Ashfield FilmFest seeks submissions by Aug. 15, 5 p.m., for its five-minute short film contest. Anyone can enter as long as the video has some connection, however small, to the town of Ashfield. Entries can be mailed to Ashfield FilmFest, P.O. Box 337 Ashfield MA 01330. All entries must be five minutes or less and submitted in HD format. Details for submissions, including FAQs and contact information can be found at www.ashfieldfilmfest.org or find us on FaceBook under AshfieldFilmFest.
ACOA Al-Anon: For adults raised by alcoholic caretakers/parents. Meets every Saturday, 10 a.m., at Athol Hospital’s conference room.
The Old Deerfield Painting Group presents its 27th annual exhibit of paintings at the Deerfield Community Center, Memorial Street. Featured on the stage this year “Things in Common,” a still life exhibit of borrowed objects. The exhibit will be open from Friday through Aug. 14 from noon to 5 p.m. daily (with extended hours Friday and Aug. 12 until 7 p.m.) A reception to meet artists will be Sunday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Free admission. olddeerfieldpainting.wix.com/arts
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 for 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 Tim 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:
www.literacyproject.org
College graduate:Amos Adams of Leverett graduated from Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colo., with a bachelor’s degree in English. Adams was one of 569 undergraduates receiving a degree at the May ceremony. Adams is a graduate of Amherst Regional High School.
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.
Taste Local Cheese on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main St. Samples from Upinngil (Gill), Little White Goat (Orange), and Smith Farm (Winchendon). Information on cheese, cheese-making, and farms by Julie Robinson. We live in such a great dairy region; come taste the work of our local artisans. Support provided by the Northfield Cultural Council. For more info, call 413-498-2455.
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.
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.
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, Severance 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 am. Call 625-6240.
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 and 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.
Benefits Counseling Program: Are you age 60 or older and worried about your home heating bill? Income eligible seniors can find help through the Benefits Counseling at LifePath. Volunteer benefits counselors will help file an application for fuel assistance and find other was to save money. Contact Gretchen Smith at 773-5555, ext. 2258 or 978-544-2259, ext. 2258, email info@lifepathma.org, or visit lifepathma.org for more information.
Healthy Aging Program: The program, at LifePath, are for people who want to enjoy healthier lives. Groups meet for several weeks in different communities and are led by local volunteer leaders. Choose from six, evidence-based workshops on information or to register for a free workshop or leader training, contact Marcus Chiaretto, Healthy Living Program coordinator 773-5555, ext. 2304, 978-544-2259, ext. 2304 or mchiaretto@lifepathma.org Read more at: lifepathma.org
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.
Information and Caregiver Resource Center: The ICRC at LifePath has answers to all your questions about elder services, help for people with disabilities, and caregiver support. 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 the ICRC at 773-5555 or 978-544-2259 or email: info@lifepathma.org Go online to learn more at: lifepathma.org
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 nonprofit 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.