Town Events, May 12 - May 19 - The Reminder

Town Events, May 12 - May 19

From the Herald, the MetroWest Reminder and the Springfield Reminder
AGAWAM
GIANT TAG SALE
Giant tag sale at the First Baptist Church, 760 Main St., May 22, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (no early birds please). Household items, antiques, collectables, bake sale, perennials, etc. For more info, visit www.firstbaptistagawam.org.

"MAKING MOVES"
The public is invited to "Making a Move in Uncertain Times" on May 18 at 5:30 p.m. at The Atrium at Cardinal Drive, 153 Cardinal Dr. Join Century 21 Real Estate & Finding Time Organizing Services as they teach guests how to successfully position homes for a quick sale in today's challenging market. For more info, visit www.benchmarkquality.com.

LIONESS CLUB CASINO TRIP
The Agawam Lioness Club is sponsoring a trip to Mohegan Sun on June 13 departing from Agawam High School parking lot at 1 p.m. and returning by 9 p.m. Cost is $25/person, including driver's tip. Mohegan Sun $30 package includes $15 food or buffet and three $5 free bets. Proceeds used for scholarships in the medical field and future teachers. For reservations call Pat at 786-1782 or Rose at 786-5134.

OPEN HOUSE
On May 22 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., the Agawam Historical Assoc. will host an open house at the Thomas Smith House, 251 North West St. Guided house tours will be available along with period activities for all through out the day. The 25th Continental Regiment re-enactors will be on hand as well as hearth cooking demos and a showcase of artifacts found during the restoration.

CHICOPEE
ALZHEIMER'S CAREGIVERS GROUP
On May 19, Gerri Bennett, R.N. will provide info on Alzheimer's and support to help provide the best care for your loved one at the Chicopee Senior Center, 7 Valley View Ct., at 3:30 p.m. Free. If you would like further info or to register call 534-3698. The Alzheimer's Support Group meets regularly on the third Wed. of every month and is facilitated by Bennett for the Atrium and Jared Krok, social service coordinator, Chicopee Council on Aging.

BASIC BRIDGE LESSONS
Very basic bridge lessons will run May 12 - June 30 at 9:30 a.m. at the senior center. Volunteers will help everyone to understand the very basics of the game. The volunteers have been teaching new participants for many years. To register and for more info call the center at 534-3698.

SPA SERVICES
Manicure and facial hair removal services are available on May 19 starting at 8:30 a.m. These services are provided by Carol Marnelakis, NCEA licensed esthetican and manicurist, at the senior center. The service prices for those 60 years and older are eyebrow hair removal $6; lip $3; chin $3; and for manicures $10; French manicure $15; pedicure $25. There is a separate price list for those under 60. Appts. may be made by calling the center at 534-3698.

MASSAGE AT COA
Chair massage by Gina Welch of Craniosacral and Massage Center Inc. starting at 9:40 a.m. on May 21 at the Chicopee COA, 7 Valley View Ct. Each session is 15 mins. Cost is $13 for those over 60; $15 for those under 60. Chair massage is administered while the client is clothed and seating in a specially designed chair. To schedule an appt. call 534-3698.

CHEERLEADER TRYOUTS
Chicopee High cheerleader tryouts will be in the Chicopee High School gymnasium June 7 - 10, 5 - 7:30 p.m. and June 15, 4 - 10 p.m.

WHAT IS REIKI?
What is Reiki? Learn on May 19 as Kathi Munson from Abundant Wellness Center speaks at Chicopee Public Library. Find out how Reiki is used for stress reduction and relaxation as well as promoting healing. All programs start at 6 p.m. and are free.

YOUTH TAG SALE
The youth of First Central Baptist Church, 50 Broadway St., will host a tag sale May 22, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. There will be lots of great treasures to chose from.

ANNUAL TAG SALE
Volunteers from Lorraine's Soup Kitchen will host their fourth annual tag sale on May 28 and 29 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the St. Anthony Church Social Center for the benefit of the kitchen. Those who wish to support the fundraiser can drop off sellable items at 56 St. Anthony St. on Mon., Wed. and Fri. from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. during May. Arrangements for a pick up can be made by calling any of the following numbers: 533-5674, 533-7062, 592-1376, 532-5952 or 533-6464. We cannot accept clothing, magazines, couches, large TVs and similar bulky items. The facility to be used is not handicap accessible.

WOMAN'S CLUB MEETING
The Chicopee Falls Woman's Club will host its annual meeting at 11:30 a.m. on May 20 at the Castle of Knights on Memorial Drive. This meeting will mark the closing of the 115th year of the club. Laura Coppola, president of the General Federation of Women's Clubs of Mass., will install the three newly elected directors, Kathleen Benoit, Mary Ann Costa and Emilie Johnson, whose terms will expire in 2012. Scholarship recipients will also be announced at this luncheon meeting.

CHURCH TAG SALE
Faith United Methodist Church, 191 Montcalm St., will host a tag sale May 15 from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Bargains, plants, jewelry, collectables, clothes, furniture, books, toys and more. Home baked goodies available as well. Food will be available all day.

SPAGHETTI SUPPER
Faith United Methodist Church, 191 Montcalm St., will host a spaghetti supper on May 20 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Cost: $6 for adults, $3 for children 8 - 12, free for children under 8. Menu: spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread, homemade desserts, coffee and cold drinks. Take out is available; call 533-6093 after 2 p.m. We are handicap accessible to the Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary!

CANDLELIGHT LIVING ROSARY
At the Fairview K of C #4044, 1599 Memorial Dr., May 19 at 7 p.m. in banquet facility. Led by Council Chaplain Rev. Roland Galipeau. Live music program and light refreshments.

HEALTHY BRAIN AGING AT ELMS
Lecture: "You Are What You Eat: The Science of Nutrition, Lifestyle and Healthy Brain Aging" May 18, 6 - 9 p.m. in Elms College Veritas Auditorium (in Berchman Hall Administration Building) featuring Olivia Okereke, M.D., M.S. assistant professor, psychiatry, Harvard Medical School associate epidemiologist, Channing Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Dr. Benjamin Liptzin, chair of Psychiatry Dept., Baystate Medical Center; John Yahres, Alzheimer's Assoc., MA/NH Chapter board of directors chair and family caregiver; James Wessler, Alzheimer's Assoc., MA/NH Chapter Chapter president and CEO. Reservations: 787-1113 or e-mail annie.clattenburg@alz.org by May 14.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD
DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK
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.

HOLYOKE
ANNUAL PLANT SALE
Wistariahurst Gardeners' annual Plant Sale, May 15, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., 238 Cabot St. Soiled testing by members of the Western Mass. Master Gardeners Assoc.; plants from the gardens of the Wistariahurst Gardeners and the Master Gardeners; lots of choices. Plants for sale at $1 each and up. Coffee, donuts and danish may be purchased at Wistariahurst's coffee bar.

EXPERIENCE MUSIC AT UNITED
Experience Music at United will present Schola Nova in concert in Skinner Chapel on May 16 at 2 p.m. The chapel is located on Maple Street. Schola Nova is a choral ensemble dedicated to the performance of a cappella and accompanied sacred choral music drawn from all historical periods. For other events check out www.uccholyoke.org.

ACADEMY OF BALLET FUNDRAISER
On May 15, the Mass. Academy of Ballet hosts a silent auction at 1 p.m., spring student ballet performances at 2 p.m., and a reception at 3:30 p.m. All events take place at the Holyoke War Memorial Auditorium (310 Appleton St.), and proceeds go to benefit the non-profit MABETA (Mass. Academy of Ballet Educational Training Assoc.). To reserve tickets (adults $10, children 10 and younger, free), call 536-6200 or go to www.massacademyofballet.com.

JURIED ART AUCTION
The Holyoke Creative Arts Center's Juried Art Auction will take place in partnership with the Wistariahurst Museum, 238 Cabot St., through May 30. Take a master watercolor course with Carol Aubrey on May 22 from 10 a.m. - noon. For more info see www.hcac.org or call the Holyoke Creative Arts Center at 532-0465.

FISHWAY OPEN FOR SEASON
The Robert E. Barrett Fishway at the Holyoke Dam is open for its annual viewing season. The Fishway is free to visit and is open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wed. - Sun. until June 14. The Fishway is located off Bridge Street (Rt. 116) just west of the South Hadley-Holyoke Bridge. For more info visit www.hged.com/fishlift.

SOUTH HADLEY
SUMMER SHOPPING SPREE
Second annual summer shopping spree outdoor craft and vendor fair June 12, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Buttery Brook Park, 123 Williamansett Ave. (rain date June 13). More than 60 booths, DJ, food, face painting, caricatures and more. Free admission. To participate in the event e-mail eventsandeverything@live.com.

SOUTHWICK
BASIC ESTATE PLANNING
A seminar on Basic Estate Planning with Atty. Thomas P. Keenan will take place at the Senior Center on May 24 at 12:30 p.m. Topics: last will and testament; powers of attorney; health care proxy; and the Homestead Act. Call the office at 569-5498 if you plan to attend.

TRANSFER STATION CLOSED
Effective June 3, the Transfer Station will no longer be open on Thursdays. This change will be temporary and effective through the summer and fall months until further notice. Hours of operation are Tues., 11:30 a.m. - 7:20 p.m.; Wed. and Fri., 8 a.m. - 4:20 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m. - 3:50 p.m. Closed Sun., Mon. and Thurs.

SPRINGFIELD
EAST FOREST PARK MEETING
The East Forest Park Civic Assoc. will meet on May 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Church Meeting Hall. City Comptroller Pat Burns and Chair of the Board of Assessors, Richie Allen will speak on the city's tax setting process.

GREAT SPRING AUCTION
Come to the Great Spring Auction at Trinity United Methodist Church on May 22 at 361 Sumner Ave. Items to be auctioned include vacation rentals on Cape Cod and Marco Island, Fla., gold jewelry, gourmet meals, themed gift baskets and a variety of services donated by church members. While you are bidding, earn tickets for the dessert buffet. Kids, bring your pennies; there will be a special auction just for you of gently used toys and games. Admission is free and doors open at 6 p.m. Call the church office at 736-5311 for more info.

BLESSING OF THE MOTORCYCLES
The 14th annual Blessing of the Motorcycles will take place May 23 at 8 a.m. at Holy Name Church, Dickinson Street at the "X" off of Sumner Ave. Pancake breakfast 8 - 11 a.m.: $3 for adults, $1.50 for children. For more info contact the rectory at 733-5823.

ASTRONOMY CLUB MEETING
The Springfield STARS Club, an amateur astronomy group, will meet on May 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Springfield Science Museum at the Quadrangle. Prof. Alan Hirshfeld, Ph.D, will talk on "Starlight Detectives of the Victorian Age" how amateur astronomers helped invent modern astronomy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries using photography and spectroscopy to explore the physical properties of celestial objects. Refreshments will be served, and the public is welcome free of charge. For more info visit www.reflector.org or call (800) 336-9054.

BUS TRIP
Gina Daniele presents a trip to Niagara Falls on May 15 and 16 for a casino visit and shopping. Bus, hotel, breakfast, tour, boat ride and $35 in free bets included in price. No passport required. For more info call 732-8941.

CAREGIVER FORUM
May 12 at the Mass Mutual Center from 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. The American Stroke Assoc. presents its annual info forum designed to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors, their caregivers and family members. Admission: $5; includes light breakfast and sit down lunch. For more info call 827-0400.

VALLEY HEART WALK
The American Heart Assoc.'s annual walk will be May 16 in Forest Park. Registration: 9 a.m., kick off: 10 a.m. One, two and five mile courses. Light breakfast, kid's zone including a bounce house, games and entertainment. Prize incentives for fundraising. To register or for more info call 827-0400 or visit www.pioneervalleyheartwalk.org.

PEACE CAMP
Peace Camp will be hosted at Trinity United Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Ave., Aug. 9 - 12 from 9 a.m. - 12:35 p.m. On the evening of Aug. 13 a Children's Peace Festival & Family Night Celebration will also take place (time TBA). Children and youth ages 4 - high school are welcome! Registration is now open; call Trinity at 737-5311. Suggested donation is $5/child ($10 max. per family).

PLANT SALE
The Springfield Garden Club's annual plant sale will take place May 22, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., under the tent at the Springfield Museums Quadrangle. Great selection of hardy plants, trees and shrubs from members' gardens, featuring specialty planters and unusual specimens. Join us rain or shine!

SENIOR BALLROOM DANCES
The Springfield Dept. of Elder Affairs will proudly host ballroom dances at Greenleaf Community Center, 1187 1/2 Parker St., May 21 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. with music by Joe Campisi and June 11 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. with music by Richie Mitnick. The Community Center is located behind the 16 Acres Library. Dances are $5 per person. Free lessons will be given during intermission. Refreshments will be served. Singles are always welcome. Free parking. For more info call Kerri at 750-2873.

THE WEDDING SINGER
Springfield Jewish Community Center (JCC's) Theatrix group will perform "The Wedding Singer" May 16 at 2 and 7 p.m., and May 17 at 7 p.m., at the JCC's Goldstein Auditorium. Tickets at the JCC, 1160 Dickinson St.; $10 for students, $15 for adults; $20 for patron reserved. For more info call 739-4715.

WESTFIELD
STANLEY PARK NATURE WALK
On May 16 from 9 - 11 a.m. Janice Zepko will lead a walk in the Stanley Park's Frank Stanley Beveridge Wildlife Sanctuary that will focus on the identification of birds by sight and sound. Bring binoculars. Meet at the entrance sign to the Beveridge Sanctuary; heavy rain cancels. Free, no registration necessary. For more info call Stanley Pak office at 568-9312.

DONATIONS FOR FUNDRAISERS
The Westfield Homeless Cat Project needs items for two tag sale fundraisers planned for summer. Used furniture, toys, household items, etc., are all welcome. Donations help care for homeless cats from greater Westfield. Donations can be dropped off at 1124 East Mountain Rd. For more info, call 568-6964 or e-mail denisesinico@hotmail.com.

BOOK DISCUSSION
Join us for an informal book discussion based on Mitch Albom's "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" at St. Mary's high school May 20 at 7 p.m. Questions: call Joanne at 568-1127. All welcome; light refreshments provided.

PRAYING THE LABYRINTH
Join St. Mary's Church parishioners May 16 from 3 - 5 p.m. at Camp Shepard's chalet, 370 Northwest Rd., for this spiritual reflection led by Certified Labyrinth Facilitator Deborah Yaffe. Workshop includes short lecture on the history of labyrinths in Christian life, the difference between a labyrinth and a maze, and how to use this ancient tool to focus your reply to the love that Jesus demonstrated with his life, death and resurrection. All will have the opportunity to walk the labyrinth as well as participate in hands-on exercises. For more info call Joanne Bagge at 568-1127. This is a free-will offering event.

WEST SPRINGFIELD
SPRING RUMMAGE SALE
Grace Lutheran Church's annual Spring Rummage Sale will take place June 5 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Proceeds will directly benefit Springfield's Habitat for Humanity Gunn Square Project. Donations of items can be brought to the church, 1558 Westfield St., June 1 - 3 from 9 a.m. - noon and on June 4 from 1 - 5 p.m. Pick-up is available by calling Martha at 568-8033.

GARDEN CLUB OPEN HOUSE
The W.S. Garden Club will host an open house at the Greenhouse in Mittineague Park on May 15 from 10 a.m. - noon. The public is invited to see the hard work of the club members. The club's annual plant sale will take place May 21 - 22 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. near Santa's House at the entrance to the park. For more info, call President Romaniak at 732-2506

COIN CLUB
The W.S. Coin Club will meet on May 16 at 7 p.m. in the Church of the Good Shepherd, 214 Elm St. A special topic as well as business matters will be discussed, and there will be a small auction. Refreshments. Guests welcome. For more info call Peter Setian at 596-9871.

STUDENT ART FESTIVAL
The high school student art festival will take place May 20 from 6 - 9 p.m. at W.S. High School, 425 Piper Rd. Art exhibit is free and open to the public; $2 admission for the dance performance. Call 263-3400 for more info.