Smoking Cessation: Led by Tim Sweeney, tobacco treatment specialist. Meets Mondays, 6 to 7 p.m. Athol Hospital’s cafeteria.
Greenfield High School’s Community Service Learning Day will be Friday from 8 to 11 a.m. Students will be operating a drive-up, drop-off donation site in front of school on Barr Avenue. Folks can pull up and students will accept non-perishable food items, pet food, diapers, and new and gently used winter gear. Donations payable to GHS/CSL are accepted for supplies for blessing bags, cookie making, tie blankets, decorations and more projects to support families in need.
Grants: The Montague Cultural Council has announced the award of 19 grants totaling $6,290 for cultural programs in Montague. Grants have been awarded to: Slate Roof Press’ Poetry in Our Schools program at the Franklin County Technical School (spring); the Great Falls Apple Corps’ Food Forest Planting Party (spring); Franklin County musicians co-op concert at the Great Falls Discovery Center (March); the New England Banjo Festival happening in Turners Falls (April); Nolumbeka Project’s Day of Remembrance (May); the Montague May Day fine art exhibit (May); the Millers Falls Art Happening (June); a virtual reality and robotics workshop at the Millers Falls Library (summer); a concert in Montague Center by the Sugarloaf String Band (July); Gretchen Krull’s Voices Carry at the Shea Theater Arts Center (summer); Real Live Theatre’s production of “The Moors” (July/August), Barbes in the Woods returns to Montague Center (August); Bim Bam Music at Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center during the summer playgroup (August); Mary Jo Maichack’s cabaret show at the Gill-Montague Senior Center (September); Migrations Festival (October/November); a program on owls at the Great Falls Discovery Center (undetermined); Musica Franklin Community Nights (ongoing); Racial Justice Rising’s monthly series (ongoing); and Great Falls Books Through Bars’ documentary and discussion evenings (ongoing).
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.
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.
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. 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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