ACOA Al-Anon: For adults raised by alcoholic caretakers/parents. Meets every Saturday, 10 a.m., Athol Hospital’s conference room.
“Planning for Medicare, Countdown to 65” will be presented by the Bernardston Council on Aging on April 17 at 4:30 p.m. for people approaching Medicare eligibility. Heather Hurd from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mass. will be the speaker. This seminar simplifies Medicare options for people who might be choosing a health plan for the first time without an employer’s assistance or whether they’ll continue work or retirement. A light supper will be provided after the program. Call the Senior Center at 413-648-5413 to sign up for the program, also indicate if you plan on staying for the meal.
Bernardston Vets Club, 16 Hartwell St.: Find us on Facebook at Bernardston vets org. Open: Wednesdays, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Pitch starts at 6 p.m., players are random draw, $5. Fridays, 4:30 to 10 p.m. Food served 5 to 7:30 p.m. Jenn will be back in the kitchen this week. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Spring Party April 19. Opens at 4:30 p.m., with food served 5 to 7 by Dicks Angels. Music by Heath Lewis at 7:30. All welcome. Stop in during open hours and see what we are all about. The club is available to rent for gathering, showers, birthday parties, etc.
Greenfield Senior Center, 35 Pleasant St.: Bereavement Support Group will take place Thursdays, April 18 through May 23, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the center offered by Hospice of Franklin County. The six-week group is specifically for seniors, 55-plus, who have experienced the death of a spouse or partner. The group offers support through education and sharing of feelings associated with the grieving process. It’s recommended that the death be at least 3 months before the start of a group. A brief interview is required. Facilitated by Marcia Schuhle, Hospice Bereavement Volunteer. Group is free, and limited to 10 participants. To register call Pamela Gobeille, Hospice of Franklin County Bereavement Coordinator, 413-774-2400 by Friday.
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 413-475-0226.
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 413-774-1000.
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 413-475-1553. 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 413-774-3935 or visit: www.literacyproject.org.
The 79th Annual Sugar on Snow Supper will be served Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Montague Congregational Church. Menu will be corned beef hash, baked beans, Havard beets (gluten free), coleslaw, homemade donuts, strawberry upside down cake and sugar on snow. Adults $12, children under 10 $5. Reservations: 413-367-2652. Walk-ins are seated as space allows.
Caregivers Support Group:This group meets every first and third Friday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Senior Center in Town Hall, 69 Main St. Join other caregivers for support and to share stories and ideas. New members welcome. Led by Heather Tower, MSW, LCSW.
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, 131 West 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, downtown Shelburne Falls. It is on the FRTA bus route. The free clinic takes place every Tuesday at 9 a.m. Call 413-625-6240.
Free Weekly Playgroup: Come and enjoy time with your child(ren) and other families and caregivers from the community at the Shutesbury Elementary School. For the 2018-19 school year, playgroup continues on Fridays from 8:45 to 10:15 a.m. This playgroup is facilitated by Joie Ciepiela and is intended for children up to 5. Playgroup is sponsored by the Shutesbury Elementary School and Union #28 Community Network for Children. Program does not take place during school closures. See CNC website for program and event schedules: https://sites.google.com/site/communitynetworkforchildren/home. For more information contact Gillian Budine at 978-544-5157.
CFCE of the Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School District Free Weekly Playgroup and Story Hour for parents with young children. Mondays: 9:30 to 11 a.m., Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School, 75 Mechanic St., Shelburne Falls. Thursdays: 9:30 to 11 a.m., Trinity Church, 17 Severance St., Shelburne Falls. Fridays: 9:30 to 11 a.m., Hawlemont Elementary School, 10 School St., Charlemont. Come and join other families with young children to play, learn, sing and have a snack. Wednesdays: Story Hour at the Arms Library at the corner of Bridge St. and Main St. in Shelburne Falls. Come and join other families with young children to read stories, sing songs and do an art activity. Contact Melissa Pincus, CFCE Coordinator for more information. mepincus@mohawkschools.org.
Benefits Counseling Program: Are you age 60 or older and worried about your home heating or electric bills? Income eligible seniors can find help through LifePath Benefits Counseling Program. LifePath will help file an application for fuel assistance and find other ways to save you money. Contact Gretchen Smith at 413-773-5555, ext. 2258 or 978-544-2259, ext. 2258 for more information. Email info@lifepathma.org or visit lifepathma.org for more information.
Healthy Living Program: The program, at LifePath, promotes wellness and independence among older adults. Workshops on chronic disease and pain self management, healthy eating, falls prevention and more make up this program. Contact Marcus Chiaretto at 413-773-5555, ext. 2304, or 978-544-2259, ext. 2304, for more information.
Healthy Aging Program: The program, at LifePath, is for people who want to enjoy healthier lives. Groups meet for several weeks in different communities and are led by local volunteer leaders. Choose from six, evidence-based workshops on information or to register for a free workshop or leader training, contact Marcus Chiaretto, Healthy Living Program coordinator, 413-773-5555, ext. 2304, 978-544-2259, ext. 2304 or mchiaretto@lifepathma.org. Read more at lifepathma.org.
Rehabilitation services at BFMC: Rehabilitation Services at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, 48 Sanderson St. For more information or to schedule a free screening, call 413-773-2227.
Information and Caregiver Resource Center: The ICRC at LifePath has answers to all your questions about elder services, help for people with disabilities, and caregiver support. 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 the ICRC at 413-773-5555 or 978-544-2259 or email info@lifepathma.org. Go online to learn more at lifepathma.org.
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 413-773-7394 or 413-783-4198.
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 413-475-1405.
Join us: More than 600 RSVP of Hampshire and Franklin Counties active adults 55 and older give a few hours weekly to improve their communities. RSVP has many volunteer openings close to home to fit your interests, skills, and time availability. Contact Pat Sicard,psicard@hcg-ma.org413-387-4558 x 1