The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce is sending weekly event updates to our friends and members. These updates will include Chamber, civic, and organizational news, events and entertainment.
Our goal is to keep our Chamber and Community members informed and engaged in local events. We invite you to discover the creative pulse that makes Holyoke such a great place to live and to visit. We will also, on occasion, include information on regional events that might be of interest to our Chamber and Communtity members.
If you would like to include a company or civic event please do so by submitting it on the Chamber's website at holyokechamber.com and clicking on "Submit a Community Event".
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Children's Museum at Holyoke
444 Dwight Street, Holyoke, MA
413-536-7048
The Children's Museum at Holyoke is one of the most popular destinations from across the state. Located in Heritage State Park the museum is situated alongside the historic Merry-Go-Round.
Exhibits include the ever popular Curvy Climber and Water Table. Newest exhibits include a Light Bright Wall and A-Mazing Airway Tube System. Families can pack a lunch and spend the day. Over 60,000 people visit the museum each year.
The Children's Museum provides a unique setting in which children and adults learn together about art, science and the world around them. Through hands-on exhibits, children challenge themselves, discover how the world works, explore new roles for themselves, and learn by doing.
Voted Best Place to Bring the Kids by The Springfield Republican Reader Raves Review.
For more information visit our website at www.childrensmuseumholyoke.org
Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 10 - 4 and Sundays 12 - 4
Admission: $7.00 for adults and children / $3.50 for seniors / children under 1 are free.
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Join us
For a memorable concert!
The Puerto Rican Cultural Project and the Holyoke Public Library are pleased to invite you to be part of an event to open the Holidays' festivities on December 7th, 2013, at 7 PM at the Holyoke City Hall Auditorium. This event will feature three pillars of the music from Puerto Rico in an unprecedented concert.
Roulé Candela on Main Street: An Afro-Caribbean and Carols Concert promises to be a musical experience that travels from our grass roots rhythms in a combination of traditional dances of Puerto Rican Bomba and the interpretation of some of the most beloved songs of Puerto Rico and the world.
On stage will be: Yoruba II led by Lydia Pérez, a nationwide renowned representative of the music and dance of Puerto Rican Bomba, with William Cepeda, an internationally renowned and Grammy Award nominee jazz musician who combines Bomba as base to his brand new style call Afro-Rican Jazz. Joining them will be International Tenor, Charlie Berrios, a native from Puerto Rico living in Holyoke, who has performed with some of the world most prestigious opera companies in Germany, Italy, and Paris, who will be performing some of the most celebrated Puerto Rican Christmas Carols.
This event promises to be an unforgettable experience for all converging nostalgia, music and culture.
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Chamber Member Rosa Burgos, owner, The Cake Lady Featured in Voices of the Valley Article
Rosa Burgos
Owner
The Cake Lady
123 High St.
What I do is I create cakes. I do a lot with the "3-D" cakes. It's all cake and edible. My favorite one, I have to say, I did one for the Fernandez family (restaurant) daughters and that one was my favorite. Because what they did was, they drew what they wanted and I took it to another level. And what I like, I like for my customers to come with their own ideas. I don't like doing what someone else has done. I love seeing someone's expression on their face when they see the finished product.
Read full article here.
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 Four new stores open at the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside * Monsoon * Accessorize * Lipsy * Cortefiel
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HOLYOKE MEDICAL CENTER OFFERS
INSURANCE FOR SENIORS
Holyoke Medical Center in conjunction with SHINE, a statewide program funded and managed by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, is providing seniors with free information and advocacy regarding medical insurance.
Seniors may receive free, confidential counseling regarding health care coverage. A counselor will be available on the third Wednesday of each month at the Medical Library located on the 4th floor, Room 474 of the main hospital. Appointments begin at 9 a.m. and may be made by calling the Health Promotion Line at 534-2789. (Please note new day and time.) All seniors must have an appointment in order to be seen.
Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders (SHINE) counselors have received extensive training. Counselors assist seniors in understanding their health insurance needs regarding Medicare, Medicare supplements (Medigap), HMOs, prescription drugs and public benefits.
For further information, or to make an appointment, call Holyoke Medical Center Health Promotion Line at 534-2789. For more information regarding the SHINE program, or other SHINE sites, call 413-750-2893 or 1-800-243-4636.
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JOIN US
AT THE COTTAGE
ON THURSDAY, DEC.5 TH
FOR OUR "HOLIDAY UGLY SWEATER PARTY"
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WEAR YOUR UGLIEST HOLIDAY SWEATER & SAVE 10 % OFF YOUR STORE PURCASE. *EXCLUSIONS APPLY
REFRESHMENTS FROM 4 -7PM
SMALL GIFT WITH PURCHASE(WHILE SUPPLIES LAST)
WE'RE HAVING A FACEBOOK CONTEST & YOU COULD WIN A $50.00 GC TO THE COTTAGE PLUS A GIFT !
LET US TAKE YOUR PICTURE IN YOUR FINEST UGLY SWEATER, WE'LL MAKE AN ALBUM ON OUR FB PAGE, YOU CAN GO TO OUR PAGE AND COMMENT WHO YOU THINK HAS THE UGLIEST SWEATER. ON THURS. DEC 12TH WE WILL TALLY THE VOTES AND POST THE WINNER !
*VOTING CLOSES AT 12 MIDNIGHT ON DEC.11TH
Tell all your friends and family to vote fo you !
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JOIN US FOR SOME HOLIDAY FUN !
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Photo: The Republican / John Suchocki
November 2013 Holyoke
Civic Pride Award: Maria Ferrer
Maria invested in downtown Holyoke about 10 years ago. She purchased a building at 396 High Street and began renovating it into what is now MD Beauty Salon that she owns and operates. She also renovated the second floor space and for a while had a banquet facility and meeting space there. She now leases the space.
Since moving into the downtown, Maria has been active with planning events and beautification projects for downtown Holyoke. She is a champion and cheerleader for the downtown and the business owners. She cleans in front of her property and finds ways around any obstacle that comes her way in order to make for a better Downtown Holyoke. She is a new member of the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and she recently asked the chamber to get on board to help get wreaths on all 80 light poles on High Street.
She has gone door to door asking business owners to invest in this holiday beautification project. She collected the majority of the funds and would make periodic trips to the chamber to deposit. She met with AC Moore and got them to generously discount the price of the wreaths. She has supervised the hanging of the wreaths to make sure the project was a success. Maria exemplifies what the Civic Pride award is all about.
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| More Holiday Crime Prevention Tips | |
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Vehicle Safety
- Always lock your car, even if you are away for only a few moments.
- Do Not leave valuables - gifts, cell phones, purse or clothing - in open view in your car. Take valuables with you, lock them in your trunk, or cover them in an unobtrusive way.
- Thieves do their own form of window shopping. They look in parked cars for gifts and other merchandise, and will break through car windows to get at such valuables.
Home
- Always lock your doors and windows, even if you plan to be out for a short while.
- Leave lights turned on both inside and outside your residence after dark. Criminals don't like bright places.
- If you will be away from home for several days, make arrangements for someone to pick up your mail and newspapers. An overstuffed mailbox is a sure sign that no one is home, and burglars are tempted to check those envelopes for holiday gifts.
- When returning home after a shopping trip, be sure to have the house keys in your hand, ready to use when you reach the door.
Beware Of Purse Snatchers
The stores are putting up decorations, and purse snatchers are practicing their skills. The Holyoke Police Department wants everyone to be aware that thieves look forward to holidays as much as everyone else - maybe more so! The department asks shoppers to beware of purse snatchers; women carrying pocketbooks are easy prey. The thieves know that during the holidays, shoppers are distracted and are not as careful as they should be when out.
Here are some things that can be done to thwart the would-be thief.
- Keep your purse close to your body.
- If the pocketbook has long straps, shorten them.
- If possible, avoid carrying a large purse when shopping. A fanny pack is compact and more difficult for a thief to grab and run.
- Carry only the credit cards you intend to use, leave the others behind.
- Use check cards or checks to avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Use ATMs wisely. Have the card ready before approaching the machine, and use ATMs in high traffic areas.
Happy (and safe) Holidays from the men and women of the Holyoke Police Department!!
Lieutenant Jim Albert, Criminal Investigations Bureau
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Changes to Directory
Due December 13
Please fax your change form to 413-534-3385 or call the Chamber with any changes organization.
at
413-534-3376
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Holyoke Chamber
Hat & Glove Drive
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Please bring warm hats, gloves and mittens for children, women and men to our Holiday Business Breakfast on Wednesday, October 11.
Items will be distributed by Providence Ministries.
Items may also be dropped off at the Chamber office at
177 High Street
between 9:00 and 5:00 pm
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Holyoke Public Library
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250 Chestnut Street
Holyoke, MA 01040
413-420-8101
Library Hours
November-December
Mon. - Thurs.
8:30am -8:30pm
Friday & Saturday
8:30am-4:00pm
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 Bright Nights Dates & Rates 2013 |
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November 27 - January 5
Closed December 2 & 3
Sunday to Thursday -- 5PM to 9PM
Fridays, Saturdays and Holidays* -- 5PM to 11PM
Buses with Reservations -- 5PM to 6PM
2013 Rates Cars, Mini-Vans, Trucks & Motor Homes (Price per vehicle)
OPENING NIGHT SPECIAL - $6
Coupons and discount admission not accepted
Monday to Thursday - $18
Friday to Sunday and Holidays - $21
Gift Passes - $16
ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
Gift Passes
Individual passes - Purchase in advance at Big Y World Class Markets with Big Y Express Cards
$14 with Silver Coin/Card * $16 with Big Y Express Card in increments of 25 - Order Form Mini Buses (seating capacity 17-31) - $70
Buses (seating capacity 31+) - $150
Your experience will be enhanced with a musical simulcast on 98.5FM.
* Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Eve
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Merry Go Round
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Santa Arrives
Join us at the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round on Saturday, December 7th from 12:30-3:30 for the arrival of Santa! Santa will be riding his favorite carousel horse, handing out treats, posing for pictures and of course, listening to your little ones hopes and dreams this holiday season. The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round is open Saturdays and Sundays, 12-4 PM and is decorated for the holiday season. And we have the perfect holiday gift! We are currently selling our 20th anniversary keepsake ornament and it will surely put a smile on your carousel lover's face this year! For more information, please call (413) 538-9838 or visit our web site at www.holyokemerrygoround.org.
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The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round's "Name a Horse" contest winner will be picked on Dec. 7, 2013 during Santa's visit. All entry forms must be returned to us by 12/1/2013 in order to have a chance to name one of our horses! There is still plenty of time to enter but you need to come to the Merry-Go-Round during our business hours of Saturdays and Sundays, 12-4 PM. ( We will be open 4:15-7 PM on 11/30 for the Holyoke Tree Lighting Ceremony.) All entries are a $5.00 donation and one lucky winner will be drawn to name our next horse that is going out to be restored. For more information, please call (413) 538-9838 or visit our web site www.holyokemerrygoround.org.
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Holiday Concert
"With Voices Raised"
Sunday, December 8
3:00 p.m.
Holyoke High School
Auditorium
Concert performed by Holyoke Civic Symphony conducted by David Kidwell. Madrigal singers perform
Brahms' "Schicksalslied" with the orchestra as well as a cappella pieces with Mark Todd directing the
Madrigals. Also Wagner's "Overture to Rienzi", Guaraldi's
'Charlie Brown Christmas" and a Holiday Sing-along and special guest. Free performances with free-will donations gratefully accepted. www.holyokecivicsymphony.org
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Wistariahurst Museum
Winter Soiree
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Saturday, December 7
6 to 10 p.m.
$35 general admission
$30 for members of Wistariahurst
On Saturday, December 7 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. celebrate the holidays in style at Wistariahurst! The mansion will be aglow with the holiday spirit as the museum celebrates the season. The evening will feature live music, festive hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, as well as a raffle for some fabulous prizes - all in the elegant atmosphere of the historical house museum.
Music for the evening will be provided by Room for 2, the dynamic vocal/ keyboard duo of Susan Duncan and Keith Cooper. Room for 2 will perform danceable popular tunes as well as soft tones of ballads and jazz standards. Food will be catered by Latitude Restaurant. Valet parking will also be available through Valet Parking of America. The Winter Soiree is a holiday event to benefit Wistariahurst Museum. Reservations suggested.
Tickets are $35 and $30 for members of Wistariahurst. For more info, visit www.wistariahurst.org
or call 322-5660.
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Wistariahurst Museum
Nutcracker & Sweets
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Photo courtesy of Theodore Paradise
Friday & Saturday
December 13 & 14
6 to 10 p.m.
$35 general admission
$12.50 general
$3.50 for 8 yrs & under
Nutcracker & Sweets
Presented by
Massachusetts Academy of Ballet
at Wistariahurst Museum
The best thing about the holidays is Massachusetts Academy of Ballet's Nutcracker & Sweets at Wistariahurst Museum on December 13, 14 and 15! Created for children of all ages, Nutcracker & Sweets is a unique and intimate experience presented through narration and dance, in the historic setting of Wistariahurst.
Student dancers will perform the magical story with lively choreography and Tchaikovsky's wonderful score as it may have been in Holyoke in the 1890's when the Skinner Family lived at Wistariahurst. Sparkling dancers and sugarplum fairies will alight, mice will scamper, snowflakes will gracefully scatter, colorful nutcracker soldiers will march, bonbons will delight, and there's so much more to the story!
Massachusetts Academy of Ballet Educational Training Association is a school for students interested in pursuing classical ballet. Classes are based on the Russian syllabus, a training method that has created some of the best ballet dancers in the world. Rose and Charles Flachs, the directors of the Academy, have danced professionally and are currently Professors of Dance at Mount Holyoke College and guest teachers with the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet.
Advance reservations necessary as seating is limited. Tickets are available online at www.wistariahurst.org or by calling the museum at 413-322-5660.
Show times are Fri. at 4:00 and 6:30 p.m., Sat. at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 4:30 p.m.
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Saturday, December 21
6:00 PM
Memorial Christmas Party Benefit
There will be a Christmas Party benefit in honor of Moira Murphy and Brian Callahan on
Saturday, Dec. 21. The event starts at 6 p.m. at the Holyoke Elks Lodge, located at 240 Whitney Avenue.
All of the proceeds will go to the Moira Murphy and Brian Callahan Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $25
each. The party will be Jack & Jill style with raffles, food and beer. If you have any questions or would like
to donate please email cMahon.heatherm@gmail.com
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JAZZ
Sarah Elizabeth Charles
Robyn Newhouse Hall
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Sunday, December 8th, 4:00 PM
Manner Effect with
Sarah Elizabeth Charles
CMSS Alumna Sarah Elizabeth Charles will be returning to Robyn Newhouse Hall with her band Manner Effect on Sunday, December 8th at 4 PM, performing critically acclaimed, cutting-edge jazz. Don't miss it!
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on this site or at the door.
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Santa's Land at
Buttery Brook
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Enjoy the annual Santa's Land at Buttery Brook Park! Held Dec. 12-15 and Dec. 19-22, the festive tradition is fun for the whole family.
Children can have their photos taken with Santa for $5 while the family can ride on Santa's train through an enchanted holiday wonderland. The park is decorated with lights and displays. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served.
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Yuletide at Storrowton ready to welcome holiday season
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By Keith O'Connor masslive.com
on December 02, 2013 at 2:37 PM, updated December 02, 2013 at 2:40 PM
The romance of old New England traditions make for a popular backdrop for many a modern-day Christmas.
This weekend the past will combine with the present when Storrowton Village Museum presents its annual Yuletide at Storrowton celebration.
The free winter festival - to be held Saturday and Sunday on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition beginning at 11 a.m. - has become a staple at Storrowton Village where history and Christmas lovers come together to celebrate the holidays with traditional Yuletide activities, entertainment and shopping in the historic re-created early New England village. Click on image for rest of the story.
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Delaney House
A Deal You Can't Miss
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