Autism walk WESTFIELD - The Western New England "Walk Now," a fund-raiser for Autism Speaks, takes place on Sept. 28 at Stanley Park. Teams can register now at www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/wne . Autism Speaks works to increase awareness, research and family services about autism spectrum disorder. This disorder is a set of complex developmental disorders, for which there is no cure....
Autism walk
WESTFIELD - The Western New England "Walk Now," a fund-raiser for Autism Speaks, takes place on Sept. 28 at Stanley Park. Teams can register now at www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/wne .
Autism Speaks works to increase awareness, research and family services about autism spectrum disorder. This disorder is a set of complex developmental disorders, for which there is no cure. The spectrum includes autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, and pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified. Symptoms appear in the first three years of life and are characterized by atypical development in socialization, communication, and behavior.
Symptoms can manifest in a variety of ways including delayed speech or language development, cognitive problems, social interaction problems, stereotypical behaviors such as hand flapping, lack of interest in one's environment, and profound sensory issues such as sensitivity to sound or touch.
The upcoming event will include games, a puppet show, arts activities and snacks.
Osteoarthritis talk
GREENFIELD -- Dr. Jeffrey Hayer, orthopedic surgeon, Baystate Medical Practices – Franklin Orthopedic Group, will present "Managing Osteoarthritis," a Senior Class program at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, on Sept. 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in the hospital’s main conference rooms.
Osteoarthritis is a common disease affecting as many as 33 million Americans, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints.
Refreshments will be serve. The program is free, but registration is required. To register, or for more information, l Baystate Health Link at (1-800) 377-4325.
EMT program
WARE - Baystate Mary Lane Hospital will partner with Quality EMS Educators, Inc. to offer a basic emergency medical technical program to be held at the hospital. Classes will be held Monday and Wednesday and Friday evenings from 6 to 10 p.m., beginning Sept. 23, and will include 180 hours of class time, and 10 hours of Emergency Room observation time.
The number of hours of training has been increased from 150 to 180 hours to meet the new National Registry Curriculum.
After completely the program, students will be eligible for the National and State certification and licensing examination. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age to take the state exam.
This is the sixth annual EMT Basic Course sponsored by the hospital.
Cost is $850, which includes both tuition and books. The terms of payment are $425 due to Quality EMS Educators on the first day of class, with the balance due Oct. 28 Checks, Master Card/Visa are accepted.
The hospital also conduct monthly continuing education for EMTs, Intermediates and Paramedics at no cost.
Alzheimer workshop
SPRINGFIELD -- The Alzheimer's Association is presenting a free workshop, "Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters," on Sept. 19 from 9 to 10 a.m., at the Chapin Center, 200 Kendall St.
The workshop addresses the difference between typical aging and memory loss. or behavior changes severe enough to disrupt daily life.
For more information, visit www.alz.org/MANH or call the 24/7 Helpline at (1-800) 272-3900.
Volunteer head
GREENFIELD – Becky George, of Greenfield, has joined the staff at Baystate Franklin Medical Center as manager of volunteer services.
A graduate of North Adams State College with an undergraduate degree in sociology, George also received a master's of business administration from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
George served as the admissions director for a variety of higher education institutions in New England, including Franklin Pierce College, Albertus Magnus College, and the School for International Training.
In 2010, George was appointed coordinator for the Fostering Art and Culture Project in Greenfield, where she continues to serve, designing local and regional art conferences and networking events.
Memorial quilts
SPRINGFIELD – The public is invited to attend the Baystate Children’s Hospital annual exhibit of memorial quilts, crafted at its yearly "Service of Remembrance." The exhibit will be held Sept. 28 and 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the hospital’s Chestnut Building/Conference Center, Rooms 1A and B, 759 Chestnut St.
“This is a very moving display of powerful remembrances made with love by the families of children who have lost their lives to illness or accident,” said Marjorie Bloom, social worker from the Hospital Care management department at Baystate Medical Center.
“We often receive requests from families who attended past services to view the quilts again.”
Remembrance service, most recently held this April, includes readings and music and is open to all family members and their friends, as well as hospital staff, who remember and pay tribute to the children who were under their care.
During each service, families are given a small piece of fabric, which they personalize in remembrance of their child, before it is added along with others to create a “Tapestry of Memories” quilt. Quilts from 1998 through 2013 will be shown at this year’s quilt display.
The exhibit is funded by the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals across North America, including Baystate Children’s Hospital where all funds remain local..
Baystate Children’s offers the following support groups for families who have experienced the death of a child: Compassionate Friends Support Group, for families grieving the loss of a child, third Wednesday of each month, 7 to 9 p.m., 3300 Main St., First Floor-Community Room, and SHARE, for parents who have lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death, second Wednesday of each month, 7:30-9:30 p.m., same location.
For more information about the exhibit or support groups, contact Bloom, at (413) 794-5559.
Gurdjieff talk
NORTHAMPTON – There will be a free public presentation about the ideas of the Russian spiritual teacher and mystic G.I. Gurdjieff on Sept. 12 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Northampton Quaker Meetinghouse, 43 Center St.
The event, sponsored by the Gurdjieff Foundation of Western Massachusetts, includes a presentation, followed by questions and answers, light refreshments and the chance for informal conversation. The presenters will be three senior members of the Gurdjieff Foundation of New York.
For more information or to RSVP visit: www.gurdjieff-foundation-westernmass.org
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