Town Events Dec. 6-13

From The Reminder
EAST LONGMEADOW
SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CLUB
Will host a trivia challenge Dec. 9 at 12:30 p.m. Noon luncheon will be shepherd's pie, garden salad, apricots. Please call the center at 525-5436 at least one day in advance for reservations.

COA CHRISTMAS PARTY
On Dec. 14, the Council on Aging will sponsor a $3 Christmas luncheon with entertainment by "Yours Truly" and special dessert by Heritage Woods Assisted Living. Appetizers begin at 11:30 a.m. Menu will be stuffed chicken breast, baked potato, broccoli. Call 525-5436 for reservations.

MITTEN TREE
The Senior Center is collecting knitted hats, gloves, mittens and scarves through Dec. 17 to decorate a mitten tree. All items will be donated to local shelters.

MUSIC AND WELLNESS
Presented by Lisa Pernice of Homewatch Caregivers at the Pleasant View Senior Center Dec. 15 at 12:30 p.m. Call 525-5436 to register.

HOT CHOCOLATE SOCIAL
And holiday performance by the Next Step Dance Studio on Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main St., sponsored by Redstone Rehabilitation. Hot chocolate and dessert will be served. Free and open to all ages.

SENIOR BOOK CLUB
Meets the last Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main St. Selection for December is "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. New members welcome.

YOGA NIGHT ADDED
Due to popular demand, East Longmeadow Rec. Dept. is now is offering yoga on two nights, Sundays and Wednesdays, from 7 to 8 p.m. For fee, senior discount and/or sign up, call 525-5437.

FIT CLUB
Join the action of a complimentary workout in your neighborhood. Meet at Birchland Middle School Wednesdays 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., starting Dec 8. These workouts are designed to get you moving with healthy fun. Free. Sign up: exerciseyourway@beachbodycoach.com or call Rec. Dept. at 525-5437.

REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE
Will meet at the Redstone Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, 135 Benton Drive at 10 a.m. Dec. 11 in the Activity Room. Please enter through the main entrance. Meeting is open to all. For more info., contact Donna Kane at 374-7444.

IN-TOWN WINTER BASKETBALL
There are still openings for the high school rec. league. Deadline is Dec. 9. Register at www.eastlongmeadowma.gov or come to Rec. Dept. office Mon. to Fri., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have questions, call 525-5437.

YOUTH WRESTLING
There are still openings in the youth wrestling program for those in grades first through eighth, introducing them to basic wrestling skills and conditioning exercises. T-shirts, headgear provided. Fee is $55. Meets Tues. and Thurs. from 6 to 7:30p.m. in high school small gym. Register at www.eastlongmeadowma.gov or in Rec. Dept. office Mon. to Fri., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have questions, call 525-5437.

EXERCISE CLASSES
The E. Long. Rec. Dept. will again, sponsor a slate of exercises classes again this Fall. The following will be available: aerobics on Tues. and Thurs. at 5 or 6 p.m; fee is $35; strength training on Wed. at 5 or 6 p.m.; fee is $35; yoga Sun at 7 p.m., fee is$35; Non-residents pay additional $15. Those who are age 60 & over receive $5 discount. If you have questions, call 525-5437.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD
"READY TO HANG" FUNDRAISER
At the Oxbow Gallery, 275 Pleasant St, Northampton, through Dec. 26, 12" X 12" artwork by gallery members and friends priced at $150 per piece to support Northampton Survival Center, which will receive half of the monies from each piece sold. Gallery open Thurs. through Sun. noon to 5 p.m. and until 8 p.m. Dec. 10 for an opening reception.

COURT SQUARE MENORAH LIGHTING
The community Menorah, located in Court Square in downtown Springfield, will be lit each evening of Chanukah at dusk. Times for this week are: Dec. 6 to 8 at 4 p.m. For more information about the Chanukah menorah please call Rabbi Chaim Kosofsky at 567-8665 or 530-7923.

Al-ANON, ALATEENS MEETINGS
Alateens meet Wednesdays at Wilbraham United Church, 500 Main St. at 6:30 p.m., Al-Anon also meets at the same time. All are welcome. Alateen, a part of Al-Anon, is for teenagers whose lives have been affected by the drinking parent or a close relative.

SWINGLES SQUARE DANCE CLUB
The Swingles Square Dance Club will host a Class Level Dance on Dec. 17 with Gloria Vivier calling and Gene King cuing. This will be their Santa's Cookie Sale dance at Mittineague Methodist Church. Cost is $6/person. They will have a New Year's Eve dance on Dec. 31 with various callers and cuers. Social hour at 6 p.m., potluck at 6:30 p.m., early rounds from 7:30-8 p.m., dance from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. This will be held at the East Longmeadow Senior Center, 328 North Main St., East Longmeadow. The cost of the dance is $8 per person. For info on any dances, call Dick Walker at 525-3324.

COIN CLUB
The West Springfield Coin Cub will meet Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Church of the Good Shepherd, 214 Elm St., West Springfield. Discussion will include facts about proper lighting for viewing coins. Auction and refreshments. Guests welcome. Info: Peter Setian at 596-9871.

LIVE OUTDOOR NATIVITY SCENE
At Grace Chapel Presbyterian, 343 North Maple St. Enfield, Conn., just over the Longmeadow line, Dec. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. Live depiction of the Nativity scene, refreshments, special music, and animals donated by Forest Park Zoo. Non-perishable food collection for Enfield Foods Shelf. Info: 860-749-4199.

HOLIDAY DINNER/DANCE
Annual Holiday Dinner/Dance Dec. 11 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Portuguese American Club, 149 Exchange St., Chicopee, presented by St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Cost: $45 per person; $80 per couple. Social hour from 6-7 p.m.; dinner served at 7 p.m. Door prizes, music provided by DJ John Hoyte, cash prizes. For info call 736-8567 or 788-0044; 330-5312 (cell) or 782-7050 (home) Debbie Solomon.

LANDMARK REALTY FOOD DRIVE
Landmark Realtors will be accepting donations for the Open Pantry at their area offices from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday through Dec. 17. Offices are located at: 488 Center St., Ludlow; 204 Main St., Monson; 60 North Main St., East Longmeadow; 655 White St., Springfield and 466 Main St., Wilbraham.

CELTICS TICKET RAFFLE FUNDRAISER
The Home Builders Foundation of Western Mass is conducting a raffle to benefit their non-profit foundation. Prize is one of four four-packs of Boston Celtics tickets in a luxury suite with food for the Jan. 21 game against the Utah Jazz. Tickets are $50 each; only 200 will be sold. To purchase chances, call the Home Builders office at 733-3126. Drawing will take place on Dec. 17.

ADOPTION MEETING
Wide Horizons For Children Inc., an adoption agency located in Pittsfield, will be hosting a free adoption information meeting for those who are considering adoption. This meeting will take place at Holyoke Community College on Dec. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. An experienced adoption social worker will discuss the adoption process and be available to answer questions about adoption. Register for this meeting by going online at www.whfc.org/events, by calling Lori Johnson or Jennifer Doane at 448-8367 or by email at ljohnson@whfc.org or jdoane@whfc.org.

HAMPDEN
"CHRISTMAS CAROL" LESSONS
At the services at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 216 Allen St., on the following weekends: Dec. 11 and12: "Valuing Relationships;" Dec. 18 and 19: "Writing a Good Ending;" Dec. 25 and 26: "Honoring Christmas in Your Heart." Services take place on Saturdays at 5 p.m. and on Sundays at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Info: 566-5572.

BETHLEHEM BAPTIST MUSICAL
A Christmas musical will be presented at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 216 Allen St., on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 2:30 and 5 p.m. Info: 566-5572.

NEWPORT PLAYHOUSE TRIP
March 23, 2011 bus trip to the Newport Playhouse and Cabaret to see "Norman, is that You?". Departs Hampden Senior Center at 8:30 a.m. Includes bus, lunch, main show, cabaret show, taxes and tips. $78/pp; a $40/pp deposit by Jan. 15, 2011; balance due by Feb. 23. Seating as full payments are received. Call Bobbi at 413-566-8271.

TOYS FOR TOTS CAMPAIGN
Boy Scout Troop 171 will be assisting the Marines with collections for their Toys for Tots drive Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 486 Main St. Toys may also be put in drop box at Hampden Hardware.

LONGMEADOW
GOLD FUNDRAISER AT LYA
On Dec. 12 Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy (LYA) and Gold Trader, Inc., of Springfield will host a gold and precious metals fundraiser from 1 to p.m. at 1148 Converse St. Bring your old, scrap or unwanted gold, silver and platinum and get the most money for your precious metals. Gold Trader, Inc., will pay top dollar for all precious metal items brought to LYA.

ORAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Join us at the Longmeadow Adult Center, 231 Maple Road, Dec. 10 for Living Well Chat Group featuring Kathryne Stinston, registered dental hygienist, discussing proper dental care and how to avoid periodontal disease. Presentation begins at 10 a.m. Register at 565-4150.

ARTHRITIS SUPPORT GROUP
Meets Dec. 16 at 12:30 p.m. at the Longmeadow Adult Center, 231 Maple Rd. Join Debbi Hirshfield, volunteer for the National Arthritis Foundation, for tips on how to relax during the holidays and get your joints in shape. All welcome. Call 565-4150 for more info.

BAY PATH FINANCE SEMINAR
"Plain talk" financial aid workshop Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. in D'Amour Hall, Bay Path College 588 Longmeadow St. Open to the public, discussion is designed for young women who are juniors and seniors in high school or transfer college students and their families. Admissions and financial aid offices will discuss the college's scholarship program and other sources of financial assistance available to undergraduates at Bay Path. To register, call 565 -1331, 800-782-PATH (7284) ext. 1331, or admiss@baypath.edu.

SKYPE, TWITTER AND MORE
At the Longmeadow Adult Center, Dec. 14, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tom Johnson's social networking course will show how to use Facebook, text and tweet children and grandchildren and even have "face-to-face" visits on your computer. Class will be second Tuesday of each month. $3 per class. Register at 565-4150.

TRIVIA GROUP HOLIDAY PARTY
At the Longmeadow Adult Center, Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. Trivia players will celebrate the holidays with a small party at their usual meeting time. Players who haven't come in a while are welcome to come back!

INDIAN ASSOCIATION OF GTR. SPFD.
Meets at the Longmeadow Adult Center, Dec. 15 at 11:20 a.m. The new association for people of Indian descent will have its third meeting this month. Come early and have lunch together before the meeting. Call Neena Grover for more information. Lunch reservations should be made by call 565-4150 at least a day ahead.

COMPUTER TROUBLESHOOTING
Meets at the Longmeadow Adult Center, Dec. 15, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tom Johnson offers a revised class on how to keep your computer out of trouble and working smoothly. Bring questions. Not for beginners or Mac users. $3 per class. Register at 565-4150.

MOVIE AFTERNOON "Up"
At the Longmeadow Adult Center, Dec. 16, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. "Up" features the voices of Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer and John Ratzenberger. "Up" was critically acclaimed and won numerous awards.

BOYS BASKETBALL SKILLS CLINIC
Focus is on advanced basketball skills for boys grades 5 to 8. Longmeadow high coaching staff will lead drills and skill building for high-level competition. Games each day. Clinic meets Jan. 1 and 2 from noon to 3 pm in the high school gymnasium. $40 for one day; $50 for both days. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional information and registration.

SPORTS ASSOC. REGISTRATION DATES
All sign-ups take place at the Community House. Softball assoc.: Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, 9:30 a.m. to noon; Feb. 23, 7to 9 p.m. Baseball assoc.: Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, 9:30 a.m. to noon; Feb. 23, 7 to 9 p.m. Boys Lacrosse assoc.: Jan. 11 and 25, 6 to 8 p.m. Girls Lacrosse assoc.: Jan. 20 6 to 8 p.m., Jan. 22, 9:30 to 11a.m. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional information.

RED CROSS BABYSITTING
Participants ages 11 and up will learn basic care for children of all age levels, job responsibility, first aid procedures and activities to keep children safe, happy and busy. Course is hands-on with a great deal of reading. Must attend all sessions to be eligible for certification. Bari Jarvis and Mary Hannigan are the Red Cross Instructors. Meets Tues., Wed., Thurs., Dec. 28 thru 30, 1 to 4 p.m. at Greenwood Children's Center. Fee is $65. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional information and registration.

SPRINGFIELD
MALL WALKERS CLUB
The Mall Walkers Club at Eastfield Mall will hold a free health presentation Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. at Eastfield Mall Food Court. Constance Lynch of Health New England will discuss "Surviving Stress." Free blood pressure screening by Health New England. Free health info, free raffle to win a $20 Ninety Nine Restaurant gift card or two Rave Motion Pictures movie cards. Coffee will be served. Info: Carolyn, at 543-8000, ext. 11

MEN OF SINAI BREAKFAST
Scott Coen, sports director and director of community and public relations for WGGB-TV, abc40 and Fox6, will be the guest speaker Dec. 12 at 9:30 a.m. at the Men of Sinai breakfast at the temple, 1100 Dickinson St. Open to both men and women. Free for members of Men of Sinai; $5 for non-members. Menu includes eggs, bagels, lox, cream cheese, Danish pastry, juice, coffee and tea. Reservations requested; call the temple office at 413-736-3619.

'TIME WARP' A MUSICAL REVUE
On Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Springfield Jewish Community Center Neal Webber building, 1160 Dickinson St., the JCC Theatrix will present "Time Warp," a Musical Revue through the decades featuring hits by "Journey," "Queen," "The Beatles," "Lady Gaga," "Green Day" and more. Tickets available in advance at the JCC by calling 739-4715. Prices: $5 student, $10 adult.

MUSIC MAN AUDITIONS AT SINAI
Open auditions at Sinai Temple, 1100 Dickinson St., Dec. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Dec. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. for Sinai Temple's upcoming production of "The Music Man." Singing, acting and dance parts for all ages from third grade up. The part of Harold Hill has already been cast. Prepare a song and bring sheet music. Accompanist provided. Dancers should be prepared to learn a short routine. Performances will be March 10 to 13, 2011. Info.,736-3619 or e-mail Sheri Levson at levsong@verizon.net .

"KING WHO ABOLISHED CHRISTMAS"
A powerful drama, presented at the Christian Life Center, 1590 Sumner Ave., Dec. 12 and 19 at 6 p.m. All seats free. Nursery care provided. Info: 782-7171.

LIBRARY PLAYGROUP FORMING
Families sought to commit to weekly Tuesday morning playgroup for children aged 18 to 36 months. Group will meet Tuesday mornings 10 a.m. to noon in Central Library Children's Room, 220 State St. Learning activities such as singing, reading, dancing/movement, games involving parachutes, bubbles, more planned. Snack provided. If interested call Children's Room at263-6828, x 201. Group would be offered in collaboration with the Child Guidance Clinic's Early Intervention Program.

PAC MEETING ASPERGERS 101
Aspergers 101 will be the topic of discussion at the Dec. 7 meeting of the Springfield Parent Advisory Council to Special Education, (PAC). Jason Litto, family support manager for Community Resources for People with Autism will speak from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Shriners Hospital for Children, 512 Carew St. Info., e-mail purchased@sps.springfield.ma.us or leave a message at 787-7194.

COLLEGE EXAM PREP WORKSHOP
A free community college exam prep workshop presented by Huntington Learning Center of Springfield Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in cafeteria of Van Sickle Middle School, 1170 Carew St. to help guide students and parents through college entrance exam process.

WILBRAHAM
PICTURES WITH SANTA
Dec. 11 from noon to 2 p.m. near the food court at the Wilbraham Big Y World Class Market, 2035 Boston Rd. Please bring a canned good to be donated to the Survival Center.

WILBRAHAM WOMEN'S CLUB
Will meet Dec. 9 at 11:30 a.m. at the St. Cecilia Parish Center, 42 Main St. Topic is "Wines 101." Special guests will be Wilbraham Seniors. The Art Corner is titled: From the Vineyard to Your Glass. Anything wine-related will be welcome. Prospective new members welcome. For more info., contact Marlene Jobson at 596-8905.

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM B'DAY PARTIES
Wilbraham Children's Museum is available to rent for birthday party in the museum, located on Main Street. Children birth to pre-kindergarten are welcome at organized, 90 minute playgroups offered Monday to Friday. Museum hours are Tues. 9:30 to 11 a.m. Playground open to the public. To inquire, 596-2472.

WOMEN'S CLUB CONCERT
Under the direction of Ruth Carlson, the Wilbraham Women's Club Choral Group will perform at Life Care Center of Wilbraham, 2399 Boston Rd., Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Joyce Muldrew will provide piano accompaniment.

FESTIVAL OF CAROLS
On Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., the St. Cecilia choirs would like to extend an invitation to the public to join them for a presentation of Christmas music. The festival will take place at St. Cecilia's Church, 42 Main St. Admission is free and all are welcome.