Above: Sign up quickly to take part in the Senior Center’s special events, including the annual St. Patty’s bash and bus trips (images cropped from Facebook including top right by Killeeshil Music and bottom right by Peabody Essex Museum)
The Southborough Senior Center opens registration this Friday for upcoming programs. Here’s what they have in store for early spring.
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 just to make it easy to quickly see what programs/services available in March & April.
Social Clubs for Men and Ladies
Before I get to the programs that require registration, I’m spotlighting a new social club at the center. They just spawned one more.
These three programs welcome new members to drop-in without advance signup:
Wizards
Fridays, 9:00 am
This new group, is a spinoff to the popular Dull Men’s Club and meets immediately prior. They’ll “generally discuss subjects relating to science and technology”. The promo quips:
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.)
Spicy Ladies Club
Tuesdays, March 17th & April 21st, 11:00 am
If you haven’t yet checked out the monthly social club for women, the meetings are promoted as including:
a variety of activities, such as guest speakers, introductory speeches to get to know one another, recipe exchanges, and engaging group discussions. The group is a welcoming space to share ideas, meet new people, and offer mutual support through diverse activities.
For more information, you can contact Leena Dasgupta at ldasgupt@gmail.com.
Bus Trips
Wright’s Farm Restaurant
Thursday, March 26th, 10:30 am – approx. 5:00 pm
This must be a popular trip, since the center is bringing folks back for the third time in the past few years! Sign up to “enjoy a meal surrounded by friends or new friends in a comfortable and relaxed setting”. The restaurant includes a cash bar, plus a gift shop that attendees will have a 20% off coupon for. On the return, attendees will stop at Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery. ($15 Suggested Donation, details on page 9)
Peabody Essex Museum
Thursday, April 16th, 8:15 am – approx. 4:00 pm
Visit the art museum that “features a world-renowned collection of over 840,000 works of art and culture, spanning maritime, American, Asian, Oceanic, and African art.” Event includes a one-hour guided tour and a lunch (that must be pre-ordered). ($30 Suggested Donation, details on page 9)
Parties & Luncheons
St. Patrick’s Day Party
Wednesday, March 18th, 12:00 pm
Southborough residents will get priority registration for the annual, traditional Irish luncheon (with an alternative meal choice). Be sure to dress in green and put on your dancing shoes — this year’s entertainers are The Killeeshil Band. ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 1)
Lunch & Learn: MOLST
Tuesday, March 24th, 12:30 pm
Presentation on the Medical Orders for LifeSustaining Treatment (MOLST) form to document and safeguard healthcare preferences. (Free, details on page 8)
Blue Plate Specials
Mondays, March 30th & April 27th, 12:00 pm
Gather to enjoy a social lunch with catered meals ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 6)
Musical Baseball Show
Wednesday, April 1st, 12:30 pm
After lunch, singer-songwriter (and former sportswriter) Howie Newman will sing baseball songs, offer up baseball trivia and tell stories about his days as a sportswriter on the Red Sox beat ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 6)
Joys of Nature: New England Animals in Spring
Wednesday, April 15th,12:30 pm
Joy Marzolf returns. This time her presentation (following lunch) will feature live, visiting animals. ($6, Suggested Donation, details on page 9)
Special Programs at the Center
Not every program includes lunch. Here are the other special guests and presentations planned.
Watching “The Americas” Documentary
Tuesdays, March 3rd, 10th, April 7th, 14th, 10:00 – 10:45 am
The senior center will continue screening episodes of the nature series narrated by Tom Hanks. The series explores the wildlife and landscapes of North and South America. (Free, details on page 6)
Hydroponic Gardening
Tuesday, March 31st, 10:00 am
Come and learn about a fun and simple method to grow plants indoors in small spaces with little effort. (Free, details on page 6)
Learn about SCAMS
Wednesday, April 8th, 9:30am
Presentation by the DA’s Community Outreach Coordinator on avoiding falling for active scams and tactics scammers use to get your money, access your personal information, or get you to click malicious links. (Free, details on page 12)
Tina Bemis Workshop
Tuesday, April 14thn 1:00pm
The nursery owner will return to lead a Spring Color Bowl Workshop. (Suggested donation $15, on page 12)
Intergenerational Programs
Rummikub with High School Student
Saturdays, March 14th & April 4th, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Local students will teach and lead the game (Free, details on page 6)
Ceramic Mini Flower Pot
Offsite at the Southborough Library, Saturday, March 21st, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Paint with young adults (Free, details on page 6)
Center-Run Favorites
These regularly offered monthly programs require pre-registration.
Bingo
Wednesday, April 29th, 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
The Thursday Murder Club – starring Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie (PG-13; 2 hrs)
Wednesday, March 11th, noon movie
A comic caper about four retirees passionate about solving cold cases.(The movie is free, but attendees can also come early at noon for lunch. Bring your own or register to purchase one for $6 Suggested Donation. Details on page 3)
Song Sung Blue – starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson (PG-13; 2 hrs 13 min)
Wednesday, April 22nd, noon movie
A “heartfelt” musical biopic inspired by a documentary about a Neil Diamond tribute band. (The movie is free, but attendees can also come early at noon for lunch. Bring your own or register to purchase one for $6 Suggested Donation. Details on page 3)
Adult Coloring & Lunch
Tuesdays, March 31st & April 28th,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 (Suggested Donation — $3 per day unless otherwise noted, details on page__)
- Stretch — Mondays at 10:15 am (except for Patriots Day, April 20th)
- 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 guided 16 class exercise program designed for seniors and modifiable for all fitness levels will run March 10th through April 30th. 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.]
Scheduled Services and Resources
The Senior Center regularly offers free services and resources for Southborough Seniors.
Nurses Clinic
Fridays 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (and at Colonial Gardens: Friday, April 3rd, 2:00pm)
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 Stroke warnings, details on page 8)
Legal Advice
Wednesdays, March 11th & April 8th (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)
Fat Daddy’s Produce Bus
Wednesdays, March 11th & April 22nd, 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 24th & April 21st (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)
Ongoing Services
Appointments need to be booked for these, but the services aren’t limited to specific dates.
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 8).
Medicare Assistance
The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone on Medicare) Coordinator assigned to support Southborough seniors can offer help answer Medicare questions. (Details on page 12)
Pen Pals with Local Adults
This is a new, potential opportunity. (Read about it under “Intergeneration Programs” on page 6)
Sow Seed Indoors
Seeds and starter kits are available. (See bottom of page 6)
Interactive Groups and Drop-in Games
Below are activity-based groups that don’t require pre-registration.
Book Club
Wednesdays, March 11th & April 18th, 11:00 am
March selection — The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
April selection — Thunderstruck by Erik Larson
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 (except for Patriots Day, April 20th)
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, 1:00 pm (except for Patriots Day, April 20th)
Chat with others while working on your projects.
Genealogy Club
Thursdays, March 19th & April 16th, 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
- Rummikub — Most Mondays, 11:00 am (except for March 2nd & April 6th & 20th)
- 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)
Newsletter Inserts
The newsletter also includes info about Tax relief for Southborough real estate tax bills, the senior tax workoff program, and some fun facts and reminders from the Town Clerk. (Those are in the last two pages of the linked newsletter.)
*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.
