Bellingham COA September News and Events Announced
Aug 29, 2017 03:59PM ● By Pamela Johnson
Bellingham Senior Center
FLU CLINIC—Friday, Sept. 1, at 1 pm (free). Walgreens will be providing free flu shots at the Senior Center. Sign up at the front desk or call 508-966-0398.
TAKE A TOUR OF THE SENIOR CENTER: Are you new to town, just retired or now 60 or older? We offer a Welcome Tour for residents interested in finding out about the Senior Center. This month’s tour is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 1, at 1pm. Call 508-657-2708 to make arrangements.
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC—Tuesday, Sept. 5, 10 am–12 pm (free). Bellingham’s Public Health Nurse will take free blood pressure readings at the Senior Center. Sign up at the front desk or call 508-966-0398.
SERVING HEALTH INFORMATION NEEDS OF EVERYONE (S.H.I.N.E.)—Tuesday, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 9–11 am. At the Bellingham Senior Center, Judy and Leland Katz provide free, unbiased and confidential counseling on all aspects of health insurance to anyone on Medicare. Call 508-966-0398 to request a SHINE appointment.
FOCUS ON THE GOOD—Tuesday, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26, at 5:30 pm. $3 for seniors (65+); $5 for non-seniors. This unique program focuses on internal wellbeing and bringing out the inner you.
Treason Season Part 4: The Rosenbergs—Sept. 8, at 10:30 am. Learn about this notorious Cold War couple found guilty of conspiracy to commit espionage in 1951.
TRIAD—Thursday, Sept. 7, at 11 am (free). This program, sponsored by the District Attorney’s office, explains what is going on within the senior community of Norfolk County and covers topics such as fraud and scam prevention. Sign up at the front desk or call the Senior Center at 508-966-0398.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP—Thursday, Sept., 7 and 21, at 11:15 am (free). Join with others who have experienced loss. The group leader is resident Kay Page. If you’re interested in attending, please call the Center at 508-966-0398 and we will take your name and information. This group is funded by a state grant administered by Massachusetts Association for Councils on Aging and Senior Center Directors.
BURIED IN TREASURES—Friday, Sept. 8 and 22, at 10 am (free). Held at No. Community Bldg., 2 Maple Street. We will discuss what treasures are most important to you and how you can manage them as you age. Funding for this project was provided by the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging through a Service Incentive Grant from the state’s Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
BESG PIZZA PARTY LUNCHEON—Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 12 pm; $2 in advance, $5 at the door and $5 for non-seniors.
COA Board Meeting—Sept. 12, at 1 pm.
ZENTANGLE—Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 6:30 pm; $10 per person and supplies will be provided. Learn the relaxing and creative art of Zentangle, the all-new adult drawing class.
RHYTHMS & SOUNDS OF THE ORCHESTRA—Thursday, Sept. 1, at 2:30 pm; $5. Hear two short orchestra pieces and learn the history of the clarinet and how it is cared for. Includes coffee and pastries.
BESG YARD SALE, Sept. 16, starting at 8 am.
HOT TOPICS: GLOBAL WARMING—Monday, Sept. 18, at 1 pm (free). Larry Lowenthal will discuss the science of global warming and why it’s such an issue.
SOUTHEASTERN MA COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND—Monday, Sept. 18, at 7 pm. Donation of a durable good for the food pantry requested. Enjoy an entertaining concert of patriotic songs, marches, show tunes, big band numbers, and more!
RETIREMENT PLANNING SERIES—Tuesday, Sept. 19, 5–7 pm (free). Financial Advisor Gerald Loftin, will discuss financial planning for retirement. Attendees must commit to attend each monthly meeting of the 5-month series. Sign up at the front desk or call the Senior Center at 508-966-0398.
LEGAL CONSULTATIONS—Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2–4 pm (free). Attorney Daniel T. Doyle is available by appointment for free legal consultations. To schedule your free 15-minute consultation, sign up at the front desk or call the Senior Center at 508-966-0398.
BESG FOXWOODS TRIP, Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7:45 am; $22 per person.
HOW TO MAKE A FLEECE BLANKET—Thursday, Sept. 21, at 1 pm (free). Participants must bring two 2-yard pieces of fleece or a large kit of their choice to create their blanket.
COA ANNUAL BREAKFAST— Saturday, Sept. 23, at 9 am (free). Open to Bellingham senior (60+) residents only. Sign up for this yearly fall breakfast. The menu includes juice, coffee, tea, eggs, pancakes, ham, sausage and mini-muffins. This event is made possible by a generous gift from Evelyn and Bill Cummings, and by our many COA volunteers. Please call 508-966-0398 for reservations and 508-657-2709 to request a ride.
A MATTER OF BALANCE—Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 9:30 am (free). Learn practical strategies to manage falls and increase activity levels. These programs are made possible through a grant provided by the Administration of Community Living in collaboration with the Healthy Living Center of Excellence and by funding from the Older Americans Act as granted by BayPath Elder Services, Inc.
ALZHEIMER’S: COPING WITH EARLY MEMORY LOSS—Sept. 26, at 4 pm (free). Explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s. Please be sure to sign up at the front desk or call 508-966-0398 to reserve your space today.
BESG BIRTHDAY PARTY—Thursday, Sept. 28, at 12 pm; $9 per person.
BELLINGHAM TRAVELING BILLIARDS TEAM—We are looking for an additional few players interested in joining. Matches are played on Thursdays, 10 am–12:30 pm. Matches take place early-September through mid-November and are played in Holliston, Framingham, Natick, Needham and Norwood. Two matches are played with each town’s teams, one at home and one away. Bellingham plays its home game at Holliston. Anyone interested should stop by the front desk or call 508-966-0398.
DON’T IGNORE YOUR MEDICARE MAIL—It’s that time of year again. If you have a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO, PPO), you should be receiving information from your plan by the end of September. It is important to understand and save this information because it explains the changes in your plan for 2018, including changes to the plan providers, network, and drug plan formulary that would let you know if your medications will continue to be covered and if the tier and cost are changing. This is important information; if you don’t understand it, you should discuss it with your caregivers or schedule an appointment with a SHINE Counselor during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.
During the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period (Oct. 15–Dec. 7), you will have a chance to change your plan for next year. SHINE Counselors can help you understand your plan changes, as well as other options you may have. To schedule a SHINE appointment during Open Enrollment please call the Senior Center at 508-966-0398.
VA NEWS: ELIGIBILITY FOR BURIAL IN A VA NATIONAL CEMETERY—Anyone interested in applying for a pre-need eligibility determination for burial may submit VA Form 40-10007, found online at www.vagov/baforms/va/pdf/VA4010007.pdf. If you plan to be buried in a private cemetery and just want a government-furnished headstone or marker, you need to complete VA Form 40-1330, which is also online, or you can call your Veteran Service Officer.
SUPPORTIVE DAY PROGRAM—Mondays-Fridays, 9 am–3 pm; $35/day. Members can spend as little as one, or up to five, days per week in this program. Healthy snacks and lunch are included. Enjoyment, conversation and gentle exercise are part of each day. Transportation is available at no additional cost for residents. Please call the Supportive Day Program Coordinator, Olivia Mathieu, at 508-657-2711, with any questions.
SAFE NEEDLE DISPOSAL OPTIONS—You may use the large collection container stationed inside near the front door of the Senior Center by placing your needles, syringes and sharps in a designated container marked with the universal biohazard warning symbol or a sturdy container that is water and puncture proof, such as a coffee can or smaller bleach or detergent bottle, and drop them off.
BELLINGHAM PROPERTY TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM—Earn up to $1,000 off your property tax bill while helping the Town of Bellingham. For more information, please call Nancy Champney at 508-657-2707.
RMV NEAR ME—Senior citizens can receive assistance in processing routine RMV transactions online with help from Lisa Mottola, Assistant Director. Please call Lisa at 508-657-2708 to schedule an appointment.
GATRA TRANSPORTATION—If you are at least 60 years of age, or a younger disabled resident, we provide rides in town and the surrounding area up to 10 miles. For more information or to schedule a ride, call the Senior Center at 508-657-2709. The COA policy is to suspend Dial-A-Ride transportation services and Senior Center activities during legal holidays and on the days in which the Bellingham Public Schools are closed because of snow or other inclement weather.
TAKE A TOUR OF THE SENIOR CENTER: Are you new to town, just retired or now 60 or older? We offer a Welcome Tour for residents interested in finding out about the Senior Center. This month’s tour is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 1, at 1pm. Call 508-657-2708 to make arrangements.
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC—Tuesday, Sept. 5, 10 am–12 pm (free). Bellingham’s Public Health Nurse will take free blood pressure readings at the Senior Center. Sign up at the front desk or call 508-966-0398.
SERVING HEALTH INFORMATION NEEDS OF EVERYONE (S.H.I.N.E.)—Tuesday, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 9–11 am. At the Bellingham Senior Center, Judy and Leland Katz provide free, unbiased and confidential counseling on all aspects of health insurance to anyone on Medicare. Call 508-966-0398 to request a SHINE appointment.
FOCUS ON THE GOOD—Tuesday, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26, at 5:30 pm. $3 for seniors (65+); $5 for non-seniors. This unique program focuses on internal wellbeing and bringing out the inner you.
JOY OF LEARNING
Journey Through the Ottoman Empire—Tuesday, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 16, at 6 pm (free). This educational and informational two-part program takes participants back in time as they explore the fascinating history of the Ottoman Empire and the Barbarian Empire of the Steppes.Treason Season Part 4: The Rosenbergs—Sept. 8, at 10:30 am. Learn about this notorious Cold War couple found guilty of conspiracy to commit espionage in 1951.
TRIAD—Thursday, Sept. 7, at 11 am (free). This program, sponsored by the District Attorney’s office, explains what is going on within the senior community of Norfolk County and covers topics such as fraud and scam prevention. Sign up at the front desk or call the Senior Center at 508-966-0398.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP—Thursday, Sept., 7 and 21, at 11:15 am (free). Join with others who have experienced loss. The group leader is resident Kay Page. If you’re interested in attending, please call the Center at 508-966-0398 and we will take your name and information. This group is funded by a state grant administered by Massachusetts Association for Councils on Aging and Senior Center Directors.
BURIED IN TREASURES—Friday, Sept. 8 and 22, at 10 am (free). Held at No. Community Bldg., 2 Maple Street. We will discuss what treasures are most important to you and how you can manage them as you age. Funding for this project was provided by the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging through a Service Incentive Grant from the state’s Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
BESG PIZZA PARTY LUNCHEON—Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 12 pm; $2 in advance, $5 at the door and $5 for non-seniors.
COA Board Meeting—Sept. 12, at 1 pm.
ZENTANGLE—Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 6:30 pm; $10 per person and supplies will be provided. Learn the relaxing and creative art of Zentangle, the all-new adult drawing class.
RHYTHMS & SOUNDS OF THE ORCHESTRA—Thursday, Sept. 1, at 2:30 pm; $5. Hear two short orchestra pieces and learn the history of the clarinet and how it is cared for. Includes coffee and pastries.
BESG YARD SALE, Sept. 16, starting at 8 am.
HOT TOPICS: GLOBAL WARMING—Monday, Sept. 18, at 1 pm (free). Larry Lowenthal will discuss the science of global warming and why it’s such an issue.
SOUTHEASTERN MA COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND—Monday, Sept. 18, at 7 pm. Donation of a durable good for the food pantry requested. Enjoy an entertaining concert of patriotic songs, marches, show tunes, big band numbers, and more!
RETIREMENT PLANNING SERIES—Tuesday, Sept. 19, 5–7 pm (free). Financial Advisor Gerald Loftin, will discuss financial planning for retirement. Attendees must commit to attend each monthly meeting of the 5-month series. Sign up at the front desk or call the Senior Center at 508-966-0398.
LEGAL CONSULTATIONS—Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2–4 pm (free). Attorney Daniel T. Doyle is available by appointment for free legal consultations. To schedule your free 15-minute consultation, sign up at the front desk or call the Senior Center at 508-966-0398.
BESG FOXWOODS TRIP, Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7:45 am; $22 per person.
HOW TO MAKE A FLEECE BLANKET—Thursday, Sept. 21, at 1 pm (free). Participants must bring two 2-yard pieces of fleece or a large kit of their choice to create their blanket.
COA ANNUAL BREAKFAST— Saturday, Sept. 23, at 9 am (free). Open to Bellingham senior (60+) residents only. Sign up for this yearly fall breakfast. The menu includes juice, coffee, tea, eggs, pancakes, ham, sausage and mini-muffins. This event is made possible by a generous gift from Evelyn and Bill Cummings, and by our many COA volunteers. Please call 508-966-0398 for reservations and 508-657-2709 to request a ride.
A MATTER OF BALANCE—Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 9:30 am (free). Learn practical strategies to manage falls and increase activity levels. These programs are made possible through a grant provided by the Administration of Community Living in collaboration with the Healthy Living Center of Excellence and by funding from the Older Americans Act as granted by BayPath Elder Services, Inc.
ALZHEIMER’S: COPING WITH EARLY MEMORY LOSS—Sept. 26, at 4 pm (free). Explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s. Please be sure to sign up at the front desk or call 508-966-0398 to reserve your space today.
BESG BIRTHDAY PARTY—Thursday, Sept. 28, at 12 pm; $9 per person.
BELLINGHAM TRAVELING BILLIARDS TEAM—We are looking for an additional few players interested in joining. Matches are played on Thursdays, 10 am–12:30 pm. Matches take place early-September through mid-November and are played in Holliston, Framingham, Natick, Needham and Norwood. Two matches are played with each town’s teams, one at home and one away. Bellingham plays its home game at Holliston. Anyone interested should stop by the front desk or call 508-966-0398.
DON’T IGNORE YOUR MEDICARE MAIL—It’s that time of year again. If you have a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO, PPO), you should be receiving information from your plan by the end of September. It is important to understand and save this information because it explains the changes in your plan for 2018, including changes to the plan providers, network, and drug plan formulary that would let you know if your medications will continue to be covered and if the tier and cost are changing. This is important information; if you don’t understand it, you should discuss it with your caregivers or schedule an appointment with a SHINE Counselor during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.
During the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period (Oct. 15–Dec. 7), you will have a chance to change your plan for next year. SHINE Counselors can help you understand your plan changes, as well as other options you may have. To schedule a SHINE appointment during Open Enrollment please call the Senior Center at 508-966-0398.
VA NEWS: ELIGIBILITY FOR BURIAL IN A VA NATIONAL CEMETERY—Anyone interested in applying for a pre-need eligibility determination for burial may submit VA Form 40-10007, found online at www.vagov/baforms/va/pdf/VA4010007.pdf. If you plan to be buried in a private cemetery and just want a government-furnished headstone or marker, you need to complete VA Form 40-1330, which is also online, or you can call your Veteran Service Officer.
SAFE NEEDLE DISPOSAL OPTIONS—You may use the large collection container stationed inside near the front door of the Senior Center by placing your needles, syringes and sharps in a designated container marked with the universal biohazard warning symbol or a sturdy container that is water and puncture proof, such as a coffee can or smaller bleach or detergent bottle, and drop them off.
BELLINGHAM PROPERTY TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM—Earn up to $1,000 off your property tax bill while helping the Town of Bellingham. For more information, please call Nancy Champney at 508-657-2707.
RMV NEAR ME—Senior citizens can receive assistance in processing routine RMV transactions online with help from Lisa Mottola, Assistant Director. Please call Lisa at 508-657-2708 to schedule an appointment.
GATRA TRANSPORTATION—If you are at least 60 years of age, or a younger disabled resident, we provide rides in town and the surrounding area up to 10 miles. For more information or to schedule a ride, call the Senior Center at 508-657-2709. The COA policy is to suspend Dial-A-Ride transportation services and Senior Center activities during legal holidays and on the days in which the Bellingham Public Schools are closed because of snow or other inclement weather.
FREE PROGRAMMING:
- CHAIR VOLLEYBALL, Mondays, 9:30 am
- QUILTERS & KNITTERS, Mondays, 9:30 am
- POKER, Mondays, 1 pm
- CONVERSATIONAL ITALIAN, Mondays, 1:30pm
- GUITAR, Tuesdays at 8 am
- PITCH, Tuesdays, 1 pm
- BRIDGE, Wednesdays, 9 am
- CHORUS, Wednesdays, 10 am
- MEN’S GROUP, Wednesdays, 10 am
- MOTION TO MUSIC, Wednesdays, 11:30 am
- BINGO, Wednesdays, 1 pm
- POOL LEAGUE, Thursdays, 9 am–12 pm
- MAHJONG, Thursdays, 1 pm
- CRIBBAGE, Fridays, 9 am
- CANASTA, Fridays, 12 pm
- BILLIARD ROOM HOURS: Mon, 8 am-4 pm; Tues, 8 am-7 pm; Wed & Thur, 1–4 pm; Fri, 8 am-12 pm.
FEE-BASED PROGRAMMING
- CHAIR EXERCISE: Mondays and Fridays, 10:30am, $3 per class
- BASIC YOGA: Tuesdays, 10:30am, $3 per class
- WIRE-WRAP JEWERLY MAKING: Tuesdays, 10 am, $10 per class
- YOGALATES: Thursdays, 10 am, $5 per class
- TAI CHI: Tuesdays, 5:45 pm, 10-class series for $150 or $17 per class drop-in fee, Fridays, 1 pm; $5 for seniors (65+) and $10 for non-seniors
- ZUMBA/CORE: Fridays, 9:30 am, $3 per class
- LINE DANCING: Beginners—Mondays, 1 pm; Advanced—Mondays, 2pm, $2 per class
