Bellingham Senior Center Announces April 2015 News & Events

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Classes for the family caregivers of older adults are slated for April 9 to May 14, 1 - 3 pm. The senior center is working with Tri Valley Services to offer six weekly workshops which may help you to take care of yourself while caring for an older relative or friend. Attendees will benefit from this class whether you are helping a parent, a friend, your spouse, or someone who lives at home, in a nursing home or across the country.

This class will give you, the family caregiver, tools to help you reduce stress; communicate effectively with other family members, your doctor, and paid help; take care of yourself; reduce guilt, anger and depression; and help you to relax, make tough decisions, set goals and problem-solve.

To register contact Laura Black Silver, LICSW, Caregiver Specialist, Tri-Valley Inc. at [email protected] or 1-800-286-6640, Ext. 3079; or Laura DeMattia, Bellingham Senior Center Director at [email protected] or 508-966-0398 or at 40 Blackstone St., Bellingham.
To arrange lunch at a cost of $1 each any day before class starts, call 508-966-0398 by 8:45 am. Rides are available by calling 508-966-0398 on the day before class.

Supportive Day Program

This program, called the Friendship Club, runs Mon—Fri, 9 am—3 pm. Members can spend between one to five days per week. Healthy snacks and lunch are included each day. The program is fee-for-service, and costs $35 per day. Financial assistance is available, for those who qualify, through Tri-Valley, Inc. Prospective clients may visit the program on a trial basis for one day at no charge. Transportation is available at no additional cost for residents. Stop by and look over our Spring Sales Table, and please consider donating your old cell phone for our fundraising drive. All donations appreciated.

Major Events of WWII

This month, on Friday, April 24, 1 pm, the second discussion about WWII and D-Day (June 6, 1944), with Dr. Gary Hylander will be held. June 2014 marked the 70th anniversary of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Europe. The greatest armada the world had ever seen began to assemble in the pre-dawn hours off the French coastline in preparation for the final assault upon Hitler’s Germany. (Save the date Friday, May 29 [1 pm] for the final history program in the series: Hiroshima and Nagasaki; Truman and the bomb; and the end of WWII.)

For those of you who have attended one of his lectures, you know Professor Hylander is fascinating to listen to and always allows time for questions. Held at the Bellingham Senior Center, 40 Blackstone Street. There is no fee for these programs; our suggestion: bring an item for the Food Pantry or make a cash donation for each program.  You may reserve your place by calling 508-966-0398.

Elder Service Group Happenings

Everyone is cordially invited (limited to 90) to our next event on Tuesday, April 7, at noon. Join us for a great baked fish luncheon. Members pay $5 and all others $8. Prizes will be awarded and a complimentary dessert for all guests will be served after the meeting.

Meet the Candidates Event

Bellingham residents (60+) are invited to the Center on Wednesday, April 22, 11 am, for a free pre-election-day luncheon sponsored by resident Mike Soter. Interested seniors must sign up in advance for the event. The candidates will be invited, and those candidates in attendance will have an opportunity to meet and greet voters, and everyone will enjoy a light lunch. The event will run until 12:30 p.m.

Home Safety Inspection & Lock Box

Our Fire Department has recently received a limited number of lock boxes, a small secure combination box installed on the outside of your home to store keys, through a grant.  They’re available to first responders (Police & EMTs) in an emergency. Besides being convenient, lock boxes are a good way to hide keys while doing something outside the house.  The lock box and installation are free to Bellingham seniors while the supply lasts.

A home safety inspection comprises a visit, by appointment, and recommendations for improvements, if any, to make your home safer. The visit lasts only about 30-40 minutes and is very informative.  Call the Senior Center, 508-966-0398, to sign up for either program. For more information, contact Brad Kwatcher, Safe Coordinator, at the Fire Department, 508-966-1112.

Beauty Services—Hair & Nails

 Local stylist Maliwan is now taking requests for complimentary haircuts, nail polish changes and hand massages. Please call the Center to sign up and reserve a spot.  She is available on April 14 and 28 by appointment, 9:45—12:45 pm.  Pamper yourself; you deserve this great free service.

Trips & Travel

Depart on Tuesday, June 30, 8:30 am, for the Cape Cod Canal 101st Anniversary Tour Day Trip, which includes Sandwich Glass Museum, Daniel Webster House grand buffet, and a narrated two-hour Canal Tour. Enjoy a delightful day on beautiful Cape Cod. You’ll view real glass-blowing artisans creating pieces of art, enjoy a delicious buffet including fruit cup w/sorbet, baked rolls, Coq au Vin, pasta primavera, broiled native scrod, seasonal vegetables, apple cranberry crisp with whipped cream, and coffee/tea.  Following lunch enjoy a narrated two-hour cruise of the Cape Cod Canal and delight in the waterways, history and scenery. Arrive home at 5:30 pm. The cost is $75/pp including the driver’s tip. Please contact Rita Tetrault at 508-966-0398. Balance due 30 days before departure.

Thursday, May 21—Mohegan Sun Casino. Enjoy one of our favorite day trip getaways. The package includes a $15 free-food coupon, a $15 free-bet voucher, and a chance for a free trip. Depart at 7:45 am; return about 5 pm. No refund if cancelled after May 19. The cost is $22/pp, including the driver’s tip.

Evening Programs (April 7—October 27)

Southern Rail Concert—Thursday, April 16, 7—8:30 pm, at the Senior Center. There will be food and live entertainment. Expect high energy and exuberant fun!  Cost is $10/pp for tickets purchased in advance; $15 at the door. All ages welcome. Call 508-966-0398 if you would like a ride (Bellingham seniors).

Strategies to Help Secure Your Future—You can find trendy news almost anywhere, but it is difficult to use this information to make informed decisions and create a plan for your retirement. Attend the seven sessions of “Retirement: Strategies to Help Secure Your Future” to be held at the Bellingham Senior Center on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 pm, on April 21 and 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26; and June 2. Whether you plan to retire 20 years from now or have just recently retired, the information you learn in this helpful class can deliver rewards throughout your lifetime. All attendees will receive a handy reference binder packed with reliable and trusted material.
     This course contains something for everyone. It is designed to teach you how to build wealth and align your money with your values to accomplish goals in your life. You’ll learn about the many ways to save for retirement as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each. You’ll discover how to save money on taxes, manage investment risks, protect your assets from potential long-term health care expenses, and implement the proper estate plan documents to meet your wishes.
     If your objective is to build a nest egg, protect your assets or preserve your lifestyle throughout retirement, this course helps you plan your future with confidence. Presenter: Gerald Loftin, J.D., CFP®, AIF® of Proficient Wealth Counselors, LLC.
 
Cooking for One—Tuesday, April 7, at 5:30 pm. This class is limited to 10 people and you must sign up by calling 508-966-0398. The food and the instructor (Teacher/Healthy-Eating Specialist Dawn Berthelette) are provided by Whole Foods Market Bellingham. You’ll learn how to turn healthy, fresh foods into delicious meals—and then you get to relax and eat your creations. Free.

Yoga—Beginning on Tuesday, April 7, 5:30—7 pm, instructor Susan Winters will teach yoga.  The class is perfect for all those who can’t get here during the day and might like to stop by on their way home from work.  There are plenty of places to change into yoga togs (comfortable clothing). For beginners we have mats for you to use.  Come to one or all of these classes. The cost is $5 per class.

Tai Chi—On Tuesday, April 7, 7:15—8:15 pm, instructor Jean Donnelly teaches tai chi, a gentle exercise class; everyone is encouraged to attend. The classes always have a warm-up and introduction to what tai chi is all about.  Each form is also adaptable to people who are chair-bound. The cost is $5 for seniors per class, $10 for those  under age 60.