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Bellingham Senior Center Announces December News & Events

Nov 29, 2016 06:00AM ● By Pamela Johnson
Earn a Break on your Property Tax
Find out more about how the Bellingham Property Tax Work-Off Program operates. Pick up your application at the Senior Center for the new program year (Dec. 1, 2016—Nov 30, 2017).  Earn up to $1,000 off your property tax bill while helping the town.
 
New opportunities are available at Bellingham High Athletic Department including play-by-play announcers, scorekeepers, game photographers, gate and door attendants, and more. To find out more about these available roles contact BHS Athletic Director Michael Connor at 508-966-4283.
 
For more information on the town-funded Senior and Veteran Tax Work-Off Program or to pick up an application, call the Senior Center (Intake Site) at 508-966-0398.

Elder Service Group Happenings
The next dinner is scheduled for Dec. 6, including beef stew with rolls, a salad and dessert. Sign up at the Senior Center.
Dues letters will be going out soon with the 2017 schedule of meals and event dates, so please be prompt getting your dues returned by Jan. 1. A great deal has been done over the past year to improve the Senior Center and help make it a welcoming place to come and meet friends.

Need Help Paying for Heat?
If you’re struggling to heat your home, call the senior center, the town’s intake site for the So. Middlesex Opportunity Council Fuel Assistance Program for all ages. Eligibility is determined by gross household income. You may also qualify for electricity discounts and weatherization programs. Intake for the program runs until the end of April 2017. Stop by or call for more information.

Supplemental Fuel Assistance is also available through the town; applications are available at the Senior Center, Town Clerk’s Office, and Community Development Office, 2 Mechanic St. For additional information call the Bellingham Community Development Office,  508-657-2890.
Cooking Class—On Dec. 5, 2:30 pm, Whole Foods Market’s Healthy Eating Specialist Dawn Berthelette will conduct part 2 of Supporting a Healthy Brain—You Are What You Beet, Let Them Beet Cake and Cold Beet and Ginger Salad. Dawn will cover the benefits of eating brain-healthy foods and give simple tips and suggestions on how to incorporate more of these whole foods into the diet in order to promote a cognitive function. There’s no fee for the class, but size is limited to 10 so advance sign-up is required by calling 508-966-0398.
 
Medicare Open Enrollment ends Dec. 7—Judy and Leland Katz provide free, unbiased, confidential counseling on all aspects of health insurance to anyone on Medicare on Tuesdays by appointment as well as on Monday Dec. 5. 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.

December Events

  • TRIAD Meeting—Thursday, Dec. 1, 11 am. Learn more about how to prevent scams, fraud and abuse. For those who sign up by 8:30 am on Dec. 1, a light lunch will be provided at no cost. Also, pick up your free File of Life. Please join us.
  • Senior Luncheon—The Bellingham and Franklin Lions Clubs will sponsor a senior luncheon on Saturday, Dec. 3, for all senior citizens in both towns at the Bellingham Senior Center, 40 Blackstone Street. There will be two sittings—11 am and 1 pm. Space is limited; seniors should call or sign up at either senior center to reserve a seat. For a ride, Bellingham residents are asked to call 508-657-2709.
  • Blood Pressure Clinic with Nurse Trish—Monday, Dec. 5, 10 am—12 pm, at 40 Blackstone St., Bellingham. No appointment needed.
  • Indian Head Christmas Tour— Monday, Dec. 5, depart from 40 Blackstone St. at 8:00 am for an enjoyable day at Indian Head Resort, including a Christmas show and outstanding cuisine. Return aboard a luxury coach around 5:30 pm. Cost, due at sign up, is $80/pp (includes driver’s gratuity). For more information, call Rita, 508-657-2714.
  • Bereavement Support—The group meets this month on Thursday, Dec. 8 & 22, at 11:15 am. This is an opportunity to join with others who have experienced a similar loss. Attend as many or as few of the meetings as you wish; one time or every other week. Call the Center at 508-966-0398 and leave your name and number. This group is funded by a state grant administered by Massachusetts Association for Councils on Aging and Senior Center Directors.
  • Annual Senior Christmas Party—Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 11:30 am. Come for a catered luncheon of stuffed chicken breast and all the fixin’s. Event co-sponsored by the COA and Bellingham Elder Service Group. Cost is $10/pp if you live in town and are at least 60 years of age, or are a member in good standing of the “Friends.” The cost is $15 for others. Musical entertainment will be supplied by The Swing Fever Trio (Steve Rudolph, Alan Trebat, and Ralph Pepe). Only 125 tickets.
  • Christmas Workshop—Brian’s Country Greenery owner Brian Perrico will conduct a workshop at the Senior Center on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 6 pm.  Brian provides the guidance and supplies; you pay $15 and leave with a decorative boxwood tree craft for your home. Limited to ten people, so stop by and get your name on the list as soon as possible by calling 508-966-0398. 
  • Prepare, Survive, Recover—Thursday, Dec. 15, 11:30 am. Learn the latest recommendations to protect yourself from a winter storm emergency. Guest speaker is Bellingham Deputy Fire Chief Mark Poirier, who also serves as the town’s Emergency Management Director. Call 508-966-0398 to save your spot. A complimentary lunch is provided if you make a reservation by Dec. 14.
  • Birthday Party—The Nov. and Dec. birthday parties have been combined and will be celebrated on Thursday, Dec. 29, at 12 pm. A chicken parmesan buffet for $9 pp is planned. Everyone with a birthday in either month will receive a gift. Reservations must be accompanied by payment; no refund if you cancel after Dec. 27, 4 pm. All residents 90+ are invited free with a reservation during their birthday month. This month’s birthday cake will be donated by Franklin Health & Rehabilitation Center.
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