Rutland events
RUTLAND — Earth Day Cleanup. In honor of Earth Day, the Rutland Events Committee is hosting a roadside clean up from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 20 (two days before Earth Day). The Committee will provide designated bags and gloves to individuals or groups who commit to picking up litter on specific roadways. DPW will pick up the designated bags after noon. Pizza will be provided on the common at noon to all who participate. Rutland residents can sign up here: https://forms.gle/gNwoMctzwTPtz1zs5. For more information, email the volunteer committee at rutlandeventstor@gmail.com.
The Rutland Events Committee is hosting a Community Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at the Rutland Community Center,t 53 Glenwood Road. Representatives from Rutland town committees, departments, school PTO’s, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Public Works, Emergency Departments, and more have been invited. Members of the Rutland community can come to see all the great aspects of the town and learn how they can contribute. Rutland organizations and departments can register for the fair here: https://forms.gle/vynTNBmXCFwR6Hw49. For more information, email the volunteer committee at rutlandeventstor@gmail.com.
Pulling 4 Paws
PRINCETON — NEADS World Class Service Dogs, based in Princeton, is looking for teams and sponsors to take part in the NEADS Pulling 4 Paws Truck Pull on Sunday, April 28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Polar Park in Worcester. Teams of 15 will put their strength to the test to see who can pull an 18-wheeler the fastest. Already onboard as sponsors are presenting sponsor RAWZ Natural Pet Food; Polar Beverages; Abaris Financial Group; Morgan Stanley; and D’Ambrosio Eye Care.
The entry fee is $500, with a recommended fundraising goal of $2,500. The number of teams who can participate is limited. To learn more, or to sign up a team, go to https://neads.org/event/pulling-4-paws-neads-truck-pull-2024/. Local brands can become an event sponsor https://givedirect.org/neads/pulling-4-paws/.
Paxton Earth Day trash collection
PAXTON — The town’s annual weeklong Earth Day trash collection will take place Monday, April 22, through Wednesday, May 1. Join your fellow neighbors to make Paxton litter-free.
Visit the Pick It Up, Paxton website to learn all the details, including the dumpster location: https://sites.google.com/view/pick-it-up-paxton/home.
Volunteer for Cleanup: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5EyXYUJWGAS1NHM6pyEYHjQ4lKP60qGBloFR2n5qmKpgoaQ/viewform.
Rutland Townwide Yard Sale
RUTLAND — Sign up now for Rutland’s 28th annual Townwide Yard Sale. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27, rain or shine.
There will be no mailed flyer this year. Sign-up flyers will be posted around town. Your yard, $25; town common, $30. To sign up, contact Ben at Rutlandyardsale@gmail.com or call/text 774-535-1295.
Watershed Wednesdays
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. The full schedule can be found at https://www.mass.gov/doc/wachusett-watershed-wednesday-events-2024/download.
Climate resiliency. 6:30-7:30 p.m. May 15. Hear how changes in climate change the way storms and hazards impact natural, cultural, and recreational resources from DCR’s director of climate resilience.
Paxton Garden Club
PAXTON — 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.
Bottle and can drive
STERLING —Sterling Boy Scout Troop 1 and Cub Scout Pack 34 will hold a bottle and can drive from 8 a.m. until noon Saturday, April 27, in the Sterling Municipal Light Department garage parking lot.
Sterling Grange Sesquicentennial
STERLING — Sterling Grange is celebrating its 150th Anniversary with a public supper and program at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, green beans, tossed salad, bread, cake and ice cream will be served. A brief history of the Grange will be presented by the Massachusetts State Grange historians, Amber and Randy Vaill. Music from The Sterling Strummers will conclude the festivities.
Admission is $15 for adults, $8 for children 6-12, and free for children 5 and younger. Reserve a seat by calling 508-886-2341 or emailing your name and number of tickets to sterlinggrange53@gmail.com.
Princeton Arts Society spring show
PRINCETON — The Princeton Arts Society’s spring show and sale, “Euphoria,” is the perfect opportunity to view inspiring works of art and perhaps add a piece to your personal collection.
The show and opening reception will be held at the Princeton Community Center, 206 Worcester Road (Post Office Place). The events are free.: Friday, May 3, 6-8 p.m., opening reception; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5.All work is by the society’s members. The show includes works in oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, photography, and more.
The Princeton Arts Society is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization encouraging and supporting area visual, literary and performing artists. For more information, visit www.princetonarts.org or visit the Princeton Arts Society on Facebook.
American Legion
STERLING — The regular meeting of the Hiram O. Taylor Post 189 of the American Legion will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 6, at the post hall, 32 School St. Hamburgers and salad at 7 p.m. All veterans welcome.
Post 189 will hold a ham and potato supper at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at the First Church in Sterling hall. Take-out available. $12 donation requested. For tickets, contact Jerry Boynton at 978-870-3005, Ed McNamara at 508-612-7704, Everett Pierce at 978-400-6794, or Joe Chiaravalloti at 978-870-0575. Jerry will be available at Post Hall May 3, 10 and 17 for tickets from 10 a.m. to noon.
Mother/Daughter bridal gowns plus a WWII Love Story On May 11th, 1-4PM, at the Wood House, 232 Main Street.
RUTLAND — The Rutland Historical Society is hosting a display of Mother/Daughter Bridal Gowns, plus a WWII Love Story, from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Wood House, 232 Main St. The display will include several mother/daughter wedding gowns, two of which are the same dress worn by both generations, a grandmother, 1887, and a granddaughter, 1950, wedding gown from Rutland; grandmother-in-law/granddaughter-in-law dresses, a grandmother dress, 1937, and her two granddaughter’s gowns. The display will also have a wedding gown, bridesmaid gown and flower girl dress all donated from our members.
The WWII Love Story is from the parents of one of our members. On display will be her gown, veil, cake topper, going away dress, trousseau and more, as well as letters to her WWII sweetheart and letters to her parents as a new bride away from home for the first time.
The event is free. Refreshments will be served.
Gale Free Library
HOLDEN — Gale Free Library, 23 Highland St., is offering the following programs:
Learn to play the ukulele, 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 24. Want to try a musical instrument that is fun and easy to play? Join in as Julie Stepanek shows the fundamentals of ukulele playing. For age 16 and older, no experience necessary. Ukuleles will be provided. For more information, or to register, contact the library at 508-210-5569, or galefreelibrary@gmail.com.
Beginning Watercolor Workshop, 6 p.m. Thursday, April 18. Bronwyn Teixeira, who is displaying her artwork at the library during April, will offer this watercolor workshop. Bronwyn will be guiding the group in painting a watercolor landscape. Come for detailed instructions, as well as insight into Bronwyn’s favorite papers, brushes, books, techniques and more. All supplies included. Registration required. For more information, or to register, contact the Library at 508-210-5569, or galefreelibrary@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 sponsored by the Friends of the Conant Public Library.
International Snack Bags. Kids of all ages are invited to the library starting Tuesday, April 16, to pick up an International Snack Bag. Snack bags include snacks from another country as well as facts and book recommendations about the chosen country. Where will we travel to next? Open to kids of all ages while supplies last; no registration required.
Paint by Sticker, 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 18. Kids of all ages are invited to stop by the library to paint by sticker. Painting by sticker is a fun, no-mess activity that results in a beautiful mosaic. No registration required, available while supplies last.
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. Tuesday, April 23. Snacks provided. No registration required.
Fighting Spring Allergies, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18. Join us as Meri Jo Bierig, LSW, Nutrition Response Testing Practitioner and Certified Whole Health Educator from Health Unlimited in West Boylston, presents some natural ways to mitigate seasonal allergies this spring. Registration required.
Write Time, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 24. Like to write? Come meet with others who do, too. Have fun generating ideas through brainstorming games and freewriting. Let’s encourage each other to write something wonderful. This month’s meeting will also offer writers a chance to contribute to the National Poetry Month bulletin board. If desired, writers may bring a short poem to share. Open to young writers ages 9-14; registration required.
April Cookbook Club, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 24. Sample recipes from Piecemeal by Kathryn Pauline. Piecemeal offers 120 recipes built on 30 main components, each taking anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes to make. Choose a recipe from the cookbook, prepare it at home, then bring it to the library to share. Cookbooks are available at the library for checkout. Let the library know which recipe you have chosen in order to avoid duplicates. Registration required.
Virtual Program: Author Heather Wolf Discusses Find More Birds: 111 Surprising Ways to Spot Birds Wherever You Are, 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 24. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library and in partnership with a multitude of MA libraries. Join the program on Zoom as part of the celebration of Earth Month. Author Heather Wolf will discuss her latest book, Find More Birds: 111 Surprising Ways to Spot Birds Wherever You Are. Registration required; register at sterlinglibrary.org, where you will receive the Zoom link.
Adult True Crime Book Club, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25. Do you love a true crime thriller? Come join fellow true crime enthusiasts for a deep dive into a book, this time into Lost Girls by Robert Kolker, which is one of Slate’s Best Nonfiction Books of the Past 25 Years. Kolker provides a literary account of the lives and presumed serial killings of five Craigslist prostitutes, whose bodies were found on the same Long Island beach in 2010. Based on the New York Magazine cover story. No registration required. Books will be available at the circulation desk.
Choose Your Own Adventure: The Magic of the Unicorn, 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 29. Do your kids enjoy book clubs, but struggle to finish the book on time with all their other commitments? If so, the new Choose Your Own Adventure Book Club is for them. Kids in grades 2 to 5 are invited, no advance reading required. As we read Deborah Lerme Goodman’s The Magic of the Unicorn aloud, attendees will have multiple opportunities to decide where the story goes. After the story, participants will make their own good-luck talismans. Registration required.
Homeschool Art and Fun: Fairy Houses and Gnome Homes, 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 30. Come join other homeschoolers to make fairy houses and gnome homes. Using a multimedia approach, children will fashion their own home for tiny friends. The library will provide all the materials for this open-ended activity. For ages 6-16 (parents are encouraged to stay with our youngest children). Registration required.
Fit Lit Book Club, 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 30. Enjoy a fun book discussion while also getting some exercise. The library’s Fit Lit Book Club will meet at the Cider Mill entrance of the Sterling Rail Trail (weather permitting). Participants should read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig prior to the walk. We will enjoy a discussion of this No. 1 best-seller that explores the choices that go into a life well lived. Books are available at the library for checkout. No registration required.
Richards Memorial Library
PAXTON — The Richards Memorial Library is at 44 Richards Ave.
Reminders: For weather cancellations, visit Rmlpaxton.org. When Wachusett Regional schools are closed or delayed, there are no morning programs at the library.
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.
All Month:
Adult Book Display: April Showers Bring May Flowers
Drop-in Crafts for Youth: Spring-themed community mural. Sponsored by the Friends of Richards Memorial Library.
Scavenger Hunt: complete a hunt and earn a small prize. April 16-May 1: Poem Scavenger Hunt. Sponsored by the Friends of Richards Memorial Library
April is National Poetry Month. Drop by in April to create “Blackout Poetry” by blacking out words from old book pages to create something new.
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. No LEGO April 16 due to April Vacation Week.
Wednesdays 10:30-11:15 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. May move inside during inclement weather; check website for updates. No Story & Play Time April 17 due to April Vacation Week.
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. April’s book: Wildful by Kori Kurimoto.
Ready, Set, Grow: Seed of the Month Club. April: Provider Bean. One packet per person, available when you check out an item; no holds or reserving; while supplies last. Sponsored by the Friends of Richards Memorial Library.
Plant for Pollinators. Drop in 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20. Choose from a variety of native seeds beloved by pollinators and plant them in pots to take home. Tour the small library butterfly/pollinator garden for inspiration. Learn about the benefits of native plants. In collaboration with the Paxton Garden Club.
Pick It Up Paxton: Visit the library for gloves and bags. Then head outside to help pick up litter in the center of town. Bags and gloves generously provided by the Paxton Garden Club.
Friends of Richards Memorial Library meeting. 2-3 p.m. Thursday, April 25. Anyone interested in joining the Board or attending the meeting is encouraged to come to the library.
Resin Art Necklace with M&J Creations. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27. For adults and teens with an adult. Mel of M&J Creations guides participants through the creation of a resin art necklace. Bilingual instructor (English and Spanish). Registration open to Paxton residents only through April 20; any available spots will be opened after April 20. Registration required: Tinyurl.com/RMLPaxResin.
Wingmasters. 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 4. Wingmasters presents an educational program with live birds of prey which have been rescued and rehabilitated by the Wingmasters. Program begins promptly at 11 a.m.; late arrivals may have delayed entry, due to the nature of this program (live birds of prey). Thank you for your cooperation. Registration is currently limited to Paxton residents due to limited seating. Non-Paxton residents should check back after April 23 for availability.
Audience: Adults, tweens, and children age 6 and older (per the Wingmasters). This program is supported in part by a grant from the Paxton Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.” Registration required: Rmlpaxton.org/RMLWing.
Paxton Senior Center
PAXTON — The Paxton Senior Center is located at 17 West St. COA office is 508-756-2833.
Mindful Movement Class starts Friday, April 5, and subsequent Fridays at 11 a.m. Increase strength and balance. Donation $3.
A Musical Journey Through the Years, 11 a.m. Thursday, April 18. Join singer/entertainer Tommy Rull on a walk down memory lane with the music of Sinatra, Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers, Paul Anka, Barry Manilow, Elvis, Perry Como and more. He is a skilled performer who has appeared throughout the U.S., Europe and Canada. A COA complimentary lunch will be served. Reserve by April 16 at 508-756-2833. Sponsored by a grant from the Paxton Cultural Council.
Card Making Workshop, 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 23. Carol will share techniques for color, cuts and layers to create your choice of beautiful cards for birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Cost for the workshop is $5 for all materials. To reserve a spot, call 508-756-2833.
Chair Massage at 10 a.m. Monday, April 29, and 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 30. Appointments must be made in advance; call 508-756-2833.
Spring Art Show. Paxton residents Charles Belisle, Anita Fenton, Ann McDougle, Carol Morin, Cheryl Rossier and Robert Thorn will exhibit artwork composed of mixed media such as acrylic, watercolor and oil paintings, ink drawing, and textiles in the Senior Center Art Gallery. The show will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and continues until the end of May. Come vote for Best in Show.
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 April 15 in observance of Patriots Day. Early close at 12:30 p.m. April 19.
Congregate lunch is served daily at 11:30 a.m. No reservation required. $3 suggested donation.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater on Thursday, April 25, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 each and available in advance at the Senior Center reception desk. This 3-hour event includes a meet and greet with the cast, dinner, a mystery to solve, prizes, and lots of laughs.
History Club will discuss Killing Witches by Bill O’Reilly at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 2.
Growing Places Pop-Up Market will be inside at the Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 14.
The Office of State Sen. Peter J. Durant will host district office hours at the Sterling Senior Center from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14. Residents are invited to stop by.
Join us for Earth Day on Monday, April 22: At 11:15 a.m. and through lunch, enjoy music from John Riley. At 11:30 a.m., Tim will be grilling burgers for lunch. At 12:30 p.m., we’ll have a nature-inspired Make & Take. Reservations required only for the Make & Take ($5).
Pancake Breakfast, Coffee with a Cop and Fat Daddy’s Market, 7:30-9 a.m. Friday, April 26.
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.
Pickleball returns outside on Mondays and Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. No signup required. All abilities welcome.
Sterling Strummers Ukulele Group meets for open strumming at 3 p.m. Monday, April 22; 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 1 p.m.; Rummikub, Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m.; Wii Bowling, Wednesdays, 1 p.m.; Acrylic painting, Thursdays at 12:30 p.m.; Mahjong, Thursdays at 1 p.m.; Knit & Crochet, Fridays at 9:30 a.m.
No Caregiver Program in April. Please check for a new day and time in May.
Parkinson’s Support meets at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, in person and via Zoom.
Sign up for Foot Clinic (April 17) or Chair Massage with Sherrill (April 24).
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.
