NOTE: Community bulletin board-type items are welcome for inclusion in the Happenings! section of the Xpress newspapers. Please allow enough lead time for publication. Email your calendar or event notice to [email protected]. 

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

• Spring floral arrangement class, 1 p.m.

Millbury First Congregational Church

148 West Main St., Millbury. Sandy Michalak of Herbert E. Berg florist will teach participants how to complete their own beautiful, spring, fresh floral arramnement. $25.00 For class and all materials. Beginners welcome. Advanced registration required by March 2, 2024 by calling janice fortin at 508-826-6381.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13

• Story Time at the Willard House Clock Museum, 11 Willard Street, North Grafton 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Join us for this free program presented in collaboration with the Grafton Public Library. Preschoolers will enjoy a few stories, a short museum tour and a craft project. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Siblings are welcome.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16 

• Blackstone Valley Home Expo 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sponsored by UniBank 

Northbridge High School Field House, Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville 

Admission $3 

For more information visit: blackstonevalley.org: or contact: loneil@blackstonevalley

• Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner

St. Peter Parish in Northbridge is having a Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner on Saturday, March 16th starting at 5:30 pm in the Parish Hall. Bring you family and friends for a wonderful meal and Irish Music by Alto Vista. Tickets are $17 per dinner and include potatoes, carrots, salad and dessert. To go meals will be available for pick up at 5:00pm and all orders must be purchased in advance. “Pay It Forward” purchase an extra dinner and we will deliver it to someone in need in our local community. Please call the parish office at 508-234-2156 or email

[email protected] to purchase tickets or if you have any questions.

• The United Church of Christ Federated invites the community to an Easter party from 1- 3 p.m. Activities include an egg hunt, face painting, Easter cookie decorating and games (with prizes for all participants), an Easter piñata and the Easter Bunny for photo opportunities. Entrance is free.

The United Church of Christ Federated is at 4 Church Street, Webster. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

• From 11 a.m. -3 p.m. at the E.N. Jenckes Store Museum, 283 Main St. Douglas

Irish Feast: Corned Beef Delight! The Douglas Historical Society is hosting a St. Patrick's Day celebration featuring a delectable Corned Beef Dinner. Attendees can choose to dine in and savor the festive atmosphere or opt for take-out to enjoy the Irish flavors at home. The dinner is priced at $15 per person.

Community Connection and Gift Shopping:

This event is not just about the feast; it's an opportunity for the community to come together. Explore the historic E.N. Jenckes Store Museum and immerse yourself in the charm of 1833. The gift shop will be open to those interested in unique finds and treasures.

Get Involved: The Douglas Historical Society welcomes volunteers to contribute to the success of this event. Those interested in participating can contact Laurie Church at (508)259-7087 or email [email protected] for more details.

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

• At 7 pm at Vaillancourt Folk Art, 9 Main Street, Manchaug Village, Sutton. Christine Watkins, Sutton Historical Society, will tell the story of the devastating 1924 Manchaug Village fire on its 100th anniversary which burned over 10 acres, left 25 percent of the Village population homeless, destroyed the retail section of the village, and made national news.  This presentation will include photos, newspaper summaries, and eyewitness accounts.  Come hear how a small community, with the help of generous neighbors, persevered over a tragedy. 

HIKES WITH BLACKSTONE VALLEY HERITAGE CORRIDER HIKES

The following is a list of hikes in Massachusetts being led by volunteer Trail Ambassador Phil. Phil’s hikes begin at 10 a.m. 

Saturday, March 9: Cormier Woods Hike, Uxbridge

Saturday, March 23: Midstate Trail Hike – Part 1, Douglas

Saturday, April 6: Midstate Trail Hike – Part 2, Douglas

Saturday, April 20: Castle Hill Farm Hike, Whitinsville

Saturday, May 4: Mendon Town Forest Hike, Mendon

Saturday, May 18: Wallis Pond Loop Hike, Douglas

Saturday, June 15: Douglas State Forest Hike, Douglas