New Paxton art show
PAXTON — The Paxton Senior Center, 19 West St., is sponsoring a new multimedia show in the COA dining room art gallery. Residents of Paxton are encouraged to submit their multimedia works including painting, pastels, photography, and texture/fabric artwork. The show will begin the end of February and continue until at least the end of April. For more information, contact Anita Fenton, art gallery coordinator, at 508-756-2833, the COA office.
Photography and fiber arts
RUTLAND — The combined Rutland “Then and Now” Photography Exhibit and the Fiber Arts Showcase are open for viewing at the Rutland Free Library, 280 Main St., during library hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. This event is sponsored by Mass Humanities, Rutland Events Committee and the Rutland Library. Thank you to Rutland community friends who loaned the photos and fiber arts for this program.
American Legion meeting, meat raffle
STERLING — There will be a regular meeting of the Hiram O. Taylor Post 189 of the American Legion on Monday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the post hall, 32 School St. American chop suey and bread at 7 p.m. All veterans welcome.
The Hiram O. Taylor Post 189 will hold a meat raffle at Eight Point Sportsmen’s Club, 147 Beaman Road, at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 10.
Holden Garden Club
HOLDEN — The Holden Garden Club’s next monthly meeting will be at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at The First Baptist Church, 1014 Main St., with parking on Maple Avenue, behind the church. Christine Paxhia will present “Peonies, Love of My Life.” Paxhia will offer a slideshow featuring many of the varieties of peonies available, while sharing her passion for these beautiful flowers. She is from the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association Speakers Bureau. Refreshments will be available, and the public is welcome.
For more information about the garden club, visit holdengardenclub.org.
Nominees sought
HOLDEN — The Holden Woman’s Club is accepting nominations for its Person of the Year Award. Nominees should be Holden residents from any walk of life, any age or gender. Previous recipients have included community volunteers, local business persons, town employees and teachers. All have made a significant impact on the quality of life in Holden.
A written description of the nominee’s accomplishments and merits should be sent by April 12 to HoldenWomansClubMA@gmail.com. Include your name and contact information with your nomination.
The recipient will be notified in May and will be honored at the annual meeting and luncheon on May 16. The Woman’s Club will make a donation to an organization of the recipient’s choice.
2024 Watershed Wednesdays series
Watershed Wednesdays is a series of evening talks held at the Wachusett Reservoir Headquarters, John Augustus Hall, 180 Beaman St., West Boylston. Division staff will share their knowledge about water conservation to bring communities in the watershed together for engaging conversations. Talks will take place one Wednesday each month, and are free. Program will be canceled if West Boylston Schools are closed. For questions, email Kathryn.Parent@mass.gov or call 617-352-4044. Below are a few of the upcoming talks. The full schedule can be found at https://www.mass.gov/doc/wachusett-watershed-wednesday-events-2024/download.
It’s flood season! Know your flood risk. 6:30-7:30 p.m. March 20. An interactive presentation by DCR’s Floodplain Management Specialist.
Macroinvertabrates. 6:30-7:30 p.m. April 17. Find out why we care about these aquatic creatures big enough to see without a microscope. Get your hands on samples to identify with Education/Outreach staff.
Paxton Garden Club
PAXTON — The next PMAGC business meeting is at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, in the Community Room at the Paxton COA. To view the agenda, past meeting minutes and proposed bylaw update, visit www.paxtongardenclub.com/about-usjoin/meetings-minutes. All are welcome.
Seminar: Preparing the Soil for Gardening. 6 p.m. Thursday, April 18, in the Community Room at the Paxton COA. Learn about soil structure, compaction, fertility, and pH, and learn how you can modify these qualities for a more successful garden from presenter Gretel Anspach, a trustee of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and a Lifetime Master Gardener with the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association. Free.
Kindergarten registration
Kindergarten registration is open for the 2024-2025 school year for the Wachusett Regional School District. Parents can register their children via the online registration portal at the following link: https://www.wrsd.net/for_parents/enrollment_forms.
Students are Kindergarten eligible if their birthday falls between Sept. 1, 2018, and Aug. 31, 2019.
License your dog
RUTLAND — 2024 Dog Licenses are now available. The 2024 dog tag is a Red Fire Hydrant voted on by the 2nd grade classes at Naquag Elementary. License your dog before March 31 to avoid late fees. The application can be filled out online at https://www.rutlandma.gov/317/Dog-Licenses, or compete the copy enclosed in you census (arriving soon). The license fee can be paid online at Unipay or by cash or check in the office/drop box in front of Community Hall.
Fee per dog if registered by March 31: Spayed/neutered, $10; intact, $15.
Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140 Section 137, all dogs 6 months or older must be licensed. Rutland bylaws require a license be obtained by March 31 each year.
Craft Fair vendor applications
STERLING — Applications are now being accepted for the annual Friends of the Conant Public Library Arts & Crafts Show, which features high-quality crafts and art. All items must be handmade.
The fair will be held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First Church in Sterling, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road. Thirty-five booths are available in three rooms.
The application deadline is May 1. Vendor spaces fill up quickly. The fair will be advertised online and in local newspapers. For an application, visit SterlingLibrary.org, click on “About,” then “Friends of the Library.” Printed applications are available at the front desk of the library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road.
For more information, email Beth Cyr at sterlingcraftfair@gmail.com.
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.
Book Bingo for Adults: A January to June Program. Book Bingo is a self-directed reading challenge for adults from Jan. 2 to June 1 with opportunities for prizes. Receive a raffle ticket for each Bingo you complete for chances to win a gift certificate to a local restaurant. No registration necessary; pick up your Bingo sheet at the circulation desk or view it at sterlinglibrary.org beginning Jan. 2 and find out all the details. Book Bingo is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
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.
Seed Library. The library has a collection of open-pollinated and heirloom seeds that you can choose from to plant and grow at home. The collection includes veggies, herbs and flowers. Come into the library and browse the seed card catalog. Then, come to the circulation desk to check out seeds. No need to return anything! If you happen to have extra seeds, share with a neighbor or a friend. The library does ask that you only take what you can use. For more information, call 978-422-6409. This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Conant Public Library. Begins Monday, March 4.
Toddler Storytime, Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; six-week session begins March 5. Enjoy stories, songs, and crafts with friends at the library. For children ages 18 months-3 years (siblings of other ages welcome but must be registered) with their caregivers. Registration required.
Card Making with Stamps. Adults are invited to the library on Monday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m. to decorate their own greeting cards using the library’s variety of stamps and colorful ink pads. Create lovely spring-themed cards to send to family and friends for Easter or just because. Registration required.
Science in Motion! Tuesday, March 5, at 2 p.m. at the 1835 Town Hall. Come to a fascinating and fresh display of the wonders of science presented by renowned comic Rob Rivest. Rob combines science, art, and comedy to create a highly entertaining and educational show. For all ages, registration preferred. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Sterling Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass. Cultural Council, a state agency.
Picture Book Club. 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 6. The club will read Bird Count by Susan Edwards Richmond. Come have fun with friends, read and discuss the book and a few more about our feathered friends. Children will also make birdfeeders so they can watch birds at home. 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 Volunteers. 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, March 6 and April 3. Teens seeking service opportunities can help with program preparation and keeping library materials in order. Come help out and get to know the library. Volunteers may also register to help out at these children’s programs: Science in Motion, How to Be Annoying, Paint Times, and Half Day Hoops. Registration required. Open to young people in grades 6-12.
Adult Craft: Knotted Rope Trivet. Make a simple trivet with sturdy rope to grace your table on Thursday, March 7, 1 or 6:30 p.m. Registration required.
Teen and Adult Crochet a Pocket Chick. Only one crochet stitch is needed to crochet this sweet little chick that fits in your pocket. You can customize it to make it your own. Join in at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 12. Open to adventurous crafters age 13 and older. Registration required.
Adult Coloring is back at the Conant Public Library – with a twist! Come in at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, to color beautiful mandala window clings. All supplies provided; no registration required.
Family Trivia Night, 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 18. Gather your closest friends and family to create your own super team and show off your collective knowledge. Registration required.
Sterling Library Presents: Postcards from the International Appalachian Trail. Join Sterling resident and International Appalachian Trail hiker Willard French as he tells tales of his hiking adventures at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, at the Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. The IAT follows the path of the International Appalachian-Caledonian Mountains across North America, Europe and Africa. Will’s journey spanned more than 2,000 miles, over 23 locations on three continents, with 16 trips spread over 15 years. Registration required. French was featured in The Landmark in October 2023.
Teen/Adult Paint Time: Snowy Owl, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20. Teens and adults are invited to paint along as the group creates a wintry landscape featuring a watchful owl. Ages 12 and older. Registration required.
Scrabble and Snacks. Love to play Scrabble, but have trouble finding opponents? Adults are invited to show off their wordsmithing skills at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 21, and 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 23. Snacks will be provided. No registration required.
Classics Book Club, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21. Discuss the novel Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Copies of the book will be available at the library. No registration required.
Choose Your Own Adventure Book Club, 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 25. For kids in grades 2 to 5. Do your kids enjoy book clubs, but struggle to finish the book on time with all their other commitments? If so, then the new Choose Your Own Adventure Book Club is for them. In this interactive book club, no advance reading is required. As we read R.A. Montgomery’s Race Forever aloud, attendees will decide where the story goes. After reading, there will be a race car craft. Registration required.
Half Day Hoops! 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, at the Sterling Senior Center. Kat Suwalski, founder of WildKat Hoops, will lead the group in her unique brand of joyful hula hooping. Dance, play, and exercise while learning to wield your hoop. Hoops provided. For ages 5-105; registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Fearless Book Club, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27. Come tackle a classic: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The club will also be looking at the graphic novelizations of the book — participants are encouraged to read those and/or the original. Books (original and adapted) will be available for checkout at the library. Registration required. Open to young readers in grades 6-12.
March Cookbook Club, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27. Travel around the world this month at the Cookbook Club. Sample recipes sample recipes from Ripe Figs by Yasmin Khan. Khan offers recipes and stories from Turkey, Greece and Cyprus, celebrating food and migration. Choose a recipe from the cookbook, prepare it at home, then bring it to the library to share with others. Cookbooks are available at the library for checkout. Let the library know which recipe you have chosen to avoid duplicates. Registration required.
Richards Memorial Library
PAXTON — The Richards Memorial Library is at 44 Richards Ave.
Reminders: The roof repairs have been delayed by the weather and temperatures. Updates will be posted on rmlpaxton.org. For winter weather cancellations, visit Rmlpaxton.org. When Wachusett Regional schools are closed or delayed, there are no morning programs at the library.
The library thanks Barre Savings Charitable Foundation for the grant to renew these museum passes: Old Sturbridge Village, the EcoTarium, and the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.
All holds must be picked up within one week of the notification. Contact the library if you need an extension.
Bring your library card when checking out books. Lost it? The library will replace it for free.
WEEKLY
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.
Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 a.m., Outdoor Story & Play Time. Join in for healthy outdoor play and learning in the library yard. Sing songs, go on scavenger hunts, tell stories, do snow art and experiment, and have fun.
Thursdays 3:30-4:30 p.m., Chess Time. All ages and skill levels 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 at 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.
Looking Ahead …
Creative Space for Teens: Pop Art Pet Portraits, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14. A new monthly series for ages 12-18.
Friends of Richards Memorial Library meets at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 28. The board of the Friends of Richards Memorial Library will not meet in February. Anyone interested in joining the board or attending the meeting is encouraged to come to the library.
Springtime Charcuterie. 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 11. CharcCUTErie_Woo is back by popular demand. Create a spring-themed charcuterie board. Enjoy an evening out, comedy included. Space is limited. Registration and upfront payment are required through the CharCUTErie_Woo link: http://tinyurl.com/RMLCharcute. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Friends of Richards Memorial Library.
Buck-a-Bag Book Sale, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16. $1 per bag. No donations, no exceptions. Recurs April 6. A FRML event. All proceeds benefit library programs.
Paxton Senior Center
PAXTON — The Paxton Senior Center is located at 17 West St. COA office is 508-756-2833.
Heart and Hands: Every Monday at 10 a.m. Enjoy knitting or crocheting on your own or a group project.
Coffee café: Every first Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., join us for coffee and treats and socialize.
Mindful Movement Class: Every Friday at 11 a.m. Enjoy an exercise class to increase your strength and balance. Donation $3.
Book Club: 11 a.m. March 11 to discuss current book of the month.
Veterans’ Group: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 13.
St. Patrick’s Day Party: 11 a.m. Thursday, March 14. Entertainment supplied by Dublin Down, followed by a tasty corned beef and cabbage meal. Reservations required, call by Friday, March 8.
Chair massage: Call the COA office to make an appointment for March 25 or 26.
Planning for the Future: 10 a.m. March 27. A panel of specialists will guide you on real estate issue, downsizing, and legal issues.
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. Closed Monday, Feb. 19. 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 reservation required. $3 suggested donation.
History Club will discuss Presidential Courage by Michael Beschloss at 9:30 a.m. March 7.
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.; Guys & Gals Fitness on Mondays at 10 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.
Sterling Strummers Ukulele Group meets for open strumming at 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26; Ukulele Club at 2 p.m. Thursdays. Beginner ukulele classes meet at 1 p.m. Thursdays.
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, Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m.; Mahjong, Thursdays at 1 p.m.; Knit & Crochet, Fridays at 9:30 a.m.
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.
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.
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. Goings On is compiled by Kristen B. Payson, editor.
