THE WEEKLY GEM - January 23, 2023
Published on Jan 23, 2023 08:43
THE WEEKLY GEM
Foxborough Senior Center
January 23, 2023
PAOLO DIGREGORIO LECTURE–“ETERNAL: THE ARCHITECTURAL GRANDEUR OF ROME”
Rome has existed for nearly 3,000 years. From its ancient glory as the center of the empire, through its rise as the seat of western Christendom, to its modern role as the capital of Italy, Rome has been built and rebuilt. Join us on Wednesday, Feb.15 at 4 p.m. when history lecturer Paolo DiGregorio will be at the senior center to examine the historical and architectural legacy of Rome. Sign up in advance to reserve your seat.
ADIRONDACK BALLOON FESTIVAL
Join us for a trip to the glorious Adirondacks to see one of the country’s largest Balloon Festivals on September 22 to 24, 2023. Our first stop will be the resort town of racing and elegance – Saratoga Springs, where we will have some free time for lunch and shopping, followed by a guided tour of the town. We will be spending 2 nights at the Fairfield by Marriott hotel. In the late afternoon we’ll head to the Festival to see the launching of over 50 hot air balloons, including special shapes. Dinner will be in the grand Ballroom of the Queensbury Hotel. On day 2, we’re up early for another balloon launch. We will cruise on Lake George, eat lunch at the water’s edge, and back to the Festival for another balloon launch, followed later by the MoonGlow Ascension of the balloons. On day 3, we’ll rise early for another balloon launch followed by breakfast. Afterwards, we will return to Lake George to enjoy some free time and lunch on our own before we head for home. The cost for this trip is $853 per person (double), $1,222 per person (single) and $753 per person (triple). The cost includes transportation, tours, 2 nights’ lodging, 4 meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner) Lake George cruise, 5 different launchings of various balloon shapes, baggage handling (1 piece), all taxes & gratuities, and the Trip Protection Plan insurance. The sign up with payment for Foxborough residents begins on January 26 and registration with payment for non-residents will begin on January 27. Don’t miss this unique travel experience!
GIRL SCOUT CONCERT & COOKIES
On Thursday, Feb. 9 at 3:30 p.m., the Foxboro 4th grade Burrell Girl Scout Troup is excited to put on a patriotic concert of American songs for us at the senior center! The girls will then welcome seniors to join them for cookies and discussions. The girls are eager to meet everyone and have a fun cross-generational program. Sign up in advance and join us for this special program.
MAH JONGG TOURNAMENT
Join us on Friday, March 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for an inter-town Mah Jongg Tournament at the Foxborough Senior Center which will be bringing players together from Foxborough, Franklin, Sharon and Walpole. Players should have at least 1 year experience playing Mah Jongg. Pizza lunch will be provided, courtesy of the Foxborough Senior Center. If you have specific questions, please email [email protected]. Registration is required through the Foxborough Senior center and the entry fee ($5 or $10 at the door) will be collected by David Lescoe (Lesky). To pay, please connect with Lesky on Tuesdays or Wednesdays at the senior center between 12 to 3:30 p.m.
MEET FOXBOROUGH’S NEW HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
The Town of Foxborough has recently hired Liz Bluetow as its full-time Human Resources Director. Liz has over 17 years of experience in the field of Human Resources in both the private and public sectors. Most recently, she was the Director Human Resources for the Plymouth county DA’s Office and the Disabled Persons Protection Committee. Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 2:45 to 3:15 p.m. to meet Liz. She will be visiting the Foxborough Senior Center to learn more about the community she is serving, so she can always be on the lookout for prospective future employees that can benefit the residents of Foxborough.
ITALY MEET & GREET
We are almost two months away from our Spring 2023 trip to Italy. On Thursday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. we are inviting all of our Italy travelers to enjoy some cannoli and meet your fellow travelers in a fun setting at the senior center. Sign up and we’ll save you a seat.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
On Thursday, Feb. 2 at 10:10 a.m., District Attorney Michael Morrissey and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be at the senior center and are proud to sponsor an Emergency Preparedness event which will help seniors to prepare for natural hazards and emergencies. Learn safety, coping skills and how to be personally prepared to survive. Each participant will receive a free backpack with survival supplies and learn the purpose of each item. Each bag is valued at over $75. One bag per household. Thank you to the Friends of Foxboro Seniors for coordinating this event. Don’t forget to register for this event in advance to save your seat.
HAIR STYLING
Would you like to get your hair cut and styled in the comfort of the Foxborough Senior Center? On Friday, Jan 27, Hair Stylist Laurie Nicklas will be at the senior center, and on every 4th Friday of each month, 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.
Q & A WITH THE TOWN MANAGER
Join us in a conversation with William Keegan, the Foxborough Town Manager, on Wednesday, Jan.25 at 12:30 p.m. The Town Manager will provide updates on town proceedings and, if time allows, a Question and Answer session. Sign up in advance to join us.
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 season. Come learn how the rest of the world lives healthily. Following is a list of the show’s topics: Jan. 24 – “Aboriginal Voices”, and Jan 31 – “Eco Innovators.” Sign up and we’ll save you a seat.
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, Feb. 8 at 1:15 p.m., and continuing monthly every 2nd Wednesday at 1:15. Please sign up in advance.
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
The Low Vision Support Group will be meeting on Thursday, Feb. 16, 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
LUNCHEON OUTING
Our next luncheon outing will be on Wednesday, Jan.25 at Jake n Joe’s Restaurant at 1 p.m. Call us to sign up by Monday, Jan. 23 and meet us at the restaurant on the 21st. For those who require van transportation, arrangements must be made by Monday the 23rd.
HEARING CLINIC
On Wednesdays, Feb 1, 8, 15 & 22 there are Hearing Clinics offered at the senior center 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.
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, Jan 26 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.
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JANUARY MOVIE DAY
The theme for January’s Movie Days has been “Movies Based on Real Life.” The following movie will be shown at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26 – “The Imitation Game” During World War II, a mathmetician leads a team of crytanalysts as they work feverishly to break the German’s notorious Enigma Code.
Please sign up in advance.
FEBRUARY MOVIE DAYS
The theme for February’s Movie Days is the actor Harrison Ford. The movies will be shown at 1 p.m. on the following Thursdays:
Feb. 2 – “The Age of Adeline” Decades after a near-fatal accident caused Adaline to stop aging at 29, she resists falling in love with a tech mogul to keep her secret hidden
Feb. 9 – “Air Force One” When terrorists hijack Air Force One with the President and his family on board, the commander –in-chief takes matters into his own well-trained hands.
Feb. 16 – “The Call of the Wild” Based on Jack London’s classic story about Buck the dog taken from his home in California and a Yukon prospector that discovers and bonds with him.
Feb. 23 – “Ender’s Game” a young military cadet may be humanity’s only hope against an alien invasion in this epic adaptation of the hit novel.
Please sign up in advance for some or all of the February movies.
CLASSIC MOVIE MONDAYS
Join us on the Monday afternoons at 1:15 for our Classic Movie Mondays. The movies will be shown on the following Mondays in February:
Feb. 2 – “The Sting”, Feb. 13 “Rockie” and on Feb. 27 “Grease”
Please sign up in advance for some or all of February’s Classic Movie Days.
MAKING MUSIC
Calling all musicians and singers: Bring your ukulele, guitar, voice or other acoustic instrument and join us for our “Making Music” program on Feb. 6 at 1 p.m., and on the first Monday of every following month at 1 p.m. All skills are encouraged and welcome to participate in this monthly FREE sing and play along experience. We will explore fun and familiar songs. Sign up in advance to let us know you’ll be joining us.
FRIENDS’ BINGO – BRING A FRIEND – ALL ARE WELCOME
Come and join us for Bingo at the senior center on Tuesday, Feb. 7 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.
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.
TRIP TO OGUNQUIT, MAINE
On June 21 & 22, 2023 we’ll be off by motorcoach to Ogunquit, Maine, for a visit to the Ogunqit Playhouse and a stop at Foster’s Clambake. Enjoy Theater at its best and the charm of Southern Maine on this theatrical culinary escape. On the way up north, we’ll stop off at Kennebunkport for a guided tour, and later we’ll check into the Meadowmere Resort in Ogunquit for the evening, where we will enjoy a wine and cheese reception. Dinner will be at Jonathan’s Restaurant located in the hotel, and then afterwards we’ll be enjoying a Broadway musical at The Ogunquit Playhouse. After breakfast on day 2, we’ll drive along Maine’s southern coast. We will arrive in Maine’s “first town,” York, where we will visit one of the earliest English settlements in the country at The Museum of Old York. Then we’re off to Foster’s to enjoy a traditional clambake with lobsters, clams, chowder and all the fixins. On the way home, we’ll stop for a visit to the Kittery Outlets. The cost for this trip is $634 per person (double), $744 per person (single) and $753 per person (triple). The cost includes transportation, accomodations at Meadowmere, tours, reserved playhouse seating, museum tickets, all taxes, gratuities, 3 meals and the Trip Protection Plan insurance. The sign up with payment for Foxborough residents begins on January 12 and registration with payment for non-residents will begin on January 13.
“FOX-IN-THE-BORO” CALL TO ART
Are you crafty like a fox and would you like to decorate a larger-than-life fox sculpture? The Foxborough Cultural Council (FCC), a local town government agency, is organizing an outdoor display of colorful foxes around our beloved uptown area and is inviting local artists or art groups to apply. Selected artist(s) will adorn a 4 ft. fiberglass fox provided by FCC. The painted foxes will be displayed publicly throughout uptown Foxborough in prominent locations. (Check out the nationally popular “Cow Parade” at www.cowparade.com) This event is a fundraiser to support future artistic projects and events in the Foxborough community. Applications and event information can be picked up at the Foxborough Senior Center, 75 Central Street. All proposals and applications must be submitted by midnight, February 3, 2023.
CHALLENGER: SOARING WITH CHRISTA MCAULIFFE
Who is America’s favorite teacher? Ask anyone about Christa McAuliffe and they will tell you exactly where they were when the Challenger shuttle launched in January of 1986; however few people understand who Mrs. MaAuliffe really was. Join us on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 3 p.m. for a multi-media performance experience on teaching pioneer Christa McAuliffe, America’s “Teacher in Space,” presented by History at Play, LLC Founder and Artistic Director Judith Kalaora. This presentation is generously funded by the Friends of Foxboro Seniors and is open to all, but if you wish to attend, you must register early since this program will fill up.
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, Feb. 22. This program will start at 4 p.m. and food will be served around 4:30. February’s meal will be finger sandwiches and salad! The cost is $5 and must be paid at the time you sign up.
LEAH’S ART CORNER
Join Leah Snow at the senior center as you embark on a journey of arts and creation. Leah’s classes will meet on the following Wednesdays at 2 p.m., and each class will include all supplies and tutorials as you create something new for your home: February 1 – Shell Painting; February 8 – Wine Bottle Creations (please bring your own wine bottle); February 15 – Shell Painting, and; February 22 – Rock Painting. Please sign up in advance for any or all of the classes you may be interested in.
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, Feb. 9 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.
MANAGING PHOTOS ON AN IPHONE & IPAD
Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 1:30 when Lori Capone will present a program on how to use the photo library, albums, saving, deleting and other options on an iPhone and/or iPad. If you have questions on managing your photos on your iPhone and iPad, don’t miss out on this informative program. Sign up in advance.
TRIP TO ENCORE CASINO
We will be traveling to Encore Casino in Everett, Massachusetts on Thursday, March 30, 2023. We ‘re leaving at 9 a.m. from the side parking lot of St. Mary’s Church at 58 Carpenter Street, and traveling by motorcoach to New England’s newest casino! Try your luck with 2,800+ slot machines, including 166 table games from craps to roulette to blackjack and baccarat, all at state-of-the-art tables with superior service. We will be at the casino until 3 p.m., and a Casino Package of $20 free slot play is included. (Casino Package is subject to change.) The cost is $37 for residents and $42 for non-residents. Call or stop by the senior center to sign up with your payment.
TRIP TO THE NEWPORT PLAYHOUSE IN 2023
Join us as we travel once again to the Newport Playhouse on April 27, 2023. We’ll travel by motorcoach and leave from St. Mary’s parking lot, 58 Carpenter Street, at 9:45 a.m. This favorite trip location includes an extensive buffet lunch, which includes a large variety of hot and cold foods, main entrees, side dishes, beverages and homemade desserts. Following lunch, we will all see a comedic play in the playhouse theater, and we end our day with a fun-filled cabaret performance. The cost for this funfilled day is $139 for Foxboro residents, and $144 for non-residents. Registration with payment has begun. Don’t miss out!
BEST OF PROVIDENCE TOUR
We’ll be off to Providence, RI on Thursday, May 25, 2023 for our Best of Providence trip. We’ll be traveling by motorcoach and begin our morning with a visit to Scialo’s Bakery where we will enjoy coffee, treats and a bit of history of Providence’s most famous bakery. Afterwards, we will enjoy lunch at Cassarino’s Ristorante and then we will enjoy a 90 guided tour of Providence. The cost is $117 per person for Foxborough residents and $122 for non-residents. Registration with payment has begun.
CARRIES FOR SPINE AND PELVIC HEALTH
200 years ago we carried everything, now we contact Amazon. Studies show that carries in different positions help strengthen the tiny stability muscles deep along the spine. If these muscles are doing their jobs, other muscles do not have to - less chance of back pain, and more back and pelvis stability. This means better posture and balance. The new 6-week program, “Carries for Spine and Pelvic Health” will be facilitated by Steve Avellino CFT, CES, SSF, SSn, CSCS and will be held on the following Thursday mornings at 9 a.m.: Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9 & 16. The cost is $42 and must be paid at the time you register.
CRAFT GROUP
It’s time to work on your crafts in a group setting with friends. Join us at the senior center on Thursdays at 1 p.m. If you’d like to participate, bring your craft to work on, such as knitting, embroidering, cross stitching, beading, diamonding, hand quilting or whatever small craft you may choose. This group will meet every Thursday at 1 p.m., except for the 3rd Thursday of each month. Sign up in advance.
SELF DEFENSE CLASSES
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.
1 ON 1 NUTRITION CONSULTATION
Registered Dietitian, Kelsey McEntee, is at the Foxborough Senior Center on the 2nd Friday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon and she is available for a 30 minute 1 on 1 nutrition consultation. Kelsey’s next visit to the senior center will be on Friday, Feb. 10. Call us to schedule an appointment and come prepared with your questions about your health concerns.
REFLEXOLOGY
On Friday, Jan. 20, 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.
BOOK CLUB
Our senior center Book Club will be meeting on Monday, Feb. 6 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.
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.
EARLY BEGINNER MAH JONGG
The Early Beginner Mah Jongg program meets at the senior center every Tuesday afternoon at 1 p.m., except for the 1st Tuesday of each month. 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.
TAI CHI
Start your day with the peaceful meditation and movement of Tai Chi led by instructor Elijah Swain on Tuesday mornings from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Elijah is a 9th Degree black belt and owns the Tai Jing Academy. The cost is $3 per class and is punch card eligible. Thank you to the Friends of Foxboro Seniors for helping to fund this program.
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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