Town Events, Nov. 10 - Nov. 17 - The Reminder

Town Events, Nov. 10 - Nov. 17

From The Reminder

EAST LONGMEADOW
BOOK CLUB
The next meeting of the East Longmeadow Book Club is Nov. 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the East Longmeadow Senior Center. The book selection is "The Shack" by William P. Young. Everyone is welcome to attend.

EDUCATE MALAWI
On Nov. 14 at 3:30 p.m. come to the East Longmeadow Public Library for a presentation about Malawi, Africa. Mother/daughter team Karen Hardy and Shannon Massey will talk about their volunteer trip to Malawi and how it inspired them to begin a non-profit organization. In May 2008 they established Educate Malawi Inc., which assists the people of Malawi in the area of education. For more info, visit www.educate-malawi.org.

VETERANS DAY CLOSING
The East Longmeadow Senior Center will be closed on Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Meals on Wheels will not be delivered that day.

SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CLUB
The East Longmeadow Senior Friendship Club will enjoy a performance by "The Good Time Singers" on Nov. 13 at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main St. This program is sponsored through a generous donation by PeoplesBank. Luncheon will be spaghetti w/meatballs, green beans and apricots. Call 525-5436 at least one day in advance for reservations.

LUNCH N' LEARN WITH CVS
On Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. a pharmacist will speak at the Pleasant View Senior Center about the advantages of using generic drugs. Following the presentation, the pharmacist will stay to consult with participants one on one regarding proper storage and handling of medications, along with potential drug interactions. Sign up in the Senior Center office if you wish to have a consultation with the pharmacist.

REVERSE MORTGAGE SEMINAR
On Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. Flynt Lincoln, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist from Webster Bank, will be at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main St., to discuss topics such as "Should a reverse mortgage be part of your retirement strategy?" and "Medicaid issues relating to reverse mortgages," among others. This seminar is free and open to the public.

VETERANS COFFEE HOUR
On Nov. 18 Veterans Representative George Herrick will be at the Pleasant View Senior Center for their monthly meeting/coffee hour beginning at 9 a.m. Watch the Reminder for upcoming details.

COMMODITIES DISTRIBUTION
We will be distributing commodities on Nov. 19 from 1 - 3 p.m. To qualify you must be an East Longmeadow resident of any age and show proof of need. Commodities are distributed four times a year, and this will be the final distribution for 2008. If you need a ticket, call the Senior Center office at 525-5436. No commodities will be given without a ticket.

WOMENS AEROBICS
The E.L. Rec. Dept. announces the next session of womens aerobics, 10 weeks. Class will begin as follows: Mon./Wed. Nov. 19 from 6 - 7 p.m.; Tues../Thurs. Nov. 18 from 5 - 6 p.m. or 6 - 7 p.m. Come into the Rec. Dept., weekdays to register.

RECREATION DEPT. PROGRAMS
The E.L. Rec. Dept. reminds residents of the following programs for which there is still room available. Come into the Office weekdays to register. For more info, call 525-5437: winter basketball last chance to register for intown grades 3 - 8. Yoga began Nov. 6 for 10 weeks, Thurs. class only. Youth wrestling runs Nov. 25 - Feb. 12, grades 1 - 8. Winter cheerleading runs Jan. 6 - March 26, grades 2 - 7. Wildlife series begins Nov. 29, free admission at EL Public Library.

HIGH SCHOOL REC. BASKETBALL
The E.L. Rec. Dept. still has room in its H.S. Rec. Basketball program for those E.L. residents in grades 9 - 12. Games will begin in January on the weekends no tryouts. Come into the Office weekdays to register.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD
SINGLES HIKE
Active Singles (a non-profit group) is sponsoring a singles hike (30s-60s) at Ragged Mountain in New Britain, Conn. The hike is on Nov. 16 at 9:30 a.m. (arrive at 9 a.m). Note: no dogs or kids. Hikes last for two hours each in four skill levels. Optional lunch follows each hike. Non-hikers are welcome to join us at the restaurant. Call Charlie to RSVP at (203) 271-2125.

PIONEER VALLEY WAVES
The Pioneer Valley WAVES, Unit 81 of WAVES National, will meet on Nov. 15 at the American Legion Post 438, 292 New Ludlow Rd., Chicopee, at 10:30 a.m. All women veterans are invited to join the group, which meet several times yearly to share past military experiences and to assist hospitalized women veterans. Navy Lt. Eric Rubenstein, who works with Homeland Security, will speak to the group about his interest in and experiences with astronomy. Members and interested women veterans may make a reservation as follows: residents of Franklin or Berkshire counties call Carolyn Prunier at 863-9044; Hampden County residents, call Carolyn Zawacki at 596-8485.

TOBACCO VALLEY ARTISTS MEETING
The November meeting of the Tobacco Valley Artists Association will be Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Somers Senior Center, 19 Battle St., Somers, Conn. There will be an oil painting demo by artist Sean Farrell. His work is shown in many collections throughout the U.S. and is represented by four galleries. The public is welcome to attend.

HAMPDEN
"THE PRODUCERS" AUDITIONS
The Theater Guild of Hampden will be having open auditions for Mel Brooks' "The Producers" musical on Nov. 16 from 4 - 6 p.m. and Nov. 17 from 7 - 10 p.m. at Hampden Town Hall on Main Street. For more info call Mark Giza at 566-8354.

HWSEPAC WORKSHOP
The Hampden-Wilbraham Special Education Parent Advisory Council (HWSEPAC) presents a Federation for Children with Special Needs basic rights workshop on Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Kids Village media conference room, 35 Post Office Park. This workshop provides families with an introduction to their rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Special Education Law and No Child Left Behind (NCLB). It is designed to help parents learn how to be effective partners with the school, to decide the child's eligibility for special education, to plan, make decisions and to monitor the educational progress of their child. For more info call Mary Butova at 566-5173 or e-mail mbutova@charter.net

LONGMEADOW
DADS & DONUTS
Are you looking for a great activity for kids and their dads? The Youth Service Dept. at the Storrs Library will host Dads & Donuts activity on Nov. 22. Everyone is invited for an hour of coffee, donuts and crafts. This program for dads and kids will take place from 10 - 11 a.m. with a special Thanksgiving theme. Register in advance by calling 565-4182 or visiting the Philip Michael Lauro II Discovery Room at the Storrs Library.

PARK COMMISSIONERS MEETING
The Longmeadow Board of Park Commissioners will meet Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Parks & Rec. Office conference room in the Community House.

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
The Finance Committee will meet Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. in the Community House Auditorium.

VOLUNTEER FAIR
Glenmeadow Retirement Community, 24 Tabor Crossing, will host a volunteer fair on Nov. 20 from 3 - 6 p.m. Representatives will be on hand from Glenmeadow and many local agencies to discuss various volunteer opportunities, including the American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, Springfield School Volunteers and Valley Radio Reading Service. A $125 gift certificate to Big Y will be raffled off at the end of the fair. The Open Pantry will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items from attendees.

MATERNAL ASSOCIATION MEETING
The November meeting of the Longmeadow Maternal Association will take place Nov. 12 at the Longmeadow Community House at 1 p.m. and will feature Chris Graziano of Graziano Gardens in East Longmeadow. Graziano will get members and guests in the holiday spirit as he talks about holiday plants, particularly poinsettias.

SIGN LANGUAGE WORKSHOP
Learn how to communicate in another language! Children five and older accompanied by a caregiver or parent are welcome to participate in a special workshop on Sign Language at the Storrs Library. Donna Johnson, a specialist in sign language communication, will lead this one-hour program on Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. You will learn to communicate effectively with simple sign language gestures. Each participant will receive a small guide booklet for individual use. To register for this workshop visit the Philip Michael Lauro II Discovery Room at the Storrs Library at 693 Longmeadow St. or call 565-4182.

CRAFTS.ETC
Join us in creating Duct Tape Wallets, book chats and snacks at Crafts.Etc on Nov. 14 from 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. at the Storrs Library. Teens and tweens in grades five and up who are interested in this unique craft project are welcome. We will also be planning and implementing programs and activities for the coming months. Your ideas and enthusiasm can help create programs, book discussions and displays for the Discovery Room and its customers. Crafts.Etc meets on a monthly basis. Register by calling the Philip Michael Lauro II Discovery Room at 565-4182.

BOOKWORM BUNCH
The Bookworm Bunch for young readers in kindergarten and first grade will meet at the Storrs Library on Nov. 13 from 3:15 - 4 p.m. to read and discuss "Thanksgiving at the Tappletons" by Eileen Spinelli. The book group will include several different activities related to the story and is planned especially for young readers. For more info or to register, call the Phillip Michael Lauro II Discovery Room at 565-4182 or visit the library.

CHRISTMAS...ON THE GREEN
Come one, come all, to "Christmas on the Green," the First Church of Christ's Annual Christmas Fair, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. You will find all your old favorites: Grandma's Kitchen, delicious home made candy, gift theme baskets, unique home made items, vintage home goods, attic treasures, books, jewelry, gifts from afar and a silent auction. Santa will be visiting from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Enjoy a savory lunch from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Musicians will be playing Christmas music. All proceeds go to local charities.

TAX CLASSIFICATION HEARING
The Longmeadow Select Board will host a public hearing on Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Police Station Community Room, 34 Williams St., to hear public input and then vote on the proper tax classification on all property in the town of Longmeadow.

COLLEGE PROCESS TALK
Heather Johnson will give a talk at Storrs Library on Nov. 15 from 1 - 2:30 p.m. Johnson, M.Ed., Educational Consultant, will be giving a talk on the college process, in the Betty Ann Low Meeting Room. Topics to be covered include: how to begin, how to apply, when to apply, how to start a college essay, how to make the most of your college visits, testing and financial aid basics.

GREENWOOD PRESCHOOL
Greenwood Children's Center Preschool is now accepting mid-year enrollment in our full and part time programs. Our preschool program offers children an excellent opportunity to develop social skills needed for kindergarten. Our teachers use thematic units and integrated themes to provide your preschooler with kindergarten readiness skills, social development, letter recognition and phonological awareness in a safe environment. Call Audra at 565-4163 to schedule a tour.

NEW MOMS SUPPORT GROUP
One of the most exciting times of your life can be when you are the parent of an infant. Come and share your success stories about the new little person in your life. Gain support from other parents, meet new friends and establish bonds with other new parents. This group is open to new parents and their infants from birth to one year of age. This program is offered in conjunction with Baystate Medical Center Parent Education Dept. Group meets at Greenwood Children's Center on Thursdays from 10 - 11 a.m. This program is free.

YOUTH IN-TOWN BASKETBALL
Instructional program for girls and boys in grades 1 - 8. Everyone makes a team, which is compromised of girls and boys as follows: 1st/2nd grade teams will meet once a week for one hour; 3rd/4th, 5th/6th, 7th/8th grade teams will have one practice and one game per week. Program emphasizes basketball fundamentals and teamwork. Anyone interested in coaching should sign up during registration. Program runs December - March with practices and games at Longmeadow school gyms. Registrations can be dropped off at the LPRD office during regular office hours. Note that a $25 late fee will be charged for all sign ups after Nov. 11. Registration deadline is Nov. 14. Visit www.longmeadowyouthbaskteball.org for updates.

RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
We are joining the Park & Rec. Dept. for a "Christmas Spectacular" at Radio City Music Hall on Dec. 4. New acts have been added and we are in the Orchestra section for the 11 a.m. show. There will be time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the New York holiday season following the show. We depart at 6:30 a.m. and return about 9:30 p.m. Must register at 565-4150 at the Adult Center.

YOUTH WRESTLING
This program is designed to introduce wrestling to athletes at the youth level in grades 5 - 8. Youth wrestling focuses on proper techniques, conditioning and fundamentals necessary to enjoy and be successful in the sport of wrestling. Participants will receive complimentary wrestling headgear. Participants must provide their own wrestling shoes and kneepads. Program meets Tues./Thurs. from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. from Dec. 9 - Feb. 26 at the LHS wrestling room. For more info and registration, visit www.LPRD.net.

SPRINGFIELD
TOWN STYLE MEETING
The East Forest Park Civic Association will be hosting a town style meeting with Mayor Domenic Sarno on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Holy Cross School meeting room. Join us for an informal talk with our mayor. Possible issues such as safety, traffic, zoning, housing, elderly, social and educational services within Springfield may arise. Come be informed about concerns and suggestions for improvements to the quality of life in our East Forest Park neighborhood and the city of Springfield.

BUS TRIPS
Gina Daniele presents the following upcoming bus trips: On Dec. 6, enjoy Christmas shopping in New York City and see the lights! Bus leaves Mom & Rico's, 899 Main St., at 7:30 a.m. On Dec. 13, visit Foxwoods casino; bus leaves Mon & Rico's at 7:30 a.m. For more info, contact Gina at 732-8941.

CHEERLEADING CLINIC
Cathedral High School invites you to attend the winter youth cheerleading clinic hosted by the CHS cheerleaders! Participants will have the opportunity to learn cheerleading fundamentals, including a cheer, jumps and stunt! The clinic will take place on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Cathedral High School gym. Kindergarten - 8th grade is welcome. Cost includes lunch. Participants should wear comfortable athletic clothes and sneakers. Participants may pre-register by contacting Lisa Yankowski at 327-8512 or sign up the day of the event.

HUNGRY HILL MEETING
There will be a meeting of the Hungry Hill Neighborhood Council on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. Jim Leydon, Mayor Sarno's new Community Liaison, along with police representatives from this sector will be at this meeting to hear concerns, suggestions, etc. Area residents are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

TAG SALE BENEFIT
The Community Adolescent Treatment Program (CATP), a program of the Center for Human Development (CHD), will host a three day tag sale Nov. 14 - 16. Tag sale items include furniture, knick knacks, household goods, games, toys and more! All proceeds will go toward providing holiday gifts for the clients at the program. To donate an item for the sale, or for more info, call Clara Snowden at 732-3470.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS
Chicopee Visiting Nurse Association will have a nurse at the Hungry Hill Center on Nov. 17 from 9 - 11 a.m. Hemoglobin screening and blood pressure readings will be offered. This is a free service to area residents.

THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON
The Hungry Hill Center will have a Thanksgiving Luncheon on Nov. 25 at noon. A roast pork dinner will be provided by Greater Springfield Senior Services. The cost is $3 which includes the dinner, coffee/tea and door prizes. Bingo will be played following the dinner. Reservations are required by Nov. 18 and can be made by calling the center at 733-9411.

EXERCISE CLASSES
There are low impact aerobic classes at the Hungry Hill Center on Monday and Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m., a chair exercise on Monday afternoons at 1 p.m. and line dancing on Fridays at 10 a.m. All ages are welcome to participate. There is a fee for the low impact aerobic classes only. Classes are sponsored by the City's Department of Elder Affairs. Advance registration is not required.

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
The Holy Name School Annual Holiday Craft Fair is Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the social center of Holy Name parish, 323 Dickinson St. This year's fair features over 40 vendors, numerous raffle prizes, children's activities, bakeshop, lunch and more. Join us for a fun filled day of holiday shopping.

GRAYSON HOUSE JEWELRY & CLOTHING SALE
Costume and sterling silver jewelry, along with North American-made alpaca clothing, will be on sale at Grayson House Assisted Living, 942 Grayson Dr. on Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Now's the time to start your holiday shopping and support the resident activity fund for special events. For more info call Pat Gelinas at 426-9868 ext. 113.

TUESDAY MORNING MUSIC CONCERT
On Nov. 18, Nancy Babb on piano, Mark Fraser on cello and Eileen Ruby, a mezzo-soprano, will perform for the Tuesday Morning Music Concert at Trinity United Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Ave., at 10:30 a.m. This single concert is $10 per person, or $30 for an annual membership, which includes 12 season concerts.

SASEA MEETING
The next regular meeting of the Springfield-Area Sustainable Energy Association (SASEA) will be Nov. 18. Presentation about "Home Energy Efficiency Solutions" with guest speaker Energy Analyst Jonathan Bates. The meeting is free and open to the public. At Springfield Technical Community College, Building 17, Room 515, One Armory Sq., from 7 - 9 p.m.

COLLEGE CLUB AUTUMN TEA
The College Club of Springfield will host their Autumn Tea at the Hilton Garden Inn, 800 West Columbus Ave., at 1:45 p.m. on Nov. 12. Matthew Collins, the vice-president of U.S. marketing for Hasbro, will speak about the development of new games and activities. All interested prospective members are welcome to attend.

SUKKAT SHALOM REIKI
Learn Sukkat Shalom Reiki: Jewish Traditions of Hands-On Energy Healing on Nov. 20 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the Springfield Jewish Community Center, 1160 Dickinson St. The cultivation of blessing and healing with the hands has deep roots in Judaism and much in common with Japanese Reiki techniques. We will look closely at references to the hands and will consider traditional practices of blessing with the hands. Free. To register or for more info, contact Joanna at Jewish Family Service at 737-2601 or JewishLife@jfswm.org.

WILBRAHAM
FLOATING ZOO
The choir of Grace Union Church of Wibraham will present "Captain Noah and His Floating Zoo" by Flanders and Horovitz on Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. at the church. This is a secular cantata, based on a biblical story and led by Olive Thompson, the director. A dinner will follow the presentation. Tickets may be purchased at the door, or reservations may be made by calling the church or 572-4049.

ASIAN CELEBRATION
On Nov. 21 and 22, the campus of Wilbraham & Monson Academy will be the site of a two day celebration of Asian Art, Food and Flowers. Friday evening at 6 p.m. a Preview Party in the new Athletic Complex on Faculty Street will showcase a Fusion Feast, Celebrity Challenge and Live Auction. On Saturday, beginning with registration at 10 a.m. in Rich Hall, Main Street, morning and afternoon workshops featuring Norma Chang, the Traveling Gourmet with her demonstration of Wok cooking of Chinese cuisine plus an origami demo by Luc Bodin and Japanese brush painting by Jeanie Schermesser will take place. An Asian buffet will be included in the day's program as well as a tour of Wilbraham's Old Meeting House. Reservations are necessary as space is limited. To reserve, call 599-0432 or 525-5887. Proceeds will fund horticultural scholarships and community projects.

ANNUAL HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Annual Holiday Bazaar, Nov. 21 - 23 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Life Care Center of Wilbraham, 2399 Boston Rd. Huge raffle, baked goods, jewelry, good as new, crafts, clothes, toys, puzzles, kitchenware, books, knick knacks and meatball grinder luncheon. For more details contact Judy Stewart at 599-1015.

HWSEPAC WORKSHOP
The Hampden-Wilbraham Special Education Parent Advisory Council (HWSEPAC) presents a Federation for Children with Special Needs basic rights workshop on Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Kids Village media conference room, 35 Post Office Park. This workshop provides families with an introduction to their rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Special Education Law and No Child Left Behind (NCLB). It is designed to help parents learn how to be effective partners with the school, to decide the child's eligibility for special education, to plan, make decisions and to monitor the educational progress of their child. For more info call Mary Butova at 566-5173 or e-mail mbutova@charter.net.