Special Workshops & Seasonal Programs
Throughout the year, we offer workshops and short-term programs to nurture, restore, and connect—supporting body, mind, and spirit. These workshops and series explore topics like cooking for nutrition, art, sexuality, journaling, sound healing, nature-based practices and thriving after cancer.
Like all our services, Cancer Connection offers programs free of charge for people living with a cancer diagnosis and their caregivers.
Confidentiality
All of the confidentiality norms and expectations of the standard Cancer Connection Confidentiality Agreement for participants and facilitators remains in effect for telephone, online, or in person activities. We ask all participants to keep confidential the identity of others they meet in group activities, and not to disclose any personal information that is shared in a support group or program to anyone outside of that meeting. We can talk about ideas outside of the group, but not about people.
Registration
Registration requirements vary by program. Please see below for details on each of our programs and information on how to join them.
Like all our services, Cancer Connection offers programs free of charge for people living with a cancer diagnosis, their families, and caregivers.
In addition to our workshops and seasonal programs, we offer weekly classes that foster connection, creativity, and well-being all year long. Join body and movement practices like Feldenkrais and Qigong Yoga, or explore creative and reflective programs such as Knitting, Creative Writing, Yoga Nidra and Mindfulness.
Visit our Ongoing Weekly Programs page for details, or check our calendar for the full schedule.
One-Time Workshops & Seasonal Programs
All Out Adventures programs
Join a program at All Out Adventures and Cancer Connection will pay your fees. This summer they have paddling, cycling, hiking, and pickleball.
Summer schedule:
- Pickleball every Tuesday afternoon in Holyoke
- Kayaking in Goshen, Hopkinton, Worcester, and Northampton
- Cycling in Hadley
These activities are a great way to move your body, connect with others, and enjoy the beauty of summer in good company.
Mindful Movement in Nature
Mindful Movement in Nature with Lynne Smith
Join our Mindful Movement in Nature summer program where you can enjoy a gentle mind/body practice along with the beauty of the trees, water and sun! Join Lynne at Amethyst Brook parking lot on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month The session includes a 10-minute walk to a shaded labyrinth by beautiful sunlit streams and water. We will then practice Qigong which often mirrors movements in nature. Depending on interest from the group, we will change locations in June and July to add some variety to our experience outdoors. Standing practice only. Beginners welcome!
Time: 1pm to 2:10pm
Upcoming Dates:
• September 19 & September 26
Call Cancer Connection on 413-586-1642 to register. Once registered, you can attend just one or all of the Mindful Movement in Nature classes.
-
For twenty years, Lynne has been integrating Qigong into all of her Yoga classes and has witnessed many testimonials of the powerful benefits of the practice when Yoga and Qigong are integrated together. She is a Senior Trainer with the Institute of Integral Qigong and T’ai Chi and produced a Qigong Infused Yoga DVD in 2018. She leads online teacher training programs training other instructors from around the world. She is passionate about and committed to Qigong as she continues to experience the powerful benefits and deep transformation that the practice offers.
Gratitude Journaling: An Invitation to Creativity and Play
Gratitude Journaling: An Invitation to Creativity and Play with Sharon Rudnitzky
Saturday, September 27th, 10:00am - 12:00 pm
This program meets monthly until December. Join one or all of them! Next dates are: October 2nd, November 22nd and December 20th.
Discover the uplifting power of gratitude, creativity and play in Gratitude Journaling—a unique, hands-on workshop designed to nourish your spirit and bring more lightness into your life. Rooted in the proven benefits of gratitude journaling for mental and physical well-being, this class goes beyond words to engage your senses and spark your inner artist.
These workshops invite you to explore gratitude journaling as a practice for healing and emotional well-being. More than just writing, this joyful approach includes words of thanks, along with photos, colors, doodles, stickers, and inspiring quotes. It's a personal sanctuary you can return to again and again for comfort and delight.
Gratitude Journaling offers a nourishing blend of community connection and personal reflection. We’ll gather in a welcoming, relaxed space to share inspiration and creativity. There will be guided prompts, time to create, and gentle encouragement to help you get started—no experience necessary.
This in-person program is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis or is a primary caregiver and is free of charge.
Registration is required. Call Cancer Connection to register: 413-586-1642 x104.
-
My name is Sharon and I moved to Florence 27 years ago and now I live in Haydenville with two daughters and four very friendly cats.
I seamlessly incorporate many of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) principles and values (i.e. Curiosity, Care, Consideration, Play, etc.) in my workshops.
I love being in nature and I enjoy reading and writing poetry. I am also a photographer and especially enjoy taking close-up pictures of flowers. And, of course, I LOVE to look through and add to my gratitude journals!
Plant-Based Eating: The What, Why, and How - with Strategies for Success
Plant-Based Eating: The What, Why, and How - with Strategies for Success with Julie O’Connor
A 3-Session Series: Tuesday, October 7th, 14th & 21st, 5:30-7 pm
This interactive three-part series invites participants to explore the foundations and practicalities of plant-based eating as a path to improved health and well-being. Whether you're curious about plant-based nutrition, just starting out, or looking for sustainable habits, this program offers supportive guidance grounded in lifestyle medicine.
Each session includes group discussion, simple take-home reflections, and approachable strategies for real-life change. Whether you're ready to make a full transition or just want to try a few plant-powered meals, this series is for you.
This program is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis or is a primary caregiver and is free of charge. Registration is required. Call Cancer Connection to register: 413-586-1642 x104.
-
Description Julie is a Certified Health & Wellness Coach through Wellcoaches, specializing in the Lifestyle Medicine approach. She is also a Culinary Coach, helping clients overcome barriers to preparing more home cooked meals.
Julie also works as a Human Resources Manager for Community Action Pioneer Valley. When not working, she is active in the Hatfield Community Garden, and is most often found in the kitchen (her happy place), or walking with her dogs and husband in the woods of Hatfield. Julie is also a cancer survivor.
Whole food, plant-based Cooking
Whole food, plant-based Cooking with Paul Sustick
Saturday workshops, 10 am to 1 pm.
Register for one of these workshops:
October 11th, November 22nd (special Thanksgiving edition) and December 12th
Eating a whole foods, plant-based diet is one of the most fundamental and accessible ways of promoting good health and living well through cancer treatment and beyond.
Come join Paul Sustick of Paul & Elizabeth’s restaurant, as we explore making delicious and nurturing foods that focus on nutrition and incorporating healthful eating habits into daily life.
These workshops will provide instructions on how to transform fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains into delicious healthy meals, empowering you to become a more skilled, confident home cook. Each workshop will include cooking demonstrations and hands-on work as well as practical cooking skills, tips and knife skills.
Bring an apron, cutting board and knife and let’s have some fun while making nourishing, supportive food!
* Priority will be given to participants that have not attended a cooking workshop before.
Call Cancer Connection on 413-586-1642 to register.
Time to Heal: Coming Home To Yourself and Your Body After Cancer
Time to Heal: Coming Home To Yourself and Your Body After Cancer with Linda Tumbarello, LMHC
Three class series, in person only: Wednesday, October 8th, 15th & 22nd, 5:30 — 7 pm
A cancer diagnosis often arrives unexpectedly—sometimes from a routine screening, without any warning signs. The urgency to begin treatment can leave little time to process the shock, grief, and fear. You may have had to put your emotions, your needs, and much of your life on hold—pushing through treatment, no matter how difficult.
When treatment ends, the impact lingers. You may feel physically depleted, emotionally raw, or disconnected from the body that carried you through it all. Healing takes time—time to feel safe, grounded, and whole again. This three-session workshop series offers a gentle, supportive space to begin that process.
Rest and relax into your body
Begin to release tension and fear
Honor your emotions in the company of others who understand
Discover practices that nurture physical and emotional well-being
Reclaim a sense of home in yourself
Whether you are weeks or months past treatment, this series is an opportunity to begin moving forward—not just with your mind, but with your whole self. All are welcome, regardless of physical ability or movement experience
This in-person only workshop will be held at Cancer Connection Center. It is free of charge, but registration is required by calling 413-586-1642 ext. 104
Linda Tumbarello, LHMC
Linda is a highly experienced, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Body-Mind Centering Practitioner and Teacher. She leads workshops and has a private practice in Northampton where she specializes in healing from physical and emotional issues and trauma.
Sound Healing
Sound Healing Workshop with Carolyn Walker
Saturday, October 18th 10 am-12 pm
Sound Healing is a complementary healing modality which utilizes frequencies from both instruments and the voice to regulate the nervous system. In this workshop, Carolyn will offer a Sound Bath and Guided Meditation/Shamanic Journey. Chairs are provided.
This program is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis or is a primary caregiver and is free of charge. Registration is required. Call Cancer Connection to register: 413-586-1642 x104.
Carolyn Walker received her certificate in Therapeutic Sound Healing through the Center of Light Sound Healing and Shamanic Studies in Chester, VT. Carolyn also holds boths a bachelor's in Music Education and Masters in Music Theory from UMass Amherst. She lives in Amherst, MA with her family and 3 cats, where she teaches violin lessons and offers private Reiki and Sound Healing sessions. Find her at www.CranberryHillHealingArts.com
Your Creativity Matters Art Workshop
Your Creativity Matters with Kate Marion Lapierre
The first Saturday of the month, starting November 1, 10am - 12pm
Join together to create your own art for expression and relaxation using a variety of art materials.(watercolor, ink, pencil, collage, etc) The act of creating art allows for individualized expressions and personal viewpoints of what you are seeing, feeling, and how you choose to express yourself visually.
No art skills are needed, just an interest and desire to use art materials and create something for yourself while together with others in a group.
The art group will be under the guidance of Kate Marion Lapierre, a local mixed media artist and retired art therapist, who enjoys doing art using a wide variety of media. She has led groups in both hospital and school settings, as well as having her own art practice. She is excited to gather a group together to allow for creative self-expression and enjoyment. Materials will be supplied. Space is limited to 6 participants- attend one or more workshops.
This program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 x104 to register.
Healing Song Circle
Healing Song Circle with Mariah Freemole
Wednesday, November 5th, 5:30-7:00pm. In person
Join us for a unique and uplifting evening of music and community in our Healing Song Circle. This welcoming program offers a safe, nonjudgmental space to connect through the soothing and transformative power of singing.
No experience is necessary—just bring your voice and your presence. Singing and humming can calm the nervous system, lift the spirit, and deepen our sense of connection. Together, we'll learn simple rounds and easy-to-follow songs that anyone can enjoy. There will also be space to share your own favorite tunes if you’d like!
This program is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis or is a caregiver and is free of charge. Registration is required. Call Cancer Connection to register: 413-586-1642 x104
-
Mariah Freemole has been living and teaching mindfulness in the Pioneer Valley since August 2018. In addition to working with children, Mariah enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and traveling. She practices in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition and is a graduate of the Engaged Mindfulness Institute’s teacher certification program
Festive Holiday Cards
Festive Holiday Cards with Diane Potter
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Gather around the table for a morning of creativity and connection! In this hands-on class, we’ll create three beautifully handcrafted holiday cards using seasonal designs and festive techniques.
Diane Potter will guide you through some of her favorite methods for cardmaking, including stamping, inking, die-cutting, and embellishing with ribbon and gems. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or trying cardmaking for the first time, you’ll leave with cards that are personal, heartfelt, and sure to brighten someone’s season.
The program is free of charge. Call Cancer Connection for more information: 413-586-1642 ext 104
Author talk with Amy Rothenberg: You Finished Treatment, Now What?
Tuesday, November 18, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Come enjoy a talk by Dr. Amy Rothenberg, author of You Finished Treatment, Now What? A Field Guide for Cancer Survivors
Have you found it difficult to return to health since cancer treatment? Do you suffer from the long-term effects of your cancer care? You Finished Treatment, Now What? is a roadmap for lifestyle and natural medicine approaches to address health challenges that persist after cancer treatment, and to reduce the risk of recurrence. Dr. Rothenberg highlights the evidence for an integrative approach to healing, and makes sense of this overwhelming topic in an accessible, upbeat way. Dr. Rothenberg shares openly from her own experience as a cancer survivor/thriver.
The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call Cancer Connection to register: 413-586-1642 x104.
Learn more about our other services
Befrienders
Befrienders are trained staff and volunteers who listen and support both those who have been diagnosed and caregivers through challenging times.
Integrative Therapies
We offer therapies that treat the symptoms of cancer and offer stress relief and comfort to those living with a diagnoses and the effects of treatment
Support Groups
Support groups offer a place where we can laugh, cry, celebrate, and use humor to find relief in the universality of our experiences.