Compiled by Debra Scherban. Please send items to dscherban@gazettenet.com.
Carol Katz of Northampton is being honored with the Elvira Whiting Ball Award for improving the lives of older adults at The Loomis Communities spring reception May 19.
The event takes place at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing, 807 Wilbraham Road, Springfield at 4:30 p.m.
Katz served as the chief executive officer of The Loomis Communities for nearly 20 years. In addition to her professional leadership, she has been active on the state and national level with LeadingAge, an association of not-for-profit organizations dedicated to making America a better place to grow old.
Although she retired from The Loomis Communities in 2012, Katz continues to be dedicated to older adults and the issues that affect their lives, according to a prepared statement from Carol Constant, director of community engagement for Loomis. As a volunteer, Katz works with current and soon-to-be Medicare beneficiaries to provide information and resources on insurance, prescription drug plans, and various state and federal public benefits to assist low income seniors.
“Carol’s lifelong commitment to older adults and the communities where they live has had a transformative effect on senior housing and care in the region,” Constant said. “She has taken it from a patient-care model to a philosophy of person-centered choice and self-determination.”
Katz also serves on the Palliative Care Committee at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton which works to educate the medical community and the public to encourage more planning for dealing with serious illness, as well as end-of-life care.
Tickets for the reception are $35. Reservations may be made by contacting Andrea Brennan, 532-5325 or abrennan@loomiscommunities.org.
The Loomis Communities offers independent living apartments and cottages, assisted living, skilled nursing care on four campuses in the Pioneer Valley: Applewood in Amherst, Loomis House in Holyoke, Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing in Springfield, and Loomis Village in South Hadley.
Young adults on the Asperger’s/autism spectrum are invited to a support group meeting Wednesday in the Bak Study Room at Forbes Library, 20 West St., Northampton.
The gathering begins at 5 p.m
Participants will have the chance to introduce themselves and share common experiences in a safe space. There will also be “Big Bang Theory” trivia.
A free workshop for parents and professionals about living options for disabled adults will be held May 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at The United Arc, 294 Avenue A, Turners Falls.
A panel of parents and guardians will share their experiences in selecting various living situations for their loved ones. Representatives from The United Arc and the state Department of Developmental Services will talk about eligibility, funding and available options and services.
For more information or to register contact Melissa Davis at 774-5558 x1042, or email melissadavis@unitedarc.org or register on the web at www.unitedarc.org
Area blood drives
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, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. UMass Mullins Center, 200 Commonwealth Ave., Amherst
May 10, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., UMass Amherst Newman Center, 472 North Pleasant St., Amherst