Town Events, March 16 - March 23 - The Reminder

Town Events, March 16 - March 23

From the Reminder

EAST LONGMEADOW
SHEDDING LIGHT
Psychotherapist Reed Schimmelfing will host a presentation at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main St., on March 25 at 12:30 p.m., on using bright light as a wellness tool. Bright light is a medication-free tool used to treat a variety of ailments from seasonal affective disorder, hormone imbalances and sleep disturbances. Call 525-5436 to register.

EASY HIKING
With spring just around the corner, are you ready to get some fresh air and exercise? We have some individuals interested in doing some easy hiking on local area trails for one " three hours. If you re looking to team up with other adventurers, give Sandy a call at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 525-5436.

BAKED FISH DINNER
St. Michael s Knights of Columbus #9960 invites you to a baked fish dinner at St. Michael s Parish Center on Somers Road on March 20 from 5 - 7:30 p.m. Advance adult tickets are $13 and include baked haddock, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn, dessert and coffee. Advance children s tickets are $4 and include chicken nuggets, tater tots, corn, desert and a beverage. Everyone is welcome. Advance tickets are available at the St. Michael s Parish office, 128 Maple St., 525-4253, or Tony Markowski at 478-1303. Tickets, if available at the door, will be adults $15/children $5.

WAY OF TEA
The Friends of the East Longmeadow Public Library will sponsor Way of Tea on March 25 at 4 p.m. Kyoto Wada will share the happiness of the tea ceremony. Be transported to Japan by calligraphy, ceramics, flowers, lacquer and incense. Experience the four elements of the way of tea : harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. Registration is limited so you must sign up ahead by calling the library. Any questions, call the library at 525-5400 ext. 152.

SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CLUB
The East Longmeadow Senior Friendship Club will play BINGO on March 19 at the Pleasant View Senior Center. Noon luncheon is baked chicken, parsley potatoes, California blend vegetables and peach smoothie. Call 525-5436 at least one day in advance for reservations.

DANCE AEROBICS
Debbie Perry will teach a Dance Aerobics class at the Pleasant View Senior Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. beginning March 17. Classes will run for six weeks at a cost of $35 for 12 classes, and will consist of low impact aerobic exercise and stretching exercises. There will be no floor work. Sign up in the Senior Center office, or call 525-5436.

FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS
Financial Services professionals, Michael Damon and Doug Price will be at the Pleasant View Senior Center on March 18 at 1:30 p.m. Topics will include recent changes and new rules and format for IRA distributions for 2009 retirees; guaranteed investments with no stock market risks; and a brief summary on protecting your assets. Q&A period will follow.

BOOK CLUB
The Book Club will meet at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main St. on March 31 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs. The Book Club meets the last Tuesday of each month and is free and open to all.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The E.L. Rec. Dept. is looking for volunteers to help with the Spring Sport Swap on March 29 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Pleasant View. Help is also needed March 26 - 28 for sorting items and day of event. This is a great opportunity for H.S. youth to amass hours towards their community service obligation towards graduation. Volunteers age 15+ are welcomed. Call Rec. Dept. at 525-5437 or Maureen Wilson at 636-9726 or e-mail pdwilson@charter.net.

GIRLS SOFTBALL EVALUATIONS
The E.L. Rec. Dept. reminds parents of girls softball evaluations at Birchland on March 18. U/10: 6 - 7:30 p.m.; pitchers and catchers U/10, U/12, U/14 at 7:30 p.m. Wear sneakers, bring glove, no bats. Arrive 20 mins. early to sign-in. For more info, call Ken Morrisino at 525-2492.

SPRING SOCCER DEADLINE
Parents in E.L. who wish their child to play intown soccer this spring, the deadline to register is March 20 at 4 p.m. Late fee goes into effect on March 23. Any questions, call 525-5437.

AMERICAN LEGION DINNER
The American Legion will host a corned beef and cabbage supper on March 19 at 3 Legion Ct. There will be two seatings, 5 and 6:30 p.m.; seating is limited. Tickets are $9 each and can be reserved by calling 525-2058 after 4 p.m. Tickets will be available for pick up after 4 p.m. on March 19.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD
DIAL-A-LAWYER
The Massachusetts Justice Project & Hampden County Bar Association Foreclosure Task Force will be hosting their second Dial-A-Lawyer Event on March 19 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at 322-7404. The panel of attorneys will be offering free legal advice for individuals who have legal questions relating to foreclosures, predatory loans or loan modifications.

DIVINE MERCY IS CALLING YOU
Msgr. Homer Gosselin invites you to a presentation Divine Mercy is Calling You, St. John the Baptist Church, Ludlow, March 29 from 1:30 - 3 p.m. The Homilist is Fr. Anthony Gremlich MIC, Rector of the National Shrine of Divine Mercy, Introduction to the Divine Mercy. Recitation of the Divine Mercy Chapel, readings from the Dairy of St. Faustina, Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Benediction, blessing, and veneration of St. Faustina s relic, followed by refreshments at the Pastoral Center with questions and answers with Fr. Gramlich.

OBITUARY MAMBO
Amherst College Theater and Dance Department presents Obituary Mambo by Claire Kiechel 09, directed by William Cranch, March 26 - 28, Holden Theater. Tickets are free. Reservations recommended. Box Office: 542-2277.

HAMPDEN
CHURCH SUPPER
There will be a corned beef and cabbage supper on March 21 at the Federated Community Church, 590 Main St. Adults, $12; children, $8. Meal served at 6 p.m. Call 566-3711 for reservations.

BACKYARD TRACKING
On March 21, learn about Backyard Tracking from 10:30 a.m. - noon. Learn how to identify animal tracks in your own backyard! Animal activities and stories for children ages 5 - 9 with an adult companion. Hampden Town House Auditorium, 625 Main St. Presented by Hampden Free Public Library, Mass Audubon and SCA Mass Parks Americorps. Free. Limit: 20 children. Preregistration required. Call 566-3047.

LONGMEADOW
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
There will be a special meeting of the Longmeadow School Committee on March 16 at 6 p.m. in the school committee room at the high school.

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
The Finance Committee will meet on March 18 at 8 p.m. in the Fire Dept. Meeting Room. The committee will also meet on March 21 at 10 a.m. in the same location.

ONE DAY A WEEK COLLEGE INFO
Bay Path College will host a Career Exploration and Information Session on its One-Day-A-Week Saturday College for adult women on March 24 at 6 p.m. in D Amour Hall, 588 Longmeadow St. The session will include a free financial aid workshop to assist prospective students with the financial aid process. The event is free and open to women who are interested in completing their undergraduate college degree or starting new careers. To register, call 565-1273 or e-mail oneday@baypath.edu. Walk-ins and friends are welcome.

BROWN BAG BINGO
The Storrs Library will offer a special Brown Bag Bingo on March 19 from 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. in conjunction with the Longmeadow elementary schools half-day schedule. Bring your own lunch and participate in our bingo program. Kids from grade 1 - 5 are invited. Register by calling 565-4182.

TODDLER PLAYGROUP SERIES
The Storrs Library invites toddlers ages six - 30 months to bring their parents along and take advantage of our weekly series of playgroups for the very young. 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 moms, dads and caregivers get to talk with other parents. The Playgroup runs each Friday in April from 10 - 11 a.m. Call the Philip Michael Lauro II Discovery Room at 565-4182 or stop by for more info. This program is free and no registration is required.

LONGMEADOW IDOL
Auditions will take place for the 2009 Longmeadow Idol at Williams Middle School on March 20 at 3 p.m. and at Glenbrook Middle School on March 25 at 3 p.m. Longmeadow middle school aged singers are welcome to audition and must come with a karaoke version CD of any song and a copy of the lyrics. For more info, contact Ariel Miller at 636-3615.

STORRS BOOK DISCUSSION
Join us on March 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Betty Ann Low Meeting Room as we discuss Mystic River by Dennis Lehane. Mystic River, a 2001 award-winning novel, is a powerful psychological drama that stretches the boundaries of the usual mystery. Registration is requested. To register call 565-4181 or stop by the Reference Desk.

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 March 17 to discuss the latest headlines or just listen to a stimulating conversation. Call 565-4150 for more info.

TAI CHI CLASSES
The new Tai Chi session at the Longmeadow Adult Center runs March 20 - May 10 at 8:40 a.m. in the Greenwood Gym. Doctor recommended for its positive effects for balance, cardiovascular and respiratory functions, preventing falls and lowering blood pressure. Register at 565-4150. No class on April 24.

MOTHER/DAUGHTER BOOK GROUP
The Philip Michael Lauro II Discovery Room at the Storrs Library will host a Mother & Daughter Book Group on March 24 from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. This discussion group is open to students in grades 6 and above and meets monthly. Our selection for March is Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath. Mothers and daughters are invited to pick up a copy in the Discovery Room and join us for conversation and special related activities. Call the Youth Service Dept. in the at 565-4182 for more info.

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 March 26 from 3:15 - 4 p.m. in the Philip Michael Lauro II Discovery Room. Register or receive more info by calling 565-4182.

NOMINATION PAPER DEADLINE
The deadline to obtain nomination papers for the June 9 Annual Town Election is 5 p.m. on March 20. Call the Town Clerk at 565-4103 if there any questions.

SPRINGFIELD
BUS TRIP
Gina Daniele presents a two-day bus trip to Niagara Falls including hotel, breakfast and tour on May 16 and 17. Bus leaves Mom & Rico s, 899 Main St., at 6:30 a.m. No passport required. For more info, call 732-8941.

GOSPEL CONCERT
St. Peter s Church, located at 45 Buckingham St., will have a Gospel Concert on April 19. The concert is to help with the replacement of the present heating system; begins at 5 p.m. and cost is $10 per person. The featured artist will be Evenus Thompson; other artists include Elder Willie Naylor, Pastor Derrick Samms from True Vine Church, James Volt, Caribbean Folk Singer and others. Mistress of Ceremonies will be Denise Stewart from WTCC. The public is invited. For tickets and more info, call the church office at 736-8567 or Vera at 209-6866.

PARENT WORKSHOPS
Springfield Public Schools will host the following parent workshops at the Springfield City Library, 220 State St., from 12-1 p.m. March 23: Technology " Data: What does it look like? How do I get it? How do I use it? March 30: Parent Information Center " Parent Information Center (PIC). April 6: English Language Learners. April 13: Health/PE " Health & Wellness. April 27: WorkForce Development. To register of for more info, contact Roshanna Griffin at 787-7011.

SPRINGFIELD STORYTELLERS
Tell a story or just listen to the stories told by the Springfield Storytellers at their next meeting on March 20 from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse at 245 Porter Lake Dr. Sessions are open to all. Story telling takes place every third Friday of the month. For more info or directions call Doug at 733-9815.

FUNDRAISING TAG SALE
Concerned Citizens for Animals will host their giant annual fundraising tag sale on March 27 and 28 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at St. Luke s Church, 961 St. James Ave. (next to Serv-U).

CONCERT CLUB
The Greater Springfield Concert Club is presenting a Brown Bag Concert Series to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Concerts will be held at noon each Tuesday during the months of March and April in Harmony Hall located in the Falcetti Music building, 1755 Boston Rd. The concerts are open to the public and will feature performances by a variety of local musical artists. Bring a brown bag lunch and come and enjoy the music. Donation is $3. For more info call Sandy at 433-0043.

ITALIAN CLASSES
The Italian Cultural Center winter/spring session of Italian classes for beginners and intermediate students will begin on April 14 for eight weeks. Cost for students is $90, which includes textbook; for returning students with the textbook, $80. Classes meet from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Cultural Center. Registrations should be sent to the Italian Cultural Center, 56 Margaret St., Springfifeld, MA 01105.

WILBRAHAM
OLD HOMES SPEAK
What are they trying to tell us? Join the Wilbraham Historical Commission and Springfield historian Linda Levister for a fascinating glimpse into the world of old homes. Learn what they are trying to tell us about Wilbraham s past on March 21 from 1 - 3 p.m. at the Wilbraham Public Library.

SCHOOL CHOICE
The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District will accept School Choice students in the following grade levels for the 2009-2010 school year: eight students for grade 7; four students for grade 8; 19 students for grade nine. Applications must be picked up at the Office of Superintendent, 621 Main St., Wilbraham, and postmarked by April 7.

BID FOR SPRING
The Wilbraham Women s Club is presenting its annual Bid for Spring Card and Game Party on March 26 at noon at the St. Cecilia Church Parish Center on Main Street. Enjoy an afternoon with friends, and play your favorite games; or just join us for a delicious lunch and lots of prizes. This event is a scholarship and community service fundraiser. The entry fee is $6. For reservations call 596-8173.

WOMEN S EVENING FELLOWSHIP
Women s Evening Fellowship of Wilbraham United Church will meet March 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Friendship Room. The ministry team of Tom Toman, Bitty and John Tenbrook and a young guest will describe their experiences in Christian ministry at the RFK Dentention Center and the Hampden County Correctional Center. Area women are invited. For more info, call 596-2511 ext. 100 or visit www.wilbrahamunitedchurch.org .

CALL FOR TALENT
Axiom Events Concert Series is hosting a talent call for performers interested in showcasing their talents during this summer s concert series. The concerts will take place July 19 and 26 and Aug. 2 and 9. Performers sign up at 1 p.m.; perform 2 - 4 p.m. at Sevey Park at Bruuer Pond on Main Street. For more info, call JD at 543-9340 or e-mail pjzz@mapinternet.com.