For a full list of upcoming
health events visit www.gazettenet.com/
life/health/
PHYSICAL WELL-BEING
PROSTATE CANCER — Education and support for those in the Hampshire County area who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer is available by appointment and in group discussions. Contact Bill Whitmore of Sunderland, a cancer survivor and support provider, at 665-7741.
CONCUSSIONS — A drop-in support group for parents who are caring for children with concussions meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Jones Library in the Amherst Room from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For more information email caringchildrenconcussions2@gmail.com.
BLOOD PRESSURE — A walk-in blood pressure clinic for seniors is held on the first Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon at the Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz St. Free. For more information call 587-1228.
CANCER — Cancer Connection, 41 Locust St., Northampton, offers support groups for breast cancer, melanoma, ovarian and gynecological cancers; a group for people with advanced cancers, and a group intended for all types of cancer. There are also groups for men and for caregivers. Call 586-1642 for days and times and to register. For more information go to www.cancer-connection.org.
CANCER — The Holyoke Medical Center Oncology Department holds an ongoing cancer support group on the second Tuesday of every month from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Fran Como Conference Room, first floor. All cancer patients, families, and caregivers are welcome to attend.
Light refreshments. Transportation is available depending on area of residence. For information call Jolene Lambert, R.N. at 534-2501.
SUPPORT AND RELATIONSHIPS
AL-ANON — Al-Anon Family Groups offer support for anyone whose life is affected by someone else’s drinking. Local meetings include: Adult Children of Alcoholics, First Churches basement, Center Street, Northampton, Saturday 9:30 a.m.; Al-Anon Women’s group (all welcome,) Quaker Meeting House, 43 Center St., Northampton 5 p.m. Sunday; Amherst College Chapin Hall room 101, 17 Barrett Hill Road, Tuesday, 7 p.m.; 1st Congregational Church, Spring Street at Churchill Street, Amherst, Wednesdays, 4 p.m; Adult Children of Alcoholics (open to any Al-Anon member). For more visit www.ma-al-anon-alateen.org and click on “find a meeting.”
CAREGIVERS — A caregivers support group meets Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. in the East Wing 2 Conference Room at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Northampton. The group helps family and friends understand issues related to caring for loved ones and also taking care of themselves. A group for families dealing with mental illness and substance abuse meets Thursdays, 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Childbirth Conference Room. Contact Bruce Bradley at 582-2722 for more information.
CAREGIVERS — A caregivers support group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 1 p.m. at the Easthampton Enrichment Center, 19 Union St. Led by Marge Pietras, RN, the group encourages open sharing of experiences and knowledge; the professional expertise of the group leader, and information and referrals made available through the COA’s outreach department are also resources to the group. Contact 527-6151 for information and registration.
DEMENTIA AND CAREGIVING‐ — A support group for caregivers of loved ones with dementia meets every other Thursday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Amherst Senior Center. Emotional support, resource information, speakers.Contact Helen MacMellon, LCSW, for dates at 259-3062 or macmellonh@amherstma.gov.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — A drop-in support group for those dealing with domestic violence meets on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon at 43 Center St. suite 304, Northampton. Sponsored by Safe Passage. For information about this and other groups call 586-1125.
EXPRESSION THROUGH MOVEMENT — Open to female-identified survivors of sexual assault who are Five College students or residents of Hampshire County. This group employs movement to tap into the power of muscle memory to embody an emotion that may be difficult for a survivor of rape and/or child sexual abuse. Brief interview with group facilitators required. Call 545-0883 for information or to schedule an intake interview.
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS — Psychotherapy groups with ongoing enrollment for people who want to improve their interpersonal relationships. The group focus can include gaining awareness of the self in relation to others and improving skills to overcome social isolation. Ongoing groups for men and women take place Tuesdays 6 to 7:15 p.m. in Northampton; call Ruth Folchman, psychologist and certified group psychotherapist, at 582-6900 for more information including fees.
MEN’S GROUPS — Valley Men’s Support Groups sponsor these facilitated drop-in support groups for men: For all men: second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, 7 to 9 p.m.; for gay, bisexual and questioning men: Mondays, 7 to 9 p.m. Both groups meet at Edwards Church, 297 Main St., Northampton. For more information, call 570-3157 and leave a message, or email info@vmsupportgroups.org.
SEPARATION AND DIVORCE — A support group for those dealing with separation or divorce meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at the Tir Na NOg Retreat, 423 Florence Road, Florence at 6:30 p.m. Call Georgina Moroney at 584-0339.
SEXUAL ASSAULT — Support Connect Heal is a journaling and sharing group for sexual assault survivors of all gender identities and expressions in Hampshire County. Meetings are Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Amherst, focusing on topics such as isolation, shame, self-worth, triggers, trust, relationships and the after-effects of trauma. This group is for all survivors of rape, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse, regardless of gender, age, race, ability or religion. Intake interview required. Call 545-0883.
STRAIGHT SPOUSES — The Straight Spouse Network, for current and former straight spouses of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender partners, offers confidential networking and a regional monthly support group. Affiliated with the nonprofit Straight Spouse Network, www.straightspouse.org. Free. A help line is available at 625-6636.
TRANSPARENTS — Support group for parents and family of transgender, gender-nonconforming or questioning children, teenagers and adults meets the first Thursday of each month in Holyoke. Contact us at PVTransParents1@gmail.com.
ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS/DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES — Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. at new location in the conference room behind the cafeteria at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust St. Northampton. Enter the main door and ask the desk clerk for directions, or follow signs at the end of the hall to the cafeteria. Call Robin at 917-533-5691 or Ro at 250-305.
AGING ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVERS — A support group for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias meets regularly on the first Thursday of the month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 247 Northampton St., Easthampton. For information call Michael Paton at 498-5995.
AGING GRACEFULLY — A support group focusing on issues of living fully, aging gracefully and befriending death meets from September to May on alternate Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at the South Deerfield Senior Center, and alternate Tuesdays at 2 p.m. at Rockridge Retirement Community in Northampton. Participants may attend occasionally or regularly. For more information, contact John Berkowitz at 387-8439 or johnpberk@gmail.com.
ALATEEN — Meeting for teens whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking takes place the first and second Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at First Churches, 129 Main St., Northampton, entrance on Center Street. The Alateen meeting is at the same time as a regular Al-Anon adult children of alcoholics meeting, which runs from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturdays in the First Churches basement.
CAREGIVERS — Jewish Family Service Caregivers Support Group meets Tuesdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz St., Northampton. A place to reduce isolation and receive support. Free. To register or for more information call Cathy Chandler, 455-1936, extension 104 or email c.chandler@jfswm.org.
VISION, SPEECHAND HEARING
VISION — A low-vision support group meets regularly from March through December on the first Wednesday of the month from noon to 2 p.m. at the Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz St. Transportation provided; no fee. Call 587-1226.
FOOD ISSUES
CELIAC AND GLUTEN-FREE — The Celiac and Gluten-free Support Group of Western Massachusetts meets every other month at Sylvester’s Restaurant, 111 Pleasant St., Northampton, in the second-floor conference room. Email homstead- health@live.com, or call 527-7524.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS — A group to help people dealing with eating issues meets Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. at the South Congregational Church, 1066 South East St., Amherst and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. at the Newman Center, 472 North Pleasant St., Amherst. No dues or fees. For information call Marlene, 335-6046.
WEIGHT LOSS — TOPS, an organization with the goal of supporting people in the struggle of weight loss, meets Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Easthampton Community Center, 12 Clark St. First meeting free; open to men, women and children age 7 and older. Call Irene at 562-8396 or Dolores at 203-1457.
FOOD ADDICTS IN RECOVERY ANONYMOUS —12-step group for problems with bulimia, weight issues, and those obsessed with food, weight or dieting. Free; no weigh-ins. Call 265-3910. Ongoing meetings: Sundays 4 to 5:30 p.m., 472 North Pleasant St., Amherst; Wednesdays 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. 742 Main St. Amherst; Fridays 10 to 11:30 a.m. 98 North Maple St., Hadley.
GRIEF
BEREAVEMENT — Eight-week bereavement support groups are offered periodically by VNA & Hospice of Cooley Dickinson, 168 Industrial Drive, Northampton. Free; a brief interview is required. For information call 584-1060.
COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS — A support group for people who have lost children meets regularly on the first Wednesday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at Baystate Medical Center, 3300 Main St., Springfield. For more information call 687-1073 or visit www.compassionate- friends.org.
EMPTY ARMS BEREAVEMENT — A circle of support for families grieving the loss of a baby during pregnancy, at birth, or in the early days or months of life meets the second Wednesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. at Cafe Evolution, 22 Chestnut St., Florence. Contact emptyarmsbereavement@gmail.com or go to
EMPTY ARMS SUBSEQUENT CHOICES — A group for families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss and are now considering pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy meets the third Tuesday of the month. Location varies. For more information contact emptyarmsbereavement@gmail.com. or go to emptyarmsbereavement.org for more information.
FAMILY BEREAVEMENT — The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children and Teens offers bereavement support groups for families with children ages 5 to 18 at the Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice in Northampton on Sunday afternoons. Prior to attending, all families must call for an intake appointment. Call Shelly Bathe Lenn at 582-5312, or email shelly_lenn@cooley-dickinson.org.
LOSS OF ADULT CHILD — A peer support group for parents who have experienced the death of a teenager or adult child meets the third Monday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. in Conference Room A at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, High Street, Greenfield. Free and confidential; parents are welcome to bring an adult friend for additional support. For more information, contact Vera at 586-0171.
SUICIDE — Monthly group “Surviving After Suicide” offers peer support for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. It meets the second Wednesday of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Baystate Health Outpatient Center, Northampton, in the community room at 325 King St. For more information, email sas4healing@gmail.com.
MENTAL HEALTH
ANXIETY — Are worry and stress ruling your life? Anxious about school, family, relationships, the future? Join a support group for undergraduate and graduate students. Learn coping skills to help manage anxiety and increase a sense of well-being. Share your experiences, get support and connect with others. Wednesdays 3:30 to 5 p.m. Contact Jessi Bond, LICSW at jsbond@umass.edu Thursdays 1 to 2:15 p.m. Contact Elle Berch-Heyman, LICSW at berchheyman@umass.edu
FAMILY AND FRIENDS/CAREGIVERS — NAMI WM Family and Friends Support Group offers support to family members or friends of people who are dealing with the challenges of mental illness. The Northampton group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at Windhorse Integrative Mental Health, 211 North St., Suite 1, Northampton. For more information call Carol at 527-0532.
HEARING VOICES — A group for voice hearers or people who are familiar with extreme states of consciousness meets Mondays 3:30 to 5 p.m. at 211 North St., Northampton. The group offers an opportunity to share experiences and coping strategies. Free. For information call 586-0207.
MENTAL ILLNESS/ADDICTIONS CAREGIVERS — A group for families and friends of people living with mental illness/addictions meets Thursdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Conference Room D at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Northampton. For information call Bruce Bradley at 582-2151.
PARENTS OF A CHILD WITH MENTAL ILLNESS — A group for parents of people with mental illness meets the last Monday of every month, 6 to 8 p.m. at 324A Springfield St., Agawam and the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Windhorse Integrative Mental Health, 211 North St., Suite #1, Northampton. Sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. For more information about the Agawam group call Jean at 374-9185 or for the Northampton group, Carol 527-0532, or go to namiwm.org.
MISCELLANEOUS
CLUTTER — Clutterer’s Anonymous 12-step group. Free. Meets every Friday, 6:30 p.m., at the South Congregational Church, 1066 Southeast St., Amherst. Call Mike at 345-5115 or go to http://www.claeast.org/ for more info.
BUSINESS DEBTORS ANONYMOUS — A 12-step program for business owners who have problems with money and debt. BDA’s local chapter, Taking Ownership, meets every Saturday from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Behavioral Health Center, behind the Holyoke Medical Center at the upper parking lot.
All meetings are confidential and peer-run. Taking Ownership’s information line is 225-1040.
UNDEREARNERS ANONYMOUS — A support group for those who feel they are underachieving or under-being, no matter how much money they make, meets Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Grace Episcopal Church, 16 Spring St., Amherst. Contact Bernadette at 584-6175.
PARENTING
BEYOND BIRTH — A group for parents and their newborns up to 6 months old meets Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Community Room at the Midwifery Center, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Northampton. Issues addressed include sleepless nights, infant massage, learning your baby’s cues, returning to work and more. Free. Contact Kate Bohne at 687-5817 or Katherine_Bohne@cooley-dickinson.org for more information.
BREASTFEEDING — The Birthing Center at Holyoke Medical Center offers breastfeeding classes. Upcoming dates can be obtained by calling the center. Pre-registration is necessary. Mothers’ partners are encouraged to attend, as both partners have a role in the breastfeeding adjustment. Topics will include whether to implement a schedule, and how to deal with various issues that might arise. For more information or to pre-register, call 534-2700.
BREASTFEEDING — The Greater Western Massachusetts Chapter of Breastfeeding USA will hold a monthly peer-to-peer breastfeeding support group on the second Friday of each month at The Belchertown Family Center, 720 Franklin St. (Route 181). The mission of Breastfeeding USA is to provide evidence-based breastfeeding information and support, and to promote breast-feeding as the biological and cultural norm. For additional information visit facebook.com/greaterwestern-mabfusa.
CHILDREN AND ADDICTION — A support group to help parents deal with the disease of addiction and substance abuse in their children meets Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the first-floor conference room at Providence Behavioral Health Hospital, 1233 Main St., Holyoke. For more information call Barbara at 246-0677 or Patti at 534-7237.
GRANDPARENT SUPPORT GROUP — Tuesdays 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Amherst Family Center, 1200 North Pleasant St. A safe place where grandparents can come together to create community and break isolation. Participants can talk about their experiences as parents and grandparents. A free group with snacks and childcare provided up to age 4. For information, call 256-1145 or email afc@umass.Edu.
Grandparents, kin and friends — Groups for family and friends raising other’s children are offered in Williamsburg, Greenfield, Huntington and Turners Falls. In Williamsburg at the Williamsburg Senior Center, 141 Main St., on the third Monday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m.; in Greenfield at the Community Action’s Family Center, 90 Federal St., on the first Tuesday of the month from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. (light dinner for children provided), and the third Wednesday of the month from 12:30-2 p.m.; in Huntington at the Hilltown Family Center, 9 Russell St., on the fourth Wednesday of the month 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and in Turners Falls at the United Arc, 294 Ave. A, on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 11:30 to 1 p.m. Light refreshments are served and childcare can be provided by calling to reserve two days in advance. If you are unable to attend a support group please call for a phone chat or home visit. Call Pat Keith for more information at 563-1981 or email at patakeith@gmail.com.
LA LECHE LEAGUE — The breastfeeding support group meets the first Friday of every month, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Cooley Dickinson Center for Midwifery Care Community Room, 10 Denniston Place, Northampton. For more information visit lllmarivt.org/organizer/amherst-northampton.
OVER THE HUMP — A group for parents and their children from 6- to 12-months old meets Thursdays from 10:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Midwifery Center at Cooley Dickinson Hosptial in Northampton. Contact Kate Bohne at 687-5817 or Katherine_Bohne@cooley-dickinson.org for more information.
PFLAG — Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbian and Gays offers support, education, and advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, their families, friends, and allies. Please make inquiries to our Helpline at 625-6636, or e-mail jcmalinski48@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook: PFLAG Franklin-Hampshire Chapter.
PARENTS TOGETHER — A support group for parents who learn best in nontraditional ways meets at the Amherst Family Center on Thursdays. We do crafts and games as we make friends and talk about parenting. Free, with free child play groups, transportation and refreshments. Call Kris Larson at 834-3344 or email krislarson@unitedarc.org.
PREPARED CHILDBIRTH CLASS — The Birthing Center at Holyoke Medical Center class meets Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. in the birthing center conference room. The classes run for seven consecutive weeks and include discussions on relaxation and breathing techniques; the birth process; how the baby develops; nutrition; environmental hazards in pregnancy; staying comfortable during pregnancy; newborn care; basics of breastfeeding and postpartum adjustment. Expectant mothers and their coaches are encouraged to enroll so that classes are completed four weeks before the mother’s due date. Registration is necessary. For information on starting dates, or to register, call 534-2700.
MOTHERWOMAN SUPPORT GROUPS — Safe, confidential spaces where moms can speak the truth about motherhood and feel heard, understood, nurtured and validated. Facilitated by MotherWoman leaders, groups are free and open to the public. Local meetings: Amherst: Amherst Family Center, support circle to mothers of children ages 0-5 on Thursdays from 9:45 to 11:15. Free childcare provided for children through age 5. Ashfield: Mondays, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John’s Church, Main Street and South Street. Facilitated by It Takes A Village. Call 634-8853 Postpartum groups: Hadley: Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon, MotherWoman office, 220 Russell St. Call 387-0703 Northampton: First Mondays, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Grow, 3rd floor of Thornes Marketplace, 150 Main St. No childcare; babies-in-arms welcome. Parenting after loss: Hadley: Second Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m. at the MotherWoman office, 220 Russell St., Hadley. Contact ehenyey@gmail.com for more information.
RAISING OTHERS’ CHILDREN — Support group at the Hilltown Family Center for families created when a relative or friend rises to care for other relatives children. Come learn about resources, share and be heard. Talking with others who are in the same position and possibly experiencing similar problems can provide great relief. Groups meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Hilltown Family Center, 9 Russell Road, Huntington, from 10 a.m. to noon. Childcare is provided. For more information, please contact Kim Savery or Susan LeBarron at 667-2203.
PHYSICAL WELL-BEING
YOGA FOR PARKINSONS — Playful movement and gentle Yoga classes for Parkinson’s Disease with experienced instructor Donna Brooks RSME. Improve coordination, dexterity, strength, balance, flexibility. Wednesday mornings in Hadley. Fee associated. First class free. Call 230-1260 or visit originalbodywisdom.com.
DIABETES SUPPORT — People with diabetes and their loved ones welcome, second Wednesday of the month at Valley Medical Group, Northampton Health Center, 70 Main St., Florence. Any questions please call or email Bonnie Grenier RN at 262-2838 or bgrenier@vmgma.com.
EPILEPSY — A support group for people with epilepsy and for parents and caregivers of children with epilepsy meets on the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon in the Community Room of Lilly Library, Florence. Facilitators are Lynn Daris of Florence and Kolleen Barlow of Russell. For more information contact Barlow at momtomy3gurls@aol.com or Susan Welby at support@efmarinhme.org.
SPANISH BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP — The Holyoke Medical Center holds a Spanish language group for those diagnosed with breast cancer on the third Thursday of every month from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The group meets in the Fran Como Conference Room, on the first floor of the main hospital. All cancer patients, families, and caregivers are welcome to attend. Refreshments and transportation is available. Call Jolene Lambert, R.N., at 534-2501.
PROSTATE CANCER — Education and support for those in the Hampshire County area who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer is available by appointment and in group discussions. Contact Bill Whitmore of Sunderland, a cancer survivor and support provider, at 665-7741.
Send health events to healthbriefs@gazettenet.com.
