Grief support group at Anna Jaques
Merrimack Valley Hospice is offering a bereavement support group on Wednesdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the library at Anna Jaques Hospital, 25 Highland St., Newburyport.
The group runs through July 29. It is led by Terry Holbrook, chaplain, and Ken Gates, social worker, both from Merrimack Valley Hospice. Call 978-552-4040 for more.
'Under Our Skin' exposes secrets of Lyme disease
The award-winning documentary film "Under Our Skin," a tale of microbes, medicine and money investigating the untold story of Lyme disease, presented by Open Eye Pictures will be shown at The Screening Room in downtown Newburyport Aug. 7 through 14.
"Under Our Skin," which follows the stories of Lyme disease patients as they battle for their lives and livelihoods, was chosen as best documentary at the Tribeca, Houston and Sonoma film festivals, among others.
For more on the film, visit www.underourskin.com.
Spiritually based healing practices program
Graduates of the Chaplaincy Institute of Maine, Massachusetts campus, will lead an evening of presentations on Wednesday, July 8, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Newburyport Public Library, 94 State St.
The Rev. Lillian Reilly will offer a presentation on "Yoga of the Heart as Prayer and for Healing," a form of yoga therapy originally used for cardiac patients that she says also helps with stress as well as during illness. The Rev. Denise DeSimone will present "Sound Healing," explaining how people can use vocal and chakra toning for clearing and balancing your energy field.
Each presentation will last about 20 minutes, with a question-and-answer period to follow. There will also be a brief time of silence. Information on the chaplaincy institute will be available.
The chaplaincy institute is a post-denominational wisdom school for the training, inspiration and support of those interested in deepening their spiritual lives or seeking ordination as interfaith ministers. The Massachusetts campus offers weekly classes in Amesbury. Interfaith ministry is the service of helping people deepen their faith, regardless of the spiritual path they are traveling.
The Newburyport library program is open free to the public. For more, contact the Rev. Joel Grossman at 978-363-2063, e-mail joelandsheilag@earthlink.net or visit www.chimeofmaine.org.
Samaritans holding training for volunteers
The Samaritans of Merrimack Valley is holding its next volunteer training on Saturdays, July 11 and 18, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Volunteers reach out to people who are lonely, despairing or suicidal and call the Samaritans' confidential crisis help lines. People from all walks of life are trained to offer support and caring.
Interested volunteers must attend both training sessions. Call Debbie at 978-327-6671 to register or for more information.
Asperger Syndrome Support Group meeting
The Asperger Syndrome Support Group meets Monday, July 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Higgins Conference Room at Anna Jaques Hospital, 25 Highland St., Newburyport. A general discussion is planned.
The support group addresses the concerns of parents of school-aged children diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, high-functioning autism, or related challenges.
Meetings are open free to the public. The group is sponsored by the Asperger's Association of New England and serves area families.
Contact Carol Keating at 978-372-2799 or carolkeating@verizon.net or Suzanne Phillips at 978-356-1775 or suzanne.phillips@gordon.edu for more.
Somatic movement class stretches in Amesbury
Dr. Eric Cutting, a local chiropractor for 25 years, leads a spinal stabilization class on Wednesday, July 15, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Carriage Room at Amesbury Health Center, 24 Morrill Place, Amesbury.
Participants will learn about abdominal bracing, strengthening spinal support muscles, biomechanics of proper lifting and spinal protection under physical stress.
Cutting believes in supportive self-care along with routine spinal checkups to maintain spinal health. Admission is free. Registration is requested by calling 978-388-7133.
Suicide prevention training targets older adults
The Samaritans of Merrimack Valley is offering a free Department of Public Health-funded training this month to help reduce the incidence of suicide among those ages 55. It takes place Tuesday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Lawrence.
The training is for "gatekeepers," people who, through their personal, professional or volunteer activities, have regular contact with older adults. It is particularly useful for those who work with the Meals on Wheels program, transportation providers, custodial and personal care attendants and Elder Services volunteers.
The training will help people recognize changes that occur within the aging process and to identify suicide risk factors and resilience factors in older adults.
Space is limited to 20 participants. For more, contact Robert Lapel at the Samaritans at 978-327-6673 or blaprel@familyserviceinc.com. Visit www.familyserviceinc.com for more.
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