LANCASTER

Early Voting: for the presidential primary Monday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday to Thursday, Feb. 25 to 27, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., town clerk's office.

Library Programs for Adults: Thayer Memorial Library, 717 Main St. Evening Adult Book Group discuses "The Fifth Ris," by Michael Lewis, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m.; the library will order the book. "Short Skirts, Oh My! A Women's History Lecture" with historian/storyteller Anne Barrett, Tuesday, March 17, 6:30 p.m., celebrating Women's History Month. "From Freedom to Flight - Changing Women's Roles During King Philip's War in New England," with author Christine Duffy Zerillo, Monday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.; Zerillo's book, "Still Here," compares Mary Rowlandson and native sachem, Weetamoo.

Library Programs for Children: Thayer Memorial Library, 717 Main St. Tween Book Group, Wednesday, Feb. 26, "Golden Boy," 6 p.m. Story Hour: Polar bears, Thursday, Feb. 27, 10:30 a.m. Story Hour, Friday, Feb. 28, 10:30 a.m. Leaping Lizards with Rainforet Reptile Shows, Wednesday, March 25, 1 p.m., early release day in Lancaster; program paid for by the Rosemary Davis Memorial Fund grant. To register, or for more information, call (978) 368-8928, ext. 5, or email caulfieldm@cwmars.org. Mommy & Me Bootcamp, led by Tiffany Normandin, Tuesdays, 4:15-5 p.m.

The Life and Times of Clara Endicott Sears: Sunday, March 8, 2 p.m.; Fellowship Hall, First Church of Christ, 725 Main St. Hosted by the Lancaster Historical Society and featuring a presenter from Fruitlands Museum. Free and open to the public; for information call (978) 733-6907.

Lancaster Garden Club Meeting: Sunday, March 15, 7 p.m.; Lancaster Community Center. Learning pruning basics. Presenter is Gretel Anspach. Members free, non-members $5. For details, visit lancastergardenclub.net.

Perkins Speakers Series: Janeway Education Center, 975 Main St. Marjatta Moimas presents Gentle Mindfulness for Wellbeing, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, March 19.

Bread of Life Brunch Fundraiser: Sunday, March 22, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; SDA Village Church, 75 Sawyer St. Adults, $10, children $7 for a breakfast buffet to benefit the Bread of Life Ministry, helping to feed those in need. For information, call Becky, (978) 870-0266, or Sandra, (508) 304-4324.

Rabies immunizations: Saturday, March 28, 10:30 a.m.-noon; Town Hall parking lot, 701 Main St. The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, in cooperation with local veterinarians, will provide rabies immunizations for dogs and cats. Cash only. Rabies immunization for dogs and cats over 6 months old, not previously immunized, and those with a (2017) rabies tag must be immunized. The vaccine provided at Nashoba Clinics is effective for three years for dogs and cats over one (1) year of age and currently immunized. Dogs and cats between the ages of 6 and 12 months and those who have let their immunization lapse must receive a booster within one year of the initial inoculation. They are then protected for three years. The charge per immunization is $15. All pet owners must present, to participating veterinarian, proof of current vaccination to receive a three-year rabies vaccination. Cats must be brought in cages or closed boxes during the last half of any clinic.

Bambino Buddy Ball: registration is open. Formerly Lancaster Challenger Baseball. This program is for physically and mentally challenged children and adults ages 5 and up. Games will be played Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. at Thayer Field. Due to growing number of players, the league more buddies/volunteers. No special baseball experience required, just a positive attitude. The Mark Fidrych Foundation has covered registration costs for all players; everyone plays for free. Players must register online at http://www.lancasterlittleleague.com; buddies/volunteers should contact Joe Kennedy at kennedy2004@comcast.net to indicate their interest and for information.

Engraved Brick Fundraiser: to support the Nathaniel Thayer Memorial Park Project, are available to order through the Thayer Field Foundation. Bricks will be used to enhance the playground with an accessible path and also be placed around the splash pad. Bricks start at $50 each and will continue through early spring. For information, visit https://polarengraving.com/thayerfield. Flyers, including an order form, are also available at the Thayer Memorial Library. In addition to purchasing bricks, donations may be made by check to "Thayer Field Foundation, Inc." and mailed to Thayer Field Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 225, Lancaster MA 01523. For questions, contact Sherry Cutler at ThayerParkBricks@gmail.com.

Mothertown Quilters: meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m., with social time at 6:30 p.m., from September through June; Fellowship Hall of the Village Church, South Lancaster (park in the fenced lot at the corner of Sawyer and Prescott streets and enter through the back door). Visitors are welcome for a $5 guest fee. Membership is open; dues are $25.

Seven Bridge Writers Collaborative: Thayer Memorial Library, 717 Main St., unless otherwise noted. For information, email 7bridgewriterscollaborative@gmail.com. The group meets weekly, and there is a free writing workshop the third Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. For information, visit https://sevenbridge.org/seven-bridge-sessions/groups/writing-groups. The Scene Workshop with Richard Marcello, Saturday, Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Lancaster library. Writing People: How Characterization Works in Fiction, with Dave Daniel, Saturday, March 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the Lancaster library; participants are encouraged to bring along a piece of their writing that introduces a character. Open Mic, Thursday, March 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Reuben Hoar Library, 41 Shattuck St., Littleton; five-minute limit to readings. Book Publishing and Marketing with Ursula Wong, Wednesdays, April 1 and 8, 6-9 p.m.; class size limited and fee based, at https://sevenbridge.org/seven-bridge-sessions/classes/publishing-and-marketing/. Deadline March 15.

New Recycling Center Procedures: The Lancaster Recycling Center will be open on the first and third weekend of the month from 10 a.m.-noon from January through March. There is a fixed charge of $3 per vehicle to enter the yard. Booklets of five coupons will be available for purchase for $15 at the recycling center during normal hours (Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon) and at the town clerk's office in the Prescott Building. Other fees continue as normal.

Ongoing Library Programs: Thayer Memorial Library, 717 Main St. For information, call (978) 368-8928, ext. 2, or visit thayermemoriallibrary.org. Monday movie matinee at 1 p.m., call to get the title. Knitting Group, 6-7:45 p.m. Tuesdays. Learn to knit from the pros or enjoy time together. All levels of experience welcome. Wachusett Toastmasters 7677, 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays. This organization helps people develop speaking and leadership skills. Arrive 15 minutes early for networking. The Friends of the Thayer Memorial Library is actively seeking donations, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks for their annual book sale. Items can be dropped off in the lower level of the library near the coat rack. No textbooks, magazines, encyclopedias, Reader's Digest condensed books or books is poor condition.

Preschool Screenings: The Nashoba Regional School district is scheduling developmental screenings for all children 3 and 4 years old. This screening is a brief assessment of developmental milestones. Call Amy DeCiero at (978) 368-8482, ext. 1193, to schedule an appointment at Mary Rowlandson, 103 Hollywood Drive.

Veterans Services Department: The veteran services department provides healthcare applications, disability claim applications, widow pension applications, widow/survivor benefit applications, burial benefits applications, veteran cemetery applications, grave markers/symbols, state veterans benefits applications and obtain military discharge. For information, contact Richard Voutour, 1st Sgt. Marine Corps, Ret. veteran services officer, at rvoutour@leominster-ma.gov, or call (978) 706-1758, 8 a.m.-noon Tuesdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road.

Volunteer Drivers Needed: to deliver Meals on Wheels on Mondays and Thursdays for the Lancaster Council on Aging. Call (978) 733-4076. Angel drivers are also needed occasionally for those who cant drive for medical appointments, grocery or drug store errands.

Medical Equipment Loan Program: Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Crutches, canes, commodes, wheelchairs and some first aid/incontinence supplies are available. For more information or questions, call (978) 733-4076 or email aturner@lancasterma.net.

Wellness Clinics: 8-10 a.m. first and fourth Tuesdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. VNA Care and Nashoba Nursing Services will assist with blood pressure, blood sugar and weight monitoring, cardiopulmonary assessments, teaching about medication, diet, disease management, etc.

Senior Outreach: for help with transportation, housing, food stamps, fuel assistance, health insurance, budget and taxes, fitness, caregiving and visits. For information, call (978) 733-1249, ext. 1109, or email mlargey@lancasterma.com.

Pickleball: reserved play: 9-11 a.m. Mondays; 9-11 a.m. 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays; 1-3 p.m. Thursdays; 9-11 a.m. Fridays. Open play: 1-3 p.m. Mondays; 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays; 7:15-9:15 p.m. Thursdays; 7-11 a.m. Saturdays, Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. All sessions are $3 per person. Bring clean, dry sneakers. Shawn Parker will coach and instruct beginners. Advanced players sign up for Wednesdays, with Dennis Prinos. For information, contact Marilyn Largey, community service liaison, at call (978) 733-4076 or email mlargey@lancasterma.com.

Insanity Live: 7 p.m. Mondays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Cost is $10 per class. To reserve a spot, contact Pam Weir at (978) 430-6753 or pamweirfitness@gmail.com. The class combines cardio, strength, flexibility and core work. Bring water and a towel.

Gentle Hatha Yoga: with Louise, 11 a.m. Monday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. Saturdays 9:30 a.m.; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Cost is $5 per class, $25 for six classes, $10 per session. For information, call (978) 733-4076 or email aturner@lancasterma.net. Taught by Louise Dorian. Mats and water provided.

Tai Chi and Quigong: with Jeff, 9:30 a.m. Mondays and 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. First class is free, then $5 per class, six classes for $25. For information, call (978) 733-4076. All ages and abilities welcome. No need to reserve.

Computer Help: with Jon Roper, 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Drop in for help with your laptop, iPad or phone. For information, call (978) 733-4076.

Pancake Breakfast: 8 a.m. Tuesdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Suggested donation, $3. For information, contact Dave at (978) 263-7962 or drjames@james.net. All-you-can-eat breakfast with pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit, muffins, choice of beverages and seasonal pancake selections. Sponsored by the Friends of Lancaster Seniors.

The Backstage Gym: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Free. All are welcome with signed training release. Free for Lancaster residents. Use equipment or attend classes. To sign up or ask questions, call (978) 733-4076, or email coaadmin@lancasterma.net.

Puzzle Swap: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road.

Bingo: 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. For information, call (978) 733-4076 or email aturner@lancasterma.net. Free coffee, treats and prizes.

Keep Moving Walking Club: 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Free. For information, call (978) 733-4076. Come early for pancakes, then walk it off. There is a striders and a strollers group. Bring a dog, water and your sneakers. Water and companionship are provided for a safe walk.

Chair/Arthritis Yoga: with Julianna, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Cost is $5 per person, $25 for six. For information, call (978) 733-4076. This class is designed for all ages and abilities.

Garden Chat: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Thursdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. For information, call (978) 733-4076 or email aturner@lancasterma.net. Swap seeds, notes and ideas, and always something to eat.

Mahjong Lessons: 10:45 a.m. Wednesdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. For information, call (978) 733-4076

Bridge: 1-4 p.m. Fridays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Calling ahead suggested, (978) 273-2418. Area residents are invited for friendly bridge games. Don't play? Watch and learn. Free. Suitable for all levels, novice to pro. Cards, teacher and friends provided.

Ballroom Dancing: 6-7 p.m. Thursdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Drop in for $13, or a three-week session for $30. For information, call (978) 733-4076. A fun, casual class with Jim Cole, for beginners and pros alike. Come alone or bring friends. Bring a pair of dry, clean shoes to change into.

STERLING

Wellness Programs: at the Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. For information, call (978) 422-3032. Movement as Medicine, all access PT, Friday, Feb. 21, 12:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, Caregivers Connect at the Sterling Senior Center, 9:30-11 a.m. MSNME Support Group (usually third Monday of the month), Monday, Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m. Senior Strong returns Fridays, 1 p.m., March 20-May 8; free, but a $25 deposit will be refunded if you meet attendance requirements. Call for more information. Parkinson's Support (usually third Wednesday), Wednesdays, Feb. 26 and March 18, 3:30 p.m. Walking Club, Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Zumba, Thursdays at 8 a.m., $5.

Radio Dramas: presented by Sterling Community Theatre, Friday Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m.; Parish Hall of the First Church in Sterling, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road. "Treasure Island" and "Around the World in Eighty Days" will be presented as a cabaret style, dessert theater. The radio drama will have actors voicing multiple characters and creating live sound effects. Tickets are $25, including gourmet desserts, and can be purchased online at http://www.sterlingtheatre.com.

AMVETS Post 38 Meeting: Monday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m.; Leominster Veterans Memorial Center, conference room, 100 West St., Leominster. For information, call (978) 537-1541

Adult Library Programs: Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. For information or registration, call (978) 422-6409. Meditation for all ages, Monday, Feb. 24, 4:30 p.m.; Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. No registration required. Adult Coloring, Monday, Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m.; coloring books, colored pencils, markers and other supplies are provided, but participants can bring their own. No registration required. Cookbook Club, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6:30 p.m.; participants will choose a recipe from "Bobby at Home: Fearless Flavors from my Kitchen," by Bobby Flay, and bring it to share. Call to register. Watercolor Painting, Tuesday, March 10, 1 p.m.; participants will learn tips and create their own painting. Free program for adults of all ages; registration required. Contemporary Book Club will be reading "Where the Crawdads Sing," by Delia Owens, on Thursday, March 19, 6:30 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the library; no registration required. Fused Glass Workshop, Tuesday, March 24, 4 p.m., with artist Deenie Pacik at the Sterling Senior Center; each participant will make a fused glass pendant, which the instructor will fire in her kiln. Participants can pick them up at the library at a later time. Adults, as well as children 9 and older, can participate for free; children 9-12 must be accompanied by their caregivers. Registration required. Women's Suffrage Satire: "Someone Must Wash the Dishes: An Anti-Suffrage Satire," Thursday, March 26, 7 p.m.; Chocksett Middle School, 40 Boutelle Road. The show pairs pro-Suffragist Marie Jenney Howes 1913 An Anti-Suffrage Monologue with a lecture explaining why womens voting would lead to anarchy, financial ruin, and make every home a hell on earth. Performed by professional actress Michle LaRue and directed by Warren Kliewer. No registration. Appetizer afternoon, Tuesday, March 31, 1 p.m. Prepare any appetizer at home, bring it and sample others. Registration required; let the staff know what you will bring.

Democratic Caucus: Monday, Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m.; Butterick Building, Room 205, 1 Park St. to elect delegates and alternates to the 2020 Mass. Democratic State Convention on May 30 at the Tsongas Center in Lowell. The caucus is open to all registered and pre-registered Democrats in Sterling. Pre-registered Democrats who will be 16 by Feb. 15 can participate and run as a delegate or alternate. Sterling can elect three delegates and three alternates. Youth, minorities, people with disabilities and LQBTQ individuals who are not elected as a delegate or alternate may apply to be an add-on delegate at the caucus or at http://www.massdems.org. Those interested in getting involved with the Sterling Democratic Town Committee should contact Fionuala Dullea at griffonlula@gmail.com.

Early Voting: for the March 3 Presidential Primary Election, Feb. 24-28, during normal town clerk business hours, Monday through Thursday, Feb. 24-27, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 28, 7:30-11:30 a.m. Voting is in Room 112, Butterick Municipal Building, 1 Park St.

Children's Library Programs: Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. For information or to register, call (978) 422-6409. The library will be collecting donations of new pajamas for babies, toddlers and teens for the Boston Bruins PJ Drive, in partnership with Cradles to Crayons. Third- and fourth-grade book club, reading "Waylon! One Awesome Thing," by Sara Pennypacker, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m.; discussion and themed activity. Registration required. Drop-in sensory playtime for children up to 3 years and their caregivers, Thursday, Feb. 27, 10:30 a.m.-noon; featuring different interactive sensory play station. No registration. The new six-week session of Storytime starts March 22 and ends April 6. The following days and times will be offered: Mondays at 1 p.m., ages 2.5-7 years; Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., 18 months-3 years; Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., 2.5-7 years; and Thursdays at 11 a.m., drop in for babies up to 18 months old. Registration opens Monday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. Older and younger sibling welcome. Call (978) 422-6409.

Sterling Business Forum: Thursday, Feb. 27, 5-7 p.m.; Sterling National Country Club, 33 Albright Road. Business networking forum hosted by the Sterling Economic Development Committee and Sterling Business Association. There will be appetizers and a cash bar.

Senior Center Programs: 36 Muddy Pond Road, call (978) 422-3032 for information and reservations. Pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Friends of the Sterling Seniors, Friday, Feb. 28, 7:30-9 a.m.; celebrity server, Rep. Kim Ferguson. Saturday Night Pitch, Saturday, March 7, 6:30 p.m.; sponsored by the Grange. Dull Men's Club, Tuesday, March 10, 9 a.m., Mass. Wildlife. Art reception for Jon Mack, Tuesday, March 10, 6-8 p.m. March birthday cake, Friday, March 13, noon; sponsored by Sterling Village. History Club, Friday, March 13, 1 p.m., "The Guns of August, Part 2." St. Patrick's Day luncheon (corned beef and cabbage dinner with soda bread and dessert), Wednesday, March 18, 11:30 a.m.; $3 suggested donation, sign-up required. Entertainment will be American-Irish step dancers. A Taste of Sterling, Sunday, March 22, 4-6 p.m.; Sterling Country Club. Tickets $15, available at the senior center. Peer Leaders pickleball tournament, Wednesday, March 25, 8:15 a.m.; Chocksett School. Meet at the senior center, sign up required. St. Patrick's dinner, Wednesday, March 25, 6 p.m., featuring Irish music with Larry; tickets $5 by March 20. Armchair Travel, Russia and Icons with Jim Woovis, Thursday, March 26, 3:30 p.m. Pancake breakfast, Friday, March 27, 7:30-9 a.m.; sponsored by the Friends of the Sterling Seniors. Dull Men's train excursion, Tuesday, March 31, to view Rich Hopkins' collection; van leaves at 1 p.m., returns at 3 p.m. Limited seats, sign-ups required. History Club, discussion led by Pat Fox of "A World Lit Only by Fire," by William Manchester, Friday, April 17, 1 p.m.

Home-cooked lunch served daily, 11:30 a.m., no reservation required; $3 suggested donation. ALFA Modern Italian Literature, Mondays, 2:30-4 p.m. SSC Singers, Mondays, 9:15 a.m. Advanced photography, Mondays at 1 p.m. Computer help sessions with Peter Cummings, Tuesdays, noon-3 p.m.; sign ups required. Bridge, Tuesdays, 1 p.m. Beginners acrylic painting, Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.; $5. Acrylic painting, Thursdays, 12:30 p.m.; $5. Beginners ukulele lessons, Thursdays, 1:30-2:15 p.m. Ukulele Club, Thursdays, 2:30 p.m.; Veterans services office, Fridays, 8 a.m.-noon.

2020 Medical Mission to La Romana: Volunteers from the First Church in Sterling are gearing up for the mission to La Romana, Dominican Republic, Feb. 28-March 8. Volunteers are looking for donations for the medical clinics in the sugarcane villages, Days for Girls feminine hygeiene and construction projects. Monetary donations can be sent to First Church in Sterling, PO Box 40, Sterling, MA 01564, checks made out to "First CHurch in Sterling" with "La Romana Mission" in the memo. Online payments can be made through CentralMALaRomana.org. Supplies can be dropped off at the church office or contact Doug Davis at (978) 265-7547. Needed are pain relievers, vitamins (prenatal, children's chewable, not gummy, adult multi-vitamins with iron), antibiotic and anti-fungal creams (clotrimzole, miconazole, lotrisone) and allergy medicines.

Hiram O. Taylor Post 189: American Legion meeting, Monday, March 2, 7:30 p.m.; post hall, 32 School St. Cheeseburgers, hot dogs and beans at 6:30 p.m. Executive Board at 6 p.m. Sterling Association drawing will be held. All are welcome.

Daughters of American Revolution: Capt. John Joslin, Jr. Chapter award ceremony, Saturday, March 7, at 10:30 a.m.; Leominster Veterans Center, 100 West St., Leominster. Elaine Perreault, DAR Good Citizen chairman, will present pins and certificates to seven area seniors elected DAR Good Citizens from their respective schools. Following the ceremony, a light lunch will be served. Chapter members will remain for the monthly business meeting in the afternoon.For more information contact Regent Brenda Morse at (508) 596-2095.

Meat Raffle: Sunday, March 15, 1 p.m.; Eight Point Sports Club, 147 Beaman Road. Put on by Hiram O. Taylor Post 189.

Sterling Grange Public Dinner: Saturday, March 28, 5:30 p.m.; Sterling Senior Center. Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, green beans, cole slaw and dessert will be served. Following dinner, a local Irish Step Dancing troupe will entertain. Cost for the dinner and entertainment is $15 for adults, $8 for children 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under. Proceeds will benefit the Grange Hall Renovation Fund and community service projects. Reservations can be made by calling (508) 886-2341 or emailing your name and number of tickets to sterlinggrange53@gmail.com.

Village Green Preschool Scholarship: applications available in the guidance department of local high schools or via email from the preschool. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded each year to a graduating senior who attended VGP and plans to attend a two- or four-year accredited college or university. Completed applications must be postmarked by April 1. For information contact Preschool Director Linda Greene at (978) 422-8256 or sterlingvgp@gmail.com, or Scholarship Committee Chairman Kate Ingano at (774) 364-5835 or k_ingano@verizon.net.

Sterling EMS Scholarships: available for Sterling residents enrolled in a medically-related training program, both general and memorial scholarships. Deadline is April 30. Recipients of the Memorial Scholarship must be Sterling residents who are recent graduates entering an undergraduate post-secondary educational program in a medically-related field. Applicants must be graduates (or soon to be graduates) of an accredited high school, possess a GED, HiSET (or alternative) or have taken the Commonwealth of Massachusetts test of competency for home schooled/alternatively schooled individuals. Interested students can pick up an application form at: Sterling Fire Department, Conant Public Library and Butterick Municipal Building, as well as, guidance offices at several local high schools.

Community Lunch: noon, the first Saturday of the month; First Church of Sterling, Parish Hall, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road. Free. No reservation required. Vegetarian dishes are also offered. The Parish Hall is handicap accessible. For volunteer opportunities, visit Signup.com/go/RRcJmPy or call (978) 422-6657.

Friends of the Library: seeks board members to support programs and resources for children and adults in Sterling. Learn more about the Friends at a board meeting the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the library in Sterling center. Or email friendsofconant@gmail.com. Membership forms are available at the library. To join online, visit SterlingLibrary.org, click on "About the Library," then "Friends of the Library."

Wachusett Area MSNME Support Group: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every third Monday of month; Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. This support group is for people with any form of Multiple Sclerosis, for caregivers, family and friends to learn about current information, talking and sharing, snacks, games, etc. A home-cooked meal will be offered at 11:30 a.m. for $3. For information, call (978) 660-4744, or email mdkralc@aol.com.

Art/Photography Opportunity: The Sterling Senior Center Art Committee invites local artists and photographers interested in being considered for a future two-month showing to contact the center. For information, call (978) 422.3032. Candidates should have a minimum of 30 framed pieces suitable for hanging in the lobby and multipurpose room.

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Lancaster and Sterling calendars - The Item - The Gardner News

MIRI: Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Miri will hold the fifth edition of its Hobbies, Collections and Arts Exhibition today and tomorrow (Feb 22-23) at the ground floor foyer from 9am to 5pm on both days.

Open to the public, the highlights will be collectible figurines such as Gundam Mini, Transformer Robots, Warhammer, Star Wars, Hot Wheels, Marvel and Avengers, as well as drone and miniature aircrafts.

There will also be cosplay, Read Aloud Challenge, and singing competitions.

The interactive workshops include crafts workshop, Pinky Corner, Human Library Session, amigurumi, and painting for all ages.

The exhibition aims to promote creativity and thinking skills among the younger generation by showing them how to develop and maintain a special hobby, whether it would be collecting and trading items of value, playing games, or learning a new skill, said a press release yesterday.

For more information, contact Mohd Awis Abu Bakar or Suzanna Abdullah on 085-422525 or email [emailprotected] or [emailprotected]

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Library to hold fifth Hobbies, Collections and Arts Exhibition - The Borneo Post

For some, there is nothing comparable to the joy of cracking open a new book.

Bookworms all over Citrus County will be pleased to know that the Friends of the Citrus County Library System will host a Mega Book Sale Spring Fundraiser Friday, March 6, through Tuesday, March 10, at the Citrus County Auditorium at the Citrus County Fairgrounds, 3600 S. Florida Ave., Inverness.

The Friends of the Citrus County Library System is comprised of four county libraries: Central Ridge, Coastal Region, Lakes Region and Floral City. Each day of the sale will offer different deals and all of the profits made will go back into acquisitions of materials for these libraries.

The book sale kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday, March 6, with the cost of admission being only a $5 donation. As this is the first day of the sale, shoppers will have a large selection of books to choose from.

People are lined up outside on Friday night waiting to get in. Its really a big deal, said Cathy Lindell, Friends of the Citrus County Library System member. We will have thousands of books available of all genres. There will be something there for everyone.

Attendees will have quite the selection of items to choose from, as the book sale will offer more than books.

We will have DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, puzzles and of course, our Treasures section, which will offer special items of all kinds, Lindell said.

Shoppers can save by attending from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, when admission to the sale is free.

The sale will continue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, where everything is half-price. With books already marked at such reasonable prices, this should be a huge day of savings for shoppers.

Most of our fiction books are $2, Lindell said. "At half-price, this will allow shoppers to bring home double the goods!"

For those who are able to wait it out, the sale will offer "$5 a bag day" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday.

Well provide you a bag and you fit everything you can fit in it and it will only be $5, Lindell said. The sale will conclude Tuesday, running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as "$5 a box day."

Well give everyone a banana box and itll be $5 to fill it, Lindell said.

All are encouraged to come out and see what the sale has to offer.

Ive been involved with this for 3 or 4 years now and Ive never seen anything like it, Lindell said. Thousands of books just fill the auditorium. Its overwhelming.

Some things to know before attending:

Only cash or checks will be accepted as a form of payment. If paying with a check, photo ID is required.

Shoppers are encouraged to take advantage of the book sale holding area, where items may be left temporarily to be picked up when ready to check out. Items not picked up by the close of day will be restocked.

Personnel will be available to transport heavy boxes and/or bags to the parking area and load them into vehicles for patrons requiring assistance.

Pets are not permitted into the sale.

For information about the Mega Book Sale Spring Fundraiser, visit foccls.org or call 352-513-4935.

Excerpt from:
Friends of the Citrus County Library System to host Mega Book Sale - Citrus County Chronicle

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On Feb. 11, the Anthropedia Center for Well-Being, comprised of the Anthropedia Academy and The Wellness Agora, opened its doors to the public. After being approached by the previous owner, the Wellness Agora is now located in where the Library Annex once resided.

One of the main purposes of the center is to help people reach their fullest potential and relieve the stress that drags an individual down through a bio-psycho-social-spiritual model. The Anthropedia Foundation, whose research informed The Wellness Agora, was founded by Lauren Munsch Dal Farra, M.D., Sita Kedia, M.P.H., M.D., and Kevin Cloninger, P.h.D., in St. Louis in 2004.

Cloninger, Executive Director of the Anthropedia Foundation, as well as Lara Pennington, MSW, Director of Development and Community Engagement for the Anthropedia Foundation, felt that there was a lack of well-being, self-knowledge, meaning and purpose in todays individuals alongside a world that is increasingly unstable.

Twenty years ago when we were getting started it was not obvious to anyone that these problems would be as bad as they are now, said Cloninger.

Sensing the degree to which individuals stress were affecting them, Cloninger felt that something had to be done to help, and The Wellness Agora was born.

The Anthropedia Center for Well-Being offers various ways for individuals to not only learn how to reach their fullest potential and decrease stress, but also to teach others to do the same. These come in the form of coaching and different services that target an individuals biological and psychological well-being. By being coached, an individual can learn how to lead a better, and more fulfilling life. By becoming certified in a training course, an individual can share what theyve learned and help others to follow in a path of a healthier lifestyle and being.

I went through the training with that personal development in mind, but also for the professional implementation of the curriculum. And I fell in love with the curriculum, stated Pennington on her experience before joining the team in April of 2018.

Osha Chesnutt-Perry, a junior at SLU, reflects on her time with Anthropedia and The Wellness Agora with gratitude. I have been fortunate to try some of these services in New York and have already reaped benefits in decreasing my anxiety, and look forward to continuing to use whats offered here to support my academic and professional pursuits, stated Chesnutt-Perry.

The services offered by The Wellness Agora target an individuals body and mind, seeking to help relax, renew and recharge. Some of these services included an iso float, a thermal relax, infrared sculpt, biobalance and various other biologically based services.

For all services, students in the St. Louis area will receive a 25 percent discount. For all SLU students with a valid ID, they will receive a 50 percent discount.

Continued here:
New Wellness Center Opens in Place of Library Annex - The University News

A firefighter was killed and another went missing Tuesday while battling a fire at a Central California library, officials said.

In this Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020 photo, firemen battle a fire at the public library in Porterville, Calif. Two 13-year-old boys have been arrested for allegedly starting the blaze at a public library in central California that left a firefighter dead and another missing, officials said.

In this Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020 photo, firemen work to extinguish a fire at the public library in Porterville, Calif. Two 13-year-old boys have been arrested for allegedly starting the blaze at a public library in central California that left a firefighter dead and another missing, officials said.

In this Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020 photo, firemen work to extinguish a fire at the public library in Porterville, Calif. Two 13-year-old boys have been arrested for allegedly starting the blaze at a public library in central California that left a firefighter dead and another missing, officials said.

In this Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020 photo, firemen work to extinguish a fire at the public library in Porterville, Calif. Two 13-year-old boys have been arrested for allegedly starting the blaze at a public library in central California that left a firefighter dead and another missing, officials said.

In this Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020 photo, flames engulf the public library in Porterville, Calif. Two 13-year-old boys have been arrested for allegedly starting the blaze at a public library in central California that left a firefighter dead and another missing, officials said.

In this Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020 photo, flames engulf the public library in Porterville, Calif. Two 13-year-old boys have been arrested for allegedly starting the blaze at a public library in central California that left a firefighter dead and another missing, officials said.

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (AP) Two 13-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of starting a blaze at a public library in central California that left a firefighter dead and another missing, officials said.

Porterville Police Chief Eric Kroutil said Wednesday the teenagers were arrested Tuesday in the blaze at the Porterville Public Library that killed fire Capt. Raymond Figueroa, 35.

Firefighter Patrick Jones, 25, is still missing, said Porterville Fire Chief David LaPere.

Kroutil said the teenagers were seen running from the library shortly after the blaze started.

Our investigation led us to two 13-year-old Porterville residents who have been determined to have started this fire, Kroutil said.

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The boys face arson, manslaughter and conspiracy charges, he said.Their names were not released because they are minors. It was not immediately known if they have attorneys who can speak on their behalf.

The blaze was reported at about 4:15 p.m. Tuesday at the library in Porterville, 50 miles (79 kilometers) north of Bakersfield in the San Joaquin Valley, fire officials said.

Staff called 911 when they noticed flames in the children's section of the library, which has about 77,000 books, city librarian Vikki Cervantes told the Visalia Times Delta.

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2 teens arrested in library fire that killed firefighter - Daily Journal Online

That Florida-based firm was also hired to help create the new Missoula Downtown Master Plan.

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"This block presents the opportunity to meet a number of needs in the community and that area of downtown, and this planning effort will sift through those needs to determine priorities and which ones can be best met at that location, wrote MRA director Ellen Buchanan in a memo to the board.

Buchanan said in exchange for $50,000, the consulting firm would identify multiple development scenarios followed by public presentations and an open house workshop to narrow down the vision for the block.

One of the components of this study will be massing and height studies to explore what size building will work best in that location, particularly with respect to preserving view sheds, Buchanan wrote. Once a redevelopment plan has been developed, (Dover Kohl) will assist the (city and the MRA and the Business Improvement District) in the development of a Request for Proposals or Qualifications to identify partners who can best help realize that vision.

Both Buchanan and Engen said there appears to be interest from some private businesses for short-term rental of the building in the interim, so that means the building can stay in use as the city works toward a redevelopment plan.

Weve got office users outgrowing their space who need a temporary situation, and the existing building will work well for those uses as our planning process plays out, Engen said.

Link:
With new library ready by June, Missoula looks at options for best use of old site - The Missoulian

Newton Public Library, Massachusetts

In an era consumed by the prevalence of digital media, the Newton Free Library has not only survived, but thrived, as a meaningful institution in the county. Library cardholders have been borrowing more and more library books every year. An increase in programming, technology, and classes has also helped the library attract visitors on a regular basis.

Jill Mercurio, library director of the Newton Free Library, told The Heights in an email:

While print circulation has softened, readers are checking out even more ebook titles than ever before, Mercurio wrote.

Newton Free Library patrons borrowed more books from the library in 2019 than any past year, with a significant increase in rentals of e-books every year. The library circulated 588,449 books in 2019, marking a 4.7 percent% increase from the last fiscal year. 95,808 of these were e-books, with the other 492,641 being print books. E-book rental has increased every yearthe previous year, 76,606 e-books were rented. Cardholder data has also remained steady over the years. The library recorded 49,123 cardholders in 2019, the largest total since 2014.

The Newton Free Library has introduced a variety of programs and measures to ensure that the library is adapting to cultural changes.

Royce McGrath, Newton Free Librarys sSupervisor for pPublic sServices, outlined some of the products the library offers. The library has been using the service Overdrive for many years, which has a wide selection for e-books, digital audio books, and magazines. Users simply sign in on the Overdrive website with their library card information, and the content is available on all tablets, computers, smartphones and Kindles. Another available digital product is Hoopla.

We now offer something called Hoopla, and that lets people stream movies. It offers people current music to stream or to download to their device, and graphic novels that they can just download at home. It also has digital audio books, which are very popular, McGrath said.

The library also provides a product called Kanopy, which has independent and foreign films that people can download at home to view even when the library is closed. Kanopy and Hoopla also require users to have a library card with the Newton Free Library.

Programming has helped the library draw more crowds and make up for those who no longer come in for the borrowing of physical books.

We have Sunday concerts every Sunday where people may never even check out a book, but they just come for the free concert, McGrath said.

All events hosted by the Newton Free Library are featured on the librarys website. Events include forums, book discussion groups, clubs, classes, and more. There are also special events geared specifically towards kids, tweens, and teens such as sing-a-longs, yoga classes, and holiday celebrations.

An area of focus for the library has been programming that focuses on technology.

We have been trying to add a lot of tech help programming to help people set up emails and learn about different apps, and another thing that people are very interested in is Makerspaces, McGrath said.

According to the Newton Free Library website, a Makerspace allows people to collaborate, connect, learn, build, and create projects. Makerspaces feature specific programs as well as scheduled DIY Studio Hours. Some examples of Makerspace events include decorating pillows, building rubber band cars, making chocolate, and creating nail art. There are also repair days, where people can bring in broken items and learn how to fix them themselves. Additionally, the Makerspace includes a 3D printing service. A large number of public computers, scanners, printers, and copiers are also located throughout the library, all free of charge to the public.

Another area of programming is the English Language Learning and Literacy Program, which provides volunteer tutors to adult English language learners, as well as adults whose first language is English to improve their reading skills. According to the librarys website, around 500 volunteer tutors are currently assisting more than 700 learners.

Services such as museum passes and free home delivery to Newton residents who are unable to visit the library also showcase the vast resources that the Newton Free Library provides.

Beyond books, technology, and programming, the library plays a social role in the community.

Its also a community space where people can come, they can see their neighbors, and they can meet other people, said McGrath. They can have free programming. They can have free internet access. They can get free help. They can get free classes. They can check out musical instruments. So, its become much more of a community space and less about just coming to check out a book, per se.

Featured Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Excerpt from:
Newton Free Library Thrives in the Technological Age The Heights - The Heights

Although this initiatives aim is to provide access to educational materials and incentives for good behavior, its pricing structure might work against the best interests of the inmates. The Prison Policy Initiative estimated that 2017 wages in West Virginia prisons ranged between 4 cents and 58 cents an hour.

"If you pause to think or reflect, that will cost you," said Katy Ryan,APBPs founder and educational coordinator. "If you want to reread a book, you will pay the entire cost again. This is about generating revenue for the state and profit for the industry. Tablets under non-predatory terms could be a very good thing inside prisons. GTL does not provide that."

The WVDCR will receive a 5% commission on gross revenue from the tablets, reports Reason. A spokesperson for West Virginia prisons noted that no inmates are being forced to use the tablets in the Reason report. The spokesperson also said the 5% commission will go toward a fund at each prison that inmates "use for such things as paying for cable TV and hosting open house visitation events for families."

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West Virginia Inmates To Be Charged By The Minute For Reading On Tablets From A Free Online Library - Blavity

The Reading Public Library on Wednesday opened the Dr. Jerome I. Marcus Learning and Meeting Commons.

The commons consists of three meeting rooms and two nooks on the main floor of the library intended for use by the public free of charge.

The private meeting rooms are outfitted with a commercial grade audio/video system, including ultra high definition TVs with 4K resolution and smart connectivity so users can bring their own devices. The system has the flexibility to accept any device and allows screen-mirroring without the need for a separate app. The rooms include easy WIFI connectivity for IOS, Android, Mac, Chromebook, or Windows-based devices, and all of the furniture is on wheels for easy reconfiguration, said Bronwen Gamble, library executive director.

Starting today, you can reserve one of three high-tech meetings rooms or two meeting nooks. There is a touch pad outside each room to reserve a space, or rooms can be booked on the library website, readingpubliclibrary.org.

The project was funded by a gift from Marcus. What the Marcus gift didnt cover was picked up through in-kind donations from local contractors and subcontractors like Solution AVT, Reading, to install and equip the new meeting spaces, Gamble said.

This generous gift from Dr. Marcus will transform the main library into the 21st century workforce development and collaborative learning center our residents want and need, Gamble said.

Gamble said users could include people working remotely, students with school group projects, social workers meeting clients, tutors, ESL teachers, budding entrepreneurs, and staff of small nonprofits.

Renee Dietrich, president of the librarys board of trustees, said the Marcus gift is the largest designated donation the library has ever received for a capital project.

Donors do not just want to give money away, they want to make a difference, Dietrich said.

Dietrich said the Marcus gift will transform the Reading Public Library by taking its services to a new level.

The beauty of our society is that we value the genius of the individual as well as the genius of the group, Marcus said in a statement. This project facilitates that spirit of collaboration.

"Everything is digital nowadays," Gamble said. "We want to stay proactive."

Library users had been asking the staff if there were meeting spaces available. Already, social service, education, business and other professionals had been using areas of the facility for tutoring and to meet with clients. It's a clean, safe and neutral place to meet, she said.

Gamble said she visited her daughter, Katie, an instructor at Queensland University of Technology in Australia, last year where there were designated student learning rooms in the university library.

"That was my light bulb moment," she said.

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Reading Public Library opens rooms with a view toward collaboration - Reading Eagle

The Tulsa Central Library was evacuated because of a small fire Wednesday afternoon and will remain closed through Friday.

Smoke was rising from the second and third floors when firefighters arrived a little after 4 p.m., Tulsa Fire Department spokesman Andy Little said.

They contained a small fire to a restroom. Minimal fire damage was reported, and some water damage occurred when sprinklers activated, Little said.

Firefighters ventilated the building before a remediation company arrived to help assess the damage.

Jackie Hill, a spokeswoman for the Tulsa City-County Library, said the Tulsa Central Library will remain closed Thursday and Friday.

Hill said customers can still access library services at the nearest facilities to Central, Rudisill Regional Library at 1520 N. Hartford Ave. and Schusterman-Benson Library at 3333 E. 32nd Place.

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Downtown library evacuated, closed through Friday due to small fire in restroom - Tulsa World