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
Gratitude Journaling: An Invitation to Creativity and Play
Gratitude Journaling: An Invitation to Creativity and Play with Sharon Rudnitzky
Saturday, December 20th, 11:00am - 1:00 pm
This program meets on the third Saturday of the month. Join one or all of them! Next date is January 21st.
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!
Honoring the Year: An Intuitive Wreath-Making Workshop Celebrating Our Local Landscape
Honoring the Year: An Intuitive Wreath-Making Workshop Celebrating Our Local Landscape with Clarke Bankert
Saturday, January 10th, 2:00-4 pm: This is an in-person program.
In this workshop, Clarke will guide participants to reflect on the past year, honoring the change, growth, grief, and beauty they may have encountered, and invite participants to tap into their intuition to guide the decoration of their wreath. Intuitive wreath-making with dried flowers and locally gathered plants offers a playful, creative, and reflective experience. Clarke will provide an abundance of natural materials collected throughout the past year, from places across Western Massachusetts, including Mountain View Farm, Mount Tom, roadsides and hillsides and friends’ gardens. Participants do not need any prior experience with wreath making.
This program is is free of charge and is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis and their families. Registration is required. Call Cancer Connection to register: 413-586-1642 x104.
-
Clarke Bankert (shey/they) lives locally and was treated for breast cancer in 2021-2022 at the age of 40. She was also a caretaker for her father, who died from lung cancer during that time. She developed the wreath-making practice when she noticed how strikingly beautiful black raspberry stalks are in the dead of winter, and she began using them as “skeletons” for the wreaths, making them throughout cancer treatment as a way to take in and work with beauty and pleasure as a healing energy. She delights in the practice of collecting flowers and plants in the warmer months and gathering with friends and family in the colder months to use the dried materials for wreath-making. Clarke lives in Easthampton with their two kids and two cats, all of whom are on the edge of wild.
Your Creativity Matters Art Workshop
The first Saturday of the month. Next date: February 7th, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
February Program: Envelope Art Journal
In this creative and engaging art group session, participants will learn how to make a unique Envelope Art Journal using small envelopes. Each person will be provided with four white envelopes, or you’re welcome to bring your own—any color is fine, as long as they are the same size.
This simple, portable journal is easy to assemble and highly customizable. Once constructed, participants can decorate their journals with original artwork, collage materials, or magazine clippings. Each page includes a pocket, perfect for tucking in a special drawing, note, or small keepsake.
These compact journals are ideal for recording thoughts, writing poetry, sketching, or collecting inspiring ideas—and they’re small enough to take anywhere. No previous art experience is needed—just bring your creativity!
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.
-
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.
Embodied Dance & Movement Wellness
Embodied Dance & Movement Wellness with Margaret Bowrys
Every Thursday, starting January 15th, 11 am - 12 pm : In Person Only
A gentle, restorative movement program designed for individuals impacted by cancer- during treatment, recovery and beyond. This trauma-sensitive class integrates therapeutic dance, somatic practices and breathwork to support healing, emotional well-being and body confidence.
Movements are fully adaptable- seated, standing, or lying down and accessible to all abilities. Each session fosters connection, self-expression, and resilience ending with grounding practices including, body scans and guided visualization.
Participants are invited to cultivate relationship with their bodies and build community through shared experience.
The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call Cancer Connection to register: 413-586-1642 x104.
Whole food, plant-based Cooking
Whole food, plant-based Cooking with Paul Sustick
Register for one of these Saturday 2026 workshops, from 10am to 1pm:
- January 24
- February 21
- March 21
- April 18
- May 16
- June 6
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. 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.
Prepare for Surgery & Treatment: Creating Your Personalized Relaxation Practice
Prepare for Surgery & Treatment: Creating Your Personalized Relaxation Practice with Ann Buscemi
Wednesday, January 28th, 2:30-4:30pm. In person only
Join Ann Buscemi for this supportive, hands-on workshop based on Peggy Huddleston’s Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster™ techniques. Ann is a certified facilitator trained by Peggy.
In this interactive session, you'll be guided in creating your own personalized relaxation practice using words, images, and affirmations to support your body and mind before, during, and after surgery, chemo or radiation.
With Ann’s guidance and support, you’ll craft the language and imagery that resonates with you. These elements will be integrated into a guided relaxation recording with prompts, which you'll take home and use as part of your healing process.
Research shows that relaxation techniques can significantly reduce anxiety, promote a sense of calm, strengthen the immune system, and support overall well-being. Participants often report less pain, enhanced emotional resilience, and accelerated healing.
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
-
Ann Buscemi is certified in therapeutic hypnosis and emotional healing. Ann trained with Peggy Huddleston and is certified to present “Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster”™ workshops.
She provides Calming Strategies at Cancer Connection in addition to working with patients at Cooley Dickinson Hospital Women’s Health department. “A client’s time, words and thoughts are the palette that I use, to create the canvas, the recording, that becomes their guide for a calming, healing visualization. This is beneficial for surgery, chemo and radiation therapies. Simply stated, the stress of any diagnosis. Taking time to visualize one’s healing is a vital part of any treatment strategy.”
Little Instrument, Big Joy: Intro to Harmonica
Little Instrument, Big Joy: Intro to Harmonica with Steve Retchin
4 Part-Series: Thursday, February 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th 2:00-3:30pm. In person only
Come learn the basics of playing the harmonica in this relaxed, 4-part class series designed for beginners. Together, we’ll explore simple techniques like breathing, holding the harmonica, playing single notes, and keeping rhythm — all at a gentle, supportive pace.
Whether you’ve never picked up a harmonica before or just want to try something new in a low-pressure, supportive setting, this class is for you. Come explore music, laughter, and the joy of learning together in community.
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
-
Steven Retchin received his first harmonica at age 14 from a bandmate to play solos on their covers of a then-unknown band named The Beatles. During the late 1960's and through the ?O's and 80's, he played with Blues bands, Boogie bands, and Folk groups in Boston, New York. and throughout Southern New England. He learned to play Jazz at jam sessions, which he still does regularly.
Steve has played with blues legend Otis Spann at the Electric Circus in NYC, at Gerdes Folk City in Greenwich Village, and in the streets and coffee houses around Boston, New York, and elsewhere. He founded the Harmonica Jazz Trio "Harmaniacs" in 2005, performing around Western MA at venues including Great Falls Center and the Academy of Music. He has also performed at Harmonica Festivals in New Jersey, Virginia Beach, Tulsa, St Louis, and performed and adjudicated Harmonica competitions at the "Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival" in Hsinchu City (Taipei) Taiwan.
He is well known as the only player in this area who plays many styles of music using a variety of harmonicas, including the familiar diatonic, concert chromatic, 48-chord, bass, and polyphonic harmonicas.
All Out Adventures programs
Winter offerings include cross-country skiing, sit cross-country skiing, ice skating, sled skating and snowshoeing.
These activities are a great way to move your body, connect with others, and enjoy the beauty of winter in good company.
This program is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis or is a caregiver and is free of charge. Call Cancer Connection to find out how to register for one of All Out Adventures Programs: 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.