Journal Register Calendar

Calendar Policy

OUR CALENDAR SECTION is intended to promote “free” events or ones that directly affect a volunteer-driven organization that benefits the community. Paid events that are not deemed fundraisers or benefits do not qualify. Non-charitable events that charge the public for profit are not allowed as we consider that paid advertising. The deadline to submit calendar items in the mail, by fax, or e-mailed in Word document format is Monday at noon or sooner. We usually print at least one week in advance of an event, and the listings should be brief, with only time, date, location, brief activity explanation and contact info. To view the entire calendar online, log on to www.palmerjr.com and click the blue “calendar” button.

Now

CALLING ALL MONSON QUILTERS. Monson is turning 250 this year and the 250th Anniversary Steering Committee is creating a sampler quilt made by quilters residing in Monson. The committee is looking for each quilter to create a 12-inch x 12-inch block. Fabrics and instructions will be provided. Quilters may choose from their favorite pattern or create their own design. Blocks must be completed by May 1. For more information or to pick up a packet of fabric, call Dawn Sullivan at 267-4622 or Hope Bodwell at 267-3866.

NENAMESECK SPORTSMEN’S CLUB at 190 Bacon Road in Palmer will be holding indoor archery Fridays at 7 p.m. through March 12. This is a sport league geared towards improving your archery skills and having fun. Adults and accompanied youth are welcome: adults for $8 per week, youth ages 13-17 for $4 and younger will be free. Recurves, compounds, traditional bows and barebows are all welcome, along with all ability levels. Contact Rudy Julian at 283-8294 for more information.

MONSON WOODCARVING CLUB has established its meeting schedule for the next several months. The club will meet at Monson High School, 55 Margaret St., Monson, at 6 p.m. on the following dates: Feb. 4, March 4, April 1, May 6 and June 3. Dues for the year are $20. Anyone interested in woodcarving is encouraged to attend. For more information, call Bob Anderson at 247-5071 or Michael Kane at 267-4449.

IN TUNE at the Palmer Public Library. Do you have a band, or want to make a video, record a song or film a presentation? Call 283-3330 ext. 106 to sign up for a slot on Tuesday afternoons to use the library’s digital video camera as well as the digital four-track for sound recording. This program is aimed at students in grades 7-12.

SENIOR LUNCHEON. The Monson Council on Aging invites all area seniors over age 60 to its luncheon program every Monday – Friday at the Monson Senior Center, 106 Main St., Monson. Meals are cooked in our own kitchen and not shipped in from Springfield. Home cooked meals are always served at noon. Come for good food and good company. The requested donation of $2.25 includes the entrée, bread, dessert and beverage. Menus are available in the COA newsletter. Luncheon reservations must be made by 2:30 p.m. the day before you would like to come to lunch. For more info or van reservations, call 267-4121.

GAME NIGHT will be held at Top Floor Learning at the Palmer Public Library the second Monday of each month: Feb. 8, March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14 and July 12 from 6-7:45 p.m. There is no fee and attendants must be 16 years of age or older unless accompanied by an adult. Games include Scrabble, Cribbage, Monopoly, Rummy, Chess, Checkers, Yahtzee, Bridge, Uno, Skipboo, Crazy 8’s, Hearts, etc. Attendees may bring their own. For more information call 283-2329.

LAFOND MEMORIES. Municipal Public Access Cable Television (M-Pact) is producing a documentary on LaFond Brothers’ Steak House. It was in business in Monson from 1932 to the early 1960s. If you have memories and stories of, for instance, The Suns of Fun, the singing waiters, the LaFond gang, Don Rondo, etc., that you would like to share, call Tom at 267-9249 or e-mail tjfaulkner5@cs.com.

MAKE A DONATION to the Monson Free Library in honor of a special person or family member, in the form of a book, DVD or CD, audio book or magazine subscription. Each item bought will have a personalized bookplate and the person will receive a letter informing them of your gift. The cost of donations is $25 for a book, $20 for a CD or DVD, $100 for an audio book and $20 for a magazine subscription. All donations are tax deductible. For more information call 267-3866.

ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES is a nonprofit, non-denominational organization for food relief and financial support, and the First Church of Monson is one of the distribution sites. The cost of the food is about 50 percent less than supermarkets and is open to everyone needing help with their monthly food budget. For more information go to www.Angelfoodministries.com or call the First Church of Monson at 267-3312.

Saturday, Feb. 6

A ROAST BEEF DINNER will be served by Operation Friendship on Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Church of the Divine Mercy on Main Street in Three Rivers at 6 p.m. The price is $12 for adults, $6 for children 5-10 and free for children under 5. Reservations are recommended by calling Candy at 283-7371.

THE GREEN COMMUNITIES ACT was signed by Gov. Deval Patrick in July 2008. The law created a Green Communities Division whose main function is to help all municipalities become green communities. Jim Barry, the Western Mass. Regional Coordinator, will offer a free program at the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary in Monson and Wales on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 1:30 p.m. to discuss what towns can do to access grant money for energy efficiency projects and/or alternative energy projects on municipal buildings. Call 267-9654 for a reservation.

THE QUABOAG HIGHLANDERS PIPES & DRUMS have announced their seventh annual Celtic Ball on Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Sheraton in Springfield. The grand social hour begins with hors d’oeuvres to the music of “Sweet Wind,” toasting of the Haggis and dinner of beef, chicken or fish. The Quaboag Highlanders will perform and there will be dancing to the music of the Instigators. Semi-formal or Highland attire is encouraged. Call 413-205-8335 or look online at www.quaboaghighlanders.org for more information.

Sunday, Feb. 7

SLEIGH RALLY AND WINTER FUN FEST. Blue Star Equiculture will host its first ever sleigh rally on Sunday, Feb. 7 (snow date Feb. 20) at Burgundy Brook Farm on Route 181 in Palmer. The event will feature sleigh rides, fund and friendly competition, hot chocolate and concessions, games, prizes, vendors, etc. All are welcome, bring your lap robes and sleigh bells if you have them. Participants will be charged $25 per horse, unlimited classes; the public will be charged $3 per person. Kids 12 and under are free. For more information visit www.equiculture.com or call 289-9787.

Monday, Feb. 8

MONET’S MAGIC GARDEN: How to Pastel Paint as Impressionists workshop at Palmer Public Library on Monday, Feb. 8 from 6-8 p.m. No experience necessary and all materials will be included. Presented by award-winning artist Gregory Maichack. Program is supported by the Friends Public Library. For more information call the library at 283-3330 ext. 0.

Tuesday, Feb. 9

JOB SEEKER SERIES: “First Resume” workshop at the Palmer Public Library on Tuesday, Feb. 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. This is a follow-up to the Intro to Resume workshop. Facilitators will assist you with creating a resume from scratch using a template in the computer lab. Workshop includes time for individual resume critique. Tech Teens will be available to assist with computer formatting as needed. Bring notes, including prior job experiences and dates. Program is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required by calling 283-3330 ext. 0.

Feb. 10 & 17

GED PRACTICE TEST to determine your readiness for the GED will be offered at Top Floor Learning in the Palmer Public Library on Wednesdays, Feb. 10 and 17. Participants must attend both dates. Each person will meet individually to review the results. Call 283-2329 to register. The full battery GED will be offered at the library on March 15, 16 and 17. Registration for this test is during the week of Feb. 22-Feb. 27.

Thursday, Feb. 11

THE ELBOW PLANTATION HISTORICAL SOCIETY will be holding its “show and tell” program in the community room of the Palmer Public Library on Thursday, Feb. 11 from 6-8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a favorite collectible item or discussion. Refreshments will be served and the meeting is open to the public.

SOPRANO RUTH HARCOVITZ, sometimes called “Boston’s Julie Andrews,” will be singing a program called “A Musical Valentine” at the Wales Senior Center on Thursday, Feb. 11 following a Valentine’s luncheon at noon. Harcovitz, whose show includes love songs in many styles, has sung in opera companies and been a soloist with orchestras. This program has been supported by the Wales Cultural Council, a local agency, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. For luncheon reservations or further information, call the senior center at 413-245-9683.

Friday, Feb. 12

MONSON COFFEE SHOP UNPLUGGED will be sponsored by the Monson Arts Council and the Monson Free Library and will be held at the library at 2 High St. on Friday, Feb. 12 from 7-9 p.m. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. The snow date will be Friday, Feb. 19. There is a suggested fee of $5 per person. Artists wishing to share vocals, poetry, monologues as well as instrumentals may download an application from the library’s Web site at www.monsonlibrary.com or the arts council’s Web site at www.monsonartscouncil.com. Proceeds from the event will benefit the library.

Sunday, Feb. 14

GREATER SPRINGFIELD HABITAT FOR HUMANITY and the Monson Circle of Faith will dedicate the newest Habitat home in Monson on Sunday, Feb. 14 from 1-3 p.m. at the First Church of Monson, 5 High St. All are welcome and tours of the house at 2 Palmer Road will be available after the dedication ceremony.

Tuesday, Feb. 16

JOB SEEKER SERIES: “Update Resume” workshop at the Palmer Public Library on Tuesday, Feb. 16 from 6-7:30 p.m. This is a follow-up to the Intro to Resume workshop. Facilitators will assist you in updating your resume in the computer lab. Workshop includes time for individual resume critique. Tech Teens will be available to assist with computer formatting as needed. Bring paper and electronic copy of your resume (disk, flash drive or e-mail attachment. The computer lab has MS Office Word 03). The program is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required by calling 283-3330 ext. 0.

INDOOR BEACH PARTY at The First Church of Monson at 3 High St. on Tuesday, Feb. 16 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring your own picnic lunch for the indoor picnic (lemonade and iced tea will be provided) and enjoy sand and water play, indoor sports, crafts and more during this free event.

Saturday, Feb. 20

A GREET AND EAT taco and salad bar will be held at the First Church of Monson, 5 High St., in Monson on Saturday, Feb. 20 from 5-6:30 p.m. On the menu will be seasoned meat, rice and beans, taco toppings, salad fixings, brownie pizza and beverages. The price is $7 for adults, $4 for children 6-12 and $20 for a family. Reservations may be made by contacting the church office at 267-3312 or firstchurch@samnet.net.

MARY’S CLOSET will be open on Saturday, Feb. 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 4080 Main St. in Thorndike. This shop sells donated clothing in good condition for $1 per bag, which are provided. There are coats, sweaters, jeans, shirts, blouses, skirts, dresses for adults and children of all ages, including toddlers and babies. Enjoy free coffee and donuts. Donations are accepted that day or by calling Donna at 283-6407.

BEETLES AND FLOWERING PLANTS, a free program, will be presented at the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary in Monson and Wales on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 1:30 p.m. There are over 30,000 species of beetles in the U.S. and Canada and almost 300,000 worldwide. Beetles are important pollinators of our plants. Come learn about this important relationship.

Saturday, Feb. 27

THE PALMER KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS will be serving a homemade turkey dinner with all the fixings in St. Thomas Parish Hall, 1076 Thorndike St., Palmer on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. All are invited. Adults are $10 and children are $5. Tickets are available by calling Norm Guerette at 283-7527 or the parish office at 283-5091 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

A COMMUNITY MEAL will be served at St. Paul’s Unitarian Universalist Church of Palmer at the corner of Park and Central streets on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. Come for a meal and fellowship. All are welcome and the meal is free. Come as you are.

A BOTTLE AND CAN DRIVE will be held by Operation Friendship Youth Group on Saturday, Feb. 27 at Converse Middle School from 9-11 a.m. If you would like to donate your returnable bottles and cans you may drop them off at the school or call 283-8560 if you would like them picked up.

BACKYARD BIRDING AND BEYOND, a free program, will be offered at the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary in Monson and Wales on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 1:30 p.m. The lecture will focus on birds that can be observed in your own backyard and beyond. The group will discuss feeding, housing, identification, songs and calls and ways to make your habitat more bird-friendly..

Upcoming

JOB SEEKER SERIES: INTERVIEW SKILLS at Palmer Public Library, on Tuesday, March 2 from 6-7:30 p.m. Facilitators will discuss how to best prepare for an interview, from dressing the part to wrap-up, and all the questions in between. The program is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required by calling 283-3330 ext. 0.

USED BOOK/TAG SALE on Saturday, March 5 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Parish of Monson, 177 Main St. Fill a bag of books: paperbacks - $3 per bag; hardcovers - $5 per bag. to rent a tag sale table for $15, call Tonia at 267-9130 or Mary at 267-0033.

JOB SEEKER SERIES: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER at Palmer Public Library, Tuesday, March 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. The event will cover networking, cover letters and follow-up. The program is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required by calling 283-3330 ext. 0.

YOGA WITH JOAN ROEBUCK will begin on Tuesday nights, 7-8:15 p.m. on March 9, 16, 23 and 30, and April 13 and 20, in the Monson Town Office Building, 110 Main St. Roebuck is a certified yoga instructor who has been teaching for 10 years. The classes consist of gentle stretching, beginning yoga postures, proper breathing exercises, deep relaxation and meditation. Bring an exercise mat and wear loose, comfortable clothing. For more information, call the Monson Parks and Recreation Department at 267-5105, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-noon.

Ongoing

PRESCHOOL STORY HOUR at the Monson Free Library every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. for stories, crafts and songs. The event is open to children ages 2-5. For more information, call the library at 267-3866.

1st FRIDAY DANCES. The first Friday of each month, the Nomads of Hope will host a 7th & 8th Grade Dance at the First Church of Monson from 7-10 p.m. Cost is $7. For more info, contact Linda Shorette at 413-262-1463 or shorettelw@gmail.com.

5TH & 6TH GRADE FUN NIGHT. The second Friday of each month the Nomads of Hope will have a Fun Night for 5th & 6th graders at the First Church of Monson from 6:30-9 p.m. Cost is $7. For more info, contact Linda Shorette at 413-262-1463 or shorettelw@gmail.com..

PLAY AND LEARN DROP-IN. The Palmer/Monson Family Network will hold its play and learn drop-in Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., and Tuesdays, 9:30-11 a.m. Enjoy the playroom and browse through the family lending library or clothing exchange program. Meet other families and their young children. Have some fun with the creative art area, music, blocks, dramatic play and other early learning activities. Tuesdays involve some messy art, so dress appropriately. For more information call 283-6246.

TODDLER TIME DROP-IN. The Palmer/Monson Family Network toddler time drop-in is Wednesdays from 9-10:30 a.m. Toddlers up to 24 months will have the playroom to themselves and parents will have an opportunity to connect with other. Snack and circle time are included. No older siblings. For more information call 283-6246.

PARENT/INFANT GROUP. The Palmer/Monson Family Network parent/infant group is held Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-noon. This is a popular group for parents and babies who are not yet crawling. Come meet with others for discussion and fun. Sibling childcare is provided. For more information, call 283-6246.

HAVE YOU HAD A BABY RECENTLY? If you are living in Palmer or Monson and you have a newborn baby, call the Palmer Monson Family Network at 283-6246 to get your free canvas bag packed with information for you and the practical goodies for your baby. The Family Network, a Hampshire Educational Collaborative program, is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

KEEP HOMESTEAD MUSEUM at 35 Ely Road, Monson, will be closed for the winter and will reopen April 5, 2010. No meetings or tours will be held until March 1, 2010. Nature trails will be open daily for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Trail maps can be found in the parking lot. For more information call 267-4137, e-mail khm@keephomesteadmuseum.org or visit www.keephomesteadmuseum.org.

THE PALMER CIRCLE DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA, a sorority of area Catholic women dedicated to the church through service to others, holds monthly meetings at the Parish Center of St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month (except January and July). New members are always welcome. Contact Regent LuAnn Staniszewski at 413-204-8168 if interested.

CHILDREN’S STORY HOUR. The Friends of the Monson Free Library will present children’s story hours on Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the DeSantis Room of the library. Stories, crafts, and songs are for children ages 2 to 5. For more information or to sign up, call 267-3866.

PALMER CHESS CLUB meets every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Creative Concepts Barber Shop, 1110 Park St., Palmer. The club is free and offers casual play, tournament play, a chess book library, and more. For information, call Dan Kibbe at 283-7089.

GREENE ROOM PRODUCTIONS is seeking people who would like to support the arts by being a part of its fundraising committee/booster club. The club is looking to fundraise, find sponsors, donors, and underwriters for upcoming productions, workshops, and educational opportunities. All interested individuals are invited to the next board meeting. If you are interested in being a part of Greene Room Productions or for more information, contact Erin Greene at (413) 668-7284 as soon as possible.

USED BOOKSTORE at the Unitarian Universalist Parish of Monson on Main Street in Monson, is now open on the first and third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wide variety of hardcovers, paperbacks, children’s, non-fiction, sci-fi, religion, cookbooks, and more. Donations are welcome. For more information, call Darlene at 267-9677.

CROSSWAY COFFEE HOUSE will offer a variety of artists performing Christian music on the fourth Saturday of each month. Admission is free and the event is open to all ages. The coffee house is located at 1130 South Main St., Palmer (formerly the Palmer Grange). Upcoming artists and events can be found by visiting www.thecrossway.org.

COMMUNITY BREAKFAST. All are welcome to a free community breakfast offered on the second and fourth Sundays of each month from 8 – 9:45 a.m. at the Second Congregational Church on Pleasant Street in Palmer.

WING MEMORIAL HOSPITAL NURSE Margarita Canuel will be at the Palmer Senior Center every Wednesday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. to perform blood pressure, glucose, and medicine checks.

FREE HEALTH SERVICES are available at the Monson Council on Aging from 9 –11:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. Services include a free blood pressure and glucose check. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 267-4121. Walk-ins are welcome.

THE PARENTS ADVISORY COUNCIL for special education for the Palmer schools meets the second Wednesday of each month until June, at the Palmer Public Library at 6 p.m. The meeting is open to the public to discuss issues around children in special education.

HAYLOFT STEPPERS SQUARE AND ROUND DANCE CLUB will offer square dance classes on Sunday nights at the Hayloft Steppers Barn, 232 Podunk Road. Beginner levels from 6-7 p.m.; plus level from 7-8 p.m.; advance level 8-9 p.m. The cost for classes is $6. For more information, visit www.hayloftsteppers.org or call the barn at 508-347-9130.

QUABBIN BUSINESS GROUP BNI meets every Thursday from 7-8:30 a.m. at St. Francis Church on the common in Belchertown. BNI is an international networking organization. A coalition of local businesses with one person from each profession is represented. Members support and do more business by giving each other referrals. Visitors are welcome. For more info, call Linda Gouvin, chapter president, at 413-277-2018. For info about BNI, visit www.bni.com.

The Monson Fencing League, sponsored by the Monson Parks and Recreation Department, meets at the Monson Town Office Building gymnasium on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. There is no experience necessary and new members are welcome. There is no fee associated with this program. The only expense is the cost for your equipment. For more info, call Reed at 267-0550 or John at 267-4341.

PARENT-TEEN BOOK CLUB meets at the Palmer Public Library on the last Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. For more info, call the library at 283-3330, ext. 106.

YOUNG ADULT event at the Palmer Public Library. Every Tuesday from 2-4 p.m., come over and play Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero in the community room. For kids in grades 5-12. For more info, call the library at 283-3330.

ROOM RENTALS at Hitchcock Academy in Brimfield. Are you planning a birthday party, reunion, anniversary, or holiday party? Eliminate your concerns over cleaning your home, having enough space, and the whims of New England weather and rent a room at Hitchcock Academy, one of the most historic buildings in Brimfield. You can enjoy your party or function in a smoke- and alcohol-free environment. Kitchen facilities are available. The fee is $40 per hour. For more info, call 245-9977.

WICKED WEDNESDAYS-MYSTERY BOOK CLUB at the Palmer Public Library from 6:30-7:30 p.m. This is an informal adult book discussion group meeting on the first Wednesday of the month now through June. Mystery fans, won't you join us? For more details and to pre-register for the first meeting, call 283-3330, ext. 100.

FAMILY GAMBLING-ANON GROUP on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Haynes Chapel (behind the sanctuary) at Sturbridge Federated Church at Maple Street and Route 131 in Sturbridge. For those interested in gaining more support to promote your gambling recovery. To join this new group, call Doug at 508-887-1696 or Dee at 508-347-2122 or just come to the meeting.

OLD POST ROAD ORCHESTRA OF WILBRAHAM is looking for new members (especially strings, percussion, bassoon, and oboe) in preparation for the 2007-2008 season. Rehearsals run every Wednesday through the end of June at the Stony Hill Elementary School in Wilbraham. There are no auditions. To see if there are openings for your instrument, visit www.opro.org, or call 413-596-9075 or 413-783-6311.

THE WALES SENIOR CENTER is again serving lunches three days a week. Join us on Tuesday and Thursday at noon for delicious lunches made in our kitchen. Suggested donation is $2. Join us on Wednesdays at noon for healthy, nutritious meals provided by Greater Springfield Senior Services. Suggested donation is just $1.75. Reservations may be made 24 hours in advance by calling the Senior Center at 245-9683.

CABOOSE THRIFT SHOP at Second Congregational Church on Pleasant Street in Palmer is open on Friday and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shop is now accepting donations (no toys, please).

ARTIST WANTED. Local artists are invited to exhibit their works at the Monson Senior Center, 106 Main St. Each month, the Council on Aging features a different local artist. Various mediums are artistic styles are encouraged. The center is able to show up to 9 pictures in each exhibit. Artists are welcome to put their card and the cost of the picture on the artwork. The Monson Senior Center is open to the public and all exhibits are advertised. Interested artists should contact Judith White, Director, Monson Council on Aging, 106 Main St., Monson, MA 01057, or call 267-4121.

LIBRARY AT YOUR DOOR. Not able to get to the library? Then the library can come to you. The Monson Free Library offers “The Library at Your Door,” a free delivery service to Monson residents unable to get to the library. Any book, books on tape or CD, and magazines can be delivered right to your door on the second Wednesday of the month. The service is open to anyone who cannot get to the library due to long or short-term health concerns, physical issues, or pregnancy. For more information, call the Monson Library at 267-3866.

ST. THOMAS COMMUNITY MEALS will be held on the second Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. in the St. Thomas Parish Center on Thorndike Street in Palmer. These community meals are open to all people in the greater Palmer community. Any donations are much appreciated. This program is offered each month from September to May.

Top Floor Learning at the Palmer Public Library still has openings for English as a Second Language conversation and citizenship classes. Also, individualized instruction is offered. For more info, call 283-2329.

TAKE PHOTOS? Unsure what to do with them? Come join our scrap booking club. Traditional scrap booking as well as digital options available. Group meets in Palmer every third Friday and every third Sunday in Ware with Creative Memories Consultant available for questions and supplies. For more info, contact Rebecca Lukaskiewicz at 284-9962 or visit www.mycmsite.com/beckyl for a calendar of events.

DO YOU LIKE TO SING? The Brimfield Senior Center has started a choral group. The group gets together to sing for the fun of it. If this sounds like fun, contact the center at 245-7253 for more info.

BRIMFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY will host story hour for preschool children age 2.9 through 6 years old every Monday from 10:15 to 11 a.m. during the school year. Join Gena Matte Babeneau, Tantasqua Union 61 preschool outreach teacher, as we take a weekly adventure through books, games, music, math, science and arts and crafts, as the children learn about themselves and the world around them. For more information, call Gina at 245-3793. This program is also offered every Tuesday at Brimfield’s Hitchcock Academy from 9:20 to 10:05 a.m. These programs are free and sponsored by the Tantasqua Union 61 Community Partnership for children grant through the Massachusetts Dept. of Education and early learning.

SWIFT RIVER SPORTSMAN’S CLUB will host trap shooting on Sundays, weather permitting. The public is invited. Shooting will commence at 9 a.m. Eye and ear protection strongly recommended. For more information, call Ed Roberge at 413-323-5736, or Charlie Bliss at 413-323-5022.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS STEP MEETING on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. at Wing Memorial Hospital in Palmer. For more information, e-mail vadteach@hotmail.com.

STONE HOUSE MUSEUM at 20 Maple St. (Route 202) in Belchertown is open May through October, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children. Group tours other times by appointment. For info, call 323-6573.

THE WILBRAHAM CHILDREN'S MUSEUM invites you and your child to come visit and have some fun. Our museum is currently accepting registrations for the winter playgroup session. The museum and playgroups are open to children in all surrounding communities. For more information about playgroups, visit www.wilbrahamchildrensmuseum.org or call 413-596-2472.

VILLAGE TOASTMASTERS. Want to improve your public speaking, presentation, communication and leadership skills? Toastmasters International is a membership club. You are invited to come as our guest to observe and ask questions with no obligations. Meeting time is Thursday evenings from 6:45 to 8 p.m. at the Southbridge Savings Bank Community Room, Charlton Road (Route 20) in Sturbridge; and 1st Thursday of the month at Griffin Books & Beans, 440 Main St., Sturbridge. For more information, contact Dennis A. McCurdy at 508-347-9343, or e-mail mccurdyi@charter.net, or visit www.Toastmasters.org.

LINE DANCING with the live music of Eddy C every Friday at 10 a.m. at the Monson Senior Center. No charge. Registration not required.

TAI CHI CLASSES at the Brimfield Senior Center, which is located in the Congregational Church. Classes meet on Tuesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome, fee is based on a donation. For more info, call 267-4286.

MOVIES ON FRIDAYS at the Brimfield Senior Center on the big screen. Call the center for more info at 245-7253 or 245-2889.

FIRST FRIDAY DANCES. First Church of Monson, 5 High St., will be offering dances on the first Friday of every month from 7 to 10 p.m. It’s for all seventh and eighth graders, and cost to attend is $5. The dances will last until June of 2006.

LIBRARY LOFT Used Book Store at Schoolhouse Commons, 1085 Park St. (Route 20) in Palmer. Regular winter hours are: Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Special December hours: Saturdays, Dec. 2, 9, and 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Book donations will be accepted at the Palmer Public Library or at the Library Loft during open hours. Please, no magazines or Reader’s Digest Condensed Books. We accept books only in good, clean condition. For more information, call 283-3330, ext. 100, or visit www.palmer.lib.ma.us.

THE MONSON COUNCIL ON AGING invites all area seniors to its luncheon program, every Monday through Friday, at the Monson Senior Center, 106 Main Street, Monson. Home cooked meals are served at noon. Come for good food and good company. The requested donation of $2 includes the entrée, dessert, bread, milk and coffee or tea. Menus are available in the Council on Aging Newsletter. If you are a Monson senior, call the Senior Center and arrangements can be made for the van to bring you to the Center. Call by 9 a.m. to make reservations for the van or lunch.

THE MONSON COUNCIL ON AGING Meals on Wheels drivers deliver delicious home cooked meals to Monson Seniors (age 60+) in their homes every Sunday through Saturday. Seniors who could benefit from receiving a home delivered meal are those just returning from a stay in the hospital, rehab unit or nursing home, those who live by themselves and find it difficult to get out, and frail seniors who are alone much of the day while family members are at work. The Meals on Wheels program provides seniors with a daily hot nutritious meal, and a friendly visitor during the middle of the day. Meals can be ordered every day, or only as needed. Call the Monson Senior Center at 267-4121, for more info and to enroll. The requested donation is $2 per meal. The Monson COA Nutrition Program is funded, in part, by a grant from Greater Springfield Senior Services, Inc.

ROOM RENTALS AT HITCHCOCK ACADEMY IN BRIMFIELD. Are you planning a birthday party, reunion, anniversary or graduation celebration? Rooms are available at Hitchcock Academy, one of the most historic buildings in Brimfield. Kitchen facilities are available. The fee is $25 per hour. For more info, call 245-9977.

LUNCH AT THE BRIMFIELD SENIOR CENTER served every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Suggested donation $1.75. Call 245-7253 or 245-2889 to make your reservation 24 hours in advance.

The Monson Historic Commission is looking for groups or persons who wish to display items to the public in the Grace Makepeace Trust for Historic Preservation Cabinet. The items should depict a group’s mission or interest. The display will be available for three-month intervals at the Monson Town Hall at 110 Main St. For more info, contact Reed Coles at 267-0550.

QUABBIN VALLEY TWIRLERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB sponsors dance workshops on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. at the American Legion Hall on Route 202 in Belchertown. If you would like to refresh your dancing skills, or learn how to square dance, join us. For more info, call Gloria or Fran at 413-467-3352.

STRENGTH AND FITNESS classes held at the Brimfield Senior Center, located in the Congregational Church. Classes meet Monday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome. The fee is $1 for seniors, $2 for others. For more info, call 267-4286/

THE MONSON ARTS COUNCIL is seeking new members. One does not have to be a resident of the town of