Town Events Feb. 8 - Feb. 15 - The Reminder

Town Events Feb. 8 - Feb. 15

From The Reminder

EAST LONGMEADOW
ELDTC MEETING
E.L. Democratic Town Committee's next meeting will be on Feb. 18 in the Pleasant View Senior Center Conference Room at 7 p.m. State Rep. Angelo Puppolo will be the guest speaker. All are welcome to attend this free event.

CHOCOLATE SAMPLING
The Friends of the E.L. Public Library will sponsor a chocolate tasting event on Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. There will be a $2 per person charge at the door. If you are a Friends member, the event is free. Bring your sweetie for some delicious chocolate treats! If you would like to join the Friends of the Library, you may do so at any time or you may join that day and attend the event for free. Friends' memberships are $15 per family, $10 per individual and $5 for seniors. Additional benefits to being a Friends member includes free or discount passes to many local museums. Any questions, call the library at 525-5400 ext. 1503.

ENGINE 3 OPEN HOUSE
The public is invited to come and view E.L.'s newest fire pumper, Engine 3. While you are here, tour the Fire Station and talk to our firefighters. There will be two different dates to attend: Feb. 19 from 1- 3 p.m. and Feb. 20 from 9 - 11 a.m. Bring your camera and take a picture with Engine 3 to have as a keepsake for the future. For more info call the ELFD at 525-5430 weekdays from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL ORIENTATION
The administration, Guidance Dept., department heads and Student Council invite parents of incoming ninth graders to an orientation program on Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the ELHS auditorium.

DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE
The E.L. Democratic Town Committee will host their state convention caucus Feb. 10 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Pleasant View Senior Center. For more info contact Gary Deslile at 525-6467.

NEW POOL PROGRAMS
The E.L. Rec. Dept. is offering two pool programs adult or high school lap swim and open pool Feb. 20 - April 30 at the high school. On site registration by parent/guardian required for the first session for youth under 18. Lap swim will be Tues. - Thurs. 5 - 6:30 p.m. Open swim will be Tues. - Thurs. 6:30 - 8 p.m. (open to youth/adults of all ages). One lane reserved for "slow lap" swimmers. Rest of pool will be divided in half so young children can play in the shallow end with an adult. Fees: $8/session for adults; children under 10, $5; family rate of four or more members, $20 (under age 3 free).

SPRINGFIELD ARMOR REC. NIGHT
The E.L. Rec. Dept. and the Springfield Armor are sponsoring an E.L. Rec Night Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. at the MassMutual Center. Opponent is the Reno Big Horns. Tickets are $10 if purchased by Feb. 12 at the Rec. Office. Come into Rec. Dept., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mon. - Fri. to purchase tickets.

BABYSITTING CLASS
The E.L. Rec. Dept. announces an American Red Cross babysitting class for those in grades seven and eight during school vacation week, Feb. 16 - 18 from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Birchland Park Middle School. For more info and to register call 525-5437, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mon. - Fri.

SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CLUB
The E.L. Senior Friendship Club will welcome entertainer John Banker Feb. 11 at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 N. Main St., following noon luncheon. Menu: veal parmesan, spaghetti w/tomato sauce, four-way mixed vegetables and cheesecake. Dessert sponsored by E.L. Skilled Nursing Center. Call 525-5436 at least one day in advance for reservations.

AARP TAX ASSISTANCE
AARP Tax Aide Counselors will begin income tax processing for low to moderate income seniors at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 N. Main St., on Mondays. Due to space limitations and a shortage of AARP tax preparers we will give priority to E.L. residents. Out of town residents can call for alternate site locations and/or can be put on a wait list. Call early for your appt. at 525-5436 or sign up in the office.

HEALTH PLAN OPTIONS
On Feb. 10 at 10 a.m., the Pleasant View Senior Center at 328 N. Main St. will host a presentation by Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA offering an explanation of Medicare. Hear info on the Medicare drug benefit, and how Medigap plans and Medicare Advantage plans work with Medicare. Call 525-5436 to register.

COMMODITIES DISTRIBUTION
We will be distributing commodities 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. Commodities are distributed four times a year, and this will be the first distribution for 2010. If you need a ticket, sign up in the Senior Center office prior to Feb. 17. No commodities will be given without a ticket.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD
DONATE YOUR CARE
Your car, truck or camper may be worth more as a donation than a trade in. Call the Mass. Assoc. for the Blind at 888-613-2777 for details. This is a free tow, quick pick up and donations are tax deductible. Proceeds benefit blind and vision impaired persons in Massachusetts.

HOME & PRODUCT SHOW
The North Central Conniticut Chamber of Commerce presents the 41st annual Home & Product Show March 12 - 14 at Asnuntuck Community College, 170 Elm St. Hours are March 12, 5 - 8 p.m., March 13, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., March 14, noon - 5 p.m. Booth registration is open to members and non-members. Call the Chamber office at (860) 741-3838 to reserve a space, or visit the Chamber office at 75 Hazard Ave., Enfield.

VALENTINE'S DAY SQUARE DANCE
The Quabbin Valley Twirlers Square Dance Club is sponsoring a class level square dance on Feb. 14 from 2 - 4:30 p.m. at the Christ Community Church, 103 Springfield St., Chicopee. For more info call Gloria at 467-3352.

HAMPDEN
Second Saturday Storytime
Feb. 13, for ages 3 - 5, 10:30 a.m. at Hampden Public Library. Valentine's Day stories and fun crafts; older siblings welcome to browse magazines and books, surf the Internet or visit with friends in our Youth and Young Adult section. Free. Approx. duration is 45 mins. Hampden Public Library is located at 625 Main St. To register or for more info call 566-3047.

LONGMEADOW
AFTER SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAM
At Center and Blueberry elementary schools, join us in playing a string instrument for 10 weeks. Thirty-min. group violin, viola and cello lessons are available for those in grades 3 and 4. Participants will learn how to play several simple songs and end with a concert for the parents. Class size is limited to 10 students per session. Lessons run through April 14. Visit www.LPRD.net for more info and registration.

LEGO CONNECTIONS
On Feb. 9 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. kids ages 4 - 11 are invited to Lego Connections, a different kind of book group that explores creativity at Storrs Library. The workshop consists of a story and a Lego activity. Children will design and build a Lego structure relating to the book read. Problem solving and creativity will be in play! Homeschoolers are welcome. Register by visiting the Philip Michael Lauro II Discovery Room or by calling 565-4182.

CLUB 6-9-3 AT STORRS LIBRARY
Storrs Library will offer a book discussion group those in grades 2 and 3 on Feb. 10 at 3:20 p.m. We will be reading "A Birthday for Bear" by Bonny Becker. It's the story of Bear, who doesn't like parties, balloons or candles. Mouse has other ideas. Pick up your book in the Discovery Room and get ready for an exciting discussion as Club 6-9-3 gathers for activities, snacks and conversation. Call 565-4182, the Youth Service Dept., to register or receive more info about Club 6-9-3.

TODDLER PLAYGROUP
Storrs Library invites toddlers ages 6 - 30 months to bring their parents along and take advantage of our Mon, series of early literacy classes for younger children. Your toddler will enjoy fingerplays, songs and stories along with our unstructured playtime. We provide toys for independent and group play, as well as music and lots of space. Children practice early social skills, while caregivers get to chat. The playgroup meets from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. and will continue through May 24. Call 565-4182 or stop by at 693 Longmeadow St. for more info.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
There will be a public hearing on the Longmeadow School Committee budget on Feb. 8 at 7 p.m., in the LHS cafeteria. This meeting will be in place of the regularly scheduled School Committee meeting.

COMM. PRESERVATION MEETING
The Longmeadow Community Preservation Committee will host a meeting on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Fire Station Meeting Room.

BLOOD SUGAR SCREENINGS
On Feb. 10 from 9:15 - 10 a.m., the Adult Center will conduct blood sugar screenings. Fasting for 10 - 12 hours is recommended. A donation of $1 is requested. Register at 565-4150.

WELLNESS CLINIC
At the Adult Center Mondays, 10 - 11:45 a.m. Come and have your blood pressure checked. Brief health counseling is also available with our nurses. No Wellness Clinic on Feb. 15. Call 565-4150 with any questions.

WELLNESS CLINIC
At Emerson Manor Feb. 9, 1 p.m. All seniors are welcome. You do not need to live at Emerson Manor.

MACDUFFIE INFORMATIONAL TEA
Join current and prospective families for an Information Tea, hosted by Longmeadow parents Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. Call the Admissions Office at 734-4971 for further info and location by Feb. 5. Invest in your child's future at the MacDuffie School, preparing students for success in college since 1890. Visit www.macduffie.org for more info.

INTERNATIONAL DAY LUNCH
Feb. 11. The Chef will continue his series of international lunches with a tribute to the cuisine of France. Since French is the language of love, this choice is especially appropriate for an early Valentine's celebration. Bring someone you love.or like a lot to the Adult Center. Only $3. Reserve at 565-4150.

BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING
The Board of Assessors will host a meeting on Feb. 16 at 8:30 a.m. in the Police Station Community Room. Public comments will only be heard between 8:30 -8:45 a.m.

LIVING WELL CHAT GROUP
Stop by the Adult Center, 231 Maple Rd., on Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. to meet the new Community Health Nurse, Patricia Barkman, and share your ideas for future Living Well talks. Pre-register at 565-4150.

LONGMEADOW VAN TRIPS
The Adult Center van has scheduled a trip to the Big Y and Longmeadow Shops on Feb. 12 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The van will also make a trip to the Enfield Mall on Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Reservations are accepted 24 hours ahead, but no more than one week prior to date of trip. Call 565-4150. Cost is $1 each way.

WORD II COMPUTER CLASS
Feb. 24 - March 3. Ed Edler teaches advanced editing using borders and shading, inserting graphics, creating headers and footers, page numbering, tables, endnotes and footnotes, and the use of templates and wizards. Must have beginner knowledge of Word. Register at 565-4150.

MASSAGE
Second and fourth Thurs., 1 - 3 p.m. Wendy Wong offers 15 and 30 min. massages by appt. She holds a diploma in the Chinese (gentle but firm) art of TuiMa. $15 for 15 min. and $25 for 30 mins. To make an appt., call 565-4150.

REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE
The Longmeadow Republican Town Committee will host its regular monthly meeting on Feb. 11 in the Greenwood Senior Center cafeteria at 7:30 p.m. and will include the committee's second anniversary Abraham Lincoln celebration. Tom Wesley, candidate for representative for the 2nd Congressional District, will speak. Interested persons are invited and welcome (you do not have to be a member to attend). For info contact Dean Rogeness at 567-5480 or www.longmeadowgop.com

SPRINGFIELD
PANCAKE SUPPER
On Feb. 16, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Chuch, 361 Sumner Ave., will host a pancake supper to celebrate Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday/Madri Gras). 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.

LENTEN LUNCHEONS
Come enjoy great food, fun and fellowship at Trinity United Methodist Church's annual Lenten Luncheons beginning Feb. 19 and continuing every Fri. during Lent. Try some of our homemade clam chowder, lobster rolls and homemade pie. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. in Asbury Hall. Come early for best selection. Special Lenten services take place in Grace Chapel from 12:30 - 12:45 p.m. Lenten Luncheon dates are Feb. 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26 and April 2. Take-out orders are available by calling the church office in advance at 737-5311. There is a 50 cent charge per order on take out to defray the cost of packaging materials.

FOXWOODS TRIP
Sacred Heart Church and St. Stan's Church Travel Club at 395 Chestnut St. invite you to join them for the "Luck o' the Irish" day at Foxwoods Casino on March 17. Departure at 7:30 a.m. from Sacred Heart Church parking lot at (brownstone church in front of Mercy Hospital, near the YMCA). Cost is $25 per person; includes driver gratuity and current bonus package for the month. Contact Jim and Caroline McAleer at 734-3676.

COLLEEN CORONATION BALL
The Springfield St. Patrick's Parade Committee's 2010 Colleen Coronation Ball and Awards Ceremony will take place Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Music provided by The Shamrocks with Leo Doherty. Entree choices are prime rib or chicken cordon bleu; vegetarian and children's menu also available. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at the Hungry Hill Center. For additional info call Mary at 732-5565.

H1N1 AND SEASONAL FLU SHOTS
The city's Health and Human Services Dept. will be giving H1N1 and seasonal flu shots at the Hungry Hill Center, lower level of Our Lady of Hope Church, on Feb. 11 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. This is a free clinic for Springfield residents.

VALENTINE LUNCHEON
The Hungry Hill Center's annual Valentine Luncheon will be Feb. 23 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hungry Hill Center, lower level of Our Lady of Hope Church. A roast turkey dinner will be served and bingo will be played following the dinner. Tickets are $2 and must be purchased before Feb. 16. For additional info call the center at 733-9411.

HUNGRY HILL NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
There will be a meeting of the Hungry Hill Neighborhood Council on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Hungry Hill Center, lower level of Our Lady of Hope Church. Deputy Chief John Barbieri from the police dept. and James Lydon, the mayor's Quality of Life liaison, will attend this meeting. Neighborhood residents are encouraged to attend this meeting; refreshments will be served.

LOW IMPACT AEROBIC CLASSES
There are low impact aerobic classes at the Hungry Hill Center, lower level of Our Lady of Hope Church, on Mon. and Wed. mornings at 10:30 a.m.; a chair exercise on Mon. afternoons at 1 p.m.; and line dancing on Fri. at 10 a.m. All older adults are welcome. There is a fee for the Mon. low impact aerobic classes only. Classes are sponsored by the city's Department of Elder Affairs. Advance registration is not required.

HAITIAN RELIEF FUNDRASING SUPPER
Foster Memorial Church is sponsoring a pancake supper for "Fat Tuesday" on Feb. 16 beginning at 6 p.m. downstairs in Fellowship Hall. There will be a free will offering for the meal; all proceeds will go to Haitian relief. Menu: pancakes, sausage, fruit and beverages. 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.

BAKE SALE
The Lighthouse, 1401 State St., will host a bake sale and 50/50 raffle on Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. This event will be a kickoff for the organization's 25th anniversary celebration. Lighthouse is a non-profit organization the serves people in the greater Springfield area who suffer with chronic mental illness.

UNICO DINNER DANCE
The Springfield Chapter of UNICO will honor the 2009 UNICO Man of the Year, Frank Stirlacci, on March 6 at Chez Josef in Agawam. Even will include presentation of the award, a five course dinner and dancing to the music of the Skidmarks. For more info call Carmine Capuano at 732-3561 or Richard Gallerani at 732-0270.

GO RED NIGHT AT THE FALCONS
Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. at the Mass Mutual Center, the Springfield Falcons will "Go Red" to raise funds and awareness of heart disease in women. Ladies who wear red get $3 off admission at the box office; a portion of the proceeds going to the Heart Assoc.'s Go Red For Women. Fans will have the chance to win Go Red merchandise, Yankee Candle items and more. For more info call 827-0400.

GO RED FOR WOMEN FORUM
Feb. 23 at the Mass Mutual Center, 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. The American Heart Assoc. will host its inaugural Go Red Luncheon featuring educational breakout sessions, a silent auction, survivor speakers, keynote speaker Loretta LaRoche and a heart healthy lunch. For ticket info call 827-0400.

WILBRAHAM
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee will meet on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Minnechaug Regional High School Superintendent's Office, 621 Main St.