Smoking Cessation: Led by Tim Sweeney, tobacco treatment specialist. Meets Mondays, 6 to 7 p.m. Athol Hospital’s cafeteria.
Free Lectures: Historic Deerfield will present a free winter lecture series, “Captivated: Histories and Legacies of the 1704 Raid on Deerfield,” on Sundays at 2 p.m., Jan. 26, March 1 and March 29 at Garonzik Auditorium on the campus of Deerfield Academy. 2020 marks the 316th anniversary of the raid on Deerfield’s English settlement by French soldiers, Canadians and their Native American allies on Feb. 29, 1704. The first lecture, titled “Before 1704: Wampum Traditions and Landscapes of Memory,” will be presented by Margaret Bruchac. The lecture series continues with “Taken Away: The Captive Experience in the Late 1600s and Early 1700s,” presented by Kevin Sweeney on March 1. The final lecture, “Who Cares About 1704?: The Relevance of the Deerfield Raid in 2020,” will be presented by Alice Nash on March 29. For more information, call 413-775-7214 or email tours@historic-deerfield.org.
Robot Birthday Party: Marty, the tall, googly-eyed robot that roams Stop & Shop stores searching for spills and potential hazards, is turning 1. To celebrate, select Stop & Shop stores, including the French King Highway store, will throw a birthday party Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with birthday cake, crafts for children and giveaways.
Quabbin Valley Pro Musica will perform choral music Sunday at 3 p.m. at 1794 Meetinghouse. Adults, $15; ages 13 to $17, $10; and children ages 12 and under are admitted for free. Tickets can be purchased online at bit.ly/2TJe4l2or at the door.
Food Pantry: The community food pantry is open the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The pantry is in the basement of Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main St.
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 Fourth 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.
President’s and Dean’s Lists: Fitchburg State University recently released its President’s List and Dean’s List for the fall semester, which include several local students. On the Dean’s List: Alexander K. Batutis, Jacob A. Billiel, Jillian M. Euvrard, Sarah N. Hicks, Joey J. Lehtomaki, Joshua W. Muzyk, Tiffany L. Pedroza, Gwen Perkins, Rebecca A. Rouleau, Rachel L. Sazonick and Kassidy M. Thompson, of Athol; Benjamin L. Hunsicker, of Leyden; Joshua J. Gamache, Zachary Martin, Katelyn R. Page, Jacob W. Sidilau, Chloe C. Taddeo, Cameron A. Truehart and Emily K. Vescovi, of Orange; Kurtis D. Graeff, of Petersham; Brooke A. Couture, Jordan N. Geyster, Marissa A. Marques, Brooke T. Pacheco and Kade R. Vautour, of Phillipston; Brianne M. Cousineau, of Rowe; and Wade H. Williams, of Warwick. A student is placed on the Dean’s List for a semester if her or she attends the university full-time and attains a grade point average of 3.20 or higher. On the President’s List: Sophia R. Cantrell, of Athol. A student is named to the President’s List after achieving a 3.75 grade point average in each of three successive semesters.
Scholarships Available: The North Quabbin Cruisers announced the availability of its scholarship applications for post-graduate students furthering their education in an automotive related field. Applications can be obtained from the following guidance departments: Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, Franklin County Technical School, Athol High School, Ralph C. Mahar Regional School, Quabbin Regional High School and Narragansett Regional High School. Applications can also be obtained from any North Quabbin Cruiser member or by contacting Pamela Harris at 978-544-3426.
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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