Through this free, educational program series for the residents of our wider community, we offer up topics of interest at area venues. This spring, we are pleased to offer you four new programs, ranging from philanthropic giving to the history of the presidential primary system.

Here is a preview of what you can experience with us:

Wednesday, March 30 from 10 a.m.–noon

Longmeadow Country Club, 400 Shaker Road, Longmeadow

Informed Giving: A Look at Philanthropy’s Role in Estate Planning

Glenmeadow will partner with the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts in taking a fresh look at charitable giving as a critical piece of a well-rounded estate plan. Moderated by Katie Allan Zobel, president of the Foundation, our panelists will help you identify your philanthropic values and outline the legal and financial mechanisms through which you can donate. Several donors will discuss their philanthropic inspiration. In addition to Zobel and select donors, panelists will include: George C. Keady III of The Keady Montemagni Wealth Management Group, and Attorney Todd C. Ratner of Bacon & Wilson, P.C.

Wednesday, April 13 at 1:30 p.m.

Glenmeadow, 24 Tabor Crossing, Longmeadow

The Sturgeon Queens: A Film About a Family and their Lox Emporium

Four generations of a Jewish immigrant family have tended to Russ and Daughters, a Lower East Side lox and herring emporium that survives and thrives to this day. Produced to coincide with the store’s 100th anniversary, this documentary offers an extensive interview with two of the original daughters for whom the store was named (now 100 and 92 years old). It also features prominent enthusiasts of the store, including Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, New Yorker writer Calvin Trillin, actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, chef Mario Batali, and “60 Minutes” correspondent Morley Safer.

Tuesday, April 19, 10 a.m.–noon

Agawam Public Library, 750 Cooper Street, Agawam

Daffodils and Daylilies: Combining Perennials with Bulbs for Long-season Bloom

Learn from master gardener Sherry Wilson how to camouflage dying bulb foliage with emerging perennial leaves and hear tips on choosing early, mid- and late-season perennials. Sherry will also offer a primer on selecting plants at nurseries and garden centers, give a demonstration on dividing perennials to multiply your collection, and discuss downsizing from her extensive perennial beds at her former 1871 farmhouse to the challenge of a small condo garden. Sherry, aka Cheryl B. Wilson, has been a master gardener since 1986 and wrote the garden and house column for the Daily Hampshire Gazette and Amherst Bulletin for 30 years, retiring last December. 

Friday, May 20, 2-3:30 p.m.

Springfield Museums Planetarium, 21 Edwards Street, Springfield

Astronomical Appeal: The Splendors of the Spring Sky at Night

With the planetarium stars as the backdrop, find out how to locate and identify celestial objects, planets, and constellations in the springtime sky. Richard Sanderson will discuss the colorful history of the Seymour Planetarium, built during the Great Depression and now the oldest planetarium in the United States, capable of projecting more than 7,000 stars. Jack Megas will take you on an interpretive tour of the meteorite exhibit, during which you can touch a rock from space. Richard Sanderson is the Science Museum’s Curator of Physical Science. Jack Megas is an experienced astronomy educator and expert on the lore and mythology of the night sky. 

Tuesday, June 14, 10 a.m. –noon

The Country Club of Wilbraham, 859 Stony Hill Road, Wilbraham

Presidential Challenge: An Historical View of the Primary System

Donald Trump places unique challenges on the American system for electing presidents. Political scientist Don Robinson will place the campaign in historical context, explaining how the system has evolved and assessing the likelihood that political parties can regain control over the process. He will also discuss how the system is stacked against third parties and independents. Don is Charles N. Clark Professor Emeritus of Government and American Studies at Smith College, where he taught for nearly 40 years. His academic research focuses on American constitutional development. He has authored and edited several books, including To the Best of My Ability: The Presidency and the Constitution, and he writes a monthly column on politics, religion and related subjects for the Daily Hampshire Gazette.

These programs are free and open to the public, but seating is limited, and advance registration is required.  To enroll, please call 413.567.7800 or email us at learning@glenmeadow.org.