COA Announces April News & Events

Following are April events announced by the Bellingham COA. The Senior Center makes decisions regarding the scheduling of programs based on the number of attendees who sign up so please remember to sign up for programs at the front desk or call 508-966-0398.

• BESG MONTHLY LUNCH: Tuesday, April 3, 12pm; $7 for members, $10 for non-members and late sign ups. Menu includes fish and chips by Mickey G.
• WIRE WRAP JEWELRY: Wednesdays, beginning April 4, at 10 am. Designed specifically to aid people with tremors, arthritis and post-stroke, this weekly class is open to anyone who’d like to create unique jewelry for family and friends. The cost is $5.00 per class to pay for materials including silver and semiprecious gems. Please sign up at the front desk or call by April 12.
• JOY OF LEARNING: THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE: Tuesdays, April 3, 10, 17, and 24, at 1:30 pm; free. 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.
• TRIAD: Thursday, April 5, at 11 am; free. Triad is a program that the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office runs by working with local Councils on Aging to put seniors in touch with local public safety and social service organizations. Join us for an informative meeting and please bring your questions.
• BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: Thurs., April 5 and 19, at 11:15 am; free. Join with others who have experienced a similar loss. Funded by a state grant Administered by Massachusetts Association for Councils on Aging and Senior Center Directors. Please call 508-966-0398 to sign up.
• BOARD OF SELECTMEN AT SENIOR CENTER: Join us on Friday, April 6, when the Board of Selectmen hold a meeting and complimentary breakfast at the Senior Center, at 10 am. Bring your questions! Join us Friday, April 6th, when the Board of Selectmen hold a meeting at the Senior Center. 10 am and complimentary breakfast. Bring your questions!
• BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC: Mon., April 9 at 10am-12pm; free. Bellingham’s Public Health Nurse will be taking free blood pressure readings at the Senior Center. Sign up at the front desk or call 508-966-0398.
• COA Board Meeting: Tuesday, April 10, at 1pm.
• BIRDS: Thursdays in April, 11am–12pm. Bellingham Backyard Birders; Frank and Leslie will answer your questions.
• BESG Brunch & Brewery Tour: Thursday, April 12, 9:30 am. Come with us to Parker’s Maple Barn for a fantastic brunch featuring fresh maple syrup, maple ham, pancakes, eggs and more, and learn about maple sugaring. And then, off to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery where we’ll learn about beer making. Taste-testing is encouraged. Trip to NH departs by motorcoach on Thursday, April 12, at 9:30 am and returns at 5:30 pm; $69 per person.
• WOMEN’S WISDOM GROUP: Thursdays, April 12 and 26, at 1pm; free. 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. Discuss life issues and other issues pertinent to your well-being. Establish a core of friends who can share experiences and become less reticent to talk to new people.
• SHINGLES CLINIC: Friday, April 13, 12:30–2:30pm. New product has 91% protection rate; bring your medical card.
• DO YOU REMEMBER THE 1960s? Friday, April 13, at 10:30 am; free. “If you remember the ’60s, then you probably weren’t into drugs” as they say; “If you remember the 60s, then you didn’t participate in them.” Gary Hylander, who may or may not have participated, will be at the Center to help us all catch up on that decade from long ago. In the first of four appearances, Gary will explore the Vietnam War focusing on the TET offensive. Bring your memories, comments and questions. Sign up at the front desk or call before April 7.
• LEGAL CONSULTATIONS: Wednesday, April 18, 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 508-966-0398.
• FINANCIAL CONSULTATIONS: Thurs., April 19, 10am–12pm. Gerald Loftin is available by appointment for free financial consultations. To schedule your consultation, sign up at the front desk or call 508-966-0398.
• TEA & TALK: Thursday, April 19, 1–3 pm; free. You are invited to a formal tea party with china tea cups and saucers as well as some delicious pastries. The Bellingham Library will host a fascinating discussion about banned books. Reserve your spot today.
• “THE PAGE TURNERS” BOOK CLUB: Monday, April 30, at 11 am; free. If you love to read or have a suggestion for a great book or author, then join this newly formed club. Everyone is invited to join us.
• BESG BIRTHDAY PARTY: Thursday, April 26, 12–2pm; $9 per person includes meatloaf by Mickey G.

General, (Non-Dated) Events/News

SAFE NEEDLE DISPOSAL OPTIONS—You may use the large collection container stationed in the Senior Center. Needles, syringes and sharps must be in a sturdy container that is water- and puncture-proof (such as a coffee can or smaller bleach or detergent bottle) and marked with the universal biohazard warning symbol. No plastic bags or loose needles; see the front desk if you require a container.
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.
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.
SUPPORTIVE DAY PROGRAM: Monday–Wednesday, 9 am–3 pm; $35/day. Members can spend one—three 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. For more information, contact Program Coordinator Olivia Mathieu  at 508-657-2711.
FEDERAL POVERTY LEVELS HAVE INCREASED: As a result of increases to the Federal Poverty Level, eligibility guidelines for public benefits programs in Massachusetts have changed. MassHealth has increased the income limits for several programs for which you may be eligible. To be eligible for MassHealth Standard, the income has increased from $1,025 for a single person to $1,032. It has increased to $1,392 from $1,374 for a married couple. For MassHealth Buy-in (which would pay your Medicare Part B premium), the eligibility income has gone up to $1,386 from $1,377 for a single person, and from $1,847 to $1,872 for a couple. These increases also apply to Full Extra Help, a program from Social Security that helps pay for your medications. You can qualify for Partial Extra Help if your income is below $1,538 for a single person and $2,078 for a married couple. If you think you may be eligible under these new income guidelines, then feel free to call SHINE or visit www.shinema.org for more information.