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THE WEEKLY GEM - November 21, 2022
Published on Nov 21, 2022 08:56
THE WEEKLY GEM
Foxborough Senior Center
November 21, 2022
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS IN BOSTON
Author Anthony Sammarco will be back at the senior center to present his program “Christmas Traditions in Boston” on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 4 p.m. In 1659, the General Court of Massachusetts Bay Colony banned by law the celebration of Christmas as it was deemed to be a time of seasonal excess with no Biblical authority. Though repealed in 1681, it would not be until 1856 that Christmas Day became a state ho9liday in Massachusetts. In this presentation, Anthony will outline the celebration (or lack thereof) of Christmas in the first two centuries, after the city of Boston was settled in 1630. During the following century, Boston would see caroling and hand bell ringing on Beacon Hill, as well as other popular traditions like the Enchanted Village and hot fudge sundaes on Boston Common. Sign up in advance, and don’t miss out on this holiday program.
HOT COCOA PARTY
Returning by popular demand! Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. and come to the senior center to experience a gourmet Hot Cocoa Party with your friends before the holidays. You’ll be able to load up your drink with a variety of toppings. December 13th is National Cocoa Day. Sign up in advance to reserve your seat. You deserve to enjoy a cup!
EGG NOG, COOKIES AND ORNAMENTS
On Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m., join us to help decorate our new holiday tree (donated by the late Nancy Stockwell), while enjoying some egg nog and cookies. Participants will be provided with all the supplies to let their creative juices flow. Afterwards, ornaments will adorn our tree in the senior center lobby. Please sign up in advance if you’d like to take part in the festivities.
“NO SEW” QUILTED CHRISTMAS TREE
Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. for our “no sew” quilted Christmas Tree class. Participants will create a beautiful “complex looking” standing Christmas Tree to enhance their holiday or home décor. Each tree can be made in a variety of Chrismas fabrics. No sewing experience is required for this project. All supplies will be included. The cost is $5 per person. You must sign up in advance with your payment if you’d like to join us.
ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR – MINUTE BY MINUTE
Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. as we watch the docuseries “Attack on Pearl Harbor – Minute by Minute.” Using archival footage and interviews with survivors, this docuseries chronicles the attack that changed the course of World War II. Sign up in advance.
SERENADING SENIORS HOLIDAY CONCERT
Get in the holiday spirit on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. by watching our fabulous Serenading Seniors Chorus perform some of your favorite holiday songs. Enjoy some festive treats too! Sign up in advance if you’d like to join us.
SELF DEFENSE CLASSES
Starting on Tuesday, Dec. 6, and continuing every Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m., our Tai Chi Instructor Elijah Swain will be providing a weekly self-defense class for seniors who are looking for the basics to protect themselves against potential threats. The cost is $3 per class and is punch card eligible.
LISTENING SESSION
As the Council on Aging/Human Services Department plans for the future, we are inviting residents to give feedback into the operations of the department as well as provide an opportunity for community members to propose new programs to be offered at the senior center in the future. Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 2:30 p.m. and come prepared to share your ideas! Please sign up in advance.
DOWN TO EARTH WITH ZAC EFRON (Season 2)
Join Actor Zac Efron as he journeys around the world with wellness expert Darian Olien in a travel show that explores health & sustainable ways to live. This critically acclaimed Netflix show is back for an exciting 2nd searson. Come learn how the rest of the world lives healthily. Following is a list of the show’s topics: Dec. 13 – “Habitat Conservation”, Dec. 20 – “Regenerative Agriculture”, Dec. 27 – “Great Barrier Reef”, Jan 3 – “Torres Strait”, Jan. 10 – “Waste”, Jan. 17 – “Wildlife”, Jan. 24 – “Aboriginal Voices”, and Jan 31 – “Eco Innovators.”
KRIPALA YOGA CLASSES
Yoga is the UNION between body, mind and spirit. Join u for the next 8-week session of Yoga classes at the senior center on the following 8 Fridays from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.: Nov. 18, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 30, Jan. 6, 13 & 20. Everyone is welcome just as you are on your own personal journey towards greater non-judgmental self-awareness. There are no fitness prerequisites to be able to develop a very meaningful and effective yoga practice, however, participants should be comfortable on the ground for an extended period of time with a yoga mat. Sign up in advance. The cost is $53 per person and must be paid at the time you sign up.
FRIENDSGIVING
The modern tradition of “Friendsgiving” is a great way for friends to gather for a meal prior to Thanksgiving. This year our Friendsgiving at the senior center will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. Come and join your friends for a great turkey sandwich with all the fixings. The cost is $3 per person and the payment is due at the time you sign up.
HAIR STYLING
Would you like to get your hair cut and styled for the holiday in the comfort of the Foxborough Senior Center? On November 28, Hair Stylist Laurie Nicklas will be at the senior center from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost per person is $15 for women and men. Sign up with your payment in advance to schedule an appointment.
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING FOR SENIORS II
Join us for Steve Avellino’s next 6-week program, Strength and Conditioning for Seniors II, designed to keep our bodies moving through the cold weather months. We move outside less, so we have to move inside more. Unlike the first session, this program will contain more cardio than strength. The program is facilitated by Steve Avellio EFT, CES, SSF, SSN and the cost is $42 per person. The classes will meet at 9 a.m. on the following Thursdays: Nov. 17, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29. Please sign up in advance with your payment.
DECEMBER MOVIE DAYS
The theme for December’s Movie Days is “New Netlix films based on a book.” The movies will be shown at 1 p.m. on the following Thursdays:
Dec. 8 – “All Quiet on the Western Front” When a 17 year old joins the Western Front in WWI, his initial excitement is soon shattered by the grim reality of life in the trenches. (This film is rated R.)
Dec. 15 – “Enola Holmes” - Enola (Millie Bobby Brown) takes on her first official case as a detective, but to solve the mystery of a missing girl, she’ll need help from friends and her brother Sherlock (Henry Cavill).
Dec. 22 – “The Noel Diary” Cleaning out his childhood home at Christmas, a novelist meets a woman searching for her birth mother. Will an old diary unlock their pasts – and hearts?
Please sign up in advance for some or all of the December movies.
LEFT, RIGHT, CENTER
Left, Right, Center, or LRC, is a simple, yet very fun game. There is no skill needed to enjoy playing and it’s an opportunity to meet new friends. If you have never heard of this game, it is VERY easy to play. Join us starting Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 1:15 p.m., and continuing monthly every 2nd Wednesday at 1:15. Please sign up in advance.
HEARING HEALTH
On Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14, 21 & 28 there will be Hearing Clinics offered from 1 to 3 p.m. This program is free and provides a hearing screening, ear wax removal, hearing aid cleaning and service by appointment. Call in advance to schedule a 20 minute appointment.
PODIATRY CLINIC
Dr. Kelly McLaughlin is offering a Podiatry Clinic for Podiatric Foot Care and Screening at the senior center on Friday, Jan. 6. The cost for each 15 minute appointment is $30. Please sign up and pay for your appointment in advance.
LUNCHEON OUTING
Our next luncheon outing will be on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at The House of Fortune in Plainville at 1 p.m. Call us to sign up by Monday, Dec. 19 and meet us at the restaurant on the 21st. For those who require van transportation, arrangements must be made by Monday the 19th.
MEN’S BREAKFAST
It’s breakfast time at the senior center for the Guys once again! So gentlemen, join us for the next Men’s Breakfast with friends on Thursday, Dec. 29 at 9 a.m. The cost is $3 per person. Please sign up in advance with your payment and we’ll save you a seat.
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
The Low Vision Support Group will be meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15, 1 to 2 p.m. This adult group provides peer support and information for anyone with vision loss or those who have concerns about their vision. If you are interested in participating, please check with Pam McGuire by calling 508-543-1234 for final details
REFLEXOLOGY
On Friday, Dec. 16, and on the 3rd Friday of each month, the senior center is offering reflexology appointments from 9 a.m. to noon. Reflexology is based on stimulating specific points on the feet that correspond to other areas and organs of the body. Reflexology is used to restore the body’s natural equilibrium by improving circulation and reducing tension. This relaxing and rejuvenating experience will involve aromatherapy infused reflexology. The cost $41 per half hour appointment. Sign up with your payment to schedule an appointment.
HOLIDAY PARTY AT LAKEVIEW PAVILION
We still have seats available for our annual Holiday Celebration at the Lakeview Pavilion in Foxborough on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. The menu includes your choice of Pan Seared Chicken with Lemon Chablis Cream Sauce or Pan Seared Salmon with Sweet and Sour Glaze. The doors will open at 12:30 p.m. and lunch will be served at 1 p.m. There will be a cash bar. The cost for Foxborough residents is $32 per person and the cost is $37 for Non-Residents. The tickets are on sale now and must be paid for at the time you sign up and get your ticket to reserve your seat.
WINE BOTTLE PAINTING CLASS
Get creative before the holiday. On Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. you can join us in creating a nice centerpiece for your upcoming dinners. Foxborough resident Leah Snow will be on hand to guide you through designing your lovely artwork. Paint will be provided, but please bring your own wine bottle (de-labeled). Sign up to let us know you’ll be joining us.
HOW A LITTLE COLOR & A BRUSH CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE
Join us on Monday, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m. when artist Lynn Atwood will share a bit of her background and the benefits of painting which includes improved cognitive functioning, dexterity, meeting people, self-expression, joy of creativity and more! Sign up and we’ll save you a seat.
REPRESENTATIVE JAY BARROWS OFFICE HOUR
Join Representative Jay Barrows at the senior center on Monday, Nov. 28 from 9 to 10 a.m. for a group discussion as well as question and answer session. Representative Barrows will be at the senior center on the 4th Monday of each month at 9 a.m. Sign up in advance.
POMPEII’S LOST TWIN: HERCULANEUM
On Monday, Nov. 28 at 2:30 p.m. we will be showing the new National Geographic film presentation of “Pompeii’s Lost Twin: Herculaneum” where experts investigate the grisly skeletons and dark secrets of Herculaneum. Please sign up in advance.
SENIOR SUPPER
Our monthly Senior Supper program focuses on a unique high quality catered meal. We hope you’ll join us for an evening out with friends on Wednesday, Nov. 30. This program will start at 4 p.m. and food will be served around 4:30. November’s meal will be Breakfast for Dinner. This cost is $5 and must be paid at the time you sign up.
FRIENDS’ BINGO – BRING A FRIEND – ALL ARE WELCOME
Come and join us for Bingo at the senior center on Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and every 1st Tuesday of the month. Win cash prizes in varying amounts. There is a nominal fee of $1 per card. Bring a friend! Call to sign up. This program is hosted by the Friends of Foxboro Seniors.
BOOK CLUB
Our senior center Book Club will be meeting on Monday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. This program, led by Library Director Libby O’Neill, is designed for seniors who love to read and discuss books. If you are interested in taking part in the Book Club, sign up in advance.
CARD MAKING CLASS
Are you a crafty person? Are you interested in learning a new skill? Helen Rice is hosting her famous card making class at the senior center on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. and every 2nd Thursday of the month. All supplies are included, and at the end of the class, you will have a beautiful handmade card for a future event! Please sign up to let us know you’ll be joining us.
CULTURAL DANCE
Starting in October, join Foxborough resident, Garmai “Mai” Sumo on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. as she teaches us dances from her native country of Liberia. Mai will provide a fun atmosphere to experience and learn new dance moves while exercising. The cost is $3 per class and this program is Punch Card eligible.
1 ON 1 TECH SUPPORT
Join us on Monday mornings from 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for our 1 On 1 Tech Support Program. During your 1 on 1 individualized tech support appointment, you will be able to get answers relating to phones, tablets or computers. Examples include troubleshooting, setting up a device, and other “how to” questions. Call us to set up an appointment.
SAVE THE DATE – HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
Are you a crafter and would you like to sell your treasures at our upcoming Holiday Craft Fair? If you’re interested, pick up an application at the front desk of the senior center. The fair will be held on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the cost is $10 for a table to display your items for sale.
NEWPORT CHRISTMAS TRIP
Join us on Thursday, Dec. 8 for a festive and fun-filled day trip to Newport, RI. We will be traveling by motorcoach and leaving Foxborough at 8:30 a.m. from the side parking lot of St. Mary’s Church at 58 Carpenter Street. We will begin the day with a morning tour of the “Breakers” mansion. The holiday décor is sure to impress and put you in the Christmas spirit. Following our tour, we will have lunch at the Atlantic Resort. For lunch, you have a meal choice of Baked Stuffed Scrod or Chicken Piccata. After lunch, we are back to the mansions for a tour of the beautiful Marble House. Following this visit we will be back on the bus and head to the Festival of Lights at the LaSalette Shrine before heading back to Foxborough. The cost is $121 per person for Foxborough residents and $126 for non-residents. Sign-up with payment has begun.
SIGN UP FOR A TRIP TO ITALY IN APRIL 2023
The Foxborough Council on Aging & Human Services is planning a trip to Italy, specifically Rome and the Amalfi Coast, on April 9 through 18, 2023. Some of the highlights of our trip will include a walking tour of Classical Rome featuring a visit to the Colosseum, visiting the seaside resort of Sorrento, discovering the excavated ruins of Pompeii, sampling local specialties at a limoncello factory in Minori and enjoying a wine tasting and lunch at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius. The cost is $4,443 per person for a double and $5,243 for a single, with the opportunity to purchase optional tours. Sign up has begun. Trip flyers are available at the senior center or can be emailed to you upon request.
EARLY BEGINNER MAH JONGG
Every Friday at 9 a.m., there is an Early Beginner Mah Jongg program at the senior center. This early beginner Mah Jongg free play group is for players who have only just recently started learning and may want to take each game a little slower than those who have played Mah Jongg for many years. Sign up and let us know you’ll be joining us.
SENIOR SANDWICHES
On Thursdays, we offer Grab and Go Senior Sandwiches at the senior center. You can pick up your sandwich at the front desk on Thursdays at any time between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and you can take the sandwich with you, or you are welcome to eat in the Coffee Room or on the outside benches. Quantities are limited, so you MUST sign up in advance to get your Senior Sandwich meal. There is a suggested donation of $3 to HESSCO.
BRIDGE LESSONS
Bridge is a card game that is played all over the world, in person and online. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play Bridge, this is your opportunity. The classes are held on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunil Trivedi is the instructor and he will introduce new and interested players to the game. Please sign up in advance.
MAH JONGG FREE PLAY
Mah Jongg Free Play meets every Wednesday from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Sign up in advance if you’d like to join us.
CHAIR YOGA
Chair Yoga classes are held at the senior center every Monday morning at 9:15 a.m. under the direction of Michelle Lawlor of the YMCA. Yoga is a gentle form of yoga that can be done while sitting in a chair or while standing and using the chair for support. The cost for this class is $3 and is punch card eligible. Due to limited space, you must call in advance to register for the class.
ZUMBA GOLD
Zumba is a fitness program inspired by Latin Dance. Zumba combines Latin rhythms with cardiovascular exercise to create an aerobic tine that is fun and easy to follow. Join us on Tuesday mornings at 9:45 a.m. The cost is $3 per class and is punch card eligible. Space is limited, so please call in advance to sign up for each class.
SCRABBLE GROUP
Do you enjoy playing a game of Scrabble or would you like to learn how to play? We have a Scrabble group that meets on Monday afternoons at 1 p.m. at the senior center. Challenge your mind, enjoy some time with friends and have lots of fun. If you’re interested in playing, call us to sign up.
TABLE TOP GARDEN CLUB
The senior center Table Top Garden Club will resume meeting on Tuesdays at 10:45 a.m. in February 2023.
STRENGTH TRAINING
Our Strength Training classes are held every Wednesday morning at 8:45 a.m. Each week this program features stretching routines and exercises that focus on the core, legs, arms and shoulders. The cost is $3 per class and is punch card eligible.
SENIOR FITNESS
Join is for our Senior Fitness classes on Friday mornings at 8:45 a.m. This class uses stretching, aerobics and hand-held weights, to focus on exercising the body from the neck to the ankles. Senior Fitness is designed for all levels of fitness. The cost is $3 per class and is punch card eligible.
KNITTING
Our knitting group meets at 1 p.m. at the senior center every Monday afternoon. This group loves to gather and chat, knit, and even do some crocheting, if you so choose. Everyone is welcome to attend, just bring your knitting project to work on. Please sign up in advance.
For more information on Council on Aging and Human Services programs and services, check our website at www.foxboroughma.gov or call us at 508-543-1234.
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