Smoking Cessation: Led by Tim Sweeney, tobacco treatment specialist. Meets Mondays, 6 to 7 p.m. Athol Hospital’s cafeteria.
Bernardston Farmers Market: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 5 in the United Church of Bernardston parking lot. Seasonal vegetables and fruits, milk, ice cream, cheese, the Kiwanis Club’s popular frozen chicken pot pies, local meat, handcrafted jewelry, gifts and more.
The Community Clothes Closet at 83 Foundry Village Road will be open every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until winter. Residents of all towns are welcome. Clothes are free and suit all ages. The closet accepts donations of clean clothing, which can be delivered anytime at the building’s rear. Contact Linda Wagner at 413-625-6157 or Sarah Looman 413-625 6169 for more information.
Reading Group: Beginning Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. in the Archibald MacLeish Library on the main campus of Greenfield Community College, participants will begin reading what is considered the first masterpiece novel in world literature, “The Tale of Genji,” published around 1020, written by Murasaki Shikibu. The Archibald MacLeish Literary Society is a group of dedicated readers who meet weekly. New readers are welcome. The group reads 50 to 70 pages a week, and the novel will take 18 weeks to complete. If there’s sufficient interest, the group will offer a 12-week program to new or returning readers covering James Joyce’s modernist masterpiece, “Ulysses,” on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the MacLeish Library. Both groups are free and open to the public. Readers are not expected to have a literary or academic background. If interested, contact Michael Doherty by email at michaeldoherty37@gmail.com or call 310-529-8908.
A Tag and Bake Sale will take place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 55 Main St. to benefit the Pioneer Valley Regional School band and chorus field trip to Chicago. These local public school students will be competing and performing with students from all over the country. Rain date is Sept. 1. Donations are welcome, but no clothes, broken or junk items. Contact Deborah Potee at 413-498-2927 with questions or to donate.
Serendipity Shop: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Congregational Church basement. Men’s, women’s and 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. 413-665-2890.
“Refuse to Be a Victim,” a crime prevention program hosted by George “Manny” Holmes, will take place Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Greenfield Savings Bank, 282 Avenue A. Holmes is a certified training counselor. Tips and techniques will be shared ranging from the obvious to the subtle. The more one is conscious of their homes, cars and surroundings, the better prepared they can be. Handouts will be available as well as a question and answer period after the talk. Light snacks will be provided by Greenfield Savings Bank.
Franklin Area Survival Center: 96 4th St., 413-863-9549. The thrift store, which is open to the public and helps finance the food pantry, is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The food pantry is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In an emergency, such as a fire or flood, the center will supply needed clothing, linens and food to help the disaster victims.
Helpful Programs at LifePath: LifePath provides 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 allows elders in need to select their own caregiver — perhaps a friend, neighbor or even a family member — who can be paid through this program (excludes spouses). For more information, email info@lifepathma.org or call 413-773-5555 or 978-544-2259. Read more at lifepathma.org.
Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone (SHINE): 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 counselor at LifePath at 413-773-555 or 978-544-2259. Email info@lifepathma.org or learn more at lifepathma.org.
Vigil for Racial Justice Every Saturday, 9 to 10 a.m., on the Greenfield Common. Bring your own sign or use one of ours. For more information: email@racialjusticerising.org.
Eventide Singers: Offering songs of hope and healing for seriously or terminally ill people, their families and caregivers. 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, visit eventidesingers.com or call Marcia Schuhle at 413-774-2335 or Joe Toritto at 413-774-5828.
Straight Spouse Support: One-on-one support for straight individuals currently or once married to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender partners. Confidential helpline at 413-625-6636 or email jcmalinski48@gmail.com.
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. Donations are tax-deductible. Proceeds benefit blind and vision-impaired people in Massachusetts.
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