Bellingham Senior Center: News, August Activities & Events

Feeling Stressed About Returning to “Normal”?

On Wednesdays in August, the Senior Center will offer some ideas about post-pandemic stress relief. Suffering from FONO (Fear of Normal)? Join us, from 10:30 to 11 AM, beginning Wednesday, August 4. It’s free.

COA News

• Council on Aging Board Meeting— Tuesday, August 10, at 11 AM, at the Senior Center. Come join us and learn what is happening.   
The Hockomock Area YMCA, town of Bellingham, and Bellingham Senior Center are distributing meals this summer for all children—free breakfast and lunch for those under 18. Pick up at the Senior Center (40 Blackstone St.) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11AM-12:30 PM, through August 26. If you’re a regular visitor to the Center, expect traffic on those days.
You can now purchase low-cost, fresh vegetables at the Farm Stand located at the Bellingham Community Garden on Center Street. It’s open on Fridays (2–6pm) and Saturdays (10–2PM). Available farm-to-table produce will change as we go through the summer and fall growing seasons. A portion of the produce will be donated to local food pantries.
Many in-person activities are now available at the Center (see Calendar on the next page), and there are also some virtual programs following.
• Mondays—Spiritual Book Club, 9:30 AM, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.
• Tuesdays­—Chair Exercise at 10 AM; Self-Care at 2:15 PM; Monthly Book Club on the last Tuesday of the month at 6 PM.
• Thursdays—Women’s Wellness, 1:30 PM
• Fridays—Chinese Calligraphy, 2 PM

Looking Ahead to September

Introduction to Tai Chi
This class is ideal for those who are new to Tai Chi, those that need a refresher and those who want to enhance their current practice. Tai Chi is one of the exercises often recommended for balance and fall prevention. Its slow mindful movements are gentle on our joints and helpful to our immune systems. Because the class is done standing, it is also a weight-bearing exercise that strengthens our bones and major leg muscles. Tai Chi also enhances coordination and flexibility. Long-time Tai Chi instructor Jeanne Donnelly will lead the class on Wednesdays, beginning September 1, from 3 to 3:45 PM. Call the Senior Center at 508-966-0398 to sign up.
Learn to Paint classes with artist Darrell Crow will be held on Wednesdays, beginning September 8, 1 to 4 PM. To enroll, contact the Bellingham Senior Center at 508-966-0398. Special senior rates of $25.00 per painting apply. All supplies will be provided except for paintbrushes, easels, and paper towels (please bring your own). We will provide paint, canvasses, etc. Check out Darrell’s website, www.darrellcrow.com, for more information about him and the program:
Join us on Thursday, September 23, 6:30—8 PM. The concert is free, but be sure to reserve a seat by calling the Center at 508-966-0398. The band will perform an entertaining concert of various music, including well-known show tunes, patriotic songs, lively marches, and other interesting numbers. Their performance once again is sponsored by a grant from the Bellingham Cultural Council.

Outreach

“Our role is to serve as advocates for seniors in the Bellingham community. Outreach workers assess and facilitate connections to services and programs for seniors despite their income or assets. We conduct home visits independently to assist seniors and their families to assess their needs and facilitate access to programs and services.”
SHINE provides free unbiased health insurance counseling information and assistance to Massachusetts residents with Medicare, their caregivers and those approaching Medicare eligibility. Statewide, there are more than 600 certified volunteer counselors trained to assist residents with Medicare. You can make a telephone appointment to speak with our SHINE representative, Jean Roy, by calling the Center at 508-966-0398. She will be available on August 4 and August 18. Appointments are 45 minutes long and are scheduled between 9 AM and noon; please call ahead or email Jean at [email protected].