Above: Plan to sign up quickly for Senior Center special events, including a Jazz lunch trip, the Valentine’s Day Bingo lunch, and a crafting session to make your own sign/board/tray. (images clockwise cropped from Facebook posts by Val’s Restaurant and the Senior Center, and the Board & Brush studio website)
The Southborough Senior Center opens registration tomorrow (Wednesday, January 8th) for programs this and next month. Here’s what they have in store for the senior community through February.
Registration opens at 10:00 am. (Scroll to the bottom for more info on registration.)*
Below are my highlights of what’s being offered in this two month session. (More details, like what’s for lunch, are in the newsletter.)
Trips & Outings
Jazz Luncheon Bus Trip
Wednesday, January 29th, 11:15 am – approx 3:00 pm
The bus trips always fill up quickly – so don’t wait too long to put in your name for the only one being offered.
The buffet “luncheon get away at Val’s Restaurant in Holden” will be accompanied by jazz music by the duo “Jazzed Up”. ($25 Suggested Donation, details on page 3)
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.
Board and Brush Studio in Westborough
Wednesday, January 22nd, 1:00 pm
This event requires driving/organizing your own transportation.
During the social event (with snacks) participants will create a wooden sign, box, or tray. First sign up to hold your spot. Then, follow up to inform the Senior Center prior to the event which of the “many, many” available design options you want to select. ($10 Suggested Donation, details on page 3)
Parties & Luncheons
Blue Plate Specials
Tuesday, January 28th & Monday, February 24th, 12:00 pm
January’s luncheon is a Chinese Buffet and February’s is a Meatloaf plate. ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 6)
Southborough Cub Scout Valentines Day Bingo Lunch
Sunday, February 9th, 12:00 pm
The annual event run by Cub Scout Pac 26 and parents. (Free, details on page 7)
Special Programs at the Center
As usual, the Senior Center has special guests and presentations planned.
Coffee House with the Highland Woods Project
Wednesday, February 5th, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Enjoy refreshments while listening to (or singing along with) the trio of accoustic singers covering artists like Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Everly Brothers, Simon & Garfunkel, John Denver, Kenny Loggins, and The Eagles. ($3 Suggested Donation, details on page 6)
YouTube and You
Tuesday, February 4th, 1:00 pm
An intro to streaming to help you discover how to access a wealth of knowledge and entertainment. (Free, details on page 6)
Coffee with Select Board Chair Kathy Cook
Tuesday, February 11th, 1:00 pm
Kathy Cook, who also serves on the Neary Building Committee, invites seniors to join her to discuss any issues related to Town Government (including the school building project). (Free, details on page 9)
Center-Run Favorites
These regularly offered monthly programs also require pre-registration.
Bingo
Wednesday, February 26th, 1:00 pm
Bingo and prizes. Tickets are sold promptly starting at 1:00 pm and snacks provided at break time. (Details on page 9)
Movie Matinees
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, details on page 6)
Wednesday, January 15th, 12:30 pm
Unsung Hero – starring (PG; just under 2 hrs)
Based on the true story of the Smallbone family that immigrated from Australia to Nashville and ultimately formed the Grammy winning Christian band For King & Country.
Wednesday, February 19th, 12:30 pm
Penitentia– starring (PG; just under 2 hrs)
A young attorney ensnared in a case of corruption, power and abuse, must decide what kind of lawyer he is really meant to be.
Adult Coloring & Lunch
Tuesdays, January 21st & February 25th, 12:00 pm
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, details on page 7)
- Stretch Break — Mondays at 10:15 am (except for January 20th and February 17th)
- Strength Class — Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8:30 am
- Advanced Tai Chi — Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:45 am
- (New Time) Chair Yoga — Thursdays at 1:15 pm
- Yoga — Tuesdays at 9:30 am (at Pilgrim Church)
[Note: For Medical Insurance reimbursement, see Pam LeFrancois at the end of your yearly enrollment period to have the form signed.]
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, January 15th & February 19th, 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, details on page 9)
Technology Help
Tuesdays, January 14th & February 18th (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. (Details on page 3)
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. (Details on page 8)
Legal Advice
Wednesdays, January 8th & February 12th (15 minute sessions)
Elder Law Attorney Christine Boutin offers free consultation over the phone. Call the senior center to book a time slot between 10:00 – 10:45 am. (Details on page 10)
Nurses Clinic
Tuesdays and Fridays 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (except for January 28th & 31st, and February 4th & 7th)
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 STROKE SYMPTOMS NOT TO IGNORE, see page 8)
Mental Health Support for Southborough Residents
Thursdays 9:00 – 11:00 am
Southborough Youth & Family Services Office Hours at the Senior Center. (For support they can provide, see page 9).
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
Wednesdays, January 8th & February 12th, 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 & Quilting Club
Mondays, 1:00pm
Chat with others while working on your projects. No registration required. (Not held on the holidays when the center is closed — January 20th and February 17th)
Genealogy Club
Thursdays, January 16th & February 20th,2:30pm
Group for people interested in learning more about their own family history and genealogy. Members share their own experiences and helps each other with research, (sometimes with special discussion topics or presenters).
Drop-in Games
- Bridge — Tuesdays at 12:00 pm
- Mah Jongg — Thursdays at 10:00 am
- Canasta (Hand & Foot) — Fridays at 10:00 am
- Billiards — Daily from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm (except for on “large program dates” – see calendar on pages 4-5 of newsletter)
Additional Information & Advice
Read the newsletter for information on the Fuel Assistance Program, revised requirements for Medicare Savings Plans/Buy-Ins, and more. (Plus, the mailed copy of the newsletter includes a property tax insert.)
*Registration
See pages 1&2 of the newsletter for registration & cancellation details, but here are some of the highlights.
In-person registrations are using a form and must include payment.
Phone registration (508-229-4453) can’t be done over voicemail — you must connect with someone live. Payment for programs needs to be made within 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 their plans change. For full refunds, bus trips must be cancelled two weeks in advance and other events one week in advance.
