Enroll in SNAP and Fuel Assistance

ATHOL – Representatives from LifePath will be at the Athol Public Library on Thursday, Oct. 3, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. to help sign people up for SNAP benefits and Fuel Assistance.

Please bring the following information:

SNAP:

■Proof of identity

■Mass residence

■Proof of earnings or income

■For non-citizen status (Green card, Employment Authorization Card)

Fuel Assistance:

■Recertification application

■Proof of identity

■Proof of income

■Fuel provider account number

■Current electric bill

For homeowners

■Mortgage statement

■Homeowner insurance bill

■Real estate bill

■Sewer and water bill

For renters:

■Lease

■Rental subsidy information

Free and open to the public. No appointment is needed.

Blessing of the Animals at Congregational Church

PETERSHAM – The Orthodox Congregational Church of Petersham will be holding a Blessing of the Animals ceremony in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, on Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. on the South Common at the center of Petersham, along Route 32. All types of animals, big or small, are invited and will be accommodated. Bring a non-perishable pet food item to be donated to local pets in need to enter a raffle for a $25 gift card to Pet Shop Plus. Anyone with questions should call the church at 724-8808, message the church via the Facebook page, or comment on the event page on Facebook.

Master the art ofcritical thinking

ATHOL – One of the most important habits of mind is reflection. Reflection is the process of thinking deeply about ideas and experiences. People can improve their thinking by reflecting on actions and learning from mistakes and miscues.

Join local author John Chetro Szivos for an interactive discussion on critical thinking at the Athol Public Library on Monday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m. The presentation will focus on skills that can be applied professionally and personally to improve life. In this engaging and active evening, Szivos will address the trap of automatic thinking and overcoming obstacles to thinking.

Szivos’ recent publication is “On Becoming a Critical Thinker: Awakening Your Business Superpower.” He has been featured on multiple media outlets and podcasts, discussing how anyone can benefit from improving their critical thinking skills and sharing ideas and tips that people can adopt.

Szivos holds a Ph.D. in communication from the UMass Amherst, an MBA degree, and master’s degree in counseling. He has filled the titles of full professor and dean at universities in the United States.

He has authored 10 journal articles, six book chapters, numerous book reviews and conference presentations and three books. The event is free and open to the public. Please register by calling 978-249-9515.

Royalston flu clinic

ROYALSTON – The seasonal flu vaccination clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Town Hall, 13 On The Common. The clinic, sponsored by the Royalston Council on Aging, is free of charge and is for Royalston residents who are 18 years of age or older. The vaccination is free. Health insurance is not required. If you have insurance, please bring your card.

This year’s Flu vaccines have been updated for this season. Pneumonia vaccine, Prevnar 20 will also be available, and Fluzone High-Dose vaccine for those over 65. The newly approved updated COVID-19 vaccine will be provided by the Montachusett Public Health Network

This year’s clinic will be conducted in the Assembly Hall (second floor) at the Town Hall. Participants will enter through the rear door and be pre-screened. After successful screening, participants will go to second floor by stairs or elevator and then complete paperwork. Next, vaccine will be administered. Then, enjoy a snack or proceed to join a lunch in first floor dining room. Forms can be downloaded from www.Royalston-ma.gov.

Vaccines will be provided by Athol Pharmacy, 290 Main St. in Athol. Assistance will be provided by Royalston Board of Health and nurses from the Wachusett Medical Reserve Corps.

To join the Wednesday lunch (pot roast with gravy, roasted potatoes, cabbage and carrots, with dinner roll and pudding) please call Betty at 978-249-9656 or Gary at 978-249-8957 before 5 p.m. on Monday.

CongregationalChurch to hold to-go harvest dinner

PETERSHAM – The Petersham Congregational Church will be holding a Harvest Dinner as a To-Go meal, with pick-up starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Church, 21 N. Main St (Rt. 32). Menu includes: pot roast, potatoes, winter squash, cole slaw, and a dessert. Cost is $15 per meal, proceeds to help repair weather damage to the church ceiling. Reservations required, call 978-724- 3362.