Town Events, Dec. 1 - Dec. 8 - The Reminder

Town Events, Dec. 1 - Dec. 8

From the Herald, the MetroWest Reminder and the Springfield Reminder

AGAWAM
TASTE BOOKS ON SALE
Friends of the Agawam Senior Center are selling the new 2011 Taste of Western Mass. Coupon books. This book is almost twice the size of last year's coupon book, but the price has not changed at $20 per book. A few of the coupons are: Pananas, Christos, the Nut Lady and Main St. Deli. Books can be purchased at the Agawam Senior Center, 954 Main St., 821-0605 or from Emile Cote at 335-9440.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
The Trustees of the historic Capt. Charles Leonard House, 663 Main St., will continue a centuries-old tradition of hospitality when they invite the public to join them for an open house on Dec. 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. The house is decorated for the holidays, and tours of the historic home will be given. Refreshments will be served. For more info, call 786 9421 or visit www.captainleonardhouse.com.

TRADING POST "SALE DAY"
First Baptist Church of Agawam will host Trading Post "Sale Day" Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Donated items: 50 percent off; all other items 20 percent off. Cost: $4 bag sale from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. For info call 786-7300.

CHICOPEE
MAYOR'S LISTENING TOUR
Listening Tour Ward 8 presented by Mayor Michael Bissonnette and Councilor Donald Demers continues Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at Chicopee Comp. High School, 617 Montgomery St. This is your opportunity to tell city officials your ideas, suggestions, concerns and questions about city services, neighborhood improvements, your vision for Chicopee, etc. For more info, call the mayor's office at 594-1500.

"TURNING 65 AND MEDICARE"
Jim Zabik from Bankers Life and Casualty will present a seminar in the conference room of the Chicopee Public Library at 6 p.m. on Dec. 6 on "Turning 65 and Medicare," offering advice on what to do when you turn 65 and want to go on Medicare. Info: 594-1800, ext. 108.

POLISH NATL ALLIANCE MEETING
Lodge 711 Polish National Alliance of Chicopee will host election of officers on Dec. 5 at noon followed by PNA District 1 Cookie Bake-Off at 1 p.m., Lodge Christmas party with dinner at 2 p.m. at the Pulaski Club, 13 Norman St., Willimansett. Christmas party will feature the singing of Polish and English Christmas carols, refreshments and gifts for members ages 0-14 from Santa. Cookie bake-off is for members ages 12 to 16. For more info call Gilbert Sherman at 596-9578.

FOXWOODS TRIP
A trip to Foxwoods Dec. 8 leaving from American Legion, Exchange Street. Bus leaves at 7:15 a.m. Cost is $20, bonus and keno play. Mystery Envelope Bingo. For more info call Dot at 788-6835.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Holiday Open House, 35 Ely Rd., Monson, will take place at the Keep Homestead Museum from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 5. The annual event will feature the house decorated for the season, delicious refreshments and a holiday sing-a-long with Patricia Knight at the piano. Event is free, although donations are accepted. For more info, call 267-4137, e-mail khm@keep-homesteadmuseum.org or visit the Web at www.keephomesteadmuseum.org.

SKI AND SKATE SALE
Ski and Skate Sale Dec. 4 at Smith Vocational High School, next to Cooley Dickinson Hospital, with bake sale. The Northampton Lions 50th Annual Ski and Skate Sale will be bigger and better this year with easy access and parking from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your winter sports equipment to the school cafeteria Dec. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. to be sold on consignment or donated. Proceeds from this fundraiser will include a $1,000 scholarship to a student in the Health Technology Department at Smith Voke.

AUDITIONS FOR "SEUSSICAL"
The Performing Arts Department of Bay Path College will host auditions for Seussical Dec. 1 and 2 at 7 p.m. in Mills Theatre, Carr Hall on the Longmeadow Campus, 588 Longmeadow St. Actors, singers and dancers age 16 and older are needed for roles and should be prepared to sing, move and scene read. The production will run Feb. 25 - 27 and March 4 - 6, 2011. For more info, visit www.baypath.edu.

"FINANCIAL REFORMS, WALL STREET"
An Update from Washington with former SEC Chief Economist James Overdahl, Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel, Northampton. Presented by the Rotary Club of Northampton. Overdahl is presently vice president at NERA Economic Consulting, a global economics consulting firm serving clients from over 25 offices across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Reservations (seating is limited): sulanco@verizon.net.

GRANBY
"GONE PARANORMAL"
Join local spirit medium, Lisa Lanno, and her paranormal team, "Gone Paranormal," for an evening of "Ghostly Evidence" and "Messages from Beyond" at the Granby Public Library on Dec. 3 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This interactive evening will include a paranormal discussion, where you may ask questions, share your stories, and help "Gone" with some actual ghostly voices and other EVPs. You must RSVP to this event by calling the library at 467-3310. Free of charge. Info: www.LisaMLanno.com or by calling the library.

WARM THE HEART CAMPAIGN
Granby Public Library is looking for your help as we start our 11th annual "Warm the Heart" campaign through Dec. 18. We are accepting donations of new hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, clothing, socks, slippers and underwear from children's sizes to adult XL. We're also looking for new items such as teddy bears, games, puzzles, books, journals, crayons, markers, play-doh and small toys for distribution to the Providence Behavioral Hospital Child/Adolescent Unit. Ages range from four to 18 years. For questions call 467-3320.

HOLIDAY GIFT BASKET SALE
The Friends of the Granby Library will be holding their annual "Holiday Gift Basket Sale" starting on Dec. 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Holiday gift baskets will be on sale through Christmas at the Granby Public Library. Stop in to see our wide selection of beautifully decorated gifts. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Granby Library. For more info, call 467-3320.

HOLYOKE
PISTOL SAFETY COURSE
An N.R.A. Basic Pistol Safety Course will be offered at the Holyoke Revolver Dec. 18 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is a hands on shooting experience teaching the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary for owning and using a pistol safely. A National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Course Certificate as well as a State of Massachusetts Certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of the course. Pre-registration is required by Dec. 11. Info: www.holyokerevolverclub.com. Alternative registration: call 539-9345 and leave phone number on answering machine.

WINTER SOIREE
On Dec. 4 from 6 to 10 p.m. celebrate the holidays in style at Wistariahurst. The evening will feature live music, festive hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar and a raffle. Music will be provided by Room for 2, the dynamic vocal/keyboard duo of Susan Duncan and Keith Cooper. The Winter Soiree is sponsored by the Friends of Wistariahurst to benefit Wistariahurst Museum. Reservations suggested. Tickets: $30 and $25 for members of Friends of Wistariahurst. For more info, visit www.wistariahurst.org or call 322-5660.

BOSTON STRING QUARTET
On Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. Wistariahurst Museum welcomes back the Boston String Quartet to celebrate the holiday season with songs from their album "On Christmas Eve," recorded with the help of students and faculty from School of Groove, where the quartet is currently Ensemble-in-Residence. Tickets: $15/$12 for students and seniors. For more info, call 322-5660.

GARDEN TALK
On Dec. 8, at 6:30 p.m., Master Gardener Toi Graham will show her tricks for green gardening, a fun and eco-friendly step in the movement towards reducing dependency on fossil fuels and water consumption. Presented by Wistariahurst Museum Gardeners and Western Mass Master Gardeners, a non-profit group whose mission is to educate the public in all matters relating to gardening. All talks are a $5 donation to benefit the garden restoration at Wistariahurst Museum.

SOUTH HADLEY
"SOUND OF MUSIC" CELEBRATION
The Social Connection at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 319 Granby Rd., will host a celebration of "The Sound of Music" on Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost: $5. Event includes a sing-a-long, clips from the the movie, and details on the real VonTrapp family and a dinner. Please bring a wrapped $3 gift for a Christmas exchange. Call 533-1925 to make a reservation by Dec 1.

DANCE DEPARTMENT SHOWCASE
Pioneer Valley Performing Arts (PVPA) Charter Public School will host "Barefoot in Our Shoes" the PVPA Dance Department Showcase on Dec. 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $8 general, $5 student. For reservations, call 552-1590. All reservations must be picked up no later than 15 minutes prior to show time. This space is accessible to the handicapped.

"LA LIBERTE AFRICAIN"
Pioneer Valley Performing Arts (PVPA) Charter Public School will feature "La Liberte Africain" featuring the WOFA Dance Company on Dec. 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. at the Mainstage Theater, 15 Mulligan Dr. Tickets: $12 general, $10 student and seniors, $5 PVPA students and kids under 12. For reservations, call 552-1590. This space is handicapped accessible.

SOUTHWICK
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA CLAUS
"Breakfast and Photos with Santa Claus" will be sponsored by the Lions Club and the Rec Center on Dec. 12 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Rec Center on Powder Mill Road. All you can eat breakfast: pancakes, scrambled eggs, ham, sausage, orange juice, coffee, tea, and milk. Raffle prizes. Cost: $6 for adults; $4 for kids under 12. For more info, call 569-3447.

SPRINGFIELD
HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Holiday Bazaar at Grayson House Assisted Living, 942 Grayson Dr., Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Featured items will be arts and crafts, homemade chocolates, baked goods, raffle and good as new items. All proceeds to benefit the resident activity fund. For more info call Pat Gelinas, Life Enrichment Director, at 426-868, ext. 113.

HOLIDAY CRAFT/VENDOR FAIR
Holiday craft/vendor fair at Dryden Memorial School, 190 Surrey Rd., Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the auditorium. Bake sale, Chinese auction. Santa will be there from noon to 2 p.m. Have pictures taken for a small fee. Snack bar open in cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by Dryden Memorial PTO.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR
At Frederick Harris School, 58 Hartford Terrace, Dec. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. Raffle, crafters, vendors, bake sale and musical entertainment. All are welcome!

HOLY CROSS CHRISTMAS FAIR
Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the gym at Holy Cross Church, 221 Plumtree Rd. More than 35 vendors and crafters and snack bar. Free admission. Plenty of parking.

SPFLD. PARTNERS FUNDRAISERS
Springfield Partners for Community Action will host a raffle at its fundraiser on Dec. 8 from 4 to 10 p.m. at Texas Roadhouse Restaurant, Allen & Cooley Plaza. Supporters who present vouchers to the restaurant on Dec. 8 will have 10 percent of their purchases donated to Springfield Partners for Community Action. Vouchers can also be applied to take-out orders that evening. To print a voucher, visit www.springfieldpartnersinc.com.

WESTFIELD
HULA HOOPING
The YMCA of Greater Westfield will offer Hula Hooping with Arianna Shelton the second Friday of each month beginning Dec. 10. Class: 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Cost: $10 for members; $15 for non-members. These hoops are professionally designed and weighted to provide the maximum workout. Registration required. For more info, call Cindy Agan at 568-6831 ext. 323.

FIRST THURSDAY @ ATHENAEUM
The Westfield Athenaeum will continue its popular FIRST THURSDAY @ the Athenaeum concerts in on Dec. 2 at noon in the Lang Auditorium with Westfield State's Jazz Combo directed by Jim Argiro. Prouty's Market is catering the lunchtime concert series and will be offering a selection of freshly made sandwiches. Lunch is available at 11:30 a.m. For more info, visit www.westath.org or call 562-0716.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Westfield State will be host its annual Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 11 in Scanlon Banquet Hall at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Event includes a breakfast buffet, a raffle and activities for kids including face painting and Melha Shrine Clowns. For tickets, call at 572-5449. Tickets: $8 for adults and $6 for kids. With admission, each child will receive a free gift and be able to meet with Santa.

WEST SPRINGFIELD
BREAKFAST AND CRAFT FAIR
W. Springfield Senior Center's Pancake Breakfast and Christmas Craft Fair Benefit will take place Dec. 11 at the center, 128 Park St. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Cost: $5 for general admission or $3 for kids under the age of six. Menu: pancakes, eggs, sausages, bacon, home fries, toast, orange juice, coffee and tea. Craft fair: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

CAROLING ON THE GREEN
The Parks and Rec. Department's 23rd annual Caroling on the Green will take place Dec. 2 at 5:45 p.m. on the Elm Street Gazebo. If inclement weather on Dec. 2, call 781-3020 after 2 p.m.

CHANUKAH CELEBRATION
The Parks and Rec. Department's Chanukah Celebration will take place Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre lobby on Elm Street. If inclement weather on Dec. 2, call 781-3020 after 2 p.m.

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
W. Springfield Council on Aging will host its annual Christmas Luncheon Dec. 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Cost: $5/seniors and $6/under 60. Menu: baked stuffed chicken breast (bread stuffing), gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed turnip and carrot, petite potatoes, roll, and chocolate pudding tarts with whipped cream and cherry. For reservations, call 263-3264 or 263-325 by Dec. 17.

FOOD DRIVE
W. Springfield Senior Center's, 128 Parl St., Food Drive to benefit the Parish Cupboard is going on now through Dec. 11. Donations may be made Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Dec. 11 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more info, call 263-3264.