Compiled by Debra Scherban. Please send items to dscherban@gazettenet.com.
Sawmill Herb Farm in Florence is offering a series of workshops on herbalism, wellness and mindful living through October. The events are being led by local herbalists, healers and educators and will include talks, walks, medicine gathering, crafting and movement workshops.
Topics include backyard herbalism and preparation-making, herbal support for Lyme disease, Chinese medicinal herbs, the Ayurvedic System of healing and Indian herbs, herbal first-aid and making herbal incense.
All classes and workshops are held on the farm at 140 Meadow Street in Florence, right next to the Northampton Community Gardens.
For more details visit http://sawmill-farm.com/workshops-events/
Those interested can pre-register online at http://sawmillherbfarm.csasignup.com/store/2872
The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children and Teens in Northampton is offering two workshops in May and plans a fundraiser in June.
A free workshop for parents and caregivers, Grieving the Death of a Child, takes place Saturday from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
It will include a screening of the video “Helping Parents Grieve: Finding New Life After the Death of a Child,” which features real stories about families who have lost a child.
The workshop is for appropriate for adults only.
A workshop for grieving families, Feeling Grief in our Bodies, takes place May 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. This event is appropriate for families with children ages 5 to 18 years old who are grieving the death of someone close.
It will be led by Bonnie Diamond, a licensed acupuncturist, and Gena Rotas, a licensed independent clinical social worker. Family activities will encourage discussion. Strategies for taking care of yourself will be offered.
Both workshops are free and will be held at the Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, 168 Industrial Drive, Northampton. Advanced registration is required.
Finally, a garden party to benefit the Garden will be held June 5, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Admission is $35 per person.
There will be live music, appetizers and drinks. Representatives from the Western Massachusetts Master Gardeners Association will speak about the significance and meaning of herbs and flowers. There also will be a silent auction of artist-designed watering cans.
For more information about any of these events, including the location of the party, contact Shelly Bathe Lenn, coordinator at The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children and Teens, at 582-5312, or shelly_lenn@cooley-dickinson.org.
The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children and Teens is a program of the Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice .
A free training in youth mental health first aid will be held at Clinical & Support Options administrative offices in Northampton Friday and May 20 from 12:30 to 5 p.m.
The course is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. It is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people.
The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.
Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, psychosis and eating disorders among others.
Registration is required and participants must attend both days. Those interested should email MHFA@csoinc.org for a registration form.
To learn more about blood donation opportunities or to schedule an appointment download the Red Cross donor app, visit redcorssblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) Walk-ins are welcome.
Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., UMass Amherst Newman Center, 472 North Pleasant St., Amherst