November News & Programs for Seniors Announced
Oct 25, 2016 11:30AM ● By Pamela Johnson
Bellingham Senior Center
- Triad Meeting—Thursday, Nov. 3, 11 am. Learn how to prevent scams, fraud and abuse. For those who sign up in advance (by 8:30 am on Nov. 3) a light lunch will be provided at no cost. Also, you may pick up your free File of Life.
- Annual Holiday Craft Fair—Stop by 40 Blackstone Street on Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 am–3 pm. See this year’s array of gift options for your holiday shopping by local artists and craftspeople, including jewelry, assorted crafts, unique Christmas gifts, hand-knitted and crocheted items, handbags, totes, stocking-stuffers, embroidered items, candles, cards, country accessories, home-made baked goods, jams, jellies, spice rubs, food concessions, and more. Prizes drawings include cash, gift cards, gift certificates and baskets, four brand-new bikes with helmets, and more. Chances may be purchased in advance. All prizes will be awarded on the day of the fair; you don’t have to be present to win. Music will be provided by radio host Polka Paul. Donated baked goods can be dropped off on Friday (Nov. 4) or early Saturday morning. Rides available; call 508-657-2709.
- Turkey Luncheon—The Bellingham and Franklin Lions Clubs are sponsoring a free senior luncheon on Saturday, Dec. 3, for all senior citizens of Bellingham and Franklin, at the Bellingham Senior Center, 40 Blackstone Street. There will be two sittings—11 am and 1 pm. Since space is limited, all senior citizens should call or sign up at the Bellingham or Franklin senior centers to reserve a seat at the luncheon. For a ride, Bellingham residents are asked to call 508-657-2709.
- Genealogy—Monthly genealogy workshop on Nov. 7, 2–4 pm, with Toni Picariello. Find out more about your family history at your own pace. Pick one relative to research (try to get as much information as you can on that person). Check out genealogy-software-review.toptenreviews.com. No fee if you are age 60 or older.
- Nurse Trish Flu Shot & BP Clinic—Monday, Nov. 7, 10–12 pm. Stop by to meet the new town nurse, have your blood pressure checked and health questions answered, and get your flu shot (no cost with your Medicare card). Sponsored by the Bellingham Board of Health.
- Fall Arrangement Workshop—Brian Perrico of Brian’s Country Greenery will conduct a seasonal craft workshop at the Bellingham Senior Center on Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 6 pm. Brian provides the guidance and supplies; you pay a modest fee ($15) and leave with a completed craft with fresh flowers and a fall feel for your home. Limited to ten people; sign-up in advance by calling 508-966-0398.
- Veterans’ Celebration—Thursday, Nov. 10, at 12 pm. The Bellingham Council on Aging will host a special veterans’ event. Vets are invited to attend for free (with complimentary ticket); all others may attend for $6/pp. Tickets may be picked up at the front desk. An Italian lasagna lunch, desSert and beverages will be followed by a concert from Howie Newman. Reserve your seat by Monday, Nov. 7. This program is made possible in part by generous COA donations.
- Bereavement Support—Thursday, Nov. 10, 11:15 am. Join with others who have experienced a loss. Over time, you will talk, listen, and heal. Bereavement Group Leader is resident Kay Page. Anyone interested should call the senior center at 508-966-0398 and give your name and phone number. (Funded by a state grant administered by MA Association for Councils on Aging and Senior Center Directors.)
- Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!—Prescription Advantage is initiating an outreach campaign to encourage members with high drug costs to review Medicare Part D plan options for 2017 in case there is a plan that can lower their expenses. The University Pharmacy Outreach Program (MCPHS) will assist with this project by reviewing the Part D plans using Medicare’s plan finder and identifying any lower-cost plan options that are available; and, if the member wishes to change plans, MCPHS can assist the member with the enrollment process or refer them to Medicare or the Part D plan. If you receive a letter and would like assistance to make sure that you are enrolled in the best plan for you, call the senior center at 508-966-0398.In Bellingham Judy and Leland Katz provide free, unbiased, confidential counseling most Tuesdays by appointment. Call 508-966-0398 and ask for a SHINE appointment at the Bellingham Senior Center or call the Regional SHINE Office at 508-422-9931.
- Ham & Bean Supper—Saturday, Nov.12, at 5:30 pm. Menu also includes coleslaw, cornbread, drinks and apple pie. Cost is $10/pp which includes entertainment; there will be a 50/50 raffle. Reserve your seat early. This is a Bellingham Elder Service Group (BESG) fundraiser to benefit the Bellingham Senior Center and seniors in need. Tickets are available from BESG Board Members and at the Senior Center. To arrange your ride, call 508-657-2709.
- Cooking Class—Whole Foods Market’s Healthy Eating Specialist Dawn Berthelette will present the two-part “Supporting a Healthy Brain” cooking classes, covering some of the benefits of eating more brain-healthful foods, and giving simple tips and suggestions on how to incorporate more of these whole foods into your diet to promote cognitive function. There is no fee for this class, but it is limited to 10 people, so advance sign-up is required; call 508-966-0398. On Nov. 14, at 2:30 pm: Dessert First—Chocolate Pudding and Turmeric Tea; On Dec. 5 at 2:30 pm: You Are What You Beet: Let Them Beet Cake and Cold Beet and Ginger Salad.
- BCOA Update—The next COA meeting will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 1 pm. Learn more about the services and programs available here. Refreshments are served and an attendance prize is awarded. At the last meeting the discussion included this year’s Christmas Party. The date is set for Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 11:30 am. Also, there are passes available for seniors interested in attending TriValley League games for free (not including MIAA tourney or ice hockey), thanks to a generous donation. Check at the front desk. Lastly, and sadly, COA Board Chair Rita Tetrault announced that Vice-Chair Gordon Curtis is resigning from the Board because of health issues. Any resident interested in serving the unexpired term should submit a letter of interest to COA Director Laura DeMattia.
- Welcome Tour—Are you new to town, just retired, now 60 or older? We offer an official Welcome Tour for residents interested in finding out the basics about the Center and what is offered. The tour will take place on Friday, Nov. 18, at 1pm. Call Lisa Mottola to make arrangements at 508-657-2708.
- Bellingham/Franklin Companion Caregivers Respite Program—For more information please call Camille at 508-520-4945. This program is made available through a generous grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation. Also, the Memory Café is held on the third Thursday of each month at the Franklin Senior Center, providing a fun social event for those with dementia & their caregivers.
- Bellingham-GATRA Transportation—If you are at least 60 years old or a younger disabled resident, we provide rides in town and the surrounding area up to 10 miles. Our vans can even accommodate wheelchairs, canes or walkers. Those requesting a ride for the first time will be screened for eligibility. While no fare is charged, suggested donations are gratefully accepted and used for transportation-related needs over and above the town’s budget. At least one day advance notice is needed for local requests. Go shopping, go to the barber, doctor, and bank or do other errands—we’ll even bring you to the Senior Center. Flyers with complete information are available by calling 508-657-2709.
- Indian Head Christmas Tour—Depart from the senior center on Monday, Dec. 5, at 8 am, for an enjoyable day with your friends at the famous Indian Head Resort. See a wonderful Christmas show and enjoy outstanding cuisine. Price includes a deluxe full-course luncheon buffet, welcome cocktail reception and open bar, the Joy to the World Christmas Show, featuring dance band and holiday floor show, a visit by Santa, sing-a-long, dancing and more. Return to the Bellingham Senior Center around 5:30 pm. Cost is $80/pp, which includes driver’s gratuity and $15 deposit due on sign-up. (Balance is due by Nov. 5). Flyers with rules and deadline are available at the Senior Center. For more information, call Rita, 508-657-2714.
- Elder Mental Health Outreach Program—If you know someone struggling with anxiety and/or depression or you have other similar concerns, there is a new program that provides outreach, assessment and evaluation services for residents age 60 and over. Mental Health Coordinator Gail Bourassa works with us to assist seniors and provide services or make referrals to an agency for continued treatment. The goal of the project is to help older adults get back to being able to enjoy social activities. In Bellingham for more information or to make a referral, please call 508-657-2710 or 508-657-2708.
- Christmas Giving Tree—Mittens, hats, scarves, socks and other handmade items are being accepted for our giving tree. Donations may be dropped off at the Center at any time through Dec. 9, when items will be given to the needy before the holidays. Write your article here...
