Town Events, Sept. 24 - Oct. 1 - The Reminder

Town Events, Sept. 24 - Oct. 1

From the Chicopee Herald, the Metro West Reminder and the Springfield Reminder

AGAWAM
CASINO TRIP
Casino trip to Mohegan Sun on Oct. 19, sponsored by Agawam Lioness Club. Leave from Agawam High School at 1 p.m.; leave Mohegan Sun at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per person. Plenty of parking at Agawam High School. Mohegan Sun package is $30 ($10 food and $20 wheel included). For reservations call Pat at 786-1782 or Rose at 786-5134.

MEET THE AUTHOR
The Agawam Public Library's Meet the Author Series will feature John Sheirer, author of "Loop Year: 365 Days on the Trail" on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. From May 17, 2005 to May 16, 2006 he hiked the same trail in Somers, Conn., once a day and chronicled the year in his book. Call 789-1550, or visit the library to register for this program.

FALL FESTIVAL
The Fall Festival 2008 will take place on Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Agawam Congregational Church, 745 Main St. On the front lawn there will be artisans and crafters selling handmade jewelry, clothing, gifts, etc. Inside the church a country kitchen and general store will offer more shopping and a country lunch cafe. Fun and games for the children. Free admission. For more info, call 786-7111 or 789-4198.

MAH JONGG
The Agawam Senior Center is looking for seniors who would like to play or learn to play Mah Jongg. The first meeting will be Oct. 1 at 1 p.m. in the Breakfast Bar. If there is enough interest in the group, it will meet every Wednesday at 1 p.m. For more info, or to sign up call Terry Goudreau at 789-0971 or the Senior Center at 821-0604.

MONTHLY MORNING MOVIE
The Agawam Public Library's Monthly Morning Moive series will continue with "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" on Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. A young widow moves with her daughter into a cottage on the English coast. Soon she learns that the cottage is haunted by the ghost of its former owner. When he finds he can't scare her away, they soon fall into a most unlikely love affair. There is no registration needed for this program.

CHICOPEE
SAFETY BEGINS AT HOME
Falls are the leading cause of home injury and injury-related death in the U.S. However, new research from the Home Safety Council indicates only 25 percent of adults have taken any action at all to prevent injuries from falls in and around their homes. To help raise awareness, the Chicopee Council on Aging and Cooley Dickinson Hospital are offering an educational program at the Chicopee Senior Center on Sept. 26 at 9 a.m., addressing how to reduce the risk of accidents and falls within the home. To register call 534-3698.

LET'S DANCE
The Chicopee Council on Aging will be hosting an evening ballroom dance on Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. Locally renowned keyboardist Ritchie Mitnick will entertain the audience with his special blend of music so you can dance the night away. This program is open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. Tickets in advance are $3 and can be purchased at the COA office. At the door tickets will be $4. The Chicopee Senior Center is located at 7 Valley View Court. Call 534-3698 for further info.

FALL TAG AND BAKE SALE
Faith United Methodist Church, 191 Montcalm St. annual fall tag and bake sale on Sept. 27, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Bargains, baked goods, jewelry, collectibles, clothes, furniture, books, toys and more. Home baked goodies available as well. Food will be available all day. Donations are being accepted and are tax deductible.

RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SHOW
The Chicopee Parks and Recreation Dept. is sponsoring a trip to Radio City Music Hall to celebrate the holiday season with this year's Christmas Show on Dec. 1. The show features the world famous Rockettes, Santa and Mrs. Claus, their reindeer, elves and more. The trip includes the bus fare and the admittance to the show, orchestra/first mezzanine seating. The bus departs from the Szot Park parking lot by the swimming pool at 8 a.m. sharp. Arrive in New York City at approx. 11:30 a.m. to shop for hours prior to the 5 p.m. show, then depart for home at 7 p.m., arriving home at approx. 11 p.m. Hurry, seats are limited. For more info call the Parks Dept. at 594-3481.

CAR WASH FUNDRAISER
Litwin School is holding a Car Wash Fundraiser to benefit their new playground on Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. until noon in the parking lot of Dr. Deegan's Rest on Burnett Road. Please come and support our playground fund.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD
BABYSITTING TRAINING
The Enfield Recreation Dept. is offering a babysitting training course this fall for youth ages 11 - 15 years old. This training will provide the participant with info and skills necessary to provide safe and responsible care. Class will meet Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Angelo Lamagna Activity Center. Registration starts Sept. 29 for non-residents. For more info or to register visit www.enfield-ct.gov or contact the recreation office at (860) 253-6420.

DOLPHINS SWIM TEAM
The Enfield Dolphins is a competitive swim team for area youth ages five - 18. Swimmers are expected to practice at least two times per week and compete in swim meets. New swimmers must be evaluated for the team at the Fermi High School pool on Oct. 2 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Interested swimmers are required to have passed beginner swim levels. Registration is currently being accepted for returning swimmers. For more info contact the Enfield Recreation Dept. at (860) 253-6420 or e-mail questions to acquaticsdirector@enfield.org.

N.E. PATRIOTS, NIAGARA FALLS TRIP
New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills in Buffalo, Dec. 27 - 29. For more info contact Frank Wotton at 532-0214.

SENIOR PROGRAMS AT YMCA
The YMCA is currently hosting strength and aerobics classes in many area locations for those over 60. Water aerobics and arthritis classes are also available. Classes are available for members and non-members. Call either the Scantic Valley Branch at 596-2749 ext. 2 or the Springfield YMCA Branch at 739-6951 ext. 100 for more info.

ZONTA CLUB MEETING
The Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley will host its monthly dinner meeting on Oct. 6 at Catering by Johnsens, 1432 Main St., Palmer. Social time is at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. A program on Domestic Violence Awareness and Literacy is planned. For reservations, call Mary Knight at 219-8260 or visit www.zontaqv.org.

QUIET WATER PADDLE
Enjoy a Quiet Water Paddle on Buckley Dunton Lake in Becket on Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Leader: Tom Condon. Space is limited; call Tom to sign up at 564-0895. Buckley Dunton Lake lies mostly within October Mountain State Forest. We'll take a leisurely tour of the lake, watching for birds and beaver, listening for bullfrogs and turtles. Join us for this early fall paddle. You can rent a kayak or canoe from us. We'll provide lifejackets and paddles. Bring along a lunch, some water and shoes you don't mind getting wet. Remember your sunscreen or your raincoat. Visit www.naturalist-club.org for more info.

HOLYOKE
C.R.U.S.H. MEETING
Admit it: You have a c.r.u.s.h. on Holyoke! Come meet others who are passionate about the Paper City on Sept. 25 from 7 - 10 p.m. at the Bungalow at the Waterfront Tavern, 920 Main St. Featuring hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, entertainment and networking. $5 suggested contribution. Come meet others who are passionate about the Paper City! Presented by c.r.u.s.h. (Citizens for the Revitalization and Urban Success of Holyoke).

FREE CHAPEL CONCERT
The next free Chapel Concert at Providence Place is scheduled for Oct. 5 at 2:30 p.m. and features the Brass Quintet (a French horn, two trumpets, a trombone and a tuba), expertly played by a polished group of entertainers performing a varied program of classical, spiritual
and Broadway music. Providence Place is located at 5 Gamelin St. For more info, call 534-9700.

SOUTH HADLEY
CHURCH DINNER
The Congregational Church of South Hadley Falls will be hosting a dinner on Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. Menu: tossed salad, apple cider ham, scalloped potatoes, peas, bread, apple pie, coffee, tea, milk and juice. Cost is $13 per person, $11 for seniors, $6 for kids, payable at the door. For reservations or more info call the church office at 539-9373. Take-out is also available by reservations, or to those unable to attend. We will deliver meals to South Hadley residents at 6 p.m.

ST. THERESA ORGAN DEDICATION
On Oct. 5 at 3 p.m., John Weaver, concluding his noted national career at a concert performer, will dedicate the Casavant organ recently acquired by St. Theresa Parish. This concert is part of a dedication weekend at St. Theresa Parish, which is marking the end of a yearlong church renovation. Following the concert, which is free and open to the public, a reception will take place in the Father Cyril Burns Parish Hall. All facilities are handicapped accessible.

CRAFTERS WANTED
The First Congregational Church at the Center in South Hadley is calling all talented crafters to come join our Advent Craft Fair. The church is located across from the Town Common at routes 47 and 116. The fair will take place Dec. 5 and 6. The total price will be $60 for a space for two days. Crafts are juried. Space availability and limitations on some crafts may be determined on a first-come basis. For info or an application, call Jeanne at 533-2020 or e-mail swinjb@comcast.net.

SOUTHWICK
FALL FLOWER SHOW
The Southwick Senior Center will be going to Smith College for a fall tour through the garden of flowers on Oct. 7. The cost will be $4. We'll stop for lunch at Paiano's.

SPRINGFIELD
50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Celestial Praise Church of God, 321 Wilbraham Rd., will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with a celebration, Oct. 8 - 12, featuring dynamic and anointed preaching, guest choirs, liturgical and praise dancing and special presentations, including Rev. Dr. Zannie McNeil Jr., Rev. Dr. Ivan Brooms, Bishop William A. Lee Jr. and Rev. Dr. Hugh A. Bair. Call 783-4763 for more info.

RAYS OF HOPE FUNDRAISER
Rays of Hope is going to benefit from a fundraiser that our team, Just 'Cause We Care, is going to have at O'Brien's Corner, located at 1082 Page Blvd. From 1 - 4 p.m. on Sept. 28, we will have both Lia Sophia Jewelry and Tastefully Simple there. Come and join the fun and help us as we join the fight in finding the cure for breast cancer!

FREE CONCERT
There will be a free concert at Better Life Whole Foods, 1500 Allen St., on Sept. 27. Denise Gendron will be playing the cello from 11 a.m - noon. She will be signing CDs from noon - 12:30 p.m. From 1 - 2 p.m., A.W. Nardi will be signing his CD "Nouveau." From 2 - 3 p.m., Theresa Berard, Tristan Tesh and Rich Pellegrino from the band Watchers will be performing. CD signing will follow concert.

GOSPEL CONCERT
St. Peter's Episcopal Church, located at 45 Buckingham St., will have a Gospel Concert at the church on Oct. 26. The concert is a fundraiser for replacement of the present heating system. Time: 5 p.m. Cost: $10 per person. There will be several local artists that include Evenus Thompson, Elder Willie Naylor, Pastor Derrick Sams, Beverly Watkins-Jenkins, Center Stage Dance Group and more. The public is invited. For more info, call the church office at 736-8567 or Vera at 783-9824.

COMMUNITY WALK
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention presents the eighth annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk (formerly known as "End the Secrecy Walk with Us") on Oct. 5 at Springfield Jewish Community Center, 1160 Dickinson St. Registration and continental breakfast 9 a.m.; opening ceremony 10 a.m. and walk 10:15 - 11:30 a.m. Individuals and teams of walkers welcome. All walkers who turn in a minimum of $150 will receive a T-shirt. To register call 888-333-AFSP ext. 23 or visit www.outofthedarkness.org.

TECH HIGH CLASS OF '42
The Springfield Technical High School class of 1942 will meet for a luncheon on Oct. 1 at the Fort in downtown Springfield from noon - 3:30 p.m. Come and converse with your classmates from the "Greatest Generation." Call June at 788-8788 for further details.

PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP
On the first Monday of each month, a support group for caregivers and those coping with the disease will meet at the Jewish Community Center at 1160 Dickinson St. at 4 p.m. No registration is required. If you have questions, call Joyce at 323-4274 or Bobbie at 739-4715.

VALLEY RADIO SEEKING READING VOLUNTEERS
Are you interested in joining a marvelous team? We are asking members of the community to help us in our efforts to make available a great radio reading service for our many family members, neighbors and friends who are blind and print impaired. We need help with recording reading material, planning and coordinating events, administrative tasks and much more. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at 747-7337.

WESTFIELD
WESTFIELD RIVER CLEAN-UP
The Westfield River Watershed Association will host its annual clean-up of the Westfield River on Oct. 4 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The clean-up focuses on trash left along the banks of the river, so most volunteers don't actually go into the river. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. and should wear work clothes, work gloves and river boots. Meet at the WG&E power substation on Meadow Street in Westfield. For further info, call Mark Damon at 572-9991. Heavy rain cancels.

"TWADDLER" PROGRAM
Creative Kids, 1251 East Mountain Rd. has announced the opening of a new "twaddler" program for two-year-olds. This new program is designed for older toddlers who are 24 months-36 months old, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. A Massachusetts certified teacher conducts the class which will include language development, fine and gross motor skills along with age appropriate readiness activities. Call Sherri or Fran at 568-9822 for more information and a tour of the facility.

HART TOURNAMENT
East Mountain Country Club will be hosting the 29th annual Hart Tournament on Oct. 5. Price is $90 per person, and includes greens fees, cart, lunch at the turn, a goody bag, dinner and a door prize. There will also be prizes for low net, and low gross in each catagory. The event ia a two man/woman scramble, shotgun start at noon. All proceeds are donated to local charitable orginizations in Greater Springfield. Players should arrive by at least 11 a.m. for check in. For tickets call Gary or Liz at 568-3441.

WEST SPRINGFIELD
HOMEBUYER SEMINAR
The West Springfield Public Library will be hosting an informative seminar for prospective homebuyers on Oct. 2 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. A representative from Applied Mortgage Services of Northampton and representatives from Bourque Real Estate will be on hand to inform attendees how to buy a home "from start to finish." There will be a time reserved for questions and answers. This event is free and open to the public. Questions? Call 736-4561 ext. 111.