Month of March

At the Gale Free Library all month long: Hygge Bingo. The library continues to celebrate Hygge, the Danish lifestyle, with a bingo activity sheet. The library is offering an additional prize for a second completed row. Once you have finished the entire sheet, stop by the Reference Desk for a bigger prize. Adult Take-Home Craft began Tuesday, 3/3 at the Gale Free Library. This month’s craft is aromatherapy pouches for the bath or shower. Stop by the Reference Desk for your craft. As supplies are limited, crafts are one per person.

Richards Memorial Library all month: Paxton Woman’s Club Display & Raffle: In honor of the library’s 100th birthday and Women’s History Month, the Paxton Women’s Club will host a display of 1920s women’s magazines, a raffle basket of food items that came to prominence in the 1920s, and recommended books with strong female characters. Check out a book by a female author in the month of March and earn a chance to win the raffle basket. March Tourament Book Bracket: Some of their  most popular adult fiction titles are going head-to-head in a playful, tournament-style showdown. Each week, books will compete, and you decide who advances! Stop by the library to cast your vote for your favorites. Winners will move through the rounds until only one remains – RML’s ultimate champion. Birthday Riddle Scavenger Hunt To celebrate the library’s 100th birthday this year, find the clues in the J/Y room to solve a birthday riddle and earn a small prize.

Tuesday, March 10

10 am: The Friends of the Paxton COA meeting. The Friends are the fundraising arm of the Council and offer other support as needed. The Friends meet on the second Tuesday of the month in the Activity Room at the Senior Center.

10:30 am: Home Health, palliative and hospice care discussion with Maryellen Conger of the VNA at the Paxton Senior Center. The primary focus of her talk will be how to access home-health services.

2:30 pm: Veterans and American Legion Meeting (second Tuesday of the month). Doug Harvey, Commander of Post 42 email: [email protected] or call 508-450-9965. At the Holden Senior Center.

Wednesday, March 11

10:15 am: Veterans Corner at Paxton Senior Center. Join veterans and their families and allies at this monthly meeting, followed by a presentation at 10:30 am: The Hoosac Tunnel. Hear about its history through stories, music, and images by historian Anne O’Connor. Learn about this Massachusetts icon and the challenges faced and conquered in building the 4.75-mile-long train tunnel. Snow date March 18.

1:30 pm: Phrenology: Quackery or the Science of the Mind. Tom Kelleher, historian and Curator of Mechanical Arts at Old Sturbridge Village, will perform an authentic, historically costumed dramatization from the 1830s, followed by a brief discussion of the history and legacy of this once popular pseudo-science. Please register at the office or call the Holden Senior Center.

Thursday, March 12

10:30 am: Medicare Advantage talk at Paxton Senior Center with Joe Best who will cover all the options. Anyone on Medicare Advantage Part C can switch to a different plan or return to original Medicare until March 31. Bring your questions.

6 pm: The Paxton Woman’s Club’s monthly meeting (second Thursday of the month) at the Paxton Senior Center. Not a member but interested in learning about the club and what they do for the community? Curious residents are welcome.

Friday, March 13

10 am: Read, Build, Play with Community Connections for ages 2-5. Join us to read, build, and play. Children expand their problem-solving skills and develop social skills as they build. Gale Free Library.

2:30-4:30 pm: Friends of Richards Memorial Library Book Sale and Donation Days. Donate books. Shop for books. All on the same day! Proceeds benefit library programs. The Friends accept book donations only during scheduled dates and times. They accept gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and video games. They do not accept textbooks, magazines, encyclopedias, VHS tapes, or bootleg CDS/DVDs. Please do not leave books when the library is not open. The book sale and donation continue tomorrow, Saturday, but from 10:30 am-1:30 pm.
Future dates: the second Fridays, 2:30-4:30 pm and Saturdays, 10:30 am-1:30 pm. of each month.

7 pm: Wachusett Theatre’s State Fair performance at Wachusett Regional High School. Also tomorrow at 7 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, $5 for children under 12. See the article in this issue of WFP for details.

Saturday, March 14 

11 am: Community Listening Session hosted by the Holden Board of Health in the conference room at the Public Safety Complex, 1370 Main St., to gather input on how to use opioid settlement funds that Massachusetts communities are receiving. No need to pre-register, free and open to the public.

Sunday, March 15

1 pm: Rutland Lions Club Senior Dinner, complete roast beef dinner served at the Rutland Congregational Church. Dine-in or delivery available. Sign up at the Rutland Senior Center or call them before the deadline.

3-5 pm: Influential Women from Rutland’s Past at the Rutland Historical Society. Amazing women from the past will come alive with reenactors who will discuss the stories of these fascinating women who contributed to make Rutland what it is today. Light refreshments will be served.

Monday, March 16

1:30 pm: Erin Go Bragh: Songs From and About Ireland. David Polansky will perform songs with trumpet, keyboard and vocals of favorites from 100 years ago to the present. Plus anecdotes about the songs and musicians associated with them. Please register at the office or call the Holden Senior Center.

Tuesday, March 17

11:30 am: Congregate lunch: Enjoy corned beef, boiled potatoes, carrots, cabbage, bread and cheesecake mousse. Sign up by March 12 with the kitchen staff or call the Rutland Senior Center. A $3 donation is appreciated.

11:45 am: St. Patrick’s Day Fest at Paxton Senior Center starts with lunch at 11:45 am followed at 12:30 pm by an Irish music show and sing along with Dublin Down who will entertain with Irish and Celtic songs. Lunch must be reserved by March 12 by calling the senior center. 

1 pm: Classics Book Group is back, at a new day and time. This month the group will discuss The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. Copies of the book can be picked up at the Reference Desk. Registration required. Gale Free Library.

Wednesday, March 18

11:30 am: Anxious Mind to Peaceful Life presented by Marty French. Will discuss the truth about worrying and what you can do to find a more peaceful, happy life. What is the truth about stress and anxiety? What can you do when your life is overwhelming? Register at the Rutland Senior Center or call them, but walk-ins are also welcome.

1 pm: How to Qualify for MassHealth if you missed the five-year lookback. Presented by Liz Newton, this program will review strategies for single individuals and married couples even when the five-year lookback period has passed. Register at the Rutland Senior Center or call the office. 

1:30 pm: Meet John Adams: A lively and revolutionary conversation with America’s second president. Adams talks about his life and times in a humorous and inspiring performance and discusses, among many incidents, the Boston Massacre Trial of 1770. Portrayed by George Baker - an attorney with a passion for history and performance - Adams appears in period clothing and speaks about the challenges and controversies of the American Revolutionary era. Register at the office or call the Holden Senior Center.

4:20 pm: Pokémon Club. For ages 4+. Registration opened 3/11. Hang out with other Pokémon trainers and make some Pokémon-inspired crafts. Gale Free Library,

Thursday, March 19

4:20 pm: Graphic Novel Book Club. For grades 4+. Registration opened 3/5. Come read and discuss Tidesong by Wendy Xu. Discuss art and how graphic novels are made. Once you register, visit the Children’s Room to borrow your copy of the graphic novel. Gale Free Library.

5:30-8 pm: Block Printing with Castle Nitor. At Richards Memorial Library. For adults 18+. Join the staff of Castle Nitor for a fun lesson on block printing. Use replica blocks of period prints and then make your own blocks from potatoes. In honor of the library’s 100th birthday, this program includes some vintage 1920s designs. Take home a new treasure. Registration required: bit.ly/4kZ4cOH

Friday, March 20

10-11 am: St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt with Community Connections at Richards Memorial Library. For young children and their caregivers. Outdoors, weather permitting. Thank you to Wachusett Community Connections for providing this program.

1 pm: Felted Bunny. All materials provided. Registration began March 2 until full. Each participant must register themself in person with $20 cash. If you cancel after 3:30 pm on March 16, you will not be refunded. At the Holden Senior Center. 

Saturday, March 21

11 am-12:30 pm: Saving Your Own Seeds Workshop with Christie Higginbottom. Registration required. For home gardeners who want to learn skills to save seeds of open-pollinated garden vegetables. Topics include how to select vegetables, understand pollination and isolation techniques, determine seed ripeness, and harvest seeds. Christie has worked as a costumed interpreter at Old Sturbridge Village since 1981. From 1984 to 2004 she coordinated the historic horticulture program, researching, planning, and planting the re-created kitchen and flower gardens at the museum’s households. Gale Free Library.

5:30 pm: Sterling Grange Public Supper. Enjoy Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, green beans, tossed salad, dessert. $15/person ($8 for ages 10 and under). Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Rd. Proceeds benefit the Grange Hall Renovation Fund. To RSVP, email [email protected] or call 508-886-2341.

Monday, March 23

1:30 pm: Card Making Class. Create flowery spring-themed cards with paint. No painting experience necessary. Registration began March 4 until full. Each participant must register themself in person with $10 cash. If you cancel after 3:30 pm on March 18, you will not be refunded. Holden Senior Center,

7 pm: Mass. DCR Forest Health Update: Insights from the Field. Free program sponsored by the Holden Grange. Forest Health Specialist Felicia Hubacz will speak about the effects of various insects and the latest aerial survey results. At the Holden Senior Center. Refreshments will be served. For questions, email [email protected].

Tuesday, March 24

10 am: Powerful Tools for Caregivers by Elder Services of the Worcester Area at the Paxton Senior Center. This 6-week series will explain the skills you need to take care of yourself as a caregiver. Among topics to be covered are reducing stress, locating helpful resources, and balancing life. Call the senior center to register.

5:30-7:30 pm: This is Who We Are cultural night at Glenwood Elementary School. Join families from all over the world who will discuss their cultures and history. Free and open to the public. See the article in this month’s WFP by Karin Warzybok.

Wednesday, March 25

11 am: Dental Presentation by Tom Allen, DMD, MAGD will discuss dental procedures, prevention, alternatives to crowns, occlusal appliances, and sleep apnea. At the Rutland Senior Center.

12 pm: Tastings Lunch Series at Paxton Senior Center. Join this special lunch catered by area food businesses on the last Wednesday of the month. $3. Seating is limited, with priority given to Paxton seniors. Must RSVP by March 19 by calling the senior center.

1:30 pm: Tales from Smithtown, the Workforce at Wachusett Aqueduct. Kathryn Parent from the DCR Division of Water Supply Protection will give a presentation telling the story of migrant and immigrant workers, the scope of work, and the dangers and conditions endured to secure a high-quality drinking water supply. Register at the office or call the Holden Senior Center.

Thursday, March 26

10 am: Estate planning by professional and elder law attorney Nick Davaiu as he continues his series at the Paxton Senior Center. This month will focus on MassHealth eligibility and asset protection. Call the center to register.

6-7 pm: Landscaping and Gardening for Wildlife with Mass Audubon. Registration required. Learn why landscaping and gardening for local wildlife are so important along with simple, sustainable practices. Gale Free Library.

Friday, March 27

Adult poetry submission deadline for the 4th Annual National Baseball Poetry Festival, which will be held again at Polar Park from May 7-10. Submit your poem about opening day, Little League, Fenway Park or any baseball/softball memories to baseballpoetryfest.com. Deadline for youth entries is April 17. Free submission.

10 am: Kidding Around Yoga with Miss Nicole. Ages 2-5 at Gale Free Library. This is not your typical yoga class. Little ones learn basic poses with lots of music, movement, and literacy incorporated. Yoga helps children manage anxiety and improve emotional regulation, all while developing strength and flexibility. To register, email [email protected]

11:30 am: Downsizing presentation with Jennifer Baker. Join her for an informative and compassionate presentation to help you understand the process. To register, call the Rutland Senior Center, walk-ins welcome.

12:30 pm: Visible Mending. Catherine Karp will lead this program in teaching 5 or 6 basic stitches that can be used to mend any kind of textile. Bring an item that needs repair or make a sampler using the stitches and techniques that will be taught. All materials are supplied. Call the Holden Senior Center to register.

3:30-5 pm: All-Ages-Free-Play. Hang out in the Program Room for some board games and Nintendo Switch fun. Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents are welcome to join in the fun. Gale Free Library.

Saturday, March 28

10:30 am: Ice and Snow: The Cold Story, at the Rutland Public Library. A talk with John Green, Jr, interpretive naturalist and photographer, sponsored by the Ware River Nature Club. John will take us on a visual journey through the beauty of four seasons while talking about changes that each season has seen. He has photographed nature for over 50 years, waiting patiently for the optimum light conditions to illuminate his subject perfectly. He has lived in western Mass. since 1972, where he frequently is found photographing the wilds of Quabbin Reservation.

10:30 am-12: Easter Event sponsored by Paxton Recreation at the Paxton Senior Center with pictures with the Easter Bunny, crafts, and an egg hunt at 11:30. Free and open to the public.

Tuesday, March 31

3:30-5:30 pm: Dungeons and Dragons One-Shot. For grades 6+. Registration opens 3/24. Join the party for a second-level adventure. This session is ideal for new and experienced players alike. You can come with your own first-level character or choose from a premade sheet. Gale Free Library.

Wednesday, April 1

April 1-7 Community Art Show Call for Art. The theme is abundance – what does that mean to you? What would you like to celebrate or recognize as abundant? All ages and abilities welcome. Any 2D form of art is eligible: painting, poetry, photography. Unframed preferred; matted okay. Drop off artwork at the Reference Desk between April 1 and 7. Contact the Gale Free Library Reference Desk with questions.

10 am: Schoolhouse Café at the Paxton Senior Center. Following the monthly Council on Aging board meeting, everyone is welcome at the Café to enjoy coffee, a special breakfast and great conversations with old and new friends. Sponsored by Country Bank.

4-4:40 pm: Graphic Novel Club for Ages 8-12. Visit Richards Memorial Library at the beginning of each month to pick up a featured graphic novel, along with an activity or small treat. Read and enjoy! If you can, join other graphic novel fans the first Wednesday of each month for discussion and fun activities related to the book. Register here: RMLPaxton.org/tweens.

Thursday, April 2

3:30-5:30 pm: Paint with Jamie for Paxton Center School 5th graders and up who are serious about painting. Class is limited to 20 students. Cost is $30. Make checks payable to Town of Paxton and drop off at town hall. Questions? Email [email protected]

6:30-7:30 pm: Roaring ‘20s Book Club. In honor of Richards Memorial Library’s 100th birthday, the club will be reading books from the 1920s throughout the year. The next book, The Sun Also Rises, is available. For adults.

Monday, April 6

The annual meeting of the Friends of the Holden Council on Aging when new members to the Board of Directors will be elected. If you are a fully paid-up member of the Friends, you are eligible to vote. The proposed slate of officers will be posted in the Senior Center lobby for 30 days prior to the meeting. 

Thursday, April 9

6 pm: The Paxton Woman’s Club’s monthly meeting (second Thursday of the month) at the Senior Center. Not a member but interested in learning about the club and what they do for the community? Curious residents are welcome.

6-8 pm: How Buddhism Came to Barre with Joseph Goldstein, who has been leading insight and loving kindness meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. Sponsored by the Barre Historical Society. Goldstein co-founded the Insight Meditation Center and the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. Light refreshments will be available at 6 p.m.; the presentation will start at 6:30. Q&A will follow and the social will continue until everyone is ready to leave. At Barre’s Woods Memorial Library, 19 Pleasant St.

Friday, April 10

Today is the deadline to apply for two $1,000 Jason S. Bradshaw Memorial Scholarships, which will be awarded to two graduating Wachusett Regional High School seniors. Candidates should fill out the common scholarship with letters of recommendation and return to K. Henry at Wachusett Regional High School, Special Education Dept., Rm 114, or mail the application and letters to WRHS, 140l Main St., Holden, MA 01520.

Saturday, April 11

10:30 am: Gardening in the 1920s To celebrate Richards Memorial Library’s 100th birthday, step back a century and explore the charm and practicality of gardens in the 1920s. This lecture is co-hosted by the Paxton Garden Club and the Worcester Garden Club, which will share historic images, insights on popular plants of the era, the influence of formal layouts, and the rise of local garden clubs. Arrive early to shop the Friends of Richards Memorial Library’s monthly book sale. Free and open to the public. Parking for this event is in the Congregational Church lot on Maple Ave.