Martch 1, 2024: Issue 5
Offering hope and help to those impacted by opioid misuse in
Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region.
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"Sending Sustenance" ~ Greenfield Recorder (2/19/2024)
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" United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region Executive Director Geoff Naunheim carries donations for the 20th annual Supper for Six food drive with volunteers James Bresciano, 9, and Gabriel Heineman, 10, both of Greenfield, to the Davis Street offices in Greenfield on Thursday.
Thanks to those who contributed, 403 local families will receive help putting food on the dinner table over February school vacation week. This includes 350 bags collected, plus $2,666 in monetary donations that will feed another 53 families.
United Way partner agencies that will distribute the food to families are: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Mass, Community Action’s Center for Self-Reliance Food Pantry, the Franklin County Community Meals Program, the Mary Lyon Foundation, Montague Catholic Social Ministries, Greenfield’s Salvation Army and The United Arc.
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Volunteer Denise Mason carries donations for the 20th annual Supper for Six food drive to the United Way’s offices.
Employee Elsa Kieffer piles donations for the 20th annual Supper for Six food drive into the United Way’s offices.
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"Despite Branch Closure, Hillside Pizza Sees Record-Breaking Year" ~Greenfield Recorder (2/23/2024) |
"The return of the Super Bowl marked a record-breaking year in sales and fundraising efforts for Hillside Pizza, despite closing the doors at its 15-year-old Hadley location.
With employee shortages and rising supply costs, many restaurants have struggled to navigate the post-pandemic labor markets, as Amy White, co-owner and co-founder of Hillside Pizza, described. Ongoing construction on Route 9 and staffing issues “made it challenging [to keep the Hadley branch] and so we just consolidated,” White said.
But closing one storefront has not negatively impacted or forced owners Amy and Craig White to change any other aspect of their business at the other two branches in Bernardston and South Deerfield. Any employee from the Hadley branch that wanted to stay on board was transferred to South Deerfield, and White said she’s seen their loyal customer base from Hadley also making the switch over.
Hillside Pizza has also been able to continue the programs it runs alongside its storefront businesses, such as school fundraising efforts and the philanthropic community meals program through the Greenfield Salvation Army.
Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, Amy and Craig White have donated catered meals each week to support residents who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. They recently hit a milestone of 25,000 meals donated. “That [number] was never in our sights at the beginning,” White said. “We’re providing dignity … as well as just food itself, and that’s really important to us.”
White mentioned a recently launched fundraising campaign through Fundly to help continue the weekly tradition of donated meals, which can cost an average of $3 per plate. The campaign can be viewed at here.
“We can’t do it alone, and so we really need help to run the race,” which is the mission of the campaign, White said.
Founded in 2001, Hillside Pizza began as a food catering business through which kids could raise money for their schools. After 23 years, Hillside Pizza has retained this aspect of its business, and had its most successful fundraising year with the conclusion of the 2024 Super Bowl.
(Staff Photo/Paul Franz)
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Local Representation at the 5th Annual NIH HEAL Initiative Scientific Meeting | |
Ed Hayes and Liz Evans were invited plenary speakers at the 5th Annual NIH HEAL Initiative Scientific Meeting in Bethesda on February 7-8, 2024, where they shared insights from the Massachusetts Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (MassJCOIN) on how to build sustainable research-practice relationships.
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Photo: from left
Tisha Wiley, PhD, Chief, Services Research Branch, NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse
Ed Hayes, Assistant Superintendent, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Greenfield, MA
Liz Evans, PhD, Professor, Department of Health Promotion & Policy, UMass Amherst
Michele Staton, PhD, Professor, University of Kentucky
Katie Marks, PhD, Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health
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UPCOMING OTF COMMITTEE & WORKGROUP MEETINGS | |
Virtual: Treatment & Recovery Committee
March 1, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Zoom details here.
CANCELED: Virtual: Harm Reduction Workgroup
March 6, 2024
11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Healthcare Solutions Committee
March 8, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 Noon
Zoom details here.
Hybrid: Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking Workgroup
March 11, 2024
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Franklin County Reentry Center
106 Main Street, Greenfield
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Education & Prevention Committee
March 12, 2024
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Emergency Services for Unhoused Individuals Task Force
March 18, 2024
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Zoom details here.
Hybrid: Public Safety & Justice Committee
April 1, 2024
1:00 - 2:00 PM
Franklin County Reentry Center
106 Main Street, Greenfield
Zoom details here.
Virtual: CAM Workgroup
April 9, 2024
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Methadone Workgroup
April 11, 2024
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Housing & Workforce Development Committee
April 12, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Zoom details here.
Consult our website or Facebook Page for updates. Please email us with any questions!
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FEATURED EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS | |
CONNECT: Post-Opioid Overdose Outreach Services | |
Updated Emergency Resources for
Unhoused Individuals
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Time Sensitive Announcements | |
February 1 - March 28 Thursdays Bilingual Music & Movement | |
March 1 (Start Date) PMP CPR + First Aid 21-Day Challenge | |
March 1 North Quabbin Seasonal Gathering Winter Edition | |
March 2 Adult Dodgeball Tournament | |
March 2 Stone Soup Cafe Menu | |
March 2 Metalworking Workshop | |
March 3 The Deerfield Massacre in Myth and Memory | |
March 4 VOC STEM St. Patrick's Day LEGO Challenge Cards | |
March 4 & March 11 Maker Space Mondays | |
March 7 Positive Parents & Terrific Teachers | |
March 8 Drop In and Draw! | |
March 9 Old School Dodgeball Tournament | |
March 9 Sisters in Crime: Making A Mystery | |
March 9 Meet Boulder! at the New Salem Public Library | |
March 9 Winter At The Fair | |
March 10 Erving Family PlayTime | |
March 10 Cultivating a Peaceful Table: Building Positive Food Relationships | |
March 11 Zen Peacemaker Core Trainings | |
March 15 Kidleidoscope Story Hour Collaboration | |
March 15 Rec the Night Building Big | |
March 16 Greenfield Winter Farmers Market | |
March 18 Positive Solutions for Families | |
March 18 Financial Literacy Workshop
(8 Week Course on Mondays)
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March 21 Heart Health Screenings | |
March 22 Rooted in Resilience | |
March 23 MPL Artists' Reception | |
March 27 - June 20 Weekly Wednesday Nurturing Father's Program | |
March 28 Virtual Overdose Prevention & Narcan Training
Register Here
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March 30 Erving Recreation's Annual Egg Hunt | |
March 30 Sun on the Muddy Poems & Photographs | |
April 1 - June 22 Free English Class for Immigrants and Refugees | |
April 2 Greenfield Public Library Presents Jarrett Krosoczka | |
April 6 - May 25 *Saturdays* Postpartum Therapeutic Support Group | |
April 16-18 Porter Family Farm April Vacation 2024 | |
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MONTHLY/WORKSHOP CALENDERS AND WEEKLY STANDING MEETINGS/EVENTS | |
Improving Housing to Improve Health News | |
Re-Entry Foundational Manufacturing Program | |
March Franklin County Reentry Center Calendar | |
March Programs - Great Falls Discovery Center | |
March Children's Programs at Greenfield Public Library | |
March Montague Public Library Programs | |
March LifePath Healthy Living 2024 Winter Workshops | |
March Union 28 Community Network for Children Program Calendar | |
2024 Seeds of Solidarity Calendar of Events | |
SNAP Application Assistance | |
Always Open! Community Labyrinth in Greenfield | |
RECOVER Project Groups At a Glance | |
Weekdays All Recovery Meeting at
The RECOVER Project
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Monday/Wednesday/Friday
The Community Closet at The Franklin County Reentry Center
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Monday - Friday
Movement Group with North Quabbin Recovery Center Peer Leaders
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Mondays North Quabbin Patch Parents' Council | |
Mondays Art Guild Meetings | |
Mondays Advanced Manufacturing Info Sessions | |
Monday Drug Court Alumni Group - North Quabbin | |
Second Mondays of the Month - North Quabbin B.R.A.V.E. Task Force Meetings | |
Mondays Alternatives to Suicide Group | |
2nd Mondays
Greenfield Healing Clinic
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2nd and 4th Mondays
Parenting Together at the Brick House
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Mondays and Wednesdays
Restless, Irritable, and Discontent: Your Brain in Recovery
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Tuesdays
Peer-Led Grief and Loss Circle
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First Tuesday - Dads' Group at Valuing Our Children | |
Tuesday Tea Time & Community Resource Drop-In | |
Tuesdays North Quabbin Recovery Center Coffee Hour | |
Tuesdays Greenfield Suicide Loss Group | |
First Tuesday - P.A.R.T. Task Force | |
Tuesdays Drop-In Knitting & Sewing Sessions | |
2nd Tuesdays New Member Orientation at the RECOVER Project | |
Tuesday Men's Anger Management Group
Wednesday Women's Anger Management Group
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Wednesdays - Wendell Library Playgroup with Sylvia | |
Wednesdays - Playgroup at the Leverett Library with Gillian | |
Wednesdays - Housing Navigator Sessions at the Franklin County Reentry Center | |
Wednesdays HEROES Study Hub at GCC | |
Wednesdays Men's Support Group:
Keep Moving Forward
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Last Wednesday of the Month Office Hours With An Att | |
First & Third Thursdays Parent Support Group | |
Thursdays Recovery Support Group Meetings at the Franklin County Reentry Center | |
Thursdays Coffee Hour at the Brick House | |
Thursdays Beyond Trauma Group in Spanish | |
Second Thursdays Every Month, Peer Grief Support | |
First Friday of Every Month: Open Mic at the RP | |
Every First & Third Friday - Grandparents & Kinship Support Group | |
Every Third Friday: Karaoke at The RECOVER Project | |
Last Friday of the Month: Gardening in Recovery | |
Homeshare Program with LifePath | |
Act Now to Stay Covered with MassHealth | |
DIAL/SELF AmeriCorps Opportunity at
Montague Catholic Social Ministries
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CHCFC OBAT Same Day & Tele-Health Appointment Information | |
Free Meals and Essentials
Saints James and Andrews Parish Hall
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Come Cook with Franklin County
Community Meals Program
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CONNECTIONS -
A Residential Program of Behavioral Health Network
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Orange Food Pantry Seeking Non-Food Donations | |
When people think of donating to our agency and food pantry, they often think of food- however, that's easier for us to obtain with local partnerships with farms and retailers. What we struggle to keep stocked are hygienic & household products, such as:
- Adult pull-ups size Medium, Large, & XL
- Menstrual products
- Bath products- bath wash or bar soap, shampoo, conditioner
- Deodorant
- Floss
- Mouthwash
- Toothpaste (we have plenty of toothbrushes currently!)
- Paper Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Laundry Detergent
- Dish Soap
- Household cleaners- Windex, multi-surface, floor cleaner, etc.
Dozen-sized egg cartons for repackaging the hundreds of eggs we receive weekly from retailers are also needed.
Please share this list amongst your networks! Donations can be dropped off at 324 Wells Street (the Franklin County Community Distribution Center) at our office, or if donating a large amount, drop-off can be coordinated via donate@fccmp.org. (Image credit: Pixabay)
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Family Self-Sufficiency Program Available | |
Eviction Self-Help Booklets Available in Multiple Languages | |
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MLRI has recently updated and translated some of our self-help booklets for unrepresented tenants facing eviction. While we still recommend tenants facing eviction seek legal help, we know resources are limited and many tenants have to represent themselves. We hope these booklets can be helpful to pro se tenants and their advocates.
You can see the full list of booklets below, or at MassLegalHelp. The booklets can help tenants prepare for court, outline their legal claims, and file court forms. There is also a booklet to help public housing tenants navigate the Grievance process.
Please reach out if you have any questions about the booklets and how they can be used.
What steps to take before going to court and what to bring to court.
An easy-to-use checklist that tells you what conditions violate the State Sanitary Code. You can also use the free self-help guided interview, MADE: Up To Code.
The Answer is a court form that tenants facing evictions can file with the court to outline your legal claims and tell the court your side of the story. You can also use Greater Boston Legal Services’ free self-help guided interview, MADE.
How to ask the court to accept your Answer and Discovery forms late. You can also use Greater Boston Legal Services’ free self-help guided interview, MADE.
A form with instructions for tenants facing eviction to get information to prepare for their trial.
A form with instructions for tenants in foreclosed properties to get information to prepare their case.
A form you can file to transfer your eviction case from a District Court to a Housing Court.
How to get a new court date if you missed your court date.
If you lost your eviction trial and think you have a good case, you may appeal. This document tells you which Appeal form to use.
How to file an appeal from a case in Housing Court.
How to file an appeal from a case in District Court.
How to get time to stay in your home if you lost your case.
How to ask the court to pay for court costs.
How to think through the terms you want in an agreement. Includes a worksheet and stipulation forms to use when you go to court. Read this booklet as webpages and watch the videos!
How to correct errors on your online court records. The Booklet includes the court form you can save to your computer, fill out, save again and print when ready.
A booklet for tenants in Mass. about the grievance process, including worksheets to help you prepare for a grievance hearing.
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Update! Greenfield CSC New Hybrid Operations Change |
The Greenfield Court Service Center is located at 43 Hope St., 1st Floor, Greenfield, MA.
They offer in-person services on Tuesdays & Thursdays, ONLY, from 8:30 am-1 pm, and 2 pm-4 pm. Remote services (email, phone, Zoom) are available on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays.
For an intake, contact the Virtual Court Service Center, Mon. thru Fri. 9 am-12 pm by telephone: 1-646-828-7666, press #, #, then enter meeting ID: 161 526 1140 or by video: www.zoomgov.com/j/1615261140.
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COMMUNITY JOB OPPORTUNITIES | |
Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region www.opioidtaskforce.org
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