September 1-15

10 am-5 pm: For the Record: LGBTQ+ Histories at the Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem St. The Museum of Worcester partners with PRIDE Worcester, the College of the Holy Cross, and the Worcester Public Library on this special exhibit to kick off PRIDE 2026. Established in 2018, the Worcester LGBTQ+ History Project seeks to understand our past and the possibilities for our future. Kickoff PRIDE Worcester 2026 with a visit to this multimedia exhibit that showcases local queer stories, challenges, creativity, and resilience. 

Tuesday, September 8

Circumstantial Light – solo exhibition of paintings by Doug Caves at the East Wing Gallery, Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St., Gardner opens today and runs through Oct. 15. Reception Oct. 15, 5-7 p.m. 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 exhibit to the late Gene Cauthen, professor of art, whose mentorship shaped generations of students.

Wednesday, September 9

10:30 am: Interdimensional phenomena: UFOs at the Paxton Senior Center. Rethink the boundaries of reality in this thought-provoking presentation by author/historian Ronny LeBlanc. Investigate UFOs, Bigfoot, visitors from other dimensions and high-strangeness events in the U.S. and New England. 

1 pm: Black Cat Porch Pot. Bemis Farms will be at the Holden Senior Center to walk you through making a beautiful porch pot. $25 per person, payable at sign up. Spaces are limited.

7 pm: Lawn alternatives with Dan J. Wilder at the Millers River Environmental Center 100 Main St. Athol or via Zoom. It’s time to look at this idea we call lawn. There are other ways to manage yards, from whole lawn replacement to ways to reduce inputs and increase ecological value. From well-known plants to new introductions, we will discuss various options that fit the needs of any lawn space. Wilder is the co-author of Native Plants for New England Gardens (with Mark Richardson of the New England Wild Flower Society) and Director of Applied Ecology at Norcross Wildlife Foundation. Register for Zoom on the Ware River Nature Club’s website: warerivernatureclub.org 

Thursday, September 10

10:30 am: Fraud Squad at the Paxton Council on Aging: Enjoy informative skits that tackle scam threats that are embedded in tech support, reverse mortgages, and pleas to grandparents. Learn how to recognize the warning signs so you can avoid the worse.

10:30 am-12 pm: The Craft of Writing Workshop via Zoom hosted by the Gale Free Library. Registration required. We’ll look at poems in which the first-person speaker is not the author, but some other (fictional or historical) character, and discuss why and how one might apply this approach.

12-3 pm: Flu shots: Walgreen’s will be at the Holden Senior Center to offer flu shots. Bring your insurance card and photo id. Sign up at the office if interested

3:30-6:30 pm: Paxton Farmers Market The final market of the 2026 season, behind the Paxton Council on Aging, 17 West St. Enjoy produce from local farms, freshly baked breads, unique handmade gifts by talented artisans, delicious foods, the club’s hand-picked floral arrangements, and representatives from several town departments and services. All proceeds support the club’s proposed Community Garden and Learning Greenhouse project. 

Friday, September 11

2:30-4:30 pm: Library Book Sale and Donation Days sponsored by Friends of Richards Memorial Library resumes this month. Donate books. Shop for books. All on the same day! Proceeds benefit library programs. The Friends accept donations only during scheduled dates and times: gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and video games. They do not accept textbooks, magazines, encyclopedias, VHS tapes, or bootleg CDS/DVDs. Do not leave books when the library is closed. The book sale continues tomorrow, the 12th, from 10 am-2 pm.

4-4:45 pm: Family Yoga presented by Soft Place to Land with Dawn Marie at the Richards Memorial Library. Join this beginner-friendly family yoga designed to help children and the adults who love them slow down, move together, and have fun. Through gentle yoga, playful movement, breathing exercises, mindfulness, and relaxation, families will build strength, flexibility, balance, and connection Bring: yoga mat or a towel/blanket and water bottle. Donations (optional but welcomed) will go to the library. Dates are Fridays, Sept. 11, 18, 25, and Oct. 16. Attend one or all!

Saturday, September 12

9 am: Hike the Midstate Trail Rutland to Spencer. This is the fifth segment of the Midstate Trail for this group. The six-mile hike will start at Route 122 in Rutland and end at Route 31 in Spencer. It is easy hiking on forest paths with near-zero roadside walking. For info/sign up:[email protected]

1-2 pm: Worcester Revolutionary Walking Tour hosted by the Museum of Worcester. Walk Main Street in the footsteps of Worcester’s Revolutionaries as they walk a gauntlet of common men intent on defending their liberty as they spread their revolutionary ideas between the town’s taverns and meeting houses. The tour begins and ends at Salisbury Mansion, 40 Highland St, Worcester. Wear comfortable shoes. Space is limited to 25 people. All are welcome, all ages appropriate. $15 non-members; MOW members free. If inclement weather, tour will be presented at Museum of Worcester’s Fletcher Auditorium. All times are 1-2 pm, additional dates: Saturday, September 26, October 3, October 17. Registration required on MOW’s website: worcesterhistory.org/events

Sat. and Sun. Sept. 12-13

9:30 am-3:30 pm: 2nd Annual Autumn Art Sale (yART Sale) today and tomorrow on the lawn at Doug Caves Art Studio, 135 Pleasant St., Paxton. Enjoy a casual outdoor setting with co-hosts contemporary American painter Doug Caves and poly-media artist Dick Taylor. This outdoor sale features original paintings, mixed media works, photo prints, crafts, jewelry, and more, bringing together local artists including Kathy Caves, Jen Niles, Alyssa Foy, June Allen, and the Paxton Garden Club. Enjoy art, conversation, and community in a welcoming outdoor setting. Free and open to the public. More info: www.dhcavescom

Thursday, September 15

6:30-8 pm: The Golden Age of Silent Movies at Richards Memorial Library. Share an evening of silent movie performances with live musical accompaniment plus commentary about the films and film stars. This treasure trove brimmed with adventure, drama, romance and comedy. Combined with live “Mood Music” accompaniment, these films provided entertainment for the world.

Wednesday, September 16

12 pm: Tai Chi with Shifu Gary Lachapelle of New England Kung Fu-Tai Chi at the Paxton Senior Center. Join this new weekly class that combines slow, flowing movements with deep, controlled breathing that promotes relaxation, balance, flexibility and inner calm. $5 p/p at the door.

4:20 pm: Seed Mosaics with Hands on Nature for ages 4+ at the Gale Free Library. Registration opens 9/9. Join Hands on Nature for a discussion on the life cycle of a plant, then make some seed art to take home.

Thursday, September 17

11 am: The Rockin’ Robin Dave Mindell performs the greatest musical hits of the 50s, 60s, and 70s at the Paxton Senior Center. Lunch option: noon but RSVP by 9/14.

Saturday, September 19

9 am: Mushroom walk for beginners with Lindsay Gwyther hosted by the Ware River Nature Club. Meet at the Mass Central Rail Trail parking area, Glenwood Rd, Rutland Conditions for mushroom and fungi growth have been ideal, so let’s go for a walk to look for, photograph, and identify these woodland inhabitants. Walking distance will depend on how many specimens we stop to admire and examine. Lindsay has many years of experience and will enlighten us about basic identification features and growth habits. Note: This is not a field trip to learn about or collect edibles. Questions or info: [email protected]

10 am: Historical tour of the Damon Memorial building, home to the Gale Free Library (rain date Saturday, September 26) led by Local History Librarian Nancy Richards. Space is limited and registration is required. 

Monday, September 21

10 am: GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) Program at the Rutland Senior Center. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with dementia, you may be eligible for support through the federal government’s new program, GUIDE, a program developed for Medicare dementia clients and their caregivers to offer increased support and education to individuals with mild, moderate, or severe dementia. The goal is to provide compassionate, person-centered support for the dementia client and their caregiver that promotes quality of life and reduces stress.

Tuesday, September 22

10 am-1 pm: Oriol Health Fair at the Holden Senior Center. Join them for the 6th Annual Oriol Foundation Health & Wellness Expo. This free community event will feature guest speakers, health and wellness vendors, demonstrations, giveaways, and resources for physical, emotional, financial, and general well-being. Because of the Fair, all regularly scheduled programs and activities are canceled for the day.

10:30-11:30 am: Mornings with Maggie at the Gale Free Library. Maggie and her person Kelly are a therapy team certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and they return to brighten our day. No registration required.

3:30-5:30 pm: Dungeons and Dragons for grades 6+ at the Gale Free Library. Registration opened 9/1 for this four-session 5th Edition D&D campaign. Signing up commits to attend all four events. Learn more on the website.

Wednesday, September 23

10 am: Hike Mt. Wachusett west side hosted by Princeton’s Open Space Committee. This hike will set out from West Wachusett Street (Westminster Road) and go along West Road. We’ll cross over on the Semuhenna Trail and return on North Road. This 3.3-mile moderate hike goes halfway up the mountain from the west side, mostly on gravel roads. For info/sign up: [email protected]

Thursday, September 24

12:30 pm: Wicked Strange New England author/TV series host Jeff Belanger presents highlights from his own adventures that explore the unexplained. He offers a tour of haunts, monsters, aliens, and weird history from our region. At the Paxton Council on Aging. Lunch option; reserve by 9/21.

6:30 pm: It’s All About Chocolate lecture by John Goodhile, chocolatier of Stewart’s Chocolates in Holden. Learn the many steps that transform those beans into the delicious treats that we all crave. Hosted by the Paxton Garden Club, the lecture, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Paxton COA. We hear there might be samples, too?

6:30-7:30 pm: The Art of Photography with Don Bullens at the Gale Free Library. Registration required. If you want to learn about the art of photography, join the library’s September exhibiting photographer for this program that will help you create better photographs. The program will demonstrate the concept of simplicity, the use of the rule of thirds, implementing angles and leading lines, and the importance of lighting.

Friday, September 25

10 am: Kidding Around Yoga with Miss Nicole for ages 2-5 at the Gale Free Library. To register, email [email protected]. 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 while developing strength and flexibility.

10:30 am: Flapjack Friday at the Rutland Senior Center. Sign up at the center; $3 p/p.

2:30-4:30 pm: Free Play Friday at the Gale Free Library. No registration required. Board games, Nintendo Switch, Magic: The Gathering, and Pokemon will be available. Teens-only hour is 2:30-3:30. After 3:30 the program will be for all ages. Children aged 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday, September 26

9 am: Hike Princeton Land Trust trails hosted by Princeton’s Open Space Committee. Starting at Princeton Center, the group will hike down to the Bullock McElroy trails, continue to the Russell Corner Loop, then return uphill to the town center. This is a moderately-difficult trek of 5 miles. For info/sign up: [email protected]

10 am-2 pm: The Rutland Historical Society is calling artisans and artists to join them on the Common to demonstrate your craft. Weavers, spinners, caners, quilters, woodcarvers, blacksmiths, bakers, and coopers have all joined the society over the years. They are looking for new disciplines too, for this year’s event. No charge to set up and you can sell your products if you wish. For info/sign up, email the society at [email protected].  

Sat. and Sun. Sept. 26-27

New England Dahlia Society Show & Sale at the New England Botanic Garden. This event is included with general admission. NEBG recommends purchasing tickets online in advance to secure your preferred date. You can also buy tickets in person at the Garden. September 26 Bouquet Sale: 1-5 pm; Show: 2-5 pm; Award Ceremony: 3-4 pm. Sunday: Show: 10 am-3 pm. Lecture: “Dahlias 2.0: New Varieties, New Science, New Methods” 11 am-12 pm. Bouquet Sale: 11 am-3 pm. Sale of show flowers: 3-3:30 pm. This annual two-day event is coordinated by the New England Dahlia Society. Visit nebg.org for more information.

Sunday September 27

9 am-1 pm: Animal tracks & signs in the Quabbin region sponsored by the Central Mass. Wildlife Tracking Club. Leader: Bryan DiFabio [email protected] Exact location TBA. Tracking enthusiasts of all levels welcome. Contact Bryan for info/sign-up.

Tuesday, September 29

10:30 am: Fall flower arrangement with Sam’s Stems at the Paxton Senior Center. Fresh flowers and a vase are provided with expert guidance by Samantha. $8 p/p. Call the center to rsvp.

6:30-7:30 pm: Reiki-Infused Sound Bath with Brandy Lefsyk at the Gale Free Library. Registration required. A sound bath is a therapeutic and meditative experience where you “bathe” in the sounds and vibrations produced by different instruments, such as chimes and crystal bowls. Through them, your mind enters a meditative and relaxed state. Found to relieve anxiety and stress, promote deep meditation, heighten clarity, and improve the ability to concentrate. A sound bath is beneficial for beginners or seasoned meditators. Chairs will be provided, but you can bring a mat or cushion.

7 pm: Bird-banding: its origins, uses, and future in conservation with Christian Fezatte at the Rutland Public Library 280 Main St. Bird banding consists of capturing, measuring, and marking wild birds. While many people have heard of it, few get to experience it. Christian will cover the history of the practice, how it’s done today, and what banding tells us about our feathered friends’ futures.

Wednesday, September 30

10 am-1 pm: Covid and flu vaccination clinic at the Paxton Senior Center. Open to all, regardless of age and residency. Bring your health insurance card. Refreshments available. The Center thanks CVS for its participation. The clinic will repeat Saturday, October 3, same time. 

1 pm: Scrunch-Paint a Silk Scarf at the Rutland Senior Center. Create a stunning tie-dye style silk scarf. This workshop will guide you through the world of colors and how to blend them using permanent, high chroma, highly transparent liquid fabric paint. Made from 100% silk, measuring 8” x54”. Once complete, the scarf will dry at the center for 24 hours. Then you will bring it home, rinse in cold water and iron on cool setting to permanently set the vibrant colors.

6-7:30 pm: Monthly Art Club at the Gale Free Library for ages 16+. Registration required. Bring your own supplies or use theirs: watercolor paints and paper, brushes, pastels, colored pencils, graphite, pens, collage materials, and more. With no specific project, a quotation, book or image will be available to inspire an optional response. Intended for patrons of all abilities.

Thursday October 1

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center bus tour payment due for the October 15 Friends of Paxton Council on Aging tour of the center named in honor of New Hampshire’s Christa McAuliffe and astronaut Alan Shepard. The Concord NH center is a destination for astronomy, aviation, and space exploration. The $130/per person cost includes admission to the Discovery Center and planetarium show, lunch at The Common Man Restaurant, and travel aboard a Wilson bus motor coach.

6:45 pm: Composting, sponsored by the Holden Garden Club at the Holden Senior Center. Gretel Anspach will share her encyclopedic knowledge of composting, a unique method of recycling. It uses existing microorganisms to decompose organic matter into usable and highly nutritious soil. It can be done in your backyard, under your sink or even in commercial settings. All you need to know is the composting recipe for success, have an open mind and the desire to help the environment. Gretel established and maintains a 20,000 square foot food production garden that has provided fresh produce to the Marlboro and Maynard Food Pantries for the past 10 years. All are welcome. Refreshments will be provided.

Friday, October 2

7-10 pm: Speakeasy Gala Celebrate Richards Memorial Library’s 100 Years of Literacy, History, and Community in Paxton! Step into a golden era of live music from WRHS Jazz Quintet, “Roaring Blooms” floral exhibition by the Paxton Garden Club, a signature mocktail, hors d’oeuvres - and pure 1920s glamour. 1920s finery is highly encouraged: think flapper fringe, sharp suits, fedoras, and floral elegance. Whisper “Dewey Decimal” at the door for entry. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $35 p/p or $50 per couple. Space is limited to 70 tickets, advanced signup and purchase is required. Make checks payable to “FRML”, and mail or deliver to the library (44 Richards Ave, Paxton, MA 01612) or pay via Venmo  @LibraryFriendsPaxtonMA

Saturday, October 3

10 am-1 pm: Covid and flu vaccination clinic at the Paxton Senior Center. Open to all, regardless of age and residency. Bring your health insurance card. Refreshments available. The Center thanks CVS for its participation.

5:30-7 pm: Souper Flannel Supper: The First Congregational Church of Rutland is hosting a community supper. Come dressed in your favorite flannel shirt and enjoy a hearty, homemade fall meal of soup, chowder and chili, bread and sweet treats. Gluten-free options will be available. We will be collecting new or gently used men’s and women’s flannel shirts to donate to a veteran’s organization. There is no charge for the supper and reservations are not required. Donations will be gratefully accepted. 264 Main St Rutland. All are welcome! W