Local events
Homemakers sponsor genealogy program
The Sterling Homemakers Extension Group will meet on Thursday, February 23, at 9 a.m., downstairs at St. Richard’s church, 4 Bridge St., Sterling. This month’s program will be “Genealogy and Medical Charting.”
For more information contact Loret Schur at 978-368-8923 or Leita Brown at 978-368-8045.
Homeland Security representative to discuss border issues
The Sterling Chocksett Club will meet Tuesday, February 28, at the Twin Oaks Restaurant, Route 12, Sterling. Social hour starts at 6 p.m. and dinner will follow at 7 p.m.
Sean Smith of the Department of Homeland Security will present the program after dinner. Learn about border issues and travel. For more information, dinner options, or reservations, please contact Loret at 978-368-8923 or loret.schur@gmail.com.
Presidents Day Ranger Hike
On Monday, February 20, at 1 p.m., all ages are welcome to join the rangers for a free fun walk to the shoreline of the Wachusett Reservoir. Explore the wooded winter wonderland, and discuss how the critters that call Wachusett their home survive the cold winter. The walk will last about two hours, and the terrain will be easy to moderate. Feel free to bring snowshoes if snow finally arrives this winter!
Meet at the parking lot at Reservoir Gate 8, at the corner of Cross Street and Route 70 in Boylston.
For more information or for directions, please contact the Wachusett Reservoir Ranger Station at 978-365-3800.
“Eyes on Owls” program at Applewild School
Learn about the owls of New England and beyond in a presentation including live owls on February 22 at the Alumni Theater at Applewild School, 98 Prospect St., Fitchburg. The public is invited to this special free event during school vacation week. Students in kindergarten and 1st grade should attend from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; students in grades 2 through 5 should attend from 12:45 to 2:15 p.m. For more information call 978-342-6053 ext. 302.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Clinton
Rock Your Irish, featuring the Screaming Orphans, The Stone Clovers, and more, is coming to the Clinton Town Hall, 242 Church St., on Saturday, February 25. Doors open at 6 p.m. The event includes music, food, drinks, dancing, and fun!
Tickets are $15 for balcony, $20 for floor, $75 for a table of four, and $100 for a table of six. Order tickets online at www.poluscenter.org, or contact Donna at 978-368-1550 or admin@poluscenter.org. Tickets can also be purchased at World Gifts Espresso Cafe, The Tinker’s Cart, The Old Timer Restaurant, or the Polus Center. Proceeds will support people with developmental disabilities in Massachusetts through the Polus Center.
Photos of New England meetinghouses to be presented
“A Space for Faith” will be presented at the First Church Unitarian, 725 Main St., Lancaster, on February 26. The free program begins at 2:30 p.m., and the artist reception will be at 4 p.m.
Paul Wainwright will share his dramatic collection of black and white photographs that capture the presence and history found in New England meetinghouses. His powerful images uncover handcrafted beauty touched only by time.
A landscape and architectural photographer, Wainwright works in a traditional manner, utilizing sheet film, a large-format camera, and silver gelatin printing. His work is included in private, corporate, and public collections, including the Boston Public Library and the Boston Museum of Fine Art. Learn more at www.colonialmeetinghouses.com.
This event is presented by the Bullfinch Fund, and preregistration is recommended. Call 978-365-5570 or e-mail info@thebulfinchfund.org. The snow date is March 4.
Learn to paint on slate
An all-day Slate Painting Workshop will be held on Saturday, March 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Thayer Memorial Library, 717 Main St., Lancaster. Sue Kadlec will share the art of painting country scenes on roof slates, freehand and with stencils. A $30 fee includes an original roof tile from the Thayer Memorial Library and the use of a wide assortment of paints and stencils. Wear old clothes and bring a hand-held hair dryer. Coffee and tea will be provided; bring snacks or a bag lunch if you like. Class size is limited. Sign up by February 18. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of Thayer Memorial Library. Call the library at 978-368-8928 or e-mail nhclune@cwmars.org to register.
Friends of Seniors host Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner
The Friends of the Sterling Seniors will be hosting a Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner on March 4 in the hall at the First Church in Sterling. The event is a “kickoff for the wearing of the green.” Dinner service starts at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $6 for children 12 and under.
Nicole Boardman, a licensed gold appraiser, will be there to help you find your own pot of gold! She will buy that odd earring, twisted gold necklace, or even the silver you don’t use. The event will also include a 50/50 raffle and music.
Tickets are available from Pam Dell at the Senior Center, at Appletown Market, and by calling Maureen Cranson at 978-422-9727. All proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Sterling Seniors.
American Legion to hold meeting
There will be a regular meeting of the Hiram O. Taylor Post 189 of the American Legion on Monday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the post hall on School Street in Sterling.
Learn about the history of the Quabbin
Author Michael Tougias will present “Quabbin: History and Explorer’s Guide” on Tuesday, March 6, at 7 p.m. at the Thayer Memorial Library, 717 Main St., Lancaster. He will discuss the “lost towns” that were flooded to create the Quabbin Reservoir. Join him for this multimedia tour of the wildlife and special places there.
Coast Guard offers boating class
The Auburn Flotilla of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a basic navigation course, Coastal Piloting, from March 28 to May 2. The class is taught by experienced Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors, and is free to the public. There is a charge for materials. The class will be held at Worcester State University.
For more information visit the Flotilla’s website at http://a0131010.uscgaux.info/, or contact Public Education Officer James Barbato at 978-422-6760 or james.barbato@comcast.net.
Spring Indoor Yard Sale planned at First Church
The First Church will hold its annual fundraising Indoor Yard Sale on Saturday, March 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the First Church parish hall. Table rentals are $15 each. A snack bar will be open for shoppers. Admission is free. For table reservations, call the church office, Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 978-422-6657.
MOMS Club of Lancaster and Sterling
Looking to connect with other moms? The local MOMS Club offers support to mothers of young children through daytime activities, play groups, a monthly Moms Night Out, newsletters, and more! The club would love to have new members join, including pregnant moms-to-be. For information contact Christy at 978-422-2374.