Town Events, Aug. 25 - Sept. 1 - The Reminder

Town Events, Aug. 25 - Sept. 1

From The Reminder

EAST LONGMEADOW
MUM SALE FUNDRAISER
Redstone Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, 135 Benton Dr., announces its Annual Mum Sale to benefit the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk on Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Join Redstone Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in our fundraising efforts to help the Alzheimer's Association in advancing important research in better treatment and a possible cure for Alzheimer's. Contact Kelly Kuhn, Community Marketing Liaison, for more info at 525-3336.

CALLING ALL BABIES!
East Village Place will be hosting a Baby Contest in celebration of National Assisted Living Week on Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. We are looking for children from 0-3 years old. There will be prizes for all who attend and special prizes for the category winners. Some of the categories include Brightest Eyes, Nicest Smile, Best Dimples, Best Dressed, Most Outgoing, Most Shy and more! This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Please register all babies by Sept. 5 by calling 525-8150. East Village Place is located at 50 Benton Dr.

BUS TRIP TO THE BIG E
Reserve your seat now for a day at the Big E on Sept. 23. The bus will leave at Pleasant View Senior Center at 9 a.m. and depart the Big E between 3:15 and 3:30 p.m. Cost covers the bus ride and your entrance to the Big E. Payment must be made at the time of your reservation - deadline is Sept. 5. No exceptions. (Please park in the back of the building.)

QUILTING RETURNS
The Quilting Club will resume beginning Sept. 5 at the Pleasant View Senior Center. The group meets from 1 - 3 p.m. and they encourage new members to join. Bring a project you may have already started, or begin one with them, the first project being a table runner.

FRIENDSHIP CLUB SEASON OPENER
The Friendship Club will kick off their 2008-09 season in grand style with singer Jimmy Mazz on Sept. 18 at 12:30 p.m., following lunch at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main St. Mark your calendars so as not to miss this entertaining afternoon made possible by a generous donation from the East Longmeadow Rotary Club.

LINE DANCING
Our ever popular Line Dancing class resumes Sept. 19 at 4 p.m. at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main St. Join us for an all-around dance experience, country to Broadway with a little salsa for spice. Cost is $3 per class, all ages welcome.

CREATIVE WRITING COURSE
For all with an unfulfilled interest in writing as well as those who have been writing "forever," Adventures in Writing offers a relaxed, writer-friendly opportunity to experiment. The six-week session begins Sept. 25 and meets Thursdays from 1:30 - 3 p.m. at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main St. Cost is $60 for non-seniors, $50 for seniors age 60 and over. This is not an academic course, but a non-stressful way to develop, enliven and sharpen your own style. Enrollment limited, early sign-up is recommended.

MITTEN TREE
Do like to knit? We are looking for knitters with some extra yarn to contribute to our mitten tree. We plan on distributing mittens, scarves, hats and small blankets to children and adults in need this winter. Please bring knitted items to the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main St., the end of November/beginning of December.

All Adults Welcome
The New Beginning's Adult Education Program is ready to kick-off another exciting semester at Minnechaug Regional High School. Enrichment courses will be offered beginning the week of Sept. 22. Numerous computer courses, ballroom dancing, beading, yoga, several health and fitness classes, a SCUBA certification course and various online instructor-lead college enrichment courses will be offered. Look for a more complete program description and a registration form in the Aug. 25 edition of the Reminder. For general info, as well as registration info, call 599-1831.

E.L. Alumnus Association
The East Longmeadow Alumnus Association invites you to join us for our Annual Dinner Meeting on Oct. 5 at the Elmcrest Country Club at 11:30 a.m. Anyone who attended schools in East Longmeadow or taught in East Longmeadow is welcome. We will be recognizing the 1958 class from Birchland Park on their 50th year and the high school class of 1968 for their 40th year. The classes of 1938 and 1948 from Pleasant View and Centers Schools will also be recognized. Make dinner reservations by Sept. 25 with Sandra Cronk Davis 525-3811 or Ellen Potter at 525-7773.

BELLY DANCE CLASSES
Belly dance classes at Quantum Life Management Center, 30 Westwood Ave., Sept. 10 - Nov. 12. Beginner: 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.; intermediate 7:50 - 9:05 p.m. No dance experience necessary for beginner classes. For info, contact Shif h at 253-5462 or www.shifah.com.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD
All Adults Welcome
The New Beginning's Adult Education Program is ready to kick-off another exciting semester at Minnechaug Regional High School. Enrichment courses will be offered beginning the week of Sept. 22. Numerous computer courses, ballroom dancing, beading, yoga, several health and fitness classes, a SCUBA certification course and various online instructor-lead college enrichment courses will be offered. Look for a more complete program description and a registration form in the Aug. 25 edition of the Reminder. For general info as well as registration info, call 599-1831.

Walk Through the Universe!
Easthampton, Sept. 7 from 7:30 - 10 p.m. Leader: Chris Lyons, Amateur Astronomer (e-mail at Programs@GlassVisions.biz). Fee: $5 Naturalists' Club members, $8 others. Meeting place: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon), Main Building. Program runs inside and/or outside, so weather does not cancel! Dress appropriately. E-mail with any questions.

NYC BUS TRIP
On Dec. 13 the Western Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health is sponsoring a fundraising bus trip to New York City. The bus will leave at 8 a.m. from the parking lot of West Springfield High School, 425 Piper Rd. The bus will leave NYC at 7:30 p.m. Passengers are on their own to plan their day in New York. For more info, call 731-0760.

NYC TRIP
St. Mary's Church, 840 Page Blvd., East Springfield, is sponsoring a bus trip to New York City on Oct. 19. The bus leaves the church parking lot at 7 a.m. and returns approx. 9 p.m. You will be free to do whatever you wish to do while in the Big Apple. Call Sylvia at 594-2757.

FOXES & BELLES PROGRAM
The Foxes and Belles of the Springfield Jewish Community Center are sponsoring a special program to follow their Sept. 10 general meeting. The Greg Caputo Quartet will perform a swing concert, with a dance area available, at the JCC, 1160 Dickinson St., Springfield. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served after the performance. The general meeting starts at 1:30 p.m.

amateur talent show
The Scholarship Committee of the Monson Arts Council expects to award prizes totaling more than $1,000 to the top three acts at its first annual amateur talent show on Oct. 4 at Memorial Hall, 198 Main St., Monson. Performers wishing to showcase their talents must submit an application before Aug. 28. Applications and details are available online at www.monsonartscouncil.com and at many regional retailers, restaurants and libraries. For questions, call 267-4428 or 267-0003.

FIDELCO GOLF TOURNAMENT
The Fidelco Fall Classic takes place for the benefit of the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, New England's only guide dog school. Fidelco currently has 75 clients in Massachusetts, including 12 in the Greater Springfield area. The scramble play tournament is taking place Sept. 22 at the Orchards Golf Club in South Hadley. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. For more info, visit www.fidelcofallclassic.com.

HAMPDEN
LIBRARY CLOSED
The Hampden Free Public Library will reopen on Sept. 2 at 1 p.m. New carpeting is being installed and all books must be removed from the shelves. Library materials may be returned in the book drop during that time. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you are interested in helping to move the books, contact the library at 566-3047.

GARDEN CLUB MEETING
The Hampden Garden Club will meet on Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Hampden Town House on Main Street. Note that the location has been changed from the usual Academy Hall venue. A Project Native staff member will speak on native plants with "Growing Nature's Garden." Project Native is a non-profit organization that cultivates more than 150 organically grown native plants in Housatonic, Mass. New members are always welcome.

All Adults Welcome
The New Beginning's Adult Education Program is ready to kick-off another exciting semester at Minnechaug Regional High School. Enrichment courses will be offered beginning the week of Sept. 22. Numerous computer courses, ballroom dancing, beading, yoga, several health and fitness classes, a SCUBA certification course and various online instructor-lead college enrichment courses will be offered. Look for a more complete program description and a registration form in the Aug. 25 edition of the Reminder. For general info as well as registration info, call 599-1831.

LONGMEADOW
Learn Knitting & Crocheting
Teens and tweens from grade four and above are invited to the Philip Michael Lauro II Discovery Room at the Storrs Library to learn how to knit and crochet at our new Knitting Club and Crocheting Club. Both clubs will meet for five weeks. The Knitting Club will meet on Wednesdays from 3:30 - 5 p.m. beginning Sept. 17. The Crocheting Club will meet on Fridays from 3:15 - 4:45 p.m. beginning Sept. 19. Registration is limited and will run Sept. 2 - 12. A $10 fee for supplies for the first project is due at the time of registration. Call the Discovery Room at 565-4182 for further details.

ITALIAN CLASSES RESUME
On Sept. 2, Stephanie Foster will offer a new series of beginners' classes at 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., open to novices or those who wish to brush up on their basic skills. There is an advanced class at noon - 1 p.m. where she will introduce a new immersion approach to the language. She makes the classes very enjoyable. There is a fee. Call 565-4150 to register.

TAI CHI RETURNS
Tai Chi is still the fastest growing fitness and health maintenance activity in the U.S. doctors increasingly recommend it for its positive effects on balance, cardiovascular and respiratory functions, preventing falls and lowering blood pressure, etc. Fridays, Sept. 12 - Nov. 14 at 8:40 a.m. at the Longmeadow Adult Center in the gym. There is a fee. Call 565-4150 to register.

LONGMEADOW RED HAT EVENT
On Sept. 10 at noon, we will meet at the new Onyx Fusion Bar and Restaurant located at 1150 West Columbus Ave. in Springfield. We're all anxious to see the newest local fine dining establishment. Refer questions to Jane Dziekonski at 567-9520. Please register at 565-4150.

LINE DANCING WITH LYNN
A really fun way to get all the benefits of low impact cardiovascular exercise. It also helps with your balance and coordination along with improving your memory. All that for $4 a lesson pay as you go. Lynn's new class begins on Sept. 29 at 9 a.m.

LIVING WELL CHAT GROUP
Come to the Longmeadow Adult Center, 231 Maple Rd., on Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. for the Living Well Chat Group. The discussion topic is "Adult Immunizations: The Latest Recommendations" presented by Helen Crean Taugher, RN, BSN, MPH. This past year has brought changes in the vaccination schedule. Come and learn about them and enjoy a healthy snack. Pre-register at 565-4150.

All Adults Welcome
The New Beginning's Adult Education Program is ready to kick-off another exciting semester at Minnechaug Regional High School. Enrichment courses will be offered beginning the week of Sept. 22. Numerous computer courses, ballroom dancing, beading, yoga, several health and fitness classes, a SCUBA certification course and various online instructor-lead college enrichment courses will be offered. Look for a more complete program description and a registration form in the Aug. 25 edition of the Reminder. For general info as well as registration info, call 599-1831.

SELECT BOARD MEETING
The Select Board will be meeting on Sept. 15 beginning in the Fire Station Meeting Room from 6 - 7 p.m. before moving to the Police Station Community Meeting Room, 34 Williams St.

OUTDOOR POOL CLOSING DATES
Please be advised that Reynolds Pool is now closed and Greenwood Pool will remain open through Labor Day. Call 565-4160 with any questions.

GREENWOOD CHILDREN'S CENTER PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION
Greenwood Children's Center has limited availability in the preschool 3's classroom. Space is filling up quickly for our full and part time programs! Call Audra for details 565-4163.

FALL BROCHURE
The new fall edition of "Experiences," Longmeadow Parks & Rec. Dept.'s program brochure, is now available online at www.LPRD.net and early online registration is now being accepted. Walk-in, mail and fax registrations will be accepted beginning Aug. 25. Brochures will be available at the Community House and in the mail to residents by Aug. 28! Remember to check the paper weekly for additional offerings not included in the brochure.

LONGMEADOW DANCE SCHOOL
The Longmeadow Dance program is continually growing to meet the needs of our dancers. Classes will be offered for dancers in the following areas: ballet, jazz-tap combo classes, lyrical, mother- daughter, acrobatics, hip-hop, advanced tap, kindergarten dance, and movement and tap class, as well as classes especially designed for preschoolers. As always, dancers are encouraged to participate in our end of the year recital. Visit www.LPRD.net for class info and registration! Attention dancers who pre-registered at the end of last year's season: call the LPRD office at 565-4160 to complete your registration prior to Aug. 29.

MUSICAL NOTES FOR INFANTS & TODDLERS
Clap your hands, move your feet and sing along with Jon O'Neill in this fun filled program for parent and child. Jon will combine songs with dance and musical instruments for children of all ages in this six-week program. Session one for infants up to age 15 months is on Tuesdays starting Sept. 9 from 10 - 10:30 a.m. Session one for toddlers age 15 months to age 3 is on Tuesdays starting Sept. 9 from 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. All classes are located at Greenwood Children's Center. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

NEW MOMS SUPPORT GROUP
One of the most exciting times of your life can be when you are the parent of an infant. Come and share your success stories about the new little person in your life. Gain support from other parents, meet new friends and establish bonds with other new parents. This group is open to new parents and their infants from birth to one year of age. This program is offered in conjunction with Baystate Medical Center Parent Education Department. Call 794-5515 for more info. Group meets on Thursdays, Sept. 4 - June 11 from 10 - 11 a.m. at the Greenwood Children's Center. This program is free! No sign-up is required.

FIRST KICKS
Do you have a 3 to 4 year old with plenty of energy to spare? This program can harness that energy in this martial arts movement class for preschoolers. Children learn about respecting others in a fun and interactive way that improves their coordination, balance and focus. Classes will meet on Tuesdays from Sept. 9 - Oct. 14 from 10:30 - 11 a.m. at the Greenwood Children's Center. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

SMALL SAMURAI
Children ages 4-5 years old will learn respect, discipline and confidence during this program in an environment that is fun, active and exciting. They will practice self-defense and anti-bullying techniques and gain the self-control to use only those skills when necessary. Classes will meet on Tuesdays Sept. 9 - Oct. 14 from 11 - 11:30 a.m. at the Greenwood Children's Center. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

YOUNG ARTIST SERIES: PICASSOS
Ages 3 - 5; parents welcome! Participants will be exposed to the fun of drawing, painting and sculpture with real art materials. The focus is on the process, which will nurture your child's creativity and self-confidence. All materials are included. Wear clothing that can get messy! Class meets on Fridays Sept. 26 - Oct. 31 from 10 - 10:30 a.m. at the Greenwood Children's Center. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

REMBRANDTS & DA VINCIS
Ages 5 - 12. This is a workshop-style class with a progressive and experimental atmosphere. Children will work in small groups, providing older children with mentoring opportunities. Young artists are challenged as they develop their own artistic style by exploring painting, sculpture, mixed media and cooperative work. All materials are included. Wear clothing that can get messy! Class meets on Wednesdays Sept. 24 - Oct. 29 from 3:30 - 5 p.m. at the Greenwood Children's Center. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

AFTERSCHOOL TENNIS PROGRAM
Peter Bradshaw will oversee a new fall tennis program sponsored by USTA for girls and boys, ages 6 - 11 at the Blinn Tennis Courts. Participants learn to serve, hit the tennis ball and volley while learning the fundamentals of the game. Participants should bring their own racquets if they have one. Some tennis racquets will be available from the instructor. Program dates are Tuesdays and Thursdays Sept. 9 - Oct. 9 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL CLINIC
Grades 5 - 8. LHS Girls Volleyball Coach George Mulry and his players offer this high energy, skill packed clinic that offers participants the experience of learning the basic skills and rules needed to play the game as well as viewing high school game play. Participants will receive a T-shirt, attend select high school games and play scrimmages against area teams. Proceeds from the clinic benefit the LHS Booster Club. Clinic dates are Tuesdays and Thursdays Sept. 4 - Oct. 30 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the high school. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

BEGINNER BALLROOM DANCE
Ballroom dance is an excellent form of exercise and an opportunity to learn the classic form of ballroom dancing. Classes will be geared toward beginners. Bring your dance shoes, gather your partner or come along and have a good time getting some exercise and meeting new people. Classes will meet on Wednesdays from Sept. 24 - Dec. 3 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Greenwood Children's Center. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

SPRINGFIELD
ZITI AND CHICKEN DINNER
Springfield St. Patrick's Parade Committee Ziti and Chicken Dinner Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m., at John Boyle O'Reilly Club, 33 Progress Ave., Springfield. Cost is $10 per person. Tribute to '911,' door prizes, 50/50 raffles. For tickets call Nancy Lefebvre at 593-5818 or Claire O'Brien at 783-9324. Tickets available at the Hungry Hill Center at 733-9411.

Bus to St. AnthonY
Bus to St. Anthony, Boston, Aug. 31. Leave Mt. Carmel School, Margaret St., at 7 a.m. Leave Boston, 6 p.m. For more info call Angie at (860) 254-5246 or Ersilia at 789-4234.

FOXWOODS CASINO & BINGO
Bus leaves Mom & Rico's Market, 899 Main St. at 7:30 a.m. Call Rico and Gina at 732-8941 for more info.

Pine Point Council
The Pine Point Community Council monthly meeting will take place Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. at 335 Berkshire Ave. Guest speakers include developers for a new business at 1535 Bay St. Tentatively scheduled is the continued discussion about the request for a special permit for 99 Arnold Ave. Anyone wishing to receive e-mail notices about upcoming meetings or events should send an e-mail to pinepointcouncil@comcast.net or visit pinepointcouncil.com.

All Adults Welcome
The New Beginning's Adult Education Program is ready to kick-off another exciting semester at Minnechaug Regional High School. Enrichment courses will be offered beginning the week of Sept. 22. Numerous computer courses, ballroom dancing, beading, yoga, several health and fitness classes, a SCUBA certification course and various online instructor-lead college enrichment courses will be offered. Look for a more complete program description and a registration form in the Aug. 25 edition of the Reminder. For general info as well as registration info call 599-1831.

"A DAY IN ARMENIA"
St. Mark Armenian Church in Springfield is hosting a fun event on Aug. 31, "A Day in Armenia," taking place from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on the church grounds at 2427 Wilbraham Rd. This event is designed to immerse guests in an idyllic town square, straight from the "old country." Whether they're sitting at bistro tables at the Armenia Cafe, enjoying traditional foods and playing backgammon, learning how to do Armenian folk dances, watching cooking demonstrations, browsing the imported items at the Armenia Boutique, or learning about the history of the ancient Armenian culture, all of our visitors will leave feeling as though they've been abroad!

PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP
On Sept. 8, a support group for caregivers and those coping with the disease will meet at the Jewish Community Center at 1160 Dickinson St., at 4 p.m. No registration is required. If you have questions, call Joyce at 323-4274 or Bobbie Levin at 739-4715.

'THIS OLD HOUSE' TAPING
Tickets are still available for a special reception to benefit WGBY featuring "This Old House" hosts Kevin O'Connor and Tom Silva, coming to Springfield, for the taping of a segment for the PBS show's upcoming fall season. The event will be at the ReStore Home Improvement Center 250 Albany St., Aug. 27 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. Tickets for the event are $25 and may be purchased by logging on to www.wgby.org/TOH or by calling 1-800-838-3006. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. All proceeds will benefit WGBY's programs and services.

NARFE
The National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Chapter 221 will meet on Sept. 5, in Vincent Hall, Trinity United Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Ave. Social time 1 p.m., business meeting 1:30 p.m. There will be a discussion on issues to be taken up at the National Convention and voting on National Officers. Spouses and surviving spouses are eligible to join NARFE and are welcome. For info, call 733-1286.

BUS TRIP TO FEAST
Bus to Feast of St. Cosimo And St. Damian in Utica, N.Y., will take place Sept. 28. Leave Mt. Carmel School, Margaret St., at 7 a.m.; leave St. Anthony Church in Utica at 5 p.m. You can bring a lunch or pick up something there. There will be refreshments on the bus. Bus is handicapped assessable. For more info call Angie at (860) 254-5246, Paula at 739-6635 or Ersilia at 789-4234.

WILBRAHAM
COMMUNITY SURVIVAL CENTER DINNER FUNDRAISER
The Knights of Columbus of St. Cecilia Council 10195 will be hosting a fundraiser dinner to benefit the Community Survival Center on Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Cecilia Parish Center, 42 Main St. The evening will feature a great Italian meal as well as a special raffle. The Survival Center serves more than 4,300 families locally and distributed over 138,000 pounds of food last year to the needy. Tickets are available by calling Fred Ferraro at 596-4312 or Matt Filippi at 525-6072. Tickets are $13 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. Come enjoy a great meal for a wonderful charitable organization. All are welcome!

Coat Drive
Margolis Orthodontics will be conducting our second annual coat drive to benefit the Community Survival Center in Indian Orchard. We will be collecting donation from now until the end of September. Drop coats off at our office at 3 Crane Park Drive. Questions? Call 596-9657.

40th reunion
Minnechaug Regional High School Class of '68 is planning its 40th reunion for Sept. 13. Anyone who has not received info packet yet contact Karen Drenzek at 589-9300 or kdrenzek@pvhg.com or Shari Potter Gaylord at sgaylord@hotmail.com or Glen Trevallion at 596-4302. Anyone with info or addresses for anyone contact us as soon as possible so we may send out the info packet.