Town Events, March 24 - March 31 - The Reminder

Town Events, March 24 - March 31

From the Herald, the MetroWest Reminder and the Springfield Reminder

AGAWAM
"BLACK SQUIRREL BALL"
A book talk with Amy Liptak Caruso, author of "The Black Squirrel Ball," will take place on March 31 at 7 p.m. at the Agawam Public Library. Call 789-1550 or visit the library to register. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

DOLL EXHIBIT
A private collection of dolls will be at the Agawam Public Library in April. There is a Levi doll from Italy, Indian dolls from Arizona, Mexican dolls from Mexico and carnival dolls from New York City's Italian feasts on Mulberry Street. Viewing hours are during regular library hours.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Boy Scout Troop 82, chartered to the Agawam Congregational Church, will host a pancake breakfast on April 25 from 8 - 11:30 a.m. at the Firehouse Restaurant at Eastern States Expo. The Scouts will also be collecting food donations for the Ronald McDonald House. Tickets are $5 each and are available in advance by calling Mary Hollander at 455-2624.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
Celebrate Earth Day's 40th anniversary at Agawam's Second Annual Earth Day event on April 17 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., weather permitting, at the School Street Park. For exhibitor info, contact Jill Messick at 786-8125. For more info, visit the town's Web site at www.agawam.ma.us.

APPRAISAL DAY
The Friends of the Agawam Public Library are sponsoring an Appraisal Day on March 27 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the library. Have your items appraised by Paul Royka, nationally known expert, author and appraiser (verbal appraisals only). Cost: $10/item or $25/three items. All proceeds benefit the library.

FRIENDS MEETING
The Friends of the Agawam Public Library will host their monthly meeting on April 1 at 7 p.m. in the community room. All meetings are open to the public. The Friends continue to plan their fundraisers for the year: the annual book sale, May 14 - 15. Anyone wishing to donate books for the book sale can bring them to the front desk at the library.

CHICOPEE
ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT
The Polish National Alliance (PNA) Council 62 will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt, rain or shine, on March 27 at the Pulaski Hall on 13 Norman St. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and the egg hunt begins at noon. Children ages 0 - 10 will be divided into three age groups. Gift bags will be awarded to all children present. Bring your Easter basket to collect PNA Easter eggs. Take pictures with the Easter Bunny. Refreshments will be served. Event is free. PNA members, families and friends are encouraged to attend. For more info contact Gilbert Sherman at 596-9578 or e-mail Terrysherm@aol.com.

SPRING YOGA CLASSES
The Chicopee Parks & Rec. Dept. is offering two eight-week yoga classes for newcomers or returnees. Gentle/beginners yoga classes start March 24 and meet on Wed., 6 - 7:15 p.m. Moderate/intermediate classes now meet on Mon. evenings from 6 - 7:15 p.m. All classes meet at the New Chicopee Comp community room #421. Detailed instructions are given for all physical postures in the class, including modifications to increase the intensity of the workout or accommodate limitations in flexibility. For more info call the Parks Dept. at 594-3481. Pre-registration is mandatory.

SEVEN-NIGHT CRUISE
Bus to Boston and board the NCL "Spirit" for a seven-night cruise Sept. 25 - Oct. 4 to Nova Scotia and Quebec. Spend two nights in Quebec City with two guided tours, four meals before departing for home by motorcoach. Travel insurance, driver's and guide gratuities are included. Price is by category of room chosen. Call the Chicopee Senior Travel Club for more info at 534-3698 from noon - 3 p.m.

GIRLS BASKETBALL CAMP
The Chicopee Parks Dept. is sponsoring a girls basketball camp and are taking sign-ups now. The camp is from July 12 - 16. The camp will be conducted by both high schools' girls varsity coaches. The camp takes place at the New Chicopee Comp gym off of Montgomery Street. The camp is for girls entering grades 4 - 9 this fall. It is a full day camp from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. with a lunch. Pre-registration is mandatory. All campers will receive a T-shirt. For more info contact the Chicopee Parks Dept. at 594-3481.

Mohegan Sun Trip
On May 16, Michele St. Germain will be sponsoring a bus trip to Mohegan Sun departing 9 a.m. from Home Depot in Chicopee and returning 5 p.m. Ticket is $30, including a $15 meal ticket (or free buffet) and $25 in bets. All proceeds will benefit Harmony House. To reserve a seat call Michele at 593-0738 or 885-5615.

CALIFORNIA COAST TRIP
The Chicopee Parks & Rec. Dept. in conjunction with Colette Vacations is hosting a nine-day trip to the coastline of Calif. Sept. 26 - Oct. 4. Trip includes sights of San Francisco, Monterey, Yosemite National Park, Solvang, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San Diego. Cost covers hotel, airfaire and nine meals. For more info call the Park Dept., 594-3481 or visit www.chicopeema.gov. Deposit of $250 required at sign-up. Balance due July 26.

BOSCH TRAVEL CLUB
The following trips are planned: May 16 Charlie Rose at Mohegan Sun Casino, $79; June 3 Jimmy Mazz at the Clarion Hotel, Bristol, Conn., $63; July 13 Italian Fest at Aqua Turf, $60; Sept. 21 - 25 Quebec City. Contact Bob at 592-1542, Will at 538-9893 or Syl at 532-4025 for more info.

SPAGHETTI SUPPER
The William F. Davitt Ladies Auxiliary Post #625, located at 374 Front St., will host their spaghetti supper on April 1 from 4 - 6 p.m. Adults, $4.50; kids 10 and under, $4; takeout, $4.75. We serve you!

HOLYOKE
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
On April 17 the WGBY Volunteer Guild is organizing an electronics recycling fundraiser in the Holyoke Mall White Parking Lot. They need lots of help from volunteers registering cars, directing cars and assisting the people who bring items (a few strong people are especially needed but most of the jobs require no lifting). Volunteer shifts are from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and noon to 3:30 p.m. For more info contact Susan Lofthouse, Special Events & Volunteer Coordinator, at 781-2801 or slofthouse@wgby.org.

STROKE & TURN CLINIC
Greater Holyoke YMCA will host at competitive stroke and turn swim clinic beginning April 5 for ages 7 - 18 who want to refine their technique. Previous competitive experience advised, but not necessary. Must understand all four strokes and must commit to 75 percent of sessions. Meets Mon. - Thurs. Register at the Holyoke Y, 171 Pine St., before April 4. Applications at www.hyvswimming.org or 534-5631. For more info e-mail rsmith@holyokeymca.org.

SOUTH HADLEY
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
The Congregational Church of South Hadley Falls, 11 N. Main St., will host its Good Friday Ecumenical Community Service, scripture reading, music presented by the combined choirs of six churches, times of silent reflection and an inspiring dramatic presentation of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ on April 2 at 7 p.m. Prepare to celebrate and worship God on Easter Sunday, April 4, at 10 a.m. For more info call 539-9373.

SOUTHWICK
FINE ART EXPO AND SALE
Plans are underway for the 11th annual juried Fine Art Exhibition and Sale at the Southwick Town Hall, April 10 - 11 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The exhibition is open to the public. For more info, e-mail cultural@southwickma.net. Details of the art displays and demos will be posted at www.southwickma.org/cultural.

COMMUNITY THEATER GROUP
Southwick-on-Stage, a newly organized community theater group, will meet on the fourth Thurs. of each month at the Southwick Town Hall, Conference Room #2, at 7 p.m. Those interested in community theater either onstage or backstage are welcome. For more info contact Pat McMahon at cultural@southwickma.net.

SPRINGFIELD
BENEFIT TAG SALE
Concerned Citizens for Animals benefit tag sale will take place at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 961 St. James Ave. (next to Serv-U) on March 26 and 27 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Donations of dog and cat food will be appreciated.

COMEDY NIGHT
The Cancer House of Hope will be the beneficiary of a comedy night fundraiser hosted by Smith & Wesson on April 10 at 7:15 p.m. at the Cedars, 419 Island Pond Rd. Cost: $30/pp. Featuring comedians Jim Colliton, John Turco and PJ Walsh. For more info and to purchase tickets, call 562-0110 or 896-1154.

MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE
Foster Memorial Church will host a Maundy Thursday worship service on April 1 beginning at 7 p.m. Worship will include a service of Tennebrae and the sacrament of Holy Communion. We invite you to join us; our church is located on the corner of Wilbraham Road and Parker Street in Sixteen Acres. For more info, call the church office at 782-2112.

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
Foster Memorial Church will host a Good Friday worship service on April 2 beginning at 7 p.m. Service will be led by our Pastor and members of our Confirmation Class, with special music by our choir. We invite you to join us; our church is located on the corner of Wilbraham Road and Parker Street in Sixteen Acres. For more info, call the church office at 782-2112.

FOSTER CHURCH EASTER SERVICE
Foster Memorial Church will host two worship services on Easter Sunday morning. There will be a service at 7 a.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery, located on Parker Street in Springfield. The service will take place at the Duck Pond and include a "Flowering of the Cross." A second service at 10 a.m. will take place at the church, located on the corner of Wilbraham Road and Parker Street in Sixteen Acres. The service will be followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments in our Fellowship Hall. For more info call our church office at 782-2112.

FREE Easter Bunny Breakfast
March 27 pancake breakfast and Easter egg hunt for children 10 years and under at Wingate at Springfield, 215 Bicentennial Highway, from 9 a.m.-noon. Reservations required. Call 796-7511.

"UNDIETING" LECTURE
Coach Francesca Kotomski will focus on educating the physical, mental, emotional issues around weight management at a free lecture with free shake samples on March 30, 6 p.m. at Better Life Whole Foods, 1500 Allen St. Call 783-9424 ext. 2 for reservation.

LENTEN LUNCH AT ST. CATHERINE'S
Annual Lenten Luncheon program will take place in the St. Catherine's Parish Center, 1023 Parker St., every Fri. through March 26 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Menu: choice of sandwiches, homemade soup, beverage and dessert, all for $6. Bring a non-perishable item for the Survival Center. All are welcome.

GOOD FRIDAY DRAMA
April 2, 6:30 p.m. Evangelical Covenant Church of Springfield, 915 Plumtree Rd. Actors bring Scripture to life as we experience Jesus' earthly ministry, crucifixion and resurrection. Free admission, free child care for children under 4. Visit www.ecovs.org or call the church at 413-782-5212.

WESTFIELD
WESTFIELD RIVER SYMPOSIUM
Alan Nogee of the Union of Concerned Scientists will give the keynote address at the Westfield River Symposium on March 27 at 8:45 a.m. at Westfield State College Scanlon Auditorium. This event is open to the public free of charge. For more info, visit www.westfieldriver.org or call Mike Young at 572-5741.

HIPPITY HOPPITY
Mayor Daniel Knapik's office announces that Hippity Hoppity, the Easter Bunny, is coming by helicopter to Shaker Farms Country Club on March 27 at 11 a.m. Festivities include Shriners Clowns, face painting, raffles, and our famous Easter egg hunt. The Easter Bunny arrives at 11:30 a.m.

WEST SPRINGFIELD
VICTORIAN TEA
The annual Victorian Tea will be at the W.S. Senior Center, 128 Park St., on April 27 at 1:30 p.m. Bring your own tea cup to the affair along with Victorian attire if you wish. Special guest and artist Ruth Harcovitz will present "Rogers and Hammerstein" historic music at 2 p.m. Tickets are available now at the Senior Center Office.

NICOTINE ANONYMOUS
Nicotine Anonymous will meet March 24 at the W.S. Public Library, 200 Park St., at 6 p.m. This is a support group for those who wish to live nicotine-free lives. All are welcome. For more info, call 736-4561.

AUTHOR TALK
Former local newscaster Durham Caldwell will read from and discuss his new book "Tumultuous Affairs" at 7 p.m. on March 24 at the W.S. Public Library. The book features personalities and events reflecting the history of our own area. All are welcome. For more info, call 736-4561.

MUSIC SANDWICHED IN
The next Music Sandwiched In lunchtime concert will feature the V-8's, a female acapella group from Mt. Holyoke College on March 26 from noon - 1 p.m. at the W.S. Public Library. All are welcome to attend and bring a lunch to enjoy during the concert. For more info, call 736-4561 ext. 3.

SATURDAY STORYTIME
Saturday Storytime for kids age 3 and older will take place March 27 at 10 a.m. the W.S. Public Library. Kids, with an adult, will enjoy stories, snacks, music and crafts to the theme of "Wind in the Willows." Registration is required by calling 736-4561 ext. 4.

CASUAL CRAFTING GROUP
Yarn Therapy, a "support" group for those who love crafting, will meet March 29 from 6 - 8:45 p.m. Regular attendees focus on knitting, crocheting and scrapbooking; however, casual crafters of all kinds are welcome. Drop in anytime, you're only late if the library is closed.

EASTER EGG HUNT
The W.S. Park and Rec. Dept. will sponsor its annual Easter Egg Hunt for town children ages 7 and younger on April 3 at Mittineague Park. Meet the Easter Bunny and receive a candy treat from 9:45 - 10:30 a.m. in the tennis court area and then the Easter Hunt will begin at 10:30 a.m. In the event of inclement weather, call 781-3020 or visit www.west-springfield.ma.us.