ACOA Al-Anon: For adults raised by alcoholic caretakers/parents. Meets every Saturday, 10 a.m., Athol Hospital’s conference room.
Family United Network: The Family United Network (F.U.N.) Center is at The Salasin Center, 474 Main St., Thursdays, 4 to 6:30 p.m., a fun time fo the whole family. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact Stacy at 774-4307, ext. 4, or visit: slangknecht@wmcinfo.org
Vet to Vet: The RECOVER Project and the Recovery Learning Community offer “Vet to Vet” every Thursday, 3 to 4:30 p.m., at 74 Federal St. This collaboration is for all veterans, regardless of discharge status to offer support when the civilian world is a challenge. For more information, contact Time at 475-0226.
Circle of Moms: Meets Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon, Community Action Family Center, 90 Federal St. Free parking, childcare, snacks. For more information, call 774-1000.
Community Action’s Family Center: The Family Center, 90 Federal St., offers Plays & Learn Groups, Parent Support Group and special early literacy events. The staff can help answer questions you have on topics like parenting, discipline, child development and school readiness. Free books, clothing and diapers on site. Staff can help you find other resources in the community. Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 475-1553. Find us on Facebook.
Free ongoing classes: The Literacy Project/Greenfield offers ongoing free basic education classes, free GED preparation classes, free job readiness workshops, free college transition workshops and free academic counseling services. For more information, call 774-3935 or visit:
literacyproject.org
Book Study: “Following Jesus, A Study of First John,” with Perry Fuller, at Leyden Methodist Church, 15 West Leyden Road. Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m., through Aug. 3. The Bible’s book of First John shows us how to follow the Way, learn the Truth and experience that Life. Everybody is warmly welcomed. For more information, call 413-773-3548.
Benefits Counseling Program: Are you age 60 or older and worried abut your home heating bill? Income eligible seniors can find help through LifePath (formerly Franklin County Home Care) Benefits Counseling Program. LifePath will help file an application for fuel assistance and find other ways to save you money. Contact Gretchen Smith at 773-5555 for more information.
Healthy Aging Program: The program, at LifePath, promotes wellness and independence among older adults. Workshops on Chronic Disease Self Management, Healthy Eating, Falls Prevention and Walking Groups make up this evidence-based program. To volunteer as a peer leader/trainer or to find a workshop in your community, contact Lesley Kayan at 773-5555, ext. 2297 or call 978-544-2259, ext. 2297.
Knitting at the Library: All knitters are invited to drop by to knit, chat, exchange helpful hints and share ideas on Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m., Dickinson Memorial Library. The group will be led by Kathy O’Shea, a graduate of WEBS knitting program. Drop in anytime.
1794 Meetinghouse: Orange native Samantha Farrell performs jazz/pop vocals and guitar on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Adults, $15; ages 13 to 17, $10, ages 0-12, free.
Tae Kwan Do for Kids will take 2:30 p.m. at Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main St. Korean martial arts for elementary-aged children, with Matt Roncone from River Valley Taekwondo. Learn some moves! 498-2455.
Northfield Farmers Market takes place Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. in front of Cameron’s Winery, 105 Main St. The market will run through Oct. 6. There will be fresh, local vegetables, fruit, eggs, baked goods and handcrafted items including jewelry, greeting cards and more. the market is always looking for new vendors. Call Deb Mayberry at 498-2424.
Free Ongoing Classes: The Literacy Project North Quabbin offers ongoing free basic education classes, free GED preparation classes and free academic counseling services. For more information, contact The Literacy Project North Quabbin, 34 North Main St. or call 978-544-8917 or visit: www.literacyproject.org
Community Supper: West County Community Supper, Fridays, Trinity Church, Severane Street, Shelburne Falls. Coffee and tea at 5 p.m.; supper at 5:30. Supper sponsored by caring groups and organizations.
Free Medical Clinic: Trailside Health at 111 Bridge St., downtown Shelburne Falls, downtown Shelburne Falls. It is on the FRTA bus route. The free clinic takes place every Tuesday at 9 a.m. Call 625-6240.
Free weekly playgroup: Enjoy time with your children and other families ad caregivers from your community on Fridays, 9 to 10:30 a.m., Shutesbury Elementary School gym. This playgroup is facilitated by Gillian Budine and Joie Ciepiela and is intended for infants to age 5. it is sponsored by Shutesbury Elementary School and Union 28 Community Network for Children. The program does not take place during school closures. For more information, contact Budine at 978-544-5157 or email: budine@erving.com
Time for Mothers: Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free early-literacy child care provided to children ages birth to 8 at the Family Center, 78 Avenue A, while mothers meet at the Women’s Center, 41 Third St. The Women’s Center provides a computer lab/internet service, community resources, peer support, arts & crafts, and gently used clothing. Call Christine for information at 863-4804, ext. 1003 or email: christine@mcsmcommunity.org Both centers are programs of Montague Catholic Social Ministries.
Rehabilitation services at BFMC: Rehabilitation Services at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, 48 Sanderson St. For more information or to schedule a free screening, call 773-2227.
Overeaters Anonymous: Free meetings every week. In Greenfield: Saturday, 9:30 a.m., Baystate Franklin Medical Center, conference room 9; Sunday, 10 to 11:15 a.m., also at BFMC. For more information to locate meetings throughout Massachusetts, Brattleboro and northern Vermont, call 773-7394 or 783-4198.
Child Care/Preschool/Home-Visiting: The Parent-Child Development Center, serving families with children birth to kindergarten age and expectant women over 40, offers free Head Start preschool, free Head Start and early Head Start home visiting programs and Child Care in Franklin/Hampshire counties. Spanish speaking services available. In Franklin County, call 475-1405.
ICRC at LifePath: The Information and Caregiver Resource Center at LifePath (formerly Franklin County Home Care) has answers to all your questions about elder services/caregiver support. FCHCC resource consultants are experts in finding the information you need to solve any problem. If we don’t have the answer, we will find someone who can help you. Contact ICRC at Franklin County Home Care at 773-5555 or 978-544-2259.
RSVP Volunteer Opportunities: Do you want to share your experience and skills but don’t have much time to volunteer? RSVP’s Experience on Call program offers episodic volunteer opportunities for one-time or short-term events and projects that will help local non-profit organizations. More than 600 adults, 55 and older, lend their skills and time, experience and interests to improve their communities through RSVP of Franklin and Hampshire counties. For more information, contact pat Sicard at Psicard@hampshirecog.org or call 413-584-1300, ext. 183.