All month

A Tall Glass of Art, Paintings of Water at the Gale Free Library. Will Holmes returns to the library with a new series of his large-scale water paintings on display on the second floor. Exhibit applications for the 2027 season open soon.

Art show at the Paxton Senior Center. Five members of the Massasoit Art Guild of Spencer display their creations through August from 10 am to 1 pm on weekdays. Enjoy the exhibit and cast your vote for the Best in Show. All are welcome.

Tuesday, August 11

2-7:30 pm: Celebrate Richards Memorial Library’s 100th birthday during this 1920s-themed day. From 2-6 p.m., view and take photos of historical cars in the yard, thanks to the Worcester County Model A Club. From 6-7:30 pm, enjoy games popular in the 1920s including jacks, marbles, hopscotch, card games, yoyos, Mahjong, paper dolls, Bingo with prizes, and more. All ages are welcome.

 3-4 pm: Pencil case decorating at the Gale Free Library. They will have canvas pencil cases for you to decorate with fabric paint. Supplies available while they last. 

6:30-7:30 pm: Cooking with Yogurt. The Cooking Club at the Gale Free Library looks at the many ways you can put yogurt to work: Enrich soups and stews, bake cakes and cookies, and create delicious marinades. Join with one of your favorite yogurt dishes and bring the recipe. Registration required. 

Wednesday, August 12

10:00 am: Veterans meeting at the Paxton Senior Center (open to the public) followed at 10:30 am: The Greatest Generation presentation by author John P. Mollica. Who were the young men and women whose heroism and devotion to duty led them to leave their schools, jobs, homes and families to rescue a world in flames? Hear compelling stories in this vivid presentation, followed by a Q&A.

Thursday, August 13

10:30 am-12 pm: The Persona Poem with the Craft of Writing Workshop, online via Zoom sponsored by the Gale Free Library. They will look at poems in which the first-person speaker is not the author, but some other character, and discuss why and how one might apply this approach. RSVP required at the library.

12:30 pm: Steel Accent Band at the Paxton Senior Center. Enjoy the sounds of the islands – Calypso, Caribbean, and Reggae - featuring Phil Andrews and company with steel drum, guitar and vocals. Lunch option at 11:45 but must RSVP to the Center. 

3:30-6:30 pm: Paxton Farmers Market at 17 West St. (behind the Council on Aging) hosted by the Paxton Garden Club. The July market was a huge success so don’t miss this month’s offerings of fresh produce from local farms, unique handmade gifts by talented artisans, delicious foods, the club’s fresh-picked floral arrangements, and representatives from several town departments. All proceeds support the club’s proposed Community Garden and Learning Greenhouse project. 

Saturday, August 15

11 am-1 pm: Hike the north side of the Quabbin watershed via Gate 29 sponsored by the Quabbin Visitor Center. Join them for a 2.4-mile moderate hike on a dirt road and end at the reservoir’s shoreline. The hike covers 1.2-miles with relatively little elevation change to the water, then backtrack. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water and snacks. Dogs are not allowed. Gate 29 is off Route 202/Elm Street area in New Salem, with roadside parking near the gate. To register, go here: mass.gov/locations/quabbin-reservoir/events

6 p.m. Rock the Night a fundraiser to support the Pan-Mass Challenge at the Rutland Sportsman’s Club, 75 Pleasantdale Rd. Live music by The Vig, Tuna’s Stones, DW & the Shakemakers, and Michael Luke Kelly. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Advance tickets are available by Venmo: @Karen-Sharpe-2 or https://ticketstripe.com/RocktheNight

7 pm: Dance at Finn Park continues the 100th anniversary celebration of this Rutland icon. Finn Park Rd., Rutland with music by Dan Mackowiak. Admission $8.

Tuesday, August 18

6:30 pm: Wildlife out your window lecture by wildlife ecologist and nature author Brad Timm, hosted by Paxton Garden Club at Paxton Senior Center. Free and open to the public. What if fascinating wildlife was right outside your window? Join Timm for a presentation that will change how you see the natural world.

6:30-8pm: Finding Your Roots. Genealogy workshop with Seema Kenney at Richards Memorial Library. Ever wondered where your family came from—or how to begin finding out? This is the perfect introduction to learn what information to collect, where to look for it, and how to organize it using tools like pedigree charts and family group sheets. Explore online resources, local archives, and how family stories and old photos offer clues. Kenney is a professional genealogist with over 20 years of experience 

Wednesday, August 19

11:30 am: Path for peace workshop facilitated by Marty French at the Rutland Senior Center will discuss worrying, stress and anxiety, what to do when life is overwhelming, and what you can do to find a happier, more peaceful life. RSVPs are helpful for planning, but walk-ins are welcome. 

1 pm: Enjoy a cool pie a la mode at the Paxton Senior Center. Treat yourself with your choice of pies with delicious ice cream. Compliments of the Council on Aging. RSVP by calling the Center by August 14.

6-8 pm: Rutland Community Electricity public info meeting at the Blair Conference Room, Rutland Public Library. Rutland Community Electricity is the town’s new municipal aggregation program designed to provide residents with new electricity supply options that feature competitive prices, longer-term price stability and more renewable energy (though savings cannot be guaranteed). This program was approved by the Rutland Town Meeting in 2025 and by the Department of Public Utilities in February 2026. The program will launch in October 2026 and will offer three electricity supply options for residents and businesses. The program will also support regional renewable energy by sourcing all additional, voluntary renewable energy from ‘MA Class I’ resources. Learn details at this public info session.

Thursday, August 20

11 am: Drumming Circle returns to the Paxton Senior Center. All fitness levels can participate and enjoy the combination of directed movement and drumming to the rhythm of music featuring yoga balls placed on top of a basket and drumsticks. It’s a fun workout. Sponsored by Benchmark Tatnuck Park. Sign up by Aug. 17.

1 pm: Felted seal workshop at the Holden Senior Center. All materials provided. $20 payable in cash at signup. 

Friday, August 21

10-11 am: Pete the Cat, back to school scavenger hunt with Community Connections (wachusettcfce.com) at Richards Memorial Library. Outdoor (weather permitting) scavenger hunt, stories, and activities for young children and their caregivers. 

Saturday, August 22

Deadline to register to vote for the September 1 State Primaries.

9 am-3 pm: Holden Days. Join this fun family event along Main Street that is in its 45th year. Park at WRHS or Dawson School and take one of the free shuttle buses that run on the hour and half-hour. Enjoy delicious food, live music, children’s activities, farmers market, and talented artisans selling unique gifts. Learn about local businesses, nonprofits, and town departments. WFP will have a table and tent near Damon House so please stop by, say Hi, meet the staff, and tell us what you love (or don’t like!) about the paper. We look forward to seeing you, rain or shine.

Sunday, August 23

2 pm: Coffee with the Finns at Finn Park, Finn Park Rd., Rutland with Finnish sweets and a presentation by Lisa Tarkiainen Steele, cookbook author, fifth generation chicken keeper, and master gardener. Donations appreciated. See more details in this month’s NEWSbitz.

Tuesday, August 25

11 am-1 pm: Tracy Lane River Walk as part of the Ware River Bridge Hike Series sponsored by the Quabbin Visitor Center. This easy 2-mile hike starts at an open meadow then follows the Ware River on the north side of Barre Falls Dam along a forested path to a scenic bridge. Backtrack to return. Wear appropriate footwear, bring water and have tick and insect protection. Park at Barre Falls Dam Overlook Parking Lot, 200 Coldbrook Road, Barre. To register, find the event here: www.mass.gov/locations/quabbin-reservoir/events

Wednesday, August 26

Women’s Equality Day marks the 106th anniversary of the 19th Amendment certification, which gave women the right to vote in 1920: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” According to the International Women’s Day website, although the Amendment eased obstacles that some women faced at the ballot box, women of color still faced legal barriers and unequal access for years. “For Black women, our right to vote was only secured with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965,” said Valethia Watkins, an associate professor of Africana studies at Howard University. More information: internationalwomensday.com

12 pm: Summer Tastings at the Paxton Senior Center is a special full-course summer luncheon catered by a local food business. $5 at the event. RSVP by Aug. 21 by calling the Center.

12 pm: Annual cookout at the Holden Senior Center. $5 per person must be paid when you sign up. Limited seating. Join them for their end of the summer bash.

6-7:30 pm: Monthly Art Club at Gale Free Library. This program is intended for all adult patrons from beginner to pro. However, they embrace multigenerational experiences: children are welcome to join with a registered adult. Bring your own supplies or use theirs. 

6-7:30 pm: Pizza and game night at the Rutland Public Library. All kids ages 8 and up are welcome for fun food, games, and laughs.

Sunday, August 30

3 pm: The first of the fall Historical Piano Concerts: Duo Fuerza featuring James D’León and Alwen Yeung, piano by Ignaz Bösendorfer, Vienna (1832). Four-hands Masterpieces by Schubert, Schumann, and Mendelssohn. $20 per adult; children and students free. Cash or personal checks only. Concerts are held at the New Dawn Arts Center/Ashburnham Community Church, 84 Main St., Ashburnham. Treat yourself this season to hear music played on one of the Frederick’s historic pianos.

Monday, August 31

10 am: Mindful meditation with Marie at the Holden Senior Center. $5 per person. Meditation can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and help regulate emotions. 

Tuesday, September 1

7 am-8 pm: Massachusetts State Primary. On the ballot are numerous seats including U.S. senator and representative, governor, lieutenant governor, Secretary of the Commonwealth, state representative and senator, district attorney, and register of probate. For a full list, go here: sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections

If you’re registered as a Republican or Democrat, you may only vote on your party’s primary ballot. If you’re registered as Unenrolled, you may choose either ballot. The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3.

Wednesday, September 2

9:30 am: Council on Aging board meeting at the Paxton Senior Center followed by the Schoolhouse Café (opens at 10) where you can enjoy good coffee, tasty treats, and conversations with old and new friends.

Thursday, September 3

10-11:30 am: Late summer meadow visit sponsored by the Quabbin Visitor Center. Hikers will meet at the parking area at the Middle Entrance of Quabbin Park (Gate 54 off Route 9) for this easy 1-mile hike. While the walk along the Spillway Road to a small meadow across from the Boat Cove is easy, the road along the spillway is heavily trafficked. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, bring water, and come prepared for insects. Dogs are not allowed anywhere at Quabbin. To register, find the event here: mass.gov/locations/quabbin-reservoir/events 

Sunday, September 6

11 am-1 pm: Quabbin’s hidden history sponsored by Quabbin Visitor Center. Quabbin’s ghost towns are hiding in plain sight – if you know where to look. This two-hour guided, interpretive 2.5-mile roundtrip walk will teach you how to read the natural landscape to uncover clues about the history of Webster Rd. Explore cellar holes and historic stone walls, get to know native and invasive plants, and learn more about the families who lived in Enfield 100 years ago. Bring water, wear appropriate clothing for the weather, appropriate footwear and protect yourself against ticks. All ages welcome. Dogs are not allowed in Quabbin Park. Meet at Hank’s Meadow parking lot, which is off Administration Rd., accessible via the Middle or East Gates off Route 9 in Belchertown. To register, find the event here: mass.gov/locations/quabbin-reservoir/events 

3 pm: The second of the fall Historical Piano Concerts featuring Margarita Nuller, piano by Érard & Cie., Paris (1836). Mendelssohn, Schumann, Chopin. $20 per adult, children and students free. Cash or personal checks only. Concerts are held at the New Dawn Arts Center/Ashburnham Community Church, 84 Main St., Ashburnham. Treat yourself this season to hear music played on one of the Frederick’s historic pianos.

Monday, September 7

Labor Day Celebrated

Tuesday, September 8

1 pm: Porch Pot DYI workshop with Bemis Nurseries at the Rutland Senior Center. Sign up at the Center with $25 fee ($20 for Friends) to reserve your space.

Circumstantial Light - paintings by Doug Caves at the East Wing Gallery, Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St., Gardner, through Oct. 15. Reception Thursday, Oct. 15, 5-7 p.m. MWCC presents this solo exhibit of paintings by Doug Caves, including Cliff House, which received second prize at the 90th Regional Arts & Crafts Exhibition at the Fitchburg Art Museum. The exhibit reflects Caves’ exploration of natural light and its ability to transform architectural and rural subjects. An MWCC alumnus and Paxton resident, Caves dedicates the exhibition to the late Gene Cauthen, professor of art, whose mentorship shaped generations of students.

Thursday, September 10

3:30-6:30 pm: Paxton Farmers Market behind the Senior Center hosted by the Paxton Garden Club. Don’t miss fresh produce from local farms, unique handmade gifts from talented artisans, delicious foods, the club’s fresh-picked floral arrangements and representatives from various town departments. All proceeds support the club’s proposed Community Garden and Learning Greenhouse project.