Literacy Center holds training for tutors

ATTLEBORO - The Literacy Center, 80 North Main St., has announced winter tutor training sessions.

Evening sessions will be held Mondays, Feb. 2, 9, 23 and March 2, 9, and 16 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Daytime sessions will be held Wednesdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25 and March 4 and 11 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Following the completion of training, volunteers will be matched with an adult who wants to learn to read, improve writing or math skills, prepare for the GED, learn English, or obtain U.S. citizenship. For further information or to register, call 508-226-3603.

Arrhythmia course offered at Sturdy ATTLEBORO - Sturdy Memorial Hospital's Nursing Education Department will sponsor a basic arrhythmia course for anyone interested in learning cardiac dysrhythmia interpretations.

The course is a five-week program offered in two sessions, starting Feb. 3. Participants can choose to attend session A, which runs from 12:15 to 2:45 p.m., or session B, from 3:45 to 6:15 p.m.

Topics to be covered include: anatomy and physiology, atrial dysrhythmias, nodal dysrhythmias and heart blocks, ventricular dysrhythmias, and a workshop and exam. The cost is $125 for the entire program or $25 per session.

For more information or to register, call 508-236-7161.

Hear about beetles at city garden club

ATTLEBORO - The Attleboro Garden Club day and evening groups will hold a joint meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4 at the Sweet Club House, at the corner of Bank and Peck streets. The public is welcomed to hear Guy LaChance, service forester for the state Department of Recreation and Conservation, give a presentation on the Asian Longhorn Beetle, with focus on state and federal efforts to exterminate the beetle in Massachusetts.

Currently, 63 square miles, including the entire City of Worcester and areas of Shrewsbury, are under quarantine. See the Worcester City Manager's Web site for more information http://www.ci.worcester.ma.us/cmo/beetles.htm.

Mary Whelan is the meeting hostess with Eleanor Bassler, Karla Bassler, Mary Jane Kenniston and Betsy Whitfield on the committee. Those interested in joining either of the club's groups may contact membership Chairwoman Mary Jane Kenniston at 508-222-3360 for more information.



New Moms Group to start on Feb. 4 ATTLEBORO - Sturdy Memorial Hospital hosts a free New Moms Group for women with babies up to 9 months of age. The group lets mothers talk about their growing babies, discuss concerns and expectations, learn different tips from other mothers in the group and more.

The program will be led by a certified parent educator. The next three-week program will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 4 and continue Feb. 11 and 18.

The group will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Clinical Education Center near the main lobby of the hospital.

Class size is limited, so early reservations are recommended; call 508-236-7151.

Community VNA to offer series on healing

ATTLEBORO - A six-week series presented by Community VNA Hospice Care will offer "a learning and supportive experience to begin the journey toward healing." The meetings are from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, continuing through Feb. 11.

The series will take place at 10 Emory St. The program is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Call the bereavement coordinator at 800-220-0110 or 508-222-0118 ext. 1373.

To learn more about hospice care and other services available at Community VNA, visit communityvna.com.

Raffle will help cancer patient

ATTLEBORO - The South Attleboro Village Lions Club will sponsor a cash calendar raffle during the month of February to raise funds to help defray medical expenses for a local young woman, Christina Mendes.

Christina, the daughter of South Attleboro Village Lions member Susan Mendes, was diagnosed with leukemia and recently underwent a bone marrow transplant at Mass. General Hospital.

Tickets cost $10. Ticket holders have a chance to win $50 each day in February, with a $100 prize on Feb. 14.

Winning tickets will be drawn weekly at the South Attleboro American Legion Hall on each Saturday of the month. Ticket holders can win multiple times within a drawing week. Winners will be notified by phone.

For more information or to purchase a ticket, contact Pat Salvas at 508-761-4067.

Infant massage program Feb. 28

ATTLEBORO - Sturdy Memorial Hospital will offer a free infant massage program from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 28 in the auditorium at the hospital.

This program is designed for new mothers and their partners and will be led by Jean Stringham, Sturdy's infant massage coordinator. It will focus on the techniques and benefits of massage for infants. Tips on how to soothe and calm a colicky baby will also be provided. Parents are encouraged to bring their infants, age two weeks to 10 months old.

For more information or to register by Feb. 20, call nursing administration at 508-236-7151.

Yoga course starts at Sturdy March 4

ATTLEBORO - The Nursing Education Department at Sturdy Memorial Hospital is sponsoring an eight-week hatha yoga course. Mary Whelton, certified hatha yoga instructor, will present the program. This course is designed to help decrease stress and anxiety, increase flexibility and relaxation and enhance an overall feeling of wellness.

The yoga course will begin on Wednesday, March 4 and be offered in two sessions, from 4 to 5 p.m. or 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., in the Clinical Education Center in the main lobby.

The cost of the program is $85. Registration is necessary by Feb. 23. Participants need to bring a yoga mat and/or towel with them. For more information or to register, call 508-236-7161.

Sturdy heart fair set for March 10

ATTLEBORO - Sturdy Memorial will hold its annual Heart Healthy Fair from 7 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 10 in conference rooms A, B and C.

The fair will feature health screenings, general health information, samples of heart healthy food and more.

Blood pressure measurements, risk factor assessments, stroke screenings, and glucose and cholesterol testing will be offered free of charge. Cholesterol tests require a 12-hour fast.

Registration is required for glucose and cholesterol testing. To make an appointment, call 508-236-8555. Curbside valet service is available at the Emergency Care Center entrance from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Capron seeks teen summer volunteers

ATTLEBORO - Capron Park Zoo is looking for motivated teenagers who would like to join the Summer 2009 Zoo Crew Teen Volunteer Squad.

The Zoo Crew Program is designed to give area teens the opportunity to volunteer at the zoo while enhancing the visitor experience and building self-confidence. Working with zoo staff and peers, Zoo Crew participants help to design programs and activities that will engage the public and educate at the same time.

Teens also get the chance to learn about zoo careers and meet other likeminded teens.

Applicants must be at least 13 years of age. Further information and a downloadable application can be found at capronparkzoo.com. Application materials must be received no later than Feb. 28.

For more information, call 508-223-2208.

Gold Dusters have events planned

ATTLEBORO - The following upcoming trips are planned by the Balfour Gold Dusters:

Boston to Bermuda Cruise, May 1 to 8, 2009, $949 double occupancy.

All trips are open to the public. Call Jackie at 508-285-3403 for more information.

Lions help library get large print books

ATTLEBORO - The South Attleboro Village Lions Club, under the guidance of project chairwoman Bev Leedham, is continuing its tradition of providing large print books to the Attleboro Public Library. This year already, the club has donated several books, with more on order.

Since 1989, the Village Lions have donated more than 300 large print books to the library in order to help those with vision impairments. Working hand in hand with the library, Leedham gets a list of books the library would like to have in large print, and looks to find these books through her source, the Doubleday Book Club.

Anyone interested in helping with this project is urged to contact any of the following membership committee members: Pat Bonneau at 508-761-7709, Carrie Burhart at 508-222-4550, Diane Halko at 508-761-8612, or Pam Bliss at 508-399-6819.

Depression support group meets weekly

ATTLEBORO - DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) meets every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hillside Adult Day Health Center at 50 Walton St., Attleboro.

The group is a peer led support group for people suffering with depression or who are bipolar, and is a chapter of a national organization. For more information, go to www.dbsa-attleboro.org.

Membership is free for people who are bipolar or suffer from depression. It is suggested that first timers arrive at 6:45 p.m. on the night of the meeting to review how the group works.

The minimum age for attendance is 18. Call 508-222-7525 ext. 407, or e-mail info@dbsa-attleboro.org.

Catch meat raffles at SA Legion

ATTLEBORO - Meat raffles are being held every Saturday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Post 312, Newport Avenue, South Attleboro, sponsored by the South Attleboro Lions Club and by South Attleboro's American Legion Post 312.

Proceeds benefit scholarship funds. All meat is top cuts from the Chartley Country Store.

Parents' support group meets monthly in city

ATTLEBORO - Parents of teens discussion/support group meets the first Wednesday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Murray Unitarian Universalist Church.

Grandparents and guardians raising teens are also welcome. The group is free and open to the public. For further information, call 508-222-6164.

AHS 30th set for next July

ATTLEBORO - The Attleboro High School Class of 1979 will hold its 30th class reunion on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at the Attleboro Elks Golden Antler Room, beginning at 6 p.m.

More information is available from Tammie Payette at tjpayette@yahoo.com or by sending contact information to ahsclassof1979@yahoo.com (put AHS in the subject line).

Wanted: Volunteers for New Hope

ATTLEBORO - New Hope, the local domestic violence and sexual assault agency, is looking for dedicated and compassionate volunteers to join its Rape Crisis Advocate Team.

As part of the on call response team, rape crisis advocates meet survivors at hospitals and police stations and provide crisis intervention, support and referrals.

Free training is provided by New Hope staff. For more information, call Nicole at 508-226-4015, ext. 104.

Sturdy offering wellness program

ATTLEBORO - Sturdy Memorial Hospital offers a six-week wellness exercise program, designed to help participants increase fitness while they lose weight, decrease blood pressure, improve cholesterol and achieve specific health goals.

Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the cardiac pulmonary exercise facility at Sturdy Memorial Hospital. The cost for the six-week program is $120. For further information or to register, call 508-236-7390.

Medical profile cards available at Sturdy

ATTLEBORO - Sturdy Memorial Hospital is offering "My Medical Profile" cards. These cards help individuals keep a current medication history and also list potential drug/drug or drug/food interactions.

To receive a complimentary card, call volunteer and student services at 508-236-8800.

Alzheimer's support group meets monthly

ATTLEBORO - Community VNA hosts a monthly support group designed for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

Joyce Colletto, RN, the Alzheimer programs liaison, will facilitate. This group meets the first Tuesday of each month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Community VNA, 10 Emory St.

Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, call 508-222-0118, ext. 1374, or visit communityvna.com and click on calendar.