Residents of Deerfield, Sunderland and Whately are invited to join Valley Neighbors for two upcoming informational events geared toward the region’s seniors.

The service nonprofit is hosting events in October and November as part of a continuing information series taking place in the organization’s three member towns. The series began in September with a presentation at Historic Deerfield and continues with info sessions in Sunderland and Whately. All events are free and open to the public.

“Both of these are going to be enlightening talks with a lot of information and plenty of time for questions and answers,” said Fran Fortino, president of Valley Neighbors’ board of directors. “We’re really looking forward to presenting them.”

On Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m., folks are invited to stop by the Sunderland Public Library’s Community Room to learn about the warning signs, risk factors and current treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as what local resources are available for folks and their caregivers.

The presentation will be given by Western Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Association Regional Manager Meghan Lemay. Registration is requested and should be made by calling 413-453-9057 and leaving a message by Oct. 15, although people are welcome to drop in.

Then on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. at Whately Town Hall, Valley Neighbors will host a presentation from the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office on scams and how residents can avoid falling for them. Anita Wilson, director of the Consumer Protection Unit at the DA’s office, will share examples of what scam phone calls, emails and texts look like, and will also have handbooks and brochures available for attendees to take home.

According to Fortino, Valley Neighbors has received requests for more information on these topics from both the individuals they serve and their caretakers. Fortino hopes connecting attendees with these community resources will prove useful for them.

As Valley Neighbors puts on these events, Fortino noted the nonprofit is always seeking new members, as well as volunteers to help serve the more than 120 members who are already signed up for the service. The organization serves folks ages 60 and older who live in live in Deerfield, Sunderland or Whately and who may need some extra support so they can stay in their homes. Due to the rural nature of Franklin County, transportation for shopping or medical appointments are Valley Neighbors’ most popular requests, but volunteers also provide light home care, such as household chores or lawn care, or socialization services for elderly residents whose families may live far away or have work obligations.

To register as a member, folks must fill out an application and go through a short interview so Valley Neighbors can gather core information about the person to assess their needs. There are no membership fees, as Valley Neighbors is funded by donations and grants in an effort to remove any barriers from seniors receiving services.

Volunteers are provided with a “substantial training” where they are educated on aspects of aging and proper responses to potential scenarios if something were to come up while they are working. They must also provide two references, go through a background check and identify which areas of work they are interested in, as well as provide their availability.

“This organization runs on many volunteers,” Fortino said. “We try to fulfill every request.”

For more information about Valley Neighbors, or to join, volunteer or donate, visit valleyneighbors.org or call 413-453-9057.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.