The Athol Friends of the Council on Aging will conduct its quarterly meeting on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 1 p.m. at the Athol Senior Center. All members are welcome and urged to attend.
Smoking Cessation: Led by Tim Sweeney, tobacco treatment specialist. Meets Mondays, 6 to 7 p.m. Athol Hospital’s cafeteria.
Opera Program: The Mary Lyon Church on Upper Street will host Panopera, an artist-led opera company based in Western Massachusetts, on Sunday at 2 p.m. This is a “pass the hat” fundraiser for the stained glass window restoration project. Local soprano Shelley Roberts and friends accompanied by Pamela Gilmore will perform a variety of musical numbers and arias.
Zumba is offered Mondays at 11 a.m. at the Greenfield Senior Center, 35 Pleasant St. With dance instructor Kathy Steinem. Free. No dance experience required. This is a friendly, drop-in class. All you need is a clean pair of sneakers and a Greenfield Senior Center membership. Sponsored by the state Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
The Cellar Closet at Central Congregational Church of Orange, 95 South Main St., is 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.
The Reunion Committee of the Arms Academy Alumni Association will meet Tuesday, Jan. 7, at 1 p.m. to continue planning the June All-Class Reunion. The meeting will take place in the meeting room of the Shelburne Falls branch of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, 33 Bridge St. All Arms Academy alumni who would like to help are invited to attend and share fresh ideas. With questions, contact Muriel (Bolduc) Zraunig, president, by phone at 413-773-3855 or 413-522-3167, or by email mzraunig@comcast.net.
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.
YMCA: Dawn Dorsey of the Greenfield YMCA will speak on programs offered by the Y on Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Greenfield Savings Bank, 282 Avenue A. Handouts courtesy of the YMCA and refreshments courtesy of GSB.
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.
Submit items to Talk of the Towns: https://www.recorder.com/Reader-Services/Contribute/Submit-to-Talk-of-the-Town