Above: In past years, Southborough seniors got decked out to celebrate their bus trip to the Chicken Farm restaurant and enjoyed a tour of the Charles River. There are new opportunities this fall, though the details may vary. (images cropped from Facebook posts)
The Southborough Senior Center has mailed out its latest newsletter covering programs in September and October. Registration for the early fall programs opens this Thursday, August 31st at 10:00 am.
Events include bus trips, special programming, and more..
Given that most programs fill up, you’ll want to take a look in advance at what’s on offer to be prepared. (Scroll to the bottom for more info on registration.)*
Below are my highlights. (More details, like what’s for lunch, are in the newsletter.)
Outings
These always fill up quickly – so don’t wait too long to put in your name.
Offsite event — Senior Center BBQ at Firefly’s
Wednesday, September 20th, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
This year, instead of holding the annual BBQ on-site, they’re inviting people to join them at a nearby restaurant. (I assume this is due to construction on the addition currently in progress.)
Join Senior Center staff and friends at Firefy’s located at 350 E. Main Street, Marlborough. (Note: There is no organized transportation promoted for this event.) Lunch will be a buffet accompanied by acoustic guitar music. Registration preference will be given to Southborough members of Friends of the Council on Aging**. ($10 Suggested Donation)
A special note about the following bus trips for seniors living at Colonial Gardens:
please let us know if you are coming to the Senior Center or would prefer to get picked up at Colonial Gardens.
Bus Trip — Wright’s Farm Restaurant
Friday, September 29th, 10:30 am – approx. 5:00 pm
“What’s more fun than sitting down to enjoy a meal surrounded by friends or new friends in a comfortable and relaxed setting? You will get all that at Wright’s Farm.” The restaurant includes a cash bar and a gift shop, which attendees will have a 20% off coupon for. On the return trip, attendees will stop at their Dairy Farm & Bakery. ($15 Suggested Donation)
Bus Trip — Charles Riverboat Company
Thursday, October 26th, 9:45 am – approx. 3:30 pm
Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage on a 90 minute cruise down the Charles River along the Esplanade and the cities of Boston and Cambridge. The tour is followed by lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. ($35 Suggested Donation)
Special Programs at the Center
As usual, the Senior Center has special guests and presentations planned.
“Alaska, Bears and Beyond” with Joy Marzolf
Wednesday, September 27th – 12:00 pm
Another Nature Travel Talk by the Joys of Nature presenter. This one focuses on Alaska.” one of the last places to see numerous large wildlife”. The event will include lunch. ($6 Suggested Donation)
“Who Knew” with Ted Reinstein
Wednesday, October 4th – 1:30 pm
Based on his long-running series on Chronicle, “this 45-minute virtual talk with photos shares with viewers some of Ted’s favorite people and places which manage to fly just below the radar for most folks. Ever hear of Guido Nincheri? How about Annie Smith Peck? . . . Know where to find the Madison Boulder or who winds the South Station clock?. . . join the smaller club of New Englanders who know some really cool facts and stories about their region.” Refreshments will follow the presentation. ($3 Suggested Donation)
“Dried Flower Pumpkin” arranging with Tina Bemis
Monday, October 23rd, 1:00 pm
Embellish a live pumpkin with dried flowers, pods, and cones to turn it into a long-lasting fall centerpiece (that should last through Thanksgiving). (Suggested Donation — $6)
Center-Run Favorites
These regularly offered monthly programs also require pre-registration.
Knitting Club
Mondays, September 11th & 25th and October 16th & 30th, 1:00pm
Beginners Welcome — Supplies are provided, but knitters are welcome to bring any projects they are working on. Anyone newly joining the group should sign up on Registration day.
Adult Coloring & Lunch
Tuesdays, September 19th & October 17th, 12:00pm
The event begins with lunch, followed by coloring while chatting. All supplies will be available or feel free to bring your own (Suggested Donation — $3)
Movie Matinees
Wednesday, September 13th, 12:30 pm — Book Club: The Next Chapter (PG-13; 1 hour and 45 minutes)
Wednesday, August 23rd, 12:30 pm — Air (Rated R for strong language; 1 hour and 52 minutes)
The movies are free, though registration is required. Attendees can come in early, at noon, for an optional lunch. (Bring your own or register to purchase a lunch for Suggested Donation — $6)
Bingo
Wednesday, October 25th, 1:00 pm
Bingo and prizes. Tickets are sold promptly starting at 1:00 pm and snacks provided at break time. (If there are multiple winners of the same game, a raffle will determine who gets the main prize vs a smaller prize.)
Fitness Classes
The center offers the following weekly and bi-weekly classes. Signup is for the two month session (Suggested Donation — $3 per day)
- Stretch Break — Mondays at 10:15 am (Except for Sept 4th and Oct 9th)
- Strength Class — Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8:30am
- Advanced Tai Chi — Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:45am
- Chair Yoga — Thursdays at 12:30 pm (This is full, but they are taking a waiting list)
- Yoga — Tuesdays at 9:30 am beginning October 17th (at Pilgrim Church)
Services and Resources
The Senior Center regularly offers free services and resources for Southborough Seniors. This summer, in addition to ongoing weekly/monthly resources, there is one special event.
Fat Daddy’s Produce Bus
Wednesdays, September 13th & October 11th from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (Plus at Colonial Gardens on Tuesdays, September 12th & October 17th, 10:00 – 11:30 am)
The “small family owned ‘hydroponic farm'” will be selling chemical/pesticide-free organic lettuce, herbs, greens, microgreens, mushrooms, and baked goods at wholesale costs. (Farmers Market coupons accepted.)
Technology Help
Tuesdays, September 26th & October 24th (one hour time slots)
A local tech services company will answer seniors’ questions about smartphones, e-readers, laptops, tablets, Alexa, zoom and more. Sign up for a time slot (starting at 10:00 am) and bring your device with you.
Shred Day
Saturday, September 23rd, 9:00am to 12:00pm (one hour time slots)
Free shredding service for members of Friends of the Council on Aging.**
Legal Advice
Wednesdays, September 13th & October 11th (15 minute sessions)
Elder Law Attorney Arthur Bergeron offers free consultation over the phone. Call the senior center to book a time slot between 10:00 – 10:45 am.
Nurses Clinic
Tuesdays and Fridays 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (Plus at Colonial Gardens on September 5th and October 3rd, 10:00 -11:30 am)
Services include:
- Wellness checks
- Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar screening
- Nursing assessment of medical concerns or questions
- Answers questions about medications
- Reviews laboratory and other diagnostic tests with clients
- Referrals to physicians and other allied medical providers
- Assistance with mail-order pharmacy and other prescription needs
- Durable medical (wheelchairs, canes,walkers shower chairs) assistance through our loan program
- Acts as a patient advocate with physicians, other health care team members, and insurance companies
- Provides educational materials and health related programs
Interactive Groups and Drop-in Games
Unlike the above programs the following free social or activity-based groups don’t require pre-registration.
Book Club
Fridays, September 15th and October 20th,1:00 pm
September’s Book is Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig.
October’s Book is Fellowship Point by Alice Elliot Dark.
Dull Men’s Club
Fridays, 10:00 am
Casual social club for senior men. New members are always welcome to drop in.
Walking Group (Depending on Weather Conditions)
Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30 am
Walkers generally go for an hour. The location is a loop, so feel free to join late (or leave early/late). (No fee.)
Mondays are at Trottier Middle School’s (49 Parkerville Road) outdoor track. Wednesdays are at Southborough’s Rural Cemetery (11 Cordaville Road, next to the Senior Center).
Drop-in Games
- Bridge — Tuesdays at 12:00 pm
- Mah Jongg — Thursdays at 10:00 am
- Canasta — Fridays at 11:15 am
- Billiards — Daily (except for on “large program dates”) from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Other Helpful Info
The newsletter was accompanied by the following inserts:
- New Pricing for Senior Transfer Stickers for 2024
- Resource List and Contact Information for Seniors
- Medicare Open Enrollment Information
- October 18th Flu Clinic details
*Registration
Again, registration doesn’t open until 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 5th. As usual, seniors can register in person or over the phone at (508) 229-4453. (You must connect with a staff member on that first day, not leave a voicemail.) Payment for programs needs to be made one week after signing up to avoid being removed from the list.
Because the programs tend to have waitlists, residents are asked to cancel if there plans change. (For full refunds, bus trips must be cancelled two weeks in advance and other events one week in advance.)
For more details on registration policies, plus more information on the above programs and other tips and info, see the newsletter here.
**Friends of Southborough Council on Aging Membership: Membership dues are $15 per year. You can find the registration form on the last page of the newsletter.
