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
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.
Gratitude Journaling: An Invitation to Creativity and Play
Gratitude Journaling: An Invitation to Creativity and Play with Sharon Rudnitzky
Saturday, November 22nd, 10:00am - 12:00 pm
This program meets monthly. Join one or all of them! Next date is 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.
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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!
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 2025 workshops:
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.
Your Creativity Matters Art Workshop
The first Saturday of the month. Next date: December 6th, 10am - 12pm
December Program: Wings of Joy
Join us for a joyful and creative art session where you'll design a vibrant bird using a simple template and your own imagination. Each feather becomes a space to fill with positive words—things that lift your spirit, bring a smile, or give you strength. In the center of your bird, you'll add an uplifting quote that inspires you.
Wings of Joy is a reflective and lighthearted way to explore what brings you happiness and to express it visually. No art experience is needed—just bring your creativity and an open heart.
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.
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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.
Festive Holiday Cards
Festive Holiday Cards with Diane Potter
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 1 – 3:00 PM (Date change from 11/15)
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
All Out Adventures programs
Winter offerings include cross-country skiing, sit cross-country skiing, ice skating, sled skating, snowshoeing, and indoor pickleball.
These activities are a great way to move your body, connect with others, and enjoy the beauty of winter in good company.
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.