Festival of Trees
RUTLAND — The Rutland Historical Society’s 22nd annual Festival of Trees begins Friday, Dec. 1, with a concert by the Merrimack Valley Bell Ringers at 7:30 p.m. and a Brownie Social to follow at the First Congregational Church, 264 Main St.
On Saturday, Dec. 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Rutland Library, 280 Main St., there will be activities for all to enjoy, including decorated trees, gingerbread houses, a basket drawing, a visit with Santa, and Santa’s Sweet Shoppe. At 6 p.m. at the church, there will be holiday music and a reading of names in remembrance and celebration of loved ones, followed by the 33rd annual Tree Lighting at 6:30 p.m., with a fantastic fireworks display immediately afterward. On Sunday, Dec. 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the library, the festival will include a visit with Santa, train rides, children’s craft activity, and a magician. Food trucks will be on site to please your appetites.
Christmas trees
RUTLAND — The Rutland Lions Club is selling Christmas trees behind Cornerstone Bank on Main Street. Hours are Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and weekdays 3 to 7 p.m. All profits benefit community service projects and Lions charities.
Join the Holden Parade of Lights
HOLDEN — Holden’s Parade of Lights, 2023, brought to you by the Holden Recreation Department and the Holden Fire Department, will roll out at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. The parade route will start at Wachusett High School and travel down Main Street, concluding at 18 Industrial Drive (DPW).
If you are an organization, business, or Holden town resident and would like information about entering a lighted float, truck or a Jeep, go to https://holdenma.myrec.com/info/default.aspx.
Join in for a night with festive lighted floats, trucks and Jeeps to celebrate this holiday season.
Sterling open house
STERLING — The Sterling Historical Society is holding its annual Christmas Open House on Sunday, Dec. 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. The open house will be at the museum, 7 Pine St., on the corner of Maple and Pine. Save the date. All are welcome; bring a friend, or your neighbor.
The event will offer holiday food and beverages. Bring your happy face. The society is looking forward to seeing you there. For more information, call 978-422-6139 or email info@sterlinghistorical.org.
Wachusett Reservoir events
Programs are free and open to the public. Dogs and domestic animals are prohibited on watershed lands. Reasonable accommodations are available upon advance request.
Sundays hikes in November and December, starting at 10 a.m. Get to know the Wachusett Reservoir with this series of hikes to rewarding shoreline views of this pristine drinking water supply. Hikes will be at a slow pace. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water. Hikes may be canceled or modified due to weather. To check on hike status, call 617-352-4044 or email Kathryn.Parent@mass.gov. Dogs are not allowed on water supply protection lands.
Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-noon. Meet at Wachusett Reservoir Gate 22, Rt 140, West Boylston. GPS address 167 Temple St., West Boylston. About 2.5 miles roundtrip.
Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-noon. Meet at Wachusett Reservoir Gate 8, intersection of Cross Street and Route 70, Boylston. About 3 miles roundtrip.
Dec. 17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet at Wachusett Reservoir Gate 35, intersection of Route 110 and Chace Hill Road, Sterling. About 4 miles round trip.
Christmas Tree and Wreath sale
STERLING — Boy Scout Troop 1 Sterling will be holding its annual Christmas Tree and Wreath sale again this year. The sale will be held in the center of town. Sale hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. There may even be a visitor from the North Pole on Friday night. Thank you for your continued support.
Holiday Greens Sale
STERLING — The Sterling Garden Club’s Holiday Greens Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 2, at the 1835 Town Hall, 31 Main St. The creative talents of club members will be on full display with locally produced holiday/seasonal greens to decorate your home, office or business. Items will include wreaths, kissing balls, and a variety of table arrangements.
You can pre-order items with your preferred color scheme by contacting Angela at 508-843-1511 by Nov. 24. Talk with her about the items(s) you want and your preferred color scheme. Members will take it from there to provide fresh, beautiful pieces for you. For more information, visit https://sterlinggardenclub.wixsite.com/1934.
Holden Garden Club
HOLDEN — The Holden Garden Club will hold its next monthly meeting at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Holden Senior Center, 1130 Main St. Betsy Szymczak will present “Christmas at the White House.” Attendees will hear about what it takes to decorate such a large house in its public and private areas. Betsy has some wonderful photos taken during her visit to the White House in December 2016. Refreshments will be available. For more information about the garden club, visit www.gcfm.org.
Small Works & Holiday Marketplace
PRINCETON — The Small Works & Holiday Marketplace will be held Fridays, Dec. 1 and 8, from 6-8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Princeton Senior & Community Center, 206 Worcester Road.
Come browse, shop and enjoy hundreds of fine art and artisan-made, affordable holiday gift items made by members of the Princeton Arts Society. Small wall art in many media available, as well as jewelry, cards, prints, ornaments, fabric items, original books, bags, ceramics, woodworking and more. Support local artists. The Princeton Arts Society is a nonprofit organization promoting the arts in Central Massachusetts through programs, events, and shows.
Living Nativity
RUTLAND — A Living Nativity will be held at Mesa Farm in Rutland, 67 Muschopauge Road, on Dec. 9 and 10. Two performances will be held each evening, at 4 and 5:30 p.m. The Sunday performances will have sign language interpretation. The 40-minute show consists of carol singing and a narration and reenactment of the Nativity story in a barn with live animals.
There is no charge, although attendees are requested to bring a plate of cookies to share and will have the opportunity to give donations to support equestrian programs at Mesa Farm through the nonprofit City to Saddle organization. Hot chocolate and coffee will be provided.
For directions and more information, visit www.mesafarmrutland.com or call 508-886-6898.
Paxton calendars
PAXTON — The Paxton Historical Commission is selling calendars containing 12 archival monthly photos from Paxton’s past. Calendars are available at the Paxton Marketplace and the Senior Center and cost $10. Profits from calendar sales over the past decade helped the commission to purchase a large historic sign commemorating the life of Maj. Willard Moore, Paxton’s hero from the American Revolution.
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. For programs that require registration, visit sterlinglibrary.org or call 978-422-6409.
Fit Lit Book Club. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5. Enjoy a fun book discussion while also getting some exercise. Participants should read Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, then meet at the Food Court of the Whitney Field Mall at 7 p.m. Enjoy a discussion of this charming, witty novel with a deep exploration of friendship while enjoying a nice walk. Books are available at the library for checkout. No registration required.
Picture Book Club. 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6. The club will read Imogene’s Antlers by David Small. Come have fun with friends while we read and discuss that book and a few more, play a game or two, and create festive antlers. Books can be checked out at the library (participants do not need to bring their copy to the meeting). Registration required. Open to children in grades k-2.
Teen Advisory/Volunteer Night. 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6. Hey, teens: The library wants your ideas and your skills. Come let the library know how to best serve middle- and high school-age patrons. What kind of programs and materials would you like to see? This quick meeting will be followed by a teen volunteer night, which offers young people the opportunity to help create displays, prepare for programs, and keep library materials in order. Open to youth in grades 6-12. Registration required.
Marshmallow Dreidels and More. 4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, for children age 5 and older. Learn how to play the classic Hanukkah game of dreidel. Participants will each receive a dreidel and some chocolate gelt to play with and to bring home. They will also make their own edible dreidels using marshmallows. Registration required.
Afternoon and Evening Holiday Cookie Swaps. 1 and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12. Bake seven dozen of your favorite cookies — some to enjoy during the exchange and others to pass out for later. Participants are asked to bring 14 loose cookies to sample during the program and 14 packages of 5 cookies to hand out to others. Registration required. Call 978-422-6409 to register, get more details, and let the library know which type of cookie you will bring to ensure a wide variety.
Holiday Storytimes. 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 18, and Tuesday, Dec. 19. Enjoy holiday books, songs, and a craft that celebrates the season. For ages 18 months to 6 years with caregivers. Registration required.
Parents’ Time Out Book Club. 12:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18. Bring a lunch (or just join in for tea) and come chat about a good book. Reading Comfort and Joy by Kristin Hannah. Books will be available to check out at the library. No registration required.
Chapter Chatter Book Club. 4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, discuss the first book in the Last Kids on Earth series by Max Brallier. Ever since the monster apocalypse hit town, average 13-year-old Jack Sullivan has been living in his tree house, which he has armed to the teeth with catapults and a moat. Now Jack has assembled a team to take on the eerily intelligent monster known as Blarg. Will they succeed in their mission? Children in grades 2-5 are invited to the library to discuss the book and create their own personal monster apocalypse survival guides. Participants should have read the book before the meeting and bring the book with them; copies will be available at the library. Registration required.
Cross Stitch Candy Canes. 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18. In the market for a snazzy new bookmark for all of your holiday reading? If so, this craft is for you. Adults are invited to create cross stitch candy canes. They also double as fun ornaments. Registration required.
Richards Memorial Library
PAXTON — The Richards Memorial Library is at 44 Richards Ave.
Did you know … 100% of the proceeds from the Friends of Richards Memorial Library membership drive and events pay for library programming and crafts? Similar to other libraries, our engaging community events are not funded by our town budget, so we rely on your continuing and generous support to bring you a wide variety of programming for all ages and interests.
Events
Canvases for 2nd Annual Mini Art Show by Humans, available through Dec. 19 (during open hours). Pick up your entry form and two canvases (per person, all ages) through Dec. 19. Canvases are due back Dec. 20 for the second annual Mini Art Show by Humans. No need to reserve ahead. The artwork will be on display at the library in January and February 2024.
Treasures & Fabulous Finds, Saturday, Nov. 18, through December or until sold out. A Friends of Richards Memorial Library Fundraiser. Variety of new, hand-crafted, unique and gently-used Retro and vintage items, craft kits for tweens & teens, reasonably priced.
Friends of the Library monthly meeting, 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30. Have an idea for programs? Want to help stuff envelopes? Volunteer or coordinate our volunteers at the book sales? Please join us!
Kidding Around Yoga, 10-11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 1. Little ones learn basic poses with music and movement and literacy incorporated throughout. For young children and their caregivers. Thank you to Community Connections (wachusettcfce.com) for this program.
Charcuterie Workshop with CharCUTErie Woo, Tuesday, Dec. 5. A Friends of Richards Memorial Library Fundraiser. Includes: a palm leaf platter and board accessories, all the ingredients, step-by-step instruction on how to build your board. Bring your friends with you for a night of laughs, cheese and fun (must register). All registrations must go directly through CharCUTErie woo’s website link; the library cannot accept payment, registration or cancellations. Registration and upfront payment required. Space is limited. https://charcuteriewoo.com/event/the-friends-of-rml-fundraiser-workshop.
Mondays 7-8 p.m., Ukulele Play Alongs (virtual) with Julie Stepanek. For Teens and adults. Sponsored by the Friends. Register for Zoom link & song sheets: bit.ly/40EKtZe.
Tuesdays 3:30-4:30 p.m., LEGO Challenge. Ages 5 and older (due to small pieces). Join the building fun. Try a new challenge each week, or free build. Drop-in, no registration required.
Thursdays 4-5:30 p.m., Chess Time at the Library, Nov. 30. All ages welcome. Play, learn, and teach chess together. Other board games available.
Graphic Novel Book Club (ages 8-12): Receive a book and activity or treat each month. Optional in-person meeting the last Wednesday of each month, 4-4:40 p.m., for discussion and fun activities. Register now: rmlpaxton.org/tweens.
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. Closed Monday, Nov. 10, and 23. Early close at noon on Nov. 24.
Congregate lunch is served daily at 11:30 a.m. No reservation required. $3 suggested donation.
Winter Wonderland Open House. Music, appetizers and holiday treats. Music from Heather Marie (sponsored by Sterling Cultural Council). Sunday Dec. 3, drop in between 1 and 2:30 p.m. Not a seated event, no reservations required.
Special Holiday Jingo after regular Bingo on Monday, Dec. 4, at 1:45 p.m. Regular Bingo starts at 1 p.m.
Sterling Strummers Holiday Concert, 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Join us for old-time favorites, modern classics and more.
Make & Take a Holiday Centerpiece with Sterling Garden Club, 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8. $5. Signup required.
FOSS Cookie Sale and Craft Fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Get your holiday cookies and buy special hand-made local gifts.
Christmas Lights Van Tour, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12. Tour Sterling on the van and enjoy all the brightly lit homes. Reservations required.
Chocksett Peer Leaders Concert and Sing-a-Long, 1:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at the Senior Center.
The Sterling Strummers will be playing during the Recreation Department’s Pre-Holiday Light Tour drive-through on Friday, Dec. 15, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Get your house listing, enjoy a cookie and music before your own townwide light tour.
History Club will discuss Crooked by Nathan Masters at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. The Jan. 4 book will be The Wager by David Grann.
DMC presents Holiday Scams (and How to Avoid Them) with Ashley Grossi, fraud analyst, at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. All are encouraged to attend.
Growing Places Pop-Up Market will be inside at the center from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12.
Caregivers, please join the Caregiver Program. The center will run a supervised activity for your loved one as you attend the support group. Every first Friday of the month. Next meeting, 1-2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1.
Parkinson’s Support meets at 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 13 & 27, in person and via Zoom.
Sign up for Foot Clinic (Dec. 14 & 28) or Chair Massage with Sherrill (Dec. 13).
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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