Sensibility

Sensibility

STYLE &

LOCAL SPORTS

East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Hampden, Wilbraham & Sixteen Acres

Girls Soccer Christina Goodchild contributed two assists. Pages 20-21.

PAGE 30

www.TheReminder.com

October 12, 2009

Reminder Publications photo by George Skovera

10-14 or 24? Select Board and firefighters clash over shifts By Courtney Llewellyn

The article was approved for the warrant while contract negotiations are still underway for the town’s f iref ighters, and they are arguing that hours worked in a shift should be determined by the union, not by the town charter. A forum took place last Wednesday evening, where members of the Select Board presented reasons why they thought the charter change made sense, and both town residents and supporters of the firefighters from nearby towns and cities gave their opinions on why the change did not. Select Board Clerk Mark Gold explained that the town’s firefighters currently work a mix of two 10-hour shifts and two 14-hours shifts, for a total of 48 hours over an eightday work week. The switch to 24-hour shifts would mean a firefighter would work 24 hours, have the next 24 off, work another 24 hours, and then not return to the fire house for five days unless there were an emergency. “The Select Board is concerned that such a shift schedule is unsafe for residents and employees,” Gold stated. He presented f ive different studies that showed work fatigue was the primary cause of work-

Reminder Assistant Editor

LONGMEADOW – Traditionally, the Longmeadow firefighters (Local 1903 of the International Association of Firefighters, or IAFF) are the ones to determine the hours they work during collective bargaining discussions. An article that is currently on the warrant for the Special Town Meeting will ask voters “to see if the Town will vote to insert the following new provision in the Town Charter: Section 7-10: Limitation of Hours of Work – No employee of the Town shall be regularly scheduled to work for the Town more than 14 continuous hours in any midnight to midnight 24 hour period.” Although this applies to all town employees, the firefighters and the police were the most vocal groups opposing the proposed change. The town charter can be changed with a two-thirds vote at the Special Town Meeting, and the Select Board is looking to change the charter because a bylaw could be superseded by collective bargaining.

Fire Chief Eric Madison

related errors and accidents – but no studies that related directly to firefighters. Mike Maheux, wellness coordinator for the fire department, noted that 24-hour shifts would reduce the lack of sleep many firefighters currently deal with and that the longer shifts would ultimately be better for their lives and their safety. Close to 75 percent of the f ire departments in the Commonwealth operate on 24-hour shift schedules. Many of those who took the podium stated that the issue was about collective bargaining and not about hours worked, including Attorney Kevin Coyle, who represents IAFF Local 1903, which consists of 21 Longmeadow firefighters. “The hours of work belong at the bargaining table,” he told the Select Board. “A charter change is the inappropriate vehicle for a collective bargaining issue.” He added that if the town moved forward with the proposed change, the litigation between the town and the union would result in “a waste of taxpayer dollars.” “It’s like there were two different Please see SHIFTS on page 18

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The drive to survive By Katelyn Gendron Reminder Assistant Editor

he scales are tipping in favor of the patient these days, rather than the disease. Scientists, physicians, surgeons, activists and patients are laboring assiduously to pinpoint a cure for breast cancer. Hospitals in Western Massachusetts are on the cutting edge, building state-of-the-art facilities specializing in the latest diagnostic technologies and treatments. Dr. Grace MakariJudson, medical director of the Comprehensive Breast Center, part of the Baystate Regional Cancer Program, said such advances have improved survival rates two percent each year over the past decade. “Most women diagnosed with breast cancer today have an 80 to 90 percent chance of being alive in 10 years,” she said. Makari-Judson added that a nine-year study published recently in “Breast Cancer Research” documented a 33 percent improvement in the survival of those cared for by multidisciplinary teams – including breast surgeons,

T

medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and plastic surgeons – such as those at the Comprehensive Breast Center. “This multidisciplinary group of clinicians also provides consensus on treatment options so as to provide the best quality care to our breast cancer patients,” Makari-Judson explained. “And, while intuitively we have felt that the team approach was the ideal way to treat breast cancer, it is satisfying to see that this can now be supported by findings from a nine-year study.” Carol Baribeau, a seven-year breast cancer survivor, a patient of Makari-Judson’s, and the director of annual funds at Baystate Health Foundation Inc., concurred. “The caring nature of all the individuals is just [phenomenal]. From the receptionists to doctors to radiation technicians, everybody was warm, helpful and caring,” she recalled. “You just felt all of their attention was for you; they were so supportive of your process and well-being. It is the wellbeing of the individual that is so much a part of the treatment protocol [at Baystate].” Makari-Judson cautioned

blind optimism for the trend of decreasing breast cancer cases, however. “The number of new cases is down over the past f ive years, and some optimistically attribute this to the sharp decline in women using postmenopausal estrogen,” she explained. “Others take a more pessimistic view and worry that we are seeing fewer early cases due to a drop in mammography rates that will only surface in the coming years as more advanced cancer.” Dr. Steven Schonoholz, medical director of the Breast Care Center at Mercy Medical Center, echoed Makari-Judson’s sentiments. “The statistical trend is that [the number of breast cancer cases] may be going down,” he said, noting that the center treated 1,750 patients in 2008 and over 2,000 this year – 90 percent of whom were women. “It is thought that by stopping the combination hormonal therapy of estrogen and progesterone, estrogen sensitive cancers have decreased,” Schonoholz explained.

“The statistical trend is that [the number of breast cancer cases] may be going down,” –Dr.Steven Schonoholz

“At t h e Breast Care Center we do the largest volume of testing for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome. We identify those patients that have not developed cancer and put them into high-risk screening or risk reduction surgery.” Baribeau noted that despite advances in diagnostic techniques and treatments, community outreach and awareness are paramount and those in Western Massachusetts are listening. She said the Baystate Health Foundation Inc.’s annual Rays of

Hope – A Walk Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer has become the largest singleday walk in Western and C e n t r a l Massachusetts with over 15,000 participants, raising over $7.3 million. Baribeau noted that monies raised at each walk – this year’s will take place in Forest Park, Springfield on Oct. 25 – fund research grants and treatment options throughout Western Massachusetts. Makari-Judson and Schonoholz agreed that patients never have to travel to Boston or New York to gain the most comprehensive treatment available right here at home. However, the work is far from over as the American Cancer Society estimates 192,370 new cases of breast cancer this year of which 40,170 are expected to succumb to the disease. Join Assistant Editor Katelyn Gendron for Part II of this three-

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• 3 T olive oil, divided • 6 lg. chicken thighs • 1 T kosher salt • 2 tsp dried thyme • 1-1/2 tsps fresh ground black pepper •1/4 tsp ground nutmeg • 3 T chopped fresh chives • 2 lbs. unpeeled med. Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed, cut into 2”long, 1/2”-thick spears • 2 lbs. med. carrots, peeled, cut into 2”-long, 1/2”-thick spears Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat large rimmed baking sheet with 1 T oil. Place chicken on baking sheet. Coat with oil & set skin side up. Mix salt, thyme, 1-1/2 tsp pepper & nutmeg in small bowl. Sprinkle 1/2 mix. over chicken. Roast until chicken starts to brown & some fat has rendered, @ 30 min. Meanwhile, combine potatoes, carrots, 2 T oil, & remaining salt thyme mixture in large bowl. Transfer thighs to medium bowl; set aside. Transfer potato-carrot mixture to same baking sheet; turn to coat with drippings. Roast until vegetables soften, 30 min. Place thighs on vegetables; pour accumulated juices from chicken over. Return sheet to oven. Roast until chicken is cooked & vegetables brown, 15 mins. longer. Place chicken on platter; top with chives.

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THE REMINDER

October 12-18, 2009  Page 3

Opinion

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Enrich the city with more arts and culture department store while a group of artists and a restaurant share a building that once housed a bakery. This is not to say the town I had the pleasure of driving to White River Junction, Vt., last doesn’t have its problems, but it is heartening to see week to be a guest lecturer how the town is at the Center for Cartoon becoming a better Studies (CCS) – one of two place. schools in this country In Springf ield, dedicated to further the City Councilor Tim education of artists who Rooke has urged the wish to be cartoonists. active adoption of A buddy of mine the measures teaches at the school and he Pittsfield has taken had me talk about how to use the arts to comic strips and books attract new residents have been adapted into other media and the G. Michael Dobbs and new visitors. I hope someone takes economic imperatives that surround those adaptations. his message seriously in the city I think the class went well. The government. On the private side one can see students asked questions and none seemed to fall asleep – always a how Open Square in Holyoke and good sign. And most of them the Indian Orchard Mills in turned up at the animation night I Springf ield have truly made later presented. signif icant improvements. The A side benefit, though, was to continuing development of the see how White River Junction is Bing Theater is an important part of evolving. My friend moved up to an increased arts and culture that part of the Green Mountain presence in the city. state several years ago and when I The marketing actions of first saw the little downtown area I Passport Holyoke to draw people to attractions there is also a great step thought it looked pretty grim. White River Junction is a town forward. The announcement that the whose fortunes rose and fell with the railroad. Although trains go owners of the Paramount block in through the town today, they no downtown Springfield would like longer represent the kind of to convert the office space into apartment/studio space for artists economic engine they once did. Instead, art is now drawing would be an exciting addition to new residents and helping to fill up downtown. the storefronts. CCS took up an old Some of this redevelopment By G. Michael Dobbs Managing Editor

To Send Us A Letter: Deadline - Wednesday at noon for the following week’s edition.

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*** What East Longmeadow elected official is a slow learner and still is apparently posting Facebook messages that some people will interpret about town business? The posting that refers to someone resigning is pretty interesting but awfully nonspecific. That kind of message is actually worse than saying something out right – it’s too open to interpretation. Remember folks: posting something on Facebook is the same as blogging. It’s out there. It’s public and I’m reading it as well as many, many other people. And if it’s newsworthy you’re going to see it here. This column represents the opinions of its author. Send your comments online to [email protected] or to 280 N. Main St.,East Longmeadow, Mass. 01028.

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*** I’m not a betting man, but I wouldn’t have guessed that a political newcomer to Agawam politics, Derek Benton, would have been the candidate for mayor topping the primary. What message are voters trying to send? I’m not a mind reader either, but I’m willing to say the rejection of incumbent Mayor Susan Dawson and City Councilor Cecilia Calabrese might indicate a general dissatisfaction with the political status quo in the town. Benton even squeaked by former mayor Richard Cohen. I suppose Agawam voters really want some sort of major change in direction. The next few weeks will be pretty interesting.

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THE REMINDER

October 12-18, 2009  Page 5

At the end, you think about the beginning

• CARPENTRY • ROOFING • SIDING • GUTTERS • REPLACEMENT DOORS & WINDOWS

By Natasha Clark Assistant Managing Editor

Six years ago, I walked into the Chicopee Herald office owned by Reminder Publications looking for an internship. Managing Editor G. Michael Dobbs went through my college newspaper clips, asked me about my aspirations and gave me an unpaid position writing articles. I was green. So green I could have doubled as the Incredible Hulk’s stunt double. On my f irst interview with Womanshelter/Compañeras, of which one of their missions is to help women and their families escape abusive environments, I had the audacity to ask for their address to include in my article. You can imagine the silence on the other end of the line, before the woman reminded me that she would not provide that information because these were supposed to be safe havens. I felt like an idiot. It wouldn’t be the last time. (There is a reason my siblings refer to me as “the special one.”) But Mike took a chance and later offered me a paid freelance gig reporting on the Longmeadow School Committee and the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District. Six years later, I am leaving my beloved position as assistant managing editor. I grew up at The Reminder. When I came here I was 23 years old with enough water behind my ears to fill two separate buckets. My son was f ive, HampdenWilbraham Superintendent M. Martin O’Shea was assistant principal at Longmeadow High School and Michael Albano was mayor of Springfield. The words “thank you” don’t even describe the appreciation I have for our readers. Each week you all called and gave me the privilege of reporting on your communities.

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I’ve reported on everything from woman on the eve of her 30th property rates to budgets to youth birthday with more than 300 in the community making a bylines. difference. I learned the Publishers Chris And Dan importance of accuracy, of Buendo have always given the building relationships and, most news department the freedom to importantly, being the voice of continually challenge what a residents. weekly newspaper can do. My leaving is Because of this bittersweet. Some of freedom, Reminder the people I have Publications has interviewed have carved out a unique gone on to new niche for itself when places, retired, it comes to graduated, even community news. died. I will never It is so rare to forget Kara Gobron. work for a company A woman brave in where each and every the face of cancer, employee not only someone who let me gives their all, but into her battle, her comes in each day home, and with a smile, a good Natasha Clark subsequently, what word and laughter on turned out to be the final weeks of their lips. I am proud to say I her life. I will always remember worked with Dr. Paul the local Marines I met miles Gagliarducci, John Claffey, the away in the Mojave Desert who late Rosalind Clark and E. Jahn were shipped off to f ight in Hart in what, I consider, their Operation: Iraqi Freedom. Nor prime. will I get forget my life-changing I want you all to know, in all f ive weeks in Thailand. I’ve sincerity, when I was discovering interviewed people I could only just who Natasha Clark really was, dream about – Dick Gregory, Bill each conversation, each interview, Cosby and Grant Hill. And yet, each laugh and e-mail exchange some of the most memorable was shaping me into the woman I interviews I have had have been am today. I am too afraid to with town residents doing calculate what all of my coffees, impossible things because bagels and tuna sandwiches at goodness is possible. Romito & Sons have actually cost I’ve seen Reminder interns me. come in and really make a mark I am better for having met for themselves such as Jennifer you all, for taking pieces of your Sawyer and Rick Sobey. I was lives and transcribing them into there when Bluebird Estates stories. burned to the ground and then was I am proud to say that when I rebuilt from the ground up. I came into my own, I did it at witnessed Merle Safford turn her Reminder Publications. vision of the Norcross Center into So it is only fitting to end this a reality. column with the way my f irst I guess, as always, in the end, column ended when I first came you think about the beginning. I on as a staff writer in April 2004 think of coming into the East ... “Dance as if no one were Longmeadow headquarters as a watching, sing as if no one were nervous young adult yearning to listening, and live each day as if it be a writer, and exiting as a were your last.”

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Page 6  THE REMINDER October 12-18, 2009

www.TheReminder.com

For news & advertising call 413-525-6661

Town Events www.TheReminder.com

Please e-mail your community listings to [email protected] fax them to 525-5882; or mail them to 280 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Items are printed weekly on a space available basis. Town Events are also published on our Web site: www.reminderpublications.com.

 EAST LONGMEADOW BEEKEEPING PRESENTATION Kate Hamilton, beekeeper, engineer and inventor, will be the guest speaker at the E.L. Lions Club on Oct. 14. Hamilton provides a wonderful presentation about bees, their habitat and their wide-ranging effect on and in our lives. Join the Lions at 6 p.m. for social, and 6:30 for dinner and the presentation, at Elmcrest Country Club, 105 Somersville Rd. Cost of the meal is $15. For dinner reservations, call 525-0270 by noon on Oct. 14. For the nocharge presentation only, arrive at 7:15 p.m. FALL PROGRAM On Oct. 22 the E.L. Historical Commission will host its annual fall program at the Little Red School House, 35 School St. The program is open to all and is free. We are pleased to have back as our guide and orator Dennis Picard, who will present us with “Tales from the Graves of Green Lawn,” a unique walking tour of a local cemetery. The program beings at 6 p.m. at the school house with a walk to Green Lawn Cemetery. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather and landscape conditions. Lanterns and flashlights are encouraged. For more details, call Tony at 525-9577 or Laura at 525-2269. BOTTLE DRIVE The monies from our bottle drive are used for charitable works. We also remove the tabs and donate them. Returnable bottles are being collected at St. Michael’s Church, 128 Maple St., on Oct. 24 and 25 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Volunteers can call Joanne at 525-4971. HAYRIDE AND QUARRY TOUR Hayride and Quarry Tour Oct. 17, 1-3 p.m., at Billings Hill Farm, 526 Prospect St. Hosted by long-time East Longmeadow resident Jim McKnight. Bring your walking shoes. COOKING CLASSES New session of afterschool cooking

classes begin Oct. 19. All new themes and recipes, including our WCK “Top Chef Cook-Off.” Classes available for chefs from 2.5 - 18 years old. Call 224-1208 for more info or check out www.whatscookingkids.com. MEATLOAF DINNER Gunther-Rowley American Legion Post #293, 3 Legion Ct., will host a homemade meatloaf dinner on Oct. 22 starting at 6 p.m. Menu: meatloaf w/mushroom gravy, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, rolls and butter, carrot cake, soda, tea and coffee. Other drinks available at bar downstairs. Call 5252058 or 592-0596 for reservations. Cost is $9. PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER A deluxe pancake breakfast fundraiser will take place at The Meadows Lodge, 43 Chestnut St., on Oct. 18 from 8 a.m. noon. Adults $5, children $3. POT LUCK SUPPER The Women's Fellowship of the First Congregational Church will host a pot luck supper on Oct 19 at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Guest speaker will be Dr. Donald D’Amato from STCC, an historian on a variety of human beliefs relating to witchcraft and superstitions. He will present some of the meanings of the supernatural and superstitions of the ancient and modern world. Guests are welcome. BASKETBALL EVALUATION CHANGE The E.L. Rec. Dept. announces a change in basketball evaluation dates for the 7th/8th grade boys and 7th/8th grade girls, due to a scheduled Special Town Meeting on Oct. 26. Report as follows: boys, Oct. 27 at 5:45 p.m. to BPMS and Oct. 28 at 6:45 p.m. to BPMS. Girls, Oct. 22 at 5:45 p.m. to BPMS and Oct. 28 at 5:45 p.m. to BPMS. Any questions, call the Office at 525-5437.

WE REPAIR Lamps • Screens • Windows & Sharpening

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Help us celebrate Friends of Libraries Week by joining the E.L. Library as a Friends member. The price is right and the benefits are many. As a Friends member, you are eligible to take out passes to the Springfield Museum, Eric Carle Museum, Norman Rockwell Museum, Historic Deerfield and the Lupa Zoo. Cost to join the Friends is seniors, $5; individual, $10; family, $15; lifetime, $75; and business, $25. If you have any questions, call 5255400 ext. 1503.

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HOUSEWARES BULBS • CLEANING SUPPLIES • GARDEN KITCHEN TOOLS • FLAGS • VAC BAGS • MORE!

BRIGHTWOOD HARDWARE-HOUSEWARES 794 Williams Street • Longmeadow, MA (Next to Big Y) • (413) 567-0611 www.Brightwood-Hardware.com • Open Mon.-Thurs. 8-7 • Fri.-Sat. 8-6

SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CLUB The E.L. Senior Friendship Club will be entertained by Trumpet Man Roland Chirico on Oct. 15th following noon luncheon (sponsored by PeoplesBank.) Menu: American chop suey, peas & carrots and applesauce. Call 525-5436 at least one day in advance for reservations. VETERANS COFFEE HOUR The next meeting will be on Oct. 20 at 9 a.m. with Veterans rep George Herrick. The topic will be “End of Life Issues.” All local veterans are welcome and encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be available. HARVEST LUNCHEON We will be celebrating fall with a special luncheon on Oct. 20 at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 N. Main St. Menu: pot roast, parsley potato, baked carrots, turnips and a special dessert provided by Glenmeadow. Cost is $3. There will be contests to enter: best homemade pumpkin dessert, most creatively decorated pumpkin (pumpkins available at the Senior Center the week of Oct. 13), and most impressive homemade jams, jellies, pickles, or what have you! Call early for reservations at 525-5436.

FRIENDS OF RECREATION The E.L. Rec. Dept. announces an organizational kickoff meeting for Friends of Recreation on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. Individuals interested in supporting and protecting recreation and facilities are encouraged to attend. For more info call the Office at 525-5437.

SNAP INFORMATIONAL SESSION The Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 N. Main St., will host a presentation on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. The speaker will present info on what SNAP is, who is eligible, how the application process works and how to use the benefits. All are welcome. There will be a question and answer session following the presentation, and if time allows, a screening to determine eligibility for those interested. Refreshments will be served.

BASKETBALL EVALUATIONS The E.L. Rec. Dept. reminds parents of basketball evaluations for travel teams (CYO and suburban), beginning Oct. 13 and 15 for 3rd/4th grade boys and girls at ELHS for boys at 6:45 p.m. and girls at 5:45 p.m. Both nights are mandatory this year! Questions, call the Office at 5255437.

LEARN TO SQUARE DANCE Get moving and have some fun as the cold weather approaches! Neil and Cindy Hawley of the Redstone Squares will be giving square dance lessons at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 N. Main St., on Sun. evenings from 6 - 8 p.m., now through May. Classes are $6 per lesson, no pre-registration needed.

FRIENDS OF LIBRARIES WEEK

Continued on the next page

1-800-CAN-LEARN

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©2006 Huntington Learning Centers, Inc. Independently owned and operated

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THE REMINDER

HLC-2013

October 12-18, 2009  Page 7

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DEALING WITH MEMORY LOSS A free program from the Alzheimer’s Assoc. provides an overview of Alzheimer’s Disease: how to get a diagnosis, how to find local resources, addressing behavior and communication problems and other issues that families and friends of someone with Alzheimer’s face – on Oct. 14 from 1 - 3:30 p.m. at the Pleasant View Senior Center. Call 525-5436 to register. HEARING SCREENING A doctor of audiology from the Hampden Hearing Center will be conducting brief, complimentary hearing tests for people who do not use hearing aids on Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. - noon at the Pleasant View Senior Center. Call 525-5436 to sign up. PARKINSON’S: REHAB PERSPECTIVE Gentiva Services will conduct a presentation on Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 N. Main St., on how Parkinson’s Disease impacts a person and their caregivers. There will also be an explanation of the disease process, medication use and a unique approach to rehabilitation and exercise. Call to register, 525-5436.

• Strip Malls • Banks • Medical Facilities • Drug Stores • Department Stores • Churches • Supermarkets • Restaurants • Snow Plowing • Shoveling • Sanding/Salting • Calcium Applications

Continued from previous page

• Snow Blowing • Snow Bank Removal • Salting • Emergency Service

National Window Cleaning & Specialties (413) 781-6318 • (413) 566-2065

BOOK SALE Valley Radio Reading Service will host its annual book sale at the Pleasant View Senior Center on Oct. 24 from 8:30 a.m. 2 p.m. and Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. - noon. Books will be available for a very low cost. On Sun., the public can “fill a bag” for a minimal charge. If you wish to donate books, bring them to the Senior Center beginning Oct. 19. BOOK CLUB The next meeting of the Book Club will be on Oct. 27 at 10:30 a.m. at the Pleasant View Senior Center. The book chosen is “Peony in Love” by Lisa See. The Book Club meets the last Tues. of the month and is open to interested adults.

 LONGMEADOW SELECT BOARD MEETING The regularly scheduled meeting of the Select Board on Oct. 19 will begin at 6 p.m. in the community room of the police station. SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING There will be a special meeting of the Longmeadow School Committee on Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Longmeadow Police Dept., 34 Williams St. ZUMBA OPEN HOUSE Donna Gendron, Certified Zumba instructor, will host a free open house to introduce this new, feel-good aerobic exercise program at the Longmeadow Adult Center, 231 Maple Rd., on Oct. 14 from 3:30 -5 p.m. Zumba fuses Latin dance rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic fitness workout. This class is geared toward seniors. Bring your sneakers and a bottle of water and join the fun. Register at 565-4150. ZUMBA CLASSES FOR SENIORS Wed., Oct. 21 - Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. The Longmeadow Adult Center, 231 Maple Rd.,, is offering Zumba classes geared toward seniors. Combining fitness and fun, Zumba is an effective aerobic workout that is fun! No class on Nov. 11. Those who sign-up for classes at the open house on Oct. 14 will get a discounted rate. Sign up by calling 565-4150. “THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS” Join us at the Longmeadow Adult Center on Oct. 22 at 1 p.m. to see how to accessorize a simple black dress using scarves, jewelry, flowers and handbags. Learn to transform your outfit from casual to glamorous holiday wear. Register at 565-4150. STATE OF THE PLATE P.L.A.C.E. presents “State of the Plate” by Elizabeth DiMeo, MS, CNS, LDN,

Integrative Nutritionist. This lecture will address the nutritional concerns of today’s children, how they affect health, behavior and learning and what parents can do to improve their child’s eating habits. Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m., School Committee Room, Longmeadow High School, 127 Grassy Gutter Rd. This workshop is free and open to the public. RSVP to [email protected] to ensure adequate space and handouts. BLISS TENNIS COURTS Residents are invited to visit www.lprd.net to share thoughts on the usage of land at Bliss Park where the clay tennis courts now sit. Anyone who does not have a computer and would like a copy of this document mailed to them may call the Parks & Rec. Office at 565-4160. FALL IN NEW YORK Enjoy a visit to world famous museums, take in a Broadway show or just sit back and enjoy the sites and sounds of New York in the fall. Stops will be along 5th Ave. and Times Square. Info and maps will be available on the bus. Trip will be on Nov. 7. Bus will depart from Greenwood Center at 7 a.m. and return at 9:30 p.m. Visit www.LPRD.net for registration and additional info. “CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR” Christmas isn't truly here until you have a chance to visit Radio City Music Hall and see the “Christmas Spectacular.” New acts have been added to the show this season along with the traditional favorites. Seats are located in the Orchestra/First Mezzanine section. There is time following the show to enjoy the sites and sounds of the holiday season in New York City. Trip will be on Dec. 10. Bus will depart from Greenwood Center at 7 a.m. and return at 9:30 p.m. Visit www.LPRD.net for registration or additional info. LONGMEADOW YOUTH SWIM TEAM

Continued on the next page

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Page 8  THE REMINDER October 12-18, 2009

www.TheReminder.com

For news & advertising call 413-525-6661