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August 8, 2025: Issue 15
Offering hope and help to those impacted by opioid misuse in
Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region.
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Life's Short - Eat Dessert First!
Hello, friends!
Anyone who knows me knows that I follow a simple motto: “Eat dessert first because you just never know”. I know that goes against everything we have ever been taught, and I have always wondered who decided the rules about dessert, and when, specifically, it could be eaten.
August is National Eat Dessert First month, and life is so stressful lately. Since “stressed” spelled backwards is, quite literally, “desserts”, I thought I would delve into this and maybe lighten things up a bit.
Most of us expect dessert after a meal, if we eat it at all. We might even justify it by thinking of dessert as "bad" or "junk food," or believing it's less nutritious than dinner. I have learned that having dessert after a meal is not a universal practice. In many cultures, sweet foods are often part of the main meal. Sometimes what we consider a dessert might even be a whole meal or just a snack in other areas of the world. In some cultures, there is no clear distinction between appetizers, meals, snacks, and desserts; it is all just considered food.
The time you eat dessert doesn't change how your body absorbs nutrients, unless having it first means you end up getting more fat-soluble vitamins. Just make sure your whole meal has a good mix of protein, fat, and carbs—and yes, dessert can contribute to those carbs and fats!
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Desserts don't really have a strict definition, and lots of foods we call desserts also pop up in regular meals, such as pastries, fruit, crackers, pies, sweet potatoes, sweetened veggies, cakes, and grains.
Let's look at all foods without judgment – no food is inherently good or bad. So, dessert is just another food choice, and you can eat it whenever you want. Once we ditch those diet culture rules, it makes sense to occasionally eat dessert first.
Everyone says life is short, but in reality, it’s the longest thing we will ever do. No matter if you eat dessert first, last, or not at all, I hope that you prioritize your happiness and enjoyment in life.
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In happiness and health,
Cathi Emery, Office & Data Manager
Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region
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UPCOMING EVENTS
See what's happening at OTF this month.
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COVID-19 RESOURCES
Explore OTF's COVID-19 Resource Guide.
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Franklin County/North Quabbin 2024-2025 Winter Response Resources for Unhoused Individuals
Click here
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MASSACHUSETTS SUBSTANCE USE HELPLINE
Hope is here. Get help.
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413Cares
Resources for Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region. Click here.
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NQCC'S Newsletter
Resources and upcoming events in the North Quabbin Region.
Click here.
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Emergency Services Resources for Unhoused Individuals
Click here.
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The PACES CONNECTION
Click here for resources
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Grayken Center for Addiction Training & Technical Assistance
Click here to view and/or register for trainings.
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GCC Community Engagement and Workshop Events
Click here to view and/or register for trainings.
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Rural SUD Info Center
Click here for resources.
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Main Street Police Substation Now Open
Greenfield Recorder 8.
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Roughly a year after the Greenfield Police Department first began leasing the roughly 150-square-foot storefront at 205 Main St. with plans to develop a downtown substation, the miniature station is now up and running.
According to the Sgt. Megan Cloutier and Officer Zoe Smith, who are part of the department’s Community Impact Unit, the substation is making it easier to connect with downtown residents. Officers continue to use the 321 High St. station as the primary base of operations.
“It’s a nice place where we can go and we can be comfortable, get some respite ourselves, but also be immediately available to somebody. It’s much more welcoming; it is still a police station, but walking up to a police car is a much more difficult thing to do than to come over to the substation and knock on the door and ring the bell,” Smith said. “I’ve had quite a few people that have reported a hazardous condition, something like broken glass someplace or a traffic sign that is down — something that they weren't going to go out of the way to report otherwise.”
Smith and Franklin County Sheriff ’s Office Sgt. Jake MacLeay have both occupied the substation since it opened two weeks ago. It formerly housed Benny’s Organic Market and underwent renovations to become the substation. Cloutier, who oversees the location, explained that its face-to-face camera doorbell allows those outside to speak with dispatchers from the door, and has already proven useful.
“There was a gentleman who does not have a phone, who was able to utilize the call box out there, which gets him directly to a video chat up at the Police Department, so he was able to get services,” Cloutier said. “That’s kind of the point — even if someone’s not in here, you still have a direct line up to the Police Station that is accessible downtown.”
Cloutier explained the Police Department has recently worked on strengthening its partnership with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. She said bringing MacLeay into the downtown space helps the two law enforcement agencies work in harmony with one another.
MacLeay, who serves as a business district liaison, added that an elderly woman approached the substation asking for directions a few days ago and, after a brief interaction, he was able to escort her to her destination. Like Smith, MacLeay said having a central location for law enforcement allows police to help the community with issues they would not otherwise report. “Some of these residents have already built a rapport with working through the Sheriff ’s Department, so coming out here, it’s just made an easy match,” MacLeay said. “We’re not trying to be invasive. We’re just trying to strengthen our community policing and just be out, seeing if anybody needs anything or has any questions.”
Smith explained that police typically interact with members of the public on their worst days, but by bringing officers downtown, where they can interact with the public on “good days,” she hopes the substation will build an added level of trust and familiarity with Greenfield Police.
Mayor Ginny Desorgher, who stopped by the substation to chat with officers Friday afternoon, echoed these remarks, saying she is beyond pleased with the new downtown station. “I could not be happier that these wonderful folks are downtown,” Desorgher said. “They are out there on a daily basis, engaging with our neighbors and friends. Whether it’s in a business or a library or in any of the parks, I’m hearing an overwhelming positive response, which I also feel in my own heart, that we have a police presence downtown.”
Staff Photo/Anthony Cammalleri
| | | | UPCOMING OTF COMMITTEE & WORKGROUP MEETINGS | | |
Virtual: Emergency Services for Unhoused Individuals Task Force
August 11, 2025
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Zoom details here.
Hybrid: Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking Workgroup
August 11, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Franklin County Reentry Center
106 Main Street, Greenfield
Zoom details here.
**CANCELED** Virtual: CAM Workgroup
August 12, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Zoom details here.
**CANCELED** Virtual: Methadone Workgroup
August 14, 2025
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Building a Resilient Community Workgroup
August 20, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Education & Prevention Committee
September 9, 2025
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Harm Reduction Workgroup
September 10, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Joint Treatment & Recovery and Healthcare Solutions Committee
September 12, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Zoom details here.
Hybrid: Public Safety & Justice Committee
October 6, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Franklin County Reentry Center
106 Main Street, Greenfield
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Housing & Workforce Development Committee
October 10, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Zoom details here.
Consult our website or Facebook Page for updates. Please email us with any questions!
| | | FEATURED EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS | | NQRC Second Annual Photo Collage Project | | Click here for Post-Opioid Overdose Outreach Services | | Time Sensitive Announcements | | Now Through August 10 HYRT Presents: Twelfth Night | | August 9 Stone Soup Cafe Menu | | August 9 Flying High Dogs | | August 9 Full Moon Concert - Home Body Wishbone Zoe | | August 10 Summer Concert Series: Becky Walton & Johnny Fuller | | August 10 Robin Lane - Vocals and Guitar | | August 11 Stream Exploration Walk | | August 13 Watercolor Wonder | | August 13 Cell Phone/Bell to Bell Presentation | | August 14 The Art of Soap Making | | August 15 WHWHE: Belly-licious | | August 15 Backpack & School Supplies Giveaway | | |
August 16 Didgeridoo Down Under Show, 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Leverett Library, 75 Montague Road, Leverett
| | August 19 First Aid, CPR, & AED Training | | August 20 Splish Splash Froggy Bash | | August 20 & 21 North Quabbin Patch Parents' Support Council Backpack Drive | | August 21 Coffee & Canvas | |
August 21 Community Overdose Prevention and Narcan Training Register Here
| | August 21 Back To School Family Center Pajama Party | | August 21 Root Fiyah at Peskeompskut Park, 7PM | | August 22 Summer Concert Series: Matt York | | August 23 Stone Soup Cafe's 20th Annual Harvest Supper | | August 24 Erving Public Library Book Club | | August 26 Nurturing Fathers | |
August 29 - October 10 (Fridays)
2025 Beyond Trauma: A Healing Journey Group
| | August 30 Overdose Awareness Vigil | | September 4 Housing Search Presentation | | |
| MONTHLY WORKSHOP CALENDRS AND WEEKLY STANDING MEETINGS/EVENTS | | Community Action Family Center | | Franklin County Reentry Center | | Great Falls Discovery Center | |
Greenfield Public Library Children's Programs
| | Hilltown Youth Recovery Theatre | | Montague Public Library Programs | | North Quabbin Recovery Center | | Seeds of Solidarity and Women Healing Women Healing Earth | | The Shelburne Falls Military Band | | Union 28 Community Network for Children Program | | Housing Help With Greenfield Housing Authority | | SNAP Application Assistance | | Always Open! Community Labyrinth in Greenfield | | What's Happening at The NQRC | | Sundays ALT2SU (Alternatives to Suicide) | | All Recovery Meeting at The RECOVER Project | | |
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
| | Mondays Breathwork Detox-Guided Group Adventure | |
Mondays North Quabbin Patch Parents' Council | | Mondays Breaking Barriers at the Franklin County Reentry Center | | Mondays Art Guild Meetings | | Monday Drug Court Alumni Group - North Quabbin | | Mondays Community Yoga at Wildflower Alliance | | Mondays Creative Community Involvement Group | | Mondays All Recovery Meeting and Drop In Recovery Coach Support | | Mondays CNC Playgroup at the Erving Public Library | | Second Mondays - North Quabbin B.R.R.A.V.V.E. Task Force Meeting | | Mondays Alternatives to Suicide Group | | 2nd and 4th Mondays Parenting Together at the Brick House | | 2nd and 4th Mondays Council of Cultural Consciousness | | Third Monday Alphabet & Allies | | Third Monday Parenting With Pride | | Mondays and Thursdays Hygiene Supplies Pick Up at the Brick House | | Mondays and Thursdays The Brick House Food Pantry | | Tuesdays Through August 26: Music on the Patio | | Tuesdays LGBTQIA+ ALT2SU (Alternatives to Suicide) | | Tuesdays Grandparents' Support Group | |
Tuesdays Nurturing Program for Families in Recovery | | Tuesdays Peer-Led Grief and Loss Circle | | Every Other Tuesday - Housing Support Drop In Hours | | First Tuesday - Dads' Group | | 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 | | Tuesday & Thursdays Weekly Reentry Groups | |
Tuesday Men's Anger Management Group
Wednesday Women's Anger Management Group
| | Wednesdays Virtual All Recovery Meeting | | Wednesdays BIPOC ALT2SU (Alternatives to Suicide) | | Wednesdays - Wendell Library Playgroup with Sylvia | | Wednesdays - Playgroup at the Leverett Library with Gillian | | Wednesdays HEROES Study Hub at GCC | | Wednesdays Health Connector & Mass Health Navigator Drop In Hours | | Wednesdays Face The Storm Men's Group | | Every Other Wednesday (beginning March 5) Salasin Project Housing Support | | First Wednesday Gentle Yoga and Breathwork with Jennifer | | First Wednesday - Money Wise Financial Education Sessions | | Third Wednesday - Fatherhood Meetup | | Last Wednesday - Office Hours With An Attorney | | Wednesdays and 2nd Saturdays The Nest Community Closet | | First Thursdays Through November Ukulele Monthly Class | | First & Third Thursdays Parent Support Group | | First & Third Thursdays Eagles Meeting | | Thursdays Through August 28 Bilingual Music & Movement | | Thursdays Music Tween Group | | Thursdays Coffee Hour at the Brick House | | Thursdays Beyond Trauma Group in Spanish | | Thursdays Windows and Mirrors Playgroup | | Second Thursdays -Peer Grief Support After Overdose Death | | Second & Fourth Thursdays Community Meeting | | Third Thursdays Court Service Center Walk-in Days at the North Quabbin Patch | | Friday Peer-led Meditation Group | | Fridays FreeWrite of Franklin County | | Friday All Recovery Meeting and Drop In Recovery Coach Support | | RECOVER Project Friday Nights | |
MassHealth Navigation Support
First Friday from 9am-12pm and Third Friday from 1pm - 3pm
| | First & Third Friday Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group | | Second Friday Wound Care Clinic with Amy Pierno | | FCRN - Resources Available for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren | | |
In February, FCRN partnered with The United Arc and the Offices of Representative Natalie Blais and Congressman Jim McGovern to host representatives from the Social Security Administration, the Department of Children and Families, and the Child Advocate for the Commonwealth Maria Mossaides for a discussion with grandparents raising grandchildren in Franklin County.
Below please find more information about programs covered at the event, as well as some key links and contact information for the representatives for state and federal agencies and legislative offices that were present.
Office of the Child Advocate: The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) is an independent executive branch agency with oversight and ombudsperson responsibilities, established by the Massachusetts Legislature in 2008.
The best way to get in touch with the OCA is through the Complaint Line: https://www.mass.gov/guides/oca-complaint-line
Maria Mossaides, Child Advocate
Department of Children and Families
Regional DCF team:
DCF’s Kinship Navigator : Kinship Navigator is a program of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that assists all kinship caregivers (grandparents and other relatives) with accessing services for themselves and the children they are raising.
Kinshipnavigator@mass.gov 1(844) 924-4KIN Online referral: https://formstack.io/CF361
Jennifer Kitchenham, Jennifer.S.Kitchenham@mass.gov
Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: The purpose of this Commission is to be a resource to the Commonwealth on issues affecting grandparents raising grandchildren, and relatives, other than parents, raising kin.
On July 8, 2008, the Child Advocate bill was signed into law which included the establishment of the Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. This legislation calls for a permanent commission on the status of grandparents raising grandchildren which consists of 15 individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to grandparents.
617-748-2454 massgrg@mass.gov Colleen Pritoni, colleen.pritoni@mass.gov
Family Resource Centers: Supported by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Department of Children and Families, a Family Resource Center is located in each of the 14 Massachusetts counties. There are currently 33 FRCs.
Here are some of the ways FRCs help families:
- Bring people together for friendship and mutual support
- Strengthen parenting skills
- Respond to family crises
- Link families to services and opportunities
- Help children develop social and emotional skills
- Observe and respond to early warning signs of child abuse and neglect
- Value and support parents
Community Action Family Center 90, Federal Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 (413) 475-1555
Jolanta Rumierz, jolanta.rumierz@mass.gov
Social Security Administration - Boston Region Office
SSA representatives in Boston office:
Federation for Children with Special Needs
Caregiver to Caregiver Respite Network: https://fcsn.org/c2c/
Mary-Beth Landy, Senior Trainer & Family Engagement Manager, mlandy@fcsn.org
Below is the information for all of the legislative offices that were present:
Senator Comerford’s office
Representative Blais’s office
Congressman McGovern’s office
Kinship Navigator Brochure
Foster Parent Flyer
Adoption Journeys Brochure
UMASS Brochure - Family Resources Center
Kid's Net Brochure
Mental Health Advocacy Program - FAQs
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Resources
| | Respite Care and/or Funding for Respite Care | | Psychological Testing & Evaluation at Gandara Center | | Community Support Program & Recovery Support Navigator at Gandara Center | | Gandara Center Outpatient Services | | Free Hypnosis Sessions With Certified Hypnotist Jenn Avery | | Re-entry Workforce Program | | Homeshare Program with LifePath | | Pathways to Advanced Manufacturing | | Specialized HVAC Training | | Specialized Information Technology Training | | |
Support & Resources After the HEALing Communities Study
| | SafeSpot Virtual Overdose Spotting Hotline | | CHCFC OBAT Same Day & Tele-Health Appointment Information | | Free Meals and Essentials at Saints James and Andrews Parish Hall | | Come Cook with Franklin County Community Meals Program | | 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.
| | Update! Greenfield CSC New Hybrid Operations Change | |
Beginning Tuesday, 9.3.24, the Greenfield Court Service Center (CSC)services will be in-person and remote: Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-1pm; 2pm-4:30 pm, and Fridays, 8:30-1pm.
For ANY/ALL REMOTE REQUESTS, please contact the Virtual Court Service Center, M-F 9am -2pm, if you do not have an emergency. You can reach them for an intake, Monday-Friday, 9am to 2pm, by Zoom video or telephone as outlined below:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1615261140 or Dial (646) 828-7666. Enter the Meeting ID number 1615261140 and then press # #.
If you have an emergency, and still need remote services, have the court department reach out directly to Greenfield CSC office by email for assistance at greenfieldcsc@jud.state.ma.us.
| | COMMUNITY JOB OPPORTUNITIES | | |
Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region www.opioidtaskforce.org | |
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