Whately Congregational Church accepting food donations
WHATELY — Residents can drop off nonperishable food items on Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Whately Congregational Church carriage shed.
According to Whately resident Judy Markland, the food will go to the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System to be distributed to veterans.
Giving Tree returns to Field Memorial Library
CONWAY — The Giving Tree will return to Field Memorial Library from Nov. 24 to Dec. 21 for its fifth year.
In the rotunda of the library, a tree will be decorated with envelopes for locals to leave gift cards, donations and notes of support. Colorful gift bags for donated items like books for children, gift cards for gifts under the tree (especially Walmart gift cards), food items for holiday sweets and toiletries “with a seasonal flavor” are welcome, according to Linda McDaniel, co-president of the library’s Friends group. On Dec. 9, the Hilltown Churches Food Pantry will distribute the items to families in need.
Those interested can drop off donations at the library on Mondays from 3 to 6 p.m., Wednesdays from 2 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Field Memorial Library also started a food exchange access program for Conway residents. Sealed, nonperishable food items will be accepted in the lobby of Conway Town Hall, open Mondays from 2 to 5 p.m., Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Whately Civic Association Speaker Series continues with talk on health care access
WHATELY — The Whately Civic Association Speaker Series will continue on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. with a talk titled, “Everybody needs health care, but can we all afford it?”
Practicing dentist and CEO of the Community Health Center of Franklin County Dr. Allison van der Velden will speak at Whately Town Hall at 194 Chestnut Plain Road. There, she will unpack the rising costs of health care coverage, from Medicare to MassHealth and other health insurance plans, and the recent and proposed legislation impacting health care access. Van der Velden will also outline steps residents can take with the information to help ensure their health care is affordable. Admission is free.