A STEM workshop for children will be offered Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Ashfield Belding Memorial Library. The title is “Digging in the Dirt” – explore soil, compost and dissect a rotting log looking for bugs.
A free workshop for parents and professionals will be Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at The United Arc/GAAAFSN office, 361 Main St. The Federation for Children with Special Needs will present an overview of the transition planning process for youth on an Individual Education Plan (IEP), ages 14 to 21. Stephanie Baldwin, a Service Coordinator from The Department of Developmental Services, will be at this training to give attendees an opportunity to ask specific questions. For more information or to register contact Sheila Butler, sheilabutler@unitedarc.org, 978-249-4052 ext. 1047 or 413-774-5558 ext. 1047. OR register online at www.theunitedarc.org
Kingsmen Chess Club: Meets Sundays, noon to 4 p.m., Millers River Environmental Center, 100 Main St. For more information, call John Dould at 978-249-5905 or email aelb@trysb.net or aelb@hotmail.com.
Smoking Cessation: Led by Tim Sweeney, tobacco treatment specialist. Meets Mondays, 6 to 7 p.m. Athol Hospital’s cafeteria.
TOPS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Athol Congregational Church.
Dick’s Angels Relay For Life Friday night special at the Bernardston Vets Club will be pulled pork on a bulkie roll with coleslaw. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and grilled cheeses will also be available. Food served from 5 to 7:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
A “Winter Blues Tag and Craft Sale” will take place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 7 Devens St. Tables of tag sale items including household items, tools, possibly some furniture and many miscellaneous things. Vendors will be on hand with maple syrup, handmade items such as bags, jewelry, corn sacks, memorial blankets, handmade all natural soaps. Also books and anti age skin care creams. A Plexus Ambassador will be on hand to discuss natural supplements. For more information, call Mary Williams at 773-7384.
Community Meal: Stone Soup Cafe takes place Saturdays at noon at All Souls Church, 399 Main St. (Hope Street entrance). Local food served. Pay-what-you-can. All welcome.
Vet to Vet: The RECOVER Project and the Recovery Learning Community offer Vet to Vet every Thursday from 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.
Ryan Lenois of Montague has been named to the Dean’s List for Fall 2016 at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Conn.
Luke Leyden of Northfield has been named to the 2016 fall semester Dean’s List at Ohio Wesleyan University. Leyden is a 2014 graduate of Northfield Mount Hermon School and is an (All American) captain of the Ohio Wesleyan lacrosse team, this spring ranked #12 in the nation for Division 3 college lacrosse.
Food Pantry: the community food pantry will be open Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The pantry is in the basement of Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main St. The pantry is open the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.
Breathe New Energy into Your Life: An Introduction to Somatic Breath Work and EFT (Tapping) Energy Work: Come join others for an interactive, fun and informative introduction to strategies that can change your life. January 28, 9 a.m. to noon, at OIC Orange Innovation Center, 131 W. Main # 300 Orange. Workshop fee is $30. To register, call Call Marianne at 413 695-2245. For more information, visit: www.mariannereiff.com.
Friends of the Charlemont Fairgrounds 21st Chili Cook Off will take place Sunday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Eagles on State Street. $7 admission to sample the chilis and cast a vote for favorites. More information at www.yankeedoodledays.com or email Tammy Hicks at hicksff@verizon.net
Free Community Meal: Offered every Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Trinity Church, Severance Street.
Preschool story time: Fridays, 11 a.m. in the Children’s Room of the Sunderland Public Library. These story/craft times are for children ages 3 to 5 and their families/caregivers. Each story time is about 45 minutes and includes theme-related stories, songs, finger plays and crafts.
Serendipity Shop: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Congregational Church basement. Men’s women, children’s clothing, shoes and sneakers. Most items $1. Men’s suits and all coats, $3. Women’s suits, $2. Donations accepted. Proceeds to benefit the church. 665-2890.
Scott Cote, Franklin County Registrar of Deeds, will give an updated look at his department and the services/information it provides to area residents and home owners on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Community Room Event at Greenfield Savings Bank, 282 Avenue A. Questions on the Homestead Act? Now is your chance to find out how easy it can be and the protection such a simple document can provide to the homeowner. Think your home is overvalued? Cote will also touch on the real estate tax abatement process. Light refreshments provided by Greenfield Savings Bank.
Franklin Area Survival Center: The Food Pantry & Thrift Store hosted by staff and volunteers is at 96 Fourth St., 863-9549. The Thrift Store is open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Food Pantry is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The center is closed Federal holidays. The Thrift Shop is open to the general public and helps finance its Food Pantry. In an emergency, such as a fire or flood, the center will supply needed clothing and linens, free, and additional food to help the victims of a disaster.
The League of Women Voters of Franklin County MAL Unit, the new chapter of the nonpartisan grassroots organization forming in the region, will conduct its second meeting Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Temple Israel on 27 Pierce St. in Greenfield. The meeting is free and open to the public. Of this next meeting, Marie Gauthier, the Shelburne Falls resident organizing the new chapter, says, “Our first meeting was energizing, but now it’s time to get to work.”
Helpful Programs at LifePath. Any plan of care starts with your needs. LifePath services provide assistance with light homemaking, home-delivered meals, personal care, and adaptive equipment. Caregivers can take a break to de-stress with LifePath’s respite services. In addition, the Consumer Directed Care Program at LifePath allows elders in need to select their own care giver – perhaps a friend, neighbor or even a family member — who can be paid through this program (excludes spouses). For more information, visit: info@lifepathma.org or call 773-5555 or 978-544-2259. Read more at lifepathma.org.
SHINE: Serving the Health Insurance needs of Everyone: do you have Medicare but feel overwhelmed by your options? SHINE counselors are volunteers who provide free unbiased health insurance information, education, and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and adults with disabilities to help people figure out what their best health insurance options are based on their unique needs. Contact a SHINE at LifePath at 773-555 or 978-544-2259. Email info@lifepathma.org and learn more at lifepathma.org.
Vigil for Racial Justice Every Saturday, 9 to 10 a.m., at the Greenfield Common. Bring your own sign or use one of ours. Everyone is welcome. For more information: email@racialjusticerising.org.
Eventide Singers: Offering songs of hope and healing for seriously or terminally ill people, their families and carergivers. the service is offered in homes, hospitals and care facilities, without charge. The music can be selected in response to spiritual preference. For more information and a Youtube video of the group, go to: www.eventidesigners.com or call Marcia Schuhle at 774-2335 or Joe Toritto at 774-5828.
Straight Spouse Support: One to one support for straight individuals currently or once married to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender partners. Confidential helpline at 625-6636 or email jcmalinski48@gmail.com locally or at the Straight Spouse Network nationally at www.straightspouse.org.
Counseling Referrals: the Social Work therapy Referral Service offers free confidential referrals for individual, couple, family and group therapy, matched for specialty, location and insurance. This is a public service of the National Association of Social Workers. Call 800-242-9794.
Help the blind: Your car, truck or camper may be worth more as a donation than a trade in. Call the Massachusetts Association for the Blind at 888-613-2777 for details. this is a free two, quick pick up and donations are tax deductible. Proceeds benefit blind and vision impaired persons in Massachusetts.