Town Events, April 11 - April 18 - The Reminder

Town Events, April 11 - April 18

From The Reminder
Please e-mail your community listings to katelyn@thereminder.com, fax them to 525-5882 or mail them to 280 North Main St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Items are printed on a space available basis.

EAST LONGMEADOW
MASTER GARDENER LECTURE
The East Longmeadow Historical Commission will be having a lecture given by George Kingston, master gardener, on how to plant and design an herb garden. The event will take place April 20 at 7 p.m. at the Little Red School House. The event is open to all. Refreshments will follow the presentation.

TRANSFER STATION HOURS
The Department of Public Works (DPW) announced that the Knowlton Transfer Station on Somers Road will return to summer hours, effective April 20. As of that date, the Transfer Station will be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info, call the DPW at 525-5400, option 3.

THE SUNDAY EXPERIENCE
East Longmeadow United Methodist Church, 215 Somers Road, Suite 2, offers: 8:30 a.m. bible study for junior and senior high and adults; 10 a.m. worship and church school (pre-schoolers through grade 5); professional child care is provided for "Cribs and Creepers" and "Toddlers and Twos;" 11:15 a.m. fellowship time.

POT LUCK SUPPER
Women's Fellowship of the First Congregational Church of East Longmeadow will host a potluck supper on April 11 at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The speaker will be Danny Eaton of the Majestic Theater in West Springfield. Guests are welcome.

OPEN HOUSE
Greater Springfield Senior Services and the East Longmeadow Housing Authority are having an open house from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on April 27 at McLaren House Congregate Housing Complex, 82 Quarry Hill Road. To make a reservation, contact Ellen Cohen 525-1887. There are currently four units that are available, and applications are being accepted.

"GANGSTERS IN LOVE"
A murder mystery dinner fund-raiser, "Gangsters in Love," by Brickroad Productions, will take place at The Meadows Lodge on May 7 at 6 p.m. Tickets for the show and three course meal: $22. Proceeds will benefit local Senior Citizen Centers. Call Ken at 537-1572 for tickets.

BRINGING IN THE GREEN
A Bringing in the Green event on April 16 from 11 a.m. 4 p.m. at the Council on Aging on North Main Street. Vendors who produce environmentally-responsible products will be displaying their wares. Refreshments and entertainment will be included in the festivities. A shredding facility will be available at the same location from 9 a.m. to noon.

BARK PARK
East Longmeadow Friends of Recreation's Bark Park group is having its next event on April 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at AW Brown's. There will have info on the group's proposed dog park, coloring pages, and a Name Our Logo Contest. A vote is also a raffle ticket for a great basket of goodies.

MARLINS COMPETITIVE SWIM
The Rec. Department announced that registration for the spring and summer Marlins swim team are being taken in the office. Fee: $90 for residents and $110 for non-residents. Program is open for those ages 6 to 18. Practices begin May 2 at the high school. To register, visit www.eastlongmeadowma.gov.

SPRING BASEBALL CLINIC
There is still room in the Rec. Department's Spartan Spring Baseball Clinic. April 19 to 21 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the high school baseball fields. Fee: $75. To register, come into office or visit www.eastlongmeadowma.gov.

GIRLS SOFTBALL JAMBOREE
The Rec. Department's Girls Softball Jamboree will take place May 7 at Birchland Middle School from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those girls who are registered for the spring. More info will be forthcoming from team coaches.

MUSIC CREATION CLASS
The Rec. Department's Music Creation Class will take place at Birchland Middle School April 25 to June 6 on Monday's from 3 to 5 p.m. Those in grades 6 to 8 are eligible for this program. Fee: $120. For more info and to register, call the Rec. Department at 525-5437.

TRASH PICK-UP
Residents are advised that trash pickup will follow its normal schedule during the week of April 18 to 22. The trash pickup schedule will not be affected by the observance of Patriots' Day. This will be a paper recycle week. The next holiday to affect the trash schedule will be Memorial Day on May 30. Town Offices will be closed on April 18.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD
EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR
Forastiere Family Funeral Homes will present a free Educational Seminar on May 3 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Agawam Public Library, 750 Cooper St., Agawam. Discussion topics will include estate and asset planning, benefits of funeral preplanning and financial strategies. Free info packets will be available and a raffle prize will be drawn. To attend, call Andrea at 783-2821.

FLOWER SWAP
BJ's Flower Swappers, 2 Hobbie Road, South Deerfield, will have its next swap dates April 13 and 27 and May 11 and 25 at 6 p.m. Fee: $2 to attend each swap. No dogs or smoking allowed.

HAMPDEN
EASTER PICNIC DINNER
An Easter picnic dinner at Federated Community Church, 590 Main St., will take place April 16 (not April 26 as previously publicized) at 6 p.m. Menu: ham, homemade potato salad, baked beans, green salad, rolls, dessert and beverages. Cost: $12 for adults and $8 for kids. For reservations, call 566-3711.

COMMUNITY GARDENING
Hampden Community Gardens will again have a space to grow organic vegetables on Mill Road. Plot: 20 feet by 20 feet and will be prepared by May 15. Cost: $20 for the season. Plots available to all. Sign up and read all the rules at Town Hall, 625 Main St., on April 16 from 10 a.m. to noon. For more info, call Beryle Doten at 566-3466.

BULK DISPOSAL DAY
The Town of Hampden will be offering a bulk disposal day at the Transfer Station on April 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents will be allowed bulk items at a nominal fee per item, cash preferred. People must have a Transfer Station sticker to participate. For more info, call Mark Tetrault, Bulk Disposal at 789-1894 or the Board of Health office at 566-2151 ext. 102.

SPECIAL WORSHIP SERVICE
Bethlehem Baptist Church of Hampden is planning a special worship service for Easter Sunday at Minnechaug High School Auditorium at 10 a.m. on April 24. For more info, call the Bethlehem office at 566-5572 or visit www.BethlehemHampden.org.

LONGMEADOW
EUCHARIST SCHEDULE
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 335 Longmeadow St., has its weekly Eucharist Wednesdays at 7 a.m.; Holy Eucharist on Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 8 and 10 a.m. For more info, call the church office at 567-5901, Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon.

ARTHRITIS SUPPORT GROUP
An Arthritis Support Group will meet April 28 at 12:30 p.m. at the Longmeadow Adult Center, 231 Maple Road. Join Debbi Hirshfield, volunteer for the National Arthritis Foundation, for this month's discussion on getting joints in shape for spring. All are welcome. Call 565-4150 for more info.

HEALTH INSURANCE INFO
A SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) counselor is available at the Longmeadow Adult Center, 231 Maple Road on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 565-4150 for an appointment.

BLOOD SUGAR SCREENINGS
On April 13 from 9:30 to 10 a.m., the Longmeadow Adult Center will conduct blood sugar screenings. It is not necessary to fast prior to being tested. A donation of $1 is requested. Register by calling 565-4150.

TRIP TO INDIA PRESENTATION
Amy Shammash Dane, who talked about Antarctica in January, returns to the Longmeadow Adult Center April 14 at 12:30 p.m. with a talk about her trip to India. She is a part-time travel agent for Great Dane Travel. She is also an art historian and docent for the Springfield Museum of Fine Arts. No charge.

THE ROYAL WEDDING
All are invited to the marriage of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and Miss Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey April 29 at 11 a.m., simulcast at the Longmeadow Adult Center at 6 a.m. A continental breakfast will be provided. For reservations, call 546-4150 for this free program.

POLISH FESTIVAL
Celebrate Poland with a taste of the culture at the Longmeadow Adult Center May 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Exhibits of Polish crystal and glass, pottery, cutouts and decorated eggs. Polish music and dancing. Reserve for the Polish lunch ($3), and then enjoy the afternoon speaker, Stas Radosz, founder of the Polish Center in Chicopee. Free.

ONE-WOMAN PLAY
Actress Rita Parisi will perform a one-woman play about Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald May 25 at 12:30 p.m. at the Longmeadow Adult Center. She was more than a flapper and muse to one of the greatest lost generation writers, F. Scott Fitzgerald. Free.

"GUYS & DOLLS"
Longmeadow Adult Center will sponsor a trip to "Guys & Dolls" at Barrington Stage on June 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Lunch at the Cork 'n Hearth and reserved seats for the musical. Cost: $98 full price; $89 for Longmeadow residents and Jewish Community Center members.

TANGLEWOOD TRIP
Longmeadow Adult Center will sponsor a trip to Tanglewood July 17 from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Start the morning right with a champagne brunch at the Jewish Community Center (JCC). A program of Pops Orchestra favorites and a tribute to Cole Porter will be the show at Tanglewood. Cost: $95 full price; $85 Longmeadow residents and JCC members. Call 565-4150 to reserve a seat.

MOVIE NIGHT
Join area cinema lovers for a free screening of Ricardo Trogi's award-winning French Canadian film, "1981 — The Year I Became a Liar," on April 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Low Room of Storrs Library.

DADS & DONUTS
The Youth Service Department at the Storrs Library will host Dads & Donuts, a special activity on April 16. Everyone is invited for an hour of coffee, donuts, stories and crafts. This program for dads and kids will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Register in advance by calling 565-4182 or visiting the library.

PAJAMA STORYTIME
Wear pajamas, cuddle up with a favorite blanket, a Teddy, and a good book at Storrs Library. A special evening Pajama Storytime for children and their parents will take place from 7 to 7:30 p.m. on April 12. This is a drop-in program, no registration necessary.

OPEN SPACE PLAN SURVERY
Longmeadow is in the process of updating its Open Space Plan. Help Longmeadow by taking this opportunity to express your opinions about open space and recreation in Longmeadow. A brief survey is available online until April 30 at www.longmeadow.org. To have a copy mailed to you, call 565-4160.

BROCHURE ERROR
The Parks and Rec. Department announced there is a typographical error in its Spring and Summer brochure, "Experiences," that indicates that outdoor pool passes will be half price beginning July 5. This information is incorrect. The correct date for pool passes to go to half price is July 26.

REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE
The Longmeadow Republican Town Committee will have its regular monthly meeting April 14 at 7:30 p.m., at the Greenwood Senior Center. Included each month is a featured speaker on topical issues. Any interested persons are invited and welcome to attend. For more info, contact Dean Rogeness, chair, at 567-5480 or visit www.longmeadowgop.com.

"BARRA BENEFIT"
On April 15 from 7 p.m. to midnight, Bay Path students will be hosting a fund-raiser, the "Barra Benefit" in Blake Student Commons. Proceeds will go to support Bay Path's adopted school, the Sajuka elementary school in Barra, The Gambia in western Africa. This event is open to the public. Tickets, purchased at the door, are $7 for adults and $3 for students. Children younger than 5 are free.

SPRINGFIELD
ST. JUDE MISSION FESTIVAL
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart/St. Jude Mission Festival will take place Aug. 6 to 7. Organizers are looking for vendors and crafters. Call 782-8041 for more info.

FOOT CARE
Foot care will be available at the Pine Point Senior Center, 335 Berkshire Ave. on April 13, by appointment. A registered nurse will perform the procedure, and a fee applies. Call ASAP as appointments do fill up quickly.

AVOIDING SCAMS
The Better Business Bureau will host a presentation at the Pine Point Senior Center on May 12 at 10:30 a.m. The Bureau will detail some of the most common scams currently happening and will have a focus on the seniors. Advance registration is required. Free coffee and danish will be provided. Open to the public. Call Laurel at 732-1072 to sign up.

FIRST HOUR FORUMS
The public is invited to attend the Unitarian Universalist Society of Greater Springfield's "First Hour Forum" from 9 to 10 a.m., before their Sunday Service on April 17. This forum features "The Bing Arts Center — Making the Arts Accessible" with Brian Hale. For info, call 736-2324.

CASINO TRIP
The Springfield Golden Age Club will host a trip to Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I., on May 27. Bonus is $10 slot play and $7 meal coupon. Cost: $25, which includes drive gratuity. Call Annemarie Pajer at 785-5408 to sign up or for more info.

NEWPORT FLOWER SHOW
The Springfield Golden Age Club will host a trip to the Newport Flower Show on June 24. Lunch at Atlantic Beach Club. Riding tour of Rosecliff Mansion and walk through the Butterfly House. Cost: $75 for members, $79 for non-members. Call Annemarie Pajer at 785-5408 to sign up or for more info.

"VILLA ROMA"
Betty of St. Catherine of Siena Parish is organizing a "Villa Roma" trip Sept. 12 to 14. Deposit of $100 is due at sign up and final payment is due Aug. 12. To reserve a seat or for more info, call Betty at 896-8801.

ORCHESTRA CONCERT
Old Post Road Orchestra's 25th anniversary celebration continues April 17 at 3 p.m. at Springfield College, Appleton Auditorium, 263 Alden St. This concert will feature Schumann's "Konertstuck in F Major for Four Horns and Orchestra."

ASTRONOMY CLUB MEETING
The Springfield STARS Club, an amateur astronomy group, will meet on April 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Springfield Science Museum at the Quadrangle. Astronomer Glenn Chaple will talk on "The Large Eyes of Small Telescopes." Refreshments will be served, and the public is welcome free of charge. For more info, call (800) 336-9054 or visit www.reflector.org.

"NEGOTIATING LIFE"
A three-week class, "Negotiating Your Way Through Life," with Dr. Joshua Weiss, a negotiation expert and the co-founder of the Global Negotiation Initiative at Harvard University, will take place April 14 to 28 at the Jewish Community Center (JCC), 1160 Dickinson St. Cost: $75 for JCC members; $100 for the general public. To register, call 739-4715 or stop by the JCC.

"THE VERDICT"
On Palm Sunday, April 17 at 10:30 a.m., and on April 20 at 7 p.m., Christian Life Center, 1590 Sumner Ave., will present a dramatic play titled, "The Verdict." The public is invited to witness what goes on in the world's highest court — The Judgment Seat of God. Public invited.

EASTER SERVICE, EGG HUNT
The Christian Life Center, 1590 Sumner Ave., will have its Easter Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. on April 24. The center has planned an opportunity to celebrate the good news of Easter through music, drama, and discovering the Bible. All children ages 10 and younger are welcome to participate in an Easter egg hunt. Public invited.

WILBRAHAM
MEMORY SCREENINGS
The Senior Center will host free memory screenings April 22, sponsored by Homewatch Caregivers. Appointments begin at 9 a.m. and last about 10 minutes. For an appointment, call 596-8379.

NEW YORK CITY BUS TRIP
The Senior Center will host a bus trip to New York City on May 11. Bus leaves at 6:30 a.m. from the center and returns at approximately 9 a.m. Cost: $28.

ANNUAL TAG SALE
Grace Union's annual tag sale will take place May 20 and 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tag sale/bake sale/plant sale. All kinds of odds and ends. Something for everyone at Grace Union Church, 10 Chapel St.

ORCHESTRA CONCERT
Old Post Road Orchestra's 25th anniversary celebration continues with a free concert will take place April 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Wilbraham Middle School, 466 Stony Hill Road. This concert will feature Handel's "Concerto in B flat Major for Harp."

FRIENDS BOOK SALE
The annual book sale of the Friends of the Wilbraham Library will take place the week of April 25 at the library. The sale will be open to all members of the Friends on April 25 and to the public from April 26 to April 30 during regular library hours. All proceeds go to the library for programs and materials.

MARK HIGHTOWER RECITAL
Christ the King Lutheran Church, 758 Main St., will continue its Concert Series with a vocal recital featuring Mark Hightower, singing art songs, arias, spirituals and folk tunes on April 17 at 4 p.m. Free admission. Refreshments served.

WILBRAHAM UNITED CHURCH
Wilbraham United Church, established in 1741, is a mainline protestant church blending the best of Congregational and Methodist traditions. For more info, visit www.wilbrahamunitedchurch.org or call 596-2511.

CHURCH FUND-RAISER
Open House at Brownstone B&B, 651 Main St., April 13 from 6 to 10 p.m. Vendors will be selling ladies clothing, scarves, handbags, jewelry and more. Mothers and daughters welcome. Fund-raiser benefits Wilbraham United Church. Drop-ins welcome. For more info, call Jocelyn at 599-4654.

BOOK SIGNING
Blanche Jackson-Hill, author of Straight to the "Point Financing: A Quick and Easy Guide to Managing Your Money" will have a book signing on April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Pam's Paperbacks, 85 Post Office Park.