Above: Sign up on Monday to take part in the Senior Center’s special events, including a Pirate museum trip, St Patty’s Day lunch, and a “Wicked” matinee. (images edited from Facebook posts)
The Southborough Senior Center opens registration on Monday, March 3rd for the next two months of programs. Here’s what they have in store for March & April.
Given that most programs fill up, you’ll want to take an advance look 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.
Real Pirates Museum
Wednesday, April 16, 9:45 am – approx. 4:00 pm
A “new and very unique museum in historic downtown Salem” which includes “the world’s only fully authenticated pirate shipwreck treasure from the Whydah Gally, which sank of of the coast of Cape Cod in 1717.” ($25 Suggested Donation, details on page 12)
Parties & Luncheons
St. Patrick’s Day Party
Wednesday, March 19, time
The party falls two days after the actual holiday, but close enough to enjoy some Irish themed fun, including the traditional meal. This year’s entertainment is the Elderly Brothers Band (who performed at holiday parties the past two Decembers). ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 6)
Blue Plate Specials
Mondays March 31 & April 28, 12:00 pm
Catered social luncheons ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 6)
Red Sox Opening Day
Friday, April 4, 11:30 am
The lunch celebrating the start of the season is before the 2:00 pm game. ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 9)
Special Programs at the Center
As usual, the Senior Center has special guests and presentations planned.
Do Not Be Afraid of Scams and Phishing
Wednesday, March 26, 1:00 pm
A talk to educate seniors on simple guidelines to guard against online and financial fraud (Free event, details on page 6)
Neary School Building Project Presentation
Monday, March 24, 1:00 pm
A presentation and Q&A on the proposed new four grade elementary school building project by Roger Challen, a member of the Southborough School Committee and the Neary Building Committee.
Coffee House with P.E. James
Wednesday, April 9, 1:00 pm
Concert by the singer and acoustic guitar player. ($3 Suggested Donation, details on page 9)
Center-Run Favorites
These regularly offered monthly programs also require pre-registration.
Bingo
Wednesday, April 30, 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 Matinee
Watching the movies 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 3)
Wicked – starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande (PG; 2 hrs 45 min)
Wednesday, March 12, 12:30 pm
The hit musical movie based on the first act of the Broadway phenomenon (inspired by a best selling book). The plot focuses on the origin story of the Elphaba, the misunderstood and maligned “Wicked Witch of the West” in the Wizard of Oz, and her friendship with “Good Witch” Glinda.
Arthur the King – starring Mark Wahlberg (PG-13; 1 hr 47 min)
Wednesday, April 23, 12:30 pm
The adventure movie inspired by the memoir “The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home” about a man and the dog he met and bonded with during a grueling endurance race.
Adult Coloring & Lunch
Tuesdays, March 25 & April 29, 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, details on page 3)
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
- Strength Class — Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8:30 am
- Advanced Tai Chi — Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:45 am
- New class – CrossFIT for seniors (beginner friendly, at 12 Southville Rd) — Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:00 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, March 12 and April 23, 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, March 18 & April 15 (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)
Legal Advice
Wednesdays, March 12 & April 9 (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 (except for March 11 & April 15), 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
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 Signs you may be having a heart attack, read page 8)
Mental Health Support for Southborough Residents
Alternate Thursdays (March 6 & 20 and April 3 & 17) 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, March 12 & April 9 – 11:00 am
- March — Homecoming by Kate Morton (a novel)
- April — Educated by Tara Westover (a memoir)
- May — It Had to be You by Mary Higgins Clark & Alavair Burke (a suspense/mystery novel)
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, except for April 21st – 1:00 pm
Chat with others while working on your projects. “Interested in quilting or want to share other ideas on crafts, like knitting, sewing, cross stitching, needle point, etc. All crafters are welcome or just come and get out and join to be with other crafters. We would love to have you.”
Genealogy Club
Thursdays, March 20 & April 17, 2:30 pm
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 in newsletter)
Important Information — Save the Dates
The newsletter also included the following important info for seniors.
April 1st — Application window opens for Tax Work Off Program
Each year, qualifying seniors can apply to work for the Town and shave up to $2,000 off of seniors’ property tax bills. Applications for this year’s opportunity become available on April 1st. (Details on page 6)
April 7 — Annual Town Meeting
This year’s Annual Town Meeting will open at 6:30 pm on Monday, April 7 at the Trottier Middle School. (Note: The Neary Building Project vote will be at the Special Town Meeting on Saturday, May 10.)
*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.
