Town Events, Jan. 5 - Jan. 12 - The Reminder

Town Events, Jan. 5 - Jan. 12

From The Reminder

EAST LONGMEADOW
TRIP TO FOXWOODS
The Brownstone Residents Association is sponsoring a bus trip to the Foxwoods Resort and Casino on Feb. 17. Cost of $25 includes the driver's gratuity. The casino bonus package is a $10 food coupon and $15 Keno. For further info and/or reservations, call Anita Black at 525-3614.

ELDER LAW ATTORNEY
Jennifer L. Snyder, an Elder Law Attorney, will present a program at the Pleasant View Senior Center on Jan. 14 from 9 - 11 a.m. Keep your golden years golden by protecting your assets should you become incapacitated.

FALCONS TICKETS
The E.L. Rec. Dept. is selling season tickets to all Falcons hockey games at a cost of $11/pp vouchers are good for any game. Come into the office weekdays to purchase.

STRENGTH TRAINING
The E.L. Rec. Dept. is offering a second session of our strength training class beginning Jan. 7. This class meets on Wed. evenings for 12 weeks from 5 - 6 p.m. Designed for adults interested in maintaining and strengthening overall muscles without seeking to build bulk. Come into Office weekdays to register.

WINTER CHEERLEADING
E.L. Rec. Dept. still has openings for residents in its winter cheerleading program for those presently in grades 2 - 7. Class meets on Tues./Thurs. from 6 - 7:30 p.m. from Jan. 6 - March 26. Come into Office weekdays to register.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD
TRIP TO ITALY
Eleven day trip to Italy: Rome, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Ischia and Calabria. Leave Springfield April 18; return on April 29. Cost is all inclusive. For info and brochure call Donna at 567-3900, ext. 4.

PIONEER VALLEY STAMP CLUB
The Pioneer Valley Stamp Club will meet Jan. 13 and 27 at the First United Church of Christ on Route 5 (corner of Longmeadow and Williams Streets). Activities for the evening include a mini-auction and a short meeting. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a shop and swap. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. Visitors, collectors and other interested parties are welcome to attend. Visit us at www.pioneervalleystampclub.org. Call Bev at (860) 623-6975 or Dave at 783-2809 for further info.

SNOWSHOE TREK
On Jan. 11 from 1 - 4 p.m., enjoy a sneak peek Snowshoe Trek and Track at Little Tom Reservation in Holyoke. Traverse the hills and fields of Little Tom before this scenic reservation is open to the public. We will shoe if there is snow, or hike if there is not. Rugged, warm clothing and footgear is suggested in either case. Snowshoe rentals available ($10/pair) or bring your own. By donation. Pre-register. Reservations required for snowshoe rental. Call 532-1631 ext. 13 for directions and details.

"BARBEZ: FORCE OF LIGHT"
The National Yiddish Book Center, located on the campus of Hampshire College, 1021 West St., Amherst, will present "Barbez: Force of Light A Musical Tribute to Poet Paul Celan" as part of the winter series "Make Me Bitter" on Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. Reservations are suggested. Tickets are $10. For more info, call 256-4900, e-mail yiddish@bikher.org or visit www.yiddishbookcenter.org.

"HIGH SCHOOL NON-MUSICAL"
The Springfield JCC Theatrix group will present at theatrical production of "High School Non-Musical" on Jan. 11 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students, $8 for adults or $18 for patron reserved seating. The Springfield JCC is located at 1160 Dickinson St. Call 739-4715 or stop by the JCC to purchase tickets. Questions? Contact Amy Kimball at akimball@springfieldjcc.org or 739-4715 ext. 322.

HAMPDEN
STORYTIMES
Children's Storytime and Infant/Toddler Storytime at Hampden Public Library will resume the week of Jan. 5. For more info, call Hampden Public Library at 566-3047.

BLOOD DRIVE
The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive on Jan. 8 from 1 - 7 p.m. at the Town Hall located at 625 Main St. All presenting donors will receive a coupon courtesy of Dunkin' Donuts for a free pound of coffee. To make an appointment or for more info call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www.givelife.org. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments will be honored first. Help us in the fight to save lives.

LONGMEADOW
LONGMEADOW BOYS LACROSSE
Longmeadow Boys Lacrosse registration for boys in grades three - eight will take place Jan. 6 and 20 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Community House. Registration forms and instructions for completion are available at www.longmeadowlacrosse.com. Registration is conditional for players from towns without a boys youth lacrosse program and such players will only be accepted if there is room within the Longmeadow program. Registration is not permitted for players from towns that have a boys youth lacrosse program. If you have any questions, call Craig Brown at 567-2386 or Dave Wheaton at 567-2293.

annual bottle drive
Longmeadow Boy Scout Troop 90 will be hosting their annual bottle drive on Jan. 10 and 11 at the fire station on Williams Street. Bottles and cans can be dropped off from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. both days. Scouts will also be coming around to neighborhoods to collect your returnables. We will take all your holiday cans and bottles off your hands.

PLANNING BOARD MEETINGS
The Longmeadow Planning Board will host its regular meeting on the following dates for the year 2009: Jan. 8, Feb. 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 9, Aug. 6, Sept. 10, Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3. All meetings take place in the Police Station Community Room at 7 p.m.

DISCUSSION GROUP
The Longmeadow Adult Center hosts a discussion of current events on the third Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join this group, which is led by a moderator. Join us on Jan. 20 to discuss the latest headlines or just listen to a stimulating conversation. Call 565-4150 for more info.

LIVING WELL CHAT GROUP
Jan. 9, 10 - 11 a.m. at 231 Maple Rd. "Healthy and Cheap Food Shopping" will be the topic. We will view the new DVD "Healthy Directions: Living Well, Eating Smart." This is a grocery store tour featuring Carrie Taylor, Registered Dietician. It is sponsored by Health New England and the Big Y. Next is your input. Come ready to share your tips and ideas on how to eat inexpensively with optimum nutrition. Tough times require ideas from tough people. The first 20 participants to sign-up will receive free copies of the new DVDs and Companion Guide Booklets. Register at Longmeadow Adult Center, 565-4150.

BOOK DISCUSSION
The Storrs Library will offer a book discussion group for kids in grades 2 and 3 on Jan. 14 at 3:15 p.m. We will be reading "Snow Walker" by Margaret and Charles Wetterer. Find out what happens when a 12-year-old Bronx boy ventures out on homemade snowshoes to help his neighbors during the Blizzard of 1888. Call 565-4182, the Youth Service Dept. in the Philip Michael Lauro II Discovery Room, to register or receive more information about Club 6 9 3.

Financial Sub-Committee
There will be a meeting of the Longmeadow School Committee Financial Sub-Committee on Jan. 9 at 8 a.m. in the School Committee Room.

BOOK CRITICS
Join us for snacks as our new Pageturner Critics, a book group for students in grades four and above, meets at the Storrs Library. Our critics will read and discuss at least one new book each month, design their own critic's page and have their findings published. Pageturners will rate each of their selections for future readers. The group will meet on Jan. 15 from 3:15 - 4 p.m. in the Philip Michael Lauro II Discovery Room. You may register or receive more info about our book group by calling 565-4182.

LONGMEADOW GIRLS SOFTBALL
The 2009 softball season will include the option to tryout for a U12 Travel Team through NYSA. Girls in grades 1 - 9 are eligible to play in this spring league, which runs April - June. A clinic for coaches and kids will take place early spring; times to be announced. Practices are one to two times per week and generally, there are one to two games per week. Registration dates: Jan. 13 from 7 - 9 p.m., Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. - noon, and Feb. 25 from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Longmeadow Community House.

RED CROSS SWIM LESSONS
Ages 4 - 18. Our experienced lifeguards teach all levels. Children should be comfortable in the water and toilet trained. Instruction will focus on stroke development, endurance and water safety. Classes meet on Saturdays at the Longmeadow High School Pool; Level one from 2:30 - 3 p.m. and Level two from 3:15 - 4 p.m. from Jan. 17 - Feb. 28. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

DANCE & MOVEMENT FOR PRESCHOOLERS
Ages 2.9 - 5. Tip toe through this introductory fun, educational dance experience. Children will learn ballet, jazz and tumbling technique while singing and dancing. Performances for parents and family members will be the last lesson of every other month to showcase progress. Children should wear a leotard, tights and leather ballet slippers. Classes meet on Mondays, Jan. 5 - April 27 from 9:45 - 10:30 a.m. or Thursdays beginning Jan. 8 - April 16 from 9:45 - 10:30 a.m. at the Community House Dance Studio. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

PRESCRIPTION ADVANTAGE
Shine and Prescription Advantage are hosting info sessions to explain the changes happening to Prescription Advantage Coverage. The Longmeadow Adult Center is hosting a session on Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. Due to economic conditions, PA has suffered cuts resulting in coverage changes. Seniors who have the program will receive their letters explaining the changes and may raise questions. Come to the meeting for answers; call 565-4150 for more info.

Rules Committee Meeting
There will be a Rules Committee meeting on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Fire Station Community Room.

DANCE, MOVEMENT & TAP FOR PRESCHOOLERS
Ages 3.9 - 5 years. Children will learn ballet, jazz, tumbling and tap technique while singing and dancing in these exciting classes. Performances for parents and family members will be the last lesson of every month to showcase progress. Children should wear a leotard, tights and black tap shoes and bring leather ballet slippers to each class. Classes meet on Mondays Jan. 5 - April 27 from 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. or Thursdays Jan. 8 - April 16 from 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. at the Community House Dance Studio. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

MOTHER DAUGHTER DANCE
First grade and up with Moms. Come dance with your daughter! Moms and daughters will have fun learning the basics of jazz dance including street funk, Broadway style, hip hop and classic jazz with partner work in this upbeat high energy class. No recital routine. Classes meet on Thursdays Jan. 8 - March 5 from 6:15 - 6:45 p.m. at the Community House Dance Studio. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP
The Dept. of Public Works will pick up Christmas trees the weeks of Jan. 5 and Jan. 12. Longmeadow residents are asked to place their Christmas trees on the tree belt in front of your house. The trees will be picked up by voter precinct (precinct A - Monday; precinct B - Tuesday, etc.) Call the DPW office at 567-3400 with any questions.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee will have a meeting Jan. 14 at the Fire Station Meeting Room.

LONGMEADOW LITTLE LEAGUE
For boys and girls ages 5 - 12. Coordinated by Longmeadow Little League Assn. and sponsored by Longmeadow Parks & Rec. Dept. Info will be distributed through the schools in early January or can be found online at www.eteamz.com/longmeadowll. For any questions, e-mail longmeadowlittleleague@hotmail.com. Two ways to register: by mail go to www.eteamz.com/longmeadowll. Print registration form, complete and mail (instructions included on form) or register at the Longmeadow Community House on Jan. 13 from 7 - 9 p.m., Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. - noon, and Feb. 25 from 7 - 9 p.m.

FIRST KICKS
Do you have a 3 - 4 year old with plenty of energy to spare? This program can harness that energy in this martial arts movement class for preschoolers. Children will learn about respecting others in a fun and interactive way that improves their coordination, balance and focus. Classes meet on Tuesdays Jan. 13 - Feb. 10 from 10 - 10:30 a.m. in the Greenwood Center Gym. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

SMALL SAMURAI
Ages 4 - 5. Children will learn respect, discipline and confidence during this program. They will practice self-defense and anti-bullying techniques as well as gain the self-control to use those skills only when necessary. Classes meet Tuesday mornings Jan. 13 - Feb. 10 from 10:30 - 11 a.m. in the Greenwood Center Gym. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

TAI CHI
Tai Chi is a classical Chinese martial art that includes a series of slow, gentle and graceful movements and postures. Emphasis is placed on movement, meditation and breathing techniques to promote peacefulness while achieving physical and mental well being. Wear comfortable clothing, a flat sole indoor sneaker, dance shoe or bare feet. Class meets on Tuesdays Jan. 13 - March 3 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Old Town Hall. Visit www.LPRD.net for additional info and registration.

DISCOUNTED FALCONS GAMES
The Longmeadow Parks & Rec. Dept. is offering discounted $11 tickets for Springfield Falcons home games at the MassMutual Center. Longmeadow Parks & Rec. Dept. will receive $1 from each ticket sold. Ticket vouchers may be purchased at the Parks & Re. office via cash, check or credit card and exchanged at the MassMutual Center box office for any home game. Visit www.falconsahl.com for advance home game dates.

SPRINGFIELD
The Boar's Head Festival
The Boar's Head Festival, a medieval celebration of the Epiphany, will be presented at Trinity United Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Ave., on Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 10 at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Jan. 11 at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Complete with period costumes, live animals and the glorious music of the Christmas season, the Boar's Head Festival celebrates the birth of Christ, the coming of the three kings and the triumph of light over darkness in our world. Seats are still available for several of the evening performances, so call the Boar's Head Festival ticket office at 733-4759 for info. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $13 for children ages 4 - 11.

FREE JEWELRY QUICK CLINIC
Ring-a-Bling-Bling. Create a fun and unique wire ring. This class is a great introduction to working with wire. Free instruction - small materials fee. Jan. 10 at 10:30 and Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. Call to reserve your spot. Simply Beadiful, 1916 1/2 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA 01129 413-782-0288. www.Simplybeadifulonline.com

LEARN AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
Learn this useful language at the Central Library Community Room, 220 State St., on Jan. 10 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. with Manuel Martin, Program Director for the Rhode Island School for the Deaf. For more info or to sign up, visit the the Adult Programs page at www.springfieldlibrary.org/programs.html.

ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES
The Italian Cultural Center Italian language classes will begin on Jan. 20. Class time is 6 - 8 p.m. for an eight week period. Class fee includes the text workbook. Returning students get a $10 discount. Make a reservation by by calling the Language Director, Italian Cultural Center, 56 Margaret St., at 732-6569.

FOXWOODS TRIP
LeStelle d'Italia Senior Group is sponsoring a trip to Foxwoods Casino on Jan. 27. Trip fee is $18, payable to LeStelle d'Italia c/o I.C.C., 56 Margaret St., Springfield, MA 01105. All members of the Italian Cultural Center and the general public are welcome to participate. Call Betty at 821-8797 or Ann at 739-3536. Reservation deadline for payment is Jan. 15. Depart at 8:30 a.m. from 56 Margaret St. and arrive home at 6 p.m.

WILBRAHAM
Shrek the Ogre on Broadway
The most beloved swamp-dwelling ogre of all time makes his sensational Broadway debut in "Shrek the Musical" and the Wilbraham Rec. Dept. was able to secure tickets for the Jan. 17 matinee. "Shrek the Musical" follows the adventures of Shrek, a lovable swamp-dwelling ogre; his wisecracking sidekick, Donkey; the lovely Princess Fiona; Lord Farquaad and a chorus of everybody's favorite fractured fairytale creatures. Tickets are on sale now at the WPRD. Visit wilbraham-ma.gov/rec or call 596-2816 for details. Tickets are limited; register now.

MEN'S GLEE CLUB
The Wilbraham Men's Glee Club will start its spring season rehearsals beginning Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. at Minnechaug Regional High School. If you would like to join please come! This will be under the Direction of Ray Drury. There will be two concerts performed, May 3 and 11 at 3 p.m.

SENIOR LUNCHES AT STONY HILL
Stony Hill School offers lunches for senior citizens on the first and third Thursday of every month for $3.50. Reservations are required and seating is limited. For more info or to make reservations, call Julie Dougal at 596-9011 ext. 286.