For more information on this and upcoming events, visit www.sterlingartscollaborative.org/events.
Sterling Arts Collaborative is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization located in Sterling, Massachusetts. The collaborative’s goal is to bring increased opportunities for the public, of all ages and abilities, to have art-related experiences in their lives.
Paxton calendars
PAXTON — The Paxton Historical Commission will again be selling calendars containing 12 archival monthly photos from Paxton’s past. Calendars will be available at the Paxton Marketplace and the Senior Center and cost $10. Profits from calendar sales over the past decade have helped the commission to recently purchase a large historic sign commemorating the life of Maj. Willard Moore, Paxton’s hero from the American Revolution.
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.
Gale Free Library
HOLDEN — 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., Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 pm.
Libby and CWMARS App Help. Interested in learning how to download free eBooks and eAudiobooks to your device? Schedule a one-on-one appointment with staff at the Conant Public Library to learn how to use Libby, a library reading app offering thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, and electronic magazines. Appointments to learn how to use the CWMARS app are also available. Call the library at 978-422-6409 to schedule an appointment.
Adult Writers’ Workshop: Short Memoir Essays: Everyone has a story to tell. Join in for a supportive writing workshop for adults. The workshop will look at the components of a memoir as participants try writing short memoir essays about their lives. The group will share writing each week with the other members of the group. Notebooks provided. This is a four-session series: Sept. 28, 1-2 p.m.; Oct. 26, 1-2 p.m.; Nov. 30, 1-2 p.m., and Dec. 14, 1-2 p.m. Registration is required.
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.
Sterling Pages: An Intergenerational 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 978-422-6409 to ask about this exciting program. Have fun and thank you in advance for your contribution.
Adult puzzles are available for checkout. The library has added adult puzzles to its 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.
September Adult Craft: Decoupage. Make a cute Welcome Fall decoupage sign for your doorway using a few simple materials on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Registration required. Sterling residents will be given priority in registration; after one week, open spots will be given to nonresidents in the order that they registered.
Parents’ Time Out Book Club. 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12. The Parents’ Night Out Book Club is flexing its schedule. Join us in the afternoon for tea and conversation. Reading The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. Books will be available to check out at the library. Take a break and join us! No registration required.
The Art of Good Nutrition. 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, in the Baker Room. Judy Palken, MNS, RD, LDN will get us thinking about good nutrition and give some evidence-based information on nutrition in understandable terms. Palken adores teaching nutrition and health classes, and adds her own twist by illustrating them with works of fine art, many by well-known artists. The second part of the class will include a smoothie making demo and tasting. Registration required. This program is sponsored by the Mass. Cultural Council, a state agency.
Adult No-Bake Cookie Butter Pie. Adults are invited to the library on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 1 p.m. to make a cookie butter pie to take home. All ingredients included, but bring a bowl and a large spoon for mixing. Registration is required. Sterling residents will be given priority in registration; after one week, open spots will be given to nonresidents in the order that they registered.
Adult Felting. Enjoy adult craft time at the library on Monday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. as instructor Laura Darrow teaches wet felting. Using soap and water, participants will create wet felted bowls. All supplies provided. Registration is required and begins Monday, Aug. 14, at 10 a.m. Sterling residents will be given priority in registration; after one week, open spots will be given to nonresidents in the order that they registered. Sponsored by the Friends of the Conant Library.
Scrabble and Snacks. Do you 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 Tuesday, Sept. 19, and Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 1 p.m. Snacks will be provided. No registration required.
Homeschool Community Meet and Greet. Come to the library from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, to meet other homeschooling families from Sterling or the area and the librarians who are eager to support you. Toys and games will be available for children while parents talk. Let’s discover together what programs the library can offer that would help support you the best. All ideas welcome. No registration required.
Classics Book Club. Join us at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, for the next meeting of the Classics Book Club. Discussing One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez. Copies will be available at the library. No registration required.
Wood Slice Owl Craft. Adults are invited to the library for a craft night at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25. The group will be making adorable wood slice owls to add to fall decor. Hang them on the wall or from a tree branch. All supplies provided. Registration required. Sterling residents will be given priority in registration; after one week, open spots will be given to nonresidents in the order that they registered.
September Cookbook Club. Discover low-effort meals with few ingredients as well as delicious desserts at the Cookbook Club. At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, sample recipes from I Dream of Dinner (so You Don’t Have To) by Ali Slagle and Bake by Paul Hollywood. Choose a recipe from either 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.
Youth Programs:
Teen Volunteer Night. Wednesday, Oct. 4, 6-8 p.m. Teens seeking service hours can help with program preparation and keeping library materials in order. Registration required. Open to young people ages 12-18.
Press “Paws” with a Therapy Dog. Wednesday, Sept. 13, 5:30 p.m. Come visit with Kristina Naiman and Quinn, the Therapy Dog. Say hello, hear a story or two and learn about how therapy dogs help out, and of course, take a “paws” to pet this very special canine. Open to kids 12 and younger; under 6 must have an accompanying caregiver. Registration required.
Chapter Chatter Book Club. On Monday, Sept. 18, at 4:30 p.m., discuss Dan Gutman’s Nightmare at the Book Fair. When Trip is knocked unconscious by a stack of books, he awakens as the main character in his own book — or is it several different constantly changing books? Children in grades 2-5 are invited to talk about Trip’s journey through many of the different genres of literature. Participants will talk about favorite types of books, and explore genres through games and activities. Participants should have read the book before the meeting and bring the book with them; copies will be available at the library. Registration required.
Preschool Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs, and crafts with friends at the library on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. Six-week session begins Sept. 18 (no meeting Oct. 9). For children ages 3-6 (siblings of other ages welcome but must be registered) with caregivers. Registration required.
Toddler Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs, and crafts with friends at the library on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Six-week session begins Sept. 19. For children ages 18 months-3 (siblings of other ages welcome but must be registered) with their caregivers. Registration required.
Babytime. The littlest readers and their caregivers will enjoy a story time created just for them. Children 0-17 months come together for lap reading, singing, signing, and play on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Baker Room. Sept. 20 and 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, and 25. Registration required.
MusicTime. Children and their grownups are invited to share music together with songs, dance, and instrument play. A 6-week session of MusicTime on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. begins Sept. 21. Registration required, open to children 18 months-5 years with caregivers.
Intergenerational Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20. The Intergenerational Book Club asks young people and an adult partner to read the same book and share their thoughts. September’s book, The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick, centers around a similar club, in which a group of reluctant middle schoolers reads Little Women; you may be inspired to check out that local classic, as well as this one, which features places some readers may recognize. While the main characters of the book are moms and girls, the book, aimed at ages 9 and up, is really about life with young teens and has universal appeal. Open to intergenerational pairs age 8 and up; registration required.
Sticker Swap. 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27. Come to the library on the WRSD half day and build your sticker collection. We will begin with a story or two about the art of the trade, and talk about why swapping can be useful. Then we will distribute stickers at random and let the trading begin. After a set time, you’ll hear a bell, get another set of stickers and begin another round of trading. Will you make a deal to get your perfect sticker? For children in grades 2-5. Registration required.
Write Night Story Club. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27. Do you like to write stories? Come meet others who do, too. Have fun generating ideas through brainstorming games and freewriting. If desired, writers may bring a page or two of their writing to share. Let’s encourage each other to write something wonderful. Open to young writers ages 9-14; registration required.
Memory Kits. The library has Memory Kits, collections 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.
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.
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.
Call for Crafters! Are you planning your annual fairs and events? Applications are now open for the SSC Annual Cookie Sale & Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 9. Visit the FOSS page on our website for an application form, or call 978-422-3032.
Farmers’ Market Coupon Books are available. Call Outreach for details and to see if you qualify.
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.
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.; 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.
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.
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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