Above: Sign up quickly to take part in the Senior Center’s special events, including the annual Valentine’s Bingo and gathering to watch documentaries and movie matinees (images cropped from Facebook posts, and movie & tv promos)
The Southborough Senior Center will open registration at 10:00 am this Tuesday (January 6th) for upcoming programs. Here’s what they have in store for the first two months of 2026.
Given that most programs fill up, you’ll want to plan in advance what you want to sign up for. (Scroll to the bottom for more info on registration.)*
The Senior Center asked me to highlight two additional programs for February that weren’t included in the January & February newsletter that was mailed this week — “Lunch & Learn” and “Game Show”. (The recently launched “Spicy Ladies Club” was also accidentally omitted from the newsletter’s program descriptions, though it is in the calendar.)
Those programs are included in my overview below. (More details on all of the programs, like what’s for lunch, are in the newsletter and supplement.)
Bus Trip
These always fill up quickly – so don’t wait too long to put in your name for the only one being offered.
Nash Casino
Wednesday, February 25th, 9:00 am – approx. 3:30 to 4:00 pm
Trip to the casino in Nashua, NH. Please be sure to bring your Drivers license or ID. New players who sign up for the “Club Nash” rewards program will receive a $15 credit for machine free play or dining. Plus, players can get an extra $10 in free play for connecting through a mobile app. ($10 Suggested Donation, details on page 8)
Parties & Luncheons
(There are also other programs/presentations further down that include lunch. The difference with the luncheons in this category is that the food is the main event.)
Blue Plate Specials
Monday, January 26th & February 23rd, 12:00 pm
Gather to enjoy catered meals (Lasagna in January and BBQ chicken in February). ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 8)
Acoustic Guitar with P.E. James
Tuesday, February 3rd, 1:00 pm
Concert followed by light refreshments and a hot chocolate bar. ($3 Suggested Donation, details on page 8)
Southborough Cub Scouts’ Valentines Day Bingo Lunch
Saturday, February 7th, 12:00 pm
The annual party for seniors features scouts serving lunch and running Bingo games with prizes. (Free, details on page 6)
Special Programs at the Center
As usual, the Senior Center has special guests and presentations planned. Pre-registration is required for all of these.
Watching “The Americas”
Tuesday, January, 13th & 27th, and February 10th & 17th, 10:00 – about 10:45 am
The nature documentary series narrated by Tom Hanks will be screened in the new room. The series explores the wildlife and landscapes of North and South America. (Free, details on page 3)
Intergenerational Program: Baking and Nutrition
Wednesday, January 14th, 2:30pm
Last summer, Charlotte Han, a St. Mark’s student, started a pop-up bakery, Grain & Loaf, to promote recipes for baked treats that combine nutritious whole grains and natural sweeteners to create delicious baked treats. She will discuss her process, answer questions and share samples of her goods. (Free, details on page 6)
Springwell Presentation: Overview of Resources and Services
Tuesday, January 20th 1:00 pm
The non-profit (that merged with the former Baypath Elder services in 2022) provides services for seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers to support individuals’ rights to live independently. Their outreach coordinator will visit to talk about their resources and services. (Free, details on page #)
Joys of Nature Travel Talk
Wednesday, January 21st, 12:30 pm
Joy Marzolf is back to entertain and educate with “gorgeous photos” and a presentation “Exploring the Lowland Rainforest” of Costa Rica. The event begins with lunch, followed by the presentation. ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 1)
Intergenerational Program: Game Day with Algonquin Students
Saturdays, January 24th & February 28th, 10:00 am –12:00 pm
Algonquin Regional High School students will lead these game sessions teaching seniors to play Rummikub. (Free, details on page 6) [Note: Once you learn, you can drop-in to play the center’s regular Rummikub games the 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month at 11:00 am.]
Hydroponics Gardening
Wednesday, January 21st, 10:00 am
Grow vegetables, and more, all year long by learning how to garden hydroponically. (Free)
Lunch & Learn: The MOLST form
Tuesday, February 10th, 12:30 pm
Following a lunch, learn about how the Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment form safeguards your healthcare preferences and ensures that your wishes are honored. (Free, details in supplement to newsletter)
Game Show
Wednesday, February 11th, 12:30 pm
Following a lunch, join teams to play tv game show style games for prizes. The program will feature Family Feud & Concentration. ($6 Suggested Donation, details in supplement to newsletter)
Center-Run Favorites
These regularly offered programs also require pre-registration.
Bingo
Wednesday, January 28th, 1:00 pm
Bingo and prizes. Tickets are sold starting at 1:00 pm and snacks provided at break time. (Details on page 6)
Movie Matinees
Downtown Abbey the Grand Finale (PG; just over 2 hrs)
Wednesday, January 14th, noon movie
The final chapter in the saga from Julian Fellowes’ tv and movie series about the fictional British aristocrats, the Crawleys, and their servants. The movie is set in the summer of 1930. (The movie is free. Attendees can also come early for lunch at 11:30 am. Bring your own or register to purchase one for $6 Suggested Donation. Details on page 6)
The Roses – starring Olivia Colman & Benedict Cumberbatch (R; 1hr, 45min)
Wednesday, February 18th, 12:30 pm movie
The dark comedy is a reimagining of the novel by Warren Adler (which previously inspired the 1989 film The War of the Roses). It focuses on a successful couple’s relationship and its disintegration. (The movie is free. Attendees can also come early for lunch at noon. Bring your own or register to purchase one for $6 Suggested Donation. Details on page 6)
Adult Coloring & Lunch
Tuesdays, January 27th & February 24th, 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. Details on page 7)
Fitness Classes
The center continues to offer the following weekly and semi-weekly classes. Signup is for the two month session (Suggested Donation — $3 per day unless otherwise noted, details on page 3)
- Stretch — Mondays at 10:15 am (except for the holidays of January 19th & February 16th)
- Strength Class — Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8:30 am
- Advanced Tai Chi — Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:45 am
- Chair Yoga — Thursdays at 12:30 pm
- CrossFit for Senior Fitness — Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00 – 10:45 am (at CrossFit Tilt, 12 Southville Road)
- This 16 class beginner-friendly program will run January 13th – March 5th. It is subsidized to offer a discount ($5 per class, $80 total)
[Note: For Medical Insurance reimbursement, see Peg Leonard 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.
Technology Help
Tuesdays, January 20th & February 17th (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 7)
Medicare Assistance: Can I still Change My Medicare Plan?
Book appointments through the center
Even though Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period in the Fall has ended, you may still be able to change plans during 2026. Please make a SHINE appointment if you would like to discuss your situation. (Details on page 10)
Legal Advice
Wednesdays, January 14th & February 11th (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 9)
Nurses Clinic
Fridays 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (and at Colonial Gardens , Friday February 13th, 2:00 – 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 Leslie Chamberlin’s “HealthBeat” tips on probiotics, see page 9.)
Outreach Coordinator
The Outreach Coordinator, Raeleen Gallivan, provides services for Southborough Seniors and their caregivers. She can assist with applications for public benefits, provides advocacy and support, and can connect you with community resources. (See details on 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, 2nd Wed of month, 11:00 am
January 14th selection — Smoke & Ashes by Amitav Ghosh
February 11th selection — Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
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.)
Genealogy Club
Thursdays, January 15th & February 19th, 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).
Knitting & Quilting Club
Mondays, 1:00pm (except for the holidays of January 19th & February 16th)
Chat with others while working on your projects.
Spicy Ladies Club
Tuesdays, January 20th & February 17th, 11:00 am
Monthly social club for women.
Walking Group (Depending on Weather Conditions)
Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30 am (except for the holidays of January 19th & February 16th)
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
- Rummikub — 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month at 11:00 am [Note: Don’t know how to play? Get lessons from Algonquin students during the Intergenerational programs Saturdays, January 24th & February 28th, 10:00 am –12:00 pm. (Free, details on page 6)]
- Bridge — Tuesdays at 12:00 pm
- Mah Jongg — Thursdays at 10:00 am [Note: This is the Chinese Classic version, not the “American Mahjong” version played at the Southborough Library’s semi-monthly meetup events.]
- 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)
Outreach Service Volunteer Opportunities for Drivers
The newsletter includes requests for volunteers:
Volunteer to be a backup driver for Caregiver meals
The Southborough Senior Center is looking for a back up volunteer driver to deliver caregiver meals to Southborough residents. The Caregivers Meals Program is a program to support caregivers who dedicate their time and energy to caring for a loved one. Meals are delivered every other Wednesday to give caregivers a break from cooking.
Please contact the Southborough Outreach Coordinator, Raeleen Gallivan if you are interested in being a volunteer driver for the caregiver meals program. Call 508-229-4453 or email rgallivan@southboroughma.gov
Meals on Wheels Drivers needed
Springwell is looking for Volunteer Home Delivered Meal Drivers to pickup meals from the Westborough Senior Center and deliver to Southborough residents. If you are interested in making a difference as a volunteer, contact Springwell at 617-926-410, www.springwell.com or volunteer@springwell.com
*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.
