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COA Announces June Programs & Events

May 29, 2015 06:00AM ● By Pamela Johnson

The Bellingham Senior Center is centrally located, at 40 Blackstone Street. Tel: 508-966-0398.

History of Bellingham—On Monday, June 1, at 11 am, Marcia Crooks from the Bellingham Historical Commission will continue her multi-session program, a History of Bellingham.  This month’s theme is “Farming in Days Gone By.” There is so much to learn about where you live when you live in New England.  Come learn and share.

Free Legal Consultations—Attorney Daniel T. Doyle is available on Wednesday, June 17, 2–4 pm, to meet with you and answer questions (by appointment). Please call 508-966-0398.
Elder Service Group Happenings—This month’s ice cream social will be held on Tuesday, June 2. The cost is $1 for members and $3 for all others. Save the date for the next BESG party on July 7, at 12 pm, for a great Cook Out/Eat In. Cost is $5 for members and $8 for all others. Prizes will be awarded.

Triad—Seniors interested in learning more about the many helpful programs sponsored by the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office are invited to come to this month’s meeting at the Bellingham Senior Center on Thursday, June 4, at 11 am, to hear John J. O’Connor, Jr., a practicing attorney and retired U.S. Secret Service agent. O’Connor served his 22-year Service career not only providing protective services, but also supervising and investigating a host of financial crimes, including counterfeiting, securities fraud, bank fraud and commercial/real estate fraud. He will offer his expert advice on various aspects of current identity theft scams.
Files of Life are available when you attend Triad meetings.

Bellingham Council on Aging News—The next COA meeting is on Tuesday, June 9, at 1 pm. Come and learn more about the services and programs available for you here.  Refreshments are served and an attendance prize is awarded.

Financial Mentoring Program—Call us and sign up today to reserve your space to get honest, unbiased answers to many of your financial questions including, but not limited to, social security, retirement income sources and retirement plan distributions, investments, annuities, life insurance, long-term care, Medicare, Medicaid, risk management, asset protection, and estate planning. All consultations are complimentary and any information discussed will be held in the strictest confidence. Appointments are available to meet privately with Gerald Loftin, an experienced Certified Financial Planner‚® on Thursday, June 18, 10:00 am–12 pm, at the Bellingham Senior Center.

Strawberry Festival—On Thursday, June 18, at 10:30 am, the Council on Aging invites everyone to celebrate summer by coming to the Annual Strawberry Festival. Attendees are asked to sign up and pay at the Center in advance. Jack Craig will provide musical entertainment, and strawberry shortcake and cold drinks will be offered. This event is sponsored by the Bellingham COA with partial funding from the Bellingham Cultural Council. Dress casually. The total cost is $4pp. Make arrangements and bring the grandkids!

Hearing Screening—You are invited to the Senior Center for a free hearing screening on Tuesday, June 23, 11 am–1 pm (by appointment). This complimentary service is sponsored by Miracle Ear.

Monthly Birthday Party—Join us on Thursday, June 25, at 12 pm. A baked fish buffet for $7/pp by Mickey G’s Catering is planned. The party includes birthday cake (donated by Franklin Health & Rehabilitation Center) and ice cream. Everyone with a June birthday will receive a gift. Reservations must be accompanied by payment; no refund if you cancel after June 23. All residents 90+ are invited free with a reservation during their birthday month.

SHINE Program—If you need information or assistance with any aspect of your health insurance, SHINE offers appointments at the Bellingham Senior Center on Tuesdays in June with Judy and Lee Katz.  Call 508-966-0398 and ask for a SHINE appointment.  You can also reach a SHINE volunteer by phone at 1-800-243-4636, ext. 3.
Need a Ride?—Keep your independence. GATRA/Bellingham provides Dial-A-Ride curb-to-curb service for persons 60 years of age or older as well as for younger disabled residents.  Our local transportation extends up to 10 miles; arrangements can be made simply by calling 508-966-0398 the day before your trip. Get to your doctor  and dentist, go shopping, to the bank, and a beauty salon or barber, as well as doing errands and coming to the senior center.

“Are You OK?”—The Are you OK? program provides safety and security for elderly people living alone. Every morning, 365 days a year, an officer from the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office places a phone call to check on the well-being of people who have signed up for the program. If they fail to answer or indicate they need emergency aid, the officer summons help immediately.

Sheriff Bellotti introduced the free-of-charge program into Norfolk County in 2001. Since then, officers have registered over 70 saves by calling for help for seniors who suffered falls or a variety of other medical problems. Fallon Ambulance Service became a partner with Sheriff Bellotti in administering the program in 2009.

People interested in learning more about Are You OK? or signing up for the program should call the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office toll-free at 1-866-900-7865 (RUOK).

Have you heard about Benefits Check-up?—This new version is designed for Massachusetts residents at least 60 years old.  It takes about 30 minutes to enter your information, and you may be amazed at the results.  The program is designed to identify local, state and federal programs for which you are eligible. If you’d like to discover what programs you are eligible for, call the Center and make an appointment with either Lisa or Laura.   It’s done on line, is confidential, and there is no fee for it.

Walking Club—Call 508-966-0398 and Lisa will answer your questions. You just need a pair of sneakers. Everyone gets a free pedometer. Walk at the Town Common, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 am (free).

Bellingham Annual Craft Fair—The craft fair is already set for Nov.7, 9 am–3 pm. Our gift table has become a Senior Center tradition and has always been a huge success. If you have any new or like-new items to donate for our tables, we will be happy to accept them at any time at the Senior Center. We appreciate your support.

Programs for Night Owls

Angela West Concert— Thursday, June 11, at 5:30 pm  at the Senior Center. The concert is free, but please consider making a donation to the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry. Pre-registration not required. Call by June 10 if you would like a ride (Bellingham seniors).
Angela West is a country/western singer who was so well-received that we asked her to come back.  She does more than country/western music; she does some blues, and contemporary songs as well.

New! Suzey’s Easy Zumba—Join us on Tuesdays, 4–5 pm, for this good-time fitness group led by Suzey Ocoin (certified licensed instructor). The cost is $2 per class; pay as you go. Dance moves are all to music and adjustable for all abilities.

Pitch for Fun—This group meets on Tuesdays, 6–8 pm, until October 27.  There is no cost, no competition, and lots of fun. If you haven’t played in a long time or you are trying pitch as a beginner, lessons are given for free.  All welcome. For more information, call Gordon, 508-966-0398.

Healthy Cooking for One—Tuesday, June 9, at 5:30 pm, with Healthy Eating Specialist Dawn Berthelette of Whole Foods Market. Explore some simple and delicious ways to add more produce to your diet this summer. Dawn will showcase some amazingly quick and inexpensive ways to boost your nutrient content at every meal, all without breaking the bank (or your back). Class size maximum is 10.

For an early-summer treat we will be making a non-dairy “Nice Cream Sundae” as well as a simple summer salad. Dawn will also demonstrate a healthful way to easily sauté your veggies without the use of calorie-rich oils. Learn how healthful eating can be both affordable and enjoyable! Free, but class size is limited; call for details, 508-966-0398.
Genealogy Workshop—Tue, June 23, 6:45—8 pm, with Toni Picariello. Why not start a new hobby and research your family history at your own pace? Come to one or all of these free classes.

Yoga—Tuesdays, 5–6 pm, with Susan Winters (for all ability levels). Mats are available for beginners. The cost is $3 per class for seniors and $6 if you are under age 60. (Susan also teaches chair yoga and basic mat yoga on Tuesday mornings for the same fee).

Tai Chi— Tuesdays, 7–8 pm, with Jean Donnelly. Each class has 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/class for seniors and $10 for younger members. (Jean also teaches Tai Chi on Friday afternoons, at 1 pm, for the same fee).

Strategies to Help Secure Your Future—The last class in the series is on Tuesday, June 2, 6–8 pm, with Gerald Loftin, J.D., CFP®, AIF®, of Proficient Wealth Counselors, LLC. 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.

Summer Trips & Travel

Mohegan Sun Casino—Depart on Thursday, July 16, for one of our favorite day-trip getaways; the package includes a $15 free food coupon, a $15 free bet, and a chance for a free trip. Depart at 7:45 am and return around 5 pm. The cost is $22/pp including the driver’s tip. No refund if cancelled after July 15.

Majestic Maine Cruise—Depart on Tuesday, August 18, at 7 am, for a trip to Portland. You will board your ferry for a two-hour narrated cruise of Casco Bay, highlighting its many islands and coastline. You’ll have a luncheon at the famous Cook’s Lobster House. The entree choices include lobster casserole, fish ’n chips, chicken cordon bleu, or grilled sirloin. Later you’ll visit Freeport, Maine, with time to shop at the outlets. You’ll return around 6:30 pm. The cost is $80/pp, including the driver’s tip. Please contact Rita Tetrault at 508-966-0398.
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