Events Dec. 7 - Dec. 14 - The Reminder

Events Dec. 7 - Dec. 14

From The Reminder

EAST LONGMEADOW
ELDTC MEETING
The East Longmeadow Democratic Town Committee's next meeting will be on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center Conference Room. State Rep. Brian Ashe will be our guest speaker. All are welcome to attend this free meeting.

FARMERS' MARKET
The winter farmers' market will be open Dec. 19 (and every third Sat. through April) from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the front parking lot of the E.L. United Methodist Church, 215 Somers Rd.

REC. DEPT. BASKETBALL TEAM UPDATE
Basketball season has begun for the E.L. Rec. Dept. Teams, go to www.elrecbasketball.org for game schedules and other info for the season.

DAN KANE YOUTH "IDOL" PROGRAM
The E.L. Rec. Dept. is sponsoring a "Dan Kane East Longmeadow Idol Youth Performance Training Session" April 19 - 22, during school vacation week, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Birchland Park Middle School. Open to ages 8 - 14 or grades 3 - 8. Finale culminates in a dinner show by participants at Elmcrest Country Club April 23 from 6 - 9 p.m. Program benefits Friends of Rec. Dept. Resident registration open now; non-resident registration begins Dec. 10. For info call 525-5437 or visit the Rec. Office 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mon. - Fri.

SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CLUB
The E.L. Senior Friendship Club will have a chorus program at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 N. Main St., Dec. 10 following noon luncheon. Menu: baked Italian sausage w/pasta calabrese, corn and apricots. Call 525-5436 at least one day in advance for reservations.

TALK ABOUT CHOLESTEROL
On Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. the Pleasant View Senior Center will host a rep from Berkshire Healthcare to speak about what those numbers mean and how you can control them. Call 525-5436 to register.

HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
The Council on Aging will host a holiday luncheon Dec. 8 at 11:30 a.m. ($3). Appetizers, door prizes and entertainment by the "Rockin' Robin," Dave Mindell. Menu: baked chicken w/stuffing, gravy, mashed potato, glazed carrots and vanilla pudding w/sauce. Call 525-5436 for reservations.

MITTENS N' MORE TREE
Help decorate our tree at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 N. Main St., through Dec. 18 with your knitted items to benefit men, women and children in need. Hours are 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

BOOK CLUB
The Book Club meets the last Tues. of each month at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 N. Main St. at 10:30 a.m. The selected reading for Dec. 29 is "Skipping Christmas" by John Grisham.

PERFORMANCE BY KATE MITCHELL
ELHS student Kate Mitchell will sing traditional holiday songs from the 1930s to today when she performs at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 N. Main St., on Dec. 21 at 11:30 a.m. A luncheon of garlic roasted chicken with Tuscany style pasta will be served at noon ($2). Reservations required; call 525-5436.

EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE
The E.L. Emergency Planning committee will met Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. at the East Longmeadow Fire Dept. On the agenda will be a review of the minutes from the last meeting, a MRC update, HMEP and other business.

GARDEN CLUB HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
On Dec. 17 at noon in Fellowship Hall, E.L. Congregational Church, the E.L. Garden Club will host its holiday pot luck luncheon. Music will be performed by Meadow Brook School's second grade chorus. Feel free to bring a guest with you to our meetings. Guest's donation: $2. Sandy Burns will be donating a few of her beautiful baskets for a raffle. Remember to bring paper/toiletry products to donate to the Council On Aging for distribution to those in need.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD
SINGLES CHRISTMAS DANCE
Active Singles (a non-profit group) is sponsoring a Singles Christmas Dinner Dance Dec. 18 at the Plainview VFW Post 574, 7 North West Dr., Farmington, Conn. Call (860) 747-2993. This is a dress up dinner dance with a full dinner; BYOB. DJ music (soft rock-top 40s requests) from 6:30 p.m. - midnight. Door prizes, grab bag, dance contests and best dressed. No boots, sneakers, jeans or jean skirts. No sloppy clothes or hats. Postmark checks no later than Dec. 8 for $25. Late checks and walk-ins, $35. Make checks to EECGLLC and mail to 19 Stony Hill Rd., #6, Cheshire, CT 06410.

NATURALIST CLUB DEC. MEETING
Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Led by Nancy Condon (564-0895). Bring along a holiday dessert to share with the group after the presentations. Let's celebrate together! Call Nancy to get on the roster for presentations. Visit www.naturalist-club.org for more info.

PARK Walk, West Springfield
Dec. 17, 9 a.m. - noon. Leader: Colette Potter. Place: Mittineague Park. Depending on the weather, we can take a walk, do some tracking if there is snow, or snowshoeing if deep enough. Call to register at 786-1805. Bad weather cancels. Visit www.naturalist-club.org for more info.

TVAA CHRISTMAS SOCIAL
The Tobacco Valley Artist Assoc. will host a Christmas social and gift swap Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Somers Senior Center, 19 Battle St., Somers, Conn. Agenda includes a brief business meeting, refreshments and $5 grab bag gift swap for those wishing to aprticipate.

HAMPDEN
HOLIDAY GATHERING
Join the Senior Center for dessert and coffee and a surprise holiday performance at 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 16. Call and sign up for the roast pork luncheon on this day and also sign up for this festive program to follow. Donations of desserts are always appreciated. Call the Senior Center at 566-5588 to sign up.

LONGMEADOW
INTRO TO ANCESTRY SOFTWARE
On Dec. 12 Storrs Library will host a short demo on searching for info using Ancestry Library Edition and Heritage Quest Online. Patrons are invited to sign up for a basic introduction to searching census records, passenger lists, revolutionary war pension applications, death records and more. The session will be from 11 a.m. - noon. If you would like to practice using the databases after the demo, call the Reference Desk to reserve computer time. To register for this free program, call the Reference Desk at 565-4181.

NEW ZUMBA SESSION
Donna Gendron, Certified Zumba instructor, will lead another session Jan. 6 - Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. in the dining room of the Adult Center. The class is geared toward seniors. Bring your sneakers and a bottle of water. Register by Dec. 16 and pay only $22 for the eight-week session. The cost after Dec. 16 is $25. Register at 565-4150.

YOUTH WRESTLING
This program is designed to introduce wrestling to athletes at the youth level in grades 5 - 8. Youth wrestling focuses on proper techniques, conditioning and fundamentals necessary to enjoy and be successful in the sport of wrestling. Participants must provide their own wrestling shoes and kneepads. Program does not run when school in not in session. Program meets on Tues./Thurs. Dec. 8 - Feb. 25 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. in the LHS Wrestling Room. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

DISCUSSION GROUP
The Adult Center hosts a discussion of current events on the third Tues. of each month at 1 p.m. led by moderator Saul Finestone. Dec. 15: discuss the latest headlines or just listen to a stimulating conversation. Call 565-4150 for more info.

COMPUTER TROUBLESHOOTING
The Adult Center, 231 Maple Rd., will offer a class on computer troubleshooting Dec. 16 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Bring your questions. Not for beginners or Mac users. Register at 565-4150.

MOVIE: "Julie and Julia"
On Dec. 18, the Adult Center, 231 Maple Rd., will show "Julie and Julia," the story of a young woman who, frustrated in a dead-end temp job, takes on a yearlong culinary quest to cook all 524 recipes in Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking." The film stars Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. There is no charge for admission. For more info call 565-4150.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS
2010 Entertainment Books are now on sale at the Adult Center, 231 Maple Rd. Filled with hundreds of half-off and two-for-one coupons, the book is the best way to save money on travel, dining, shopping, attractions and much more! $11,500 in everyday savings. $30 each. Makes a great holiday gift! Call 565-4150 with any questions.

TEEN CENTER
Youths in grades 6 - 8 and their same aged guests are welcome to enjoy a supervised evening out on Fri. from 7 - 10 p.m. at the Greenwood Center. Admission is $7. Enjoy dancing and games as well as theme nights and activities! School dress codes are followed. Teen Center is run and staffed by area college students. Call Cristina Judd at 565-4163 with any questions. Teen Center dates are Dec. 11, Jan. 15, Feb. 5, March 5, April 9, May 14 and June 4.

KARATE, SHOTOKAN STYLE
Ages 5 - 13. Shotokan Karate-Do (SKIF System) is a traditional Japanese martial art. Students train in the basic exercises involving punching, blocking, kicking, stances, forms, sparring and self-defense. Class meets Tues. and Thurs., Jan. 12 - Feb. 25 at Olde Town Hall. Visit www.LPRD.net for more info and registration.

KARATE, SHOTOKAN STYLE
For ages 14 and up. Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (SKIF System) includes an international standardized syllabus of stretching, kihon (basics), kata (forms) and kumite (sparring). Classes meet Jan. 5 - Feb. 27 on Tues., Thurs. and Sat. at Olde Town Hall. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

LONGMEADOW SOFTBALL ASSOC.
The Longmeadow Softball Assoc. offers the opportunity for girls in grades 1- 8 to play in a program designed to teach the game of softball in a fun environment and eventually progress to an increasingly structured and competitive setting. Beyond second grade, children are evaluated to play on a travel team at U10, U12 and U14 age levels depending upon the year they were born and all will be placed on a team. The season starts at the end of April and ends with playoffs for those teams that are eligible. A copy of a birth certificate is required at registration. Register at the Community House on Jan. 12 from 7 - 9 p.m., Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. - noon and Feb. 24 from 7 - 9 p.m. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info.

BOYS LACROSSE ASSOC.
Boys in grades 3 - 8 are invited to participate. Practices are instructional and competitive games are scheduled with other youth lacrosse programs in Western Mass. and Conn. Program runs end of March - mid-June. Practices/games will be scheduled 3 - 4 nights per week plus some weekends. All participants must furnish their own sticks and the program requires mandatory helmets and gloves. Parent volunteers are welcome. Registration dates: Jan. 12 and 26 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Longmeadow Community House in the lower level/basement area. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info.

LONGMEADOW BASEBALL ASSOC.
Participants ages 8 - 19 may participate in this instructional baseball program with a major emphasis on skill development. Competition is age group appropriate. New players must show a birth certificate at the time of registration to be eligible to play. The seasons will continue into July. All teams will have a travel schedule with about half of the games played away. Registration dates at the Community House are Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. - noon, Feb. 24 from 7 - 9 p.m., and Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. - noon. Registrations can also be made starting on Feb. 8 in the LPRD office. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info.

LITTLE LEAGUE ASSOC.
Ages 5 - 12. These leagues offer the best of both worlds: an opportunity to learn baseball while having fun and the chance to compete in the National League. All registrants will be placed on a team and all regular season games from April - June will be played in town. Additional info will be distributed through the school system in December or can be found online at www.eteamz.com/longmeadowll. Registration can take place by mail or on the Web site. Forms are available on the Web site or at the Community House. Registration dates at the Community House: Jan. 27 from 7 - 9 p.m., Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. - noon and Feb. 23 from 7 - 9 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD
Advent/Christmas Concert
The Chancel Choir, soloists and musical members of the congregation of Faith United Church, 52 Sumner Ave., will present "Music of Faith," a concert of Advent and Christmas music, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. Choirmaster Raymond Drury and organist Marcia Jackson will lead their forces in music of Mendelssohn, Holst, Rutter and others. Concert is free; there will be a free-will offering. Call 739-4728 for more info.

INFO ON COLLEGE FINANCING
Parents and students are invited to attend MEFA's free comprehensive presentation on college financing. The seminar will be hosted by the MacDuffie School on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. An experienced MEFA rep will discuss the financial aid process. The seminar will teach parents how to apply for financial aid, compare financial aid award letters, and seek available financing options. Families will receive a seminar booklet which serves as a year-round resource. Time is allowed for questions and answers.

BLUE CHRISTMAS
There will be a Blue Christmas service of comfort, healing and hope at Foster Memorial Church in Sixteen Acres on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. The focus of this service is to acknowledge and support people who are experiencing pain, grief or depression during the Advent/Christmas season. The service will include quiet reflection, prayer and music. There will be an offering of prayer in place of a monetary offering. Join us. For more info call the church office at 782-2112.

BUS TRIPS
Gina Daniele presents a bus trip to Foxwoods Casino on Dec. 12, leaving Mom & Rico's, 899 Main St., at 7:30 a.m. For more info, call 732-8941.

WILBRAHAM
JOB SEEKER SUPPORT
The Wilbraham Public Library will host a "Job-seekers' Support" program on Dec. 4 from 10:30 a.m. - noon. Network with other job-seekers, share your experiences and learn about resources to assist you from the library as well as area agencies. An ongoing group may meet the first Friday of the month if there is interest. Drop-ins welcome. For more info call 596-6141.

FESTIVAL OF CAROLS
The choirs of St. Cecilia's Church will be presenting Festival of Carols Dec. 13 at St. Cecilia's Church, 42 Main St., beginning at 7 p.m. The event will feature a program of Christmas music and will include holiday favorites and sing-along carols. Free and open to the public.

R.A.D. KIDS
The Wilbraham Police Dept. will be hosting a five-day r.a.d.Kids class at the YMCA. r.a.d.Kids is the national leader in children's safety with topics that include home, school and vehicle safety; out and about safety; realistic defense against abduction; good-bad-uncomfortable touch and stranger tricks. The class dates are Dec. 21 - 23, 28 and 29 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. The class is offered for boys and girls ages eight - 12. To sign up for this class contact the YMCA. If you have any questions, contact Officer Paradis at the Wilbraham Police Dept. at 596-3837.