Council on Aging March News and Events Announced

Following is a list of programming and events for senior citizens, either held at the senior center or sponsored by the COA or Bellingham Elder Service Group. These programs and events are free unless otherwise noted. The Senior Center makes decisions regarding the scheduling of these programs and services based on the number of attendees who have registered, so please remember to sign up at the front desk, or call 508-966-0398. (This also applies to services such as SHINE and legal and/or financial consultations, which are available by appointment only.)

• TRIAD & SENIOR SAFE: DRIVING & ROAD SAFETY—Thurs., March 1 at 11 am. Triad’s Joseph Canavan and Bellingham Fire Department’s Brad Kwatcher combine forces to present an educational program on driving safety and how to recognize signs of driving impairment. This will include information on calling 911 for ambulatory assistance.
• BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP—Thurs., March 1 and 15, at 11:15 am. Join with others who have experienced a loss. Funded by a state grant administered by MA Association for Councils on Aging and Senior Center Directors.
• BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC—Mon., March 5, 10am–12pm; free. The town nurse will take blood pressure readings at the Senior Center.
• BESG Chinese Luncheon— Tues., March 6, 12 pm; $7 for members, $10 for non-members and late registrants.
• SERVING HEALTH INFORMATION NEEDS OF EVERYONE—Tues., March 6, 13, 20 & 27, 9 am–12 pm. SHINE representatives Judy and Leland Katz provide free, unbiased and confidential counseling on all aspects of health insurance to anyone on Medicare, by appointment only.
• JOY OF LEARNING: THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE—Tues., March 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 1:30 pm; (note: confirm with Paul Peter). This educational and informational program explores the fascinating history of the Ottoman Empire. A 30-minute DVD presentation followed by a group discussion.
• WOMEN’S WISDOM GROUP—Thur., March 8, at 1 pm. The group will discuss life issues and the skills needed to problem solve as well as other issues pertinent to one’s well-being that the group wishes to address. The goal is to establish a core of friends who can share experiences and become less reticent to talk to new people. It is hoped that this group will be the core of new seniors who have moved to town and could use a helping hand in adjusting to life Bellingham style. (For more information, see Amy Bartelloni’s article on page 27.)
• COA Board Meeting—Tues., March 13, 1 pm.
• ST. PATRICK’S DAY SENIOR LUNCHEON—Wed., March 14, at 11:30 am. Open to Bellingham senior residents only, this event is free and features a traditional corned beef dinner with all the trimmings. The deadline to reserve your seat is Mon., Mar. 5. (For more information, see separate release on page 4.)
• BESG MOHEGAN SUN TRIP—Thur., March 15, 7:45 am–5 pm; $22 per person. Package includes free food, free bet, and a chance for a free trip
• FINANCIAL CONSULTATIONS—Thurs., March 15, 10am–12pm. Gerald Loftin is available for free financial consultations, by appointment only.
• HISTORY AT PLAY: HEDY LAMARR—Thursday, March 15, at 2 pm. Cost is $3 plus a donation to the food pantry. Whether selling war bonds for $50,000 a kiss, or inventing a secret communication system, with the help of American composer George Antheil, Hedy Lamarr knows she is more than just a glamorous girl. Explore the life of this Hollywood actress & WWII inventor with historical interpreter Judith Kalaora (who previously portrayed Christa McAuliffe).
• HOW TO MAKE A FLEECE BLANKET—Thurs., March 15, at 1 pm. Participants must bring two 2-yard pieces of fleece or a large kit to create their blanket—makes for a perfect gift! Sign up at the front desk or call 508-966-0398.
• Red Cross Blood Drive: Sat., March 17, 9am–2pm.
• LEGAL CONSULTATIONS—Wed., March 21, 2–4pm. 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 508-966-0398.
• “THE PAGE TURNERS” BOOK CLUB—Mon., March 26, at 11 am. Do you love to read? Have a suggestion for a great book or author? Then  join this newly formed club—everybody is invited!
• BESG MONTHLY BIRTHDAY PARTY—Thursday, March 29, 12–2pm; $9/pp includes barbecue chicken; catered by Chef du Jour.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

Mondays

• BILLIARD ROOM HOURS: Mon., Tues. and Thurs., 8am–4pm; Wed., 1–4 pm; and Fri., 8am–12pm.
• QUILTERS & KNITTERS: Mondays, 9 am
• CHAIR VOLLEYBALL: Mondays, 9:30 am
• CHAIR EXERCISE: Monday and Friday, 10:30am; Cost is $3 per class.
• POKER: Mondays, 1 pm
• CONVERSATIONAL ITALIAN: Mondays at 1 pm. Open to Italian language learners of all levels.

Tuesdays

• BASIC YOGA: Tuesdays, at 10 am; $3 per class
• GUITAR: Tuesdays, at 8 am
• PITCH: Tuesdays, at 1 pm

Wednesdays

• BRIDGE: Wednesdays, at 9 am
• CHORUS: Wednesdays, at 10 am
• MEN’S GROUP: Wednesdays, at 10 am. Join us for coffee, conversation and a joke or two.
• MOTION TO MUSIC: Wednesdays, at 11 am
• BINGO: Wednesdays, at 1 pm

Thursdays

• YOGALATES: Thursdays, at 10 am; $5 per class
• MAHJONG: Thursdays, at 1 pm

Fridays

• CRIBBAGE: Fridays, at 9 am
• ZUMBA/CORE: Fridays at 9:30 am; $3 per class
• CANASTA: Fridays, at 12 pm
• TAI CHI: Fridays, at 1 pm; $5 for seniors (65+); $10 for non-seniors.

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFO

• Alzheimer’s Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
• CareGiving Metrowest: www.caregivingmetro west.org
• Central MA Agency on Aging (info & referral): 1-800-244-3032
• FoodSource Hotline (food stamps): 1-800-645-8333
• GATRA (transportation): www.gatra.org, 1-800-483-2500
• INFO for MA elders & families: www.800ageinfo.com
• Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry: 1-508-966-1274
• Mass Options (free link to services): 1-844-422-6277
• MCPHS (prescription help): 1-866-633-1617
• RUOK program (phone reassurance): 1-866-900-7865
• SMOC (heating assistance): 1-800-286-6776
• Tri Valley Elder Services, Inc. (help at home): 1-800-286-6640 or 1-508-949-6640
• VA (healthcare Q&A): 1-877-222-8387

VA NEWS

Veterans Service Officer Bob Greenhalgh has submitted the following information for local vets.    
Us Against Alzheimer’s released a report in October, highlighting the correlation between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression, Alzheimer’s and dementia. The report states that 49% of veterans who are age 65 or older are at greater risk of Alzheimer’s. Older vets who have suffered a TBI are 60% more likely to develop dementia. For more information, visit www.veteransagainstalzheimers.org.
Greenhalgh may be reached at 774-292-2437.