Smoking Cessation: Led by Tim Sweeney, tobacco treatment specialist. Meets Mondays, 6 to 7 p.m. Athol Hospital’s cafeteria.
Dick’s Angels Relay For Life team is back in the kitchen at the Bernardston Vets Club, Hartwell Street, on Friday. They will be serving from 5 to 7 p.m. The special will be a roast pork dinner. Also available: hamburgers, truck burgers, hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
The Buckland Historical Society presents the “Save the Barn” Variety Show and Silent Auction Saturday at 7 p.m. at Buckland Public Hall, 15 Upper St. $10 general admission; $5 for people under 18 and over 65. Tickets are available at the Buckland Library or at the show. Money is being raised for restoration of the Wilder Homestead English Barn. Homegrown entertainment, silent auction, popcorn and snacks.
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.
Franklin Community Co-op will host a Community Wellness Fair on Saturday from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at 170 Main St. Learn about local vendors and wellness-supportive products, and get tips for fortifying yourself naturally against cold and flu season, seasonal affective disorder and more.
Yard Sale at Montague Congregational Church, 4 North St., will be Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Free coffee and tea. Breakfast sandwiches, doughnuts and pastries available.
Friends of the New Salem Public Library will sponsor a “Listening Session” with state Sen. Jo Comerford and state Rep. Susannah Whipps on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Swift River School on Wendell Road. All residents of New Salem, Wendell and other neighboring towns represented by the two local legislators are invited to attend, including students in grades five and above. For more information, call 978-544-2611.
The Cellar Closet at Central Congregational Church of Orange, 95 South Main St., will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers have been accepting and arranging clothing for women, men and children, along with jewelry and accessories, shoes and household items. All items are reasonably priced and special sales are offered occasionally. for information, call 978-544-6895 or email orangecongregationalchurch@gmail.com.
The Town Clerk’s Office at 51 Bridge St. will be closed on Oct. 22, Oct. 23 and Oct. 25. Town Clerk Joe Judd expects to return to regular hours starting Oct. 28 at 10 a.m.
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.
Open House: At the Silvio O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory, 1 Migratory Way, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event is an opportunity to meet USGS scientists and learn about the important fish research they do in the Connecticut River watershed and how it helps natural resource managers protect, conserve and restore fish important to sport and commercial fishermen and to ecosystems. Through interactive displays, videos and demonstrations, the public can learn about Connecticut River fishes, including sturgeon, salmon, shad, eels and lamprey. USGS scientists will talk about what fish eat, what their offspring look like, how fast they can swim and how USGS uses this information to build better fishways. A special exhibit will also feature live salamanders, highlighting the surprising number of species found in Massachusetts.
Local Historian Ed Gregory will offer a walk down memory lane Saturday at 10 a.m. at Greenfield Savings Bank, 282 Avenue A. Imagine you are back to 1912 in Turners Falls: see what areas of the village looked like then and compare them to now. Gregory gleans the pages of the Western New England Magazine published in September 1912, with the focus on Turners Falls. Light refreshments.
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.
Vendors Wanted for the Nov. 30 Holiday Fair at Warwick Community School to benefit the Warwick Community School PTO and the church. If you sell homemade products or art, offer services you’d like to display or want to “table” for a cause, contact Andrea Woods by phone at 978-544-6844, email andrea@woods4.com or call the Metcalf Chapel at 978-544-2630. Set up will be Nov. 29 in the evening or early on Nov. 30.
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. Old lawn mowers are also accepted. Donations are tax-deductible and towing is free. Proceeds benefit blind and vision-impaired people in Massachusetts. Alternatively, email Barbara Sciannameo at barbaras@mabcommunity.org.
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