Bulletin Board

Published on December 05, 2008

Holiday fairs

* Amherst Artisans Craft Show - Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Amherst College Alumni House, Churchill St., Amherst.

* Saint Nicholas Bazaar - Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Grace Episcopal Church, 14 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst. Decorations, collectibles, baked goods, plants, art, toys. Cafe-style luncheon. (413) 256-6754.

* Amherst Bizarrest Little Snowflake Bazaar - Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Unitarian Meetinghouse, 121 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst. Local artisans sale; live music by Rusty Belle.

* Amherst Holiday Arts Studio Sale - Sale by Amherst artisans Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 20 Owen Dr., Amherst. Raffle. 549-5880.

* Benefit World's Fair - Horizons To Go hosts crafts-fashion-home decor sale to benefit children's organizations in three countries Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Sinauer Associates Publishing Building, off Rte. 116 near Bubs Barbecue, Sunderland. Early bird shopper's opening Dec. 6, 8:30-11 a.m. ($5 donation). 367-9200, www.horizonsart.com.

* Northampton Hanukkah Sale - Sisterhood Judaica Shop holds annual sale Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-noon, Congregation B'nai Israel, 253 Prospect St., Northampton. 584-3593.

* Shutesbury Holiday Marketplace - Friends of Spear Library hold annual marketplace Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Shutesbury Elementary School, 23 W. Pelham Rd., Shutesbury. Work by Shutesbury artisans;horse-drawn wagon rides; activities for children; book sale. www.mnspear.org.

* Hadley Holiday Craft Sale - The Wednesday Night Knitters hold annual sale Dec. 10-13, Goodwin Memorial Library, 50 Middle St., Hadley, during regular library hours. 584-7451.

* UMass Holiday Craft Fair - The Student Union Craft Center holds annual craft fair Dec. 11-12, UMass Campus Center, Amherst.

* Amherst Holiday Farmers Market - Dec. 13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Red Barn, Hampshire College, Amherst.

* Montague Make-It-Yourself Family Craft Fair - Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Montague Grange, 34 Main St., Montague. 367-9608.

Open studios

* Amherst Open Studios - Dec. 6-7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 16 Main St., Amherst. Bella Halstead, Ruth Elcan, Lynn Peterfreund, Janet Winston, Christine Labich host open studios.

* Amherst Open Studio Holiday Sale - Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 34 Main Street Studios, Amherst. Refreshments. 256-6859.

n Pelham Open Studio and Sale - Francine and Frank Ozereko hold open studio and sale Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-noon, Ozereko studio, 5 Amherst Road (3rd house on right over town line into Pelham), Pelham. 253-2664.

* Leverett Open Studios and Holiday Sales - Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Leverett Crafts and Arts Center, 13 Montague Rd., Leverett.

* Marbling/Bookbinding Demos and Seconds Sale - Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Chena River Marblers, 70 Justice Dr., Amherst. 253-2835.

Dance

* Lisa Leizman Dance Company - Dec. 5-6, 7:30 p.m., Northampton Center for the Arts, 17 New South Street, Northampton. Dessert reception follows performances. $10 general; $5 children under 10. (413) 584-7327.

* University Dancers - Dec. 5-6, 8 p.m., Bowker Auditorium, Stockbridge Hall, UMass, Amherst. Narcoleptic Lovers by Doug Elkins and other works. $12 general; $7 seniors, students, youth under 18; $3 UMass students. (413) 545-2511.

* Na Ni Chen Dance Company - UMass Asian Arts and Cultural Program presents free performance Dec. 9, 6 p.m., Barnes & Noble, Mt. Farms Malls, Hadley. Regular performance Thurs., Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m., UMass FAC Concert Hall. $15-$25. 545-2511.

* Smith College Student Dance Concert - First-year MFA students perform Dec. 11, 7 p.m., Scott Dance Hall, Smith College Campus, Northampton. Free.

Film / Movies

* Tru Loved - The Out! For Reel Film Series presents comedy Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m., Northampton High School Auditorium, 380 Elm St., Northampton. $10 advance; $12 at the door; $8 students. www.OutForReel.org.

Theater

* Big Love - Play by Charles Mee Dec. 5, 8 p.m.; Dec. 6, 2 and 8 p.m.; Dec. 7, 2 p.m., Hallie Flanagan Theatre, Mendenhall Center, Smith College, Northampton. $8 general; $5 students and seniors. Dollar nite Dec. 4. 585-2787, www.smith.edu/smitharts.

* Brave Smiles...Another Lesbian Tragedy - The Five Lesbian Brothers perform Dec. 5-6, 8 p.m.; Dec. 7, 2 p.m., Rooke Theater, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley. $5 general; $3 students. 538-2406.

* Performance Project - Evening of original choreography and performance works Dec. 5-6, 8 p.m., Holden Theater, Amherst College, Amherst. Free; reservations recommended. 542-2277.

* The Capitol Steps - Political/musical satire Dec. 5-6, 8 p.m., Chapin Auditorium, Mary Woolley Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley. $27-$55. 545-2511.

* The Imaginary Invalid - Moliere comedy Dec. 5-6, 11-12, 8 p.m.; Dec. 13, 2 p.m., Rand Theater, UMass Fine Arts Center, Amherst. $12 general; $6 students and seniors.

* Drive Me Homeese Babybaby, to Erzland (Achtung) - Performance artist Jonathan Meese, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m., Kirby Theater, Amherst College., Amherst. Preceded by public conversation with Meese, 12 noon, Mead Art Museum. Free.

* A Menace to Society - Staged reading of play about Bill Baird and the reproductive rights movement Dec. 12-13, 7:30 p.m., Curtain Theater, UMass Fine Arts Center, Amherst. $5 general; $3 students. (413) 545-2511.

* Welcome Yule: A Midwinter Celebration - Music, dance, songs and stories celebrating the return of the light Dec. 12-13, 7:30 p.m., Shea Theater, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls. $10 general; $7 seniors and children ( 4 and under free). 863-2281.

* Auditions - Starlight's Youth Theatre holds auditions for its spring production of Oliver! Dec. 13, North Hadley Town Hall, 239 River Dr., North Hadley. 10 a.m., 6-9 years; 11 a.m., 9-11 years; 12:30 p.m., 12-17 years. Rehearsals beginning Jan. 17 at North Hadley Town Hall. $75 for ages 6-9; $100 ages 9-17. Kissy Methewson, 253-9511.

And

* Free lunch - The Food Pantry and The Free Store at the Amherst Survival Center will be open Monday, Tuesday, Friday from 11-2 and Thursday from 11-7. A free hot lunch is served on these days from noon-1. The ASC Free Drop-In Health Clinic welcomes patients on Monday,11:30-1:30, and Thursday, from 5-6., Amherst Survival Center, 1200 North Pleasant St., Amherst. 549-3968.

* Amherst Merry Maple Lighting and Santa Arrival - Dec. 5, 4:30 p.m., Amherst Common, North Pleasant St., Amherst.

* Amherst Community Arts Center Open House - Dec. 6, Amherst Community Arts Center, 534 Main St., Amherst. (413) 253-9265.

* Amherst Record Fest - WMUA 91.1 sponsors event Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Cape Cod Lounge, UMass Student Union., Amherst. Vinyl records, CDs, movies, ephemera. Dave at manager@wmua.org.

* Social Connection 50 Plus Group Christmas Party - Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Evangelical Lutheran Church, 319 Granby Rd. (Rte 202), South Hadley. All welcome. Bring nonperishable food item. $4. RSVP 533-1925 by 12/3.

* Not bread alone - Free meals and friendship offered to adults and children Saturday and Sunday, 10:30-1:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, 165 Main Street, Amherst. Volunteer help welcome. 256-0128.

* Northampton Holiday Tree Lighting - Dec. 6, 4:30-6 p.m., Pulaski Park, Main St., Northampton. Music by NHS Chorus, free refreshments by Smith College; Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves.

* Sirius Community Open House - Bimonthly open house Dec. 7, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Sirius Community, 72 Baker Rd., Shutesbury. With question and answer period, meditation, vegetarian potluck lunch, tour. 259-1251/259-1128.

* Barnes & Yarns - Knit, crochet and share ideas every Monday 6 p.m., Barnes & Noble, Mt. Farms Malls, Hadley. Free. 584-2558.

* UMass Sports Luncheon - WEDNESDAYS, 12-1 p.m., Cape Cod Lounge, UMass Student Union., Amherst. 12/10 program: Fall Scholar Athlete w/guest speaker Chancellor Robert Holub. $10. 545-4290 for reservations.

* Evenings at the Mead - Monthly art and music presentation by the Mead Art Museum docents Dec. 10, 8-9 p.m., Mead Art Museum, Amherst College, Amherst. Food served. Free.

Classes

* Montague Home Energy Conservation Workshop - Montague Energy Committee sponsors free workshop with David Knowles Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-noon, Montague Senior Center, 62 Fifth St., Turners Falls. Chance to win free furnace for Montague residents. 367-9304.

* Simple Gift Making for the Holidays - Workshop for adults and/or children ages 5 and up accompanied by adult Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-noon, Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 525 S. Pleasant St., Amherst. Preregsitration required. $15 includes materials. (413) 256-6006.

* The Creative Economy - Massachusetts Small Business Development Center presents workshop with artists Josh Simpson and Scott Prior Dec. 9, 4-6 p.m., The Commons, Studio Arts Building, UMass, Amherst. $25 general; UMass students, faculty, staff free. 737-6712 ext 100.

Dancing

* Folk Dancing - Amherst International Folkdancing holds a dance every Friday, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst. Singles and beginners welcome. Donation. 549-6748.

* LGBTQ Contra Dance - Dec. 7, 7-10 p.m., Montague Grange, 34 Main St., Montague. Jim Fownes calls; music by Tony Pisano and friends. $7-$10 sliding scale. www.lcfd.org/westma.

* English Country Dancing - Mondays, 7-9:30, Munson Library, 1046 S. East St., South Amherst. Calling by Robin Hayden and others. No partner necessary; beginners welcome. $6. 259-6985, www.amherstecd.org.

* Dancing with the Muse - Contemplative improvisational movement to music by John and Miro Sprague Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m., Maezumi Institute/Zen Peacemakers Center, 177 Ripley Rd., Montague. $12. www.zenpeacemakers.org.

* Brazilian Dance Party - Capoeira performance followed by DJ Latin dance Dec. 13, 8 p.m., North Star Self-Directed Learning Center for Teens, 135 Russell St., Hadley. Food, drink available. All welcome. $10 to benefit Omulu Guanabara 2009 batizado. 687-1227.

Kids

* Eric Carle Museum Storytimes - Dec. 5 and 12,, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Road, Amherst. FRIDAYS, TUESDAYS, 10:30 a.m. and SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS, 2 p.m. Free with museum admission. (413) 658-1100.

* Pelham Preschool Story Hour - Dec. 5 and 12, 10:30 a.m., Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road, Pelham. (413) 253-0657.

* Eric Carle Museum First Fridays - Monthly program for families Dec. 5, 4-7 p.m., Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Road, Amherst. Free with Museum admission. (413) 658-1100.

* Storytime with Author/Illustrator Jeff Mack - Dec. 6, 10 a.m., Barnes & Noble, Mt. Farms Malls, Hadley. 584-2558.

* Fancy Nancy Luncheon - Dec. 6, 11 a.m., Chandler's Tavern at Yankee Candle, South Deerfield. Reading from Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor. Dress fancy for lunch. Reservations suggested. (413) 665-1277.

* Little Red Riding Hood - Castle Hill Theatre Company performs Dec. 6, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Dec. 7, 1 p.m., Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Road, Amherst. $6.50. (413) 658-1100.

* Historic Deerfield Handmade Gifts Family Activity - Dec. 6-7 and 13, noon-4 p.m., Historic Deerfield, Old Main St., Deerfield. (413) 774-5581.

* Song and Storytime in French and Spanish - French on FRIDAYS, 4 p.m.; Spanish on SATURDAYS at 10:30 a.m., The Toy Box, 201 N. Pleasant St., Amherst. Free. 256-8697.

* Jane Yolen - Children's book author presents her four latest books for young readers Dec. 7, 2 p.m., Broadside Bookshop, 247 Main Street, Northampton. (413) 586-4235.

* A World for Girls Book Club - Weekly reading group for girls ages 13-16 in the Amherst/Sunderland Dec. 8, 4-5:30 p.m., Maria Rocco, 149 Hadley Rd., Sunderland. 397-3188.

* Nature's Story Time - Nature story and related activity for young children Tuesdays at 11 a.m., Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 525 S. Pleasant St., Amherst. Free. (413) 256-6006.

* Amherst Story Time - Story time for preschool children Dec. 11, 10:30 a.m., Jones Library, 43 Amity Street, Amherst. Free. (413) 259-3090.

* Auditions - Starlight's Youth Theatre holds auditions for its spring production of Oliver! Dec. 13, North Hadley Town Hall, 239 River Dr., North Hadley. 10 a.m., 6-9 years; 11 a.m., 9-11 years; 12:30 p.m., 12-17 years. Rehearsals beginning Jan. 17 at North Hadley Town Hall. $75 for ages 6-9; $100 ages 9-17. Kissy Methewson, 253-9511.

* Saturday Family Science: Small Animals Up Close - Program for families with children ages 5-8 Dec. 13, 10-11:30 a.m., Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 525 S. Pleasant St., Amherst. Preregistration required. $6 per person. (413) 256-6006.

* Holiday Children's Book Signing - Annual event Dec. 13, 3 p.m., Odyssey Bookshop, Village Commons, 9 College St., South Hadley. Holly Black (Spiderwick Chronicles), Corinne Demas (The Littlest Matryoshka), Leslea Newman (Hachiko Waits), Jane Yolen (Naming Liberty). 534-7307.

Meetings

* English Language Learners Parent Conversation Group - Drop-in group to discuss a different theme each week in English. FRIDAYS, 9:30-11 a.m., Unitarian Meetinghouse, 121 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst. 256-1145.

* Montague Farm Zendo - Meditation and study Dec. 6 and 13, 8:30-11 a.m.; Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m., Maezumi Institute/Zen Peacemakers Center, 177 Ripley Rd., Montague. 367-2080 or www.zenpeacemakers.org/montague_farm_zendo.

* Scrapbooking - Scrapbooking night held in the Fellowship Hall of the church every Monday 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m, North Leverett Baptist Church, 70 North Leverett Road, Leverett. $5. 367-2857.

* Odyssey Crime Club - Monthly meeting Dec. 8, 7 p.m., Odyssey Bookshop, Village Commons, 9 College St., South Hadley. Alibi Man by Tami Hoag. 534-7307.

* Valley Scrabble Club - Dec. 9, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, Mt. Farms Malls, Hadley. All skill levels welcome. Free. Boards provided. 253-4841.

* Weekly Satsang - Hadley Yoga Studio hosts free session TUESDAYS, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Hadley Health Center, 234 Russell St., Hadley. Meditation, moving into song, readings. 323-5183.

* MotherWoman Group - Drop-in group to discuss motherhood meets Dec. 10, 10-11:30 a.m., Amherst Family Center, Unitarian Meetinghouse, 121 N. Pleasant St., Amherst. melanie@motherwoman.org.

* UMass Juggling Club - Dec. 10, 5:30 p.m., Meets on the lawn between pond and library. All ages and levels welcome (not just students). www.umassjuggle.com.

* Amherst Chess Club - Friends of the Jones Library sponsors monthly chess club Dec. 6,, Jones Library, 43 Amity Street, Amherst. Junior Club (grades 3-5), 2-3 p.m.; Senior Club (grade 6 and up), 3:30-5 p.m. Free. (413) 259-3090.

Religious / Spiritual

* Meditation - Sahaj Marg (natural path) holds an informational meeting every Sunday at 11-noon, Pioneer Valley Meditation Center, 267 Amherst Road, Sunderland. Preregistration requested with Harlan,772-0675; Colleen, 247-5014; or Rick, 548-9077 Free. 665-2642.

* Meditation - Kabbalah sessions. Reservations requested. Every Tuesday 8 p.m., Chabad House, 30 N. Hadley Road, Amherst. Free. 549-4803.

* Healing - Laying on of hands for healing every Wednesday 7-8 p.m., Hope Community Church, 20 Gaylord St., Amherst. All are welcome. Free. 253-7401.

* Meditation - Science of Spirituality sponsors free seminar series Dec. 9, 7-9 p.m., Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst. Dec. 9: The Bliss of Remembering God. 587-9670.

Speakers

* "The Fall of Market Capitalism and Its Remedies" - The Pioneer Valey Branch of the Anthroposophical Society sponsors talk by Christopher Schaefer, Dec. 5, 7 p.m., The Hartsbrook School, 193 Bay Rd., Hadley. Suggested $7 donation; $5 children and seniors. 665-5076.

* Group Book Signing - Amherst Books hosts a booksigning extravaganza with authors from all over the Valley Dec. 5, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the store at 8 Main St. in Amherst.

* "A Close Look at Refugee Life" - Panel discussion with refugee students Senia Abderahman (Algeria), Sadiqa Basiri (Afghanistan)and Amila Merdzanovic (Bosnia) Dec. 9, 7 p.m., Gamble Auditorium, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley. Refreshments.

* Reading - Bob Flaherty reads from his novel Puff Dec. 5, 7 p.m., The Montague Bookmill, 440 Greenfield Road, Montague. (413) 367-9206.

* "Analytical Approaches to Bulgarian Music" - Music theorist Kalin Kirilov Dec. 9, 12:05 p.m., Bezanson Recital Hall, UMass Fine Arts Center, Amherst. (413) 545-2511.

* "Activating the Egg: A Tale of Mice, Pigs and Men" - Rafael Fissore Dec. 9, 4 p.m., Massachusetts Room, The Mullins Center, University of Massachusetts., Amherst. Part of the UMass Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series.

* Oral Histories of Indigenous Women - Students of an independent study seminar on indigenous women present their research in a panel discussion Dec. 10, 7 p.m., Neilson Library Browsing Room, Smith College, Northampton. (413) 584-7080.

* "Palestine: Normal Life, Resistance and Endless Occupation" - Illustrated talk by Sherrill Hogen on her nine-week trip to the West Bank last summer Dec. 12, 9 p.m., Media Education Foundation, 60 Masonic Street, Northampton. (800) 897-0089.

* "Karma and Reincarnation: What's in It for Me?" - Science of Spirituality sponsors talk by Allan Hughes, DC, Dec. 13, 11 a.m., Jones Library, 43 Amity Street, Amherst. 587-9670.

Music

* Jazz - The Mark Ricker/Jimmy Burgoff Duo plays jazz every Friday at 6-8 p.m., Black Sheep Deli, 79 Main Street, Amherst. No cover charge. 256-6800.

* Cidade - Tangos and Latin jazz Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Cushman Market & Cafe, 491 Pine St., Amherst. 549-0100.

* Erica Wheeler and Friends - Benefit concert in honor of Debora Seidman Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m., Unitarian Meetinghouse, 121 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst. Erica Wheeler, Jay Mankita, Tony Bernado, Cesar Guarax, others. Suggested $15, $30, $50 donation. 256-2620.

* Mount Holyoke College Flute Choirs - Dec. 8, 7 p.m., McCulloch Auditorium, Pratt Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley. Free. (413) 538-2306.

* Smith College Jazz/Wind Ensembles - Fall concert Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m., Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall, Green St., Smith College, Northampton. Free.

* University of Massachusetts Symphony Band and Percussion Ensemble - Joint concert Dec. 5, 8 p.m., UMass Fine Arts Center Concert Hall, UMass Amherst Campus, Amherst. Bernstein, Overture to Candide and other works. $12 general; $7 students, youth under 18 and seniors; $3 UMass students. (413) 545-2511.

* Renaissance Bell Ringers - Christmas concert Dec. 6, 10 a.m., Pelham Community Center, 2 South Valley Rd., Pelham. Coffee, cider and other refreshments 9-11:30 a.m. Free.

* New Valley Singers - Holiday concert Dec. 6, 3 p.m., First Congregational Church of Hadley, 102 Middle Street, Hadley. Also Sun., Dec. 7, 3 p.m., Wistariahurst Museum, 238 Cabot St., Holyoke. $7. 536-4886 to reserve by Dec. 1.

* Pioneer Valley Folklore Society Song & Story Swap - Monthly session Dec. 6, 7 p.m., Nacul Center, 592 Main St, Amherst. Guest performer is the folk duo Easy Wind Donation. www.filbert.com/pvfs.

* Amherst Music for a Saturday Evening - Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m., Unitarian Meetinghouse, 121 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst. Jesse Holstein, violin; Jeff Louie, piano; Heath Marlow, cello. Trios of Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky. Refreshments. Donation to benefit Community Music Works.

* Wendell Full Moon Coffee House - Annual Full Moon Follies Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m., Wendell Town Hall, Wendell. $6-$15. 978-544-5557, www.wendellfullmoon.

* Amherst Symphony Orchestra - Concert of seasonal favorites Dec. 6, 8 p.m., Buckley Recital Hall, Amherst College, Amherst. Tchaikovsky, Nutcracker Suite; Prokofiev, Peter and the Wolf. $8 general; $4 seniors and youth under 13; Amherst College students free.

* Chiara String Quartet - Dec. 6, 8 p.m., The Montague Bookmill, 440 Greenfield Road, Montague. $12. (413) 367-9206.

* Hot Jazz on a Cold Night - Mount Holyoke College jazz ensembles perform Dec. 6, 8 p.m., McCulloch Auditorium, Pratt Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley. Free. (413) 538-2306.

* Shape Note Singing - Participatory a cappella singing in four-part harmony using a form of musical notation developed in New England around 1800 every first Sunday of the month, 1:30-4:30, First Congregational Church, 165 Main Street, Amherst. No musical experience necessary. Free. Laura Timmerman, (413) 773-8325.

* University Chamber Choir, Chorale and Orchestra - Dec. 7, 3 p.m., St. Mary's Church, Elm St., Northampton. Bach, Magnificat; Poulenc, Gloria. Free.

* Amherst College Christmas Vespers - Dec. 7, 4 and 7:30 p.m., Johnson Chapel, Amherst College, Amherst. Free.

* Mount Holyoke College Christmas Vespers - Dec. 7, 4 and 7:30 p.m., Abbey Chapel, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley. Free.

* Smith College Christmas Vespers - Dec. 7, 4 and 7:30 p.m., John M. Greene Hall, Smith College, Northampton. Donation for the Hampshire County Interfaith Cot Shelter Program.

* Wailing Banshees - Fall concert Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m., Earle Recital Hall, Sage Hall, Smith College, Green St., Northampton. Free. 585-ARTS.

* University of Massachusetts Vocal Jazz Ensemble - Dec. 8, 8 p.m., Bezanson Recital Hall, UMass Fine Arts Center, Amherst. $12 general; $7 students, seniors, youth under 18; $3 UMass students. (413) 545-2511.

* String Quartets in Concert - Graduate and undergraduate string quartets perform Dec. 9, 8 p.m., Bezanson Recital Hall, UMass Fine Arts Center, Amherst. Free. (413) 545-2511.

* University of Massachusetts Chapel Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab Ensemble - Dec. 10, 8 p.m., Bezanson Recital Hall, UMass Fine Arts Center, Amherst. $12 general; $7 students, seniors, youth under 18; $3 UMass students. (413) 545-2511.

* University of Massachusetts Student Composers' Concert - Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m., Bezanson Recital Hall, UMass Fine Arts Center, Amherst. Free. (413) 545-2511.

* The Cherry Tree - Anonymous 4 performs program of medieval English carols and American Christmas tunes Dec. 11, 8 p.m., St. Mary's Church, Elm St., Northampton. Advance: $28 general; $10 students. At door: $32/$10. 774-4200, www.musicindeerfield.com.

* Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra and Chorus - Family holiday concert Dec. 13, 7 p.m., Greenfield High School, 1 Lenox Ave., Greenfield. Christmas Carol Symphony byPatric Standford and other works. $18 general; $16 senio; $12 student; $6 children. 773-3364, www.pvso.org.

* Euridice Ensemble - Baroque chamber concert. Dec. 6, 7 p.m., Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall, Green St., Smith College, Northampton. Free.

Exhibits

AMHERST

* Amherst College - An exhibit commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the birth of Noah Webster runs thru Jan. 5 in Archives and Special Collections, Frost Library. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9-4

Celebrating a Transforming Legacy: Russian Art from the Collection of Thomas P. Whitney, thru Jan. 4 in Mead Art Museum. Also on view: Alarm de Alaram (Propaganda in Alaska): New and Recent Works by Jonathan Meese from the Collection of Adam Lindemann '83 and Amalia Dayan. Public artist's conversation with Meese, law professor Lawrence Douglas and author/collector Adam Lindemann SUNDAY, Dec. 7, 12 noon. Artist's performance SUNDAY, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m., Kirby Theater. Free. Museum hours: Fri., Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Tues., Wed., Thurs., 9 a.m.-midnight. 542-2335, www.amherst.edu/mead

* Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art - Over Rainbows and Down Rabbit Holes: The Art of Children's Books, thru March 8; Dorothy Kunhardt's "Pat the Bunny," thru Dec. 7. Hours at 125 West Bay Rd.: Tues.-Fri., 10-4; Sat., 10-5; Sun., 12-5. $7 adult; $5 seniors, youth, students and teachers (children under 1 year free); $20 family (up to 2 adult and 2 youths). 658-1100

* Gallery A3 - Small Wonders, a group exhibit by member artists, runs thru Dec. 27 at 28 Amity St. Hours: Wed.-Sun., 12-7 p.m. 256-4250

* Hampshire College - A photographic installation by Tracy Seigle closes with a reception FRIDAY, Dec. 5, 6-9 p.m. in the Main Gallery, Johnson Library.

* Jones Library - Explorations on Paper, art by Diane Nevinsmith, thru Dec. 31 in the Burnett Gallery. Hours: Fri., Sat., Wed., 9-5; Sun., 1-4:30; Mon., 1-5; Thurs., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

* University of Massachusetts - Face Value: New Work on Paper by Benjamin J. Ostiguy, thru Dec. 11 in Central Gallery. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 3-6 p.m. and Sun., 2-5 p.m.

New England/New York/New Talent 2008, a juried exhibit of work by 14 new artists, thru Dec. 7 in Hampden Gallery. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., noon-6 p.m.; Sun., 2-5 p.m.

Radius, a multimedia exhibit of recent works by students in the MFA program, runs thru Dec. 10 in Herter Art Gallery. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 11-4; Sat., 1-4.

More Images from VISUAL (Ventures in Science Using Art Laboratory), thru Dec. 19 in the Integrated Sciences and Engineering Library, Lederle Graduate Research Center Lowrise, Floor 2.

Alive in Paint, works by Gage Delprete; The Observers, works by Jenna Faden; and Venus of Mars, works by Autumn Doyle, all open with reception MONDAY, Dec. 8, 5-7 p.m. and run thru Dec. 12 in Student Union Gallery. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 10-5; Fri., 10-3.

Of People and Places, a group photography exhibit, thru Dec. 14 in University Gallery. Works by Yto Barrada, Rineke Dijkstra, Cuny Jansen, An-My Le, Clare Richardson, John Riddy and Joel Sternfeld. Hours: Tues.- Fri., 11 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.; weekends, 2 -5 p.m.

* wnderarts - "Small08," a group show of portable and affordable art opens at wnderarts with a reception SATURDAY, from 6-9 p.m. 383 Main St. Hours: Thurs.-Sun., 11-5. 256-6600

DEERFIELD

* Flynt Center of Early New England Life - Recent Acquisitions, thru Feb. 1 at the Center in Historic Deerfield. Historic Deerfield general admission: $14 adults; $5 ages 6-21.

NORTHAMPTON

* Northampton Center for the Arts - Let's Play: Artists Look at Toys, a group exhibit, Dec. 5-31. Reception Fri., Dec. 12, 5-7 p.m. Hours: Tues.-Fri., 11-4.

* R. Michelson Galleries - 19th Annual Illustration Exhibit, thru Jan. 31 at 132 Main St. 586-3964

* Smith College - In the Museum of Art: Movement, work by Yong Soon Min and other contemporary Korean-born artists, thru Jan. 11; Bauhaus Modern, thru Dec. 7; Coal Hollow, photographic images by Ken Light with oral histories by Melanie Light focusing on the residents of former coal mining communities in West Virginia, thru Jan. 4; Sol LeWitt: Wall Drawing #139, thru Jan. 4, 2009. Admission: $5 adults; $4 seniors; $3 students ages 13 and up; $2 children 6-12. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10-4; Sun., 12-4.

Inspired Design: The Mentoring Stamp, thru Dec. 20 in Book Arts Gallery, Neilson Library.

Lyn Horton: Staying Connected, Dec. 8-Jan. 29 in Oresman Gallery, Hillyer Hall. Hours: weekdays, 9-5.

SOUTH DEERFIELD

* Deerfield Gallery - A group exhibit by seven local artists runs thru Dec. 31 at 14 S. Main St. Pam Works by Pam Oakes, Judy Cummings, Jim Murphy, Karen Savage, Bob Ellis, Andy Bell, Suzanne Bell. Hours: Tues.-Fri., 9:30-5; Sat., 9:30-1. 665-7239

* GoNOMAD Cafe - Colombia's Pacific Coast, photographs by Max Hartshorne, thru Dec. 31 at 4a Sugarloaf St.

SOUTH HADLEY

* Mount Holyoke College - In the Art Museum: A Spectacle of Wings: Photographs by Rosalie Winard, thru Dec. 14; Ancient Bronzes of the Asian Grasslands from the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, thru Dec. 14. Museum hours: Tues.-Fri., 11-5; Sat.-Sun., 1-5 p.m. 538-3185.

Seniors

AMHERST SENIOR CENTER

Bangs Community Center

70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst

(413) 259-3060

FRIDAY, Dec. 5: 9-12: Craft workshop; 9-3: Footcare; 11: Gentle Fitness; 11:45: Lunch; 4-5: Enhance fitness.

MONDAY, Dec. 8: 9-10: Strength training; 9:30-11: Quilting workshop; 10-12: Senior Health Services/Nurse (drop-in); 11: Gentle Fitness; 11:45: Lunch; 12:30-2:30: Senior Health Services/Nurse (drop-in); 12:30-5: SHINE; 1:30: Feel for Food: "Gluten Free Cooking"; 3-4: Tai-Chi; 4-5: Enhance fitness.

TUESDAY, Dec. 9: 9-3: Therapeutic massage; 9:30-10:30: Blood pressure clinic; 10: Howard Singer: Financial Seminar; 10: SALT Council meeting at Amherst Police Department; 10:45-11:45: Line dancing; 11:45: Lunch; 12:30: Chinese Mah-Jongg; 1-2: Folkdance; 1-2:30: Prof. James van Luik: "Theoretical Physics and Reality"; 1-4: Scrabble; 2: Senior Travel Club.

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 10: 9-10: Strength training; 9-11:30: Watercolor workshop; 9:30: Free Bread and Produce Program; 10: PVTA ID cards; 11: Gentle Fitness; 11:45: Lunch; 12:30-4: Bridge; 2-4: New Options; 4-5: Enhance fitness.

THURSDAY, Dec. 11: 9-2: Senior Center Community Tag Sale and Craft Sale; 9-12: Painting workshop; 9:30-12: Senior Health Services/Nurse (by appt.); 11:45: Lunch; 12:30-1:30: Fall Prevention series; 12:30-2: Senior Health Services/Nurse (by appt.).

FRIDAY, Dec. 12: 9-12: Craft workshop; 9-3: Footcare; 11: Gentle Fitness; 11:45: Lunch; 2: Musical Showcase: Greenfield Community College "Mixed Company" dance recital; 4-5: Enhance fitness.12

The Senior Travel Club is offering the following trip:

Dec. 18: Bright Nights at Forest Park and dinner at Salem Cross Inn

For more information call the Senior Travel Club at 259-3060, Monday through Friday, 10-3. Younger people and non-residents are welcome on a space-available basis.

To meet with a S.H.I.N.E. health insurance counselor, call the Senior Center.

The Amherst Senior Center lunch site needs volunteer drivers and substitutes to deliver meals to elders in the Amherst/Pelham area beginning at 11 a.m. daily. Call Ferne Finger for more information at 259-3060.

The UMass Meals on Wheels program needs volunteer drivers to deliver meals in Amherst beginning at 3 p.m. daily. Flexible schedules. Call Maura Plante at 259-3060.

HADLEY COUNCIL ON AGING

Activities are open to Hadley residents 60 and up and are held at the Hadley Senior Community Center, Room 101, Hooker School, 46 Middle St., Hadley, 586-4023. Enter from rear of building. Office hours are 9-4 Monday through Friday.

The Senior Center offers monthly blood-pressure and blood-sugar clinics; foot care and ear care by appointment; monthly S.H.I.N.E. assistance with health insurance, including any questions you have about the new Medicare drug prescription program; food and transportation assistance; volunteer home repairs; exercise equipment; computers; education and recreation.

FRIDAY, Dec. 5: 12:30: Blood pressure clinic; 1-2: Meet with Rep. John Scibak or aid Bob Judge; 1-2: Fall Prevention series; 5:30: Holiday party.

MONDAY, Dec. 8: 10-11:45: Writing workshop; 1-3: Games/Mexican Train.

TUESDAY, Dec. 9: 9:30: Osteoexercise; 10:30: COA Meeting; 12:45-3: Bingo.

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 10: 7:30-9:30: Nurse; 6-7: AA Meeting; 7-8:30: Alzheimer's Legal and Fianncial Program.

THURSDAY, Dec. 11: 9:30: Osteoexercise; 10: Grocery/mall shopping; noon: TRIAD SALT luncheon; 12:45: Mah-Jongg; 5:30: Safe Homes Program and supper.

The Senior Travel Club is offering the following trips:

Dec. 15: Riverdale Shops/lunch

Dec. 15: Bright Nights/dinner

Dec. 17: Newport, R.I.

Dec. 19: Bowling in Northampton

The Travel Club offers a trip to Foxwoods every last Monday of the month. For reservations, call 584-7254.

Lunch is served Mon.-Fri. at 11:45 Call 586-1910 to register.

ACTV

Amherst Community TV

246 College Street, 259-3300

The ACTV Schedule is subject to change without notice - see www.actvamherst.com for details.

Channel 12

Dec. 5

12:45 a.m.: Pagans

2 a.m.: Democracy Now

3 a.m.: Free Speech TV

8 a.m.: Democracy Now

9 a.m.: GRIT TV

10 a.m.: Garden Wise

10:30 a.m.: All Fired Up

11 a.m.: Perils for Pedestrians

11:30 a.m.: Horse Mountain Jazz

12:30 p.m.: Through the League Lens

1 p.m.: Labor Talk

1:30 p.m. :Words of Peace

2 p.m.: Meet the Bloggers

2:30 p.m.: All Fired Up

3 p.m.: 215th Army Band

4:15 p.m.: Meet the Bloggers

5 p.m.: Democracy Now

6 p.m.: Gulliver's Travels

7:15 p.m.: Teen Film Festival

8:15 p.m.: Dancing With Angels

9:30 p.m.: Laughcrafters

11 p.m.: Opinions on Halloween

Dec. 6

12 a.m.: Ryan McCarthy Show

12:30 a.m.: Lou Marklin Show

1 a.m.: All Fired Up

1:30 a.m.: The AC Show

2 a.m.: Democracy Now

3 a.m.: Free Speech TV

8 a.m.: Conversations

9 a.m.: The Promise of World Peace

9:30 a.m.: Meet the Bloggers

10 a.m.: Perils for Pedestrians

10:30 a.m.: Garden Wise

11 a.m.: Community of Poets

12:30 p.m.: South India

1:30 p.m.: Army Newswatch

2 p.m.: Vase Demonstration

3 p.m.: Black Man Clay Show

3:30 p.m.: Labor Talk

4 p.m.: Conversations

5 p.m.: In Their Boots

5:30 p.m.: Special Revelations

6:30 p.m.: Jetset 411

7:30 p.m.: Raging Grannies

8:30 p.m.: Signature Sounds

10 p.m.: Army Newswatch

10:30 p.m.: Laughcrafters

11:30 p.m.: Lou Marklin Show

Dec. 7

12 a.m.: Ween

1:05 a.m.: Cold Duck Complex

1:50 a.m.: What Goes Around

2 a.m.: Free Speech TV

8 a.m.: Conversations

9 a.m.: Gay USA

10 a.m.: Strategery

11:30 a.m.: Green Zone

1:15 p.m.: Pagans

2:30 p.m.: Norivision

3:30 p.m.: Gene Zeiger

4:15 p.m.: Dwight Chapel

5 p.m.: South Church

6:15 p.m.: Wesley Church

7:45 p.m.: Immanuel Lutheran Church

9 p.m.: Grace Christian Fellowship

10 p.m.: I Sing My Name

11 p.m.: Meet the Bloggers

11:30 p.m.: Brother Northstar

Dec. 8

12:15 a.m.: Off Da Chain

2 a.m.: Free Speech TV

8 a.m.: Democracy Now

9 a.m.: GRIT TV

10 a.m.: Jo Jo's Dreamcart

10:30 a.m.: Ovarian Cancer Awareness

11 a.m.: Festival of Shakespeare

1 p.m.: All Fired Up

1:30 p.m.: Jacob's Ladder Trail

2:15 p.m.: Stevie Wonder

3:15 p.m.: History of UFOs

4:15 p.m.: Prevent Home Fires

5 p.m.: Democracy Now

6 p.m.: Gang Green

6:30 p.m.: Go Fish

7 p.m.: Vase Demonstration

7:45 p.m.: Overspent American

8:30 p.m.: Enter The Haggis

9 p.m.: Bioneers by the Bay

10 p.m.: Laughcrafters

Dec. 9

2 a.m.: Democracy Now

3 a.m.: Free Speech TV

8 a.m.: Democracy Now

9 a.m.: GRIT TV

10 a.m.: Sharing Miracles

10:30 a.m.: Pure Heart, Clear Mind

11:30 a.m.: Markamusic

12:30 p.m.: NCTV: Sut Jhally

1 p.m.: Dickinson Homestead

1:30 p.m.: History Meets Memoir

2:30 p.m.: Village of Dreams

3:30 p.m.: Go Fish

4 p.m.: Veterans Education Project

5 p.m.: Democracy Now

6 p.m.: Polka Time

7 p.m.: Flu Facts

7:30 p.m.: Who's Got the Blues

8:30 p.m.: Lost in the Sauce

9 p.m.: Footprint in Africa

9:50 p.m.: Zeitgeist: Addendum

Dec. 10

1 a.m.: Best of the Best

2 a.m.: Democracy Now

3 a.m.: Free Speech TV

8 a.m.: Democracy Now

9 a.m.: GRIT TV

10:30 a.m.: Jazz Cardio

11 a.m.: Physicians Focus

12 p.m.: Army Newswatch

12:30 p.m.: Go Fish

1 p.m.: S.A.F.E. Graduation

2 p.m.: The Future of Newspapers

3 p.m.: Making of Modern Africa

4 p.m.: Brotzmann and Waits

5 p.m.: Democracy Now

6 p.m.: Army Newswatch

7 p.m.: Conversations

8 p.m.: In Their Boots

8:30 p.m.: Homegrown

Dec. 11

12:30 a.m.: Homegrown

1:30 a.m.: The AC Show

2 a.m.: Democracy Now

3 a.m.: Free Speech TV

8 a.m.: Democracy Now

9 a.m.: GRIT TV

10 a.m.: Jo Jo's Dreamcart

10:30 a.m.: Rautenberg Saathoff Duo

11:30 a.m.: Big in Youth Media

1 p.m.: Conversations

2 p.m.: All Fired Up

4:30 p.m.: Garden Wise

5 p.m.: Democracy Now

6 p.m.: Meet the Bloggers

6:30 p.m.: I Sing My Name

7:30 p.m.: Through the League Lens

8 p.m.: Labor Talk

8:30 p.m.: Words of Peace

9 p.m.: Garden Wise

9:30 p.m.: In Their Boots

10 p.m.: Laughcrafters

11:05 p.m.: Zeitgeist: Addendum

Channel 15

Dec. 5

12 a.m.: GED Graduation 2008

10:30 a.m.: Greek Art

11:15 a.m.: Greek Architecture

12:15 p.m.: On Higher Education

1:15 p.m.: Roman Architecture

2 p.m.: School Committee

5 p.m.: GED Graduation 2008

6 p.m.: Egyptian Art

6:50 p.m.: Roman Architecture

7:30 p.m.: Sch. Comm.

11 p.m.: Classic Arts

Dec. 6-7

Classic Arts

Dec. 8-11

10 a.m.: Roman Art

11 a.m.: Contemporary Ensemble

11:30 a.m.: Solomon Northrup

12:30 p.m.: Greek Art

1:30 p.m.: Sch. Comm.

4:30 p.m.: Intro to Art History

5:10 p.m.: Solomon Northrup

6:30 p.m.: GED Graduation 2008

7:30 p.m.: Roman Art

8:30 p.m.: Sch. Comm.

11:30 p.m.: Classic Arts

Channel 17

Dec. 5-7

7 a.m.: Plan. Board 12/3

11 a.m.: Select Board 12/1

3 p.m.: Select Board 12/1

8 p.m.: Plan. Board 12/3

Dec. 8-11

6 a.m.: Plan. Board 12/3

10 a.m.: Select Board 12/1

2 p.m.: Plan. Board 12/3

6:25 p.m.: Select Board 12/8

Support

Mom's Group - The Pioneer Valley Women of Color Moms Group holds a free weekly drop-in group for mothers of color on Tuesdays from 7:30-9:30 p.m., at 96 N. Pleasant St., Amherst. Babies in arms and expectant mothers are welcome. For more information, e-mail PVWCMG@gmail.com.

Men's Groups - The Men's Resource Center holds a facilitated drop-in support group for men every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at North Star in Hadley, located at routes 9 and 47. A support group is also held every Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. at Network Chiropractic, 21 Mohawk Trail, Greenfield. At the Men's Resource Center, 236 N. Pleasant St., Amherst, a group for gay-bisexual-questioning men meets Mondays from 7-9 p.m. and a group for men who have experienced childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect meets Fridays from 7-9 p.m. All groups are led by trained volunteer facilitators; $5-10 donation suggested. Call 253-9887, ext. 10, or e-mail support.groups@mrcforchange.org or go to www.mrcforchange.org.

Sexual Abuse - The Everywomen's Rape Crisis Center at UMass Amherst will hold a six-week support group for survivors of rape, sexual assault and child sexual abuse Oct. 29-Dec. 17. The group will meet on Wednesday nights from 7-9 p.m. An initial interview with the group facilitators is required. Call 545-5834, ext. 3, or 545-0800.

Kinship Caregivers - A free 10-session, biweekly educational and support group for grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins or siblings parenting a relative's child, aged 6 and under meets on Dec. 3, 17 and Jan. 17, from 5-7:30 p.m. at Berkshire Children and Families, 220 Russell St., Hadley. A meal and childcare provided. 584-5690, ext. 115.

Amherst Family Center - A free drop-in program for parents, grandparents and their children 0 to 5 years of age meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon at the Unitarian Church, 121 N. Pleasant St., Amherst. An English-Language Learner Parent Group meets on Fridays from 9:30-11 a.m. 256-1145.

Adoption - Adoption Link holds informational meetings on domestic and international adoption services on Dec. 9 at 16 Armory St. in Northampton from 6:30-8 p.m. Springfield meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at 475 Rear Sumner Avenue (behind Goodwill). No fees, no forms. Call (413) 746-2027 or e-mail at a.balbino@AdoptionLinkNow.org.

Chronic Lyme Disease - Support for people in Hampshire and Franklin counties suffering from chronic lyme disease and meets on the fourth Monday of each month, except Dec.

22, from 6-8 p.m. at the Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St. Call Sue at (413) 498-2774 or e-mail skihunt507@aol.com.

Hepatitis C - Cooley Dickinson Hosptial in Northampton offers a support group for those living with or affected by Hepatitis C on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8 p.m. on the 1st Floor East Conference Room. 585-2400.

Developmental disabilities - A group of families with teenagers and young adults with developmental disabilities meets once a month on a Saturday, from 2-5 p.m., to explore creating an integrated intentional living community in the Amherst area. Contact ICAmherst@yahoo.com for location and date.

Substance Abuse - Allies in Recovery (AIR) offers a free, drop-in session for families and friends of people with substance-abuse issues and addictions every Wednesday from noon-1 p.m. at 94 King St. in Northampton. For individual counseling and group options, call AIR at (413) 210-3724 or visit www.alliesinrecovery.org.

Grieving Children - The Garden offers a bimonthly support group for young children who have experienced the death of a close family member. The Garden meets at the Hampshire YMCA, 286 Prospect Street, Northampton. Call Shelly at 584-7086, ext. 124. Pre-registration is required.

Grieving Teens - The Garden offers a bimonthly support group for high school aged teens who have experienced the death of a close family member or friend. The Garden meets at the Hampshire YMCA, 286 Prospect Street, Northampton. Call Shelly at 584-7086, ext. 124. Pre-registration is required.

Infertility - Resolve offers a monthly support group to discuss infertility issues, usually on the first Wednesday of the month from 7-9 p.m. at the Arbors in Amherst, (call or e-mail to confirm). $5 for non-members. Pre-register at admin@resolveofthebaystate.org. or (781) 890-2225.

Beyond Birth - Parents and their infants up to 4 months old are invited to a free support group on Thursdays from 1-3:00 p.m. in the Childbirth Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. 582-2736.

Birthparent - Full Circle Adoption offers free birth-parent counseling, support and information at its Birthparent Center, 39 Main Street, Northampton, by appointment. 587-0007.

Breastfeeding - Cooley Dickinson Hospital Childbirth Center in Northampton offers free breastfeeding clinics on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon. 582-2000.

Empty Arms - The Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton offers a monthly support group for dealing with the loss of an infant on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 7-9 p.m. in Conference Room D. 529-1610 or 584-4092.

Postpartum Stress - MotherWoman offers a support group for women with baby blues, postpartum stress, anxiety and depression on Tuesdays from 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at the Community Action Building, 56 Vernon Street, in Northampton in the upstairs resource room. 253-8990.

Parental Stress - Parents' and Children's Services provides a toll-free telephone number for anyone feeling the stress of raising a child. (800)-882-1250, ext. 101.

Parenting - Parents Helping Parents offers weekly confidential and anonymous support groups for parents who are at risk of abusing their children, or who want a better relationship with their children. (800) 882-1250, ext. 101.

Food Addicts - Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, a 12-step group for people having problems with undereating, overeating, bulimia or food obsession, meets Sundays from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Newman Center, 472 N. Pleasant St., Amherst, and Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Jewish Community of Amherst, 742 Main St. No weigh-ins. Free. 259-1433, 265-3910.

Overeaters Anonymous - A 12-step recovery fellowship for compulsive eaters, has many meetings weekly in Amherst, Northampton and surrounding towns. No dues, fees or weigh-ins. For more information please go to www.oawmass.org or call (413) 783-4198.

AA - Alcoholics Anonymous holds daily meetings in Hampshire and Franklin counties. For information and meeting times, visit www.westernmassaa.org.

AA - An Alcoholics Anonymous group for lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at St. John's Church, 48 Elm St., in Northampton.

Alanon - Meetings in Hampshire and Franklin counties offer support to those whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. For information and meeting times, visit valleyalanon.org.

Alateen - A weekly meeting is held Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. at Amherst College, Chapin Hall, Room 119. 253-5261. For more information and meeting times, visit www.alateen.org.

Narcotics Anonymous - A weekly meeting is held Sundays at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Society, 220 Main St., Northampton and on Mondays at 7 p.m. at the First Churches, 129 Main St., Northampton.

Addictions - The Cooley Dickinson's SMART Recovery self-help program meets on the first, second and third Thursdays of each month from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Outpatient Behavioral Health Network, 10 Main St., Florence. 586-8550.

First Call - The United Way offers First Call for Help, a community information and referral service. All problems tackled. (800) 339-7779, or 582-4237.

Abuse - Safe Passage an organization for women who have been or are currently being abused, physically or emotionally, offers 24-hour crisis hot line, peer support, counseling and shelter. 586-1125. Hot Line: 586-5066.

Sexual Abuse by Priests - The Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests (SNAP) holds a monthly support group for women and men who were sexually abused by spiritual elders (Catholic priests, brothers, nuns, ministers, teachers, etc.) Survivors, family members and supporters of survivors are welcome. For time and location, call (413) 247-3271 or visit www.survivorsnetwork.org.

Gamblers Anonymous - The Cooley Dickinson's Gamblers Anonymous program meets on Mondays from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Outpatient Behavioral Health Network, 10 Main St., Florence. 586-8550.

Compulsive Gambling - A toll-free helpline is answered 24-hours a day, 7 days a week at (800) 426-1234.

Alzheimers - The Arbors at Amherst holds a group for family members and friends caring for someone with Alzheimer's or a related memory-loss disorder on the second Thursday of the month from 6:30-8 p.m. in the upstairs lounge of the Arbors, 130 University Drive, Amherst. Free. Call to confirm at 548-6800.

Alzheimers - The Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton offers a monthly Alzheimer's support group for family members and friends on the first Thursday of the month from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Kittredge Surgery Center. Free. Call O'Meara at 582-2511.

Alzheimers - The Sunderland Center for Positive Change, 108 N. Main St., Sunderland, holds a free consultation support group for caregivers on the last Tuesday of the month, 2:30-4:30, by appt. Call 665-9675, ext. 1.

Heart Care - The Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton offers free monthly education and support groups on the second Thursday of every month from 2-3 p.m. at the Kittredge Surgery Center. 582-2404.

Stroke Support - Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton holds a free monthly support group for adult stroke survivors and caregivers on the fourth Thursday of each month from 11:15-12:45 p.m. at the hospital in Conference Room B. 582-2259.

Parkinson - A Parkinson support group is held the first Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. at the Florence Saving Bank, Mt. Farms Mall, Hadley. 584-2192.

Mental Illness - A group for friends and family members of someone suffering from mental illness meets the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 10 Main St. In Florence. 1 (800)-295-2121.

Caregiving - Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton offers a free weekly caregivers support group on Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. in Conference Room D. 582-2151.

Cancer Care - Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton offers the "I Can Cope" program, a four-week educational program for people newly diagnosed with cancer, either personally or as friend or family caregiver. The program is offered regularly year-round. Call 582-2028.

Cancer - Cancer Connection, located in the Silk Mill on Rte. 9 in Florence, offers programs and support groups for all types of cancers, including a group for mothers who have a child with cancer and one for young people who have a parent with cancer. Call Deb at 586-1642.

HIV/AIDS Legal Help - HIV/AIDS Law Consortium of Western Mass. provides a broad range of legal services to people living with HIV/AIDS who reside in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties. (413) 732-0011.

Transgender Issues - PFLAG, a support group for parents, family members and friends of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people meets in Springfield. Call (413) 536-6373 for more information, or visit www.pflag.org.

Not Bread Alone - Free meals and friendship are offered to all adults and children every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30-1:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 165 Main St., Amherst. Volunteer help is welcome. 256-0128.

Healing - The Hope Community Church 29 Gaylord St. in Amherst offers a weekly laying on of hands for healing on Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m.

English Class - The Center for New Americans offers free English classes in Amherst, Northampton and Greenfield for adult immigrants, refugees and migrants in the Pioneer Valley. Call Nicole at (413) 427-6543, Maureen at 587-0084 or Deborah at (413) 772-0055.