Above: Sign up quickly to take part in the Senior Center’s special events coming up over the next 9 weeks. (images cropped from Facebook post and promotional materials)
The Southborough Senior Center opens registration tomorrow (Friday) morning for May and June programs.
I’m sharing what they have in store. But I’m also sharing the big news on a “Transition Time” the Senior Center is going through due to big staffing changes.
The newsletter’s first page highlights that there are fewer programs than usual being offered this spring as the Senior Center adjusts to recent and coming retirements. (I’ll cover those changes below.)
The newsletter promises:
Once we get back up to speed, we will be continue our most amazing programs that have been offered at the Senior Center. . . we are doing our best to make this all happen in a timely fashion. We appreciation your patience.
It will be worth the wait.
It’s worth noting, that the center is usually light on program offerings in July and August. So, I wouldn’t expect a return to the full programming seniors are used to until September.
Fewer programs to choose from might mean ones that are offered will fill up even quicker than usual. So, take note that for this month and next, registration opens at 10:00 am tomorrow morning — Friday, May 2nd.
Scroll down for my overview of the programs and to the bottom for more details on registering.* (More details on individual programs, like what’s for lunch, are in the newsletter.)
Big Staffing Changes
After 24 years of service, Pam LeFrancois retired on April 2nd. A separate newsletter out of the Town Administrator’s office congratulated the “beloved” Senior Center Director, touting:
Pam’s leadership transformed the Senior Center from one room at the Fayville Village Hall into a vibrant hub of activity, support, and community at Cordaville Hall. Her vision brought innovative programs like the nationally recognized Trailblazers, which promoted active lifestyles an dbuilt lasting friendships. Throughout her tenure, Pam championed creative ways to keep seniors connected, especially [during] the COVID-19 pandemic.
Longtime staff member Peg Leonard has been promoted to fill the Director position. But that left her position of Program Manager vacant. Meanwhile, the center is also preparing to lose Outreach Coordinator Cynthia Beard who will be retiring in June after 27 years. (You can read her farewell note here.)
During budgeting season, Select Board member Sam Stivers floated the idea that it might be a good time to consider consolidating the Council on Aging department that oversees the Senior Center with Southborough Youth & Family Services. During an update at a Select Board meeting, he acknowledged that the board heard from back from seniors and COA members who were less than thrilled with the concept. Based on the feedback, Stivers said he wouldn’t pursue pushing for the change.
The Senior Center’s newsletter included info on one one more staffing change. This was about a recent addition to the team supporting the center.
A new part time position was temporarily added through a grant within the last year. The Select Board and Advisory Committee agreed that if the grant isn’t offered for the fiscal year starting in June, the Town will continue funding the position.
In the newsletter, the COA describes the work being done by Heidi Cibelli:
Heidi is working for the Senior Center on a part time basis with volunteers, intergenerational programs with our local schools and Boy and Girls scout troops, along with assisting in regularly scheduled programs during the spring and summer while our local schools are winding down. You will see programs involving our students announced late summer and in the fall. We are really looking forward to Heidi collaborating with our teachers, students, scouts and also a summer recreation program
Now, here’s what seniors can sign up to take part in now through the end of June:
Parties & Luncheons
Spring is in the Air
Wednesday, May 14th, 12:15 pm
Planting, conversation and lunch. Bring your gardening ideas and a 4″ plant (Free, details on page 9)
Blue Plate Specials
Mondays, May 19th & June 30th, 12:00 pm
Luncheons catered by TJ’s Spirits of Ashland ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 6)
Trottier’s Big Band Concert
Wednesday, June 4th, 3:30 pm
The concert is by the audition-only, award winning middle school band led by Jamie Clark. They’ll perform “big band and jazz tunes”, starting at 4:00 pm. The concert is free to attend, but the event will include an option for purchasing pizza. (Details on page 7)
Off-Site: Annual Worcester County Sheriff’s Senior Picnic Drive Thru
Saturday, June 7th, 38 Lake St, Shrewsbury
There’s less of a rush for this one. Sign up is by May 27th to participate in the free event with BBQ meal, lottery tickets, give aways and more. (Details on page 8)
Special Programs at the Center
As usual, the Senior Center has special guests and presentations planned.
Why Fall Prevention Matters For All
Friday, May 16th, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
A screening of the Saving Claire documentary and discussion
on taking at least one next step to reduce fall risk. (Free, details on page 6)
CPR Refresher
Friday, June 6th, 1:00 – 1:30 pm
A “refresher session” on the methods of conducting CPR. (Free, details on page 6)
Create a floral planter with Tina Bemis
Tuesday, June 10th, 1:00 pm
Make a “Flying Flower Cafe” to attract butterflies and humming birds ($20 Suggested Donation, details on page 9)
Center-Run Favorites
These regularly offered monthly programs also require pre-registration.
Bingo
Wednesday, June 25th, 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
Wednesday, May 28th, 12:30 pm
Green & Gold – featuring Craig T. Nelson (PG; 1 hr 45 min)
A “heartwarming drama about a Wisconsin dairy farmer, Buck, who is struggling to save his family farm from foreclosure.” 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 3)
Adult Coloring & Lunch
Tuesdays, May 27th & June 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 3)
Fitness Classes
The center offers the following weekly and semi-weekly classes. Signup is for the two month session.
For classes below, the Suggested Donation is $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
- Chair Yoga — Thursdays at 1:15 pm
- Yoga — Tuesdays at 9:30 am (at Pilgrim Church)
[Note: For Medical Insurance reimbursement, see Peg Leonard at the end of your yearly enrollment period to have the form signed.]
The following class is also being offered again, “one more time”, thanks to grant funding:
- CrossFIT for seniors (12 Southville Rd) — Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:00 am (except for June 19th)
- Suggested donation $48 for the 8 week session
- Details on page 6
Services and Resources
The Senior Center regularly offers free services and resources for Southborough Seniors. This spring, in addition to ongoing weekly/monthly resources, there is one special event.
A/V Digitization & Restoration
Wednesdays, May 21st, starting at 1:00 pm
Schedule a 10 minute appointment with a professional photographer and preservationist who will help seniors restore photos and/or convert movies (film reels/videos), photos, slides, and audio cassettes into digital formats on DVDs or thumb drives. There is a fee for the service (Details on page 8)
Fat Daddy’s Produce Bus
Wednesdays, May 28th (10:30 am – 12:30 pm) & June 4th (2:00 – 4:00 pm)
The “small family owned ‘hydroponic farm'” will be selling chemical/pesticide-free produce at wholesale costs and baked goods. (Farmers Market coupons and EBT accepted, details on page 9)
Technology Help
Tuesdays, May 20th & June 17th (one hour time slots)
A local tech services company will answer 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
A trained SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone on Medicare) volunteer offers help with Medicare questions. (Details on page 9)
Legal Advice
Wednesdays, May 14th & June 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 10)
Nurses Clinic
Fridays 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (only to 1:30 pm on June 6th)
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 staying hydrated, details on page 8)
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, May 14th &I 11th, 11:00 am
Book selections are It Had to Be You by Mary Higgins Clark followed by The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister.
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 “Awesome Ambulators”
Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30 am (Depending on Weather Conditions)
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, May 15th & June 12th, 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 5-6 of newsletter)
Neary School Events
The newsletter’s insert includes an invite to seniors to attend the following performances by Neary 4th & 5th grade students this spring, some of which include Trottier 6th-8th graders:
- Friday, May 23rd, 2:15 – 2:45 pm @ the school’s flagpole (53 Parkerville Rd): Memorial Day Assembly (weather permitting)
- Thursday, May 29th, 7:00 pm @ Trottier Middle School’s auditorium (49 Parkerville Rd): Neary & Trottier Chorus Concert
- Tuesday, June 3rd, 7:00 pm @ Trottier Middle School’s auditorium (49 Parkerville Rd): Neary Band Concert
- Thursday, June 5th, 7:00 pm @ Trottier Middle School’s auditorium (49 Parkerville Rd): Neary & Trottier Orchestra Concert
Other tips & requests
Hydroponic Gardening
Sign up to learn more about participating in the center’s new program using hydroponic garden pods. See page 6.
Avoiding Quit Claim Deed/Home Title Fraud
The Town Clerk provides info on receiving free alerts from the Register of Deeds to avoid issues related to scammers filing phony records of property ownership transfers. See page 10.
Historical Commission Project — keeping memories alive
The insert includes an announcement by the commission about a new project. They are seeking lifelong or longtime residents “willing to answer a few questions about the changes you’ve seen while living here.” They are also looking for photos from around town that are 40 years or older. See details in the 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.
