ACOA Al-Anon: For adults raised by alcoholic caretakers/parents. Meets every Saturday, 10 a.m., Athol Hospital’s conference room.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary dinner/dance will be Saturday at Post 1034, 40 Black Mountain Road. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner served at 6. Dinner will be coleslaw, Swedish meatballs over noodles, and beets. Homemade dessert. $10 per person or $5 per person for dance only after the meal is served. Call for reservations by Friday at 802-257-0438.
Greenfield Community College invites members of the community to participate in an essay contest and to celebrate the legacy and birthday of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on GCC’s Main Campus. Activities will be available for children ages 2 to 12, with do-it-yourself building kits by Home Depot, a live performance by the GCC Chorus, and a reading by the essay winner “Why is it important to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr”? followed with a community meal. This year a new essay contest has been added asking the question “Why is it important to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr”? Email essay submissions to mcenteem@gcc.mass.edu on or before Friday.Essay winners will be invited to read at the event. Register online by today at: www.gcc.mass.edu/student-development/ For further information, ontact Judy Raper, Director of Student Development 413-775-1819.
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.
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.
Corinne N. Chase of Orange was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2016 semester at Alfred University (AU), Alfred, N.Y. She is a senior in the School of Art and Design. Students must earn at least a 3.5 grade point average to qualify for Dean’s List. A graduate of Pioneer Valley Performing Arts High School, Chase is the daughter of Richard and Lynn Chase of Orange.
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 us: 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.