Compiled by Debra Scherban. Please send items to dscherban@gazettenet.com.
A forum on the public health implications of the use of marijuana, particularly for youth, takes place Oct. 26, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Northampton Council on Aging/Senior Center, Conz Street, Northampton.
The evening will feature four guests speakers: Jo McGuire of the Colorado Governor’s Task Force to recommend legislative frameworks for marijuana regulation; Massachusetts Sen. Jason Lewis of the state’s special senate committee on marijuana; David Sullivan, Northwestern District Attorney and Dr. Ruth Potee, a nationally recognized expert on addiction.
The event is free.
For more information, contact Carol Constant, cconstant@loomiscommunities.org or 588-5184.
A dinner series on supporting aging parents takes place next month at Loomis Village, 20 Bayon Drive, South Hadley.
The talks are free and open to the public. Those interested may attend one or any number of the discussions.
A buffet dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. each week and presentations start promptly at 5:45 p.m.
The schedule is as follows:
Nov. 1: “Your Life is Changing” focuses on things you can do to make the caregiving process easier and more pleasurable for both you and your loved one. Led by Cynthia Jacelon, PhD., RN, University of Massachusetts College of Nursing and College of Nursing students
Nov. 15: “Navigating Shifting Roles” describes how to cope with change while preserving dignity and respect. Led by Jacelon.
Nov. 22: “What Matters in the End” helps family members better understand the importance of advanced care planning and preparing for conversations about the later stages of life. Led by Jeffrey Zesiger, MD and Raeann LeBlanc, DNP, RN.
Nov. 29: “Designing Your Own Later Adult Years,” centers on planning an enjoyable, wise, active, and fruitful later life. Led by Jacelon and Barbara Perman, PhD.
RSVP to Carol Constant, cconstant@loomiscommunities.org or 588-5184.
A three-day training for volunteers to become long-term care ombudsmen will be held at Highland Valley Elder Services Nov. 16 to 18.
Ombudsmen help ensure a good quality of life for nursing and rest home residents. The volunteers are taught to assist residents with benefits, rights and entitlements guaranteed under federal, state and local laws.
The Ombudsman Program is a federally mandated advocacy program for nursing home and rest home residents throughout the United States. In Massachusetts, there are 26 programs. Highland Valley Elder Services administers the program in Hampshire County and Westfield. It is in need of two new ombudsmen to cover Westfield facilities and two for Hampshire County.
New volunteer recruits are required to interview with the program director and to complete a CORI background check prior to this training. For more information J. Mary (JM) Sorrell at 588-5755.
Area blood drives
To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Following are some upcoming local blood donation opportunities.
Thursday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Eastworks, 116 Pleasant St., Easthampton
Thursday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust St., Northampton
Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Southampton Town Hall, 210 College Highway, Southampton
Oct. 24, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Smith College Campus Center, Elm Street, Northampton