Compiled by Debra Scherban. Please send items to dscherban@gazettenet.com.
The Amherst Survival Center is hosting its annual Thanksgiving community meal Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church on North Pleasant Street in Amherst. This event serves Amherst area people who come to enjoy food, live music and companionship.
All of the food is donated by local groups and individuals.
Volunteers are needed to help. Contact Tracey Levy, program director, at 549-3968 x102 or at tracey@amherstsurvival.org.
Eating well during the holidays can be challenging for anyone, especially those trying to follow a special diet. Here are some helpful tips provided by the Cooley Dickinson Medical Group Diabetes Center staff.
Don’t show up at a gathering hungry. Eating sensibly early in the day will help you stay satisfied and avoid overeating less healthy foods.
Budget calories wisely.
If possible, pick up a small plate. If you don’t have a choice, then try to think of an invisible border on your plate fitting all of your portions within that border as you help yourself.
Choose larger servings of lower calorie, high-fiber foods like fresh vegetables, legumes and lean proteins. Limit the servings of starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, corn and peas, fatty foods, sugary desserts and other heavy holiday favorites, which include foods with honey glazes and gravy, and casseroles with butter, sour cream, cheese and mayonnaise.
Avoid drinking carbs and calories. Choose non-caloric beverages such as water, seltzer or sparkling water, unsweetened tea, or diet drinks. If you choose alcohol, limit the amount to recommended servings — one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Stay active.
Exercise burns calories and lowers your blood sugar. Include a fun physical activity at the gathering, such as a game of tag, Frisbee or a walk. If that isn’t possible, exercise before you go.
Enjoy a taste of holiday sweets by balancing your foods. If you know that your favorite pie will be served after dinner, then forego a high calorie, high carbohydrate side dish at the main meal (such as bread or sweet potatoes). Share a dessert to keep portion sizes small. Offer to bring a dessert to share that fits in with your meal plan such as fresh fruit, baked apples or a healthier version of a holiday favorite.
A Positive Place is celebrating 25 years of providing services to people living with HIV and AIDS with a Red Ribbon Dance-A-Thon Dec. 2 at Union Station on Pleasant Street in Northampton.
It begins at 5:30 p.m. with mingling and chocolatinis. A short program and an awards ceremony will take place from 6:30 to 7 p.m. where A Positive Place’s Paragon Award will be presented to three physicians – Joanne Levin, William Swiggard and Robert Weitzman, whose “compassion and commitment to care for people living with HIV/AIDS has been steadfast and inspiring,” says A Positive Place Director Betsy Shally-Jensen.
Johnny and the Flashbacks will play hits from the 1960s and 1970s. Later, DJ Rockin’ Reenie spins today’s dance tunes.
Tickets are $25 per person. Visit the event website or call 586-8288 ext. 5.
A Positive Place is based in downtown Northampton. It has helped provide medical and social case management and assistance in applying for benefits since 1991. It also engages in advocacy for housing searches, support and subsidies, plus HIV education, prevention and risk reduction among other services.
For more information call 586-8288
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.
Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Holy Family Parish, 29 Sugarloaf St., South Deerfield