RCAP Solutions offers a program for owners of private wells or septic systems. Subsidized through an EPA grant, the program allows RCAP Solutions to work with a limited number of homeowners. RCAP offers free, private well and septic system assessments to homeowners, including free water testing to private well owners.  This program is intended to educate owners of private wells and septic systems, and to help identify vulnerabilities and provide recommendations. If you want more information about this service, email the RCAP Massachusetts Manager Jim Starbard at [email protected].

Holden

• On December 9, Holden Town Manager Peter Lukes had the honor of swearing in Holden Police Chief Tim Sherblom as the president of the Central Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. According to the association’s website, the purpose of the association is to provide the heads of police organizations throughout Central Massachusetts with a means of meeting as a group to promote the development of effective law enforcement in Central Mass. and to aid in the education, professional development and welfare of its members while developing bonds of fraternity.

• Hope Lives Here (HLH) is seeking volunteers to help with its programming including member management, meeting coordination, wellness events, angel volunteers, and a youth meeting coordinator. The time commitment is four hours a month, with one meeting at HLH every other month. For more information, email [email protected]. Other positions will be available in the coming weeks.  HLH also announces that registration is open for its Annual Walk to Remember on May 17th. For more information, visit their website at https://www.hlhgrief.org/

• Holden’s annual Good Neighbor Award, now in its 31st year, is seeking nominations. The award honors citizens who have made significant and/or long-term contributions to the community through their volunteer activities. Although sponsored by Holden Democratic Town Committee, the award is completely non-partisan. Nominations for the award are eagerly sought. Those who would like to make a nomination need to obtain a nomination form. Please contact S. Jane Arntz at [email protected]. The deadline to request a form is January 14.

Jen Stanovich, Andrew Jensen, Nathan Oriol, Jessica Johnson, Jeff Prunier, Wachusett Area Chamber; Kelly Dolan, Asst. Town Manager; Dan Hickey, District Director for Sen. Durant;  Dr. Matt Moreno; Elizabeth Kasinskas, District Director for Rep. Ferguson; Sue Tareila, Zachary Silverman, Johnna Carlson, Wachusett Area Chamber; Peter Lukes, Town Manager; and Gina Ahtof, Wachusett Area Chamber at the ribbon cutting for the new Holden Hearing Aid Center location. Courtesy photo

 • Jennifer Stanovich, Executive Director of the Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce, sent along a photograph of the recent ribbon cutting ceremony for the new offices of the Holden Hearing Aid Center at 724 Main St., Holden. 

• The Holden Town Clerk’s office announces a new dog database that will make it easier to license your dogs with the town. They have partnered with ClerkExpress a Schenectady, NY based company that specializes in municipal permitting. Holden dog owners can license and pay for their dog license from their phones, in person and online at the town’s website. In December, the town clerk mailed each dog owner an individualized QR code that was pre-loaded with the owner and dog’s information. You can also upload a favorite picture of your dog that will help to identify them if they get lost.  If you have questions, call the town clerk’s office at 508-210-5530. A valid rabies certificate must be on file at the town clerk’s office.

Paxton

• Richards Memorial Library has several announcements: It will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2026 with a full year of 1920s-themed events. Plans are for the year to culminate with a Roaring ‘20s Speakeasy and Flower Show in the fall (in collaboration with the Paxton Garden Club). Festivities begin January 15 with an afternoon of drop-in activities from 1–8 pm. Please come by to help them kick of their Centennial celebrations.

In other RML news, Library Director Pam Chenevert left in December to take on the same role at the Jacob Edwards Library in Southbridge.  “We are so grateful for everything Pam accomplished in her time as library director,” said Joanna MacGugan, chair of the library’s Board of Trustees. “She worked so hard to support our community and seized every opportunity to advocate for our library. She will be missed!” MacGugan confirmed that the Trustees are responsible for hiring a new library director. She also confirmed that they are currently searching for a part-time interim director until a full-time library director can be named. “The time frame for hiring is fairly open,” continued MacGugan. “Once we fill the interim position, we may extend the search for a library director until we find the right candidate.”

• Members of the Paxton Woman’s Club generously contributed to two local food pantries this Holiday Season by donating 275 pounds of food and $340 of gift cards to Paxton’s First Congregational Church and Paxton’s Council on Aging. These donations were made by all members of the PWC. Great job, everyone.

Rutland

On December 5, Rutland resident Joshua Barger and 11 other graduates were sworn in as academy-trained correctional officers by Worcester County Sheriff Lewis Evangelidis after graduating from the 13-week basic recruit training academy. The graduation ceremony took place at the Zecco Auditorium at Anna Maria College.