Town Events Feb. 15 - Feb. 22 - The Reminder

Town Events Feb. 15 - Feb. 22

From The Reminder
EAST LONGMEADOW
GARDEN CLUB MEETING
The E.L. Garden Club will meet Feb. 25 at noon at Fellowship Hall, EL Congregational Church at the Rotary. The public is always welcome at our meetings. Cost is only $2. Topic: Ferns For Your Garden. Presented by Leslie Duthie, Propagation Director, Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary.

STUFFED PORK CHOP DINNER
At 3 Legion Court, off Crane Street, Feb. 25, 6 p.m. Snow date Feb. 26. Cost: $9.50 per person. Menu: stuffed pork chop, garlic mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, garden salad, rolls and butter, cookies and brownies, soda, tea and coffee. Other drinks available at bar downstairs for additional charge. For more info call Chris at 592-0596 or the Legion Post after 4 p.m. at 525-2058.

COMMODITIES DISTRIBUTION
There will be a commodities distribution on Feb. 17 from 1 - 3 p.m. To qualify you must be an E.L. resident of any age and show proof of need. If you need a ticket, sign up in the Senior Center office prior to Feb. 17. No commodities will be given without a ticket.

BOOK CLUB
The Book Club meets the last Tues. of each month at 10:30 a.m. at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 N. Main St. This month's book is, "Revolutionary Road" by Richard Yates. The Book Club is free and open to new members at any time.

LOCAL DANCERS IN "PETER PAN"
Artistic Dance Conservatory's Kinetic State Ballet will perform the childhood favorite "Peter Pan" on March 2 at 1 p.m. at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 N. Main St. This performance is free and open to the public. Refreshments sponsored by Glenmeadow.

REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE
The next E.L. Republican Town Committee meeting will be Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. in the E.L. Library Community Room. This meeting is open to all who wish to attend. For more info contact Donna Kane at 525-5222.

ADULT BASKETBALL
The E.L. Rec. Dept. is offering an ongoing adult basketball program at Attain Sports Performance, 80 Denslow Rd. Those ages 35 - 80+ are eligible to play - you're never too old to start for this friendly pick-up activity! Fee is $5 per session. Registration, medical forms required; available at Rec. Dept. Office or at www.eastlongmeadowma.gov. For more info, call 525-5437.

STROKE & TURN CLINIC
The E.L. Rec. Dept./Marlins Swim Team will host a stroke and turn clinic for resident swimmers who just finished the winter season and who swam in spring/summer 2009. Limited to first 40 who register. Clinic runs March 1 - April 7 on Mon./Wed from 5 - 7:30 p.m. Register in Rec. Dept., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mon. - Fri. For more info, call 525-5437.

INSPIRE WORKS
The E.L. Rec. Dept. is offering two enrichment programs on five Saturdays in March and April. "Jr. Detectives " (grades 3-5), 10 a.m. - noon and "Water Color Wizards" (grades K-3), 12:30 - 2p.m. Series dates are March 20, 27, April 3,10 and 17 at the Rec. Dept. For more info, refer to green flyer sent through the schools or call the the Rec. Dept. at 525-5437, 8 a.m. - 4p.m., Mon. - Fri.

TWIRLING CLASS
The E.L. Rec. Dept announces an after school baton twirling class at Mt. View School open to grades 3 - 6 from March 3 - May 26. Batons available to borrow or buy. Learn a new skill and march in the Fourth of July Parade. Call the Rec. Dept. at 525-5437 for more info.

FAMILY FUN DAY
The E.L. Rec. Dept is sponsoring "Sunday is Family Fun Day at Attain," March 7 - April 18. Offerings are family floor hockey, rec. volleyball, rec. co-ed soccer. Fees are $8/session for adults, $5 for kids 10 and under; family rate is $20 for four or more. For info on ages, times call the Rec. Dept. at 525-5437 or come into the Rec. Dept., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mon. - Fri.

SPORTS SAFETY TRAINING
The E.L. Rec. Dept. is offering this training March 27 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. First Aid and CPR (four hours each for adult and child). Recommended for youth sport coaches. For more info, call 525-5437 or come into the Rec. Dept. 8 a.m. - 4p.m., Mon. - Fri. to register.

SPRING SPORTS WARM-UPS
The E.L. Rec. Dept will sponsor these at Attain on Saturdays March 6 - April 24. Offerings are rec. lacrosse for grades 3 - 8, rec. soccer for grades 3 - 8. Fee is $10/session. Call 525-5437 for more info.

DAN KANE E.L. IDOL YOUTH PERFORMANCE TRAINING
The E.L. Rec. Dept. still has room in its Dan Kane E.L. Idol Youth Performance Training week, April 19 - 23, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Birchland Park Middle School. Open to youths age 8 - 14 or grades 3 - 8. "Finale" to week of training culminates in a dinner show at Elmcrest Country Club on April 23 from 6 - 9 p.m. with performance by participants. This is a "benefit" for Friends of Recreation. For more info, call 525-5437.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD
GENEALOGY COMPUTER CLASS
The Western Mass. Genealogy Society will have a computer class on Feb. 18 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Agawam Senior Center, 954 Main St., Agawam. Come and learn how to search your ancestors on the Web. There is a $10 fee to take the computer class or $20 for full membership with the Western Mass. Genealogy Society.

ANNUAL ORCHID SHOW
The Amherst Orchid Society will host its annual orchid show on Feb. 20, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Feb. 21, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. with the sales area open Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Smith Vocational High School, 80 Locust St., Rte. 9, Northampton. There is a fee of $3. Children under 12 are free. This show will be judged by the American Orchid Society and is open to the public. There will be a number of orchid displays and vendors. There will be ongoing demos on orchid care given by orchid society members. For info contact Leilani or Harold Norman at 267-5124.

TOBACCO VALLEY ARTISTS
The February meeting of the Tobacco Valley Artists Assoc. will be Feb. 17, 7 p.m., at the Somers Senior Center, 19 Battle St., Somers, Conn. It will feature a demo of watercolor techniques by noted area artist Susan Pecora, well known for the PBS television show "Reflections Through Watercolor" on Springfield's WGBY. She currently teaches painting classes at the Museum of Fine Arts in Springfield as well as her studio gallery at Thorndike Mill Art Center. Open to the public.

LONGMEADOW
SPRING DRAMA PROGRAM
Musical production TBD. This unique spring afterschool drama club activity is offered two afternoons a week. The program culminates with a two-evening musical performance at the Community House in May. Aspiring actors in grades 4 - 8 will be taught a variety of theatrical activities, will try out, and be cast in a musical production. Program meets on Thurs./Fri. now through May 14. Visit www.LPRD.net for more info and registration.

MOTHER & DAUGHTER BOOK GROUP
The Philip Michael Lauro II Discovery Room at Storrs Library will host a Mother & Daughter Book Group on March 2 from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. This group is open to students in grades 6 - 8 and meets monthly. Our selection for March is "The Unfinished Angel" by Sharon Creech. This hilarious and endearing novel reminds us that magic is found in the most ordinary acts of kindness. Mothers and daughters are invited to pick up a copy of "The Unfinished Angel" and join us for conversation and special related activities. Call the Youth Service Dept. at 565-4182 for more info or to reserve your books.

PAWS TO READ WITH AMBER
Amber the Reading Therapy Dog would love to be read to on Feb. 26 at Storrs Library. From 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. children ages five and above are invited to read a story to Amber, who is specially trained to listen. Register for your child's own 10 min. reading session by calling 565-4182 or visiting the Philip Michael Lauro II Discovery Room.

LEARN TO CARTOON
Ages 8 - 16. Do you enjoy doodling funny characters whenever you have a pencil or pen in your hand? If so, this class is for you! Learn the fundamentals of drawing while at the same time focusing on technique, types of media and developing your individual style. Class meets Feb. 16 - 19 at the Community House. Visit www.LPRD.net for more info and registration.

RED CROSS BABYSITTING
Learn how to handle emergencies, entertain children and what activities are geared toward what stages of development in an infant or toddler. Learn what you need to know when you are staying home alone or watching younger siblings. Participants ages 11 and up will learn about the basic care for children of all age levels, job responsibility, first aid procedures and activities to keep children busy and happy. Participants must attend all sessions to be eligible for certification. Course meets Feb. 16 - 18 at Greenwood Children's Center. Visit www.LPRD.net for more info and registration.

MUSICAL NOTES FOR INFANTS, TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS
Newborn - age 3. Clap, sing and move with your child! Music is known to increase a child's emotional intelligence, creativity and social skills. These six week programs will integrate singing, music and use of various instruments. All classes meet on Tues. mornings from Feb. 23 - March 30 at Greenwood Children's Center. Visit www.LPRD.net for more info and registration.

"SCHOOLS OUT, LETS PLAY"
There is limited space available for care of Longmeadow children in grades 1 - 6 during the February school vacations. Children will take part in a wide variety of fun activities, field trips, outdoor play and much more. Send a peanut free lunch each day. You may sign up for the days of your choice; hours are 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. each day at Greenwood Children's Center, Feb. 15 - 19. The fee is $60 per child per day. Visit www.LPRD.net for more info and registration.

VACATION OPEN SWIM TIMES
Participants ages 10 and older (younger participants welcome with parent supervision) can come and swim at the heated indoor pool. Changing rooms and showers are available. Lifeguard on duty. The LHS pool will be open Feb. 16 and 18 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. The fee is $7.50 per person or free with indoor season pass per day.

LONGMEADOW SOFTBALL ASSOC.
The Longmeadow Softball Assoc., through the New England Youth Sports 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. For those in grades 1 - 2, the program is in town and instructional; beyond that, children are evaluated to play on a travel team at U10, U12 and U14 age levels. The season starts at the end of April. A copy of a birth certificate is required at registration. Register at the Community House on Feb. 24 from 7 - 9 p.m. Visit www.LPRD.net for more 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 appropriate. New players must show a certified birth certificate at time of registration to be eligible to play. All teams will have a travel schedule with about half of the games played away. All rosters will be limited to 13/14 players. Registration dates at the Community House are Feb. 24 from 7 - 9 p.m. and Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. - noon. Registrations can also be made in the LPRD office at the Community House. Visit www.LPRD.net for more info.

LITTLE LEAGUE ASSOC.
Ages 5 - 12. All registrants will be placed on a team and all regular season games from April - June will be played in town. Additional info can be found at www.eteamz.com/longmeadowll. Registration can take place by mail or on the Web site. The registration form is available on the Web site or can be obtained at the Community House. Register at the Community House on Feb. 23 from 7 - 9 p.m.

GIRLS LACROSSE ASSOC.
Grades 3 - 8. Program runs beginning of April - mid-June. Practices are instructional and competitive games are scheduled with other youth lacrosse programs in the area. Players need goggles, stick and mouth guard. Teams typically have 2 - 4 lacrosse events (games or practices) per week. Instruction will focus on throwing, catching, cradling, passing, dodging and shooting as well as offense and defense. For more info visit eteamz.com/LongmeadowGirlsLAX/index.cfm. Registration forms can also be downloaded from the Web site and mailed directly to Sandy Miller, 193 Edgewood Ave., Longmeadow.

MARCH BOOK CLUB
Meets March 2 at 1 p.m. at the Adult Center. The March selection for discussion is current bestseller "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. In April, the club will discuss "Brooklyn" by Colm Toibin. New members are welcome.

SPRINGFIELD
CRAFT SALE
The Springfield Hobby Club will host its annual craft sale on March 4 and 5 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at 309 Chestnut St. (lower Franklin next to the YMCA). In addition to craft tables, there will be a snack bar, bake sale, jewelry and white elephant tables and members tables. The Thrift Shop will host a fill-a-bag for $5 during the same hours.

ASH WEDNESDAY SUPPER/SERVICE
Foster Memorial Church hosts a Potluck Supper on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, beginning at 7 p.m. downstairs in Fellowship Hall. Following the supper, there will be a worship service in the church sanctuary. For more info call the church office at 782-2112. The church is located at the corners of Parker Street and Wilbraham Road in Sixteen Acres.

HAITIAN RELIEF SUPPER
Foster Memorial Church hosts a "Fat Tuesday" Pancake Supper on Feb. 16 beginning at 6 p.m. downstairs in Fellowship Hall. Free will offering for the meal; all proceeds will go to Haitian relief. Menu: pancakes, sausage, fruit and beverages. For more info call the office at 782-2112. The church is located at the corners of Parker Street and Wilbraham Road in Sixteen Acres.

BIG APPLE TRIP
Mary, Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Blvd., East Springfield, is sponsoring a day trip to New York City April 24. Bus leaves the church parking lot, corner of Page Blvd. and Roosevelt Ave., at 7 a.m. Return time: approx. 8:30 p.m. See Broadway, Times Square, shop, go the the theater, visit a museum, have lunch at one of the many fine restaurants, visit Central Park, tour the city in a double-decker bus. Cost includes bus and driver's gratuity. Call Sylvia for reservations at 594-2757.

SPRINGFIELD GARDEN CLUB
Restoring the Olmstead Garden at the Palmer Train Depot will be the topic of the Feb. 19 meeting of the Springfield Garden Club. Robin Lamothe, co-owner of the Steaming Tender Restaurant at the restored train station will be the presenter, giving an overview of Frederick Olmstead's many garden and park designs including Central Park and the many parks in the Boston area, as well as displaying her plans for restoring the Palmer Depot garden. Tea at 11:30 a.m. Meeting open to all interested gardeners and history buffs. Guest fee: $5. For more info call 525-6957.

WILBRAHAM
COLTON ON SHAY'S REBELLION
On Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Richard Colton, historian at the Springfield Armory, will speak in the Friendship Room of Wilbraham United Church. His topic will be Shays' Rebellion, "Roots of Discontent." Program is sponsored by Women's Evening Fellowship. Men cordially invited. Wilbraham United Church is located at 500 Main St. Call 596-2511 ext. 100 with any questions.

JUNIOR WOMEN'S CLUB
The next meeting of the Wilbraham Junior Women's Club will be on Feb. 23 at the Wilbraham Senior Center, located at the Scantic Valley YMCA, at 7 p.m. Club member Kathy Fuss will make a presentation on her recent trip to Haiti. All are welcome to attend. For more info visit www.wilbrahamjuniorwomens.org.

LEARN TO SKATE PROGRAM
Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov, Olympians, international performers and top ranked figure skaters, are offering a learn to skate program at the Enfield Twin Rinks for all levels and ages. Learn the fundamentals of skating, from how to tie your skates to taking your first jump. Begins Feb. 27, running for five weeks. Register online at www.wilbraham-ma.gov/rec.