Town Events, Jan. 26 - Feb 2 - The Reminder

Town Events, Jan. 26 - Feb 2

From The Reminder

EAST LONGMEADOW
OPEN HOUSE
East Longmeadow High School will host its second semester open house on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. Parents will meet in the auditorium, then will visit their teenager's classes at 10-minute intervals throughout the remainder of the evening. Teachers will provide parents with an overview of their courses and state their goals for the semester.

SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CLUB
The East Longmeadow Senior Friendship Club will play Winter BINGO on Jan. 29 at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main St. Luncheon is beef stew. Call 525-5436 at least one day in advance for reservations.

BOOK CLUB
The Pleasant View Senior Center's Book Club meets the last Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. The next meeting is Jan. 27 to discuss "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Ann Barrows. The Book Club is free and open to all. February's selection is "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" by David Wroblewski.

BLOOD DRIVE
Give blood on Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., when the Mercy Hospital Blood Mobile will be in the parking lot of the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main St. For appointments, call 748-9406. Walk-ins also welcome.

PRESCRIPTION ADVANTAGE
A SHINE Regional Director and a representative from Prescription Advantage will be at the Pleasant View Senior Center to explain the changes happening to Prescription Advantage coverage on Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. Questions will be welcomed at this informational session. Call the Senior Center office if you plan to attend at 525-5436.

WOMENS AEROBICS
The E.L. Rec. Dept. will begin the third session of womens aerobics the week of Feb. 9 as follows: M/W, 6 - 7 p.m.; T/Thr., 5 - 6 p.m. and 6 - 7 p.m. Come into the Rec. Dept. weekdays to register.

PIONEER VALLEY REGISTRATIONS
The E.L. Rec. Dept./Soccer Assoc. announces the deadline for E.L. residents to register for spring Pioneer Valley is Feb. 6 by 4 p.m. Come into the Office weekdays to register.

BABYSITTING COURSE
The E.L. Rec. Dept. announces a babysitting course with First Aid will take place on Feb. 14 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Pleasant View (Rec. Dept.). Course is limited to 10 participants. Those in grades 6 - 10 are eligible. Register early to ensure a spot! Come into the Rec. Dept. weekdays to register.

BASEBALL TRIPS
The E.L. Rec. Dept./Men's Softball League 2009 baseball trip schedule has been finalized and Red Sox fans can reserve (with deposit) the following games: July 10, Kansas City; July 29, Oakland; Aug. 24, Chicago all games in Boston. A Toronto at Yankees game (new stadium!) is set for July 4. Signup in the Office on weekdays. For further info, call 531-6954.

SPRING REGISTRATIONS
The E.L. Rec. Dept. is taking registrations for all spring sports Pioneer Valley and intown soccer, boys/girls lacrosse, baseball and girls softball. Fees remain the same as 2008. Come into the Office weekdays to register. For further info, call 525-5437.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD
BOAT MASSACHUSETTS
Boat Massachusetts Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 (all four classes required for certification), 7 - 9:30 p.m. at Environmental Police Headquarters, 18 Lake Dr. (Lake Lorraine), Springfield. Offered to the public at no charge. The primary purpose of Boat Massachusetts is to foster safe boat operation through increased awareness of required safety equipment, safe boating practices and legal responsibilities. Students must be at least 12 years old. Youth 12 - 15 years of age who successfully complete the course will be issued a Safety Certificate allowing them to operate a motorboat without adult supervision, as required by state law. This course will also satisfy the state requirements for watercraft users who are 16 or 17years of age. All graduates will be issued a course completion diploma and a Safety Certificate.

AL-ANON MEETING
Al-Anon meetings will take place Fridays in Ludlow 8 - 9 a.m., one step at a time, St. Paul's church, Hubbard & Sewall. Newcomers welcome.

HAMPDEN
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The Hampden Lions Club will host their annual "Superbowl Pancake Breakfast" on Feb. 1 from 8 a.m. - noon at the Hampden Country Club. Cost is $5 for adults, $2 for kids 10 and over; under the age of 10 is free. Come join the Lions and enjoy pancakes, bacon, sausage, juice and coffee and meet your friends and neighbors. Proceeds from this event will be used to fund Lions eye research as well as contribute back to the community. Chairperson of this breakfast is Doug Craven. If more info is needed, he can be reached at 566-3763 or Joan Shea can be reached at 566-8224.

LONGMEADOW
CABLE ADVISORY MEETING
The next meeting of the Longmeadow Cable Advisory Committee is on Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. in the School Committee meeting room at Longmeadow High School.

SNOW PEOPLE WANTED
The Longmeadow Parks & Rec. Dept. is looking for festive snowmen and snow women to occupy the Town Green in front of the Community House for an extended period of time. The more colorful and creative the better! Use hats, scarves and other accessories to brighten up your creation and get your picture on the LPRD Web site. Let's see who can build the largest snowman or most colorful and watch for your pictures on our Web site! Call 565-4160 for more info.

BERKSHIRE EAST SKI PROGRAM
Feb. 1 and 15. Ski or snowboard two Sundays at Berkshire East in Charlemont. Berkshire East has 33 trails, a half pipe, full lodge and lessons available. Adult chaperones will escort ages 10 and older on the coach bus, assist skiers with tickets and equipment and be available at the lodge. An adult must accompany children under 10. Visit www.LPRD.net for fee info and registration.

CONVERSATIONAL FRENCH
Use and improve your French by conversing with other students under the professional guidance of Therese Eiff. Group meets for eight nights in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. New participants of all levels welcome. Class will meet on Mondays Jan. 26 - March 23 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at the Greenwood Center. Call Therese at 525-7448 for more info.

DRAMA PROGRAM
Grades 4 - 8. James Cass offers this unique spring and fall drama club as an afterschool activity two afternoons a week. Participants will learn a variety of theatrical activities. The spring program will culminate with a two night performance scheduled for May 6 and 7. Aspiring actors will have the opportunity to try out for parts within the play. Classes meet on Thursdays beginning Feb. 5 at the Old Town Hall and Fridays beginning Feb. 6 at the Community House from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

ADULT BALLROOM DANCE
Ballroom dance is an excellent form of exercise and an opportunity to learn the classic art of ballroom dancing. Classes are geared toward beginners, with the focus being the Fox Trot! Bring your dance shoes, gather your partner or come alone and have a good time getting some exercise and meeting new people. Class meets on Wednesdays beginning March 4 from 6 - 7 p.m. in the Greenwood Gym. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

FAMILY DANCE
Dads and daughters, mothers and sons. Longmeadow Parks & Rec. will be hosting the annual Parent and Child Dance. There will be lots of dancing with DJ Jon O'Neill, games and snacks. Dress to impress! Family Dance will take place on Feb. 7 from 5 - 7:30 p.m. at the Community House. Pizza, juice and dessert will be served. Call 565-4160 to pre-register and purchase tickets.

SPRINGFIELD
GO RED FASHION SHOW
The American Heart Association will host a Go Red Fashion Show at the Eastfield Mall, on Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. to raise awareness of the risks of heart disease in women. The free fashion show will take place in Macy's Court and includes raffles, giveaways and free health screenings. For more info call Eastfield Mall at 543-8000 or the American Heart Association at 827-0400.

FALL TRIP TO PORTUGAL
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Springfield is sponsoring a fall trip to Portugal, Sept. 14 - 24. They will be going to Duoro Valley and Portuguese Riviera. Traveling from Porto (north) down the coast to Lisbon (south) mostly along the Riviera. Breakfast and dinner is included daily. For itinerary or more info contact Mary Mastroianni at 734-5433 or in the evening before 9 p.m. at 789-7318.

FREE JEWELRY CLINIC
On Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. come to a "Ring-a-Bling-Bling Clinic." Learn to make a beautiful wire and beaded ring. On Feb. 7 at 10:30 a.m., come to the "Beaded Heart Clinic." Learn to make Valentine earrings and pendants. Quick clinics are always free with small materials fee. Call Simply Beadiful at 782-0288 to register. Visit www.Simplybeadifulonline.com for more info. Located at 1916 1/2 Wilbraham Rd.

BUS TRIP
Gina Daniele presents a bus trip to Foxwoods Casino on March 8. Bus leaves Mom & Rico's, 899 Main St., at 7:30 a.m. There will also be a two-day trip to Niagara Falls on May 16 and 17. For more info, call 732-8941.

WILBRAHAM
ARC DOG FIRST AID
This American Red Cross course class includes everything you need to know to keep your dog healthy and safe: basic pet owner responsibilities, administering medications, managing emergencies and preparing for disasters. Class is open to ages 10 and up and will meet Feb. 5 from 6 - 8 p.m. in the Wilbraham Senior Center activity room. Registration is going on now, online or at the Wilbraham Parks & Rec. office. Space is limited. Visit www.wilbraham-ma.gov for details.

ACOUSTIC GUITAR LESSONS
Beginners program will teach the basics of picking styles, single notes and chords. You will begin to play, sing and have fun with the guitar. Six weeks. Meets at the middle school on Thursdays beginning Feb. 5 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Registration is going on now, online or at the Wilbraham Parks & Rec office. Bring your guitar. Space is limited. Visit wilbraham-ma.gov for details.

DRAWING CARTOONS
Learn how to draw cartoons and make a profit too. Explore your world of creativity and exaggeration. Materials provided. Runs six weeks. Meets at the middle school on Tuesdays beginning Feb. 3 from 7 - 8 p.m. Registration is going on now, online or at the Wilbraham Parks & Rec. office. Space is limited. Visit wilbraham-ma.gov for details.

ACTING CLASSES
The Wilbraham Parks & Rec. Dept. is again partnering with Performing Arts Programs this winter to sponsor an exciting and creative Performing Arts Program for children in grades K - 8. The program is progressive, challenging and a lot of fun. Class runs for seven weeks beginning Feb. 4 and meets at the Wilbraham Middle School. Register for the winter program now by calling (860) 432-9890 or by vsiting performingartsprograms.biz. Another program will be offered over February vacation.

OPEN HOUSE
The second semester open house is scheduled for Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. at Minnechaug Regional High School. As Minnechaug is on the 4x4 block schedule, students are enrolled in four new courses for second semester. This open house affords parents the opportunity to visit their students' new second semester classes, meet the teachers and become familiar with the many and varied programs at Minnechaug.

WILBRAHAM WOMEN'S CLUB
The Wilbraham Women's Club will host its next meeting on Feb. 12 at St. Cecilia's Parish Center beginning at noon. Betsy Johnsen of Johnsens Catering Service and Helene Curto of Distinctive Tables will be the speakers. Members of the Wilbraham Garden Club and Welcome Wagon will be Guests of the Day. Sandwiches and desserts will be served. The Art Corner will feature antique table linens. Prospective members are welcome. For more info call Marlene at 596-8905.