Above: Seniors can’t gather for the Senior Center’s St. Patty’s Day luncheon. But the center is celebrating the day by offering its traditional meal via “drive through”, plus a zoom session with Irish themed entertainment. (2016 image from Facebook)
The Southborough Senior Center is offering more specialized entertainment over zoom this spring. They are also offering more drive through programs. Two of the luncheon programs are timed to make the most of other events that day.
Offerings are only for members of the Friends of the Council on Aging. However, the Senior Center newsletter includes an application on the back to join Friends of the COA for $15 per year.
Registration opens this morning, Wednesday March 3rd, at 10:00 am. Starting at that time, you can begin signing up through the Senior Center at 508-229-4453 and speaking live with a staff member.* The newsletter specifies:
Please do not leave any registrations on voicemail. You must connect with a staff member to register for all programs. If you leave a voicemail regarding a program registration, we will not be returning calls during Registration time.
Below are some highlights on the programs being offered in March and April. For the full details, open the Senior Center’s newsletter.
Drive Through Programs
As usual, participants need to pre-register, then drive up to the table in the Senior Center’s parking lot to pick up meals/kits (while wearing masks):
Program Full**- St. Patrick’s Luncheon – Wednesday, March 17th (12:00 – 12:30 pm)
Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner by TJ’s Spirits in Ashland. Suggested donation of $5. (Note: Double the fun by signing up for the Ireland themed musical zoom session the same afternoon.)
Opening Day Luncheon – Thursday, April 1st (12:00 – 12:30 pm)
Hamburger, hot dog, chips and a “surprise dessert” by Kennedy’s in Marlborough. Suggested donation of $5. (The Red Sox are scheduled to play the Orioles with the first pitch at 2:10 pm)
Luncheon – Wednesday, April 28th (12:00 – 12:30 pm)
Macaroni & Cheese with a vegetable and roll by Kennedy’s in Marlborough. Suggested donation of $5.
Tina Bemis porch pot kits – Wednesday, April 14th (1:00 – 2:00 pm)
Tina from Bemis Farms will put together another one of her kits to plant safely at home by following printed instructions. This one is a “Pansy & Friends cold tolerant” porch pot. Suggested donation of $15.
Zoom Entertainment & Education
When you call to register, please provide your email address to receive the confirmation link for zoom. These programs are free to Friends of COA.
St. Patrick’s Day Show – Wednesday, March 17th (2:30 – 3:30 pm)
Michael Goodwin will combine songs and video clips for a musical trip through Ireland “The Songs and Stories of Ireland and the Irish”. Lyrics on the screen will help those who want to sing along.
Joys of Nature webinars
The Senior Center introduced a nature series in January, led by Joy Marzolf. Two more are coming up this spring. (For detailed descriptions, see page 7 of the newsletter.):
- The Netherlands: Land of Winds, Water & Wildlife – Tuesday, March 9th (1:00 – 2:00 pm)
- A Seasonal Springing to Life: Vernal Pools & Their Wildlife – Tuesday, April 13th (1:00 – 2:00 pm)
Chat with Staff – Mondays, March 29th and April 26th (11:15 am)
The Senior Center is also bringing back its offer to have a casual chat with staff.
Elder Law advice – Wednesdays, March 10th and April 14th (10:00 – 10:45 am)
An Elder Law attorney who has given many seminars at the Senior Center is offering Southborough seniors free individualized legal advice the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Schedule a15 minute remote session. Attorney Bergeron will “see” participants over zoom or the phone then follow up with a letter to you discussing your meeting and, if necessary, additional advice free of charge.
*The requirement to register for programs by speaking to a staff member live isn’t just for these programs. It applies to all Senior Center programs that require pre-registration. However, Senior Center staff are still returning voicemails related to other issues. The newsletter encourages:
The Staff is working and is available by phone – all voicemails will be sent to us directly through email. We will return your call as soon as possible. Please call if you need anything or have a question.
**Updated (3/15/21 11:36 am): I verified that the St. Patrick’s Day drive-thru luncheon registration is full with a waitlist.
