01:00 AM EDT on Tuesday, April 5, 2005

COMMUNITY NOTES

VOLUNTEER DAY: An April 7 deadline has been set for applications from human service agencies and other nonprofit organizations that want to participate in this year's Volunteer Day celebration that will take place at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 21, at Attleboro City Hall. A luncheon will follow at the Attleboro Elks Hall.

The event is sponsored by Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Texas Instruments, Rockland Trust and the Area Community Council. Requests for applications may be made in writing to: Volunteer Services, Sturdy Memorial Hospital, 211 Park St., Attleboro, 02703. Completed applications may also be submitted to that address.

For more information, call (508) 236-8800.

HEALING SERVICES: A Hispanic healing service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, with the Rev. John Sullivan. Music will be provided by St. Charles Music Ministry. Hispanic Reconciliation will be available from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday.

A Portuguese healing service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 17, with the Rev. Manuel Pereira. Portuguese Reconciliation will be available from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 16.

An English healing service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 24, with Father Pat.

The services will include the celebration of the Eucharist, teaching, music and the opportunity to be anointed and prayed over individually.

SCHOOL VACATION WEEK: for children 5 to 10 years old from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, April 19 to 22:

Tuesday, April 19 -- Learning from Gross Things . Children will discover the gross side of nature.

Wednesday, April 20 -- Sense of Spring . Participants will experience many tests and activities that will focus on the five senses.

Thursday, April 21 -- Incredible Edible Landfill . Children will build an edible version of a landfill and will also venture out into the sanctuary to pick up trash.

Friday, April 22 -- Crafts from Nature . Students will create fun nature projects including making paper from recycled scraps.

The cost for one day is $30 for members and $35 for others and the cost for the entire week is $110 for members and $125 for others.

For more information on registering for the programs, call (508) 223-3060.

SENIOR HEALTH SERIES: The seminar, led by John C. Tormey, director of thanatology at Bristol Community College, will explain the practical concerns and benefits of preparing for funerals in advance.

CHILDREN'S PROGRA he Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary, 1417 Park St., will offer the following prograreschool Prowl for 3- to 5-year-olds will explore different nature topics while providing participants a structured fun environment to discover the world around them. The third session, called Spring has Sprung !, will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, April 12 to May 24. The cost is $25 for members and $30 for others.

An Afternoon Science and Exploration program for 6- to 9-year-olds explores nature through creative, hands-on classes. Children will experiment, make crafts, play games and read stories on different aspects of nature and science. The third session will be held Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. April 14 to May 26. The cost is $25 for members and $30 for others.

For more information, call (508) 223-3060.

BABYSITTING COURSE: for 12- to 16-year-olds from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday, April 23, in the hospital's auditorium, 211 Park St.

Participants will learn about home safety and fire prevention, emergency treatment of burns and falls, and how to perform infant and child CPR.

The cost is $25. To register by Monday, April 18, call (508) 236-7040.

HOLIDAY CLOSURE: in observance of Patriot's Day.

TETANUS VACCINATIONS: from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday. To make an appointment, call the Council at (508) 223-2235, ext. 10.

ORIENTATION MEETING: , Chapter 415, will hold an orientation meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, at the Attleboro Public Library, 74 N. Main St.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING: from 9:30 to 11 a.m. tomorrow at the Rev. Larson Senior Center, 25 S. Main St. The cost for the diabetes screening is 50 cents.

COLLEGE FAIR: from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at Norton High School, 66 West Main St., Norton. The event, open to high school juniors, is sponsored by the high schools of Attleboro, Bishop Feehan, Foxborough, Mansfield, North Attleboro and Norton.

More than 100 college representatives and military recruiters will be available to meet with parents and students.

SUPPORT GROUPS: Prostate cancer support group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m., tomorrow, in conference rooms B and C. A group discussion is planned.

Ostomy support group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. tomorrow in the auditorium. The topic will be "Ostomy Association of Boston/Mutual Aid."

Multiple sclerosis support group meets from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday in conference rooms D and E. The topic will be "Considerations Before Entering a Clinical Trial." A multiple sclerosis support group will also meet from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, April 18, in conference rooms D and E. The topic will be "Communicating Effectively" This program will be the first session in a three-part series.

Breastfeeding support group meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 12, in the Clinical Education Center.

Partners and caregivers of patients with cancer support group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, in conference rooms D and E.

Blind and visually impaired support group Breathing Club meets from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, in the auditorium.

Breast cancer support group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, in conference rooms D and E. A group discussion is planned.

STRESS MANAGEMENT: from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, in the hospital auditorium, 211 Park St.

Licensed social worker Carol O'Connor will discuss stress reduction techniques that may be used during cancer treatment and recovery.

INFANT MASSAGE PROGRAM: The program is designed for new mothers and their partners and will be led by Jean Stringham, Sturdy Memorial Hospital's infant massage coordinator. It will focus on the techniques and benefits of massage for infants. Tips on how to soothe a colicky baby will also be provided. Parents are encouraged to bring their infants ages 2 weeks to 10 months old to the class.

To egister by April 19, call the nursing administration office at (508) 236-7151.

CHAPTER MEETING: will hold its April meeting and information night at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 11, at the Colonel Blackinton Inn, Route 152. All local administrative professionals are invited to attend.

The cost for the programs and dinner is $20. To make reservations by tomorrow, call Linda J. Hall at (508) 342-2391.

WELLNESS WORKSHOP: from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 9, in the hospital's auditorium, 211 Park St.

The program will include interactive display booths on Reiki, parafin hand treatments, nutrition, body fat analysis and risk assessment, acupuncture, exercise and fitness, yoga, reflexology, Shiatsu, makeup and skin care.

The $15 cost includes a breakfast buffet.

To register by April 6, call (508) 236-7151. RECONCILIATION SCHEDULE: The National Shrine of Our Lady of LaSalette will offer a new reconciliation schedule .

Reconciliation will now take place from 2 to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 2 to 3 p.m and 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

OLDER DRIVER EVALUATIONS: , designed to objectively assess an individual's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. The clinical evaluation program conducted by a licensed occupational therapist, will test basic physical functions, visual-perceptual-cognitive skills, behaviors, and roadway knowledge needed for safe driving.

Participants must obtain an order from a physician and mail it to the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Occupational Therapy Department at 211 Park St., Attleboro 02703-0963. Each participant must also bring a copy of an eye examination and summary report, done by an ophthalmologist in the last year, to the appointment.

To make an appointment for an older driver evaluation, and for more information, call (508) 236-7380.

PAGAN STUDY GROUP: from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27. "Charlin: Making Your Own Incense," will take place along with a Beltane Ritual.

For more information, call Nancy Morgan-Boucher at (508) 222-4040.

HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS: . Volunteers provide support in several ways including visiting patients, transportation to medical appointments and doing errands.

No experience is necessary. Volunteers need to attend a 20-hour training course that will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Tuesday, April 12. To register, call Mary Luby at (508) 222-0118.

RETIREES MEETING: will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, in the Texins Activity Center. Members should note the change in time .

After a briefs business meeting, a buffet will be served. The cost is $8. For reservations, call Jean at (508) 222-2270.

SENIOR DRIVING REFRESHER: from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 11, and Wednesday, April 13, at the hospital, Park Street.

Residents 55 and older are encouraged to attend the two-day program developed by the American Association of Retired Persons. The classes are taught by trained AARP instructors.

During the class, participants will learn how to refine their existing driving skills and develop safe, defensive driving techniques. Classes will also focus on the effects of aging and medication on driving, how to handle adverse driving conditions, traffic hazards, fuel saving tips and preventive measures that save lives.

To register for the free refresher course, call (508) 236-8020.

ESSAY CONTEST: Essays should address the theme, Volunteers Plant the Seeds of Kindness. Students may write about what they have learned by helping a person, an organization or a church and the personal benefits they received from volunteering. Students may also focus on how their volunteer work has helped make a difference in their community or school.

Essays will be judged on originality, clarity of thought and writing skills. Essays should be typed, double spaced and be no more than 500 words. All entries must be received by April 1.

Winners will receive savings bonds donated by Rockland Trust and the first-place winners will be asked to read their winning essays during the annual Volunteer Day ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 21, at City Hall.

SENIOR THEATRE GROUP: will present "Attleboro Goes Wild West" at 7 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Thatcher Elementary School.

Tickets are $7 and may be purchased at the Senior Center, 25 S. Main St., beginning Monday, March 7.

UPCOMING TRIPS: have planned the following trips, open to the public:

Mohegan Sun , Monday, April 11 -- The $17 cost includes transportation, a $10 food credit and two $5 pull tabs. The bus will depart at 8 a.m. and return at 5 p.m.

Taj Mahal, Atlantic City , May 24 to 26. The $177 double occupancy cost includes transportation, two nights lodging at the Taj Mahal and a $20 coin bonus. The bus will leave at 7:30 a.m.

Circle Line Cruise in New York City, June 15. A box lunch will be provided. The cost is $67.

All trips leave from Building 12 at Texas Instruments, 34 Forest St.

For more information, or reservations, call Reinette at (508) 699-7929.

FINANCIAL LITERACY: will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, April 12, 19 and 26, at the Attleboro Council on Aging, 25 S. Main St. The workshops are sponsored by the Council on Aging and the Bristol County Savings Bank. The program is designed to help seniors preserve and protect the money they have by enhancing their money skills and correcting outdated banking beliefs and practices. The fee is $10. To register, call (508) 223-2235.

ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT: for persons with early stage Alzheimer's or related dementias and their care partners. The monthly afternoon meetings are held in North Attleboro. For more information, call Nicole McGurin at (508) 222-4950 or Joyce Colletto at (508) 222-0118.

TAX ASSISTANCE: Volunteer counselors, trained in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service and state Department of Revenue, will assist seniors with the preparation of their federal and state returns.

To make an appointment , call the Attleboro Senior Center at (508) 223-2235. Once an appointment is made, information will be mailed regarding what documents seniors must bring with them to the tax preparation.

PARENTING WORKSHOP: one Sunday every month at the synagogue. The workshops, which will include discussions, will combine parenting wisdom from Jewish texts with contemporary thinking.

The classes will be lead by Cathie Cruz, a preschool teacher and mother of two.

Classes will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Sundays, April 10, and May 15. Classes are open to anyone; advance registration is required. Child care for children under 5 will be available. To register, call (508) 222-2243.