Memory Café and grief support group for seniors

ATHOL — The Athol and Petersham councils on aging have been awarded funding from LifePath, Inc., and the Church Street Home Fund to create a new initiative called the North Quabbin Memory Café. The new program will offer a monthly meeting place for individuals living with changes in their thinking or memory, mild cognitive impairment or dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder.

It will be a place to relax, have fun, and meet others, along with their care partners. Each month will feature a theme, activities for participants and care partners based on interests of the group, a time for socializing and refreshments. The café will be free of charge, promote inclusion and open on Monday, Feb. 6, from 10 a.m. until noon. The cafe will take place at the Athol Senior Center, 82 Freedom St. Please call in or stop by the office to register 978-249-8986.

In addition, the senior center will host a Grief Support Group for Elders, free for any grieving elders to attend. There will be limited seating and signup ends Feb. 1. The group will be held on Wednesdays, 2 p.m. for 10 weeks starting Feb 1. at the Athol Senior Center, 82 Freedom St., Athol.

Call 413-829-9249 to sign up. Topics include — understanding grief, building coping strategies, processing life changes, and gaining resources for the future.

Local student named to Fall 2022 Dean’s List at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

ALBANY — Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) announces its Fall 2022 Dean’s List recipients. More than 320 students, nearly 35 percent of its student body, were named to this honor, awarded to full-time students who have successfully completed their coursework with a semester grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 score.

Among those named to the Dean’s List is Alyssa Stevens of Athol, who is pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Cultural Council makes artistic, educational awards

NEW SALEM — The New Salem Cultural Council has made awards to 16 applicants for the current year. A total of $5,778 was allocated. Congratulations to the recipients who represent a wide range of musical, artistic and educational programs that will benefit New Salem residents of all ages. The council looks forward to many entertaining events such as Find your Voice: Music and Movement, Families in Nature, Teen Open Hack and North Quabbin Crossroads Tour.

Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship

ATHOL — The Athol Council of the Knights of Columbus will sponsor a Youth Free Throw Championship on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m. at the Athol YMCA.

All boys and girls ages 9 to 14 in the Athol/Orange area are invited to participate. Winners will advance to district and state competitions. All boys and girls ages 9 to 14 years old are eligible to participate and will compete in their respective age divisions.

Participants are required to furnish proof of age and written parental consent. Registration forms may be picked up at the front desk at the Athol YMCA. Preregistration is recommended, but not required. Students may register on the day of the event. There is no charge for this activity and plaques will be given out to all first place finishers in all divisions. A special bonus prize of $50 will be given out for the top male and female high scores.

]]>