508Local, 25 Elm Street, Southbridge, MA (2026)

06/03/2026

Gladys E. Kelly Public Library
2 Lake St., Webster
508-949-3880
Library Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

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Want to receive updates about our upcoming events? Sign up for email alerts by visiting our website or contacting our Adult Services Librarian Jessica Fontaine at [email protected]

Special Events
Climate Future Film Festival – Tuesday, June 9th at 5:30pm
This “mini festival” features ten award-winning short films from four continents that invite inspiration, conversation, and hope around climate change. The films—documentary, drama, animation, and humor—explore the human and emotional dimensions of the climate crisis. Leading climate voice Bill McKibben serves as Honorary Judge and anchors the festival with a videotaped introduction. Four-time Academy Award nominee Edward Norton joins him this year as Honorary Judge and Awards Judge, selecting four films in the timely program for highest honors. This program is for adults.
Cookbook Club – Wednesday, June 10th at 6:00pm
Join our cookbook club this month as we cook recipes from the same book. We always have a great time eating and discussing our experiences with the book. This month we're reading and cooking from Weekday Vegetarians by Jenny Rosenstrach. Extra copies are available at the circulation desk. To be added to the list, please email [email protected]

Friends Spring Concert Series: Dan Fontaine’s Elvis Tribute – Thursday, June 4th at 6:30pm
Dan Fontaine grew up in Massachusetts and was raised listening to the music of Elvis Presley. At 16, he began his music career. Dan began performing his Elvis tribute all over New England in 2014, and aims to capture the energy, passion, and vocal prowess of The King. This program is for all ages.

Adult Programming
Literacy Volunteers: ESL Classes – Tuesdays at 6:00pm
The Literacy Cafe is a free weekly English conversation class offered by Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts (LVSCM). This class is free to attend and is open to all adults. For more information, email us at [email protected].

Grief Support Group – 2nd Tuesday and 4th Saturday of the Month (6:30pm on Tuesdays; 10:00am on Saturdays) in the Local History Room
Losing a loved one is never easy. Please know that you are not alone. If you need support in trying to navigate the changes in your life, join us in a place of safety and comfort with others who have also experienced loss. This grief support group is a place to find understanding as we explore our grief, share coping strategies, and begin to heal.

Yoga – Saturdays at 9:15am
Join Julie at the Gladys E. Kelly Library for a vinyasa yoga class for all levels. A typical class involves centering the mind with the breath, aromatherapy, movement of the body to release energetic blockages, and, finally, rest and relaxation. Classes are free. Funded by the Friends of the Gladys E. Kelly Public Library.

Yoga Nidrā with Jess – Fridays in June at 9:00am
Join Adult Services Librarian Jess for a relaxing yoga nidrā practice to start your day. Jess will guide participants through a few simple yoga asanas to release physical tension. Participants will then settle into a reclined position for a guided relaxation (yoga nidrā). Registration is required and Jess will meet you at the program door. If you have your own yoga mat, please bring it and be sure to dress in comfortable clothing.

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Hour – First Friday of the Month 9am-10am
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Webster Regional Resource Center offers a variety of support services including; support groups, case management, education (including Hi-Set), employment opportunities, health insurance assistance, MA State ID/B.Cert, substance use and mental health referrals, transportation, recovery coaching and overall support. Their friendly case managers will be offering support the first Friday of every month from 9-10am.

The Midnight Society x The Final Frontier Book Group – Wednesday, June 3rd at 6:00pm
Join Janessa and Evan for this special collaboration between The Midnight Society Horror Book Group, and The Final Frontier Sci-Fi Book Group as we discuss how Mary Shelley's Frankenstein crosses over between these two genres.

Computer Basics for Beginners – Friday, June 5th at 11:00am
Come learn some computer basics with Assistant Director Evan Hale and Adult Services Librarian Jess Fontaine. Registration is required.

Programming for All Ages
Library for All –Mondays and Fridays in June at 10am
Library for All is an inclusive program for teens and adults of all abilities and their caregivers. Please let us know if you need any special accommodations! Join us every Monday and Friday! The 1st week of the month is coloring, the 2nd week is LEGO, the 3rd week is chair yoga, and the 4th week of the month is painting.

Mini-Bookshelves – Thursday, June 18th at 5pm and 6pm
Calling all book lovers! Join Paige and Jess for a fun, hands-on program where you'll create your very own miniature bookshelf. Registration is required.

Children’s and Young Adult Programming
Play-Doh Storytime – Mondays at 10:30am
Join us for an engaging storytime filled with interactive stories and Play-Doh fun! Kids are invited to explore, squish and make new creations each week. This sensory-friendly program is perfect for young learners and their grown-ups.

Creators Club – Mondays at 4:00pm
Come explore our Creators Club, where each month features a new theme highlighting a different art supply for kids to experiment with and turn into their own masterpieces! June’s Theme: Paper Chain Jellyfish! Kids will practice cutting out paper and weaving pieces together to make some amazing jellyfish.

Tiny Groovers – Tuesdays at 10:30am
Join Miss Paige for a groovy storytime! Toddlers ages 2-5 and their caregivers will dance to popular kids’ tunes while using instruments and playful props, and enjoy an interactive story each week.

Mighty Builders – Tuesdays at 4:00pm
Unleash creativity in our free-build program featuring LEGOs, magnet tiles, wooden blocks, marble runs, and more!

Teen Advisory Board – Wednesday, June 10th at 2:45pm
Do you want to make the teen room and teen programs work for you? We want to do that, too. Join jess and Paige for informal conversation about what works and what doesn’t in the teen room. Ideas? Bring them! Concerns? Bring those, too!

Now Available!Call Today!�508-909-4103�Email: kerri@stonebridgepress.newshttps://linpub.blob.core.windows.net/pdf/2/71f7...

06/03/2026

Now Available!
Call Today!�508-909-4103�Email: [email protected]

https://linpub.blob.core.windows.net/pdf/2/71f710e0-bc1d-43f5-b5b2-0ed3d7790ab6.pdf

06/03/2026

Courtesy
Sixth grade students proudly hold up the Tree City USA flag after bagging & distributing tree seedlings to the students at Burgess Elementary.

From left to right: Ellen Thibodeau, Marcia Wildgrube, JoAnn Kass, help Leslie Wong with the shovel, plant the weeping Spruce at the Senior Center

From Left to right, Sturbridge Town Administrator Robin Grimm, Asst Conservation Agent Lori Williams, Asst DPW Director Jacquelyn Burmeister, Deputy Tree Warden Joe Kowalski, DPW Director Heather Bakeley, Tree Warden Tony Crane, and Conservation Agent Lauren Vivier assemble around the weeping spruce tree marking the official Arbor Day ceremony tree for Sturbridge.

From left to right, Tree Warden Tony Crane and Retired Tree Warden Tom Chamberland stand next to the 32 ft American Liberty Elm tree planted on the town common in celebration of the National 250th Anniversary. The Common was selected for this tree as it was the very same grounds that Sturbridge Patriots assembled to respond to the call for arms in 1775.

Sturbridge cerebrates Arbor Day 2026, recognizes 250th anniversary

STURBRIDGE — Sturbridge Tree Warden Tony Crane led a series of special tree plantings in celebrating Arbor Day 2026. He was assisted by Deputy Tree Warden Joe Kowalski and retired Tree Warden Tom Chamberland.
Starting the week of April 13, in an annual observance of Arbor since 1990 over 750 seedings were bagged and distributed by sixth grade students at Burgess Elementary School. A highlight of the program was a visit to the sixth grade class by both Tony and Tom to talk about the seedlings they bagged, as well as the history of, and what Tree Wardens do, along with the importance of celebrating Arbor Day.
Then, on April 24, the Sturbridge Senior Center celebrated the 250th Anniversary with Senator Ryan Fattman as a special guest. The event featured a tree planting, symbolizing growth, and continuity, and encouraged community members to contribute letters and pictures for a time capsule to be opened in 25 years. Following the ceremony, a reception was held as the Sturbridge Senior Center Bell Ringers performed patriotic songs.
The town’s “official” arbor day tree planting was on April 23, in front of the Central Office Building, Town employees led by Town Administrator Robin Grimm assisted Tony & Joe in the planting of another weeping Spruce.
And finally, in special recognitions of our country’s 250th Anniversary a 32 ft American Liberty Elm tree was planted on the town common. Due to the size of the tree a crane was used to pick the tree from the delivery trailer and set for planting. Leading the planting was Tom Chamberland, assisting in the planting were members of the DPW staff and Tree Warden Tony Crane. A plaque commemorating the official dedication of this 250th Anniversary tree will occur later this summer.

06/03/2026

Southbridge Lions Club to hold annual “Fill the Bucket” fundraiser
SOUTHBRIDGE — The Southbridge Lions Club will once again take to the streets of town for its annual “Fill the Bucket” Bucket Brigade fundraiser on Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Club members will be stationed throughout Southbridge collecting donations at several key intersections, including Main Street, Elm Street, Central Street, Foster Street, Everett Street, Chapin Street, and Hamilton Street. Residents can also stop by the Lions Club table outside the Big Bunny to make a contribution and learn more about the organization’s community efforts.
Funds raised during the Bucket Brigade directly support local individuals and families facing sight and hearing challenges. The Southbridge Lions Club has long been dedicated to helping those in need through vision and hearing assistance programs, community service projects, scholarships, youth initiatives, and charitable outreach throughout the area.
The club encourages residents to take part in this year’s “Fill the Bucket” challenge by giving whatever they can to help neighbors in need. Every donation, large or small, helps the Lions continue their mission of service and support within the community.
Members of the Southbridge Lions Club expressed their appreciation for the continued generosity of local residents and businesses who make the annual fundraiser a success year after year.

06/02/2026

Courtesy
The Exchange Club of Spencer recently presented the distinguished A.C.E of the Year Award to Brayden Gilbert at a dinner held at the 308 Lakeside restaurant in East Brookfield. Gilbert is a graduating Senior at David Prouty High School. The award honors students for their accomplishments in “Accepting the Challenge of Excellence” during their high school years. Congratulations to Gilbert, and best wishes as you graduate! Photo courtesy of the club’s page.

06/02/2026

Northeast CT Education Foundation awards $201,000 to local students at Scholarship Night

DAYVILLE — On Wednesday, May 6, the Northeast CT Education Foundation (NCEF) held its second annual Scholarship Night at Killingly High School in Dayville. The ceremony celebrated Windham County residents pursuing higher education. In total, over $201,000 was awarded to 107 local students, many of which are new or continuing students at CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley. NCEF scholarships support direct educational expenses including tuition, books, fees, technology, and other course requirements.
During the ceremony, NCEF Scholarship Chair Eddie Graff shared his personal story with 2026 recipients, “Fourteen years ago, when I was a Quinebaug Valley Community College student, Foundation scholarships changed my life and provided opportunities I could never have imagined. It gives me such pride to now serve as a board member of the Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation and as chair of the scholarship committee. I truly hope that our 2026 recipients will be inspired to one day help others achieve their educational dreams.”
The Foundation extends sincere appreciation to all who assisted with making the annual Scholarship Night a success, including the scholarship committee members, volunteers Maureen Brodeur, Kathy Borner, Martin Charette, Lynne Comtois, Dan Donahue, Susan Harrod, and Bruce Wolanin, as well as Killingly High School administration and staff for providing their auditorium.
The mission of the Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation is to provide scholarships and other financial support to residents of Northeast Connecticut who want to pursue higher education. To learn more about the NCEF, visit www.necteducationfoundation.org. For more information on how to support local students at CT State Quinebaug Valley, please contact Director of Institutional Advancement Monique C.K. Wolanin at (860) 932-4174 or [email protected].

06/01/2026

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As National Police Week came to a close last week, the Leicester Police Department applauded two of its very own who poured their hearts into an incredibly meaningful and physically demanding tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Sgt. Craig Guertin and Officer Michael Lombardozzi joined more than 2,000 fellow officers from across the country in the 2026 Police Unity Tour, which cycled from New Jersey into Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of the department’s page.

06/01/2026

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Workshop participants Zachary Consolabe and Sadie Bergeron helping each other build their birdhouses.

Workshop participants Stephen Paulson and Kyle Arsenault, and NESA artist and workshop instructor Lynn Simmons at the Birdhouse Installation Celebration.

Building community through sculpture
New England Sculptors Association creates opportunities for local communities

WHITINSVILLE — ValleyCAST, the arts and culture arm of Open Sky Community Services, is thrilled to welcome the New England Sculptors Association (NESA) every winter for their Annual Inside & Out Exhibition. Artists from all around New England submit amazing sculptures that are seen inside the Spaulding R. Aldrich Heritage Gallery, 50 Douglas Rd., Whitinsville, and outside on the grounds of the Alternatives’ Whitin Mill complex for people to enjoy throughout the winter. January 2026 marked the fifth anniversary of this amazing collaboration that brings sculpture to the local community.
This year, in addition to this collaboration, NESA’s grant writer, Christina Speidel, secured a grant from the Mass Cultural Council. The funds enabled several NESA sculptors to work with area non-profit agencies to bring the joy of building sculpture to underserved communities. Because ValleyCAST has a long-standing collaboration with NESA, Open Sky was one of the lucky agencies chosen to participate along with the Worcester Public Library, Hector House, Abbey's House, Worcester Art Museum’s Victory Program, ACE, Bertram Senior Home, and The Mystic Learning Center’s After School Youth Program.
NESA Sculptor and Community Arts Liaison, Lynn Simmons and NESA Sculptor and Vice President, Bayda Asbridge, worked with Cristi Collari, Director of Community Outreach at Open Sky to teach a Birdhouse Building Sculpture Workshop. Each of the nine participants, a mix of community members and individuals from Open Sky programs, assembled and then painted their own separate birdhouses. Most participants had never used a power tool before and said they felt empowered as they successfully screwed the birdhouses together. Participants then painted their birdhouses with brightly colored rainbows, pink and red hearts, and green landscapes, some adding painted words like hope and peace to their finished designs. All nine birdhouses were then installed together on a post secured into the ground in a garden in the lower parking lot. Together, these vibrant, multi-colored homes for birds can be enjoyed by all who visit the Alternatives’ Whitin Mill Complex, which hopefully, one day soon, will also include the local community of birds.
The New England Sculptors Association was founded in 1948 and now has over 210 professional sculptor members, emerging sculptors, and Friends of NESA from all 6 New England states and New York. NESA members are selected by jury, and work in a variety of media. Since the Association has no brick-and-mortar presence, NESA partners with local galleries, museums, historical sites, and communities to bring sculpture in all its amazing forms to the public. NESA and ValleyCAST have been enjoying their collaboration for 5 years. The 6th Annual the Inside & Out Exhibit will be held in January 2027.
ValleyCAST fosters a creative and engaged community in the Historic Blackstone Valley that is inclusive and supportive of all people with and without disabilities. ValleyCAST curates events and activities that bring people of all ages, abilities, and walks of life together. ValleyCAST is the arts and culture arm of Open Sky Community Services.

Open Sky Community Services provides the foundation for those served to see beyond and live beyond their circumstances. By blending best practices with the power of community, they enable individuals and families to achieve their goals and live their best lives.

To learn more about the New England Sculptors Association, visit nesculptors.org. To learn more about ValleyCAST and/or Open Sky Community Services, visit openskycs.org.

05/31/2026

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Members of Cub Scout Pack 21 of Putnam transplanted their own personal vegetable gardens during their weekly meeting on Wednesday, May 20. Back on March 25, expert gardener Jim Tetreault taught the Cub Scouts how to prepare containers of soil and plant tomato, lettuce and beet seeds. They took their planted seeds home and raised them up to seedlings indoors until now, when Mr. Tetreault showed the children how to put them into buckets of compost and plant them outside for the growing season. This is just one of the many fun and challenging activities Cub Scout Pack 21 does throughout the year, all under experienced adult supervision. Pack 21 welcomes boys and girls ages five through ten. To join, call John Ryan, at (860) 928-5873.

05/31/2026

Janet Malser grants fund children’s curiosity center and pollinator garden at the Pearle

DUDLEY — The Pearle L. Crawford Memorial Library in Dudley was recently awarded an $8,155 Janet Malser Grant to upgrade the Children’s Room with a new space named the “Crawford Curiosity Center.”
An underutilized cubby will be removed and replaced with a STEM-based busy wall designed for children ages one to six. The transformation will enhance the functionality, educational value and visual appeal of space, while directly supporting early childhood learning and development.
“STEM learning in early childhood is critical as it lays the foundation for later success in critical
thinking, spatial reasoning and logical problem solving,” Library Director Nicole Messier said.
Work is set to commence late fall.
Additionally, local nonprofit Local 4 Life was awarded a $2,600 Janet Malser Grant to install a pollinator garden on the front lawn of the Pearle.
Local 4 Life has partnered with the Pearle over the past two years to provide six educational programs for children and families in the Fels Community Room. These programs have featured hands-on learning experiences focused on topics such as soil health, composting, pollinators, plant life cycles, and agricultural crops.
The grant funding will enable these lessons to be expanded into an outdoor setting, creating opportunities for more structured and immersive programming. Examples of educational activities in this garden include nature-based literacy activities, age-appropriate science lessons, and environmental stewardship workshops.
It will also be used to support the library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program theme, “Plant a Seed. Read.”
This reading program idea is rooted in the concept of farm-to-table.
The garden space will also be open to informal use by library patrons, small groups, and families seeking a peaceful and educational outdoor environment.

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