LANCASTER

Free Jazz Dance Classes: 10:45 a.m. Mondays, Jan. 29 and Feb. 5; Lancaster Community Center, 695 Main St. Ashley Bannish of Nashoba Valley Movement will host these sessions. Bring clean, dry shoes and dress comfortably. Reservations suggested, call (978) 733-4076.

Valentine's Cooking/Craft Class: 3:30-5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29; Lancaster Community Center, 695 Main St. Make and take healthy Valentine's Day treats and handmade valentines. Free, but reservations required. Call (978) 733-4076. Sponsored by Harvard Pilgrim.

Census Forms: have been mailed to all residents. For information or assistance filling out the form, call (978) 365-3326, ext. 1013. Review your data, make any changes and return the signed census to the town clerk's office within 10 days of receiving it. The form may also be emailed by scanning it or taking a photo with a phone and sending it to townclerk@lancasterma.net.

Free Fitness January: Lancaster Community Center fitness classes are free for first-timers this month. Visit https://www.ci.lancaster.ma.us/lancaster-community-center-and-council-aging for options.

Prescott Building Open House: noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4; Prescott Building, Town Green. Residents are invited to view the renovations.

Post-Breakfast Talk: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6; Lancaster Community Center, 695 Main St. Presentation on organizing/clutter/hoarding with ClearPath. Presented by Lynn Faust, executive director.

Community Blood Drive: 2-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12; Perkins School gym, 971 Main St. 1-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15; Orchard Hills Athletic Club, 100 Duval Road. For information, call (800) 733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete a predonation reading and answer health history questions.

The Physiology of Addiction: with Dr. Ruth Potee, 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15; Perkins Janeway Education Center, 975 Main St. For information, call (978) 365-7376. To register, visit http://perkinsprograms.org/conroy-speakers-series/. Potee will discuss the physiology of addiction and explain how addiction is a brain disease.

Building Plot and Sustaining Narrative Momentum: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday. Feb. 17; Thayer Memorial Library, 717 Main St. For information, visit 7bridgewriterscollaborative@gmail.com. Author J.L. Bell offers principles and techniques for developing a compelling plot and getting around common roadblocks. His formula for understanding narrative momentum provides a clear way to understand where to put your attention. Hosted by the Seven Bridge Writers’ Collaborative.

Open Mic: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23; Thayer Memorial Library, 717 Main St. For information, visit 7bridgewriterscollaborative@gmail.com. An opportunity for local writers to share their work with other writers and the community. Five-minute limit to readings. All are invited to come read, listen or both. Hosted by the Seven Bridge Writers’ Collaborative.

Brown Bag Pharmacy: 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 13; Lancaster Community Center, 695 Main St. The Mass. College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences outreach program will present a program on medication safety. Bring your medications in a bag (or a list) to discuss one-on-one with a pharmacist.

Parking Ban: the town prohibits parking vehicles on the streets for longer than one hour between 1 and 6 a.m. until Wednesday, April 15. Parked or standing motor vehicles that interfere with plowing or removal of snow or ice will be towed at the owner's expense.

Attention Snowmobilers: in the Nashaway Region. A state-affiliated snowmobile club has formed for snowmobilers in the Lancaster, Sterling, Clinton, Berlin and Bolton area. The club is looking for volunteers and members for local snowmobile trail riding, maintenance and stewardship with landowners and business owners. If interested, contact club president Susan Smiley at (978) 365-1829, or Todd Washburn at twashburn13@hotmail.com.

Volunteers: needed for the Lancaster Commission on Disability. For information, contact COD Chairman Michael McCue at (978) 697-2408 or mmccue@mccueassociates.com.

Mindfulness and Society: practicing in uncertain times, 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays; parlor of First Church of Christ, Unitarian, 725 Main St. For information, email minister@firstchurchlancasterma.org. The Lancaster Mindfulness Meditation Community will hold a series of teachings and discussion on practicing mindfulness in an uncertain social, economic and environmental climate. Facilitated by Eowyn Ahlstrom, faculty member of the UMass Center for Mindfulness. Each session offers guided mindfulness meditation practice followed by teachings and discussion. Donations accepted.

Volunteers: needed for the Recreation Committee. Help the committee discover areas of public interest in both passive and active recreation. Attend monthly meetings and occasional meetings with other boards or committees. For information, email Joe Kennedy at kennedy2004@comcast.net.

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.

Morning Bible Discussion Group: 10 a.m. Fridays; Evangelical Congregational Church of Lancaster, 793 Main St. For information, call (978) 365-6259 or email office@ecclanc.org. Meetings are in the lower level meeting room and are one hour, led by Frank Mitchell.

Evening Bible Study: 7 p.m. Wednesdays; Evangelical Congregational Church, 793 Main St. For information, call (978) 365-6259. This series, taught by Ken Stenton, presents evidence that confirms the biblical account of creation.

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 can’t drive for medical appointments, grocery or drug store errands.

Insanity Live: 7 p.m. Mondays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. 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: 11 a.m.-noon Mondays and Thursdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Cost is $5 per class, $25 for six classes. For information, call (978) 733-4076 or email aturner@lancasterma.net. Taught by Louise Dorian. Mats and water provided.

Tai Chi: 9:30 a.m. Mondays and 6 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.

SHINE Counseling: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. By appointment only, call (978) 733-4078. Free counseling on all aspects of health insurance for seniors.

Computer Help: 9 a.m. Tuesdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. For information, call (978) 733-4076. Hone your skills with Jon Roper.

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.

Bingo: 1 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: 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.

Guided Meditation Workshops: 10:30 a.m. Thursdays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. Free. For information, call (978) 733-4076.

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.

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.

Learn to Dance: 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. Great exercise, good for the body and mind and yes your social life. Bring an extra pair of dry, clean shoes to change into.

Pickleball: 9-11 a.m. Saturdays, 1 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road. The first class is free, then six classes for $20. For information, call (978) 733-4076, or email aturner@lancasterma.net. Good for all ages and abilities.

STERLING

Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship: noon-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27; Chocksett School gym, 40 Boutelle Road. For information, contact Scott Valcourt at svalcourt@ohaclub.com or Dan McAuliffe at danny_mcauliffe@yahoo.com. All boys and girls from Sterling and surrounding towns ages 9 to 14 are invited to participate. Preregistration is not required, and there is no entry fee. In the event of inclement weather, the competition may be held at a later date.

Adult Meditation: 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29; Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. For adults of all ages. No registration required. For information, call (978) 422-6409. Sponsored by the Conant Public Library.

Adult Coloring: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29; Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. Supplies provided, but attendees may bring their own. No registration required. For information, call (978) 422-6409.

Cookbook Club: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31; Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. The club will sample food from "One Pan and Done" by Molly Gilbert. Each participant chooses a different recipe, prepares the dish and brings it to the library for an evening of food and conversation. Registration required, call (978) 422-6409.

Census Forms: have been mailed to town residents. For information, call the town clerk at (978) 422 8111, ext. 2307, or email TownClerk@Sterling-ma.gov. Return forms by Thursday, Feb. 1, or mail to Town Clerk, 1 Park St., Sterling, MA 01564. Forms may also be deposited in the box in front of the Butterick Municipal building, or be scanned and sent to AsstTownClerk@Sterling-ma.gov.

Blood Pressure Clinic: 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, Feb. 1; Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. For information, call (978) 422-3032. Sponsored by Sterling EMS.

LEGO Club: 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1 and 15; Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. Registration required, call (978) 422-6409. Children in kindergarten and up are invited to attend.

Guided Meditation: with Bob Stickles, 6 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 2 and 16; Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. For information, call (978) 422-6409. Free. Drop in.

Community Lunches: noon-2 p.m. first Saturday of the month, beginning Feb. 3; The First Church in Sterling, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road. Free. Enjoy a meal in a warm, respectful setting with good conversation. Board games after lunch. The Parish Hall is handicap-accessible.

Picture Book Club: 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4; Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. Registration required, call (978) 422-6409. The club will be reading "A Sick Day for Amos McGee" by Philip C. Stead. Copies of the book are available at the library for checkout. For children in kindergarten and older.

Children's Cookbook Club: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7; Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. For Grade 5 and up. Participants choose a recipe from "Sweets & Treats with Six Sisters' Stuff." Each participant will prepare the dish at home and bring it to the library to share. Cookbooks are available at the library for checkout. Registration required, call (978) 422-6409.

SHINE Appointments: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7; Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. By appointment only. Free counseling on all aspects of health insurance for seniors. For information, call (978) 422-3032.

Parents' Night Out Book Club: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7; Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. The club will be reading "You're Wearing That? Understanding Mothers and Daughters in Conversation" by Deborah Tannen. No registration required. Copies of the book are available at the library for checkout. For information, call (978) 422-6409.

Foot Clinic: with a nurse, 9 a.m. Thursdays, Feb. 8 and 22; Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. By appointment. Cost is $35, $45 for the first appointment. For information and to sign up, call (978) 422-3032.

Coding with Minecraft: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10; Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. The Rhode Island Computer Museum will work with children 8 to 12 years old. Registration required, call (978) 422-6409. Sponsored by the Friends of the Conant Public Library.

Elder Well Clinic: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13; Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. For information, call (978) 422-3032. Meet privately with a registered VNA nurse for blood pressure, glucose levels, disease management and medication counseling.

Adult Coloring: 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 14 and 26; Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. For information, call the library at (978) 422-6409. No registration required. Supplies are provided, but attendees may bring their own.

Meat Raffle: 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18; Eight Point Sportsmen's Club, 147 Beaman Road. Sponsored by the Hiram O. Taylor American Legion Post.

Drop-In LEGO Build-A-Thon: 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20; Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. For information, call (978) 422-6409. No registration required. Children of all ages are invited.

Winter Reading Bingo Storytime: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21; Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. Registration required, call (978) 422-6409. This storytime will feature books that will help fill spaces on your card before the Winter Reading Bingo challenge ends on Monday, Feb. 26. For children ages 2 and older.

Drop-In Sensory Playtime: 10:30 a.m.-noon Thursday, Feb. 22; Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. No registration required. For information, call (978) 422-6409. For children birth to 3 years and their caregivers.

Kids' Sewing: with Cathie Ryan, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24; Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. Ages 6 and older. Children younger than 10 must have a parent attend with them. Make a cat toy: a felt bird with feathers and catnip. All supplies provided, no sewing experience needed. Registration required, call (978) 422-6409 to register for one of the two sessions.

Winter Reading Challenge: through Monday, Feb. 26; Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. Children of all ages are invited to participate. Pick up your bingo card at the children’s desk. For information, call (978) 422-6409.

The AAA Older and Wiser Driver: 12:30 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 27; Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. Presented by John Paul, senior manager of traffic safety for AAA. For information, call (978) 422-3032. This workshop discusses why driving skills deteriorate as people age and ways to accommodate or overcome these changes.

Beginner's Sewing: for adults, Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Conant Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road. Instructor Cathie Ryan teaches this sewing program, including mending buttons, hems, zippers, patches and more. After the first week, participants are invited to bring their own sewing machines for use in class, or continue with hand sewing. All supplies provided (except sewing machines). Registration required, call (978) 422-6409.

Sterling EMS Inc.: provides scholarships on an annual basis for Sterling residents who are training in medically-related training programs. Scholarships are available in amounts of $500 for the standard scholarship and $1,500 for the memorial scholarship. Interested students can pick up an application form at any of the following locations: Sterling Fire Department, Conant Public Library and the Butterick Municipal Building, as well as school guidance offices. Deadline for applications is Monday, April 30.

Guided Meditation and Practice Group: 6-7 p.m. Mondays; Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road. Cindy Popp-Hager and Pat Campbell conduct the sessions. Basic instruction, discussion and meditation. No experience necessary.

Seeking Volunteers: March 2-11 from First Church in Sterling for a mission trip to La Romana, Dominican Republic. To volunteer as a traveler or to support a volunteer, call Doug Davis at (978) 265-7547. Volunteers will provide medical, dental and vision services to impoverished Haitian workers and families living in the bateys of the Dominican Republic. The church is also working to build a hospital there.

Community Lunch: noon the first Saturday of the month; First Church in Sterling, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road. Open to all, no reservation needed. Come enjoy a nice meal and good conversation with others. This outreach/community service opportunity for all ages is a chance for individuals, families, book and discussion groups, women’s groups, Scouts, youth groups, etc. to do outreach together. Visit http://signup.com/go/3uwLNt or call (978) 422-6657.