The Alzheimer's Association is offering a free class: An Orientation to Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. This free session provides friends and family members of individuals with dementia a frame of reference for caregiving and related decisions. This session is not for the diagnosed.

Topics include: what dementia really means; important steps after a diagnosis (including legal and financial planning); and resources for various stages. Attendees will receive the chapter's well-researched resources manual “Getting Started.”

Class will take place at Southside Virginia Community College, 200 Daniel Road, Workforce Development Center, Room 103, Keysville, Thursday, Sept. 29, from noon-2 p.m. Class is free, but registration is required by Sept. 23. To register, call 800-272-3900.

The association also has a need for more support group facilitators in the South Central region. If you have been a caregiver or are a professional experienced in Alzheimer's caregiving and would like to donate your time to help others, please contact Carol Gurioli at carol.gurioli@alz.org or 800-272-3900. A Support Group Facilitators' Training Workshop will be held on Wednesday, September 28 from 2p.m. to 5 p.m. at Southside Virginia Community College, 200 Daniel Road, Workforce Development Center, Room 63, Keysville. Registration is required.