Kiwanis Club of Bernardston: Tuesdays, Vets Club, Hartwell Street. Social time, 6 p.m.; dinner meeting 6:30. Open to public
Free weekly playgroup: Come and enjoy time with your child(ren) and other families and caregivers from your community at the Erving Elementary School gym. For the 2016-2017 school year, playgroup will continue on Wednesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. This Playgroup is facilitated by Emily Joseph and is intended for children 0-5 years of age and is sponsored by the Erving Elementary School and Union #28 Community Network for Children. Program not held during school closures. See CNC Website for program and event schedules, https://sites.google.com/site/communitynetworkforchildren/home. For more information please contact Gillian Budine, 978-544-5157 or email budine@erving.com.
GriefShare grief recovery support group: Meets at Living Waters Assembly of God 450 Davis St, Greenfield every Tuesday at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. GriefShare features nationally recognized experts on grief recovery topics. Anyone experiencing grief from now or from the past is welcome to attend these sessions. For more information, call Living Waters Church at 413-773-9506.
Baystate Franklin Medical Center is offering support groups for individuals with special needs in our community. All three groups are free; pre-registration is not necessary:
The Stroke Support Group takes place the third Tuesday of the month, 10 to 11 a.m., Conference Room C. Light refreshments available. Diane Stephan, RN, BSN, Emergency Department nurse educator and stroke coordinator at BFMC, will facilitate the group. The goals of the new support group are to promote an atmosphere of caring and cooperation, promote new goals and friendships for stroke survivors and their families and caregivers, and to renew hope and encourage independence. All stroke survivors, their family members and caregivers are welcome. For more information on the Stroke Support Group, contact Diane Stephan, 413-773-2641, or email diane.stephan@baystatehealth.org.
The Amputee Support Group has a goal of assisting amputees in their daily lives by offering them the opportunity to share ideas and support each other. Sohail Waien, MD, BFMC hospitalist, facilitates this group. The Amputee Support Group generally meets the third Thursday of the month, 5 to 6:30 p.m., in the BFMC Conference Rooms, off the main entrance. As there are exceptions to the schedule, attendees should request a detailed schedule. Friends and family members are also welcome. For more information, contact Sohail.waienMD@baystatehealth.org.
The Salasin Center: 474 Main St., the home of the Greenfield Women’s Resource Center and Family United Networks FUN Center. Mondays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Women’s Center Open ours. Tuesdays – 1 to 2:30 p.m., Nurturing Program for Families in Recovery, ongoing. Free childcare, call Lynn Norwood to join the group at 774-4307 Ext. 3; 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., women’s Center Open Hours; 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Journey Dance in the RPX, 1 Osgood St., or enter through the Recover Project, 68 Federal St., ongoing. Wednesdays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Women’s Peer Writing Group, ongoing; 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Drumming Group with Strong Oak. (Call Strong Oak to join at 961-9167). Thursdays — 1 to 3 p.m., ongoing peer to peer Art Group; 4 to 6:30 p.m., Family F.U.N. Center: open FUN time for the whole family. All ages welcome. For a detailed list of what is happening at the center from month to month, view the monthly calendars at www.salasincenter.org. Also “like” us on Facebook for updates and information.
Resources include: women/children’s clothing exchange; access to computers, free Internet and WiFi, printer/copier access; resource library and community support information; arts and crafts supplies for use while at the center and free coffee and snacks when available. For more information, contact Stacey at 774-4307, ext. 4 or slangknecht@wmtcinfo.org.
Voices/Visions/Extreme States Support Group: This group, sponsored by the Western Mass Recovery Learning Community, offers free weekly meetings, Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 74 Federal St. Open to people who hear voices, see visions or experience extreme states. No registration required. For information, call or text Matthew at 687-7042 or email Cindi at cindi@cindioldham.com.
Yoga Beginnings: new to yoga or returning to it? Small classes, individual help, slow pace. Green River Yoga, Tuesdays, 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Drop ins, $15; six weeks, $75. Free introductory class. Contact Gail Connor at gconnor@comcast.net or 522-0417.
The RECOVER Project: The RECOVER Project hosts a daily “All Recovery Meeting” each morning Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m at 68 Federal St. Open to all to discuss recovery — no matter what path that recovery has taken. All walks of recovery welcome. Meetings are held in the front community room. “Eddie’s Group” is held every Tuesday from 3 to 4 p.m. in the RPX. Please come join us. For more information call: 774-5489.
Al-anon Meeting: Wednesday, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Beacon Light, Second Congregational Church, Court Square. Ring bell at side door. Anyone who feels her/his life has been affected by close contact with a problem drinker is eligible for membership in Al-anon or Alateen. www.al-anon.org.
Free Acupuncture Clinic: For veterans and their families, Wednesdays, 5 to 7 p.m. Drop in clinic at Greenfield Community Acupuncture, 345 Main St., second floor. Treatments reduce stress. help sleep. No appointment required. For information, contact Karen at 768-8333.
Community Meal: The Salvation Army, 72 Chapman St. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at noon. Open to all who are hungry.
Free weekly Tales & Tunes: Come and enjoy stories, song and craft activities with your child(ren) and other families and caregivers from your community at the Leverett Public Library. For the 2016-2017 school year, Tales & Tunes will continue on Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Tales & Tunes is facilitated by Heleen Cardinaux and is intended for children 0-5 years of age and is sponsored by the Leverett Public Library and Union #28 Community Network for Children. For more information please contact Gillian Budine, 978-544-5157 or email budine@erving.com.
The Leyden Lunch Group will enjoy the “Tastes of Fall” on Wednesday at noon with a traditional autumn menu of butternut/apple soup and pork medallions with gravy and rice, spice cake or no-sugar-added baked apples with topping. Persons with special dietary needs, let us know when you make your reservations. Call Sue Howarth at 774-3118 by Tuesday for reservations. Sponsored by the Council on Aging.
Alzheimers Caregiver Support Groups: Michael and Marjorie Paton conduct an Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group on the third Tuesday of the month, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Congregational Church at the common, church basement. The Patons are affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Association of Mass/N.H. chapter. The group is open to all persons caring for an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s type dementia. For more information: mmpaton@yahoo.com, 498-5995.
Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group: Wednesday, 5 to 7 p.m. at LifePath, 330 Montague City Road, large conference room. Free group meets the first and third Wednesday of the month. For more information, call Molly Chambers group facilitator at 773-5555, ext. 2229 or 978-544-2259, ext. 2229.
Free weekly playgroup: Come and enjoy stories, song and craft activities with your child(ren) and other families and caregivers from your community at the Swift River School in New Salem. For the 2016-2017 school year, playgroup will continue on Tuesdays from 8:45 to 10:15 a.m. This Playgroup is facilitated by Emily Joseph and is intended for children 0-5 years of age and is sponsored by the Swift River School and Union #28 Community Network for Children. Program not held during school closures. See CNC Website for program and event schedules, https://sites.google.com/site/communitynetworkforchildren/home. For more information please contact Gillian Budine, 978-544-5157 or email budine@erving.com.
“Olive Oil Tasting” at the Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main St., will be offered Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library. Learn the history, how it’s made, and why different kinds can vary so much in taste and quality. Then taste some samples to find out which kind you like best. Presentation by Julie Robinson. Support provided by the Northfield Cultural Council. Free.
Sylvia Smith and Penny Spearance, members of the Shelburne Council on Aging, will talk about the Council on Aging and its role on the Board of Directors of The Senior Center. They will also give an overview of the Center’s services and activities. Free and open to the public. There will be a potluck supper at 6:30 p.m. and program at 7:15. Bring a dish to share and a place setting if attending the supper. Dessert and beverages provided.
TOPS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly, Chapter 179, meets Tuesdays, Shelburne-Buckland Community Center, 53 Main St. Weigh-in from 6:30 to 7 p.m., program from 7 to 7:45. Free first visit. Contact Mary Cromack at 625-0127.
Community Clothes Closet: Community outreach of Trinity Church. Free clothing for all ages. Open to the public on the second, third and fourth Wednesday of the month, noon to 6 p.m. Donations of clean clothing and bedding accepted any time. Located at the lower level of Cowell Gym, 51 Maple St. for more information, call the church at 625-2341.
Free weekly playgroup: Come and enjoy time with your child(ren) and other families and caregivers from your community at the Shutesbury Elementary School gym. For the 2016-2017 school year, playgroup will continue on Fridays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. This Playgroup is facilitated by Joie Ciepiela and is intended for children 0-5 years of age and is sponsored by the Shutesbury Elementary School and Union #28 Community Network for Children. Program not held during school closures. See CNC Website for program and event schedules, https://sites.google.com/site/communitynetworkforchildren/home. For more information please contact Gillian Budine, 978-544-5157 or email budine@erving.com.
Preschool Story Time: Wednesday, 11 a.m., Tilton Library, 75 North Main St.
MCSM’s Women’s Center: Formerly known as the Turners Falls Women’s Resource Center, 41 Third St., has open hours Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this safe, welcoming place for women offers opportunities for connection and growth, and builds leadership through programs/activities. Come for mutual support, free clothing, books and food items, to use the computer lab, and enjoy or learn a variety of arts and crafts. All materials are free. Call Christine for information on additional workshops at 863-4804, ext. 1003, email christine.mcsmcommunity.org or visit www.mcsmcommunity.org
Parent-Child Development Center: In Turners Falls, early Head Start infant/toddler full-day, full-year classrooms. The center continues to offer: Free Head Start half-day preschool programs; free Early Head Start and head Start home visiting programs and state subsidized, sliding scale options for full day child care. In Franklin County, call 475-1405.
Basic Needs Program: The program, at Montague Catholic Social Ministries, is open Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon, for resources and referrals. To leave a message or to make an appointment, call 863-4804, ext. 1002. to access Basic needs, buzz 103 at the Moltenbrey entrance on Third Street.
ACIM study group: A Course in Miracles meets Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., 4 George Ave. It is a study group that helps people see this world in a better light and live a more peaceful life. For more information, call 863-4147.
Free Playgroup: Come Play & Learn, for Parents/Caregivers with children, infant to age 5 on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Warwick Community School, 41 Winchester St. The playgroup will follow the public school calendar. Sponsored by PVRSD CFCE. For more information, contact Deb Wood @ 413-648-5450 woodd@pvrsdk12.org
Free weekly playgroup: Come and enjoy time with your child(ren) and other families and caregivers from your community at the Wendell Free Library. For the 2016-2017 school year, playgroup will continue on Wednesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. This Playgroup is facilitated by Sylvia Wetherby and is intended for children 0-5 years of age and is sponsored by the Friends of the Wendell Free Library and Union #28 Community Network for Children. Program does not take place during school closures. See CNC Website for program and event schedules, https://sites.google.com/site/communitynetworkforchildren/home. For more information please contact Gillian Budine, 978-544-5157 or email budine@erving.com.
Reiki share: Tuesdays, noon to 2 p.m., Stone Mountain Reiki, 9 Masterson Road. Free. Reiki share is a chance to give and receive Reiki in an atmosphere of friendship and love. For more information, call 665-8382 or email cecelia@stonemountainreiki.com.
Learn to cope: A support network for families affected by addiction, has weekly support meetings Tuesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Greenfield Community College’s main building, Room C-208. Meetings, free and confidential, are run by trained facilitators and offer hope, support, education and resources. Free overdose education and Narcan, the opioid overdoes reversal drug, available at each weekly meeting. For more information, call Marcy Julian at 508-404-3539 or email mjulian@learn2cope.org. www.learn2cope.org.
Breastfeeding Support Group: Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to noon, obstetrics Classroom, third floor, Baystate Franklin Medical Center, led by Suzanne Stoneham. For mothers who are breastfeeding infants (moms are welcome to bring their infants to the group). For more information, call the birth Place at BFMC at 773-2359.
ADMIRE: Alzheimer’s Disease, Memory Impaired, Resources and Education program will meet Wednesday, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Franklin County Home Care Corp. conference room, 330 Montague City Road, Montague City. ADMIRE offers services to families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease or a related memory disorder. The group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month. Call 413-773-5555.