ACOA Al-Anon: For adults raised by alcoholic caretakers/parents. Meets every Saturday, 10 a.m., Athol Hospital’s conference room.
Free Playgroup: Come Play & Learn, for parents/caregivers with children, infants to age 6, every Thursday, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Bernardston Elementary School gymnasium, 37 School St. The playgroup follows the public school calendar and is sponsored by PVRSD CFCE. For more information, contact Deb Wood at 498-2660 or woodd@pvrsdk12.org.
Family United Network: The Family United Network (F.U.N.) Cener is at The Salasin Center, 474 Main St., Thursdays, 4 to 6:30 p.m., a fun time for the whole family. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact Stacy at 774-4307, ext. 4, or visit: slangknecht@wmcinfo.org.
Vet to Vet: The RECOVER Project and the Recovery Learning Community offer “Vet to Vet” every Thursday, 3 to 4:30 p.m., at 74 Federal St. This collaboration is for all veterans, regardless of discharge status to offer support when the civilian world is a challenge. For more information, contact Tim at 475-0226.
Circle of Moms: Meets Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon, Community Action Family Center, 90 Federal St. Free parking, childcare, snacks. For more information, call 774-1000.
Community Action’s Family Center: The Family Center, 90 Federal St., offers Plays & Learn Groups, Parent Support Group and special early literacy events. The staff can help answer questions you have on topics like parenting, discipline, child development and school readiness. Free books, clothing and diapers on site. Staff can help you find other resources in the community. Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 475-1553. Find us on Facebook.
Free ongoing classes: The Literacy Project/Greenfield offers ongoing free basic education classes, free GED preparation classes, free job readiness workshops, free college transition workshops and free academic counseling services. For more information, call 774-3935 or visit: www.literacyproject.org.
Benefits Counseling Program: Are you age 60 or older and worried abut your home heating bill? Income-eligible seniors can find help through LifePath’s Benefits Counseling Program. LifePath, formerly Franklin County Home Care Corp., will help file an application for fuel assistance and find other ways to save you money. Contact Gretchen Smith at 773-5555, email info @fchcc.org, or visit www.fchcc.org for more information.
Healthy Aging Program: The program, at LifePath, formerly Franklin County Home Care Corp., promotes wellness and independence among older adults. Workshops on Chronic Disease Self Management, Healthy Eating, Falls Prevention and Walking Groups make up this evidence-based program. To volunteer as a peer leader/trainer or to find a workshop in your community, contact Lesley Kayan at 773-5555, ext. 2297 or call 978-544-2259, ext. 2297. Read more at: www.fchcc.org.
Knitting at the Library: All knitters are invited to drop by to knit, chat, exchange helpful hints and share ideas on Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m., Dickinson Memorial Library. The group will be led by Kathy O’Shea, a graduate of WEBS knitting program. Drop in anytime.
Free Ongoing Classes: The Literacy Project North Quabbin offers ongoing free basic education classes, free GED preparation classes and free academic counseling services. For more information, contact The Literacy Project North Quabbin, 34 North Main St. or call 978-544-8917 or visit www.literacyproject.org.
Community Supper: West County Community Supper, Fridays, Trinity Church, Severance Street, Shelburne Falls. Coffee and tea at 5 p.m.; supper at 5:30. Supper sponsored by caring groups and organizations.
Free Medical Clinic: Trailside Health at 111 Bridge St., downtown Shelburne Falls. It is on the FRTA bus route. The free clinic takes place every Tuesday at 9 am. Call 625-6240.
Free Weekly Playgroup: Enjoy time with your children and other families ad caregivers from your community on Fridays, 9 to 10:30 a.m., Shutesbury Elementary School gym. This playgroup is facilitated by Gillian Budine and Joie Ciepiela and is intended for infants to age 5. it is sponsored by Shutesbury Elementary School and Union 28 Community Network for Children. The program does not take place during school closures. For more information, contact Budine at 978-544-5157 or budine@erving.com.
Time for Mothers: Thursdays from 10 a.m. to1 p.m. Free early-literacy child care provided to children ages birth to 8 at the Family Center, 78 Avenue A, while mothers meet at the Women’s Center, 41 Third St. The Women’s Center provides a computer lab/Internet service, community resources, peer support, arts and crafts, and gently used clothing. Call Christine for information at 863-4804, ext. 1003 or email christine@mcsmcommunity.org. Both centers are programs of Montague Catholic Social Ministries.
Whately Public Library Book Discussion: “Between Shades of Gray” by Ruta Sepety will be Saturday at 11 a.m. “In terrifying detail, Ruta Sepety re-creates World War II coming of age all too timely today. ”Between Shades of Gray” is a document long overdue.” Richard Peck, Newbery Award–winning author. Books available at the library, 202 Chestnut Plain Road.
Rehabilitation Services at BFMC: Rehabilitation Services at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, 48 Sanderson St. For more information or to schedule a free screening, call 773-2227.
Overeaters Anonymous: Free meetings every week. In Greenfield: Saturday, 9:30 a.m., Baystate Franklin Medical Center, conference room 9; Sunday, 10 to 11:15 a.m., also at BFMC. For more information to locate meetings throughout Massachusetts, Brattleboro and northern Vermont, call 773-7394 or 783-4198.
Child Care/Preschool/Home-Visiting: The Parent-Child Development Center, serving families with children birth to kindergarten age and expectant women over 40, offers free Head Start preschool, free Head Start and early Head Start home visiting programs and child care in Franklin/Hampshire counties. Spanish speaking services available. In Franklin County, call 475-1405.
ICRC at LifePath: The Information and Caregiver Resource Center at LifePath, formerly Franklin County Home Care, has answers to all your questions about elder services/caregiver support. LifePath resource consultants are experts in finding the information you need to solve any problem. If we don’t have the answer, we will find someone who can help you. Contact ICRC at LifePath at 773-5555 or 978-544-2259.