Above: Learn about the Senior Center’s future check-in system. And sign up next week to take part in the center’s special events this and next month, including trips to historic venues. (images cropped from insert, Facebook, and museum website)
The Southborough Senior Center opens registration on Thursday, May 7th for (most) upcoming programs. Here’s what they have in store for May and June.
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.)*
The Senior Center asked me to point out that the newsletter was missing the Trottier Band Concert and lists the wrong deadline for the Crossfit Program (which should be paid prior to May 5th).
It’s still worth reading the full newsletter, which includes additional program details, like what’s for lunch, plus tips and info relevant to seniors.
The newsletter also had insert thanking supporters of the successful capital campaign and announcing a new electronic check-in system that will be implemented sometime soon:
Coming Soon
Southborough Senior Center to Install an Automated Check-In SystemA new, automated check-in system called MySeniorCenter will soon be installed in our Senior Center. It’s specifically designed to help our staff members manage the various sign-ups and sign-ins and improve the way we report our program and service statistics to the town and state.
You can read about that here.
Now here’s my quick overview of the upcoming programs:
Bus Trips
It looks like the center is inspired by the nation’s 250th anniversary. Both trips are to historic locales. The trips generally fill up quickly — so don’t wait too long to put in your name!
Publick House Historic Inn
Thursday, May 21st, 11:00 am to approx. 4:00 pm
Luncheon at the historic property in Sturbridge’s countryside and a visit to their gift shop. ($20 Suggested Donation, details on page 9)
Strawbery Banke Museum
Thursday, June 25th, 8:15 am to approx. 4:30 pm
Take a self guided tour around the 10-acre outdoor history museum featuring historic homes and buildings, costumed interpreters, and and hands-on exhibits. Lunch is included. ($30 Suggested Donation, details on page 9)
Special Programs & Presentations at the Center
Not every program includes lunch. Here are the other special guests and presentations planned.
Watching “The Americas” Documentary
Tuesdays, May 5th, 12th, 19th, 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)
Blue Plate Special — Chicken Parm meal
Monday, May 18th, 12:00 pm
Social luncheon. ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 6)
In Our Own Voice (IOOV)
Wednesday, May 20th, 11:00 am
The presentation aims to change attitudes, assumptions and stereotypes about people living with mental health conditions. The presentationby NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is timed for Mental Health Awareness Month. (Free. Details on page 6)
Create an Emergency Folder for a Loved One
Wednesday, June 3, 11:30 am
An attorney will present how to ensure you have the exact documents necessary for your “emergency” folder. You will learn how to create a full legacy plan to protect you and your children’s peace of mind. (Free with free lunch, details on page 6)
Tina Bemis Workshop
Tuesday, June 15th, 1:00pm
The nursery owner will return to lead a Butterfly Buffet Workshop. (Suggested donation $15, on page 9)
Blue Plate Special — Baked Potato Bar meal
Monday, June 29th, 12:00 pm
Social luncheon. ($6 Suggested Donation, details on page 6)
Big Band Concert
Wednesday, May 27th, 3:30 pm
Trottier Middle School’s award winning band will play big band and jazz tunes. (Free, details in dedicated flyer)
Intergenerational Programs
Rummikub with High School Student
Saturdays, May 16th & June 6th, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Local students will teach and lead the game (Free, details on page 6)
Finance BINGO
Saturday, June 13th, 10:00 am
Algonquin students will educate about financial scams, then lead an interactive bingo session on the topic. (Free, details on page 6)
Center-Run Favorites
These regularly offered monthly programs also require pre-registration.
Bingo
Wednesday, June 24th, 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 Matinees
(The movies are free, but attendees can also come early at noon for lunch. Register to purchase one for $6 Suggested Donation. Details on page 3.)
The Mirror Has Two Faces – starring (PG-13; 2 hrs 6min)
Wednesday, May 13th, 12:30 pm movie
This 90s romantic comedy features Barbara Streisand and Jeff Bridges.
Coda – starring (PG-13; 1hr, 51min)
Wednesday, June 17th, 12:30 pm movie
This Oscar Best Picture focuses on a teen torn about pursuing her dreams or supporting her deaf family members struggling with their fishing business.
Adult Coloring & Lunch
Tuesdays, May 26th & June 30th, 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)
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
- 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 May 5th through June 25th. It is subsidized to offer a discount ($5 per class, $80 total) Note: This class must be paid in full prior to May 5th.
[Note: For Medical Insurance reimbursement, see Peg Leonard at the end of your yearly enrollment period to have the form signed.]
Scheduled Services, Resources, and Vendor Visits
The Senior Center regularly offers free services and resources for Southborough Seniors.
Fat Daddy’s Produce Bus
Wednesdays, May 13th and June 17th, 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______)
Technology Help
Tuesdays, May 19th & June 16th (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)
Legal Advice
Wednesdays, May 13th & June 10th (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 – 2:00 pm (and at Colonial Gardens on Friday, June 5th at 2:00 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’s tips on Shingles risks and the vaccine, see page 8)
Northbridge Coin & Gold
Tuesday, June 23rd (20 minute appointments)
The business buys and sells high end collectibles, precious metals, (jewelry) U.S./World coins and currency. They also buy and sell Sports memorabilia, vintage toys/action figures and more. (Details on page 6)
Outreach Services & Medicare Support
ongoing
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. You can also talk to her about the Medicare funded GUIDE Model (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. And you can read tips on Medicare coverage while traveling. (For details, see 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.
Spicy Ladies Club
Tuesdays, May 12th & June16th, 11:00 am
The welcoming monthly social club for women meetings includes a variety of activities, guest speakers, and engaging group discussions. (Details on page 10)
Book Club
Wednesdays, 2nd Wed of month, 11:00 am (Details on page 9)
May 13th selection — Everything I Learned, I Learned In A Chinese Restaurant by Curtis Chin
June 10th selection — News of the World by Pauline Jiles
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, May 21st & June 18th, 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 — 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
- Billiards — Daily from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm (except for on “large program dates” – see calendar in newsletter)
Community Events
This spring, the newsletter reminded to vote in the Annual Town Election, on May 12th and encouraged to attend a free, drop-in event:
Memorial Day Concert
offsite at Woodward School (across the street from the center)
Friday, May 22nd, 1:45 pm
Annual patriotic concert by Southborough 2nd & 3rd graders. (Free, no registration required. Details on page 10)
*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.
