ACOA Al-Anon: For adults raised by alcoholic caretakers/parents. Meets every Saturday,10 a.m., Athol Hospital’s conference room.
The Falltown String Band will be honoring its founder Ed Phelps with a tribute concert on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the United Church of Bernardston. Well known around the Valley as an English teacher for many years at Greenfield Middle School as well as a local entertainer, Phelps has made his mission to preserve old time folk music. He and the band played nursing homes, schools, historical societies in addition to playing local venues. This event is free of charge but will feature a free-will offering for the Crop Walk.
11 South Gallery, 11 South St. is showing its 19th annual Holiday Exhibit, now through Dec. 23. Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. The Holiday Exhibit features the work of resident artists Elice Davis Pieropan, David Sund, and Lisa Henry, painting and drawing. Pamela Pieropan Adorno and Jeanne Douillard, pottery. In addition a number of regional artisans are exhibiting handcrafted gifts and art for the wall. One of the guest artists showing his paintings is John Tomasetti.
Holy Trinity Church, 133 Main St., will sponsor its 13th annual Christmas wreath sale on Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Remaining wreaths will available before and after weekend Masses Saturday and Sunday. Plain wreaths with a red bow are $15, and hand-decorated wreaths are $20. This event is sponsored by the Rosary Society and the Family Life Commission. Proceeds from this sale benefit Holy Trinity Church.
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.
Benefits Counseling Program: Are you age 60 or older and worried abut your home heating bill? Income eligible seniors can find help through LifePath 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.
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 a.m. 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 & 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 abut 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.
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.
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.
Join RSVP: More than 600 RSVP of Hampshire and Franklin Counties active adults 55 and older give a few hours weekly to improve their communities. RSVP has many volunteer openings close to home to fit your interests, skills, and time availability. Contact Pat at psicard@hampshirecog.org or 413-387-4558 for more information.