Workshops & Seasonal Programs
Throughout the year, we offer workshops, talks 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 and once monthly classes that foster connection, creativity, and well-being all year long. Join body and movement practices like Embodied Dance & Movement, Feldenkrais and Qigong Yoga, or explore creative and reflective programs such as Gratitude Journaling, Knitting, Creative Writing, Rest to Heal (Yoga Nidra) and Mindfulness.
Visit our Ongoing Weekly Programs page for details, or check our calendar for the full schedule.
Workshops & Seasonal Programs
Whole food, plant-based Cooking
Whole food, plant-based Cooking with Paul Sustick of Paul & Elizabeth’s
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
Saturday, November 14th (Special Thanksgiving class!), 10am to 1pm.
Priority will be given to participants that have not attended a cooking workshop before. This program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call us on 413-586-1642 to register, or, if you are already a Cancer Connection participant, you can use this link to register.
This program is generously donated by Paul Sustick of Paul & Elizabeth’s, Northampton’s beloved downtown mainstay restaurant, serving up pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan dishes since 1978.
Your Creativity Matters Art Workshop:
Tiny Boxes
Your Creativity Matters Art Workshop with Kate Marion Lapierre
Saturday, November 14th, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Paint, collage, and decorate a tiny box, then fill it with positive, hopeful words and a little duck. These small handmade treasures are joyful to create and hold in your hand and help bring some hopeful energy into your life.
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.
Space is limited to 6 participants.
This program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call us on 413-586-1642 to register, or, if you are already a Cancer Connection participant, you can use this link to register.
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Kate Marion Lapierre is 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.
Ayurvedic Oil Self-Massage
Ayurvedic Oil Self-Massage with Amanda Raymond
Monday, November 16th, 5:30-6:30pm. In person only
Learn simple Ayurvedic oil self-massage techniques to help balance the body, calm the mind, and support everyday well-being.
This in-person program is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis or is a primary caregiver and is free of charge.
This program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call us on 413-586-1642 to register, or, if you are already a Cancer Connection participant, you can use this link to register.
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Amanda is a breast cancer survivor, mental health therapist, retreat leader, wellness educator, and artist who founded ONE LIFE. LIVE IT., an organization that builds meaningful communities through international retreats and creative healing experiences.
She is now in the process of creating a nonprofit to support women affected by cancer in attending nourishing retreats at no cost, and also leads the Play It Forward backpack program, delivering art, school, and athletic supplies to children worldwide.
Amanda finds joy in yoga, meditation, prayer, savoring delicious food, creating murals, and belly laughing with her loved ones.
Gratitude Journaling: An Invitation to Creativity and Play
Gratitude Journaling: An Invitation to Creativity and Play with Sharon Rudnitzky
Saturday, November 21st, 10:00am - 12:00 pm
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 program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call us on 413-586-1642 to register, or, if you are already a Cancer Connection participant, you can use this link to register.
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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!
Creative Wellness: Nature-Based Art & Relaxation
Creative Wellness: Nature-Based Art & Relaxation with Beth Montemagni
Rescheduled to Friday, December 18th, 11 am - 12:30 pm. In person
A Celebration of Autumn’s Beauty
Join us for a peaceful, nature-inspired art experience as we welcome the cooler season and the beauty of the harvest. Using the gifts of nature, we'll create charming scenes of birds, butterflies, and flowers on cedar boards.
We'll work with dried flowers, vibrant autumn leaves, pinecones, acorns, and other natural elements, thoughtfully arranged and decoupaged onto cedar boards. Each creation will be one of a kind-guided by your imagination, with no right or wrong way to create.
We’ll begin with a gentle meditation, then settle into the peaceful rhythm of creating with natural materials. The program will close with a grounding exercise, with optional Reiki offered.
As the days grow cooler, nature reminds us to slow down, gather what nourishes us, and make space for rest, reflection. and renewal.
This program is free and open to individuals in treatment, recovery, survivorship or caregiving roles, and requires no prior artistic experience.
Call us on 413-586-1642 to register, or, if you are already a Cancer Connection participant, you can use this link to register.
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With over 20 years of experience as a stained glass artist inspired by nature, Beth combines creativity, mindfulness, and holistic practices to support healing and well-being.
After a 30-year career in the medical field, she expanded her work into art therapy and Reiki, recognizing the powerful connection between creative expression and emotional restoration.
Today, Beth serves as an Art Therapy Practitioner at the Veterans Hospital in Leeds, MA, and as a Reiki Practitioner and Co-Facilitator at Cancer Connection. Through nature-inspired creative experiences, she helps participants reduce stress, reconnect with themselves, and experience the restorative power of art and mindful presence.
All Out Adventures programs
Join a program at All Out Adventures and Cancer Connection will pay your fees. This summer/fall they will have paddling, cycling, hiking, and pickleball.
These activities are a great way to move your body, connect with others, and enjoy the beauty of summer in good company.
Call us on 413-586-1642 to find out how to join an All Out Adventures program for free
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.