Town Events, Feb. 18 - Feb. 25 - The Reminder

Town Events, Feb. 18 - Feb. 25

From the Herald, the Metro West Reminder and the Springfield Reminder

AGAWAM
OPEN OFFICE HOURS
Mayor Susan Dawson will offer open office hours at Town Hall, 36 Main St., every Wednesday from March 4 - 25 from 11 a.m. - noon. No appointments are necessary. The mayor is also available for senior citizens to address issues with her on the third Wednesday every month from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. at the Agawam Senior Center.

CASINO TRIP
The Agawam Lioness Club is sponsoring a trip to Mohegan Sun on March 15. Leave Agawam High School parking lot at 1 p.m. and arrive at Mohegan at 2:30 p.m. Leave Mohegan Sun at 7:30 p.m. returning by 9 p.m. Cost of the trip is $25 per person and you will receive a $30 package ($10 food or buffet and three $5 free bets). The proceeds from the trip will be used for scholarships. Reserve your seat early. For reservations call Pat at 786-1782 or Rose at 786-5134.

WEEKLY SERVICES
The Bethany Assembly of God will have Worship Services and Sunday School on Sundays at 9 and 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday mid-week service will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday Evening Contemporary Worship service will take place at 7 p.m. and Youth Prayer or "The Edge" is at 5 p.m. in the Coffee House.

TASTE OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
Friends of the Agawam Senior Center are selling the "Taste of Western Massachusetts" coupon book at a cost of $20 each, saving $5 per book. Valentine's Day is coming and there are movie tickets for presents plus many other great coupon gift ideas. To buy a coupon book call the senior center at 821-0604 or 821-0605 or call Emile Cote at 335-9440.

LEONARD HOUSE CONCERT
On Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. the Captain Charles Leonard House, 663 Main St., will present a concert by the powerful fiddler Ellery Klein, Nicole Rabata, an Irish and classical flute player, and Liz Simmons, singer and guitarist. Seats for the performance are $14 reserved or $18 at the door. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 789-9267 or by e-mail to msullgreen@gmail.com.

"SPRING INTO SPRING"
On March 7 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., St. David's Episcopal Church, 699 Springfield St., will host a free Spring into Spring Family Fun Day. Children will enjoy a bounce house, Wii, food, games, crafts and more. This event will take place regardless of weather. All are welcome. RSVP by calling 786-6133.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY
"Celebrate Recovery" is a 12-step Christian program for people who have hurts, habits or hang ups, which meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Bethany Assembly of God. For info, call the church at 789-2930.

NYC BUS TRIP
The Agawam Cultural Council is sponsoring a spring plan your own day bus trip to New York City on May 2. Buses will depart from the Agawam Middle School parking lot at 6:25 a.m., leaving NYC at 6:25 p.m. Tickets are $33 per person, including driver tip. Send requests for tickets to Agawam Cultural Council, 153 Anthony St., Agawam, MA 01001 and include a self-addressed-stamped envelope for return of your tickets. For further info, call 789-1201.

"DUBLIN IN SONG AND STORIES"
Agawam Public Library will present "Dublin in Song and Stories" with Tom O'Carroll, a Dublin-born folklorist, folk-singer and instrumentalist on March 3 at 7 p.m. Call 789-1550, or visit the library to register.

BOOK DISCUSSION
On March 16 at 7 p.m., the Agawam Public Library will present a book discussion by Dave Fromm, author of "Expatriate Games: My Season of Misadventures in Czech Semi-Pro Basketball." Books will be available for purchase ($15) and signing at event. Call 789-1550, or visit the library to register.

CHICOPEE
KIDS FISHING DERBY
The Chicopee Sportsmens Club will host a Kids Fishing Derby for members' children age 15 and younger on Feb. 22, 9 a.m. - noon, with sign up at 8 a.m. The club also informs members that the monthly meeting night is changed to the first Wednesday of the month until further notice. The meeting location is the same: American Legion Post on New Ludlow Road. Call club hotline 594-7336 for info about all activities, or visit www.chicopeesportsmensclub.com.

INFO & REGISTRATION NIGHT
St. Joan of Arc-St. George School, 587 Grattan St., will host an info and registration night on Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the school hall. Families interested in pre-K to grade eight are invited to attend. School offers before and after school care, hot lunch, gym, music, computer, library and French.

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
Faith United Methodist Church, 191 Montcalm St., welcomes New Hope and South Hadley Methodist Church and the community to Ash Wednesday service on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. The Rev. Louise J. Dumas and Pastor Heather Bailes Baker will present over the services. The public is welcome. For more info, call 533-6093.

MEN'S GROUP
There is a men's group that meets monthly at the Chicopee Senior Center, 7 Valley View Ct. The group meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 10 a.m. and is designed for men who are looking to be part of a large circle of their peers. The group will discuss a variety of topics each month and will be open to topics. The next meeting will be on Feb. 23. Anyone interested in attending this group or for more info call Jared Krok at the Senior Center, 534-3698.

IN GOOD COMPANY
In Good Company is a support group for people who are feeling blue or experiencing mild depression. The next meeting will take place Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. at the Chicopee Senior Center, 7 Valley View Ct. There is no fee for this program. The group is facilitated by a professional who can assist you with coping strategies, info on additional assistance and support. If you would like to have more info, call 534-3698.

SINGING GROUP
Join your friends every Thurs. from 1 - 2 p.m. in an informal sing-a-long at the Chicopee Senior Center, 7 Valley View Ct. Words are provided. What better way to spend an hour than to sing with your friends. For more info call 534-3698.

GRANBY
GRANBY LIBRARY
Show your valentine your love and support the Friends of the Granby Library by purchasing a new tote bag. These sturdy canvas bags are available in valentine red or cool blue for $8 each. Give even more by filling a bag with gently used sale books for $12 to $15. For more info call the library at 467-3320. Hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD
WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP SPEAKER
The Women's Leadership Network presents speaker Dr. Susan Solomon, Ph.D, Bay Path College, former mayor of Sedona, Ariz., on Feb. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Loomis Communities, 246 N. Main St., South Hadley. RSVP for the February meeting by Feb. 19 to wln@cox.net. Driving directions can be found at www.loomiscommunities.org/living/directions/3.

ADVENTURES AMONG THE STARS
Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Tolman Auditorium, Springfield Science Museum. Speaker: Richard Sanderson. Beginning with the total lunar eclipse of Good Friday 1968, Naturalists' Club member Rich Sanderson has witnessed a wide variety of spectacular cosmic events. Rich will describe some of these amazing displays, discussing both his own personal observations and the science behind the events. Many of his stories will be illustrated by his own astronomical photographs. For more info, visit www.naturalist-club.org.

WOMEN'S NEW MOON CHANT
With Felicia Sloin; begins Feb. 22 from 7:30 - 9 p.m. Each new moon corresponds to the Jewish new month called Rosh Chodesh. Each month has its own particular significance and theme. Join us as we deepen our connection to this special time through chanted Jewish song and meditation. Chanting circles offer a place to experience joy, healing, comfort and inspiration in unified song. Location: Inspirit Common, 123 Russell St., Hadley. Free and open to the public.

ANNUAL ORCHID SHOW
The Amherst Orchid Society will host its annual orchid show on Feb. 21, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Feb. 22, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., at Smith Vocational High School, 80 Locust St., Northampton. There is a nominal 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.

HOLYOKE
ST. VALENTINE'S DAY SHOW
Holyoke Catholic High School's A Cappella Singers will perform on March 1 at 2:30 p.m. at Providence Place, 5 Gamelin St. They will present a program of sacred church hymns, traditional African American hymns, Taize chants and gospel music. For more info, contact Runa Skar, marketing director at Providence Place, at 534-9700.

TRIP TO IRELAND
The St. Patrick's Parade Committee of Holyoke has raffle tickets available for a "Beautiful Ireland Your Special Way" trip to Ireland for six people, includes limo ride to and from Logan Airport, round trip airfare on Aer Lingus, hotels, meals, attractions and $500 spending money per traveler or $15,000 cash. Tickets are $100 each. A total of 290 tickets to be sold. Drawing taking place March 18. This is the 58th anniversary of the Past President's fund raising to help defray the expenses of the Holyoke St. Patrick's' Parade. Contact Dan Tierney at 533-0909 or any other parade member for info.

DUBLIN CITY RAMBLERS
St. Patrick's Day at the Log Cabin with Dublin City Ramblers on March 11. Dinner, show, dessert and bottle of wine. The Dublin City Ramblers have thrilled audiences worldwide with their unique blend of ballads, folk humor, wit and foot-tapping music. Space is limited. Book your seats now. Call Frank Wotton at 532-0214.

TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO
Come join the Holyoke Golden Seniors on their overnight trip to the Turning Stone Resort Casino May 17 - 18 in New York. Prices include round-trip coach fare, hotel and driver tip. Depart from K Mart Plaza, Holyoke, Rte. 5 on May 17 at 7:30 a.m. and return May 18 at approx. 8:30 p.m. Park at Garden Center. Be there are 7 a.m. Call Jane Masse, 536-6470, for more info.

SOUTHWICK
COUNTRY MUSIC JAMBOREE
The Pioneer Valley Pickers and Grinners Country Music Jamboree, Open Mic and Jam will take place Feb. 28 at the Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 488 College Highway (Rt. 202) in Southwick from 6 - 9:30 p.m. Jericho Road opens at 7 p.m. Free admission donations accepted. Call Kirk at 569-3637 or visit www.resair.net.

SOUTHWICK TRAVELERS TRIP
The Southwick Travelers wish to announce a trip to Mohegan Sun on March 29 for a matinee performance from Yakov Smirnoff, including a free lunch buffet, a $20 casino bonus and a gourmet take-home sandwich. Cost due by Feb. 23. Call George Wheeler at 569-3854 or Connie Johnson at 569-6140 to make reservations.

BULB SHOW
The Council on Aging will be going to the Bulb Show at Smith College on March 17. Cost is $3. Lunch on your own at Paisano's after. There is limited seating. Call 569-5498 to sign up.

LASAGNA LUNCHEON
The Council on Aging will be a home made lasagna luncheon on March 18 to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and spring. Cost is $2. Sign up with Nancy at 569-0410.

TALENT SHOW FUNDRAISERS
The Southwick-Tolland Regional High School Interact Club will be hosting its annual Talent Show Fundraisers on March 4 at 6 p.m. for high school students and another on March 6 at 6 p.m. for Woodland Elementary School students. These shows serve as fundraisers with all proceeds benefiting a yet to be determined charity. At the end of the school year, all money raised is distributed to charity.

FOOD DRIVE
Southwoods, 610 College Highway, is sponsoring a food drive for the Food Pantry during February. Items needed are canned soup, crackers, kid-friendly snacks, cereal, hot chocolate, spaghetti, sauce, canned tuna fish and any other non-perishable items. Donations can be dropped off at the Southwoods Office Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., until Feb. 27. For more info, call 569-0266.

SPRINGFIELD
PANCAKE SUPPER
On Feb. 24 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church will host a pancake supper to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling 782-9021 or 788-4607 at the cost of $3.50 for adults, $2.50 for children under 12. All tickets at the door will be $4. The chapel will be open for meditation and prayer before, during and following the supper.

JAZZ SUNDAY
On Feb. 22 South Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, will celebrate its 10th annual Jazz Sunday just prior to the beginning of Lent. The Hot Cat Jazz Band will return to play both at the 10 a.m. worship service and the 11 a.m. Mardi Gras Reception, which will feature New Orleans-style beignets, cafe au lait, and Lucius Weathersby's famous gumbo. The church and parking are located at 45 Maple St. For info call the church office at 732-0117.

SACRED HEART TRAVEL CLUB
Sacred Heart Travel Club announces a year of casinos. Call for reservations to Jim and Caroline McAleer at 734-3676. All are welcome. All casino trips leave from Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut St. at 8 am. and arrive home before 6 p.m. All trips are $25 p/p and include the current bonus package of the month for the particular casino. Feb. 27, Foxwoods; March 18, Mohegan Sun, April 15, Foxwoods, May 13, Mohegan Sun; June 22, Foxwoods; July 20, Mohegan Sun; Aug. 17, Foxwoods; Sept. 14, Mohegan Sun; Oct. 26, Foxwoods; Nov. 30, Mohegan Sun and Dec. 28, Foxwoods.

WESTFIELD
"A PIECE OF HEAVEN"
The Jasper Rand Art Museum of the Westfield Athenaeum will present "A Piece of Heaven," a multimedia art exhibition by Terry Rooney throughout the month. She has expanded the ideas of Heaven on Earth to her 3-D constructions, some of which float toward the sky or land in a heavenly place. The exhibit is open to all free of charge.

WEST SPRINGFIELD
"CHINA: A TRAVELOGUE"
The Friends of the West Springfield Public Library, 200 Park St., will host "China: A Travelogue" on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. The team of Ted and Barbara Hebert will regale us with their experiences while visiting some of China's best treasures. For more info, call 736-4561 ext. 111 or e-mail wgevents@cwmars.org.

CHURCH MEETINGS
The Mittineague Congregational Church's annual business meeting will take place after the Feb. 22 Sunday service. The board of religious education will meet at 7 p.m. on Feb. 18; Deacons on Feb. 24 and the friendly knitting group at 10 a.m. on Feb. 25.