Above: Sign up quickly to take part in the Senior Center’s special events, including an author talk, Matinee, and the Valentine’s Day Bingo run by Cub Scouts (images cropped from author’s website, Facebook posts, and movie promos)
This morning, I learned that the Southborough Senior Center opened registration today for upcoming programs. Here’s what they have in store for January and February.
Given that most programs fill up, you’ll want to take a look quickly at what you want to sign up for. (Scroll to the bottom for more info on registration.)*
Below are my highlights. (More details, like what’s for lunch, are in the newsletter.)
Bus Trip
These always fill up quickly – so don’t wait too long to put in your name for the only one being offered.
Note: Most attendees will board the bus at the Senior Center. But residents of Colonial Garden can let the center know if they would prefer to be picked up at the housing complex.
Gate City Casino
Wednesday, February 21st, 9:00 am – approx. 3:30 pm
The group will be checking out the casino in Nashua, NH for the first time. Each senior will receive a free senior lunch and $10 in free slot play. However, a players card will be required so you’ll need to bring your license on the trip.** ($10 Suggested Donation)
Special Programs at the Center
As usual, the Senior Center has special guests and presentations planned.
Let’s Draw Animals
Wednesday, January 10th, 10:00 – 11:00 am
Last year, Award winning Cartoonist Rick Stromoski led a virtual session for the center. This year, he’ll offer hands on, in person lessons on easy to follow techniques for drawing a variety of animal characters. ($3 Suggested Donation – Breakfast sandwiches included.)
Learn About Dial-A-Ride
Wednesday, January 17th, 12:00 pm
A representative from the MWRTA will explain how to use the inexpensive, door to door transportation for seniors (for errands, medical appointments, shopping, etc.) Catch Cards (formerly known as Charlie cards) will also be available. (Free and with a free lunch)
Valentines Day Bingo Lunch
Sunday, February 4th, 12:00 pm
This annual event run by Cub Scout Pack 926 is for Southborough Residents only. Scouts will take your orders and serve up lunch before the Bingo game with prizes. (Free)
Ceramic Mugs
Wednesday, February 5th, 12:00 pm
Join a ceramics class led by Southborough Recreation’s resident ceramics instructor, Chris, and paint/glaze your own mug to keep. ($5 Suggested Donation, includes all materials)
Author Talk with Bob Ainsworth
Wednesday, February 7th, 12:00 pm
The local author and member of the Senior Center will present on his career as an author and the books he has researched and written, including his fictional account of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist, and actual details of the theft. ($6 Suggested Donation includes lunch)
Center-Run Favorites
These regularly offered monthly programs also require pre-registration.
Bingo
Wednesday, January 31st, 1:00 pm [Note: Scroll up for details on the special Valentine’s Bingo event in February]
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.)
Movie Matinee
Wednesday, February 14th, 12:30 pm
Barbie– starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling (PG-13; just under 2 hrs)
It was the movie sensation of the summer, and now it’s coming to the center. Watching the movie is 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 $6 Suggested Donation)
Adult Coloring & Lunch
Tuesday, February 27th, 12:00pm
The event begins with lunch, followed by coloring while chatting. All supplies will be available or feel free to bring your own ($3 Suggested Donation with lunch included)
Fitness Classes
The center offers the following weekly and semi-weekly classes. Signup is for the two month session (Suggested Donation — $3 per day)
- Stretch Break — Mondays at 10:15 am
- Strength Class — Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8:30 am
- Advanced Tai Chi — Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:45 am
- Chair Yoga — Thursdays at 12:30 pm
- Yoga — Tuesdays at 9:30 am (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
Friday, January 19th and Wednesday, February 14th, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
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, January 23rd & February 20th (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. (See p. 3 of the newsletter.)
Medicare Assistance
Book appointments through the center
Open enrollment is over, but the trained SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone on Medicare) volunteer can still offer help with your Medicare questions. (For details, see p. 9 of the newsltetter)
Legal Advice
Wednesdays, January 10th & February 14th (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. (You can also check out special legal advice for seniors programs recorded for Southborough Access Media. See p. 10)
Nurses Clinic
Tuesdays and Fridays 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (Except for January 23rd)
For a list of the services they offer (including wellness checks, screenings, nurse assessments, Q&A, and much more), click here. (For the Nurse’s tips on Emergency Rooms vs Urgent Care, see page 8 of the newsletter.)
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, January 19 & February 16 – 1:00 pm
Dull Men’s Club
Fridays, 10:00 am
Casual social club for senior men. New members are always welcome to drop in. (Read more about the group here.)
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).
Knitting Club
Mondays, January 22 & 29, February 12 & 26 – 1:00pm
Beginners Welcome — Supplies are provided, but knitters are welcome to bring any projects they are working on.
Drop-in Games
- Bridge — Tuesdays at 12:00 pm
- Mah Jongg — Thursdays at 10:00 am
- Canasta — Fridays at 11:15 am
- Billiards — Daily from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm (except for on “large program dates” – see calendar in newsletter)
Entitlement to Financial Credits and Aid
The newsletter was accompanied by inserts about cash/credits that senior homeowners/renters may qualify for from the state and information on applying for Property Tax aid from the Town.
On page 8 of the newsletter, there is also information about applying for Fuel Assistance.
*Registration
As usual, seniors can register in person or over the phone at (508) 229-4453. (On the first day, you must connect with a staff member, 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.
**Updated (1/4/24 12:10 pm): The Senior Center got back to me on the discount package they were able to book for the casino bus trip.
Updated (1/5/24 11:38 am): I corrected the Elder Law advice dates.
