ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS: Highland Valley Elder Services and two Northampton churches will sponsor World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Wednesday.
Highland Valley will distribute informational fliers and recognize these people for their contributions to advancing elder safety: Gena Dube, Rhea Mack, Maura Plante, Helen MacMellon, Mike Dekoschak and Kelly Silvestri.
At noon, Edwards Church and St. John’s Episcopal Church will ring their bells nine times to symbolize the nine elders that are abused every minute.
Cases of unlawful eviction and financial exploitation of elders are increasing, according to a statement from Highland Valley.
The public can show support Wednesday by wearing purple and by checking in with elders they know to make sure they feel safe, the statement says. Reports can be filed with Highland Valley at 1-800-322-0551 or 586-2000.