All Towns

• The Local Cultural Councils in Holden, Paxton, and Rutland are accepting proposals from individuals, schools, and organizations for community-based arts, humanities, and science programs for 2027. The deadline to apply for a grant is 11:59 p.m. on October 15.

The FY27 allocation for Holden is $13,900, Paxton’s is $6,900, and Rutland’s is $9,200. Most awards are in the $500 to $750 range, although there are exceptions. Most LLC grants are reimbursement-based, which means the applicant expends their own money and then submits paperwork for reimbursement.

Projects that have been funded include live music, art exhibits, festivals, school field trips, short-term artist residencies, performances, craft workshops, and lectures. 

“We are very lucky to live in a state that invests in culture,” said Kristin Steinmetz, Paxton Cultural Council co-chair. “We have funded local cultural opportunities that build community, educate, entertain, and support local artists and performers. Last year’s awards ranged from $300 for a musical performance at the senior center to $1,700 for tickets to a live Dr. Seuss performance at the Hanover Theatre for two full grade levels at Paxton Center School.”

All applications must be submitted online through the MCC portal. A description of the program, FAQs, and what each town funded in FY 2026 can be found at massculturalcouncil.org.

• The Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Candidates Forum for the State Representative race for the 1st Worcester District on Thursday, October 22, at 7 p.m. in the Holden Town Hall, located at 1196 Main Street. The candidates are Krista Ferrante of Princeton and Stephanie Mulroy of Holden. Attorney Matt Peloquin of Bennett & Forts will serve as moderator.

“The Chamber is proud to provide this platform for open, respectful dialogue on the issues impacting our local business community and residents,” said Jen Stanovich, executive director of the Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce. Questions for the candidates may be submitted to [email protected]. The deadline for advance submissions is Monday, October 19. Questions will also be accepted from the audience as time permits.

The event is open to the public. Holden Community Television will broadcast the forum live. The event also will be available to stream on holdentv.com. For more info, call the chamber at 508-829-9220 or email [email protected].

Holden

• Members of the Blue and Gold Star Memorials Project are proud to announce that a dedication ceremony for the memorials will be held in front of Holden Town Hall, 1196 Main St., at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 1. (Rain date: November 8.)

Holden Garden Club members Nancy Riggs and Helen Culver as well as Samantha Armstrong and Emily Proulx have been meeting since April 2025 to create the memorials that honor Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Families. The American Legion Post 42 became a co-sponsor in June 2025, after it donated $1,800 to purchase plaques through the National Garden Club of America. From a letter-writing campaign to build awareness and raise additional donations, to meeting with Town Manager Peter Lukes and the Historic District Commission to finalize landscaping plans, the committee has worked tirelessly to finalize plans for the dedication ceremony.

Riggs said that the First Congregational Church will provide space for the Holden Garden Club to host the hospitality reception for veterans, Gold Star Families, Blue Star Mothers, and members of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts. The First Congregational Church and First Baptist Church are providing outdoor seating and a podium while local Boy Scout troops will assist with parking, crowd control, and flag distribution.

Riggs said the November 1 program is scheduled to include performances by the Wachusett Regional High School chorus and band, a local Honor Guard, and a piper. Guest speakers include State Senator Peter Durant, Worcester County Sheriff Lewis Evangelidis, and Congressman James McGovern. “The actual dedication ceremony will be shared by several speakers and should be quite moving,” said Griggs. All are invited to attend and honor those who have served this country.

• Wachusett Regional High School Theater presents Community Garden, written by Justin Borak. Synopsis: In any big city, newbie Ralph doesn’t quite know what to expect during his first volunteer shift at Uptown City Gardens. It’s certainly not the vibrant, bustling community that passes through the green space, checking on their plants, composting their food scraps, meeting up with friends, and—surprisingly — often falling in love. After a few hours, Ralph begins to understand seasoned volunteer Donald’s claim that the garden is magic. In a series of heartfelt and humorous vignettes, Community Garden digs into the ways taking care of the environment helps people take care of each other. The production team consists of Alana Stern, director; Carol Leschke, costumer/producer; Ethan Stern, technical director; and Katie Pearson, stage manager. Performances are at the WRHS Auditorium, 1405 Main St, Holden. Tickets are adults/$15; students/seniors/$10; and under 12/$5. Dates: November 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. and November 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door or online at gofan.com. However, gofan is not available until a few weeks before the show.

• Building Foundations of Caregiving, a free educational program hosted by the Oriol Foundation and presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, will be held at Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, 32 Mayo Dr., Holden, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 22.

The program will offer information and support for caregivers and families, including understanding dementia, caregiving and communication strategies, building a support team, managing caregiver stress and self-care, and connecting with community resources.

While the program includes Alzheimer’s and dementia education, you do not need to be caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease to benefit. They welcome those caring for an aging parent, spouse, family member or other loved one who may be navigating changes in health, memory or independence. The program will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 22. Free and open to the community; advance registration is requested by calling 508-829-1213 or email [email protected]

• Registration for Benny’s Bunch at Hope Lives Here is now open. Benny’s Bunch is a new 6-week, in-person grief support group for children ages 6-12 who are navigating the loss of someone they love. Through creative activities, play, conversation and age-appropriate coping tools, children will have a safe and supportive place to connect, create, remember and heal alongside other kids who understand what they’re going through. While children participate in Benny’s Bunch, parents and caregivers will also have their own guided support space at Hope Lives Here. Time and dates: 10-11 a.m. on Sundays, October 18 to November 22 at Hope Lives Here, 1085 Main St., Holden. Space is limited. Register online at hlhgrief.org or call 774-345-9080. W