Above: Sign up quickly to take part in the Senior Center’s special events, including the Veterans Day and Holiday lunch parties and a bus trip (images edited from the Harvard Box office website, Senior Sensation newsletter, and Senior Center Facebook posts)
The Southborough Senior Center opens registration this Tuesday morning for the next two months of programs. Here’s what they have in store for November and December.
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.)*
It’s worth reading the full newsletter, which includes additional program details, like what’s for lunch, plus tips and info relevant to seniors.
My highlights below are mainly to make it easy to quickly see what programs/services are being offered. But, I also fill in more that the newsletter doesn’t capture — including videos and images.
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.
Midwinter Revels American Crossroads: A Solstice Celebration
Saturday, December 12th, bus leaves at noon for 2:00 pm show
Thanks to a subsidy from Friends of the Council on Aging, attendees can enjoy the theatrical performance at a discount price. The Revels promotes:
Midwinter Revels is a cherished holiday tradition. . . Every December, the Cambridge Revels community gathers in Harvard University’s historic Sanders Theatre to celebrate the season through the traditional songs, dances, and stories of cultures from around the world.
This year’s theme combines celebrating the nation’s milestone and the solstice:
Join us to celebrate the unique American story 250 years in the making. Drawing on 19th-century songs and stories from the Great Plains, this production will include cultural touchstones of the American frontier and the diverse communities who shaped it. Share in the multi-generational joy and harmony of Revels and the hope that comes each year on the Shortest Day.
For a trailer, see the Facebook post below. ($50 Suggested Donation per attendee, details on page 1)
Parties & Luncheons
Some of these are celebrations. Others are talks or events that feature a lunch.
Veterans Luncheon
Tuesday, November 10th, 11:30 am
The annual luncheon to honor veterans includes a flag ceremony, patriotic songs, and visiting 3rd grade singers from Woodward School ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 6)
Misinformation & Disinformation
Monday, November 16th, 12:00 pm
Over lunch, Southborough Youth and Family will talk about how to recognize scams, misinformation, and disinformation — and steps to take when something doesn’t seem right (Free, details on page 6)
Movie Matinee
Wednesday, November 18th, 12:00/12:30 pm
Christmas in Connecticut – starring (1 hr, 42 min): The classic 1942 holiday romantic comedy starring Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan. (Based on past newsletters, I’m assuming the movie itself is free, and the suggested donation is if you purchase the lunch is available staring at noon.) ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 6)
November Blue Plate Special
Monday, November 30th, 12:00 pm
Lasagna lunch ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 7)
Hank Phillippi Ryan Author Talk
Wednesday, December 9th 11:30 am
The award winning mystery novelist may be better known to locals as the longtime anchor and reporter for Boston 7 News. Her presentation is at noon, following a lunch buffet. ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 7)
Holiday Party
Tuesday, December 15th, 12:30 pm
The luncheon will feature returning entertainers, the Elderly Brothers. Check out the fun they shared from the 2024 party with the same entertainment below! ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 1)
December Blue Plate Special
Monday, December 28th, 12:00 pm
Baked Potato Bar lunch ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 7)
Pre-New Year’s Eve Celebration
Wednesday, December 30th, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
“Pop” in between the party hours to celebrate. ($3 Suggested Donation, details on page 5)
Special Programs at the Center
Not every program centers around food. Here are the other special guests and presentations planned. Some are educational and others are meant to be fun or entertaining.
Holiday Fraud Prevention
Wednesday, November 4th, 2:00 pm
A representative from the MA Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation will lead a discussion on seasonal fraud with important tips. (Free, details on page 6)
Springwell Outreach
Wednesday, December 2nd, 11:00 am
An outreach manager for the area non-profit will talk about resources available to older residents. (Free, details on page 7)
Highland Woods Project Concert
Tuesday, December 8th, 1:00 pm
The acoustic trio will perform songs from the 60s & 70s, followed by “holiday cheer”. Below is a sample from YouTubeof the singers performing at a concert last year. (Free, details on page 7)
Tina Bemis’ Holiday Planter
Friday, December 11th, 1:00 pm
Bemis will return to lead workshop participants in creating their own holiday planters. ($25 Suggested Donation, details on page 7)
Intergenerational Program
Rummikub with High School Student
Saturdays, November 14th & December 12th, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Local students will teach and lead the game, so no experience needed. (Free, details on page 4)
Fitness Classes
The center offers the following weekly and semi-weekly classes. Signup is for the two month session (This month’s newsletter doesn’t specify, but the cost is usually a Suggested Donation of $3 per day unless otherwise noted.)
- Stretch — 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
- CrossFit for Senior Fitness — Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00 am (at CrossFit SOBO, 12 Southville Road)
- This 18 class beginner-friendly program will run through December 31st, except for Thanksgiving. It is subsidized to offer a discount ($5 per class, $90 total)
[Prior newsletters noted that for Medical Insurance reimbursement, see Peg Leonard at the end of your yearly enrollment period to have the form signed.]
Scheduled Services and Resources
The Senior Center regularly offers free services and resources for Southborough Seniors.
Technology Help
Tuesdays, November 10th & December 8th (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 8)
Legal Advice
Wednesdays, November 18th & December 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 8)
Outreach & Support
Caregiver Support Group (New)
Wednesdays, November 18th & December 16th (3rd Wednesday of the month), 10:00 am
A “safe, welcoming space for those caring for a loved one.” The social group allows caregivers to socialize and connect with others. (For details, see page 10).
Outreach Services
The center’s Outreach Coordinator (Raeleen Gallivan) works with Southborough Seniors and their caregivers, to provide advocacy and support, and help with applications. That includes help applying for heating bill assistance. (For details on the types of support she can provide, see page 10).
Applications for Energy & Heating Bill Relief
The newsletter details options for applying for help, including one for “Middle Income Heating Oil Relief” (For details, see page 10).
Interactive Groups and Drop-in Games
Unlike the above programs the following free social or activity-based groups don’t require pre-registration.
Spicy Ladies Club
Tuesdays, November 17th & December 15th (3rd Tues of month), 11:00 am
New monthly social club for women with a variety of activities and speakers. (Details on page 8)
Book Club
Wednesdays, November 18th & December 9th, 11:00 am
November selection — The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
December selection — The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Wizards
Fridays, 9:00 am
This social group to discuss science and tech topics, is a spinoff to the popular Dull Men’s Club (below) and meets immediately prior. They’ll “generally discuss subjects relating to science and technology”. Their original promo quipped:
If discussing new (and old) technology with like minded guys gets your brain cells humming you owe it to yourself to check out this new interest group. No academic referral required.
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.
Genealogy Club
Thursdays, November 17th & December 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). [Note: The group isn’t promoted in this newsletter, but their meetings are listed in the newsletter’s calendar.]
Drop-in Games
- Rummikub — 2nd, 3rd & 4th Mondays of the month at 11:00 am
- Bridge — Tuesdays at 12:00 pm
- Mah Jongg — Thursdays at 10:00 am
- Canasta (Hand & Foot) — Fridays at 10:00 am
- Note: This newsletter doesn’t mention “Billiards”. But based on past newsletters, that’s generally available daily except for on “large program dates”.
Community Support Save the Dates
The newsletter includes the following events that seniors can support:
Toys for Tots
December 1st – 12th
Every year, the Senior Center has a collection box for anyone who wants to support the US Marine’s annual holiday time collection drive for underprivileged kids . Drop off a new, unwrapped toy or gift (appropriate for ages 1-16 years old).
Annual Kids Holiday Shop
Saturday, December 5th, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
The shop is put on by Boy Scout Troop 92 each year as a community service. The inexpensive “shop” is a safe place for kids to shop for holiday presents for their families. For the 2nd straight year, it will be held inside the Senior Center. Seniors and community members are encouraged to stop in to shop or buy snack or a lunch. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to local charities. (You can learn more from my post last year here.)
*Registration
Registration opens at 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 3rd. See pages 1&3 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.
