Note: All the below programs have been canceled.

First program, a film screening, to be held at the life plan community on April 3

LONGMEADOW— Glenmeadow has developed five very varied educational presentations—from a primer on cannabis sativa, more commonly known as marijuana, to a program offering insight on people living with dementia. 

The workshops will be offered this spring at venues across the region as part of Glenmeadow’s Learning series.

“We have a mission to serve older adults throughout Greater Springfield, and our free Learning programs provide one avenue for enhancing lives by offering knowledge as well as the chance to meet new people and socialize,” says Anne Thomas, our president and CEO. “The Learning program also provides one example of how we operate as a socially accountable organization.”

The programs are free and open to the public; because seating can be limited, registration is required by contacting Jazlyn Wanzo at jwanzo@glenmeadow.org. For more information, or to register online, visit glenmeadow.org/events.

The following are the spring Glenmeadow Learning program offerings.

Lives Well Lived: A Jewish Film Festival Screening, Friday, April 3, 1:30 p.m., at Glenmeadow, 24 Tabor Crossing, Longmeadow. Lives Well Lived celebrates the wit, wisdom, and experiences of adults aged 75 to 100 years old. Through their intimate memories and inspiring personal histories, forty people share their secrets and insights to living a meaningful life. Presented in partnership with the Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival.

Marijuana, Pot, Weed: What You Need to Know About Cannabis, Tuesday, April 14, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Storrowton Carriage House, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Now that the use of marijuana is legal in Massachusetts, area residents are hearing more about it, but for many, the drug remains a mystery. Our speakers from Insa in Easthampton, will offer an overview on both medical marijuana and cannabis for general consumers and will discuss the difference between the two, what CBD is, why people use marijuana, how it can be ingested as well as smoked, and the benefits and risks. 

Combatting Loneliness: A Fair for Volunteers and Those They Serve, Friday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Longmeadow Community House, 735 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow. This fair will feature roughly 20 leaders of nonprofits that serve older adults in Greater Springfield and also offer volunteer opportunities. The leaders of these organizations will speak about how they help older adults in Greater Springfield and volunteer opportunities they have available. For a complete list of participating agencies, visit glenmeadow.org/events after April 1. 

The Collector’s Apprentice: An Author Talk, Thursday, May 21, 2 p.m. at Glenmeadow, 24 Tabor Crossing, Longmeadow. New York Times bestselling author B.A. Shapiro will read from her novel, The Collector’s Apprentice, about the lengths to which people will go to feed their obsessions. Set in Paris in 1922, the story centers on 19-year-old Paulien Mertens, who finds herself broke and alone. Presented in partnership with the Springfield JCC.

Erasing the Stigma: Developing Empathy for Those Living with Dementia, Thursday, June 18, 10 a.m. to noon at the Phillip H. Ryan Health Science Center, Room 222, 1 Denslow Road, East Longmeadow. This presentation by Laura Lavoie, Glenmeadow’s director of life enrichment, will help area residents better understand dementia and develop empathy for those who live with the disease. Lavoie will educate community members on what it’s like to live with dementia, sharing tips and techniques on how to break down barriers and be more compassionate. Enhancing dementia care services is a strategic focus for Glenmeadow. 

Glenmeadow has also developed and announced its spring, summer, and fall Getaways trips, which begin in March and run through mid-October. The day trips and theater excursions include transportation, the performance ticket, and a meal. Registration is ongoing. Sign-up is first-come, first-served. Visit glenmeadow.org/events or call 413-567-7800 for more information.

To register or request a brochure with all upcoming Glenmeadow Learning and Glenmeadow Getaways offerings, contact Jazlyn Wanzo at jwanzo@glenmeadow.org. For more information, or to register online, visit glenmeadow.org/events.

Established in 1884, Glenmeadow is an accredited life plan community; it provides independent and assisted living at its campus at 24 Tabor Crossing in Longmeadow and expanded Glenmeadow at Home services throughout greater Springfield.  

To learn more about Glenmeadow and its history and offerings, visit www.glenmeadow.org.

About Glenmeadow 

In the 1800s, elderly individuals without family or means were sent to live at what was called “the poor farm.”  In 1884, a group of civic leaders raised funds among themselves and other area families and purchased a house on Main Street in Springfield’s south end, establishing The Springfield Home for Aged Women. Quickly outgrowing that house, land was purchased on the corner of Chestnut and Carew streets, where a new home was constructed and opened in 1900.  In 1960, the name was changed to Chestnut Knoll, and, in 1992, it began to admit men.  

In 1993, the organization purchased a 23-acre parcel in Longmeadow to build a new community that would provide both independent living and assisted living in one building with various common areas.  This was a new concept known as a continuing care retirement community. Existing residents from the old Chestnut Knoll property were moved to the new campus in 1997. Shortly after the move, the board voted to change its legal name to Glenmeadow to coincide with the name being used by the developer of the property.  

Continuing care retirement communities are now referred to as life plan communities, responding to the needs of the aging population with new opportunities for care, plus creative, educational and personal exploration. Glenmeadow offerings, which include everything from senior living options and handyman services to personal care and travel programs, are provided at its Longmeadow campus and across the region through Glenmeadow at Home. Glenmeadow strives to fulfill its mission of nurturing the whole person in mind, body, and spirit.

The post Glenmeadow Announces its Spring Learning Series appeared first on Beetle Press.

Glenmeadow Learning programs range from a panel on the two-party system in America to a talk on protecting the environment

LONGMEADOW—Glenmeadow will kick off its fall Glenmeadow Learning series on Sept. 4 with a panel presentation on the two-party system in America, and programs will also be held in October and November.

“Both Sides of the Aisle: A Conversation about America’s Two-Party System” will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Storrowton Carriage House, 1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield. 

In October, Glenmeadow will present “Get Tech-Savvy: An IT Primer for Older Adults” on Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. And on Nov. 19, “Environmental Responsibility: Taking Steps to Protect Our Planet” will be offered.

Glenmeadow Learning programs are free, but space is limited, and reservations are required. To register, contact Jazlyn Wanzo at jwanzo@glenmeadow.org. For more information, or to register online, visit glenmeadow.org/events.

“Both Sides of the Aisle” will be led by Rob Genest, op-ed editor for the Springfield Republican, who will serve as moderator.

Panelists will be Donald Robinson, professor emeritus of government at Smith College; Samuel VanSant Stoddard, assistant professor of political science at College of Holy Cross; Ron Chimelis, op-ed writer for the Republican; Matt Szafranski, editor/founder of Western Mass Politics & Insight; and Brooke Hauser, editor of the Daily Hampshire Gazette in Northampton.

These academic and journalistic leaders will discuss that the American political system has always been dominated by two parties, but rarely have our politics felt so contentious. Americans are increasingly divided by their loyalties, and a growing number seem to identify as neither Democrats nor Republicans. 

In the face of daily scandals and policy gridlock in Washington, our panelists will look at what the future holds, and they’ll discuss the dynamics of our political system and the path forward.

“Get Tech Savvy” will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at West Springfield Public Library, 200 Park St., West Springfield.

Three IT professionals—Derek Allard, owner of Tunnel 7, which offers digital design and marketing services; Patrick Lostaglia, Glenmeadow’s network administrator; and Ryan Askew, owner of Ryan Askew Web Design & Development—will discuss how today’s technology makes it possible for us to connect with friends and loved ones who are far away through apps on our computers, tablets, and even our telephones. 

The leaders will also offer an overview of how the tools work. Participants will break into groups for a demonstration of programs that can find you a ride, allow you to video chat with family, or play games. Participants are asked to bring a smart phone, laptop, or tablet.

“Environmental Responsibility” will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at Agawam Public Library, 750 Cooper St., Agawam. It will be led by Terra Missildine, the founder of Beloved Earth, the first eco-friendly cleaning company in Western Massachusetts. 

Missildine will speak about how her mission to protect the Earth began and why it’s important for everyone to commit to that ideal. She will also outline what individuals, organizations, and legislators can do to begin to bring about positive change and environmental healing. She will offer samples of earth-friendly products.

Missildine founded Beloved Earth while in an early iteration of a sustainable living program at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She also supports sustainability by growing organic food to feed her family of three. 

Glenmeadow Learning is one of many free programs Glenmeadow offers to members of the wider community. It represents only one facet of the life plan community’s mission to serve older adults across the region and to operate as a socially accountable organization. 

Established in 1884, Glenmeadow is a nonprofit, accredited life plan community; it provides independent and assisted living at its campus at 24 Tabor Crossing in Longmeadow and expanded Glenmeadow at Home services throughout greater Springfield.  

To learn more about Glenmeadow and its history and offerings, visit www.glenmeadow.org. 

About Glenmeadow 

In the 1800s, elderly individuals without family or means were sent to live at what was called “the poor farm.”  In 1884, a group of civic leaders raised funds among themselves and other area families and purchased a house on Main Street in Springfield’s south end, establishing The Springfield Home for Aged Women. Quickly outgrowing that house, land was purchased on the corner of Chestnut and Carew streets, where a new home was constructed and opened in 1900.  In 1960, the name was changed to Chestnut Knoll, and, in 1992, it began to admit men.  

In 1993, the organization purchased a 23-acre parcel in Longmeadow to build a new community that would provide both independent living and assisted living in one building with various common areas.  This was a new concept known as a continuing care retirement community.  Existing residents from the old Chestnut Knoll property were moved to the new campus in 1997.  Shortly after the move, the board voted to change its legal name to Glenmeadow to coincide with the name being used by the developer of the property.  

Continuing care retirement communities are now referred to as life plan communities, responding to the needs of the aging population with new opportunities for care, plus creative, educational and personal exploration. Glenmeadow offerings, which include everything from senior living options and handyman services to personal care and travel programs, are provided at its Longmeadow campus and across the region through Glenmeadow at Home. Glenmeadow strives to fulfill its mission of nurturing the whole person in mind, body, and spirit.

The post Glenmeadow to Offer Three Free Educational Programs in Fall appeared first on Beetle Press.

LONGMEADOW—Glenmeadow will offer an overview of its upcoming programs and trips on Tuesday, Aug. 28 at 3 p.m. at the life plan community at 24 Tabor Crossing.

Sneak Peeks: Our Upcoming Programs and Trips will offer a look at Glenmeadow Learning and Getaways programming in the fall.

Educational offerings presented through Glenmeadow Learning will range from a trivia contest to a program for singles and couples on sex and older adults. Day and evening trips offered through Glenmeadow Getaways will include musical, dance, and theater performances.

Those who attend Sneak Peeks will also hear about a 10-day cultural adventure Glenmeadow has planned to London in February 2019.

Refreshments will be served, and all questions will be answered.

The program is free, but space is limited, and reservations are required. To register, call Julie Jediny at 413.355.5972 or email jjediny@glenmeadow.org or register online at glenmeadow.org/events.

Glenmeadow Learning is one of many free programs Glenmeadow offers to members of the wider community. And these programs represent only one facet of the life plan community’s mission to serve seniors across the region and to operate as a socially accountable organization.

Established in 1884, Glenmeadow is a nonprofit, accredited life plan community; it provides independent and assisted living at its campus at 24 Tabor Crossing in Longmeadow and expanded Glenmeadow at Home services throughout greater Springfield.  

To learn more about Glenmeadow and its history and offerings, visit www.glenmeadow.org.

About Glenmeadow

In the 1800s, elderly individuals without family or means were sent to live at what was called “the poor farm.”  In 1884, a group of civic leaders raised funds among themselves and other area families and purchased a house on Main Street in Springfield’s south end, establishing The Springfield Home for Aged Women. Quickly outgrowing that house, land was purchased on the corner of Chestnut and Carew streets, where a new home was constructed and opened in 1900.  In 1960, the name was changed to Chestnut Knoll, and, in 1992, it began to admit men. 

In 1993, the organization purchased a 23-acre parcel in Longmeadow to build a new community that would provide both independent living and assisted living in one building with various common areas.  This was a new concept known as a continuing care retirement community.  Existing residents from the old Chestnut Knoll property were moved to the new campus in 1997.  Shortly after the move, the board voted to change its legal name to Glenmeadow to coincide with the name being used by the developer of the property. 

Continuing care retirement communities are now referred to as life plan communities, responding to the needs of the aging population with new opportunities for care, plus creative, educational and personal exploration. Glenmeadow offerings, which include everything from senior living options and handyman services to personal care and travel programs, are provided at its Longmeadow campus and across the region through Glenmeadow at Home. Glenmeadow strives to fulfill its mission of nurturing the whole person in mind, body and spirit.

The post Glenmeadow Offers Sneak Peek at Upcoming Programs and Trips appeared first on Beetle Press.