THE WEEKLY GEM - September 4, 2023
Published on Sep 4, 2023 08:58
THE WEEKLY GEM
Foxborough Senior Center
September 4, 2023
EDDIE THE COMFORT DOG
Calling all dog lovers! Comfort dogs provide much needed care and comfort to people who need emotional support, both in times of trauma and calm. Eddie is the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office comfort dog and on Monday, Sept. 25 at 2:30 p.m. he will be at the senior center with his handler Officer Monaghan who will talk about the role of comfort dogs. There will be lots of interaction with Eddie. Please sign up for the program in advance and don’t miss this great opportunity to meet Eddie.
A WALK IN THEIR SHOES
Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. and allow our dementia experts to take you through a simulation experience to better understand and empathize with what living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can be like. This presentation by The Residence at Great Woods will guide you through the challenges of compromised vision, hearing and dexterity, which all affect cognition. Please sign up in advance.
BOOK CLUB
Our senior center Book Club will be meeting on Monday, Sept. 11 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, please sign up in advance.
BUILD A BETTER CREDIT SCORE
Join us on Monday, Sept. 11 at 2:30 p.m. for a workshop on “Build a Better Credit Score” presented by American Credit Counseling Service. This presentation will offer effective ways to improve your credit score and manage your debt. Please sign up in advance.
MASS SAVE/HOME WORKS
Are you a homeowner? Join us for a presentation on Monday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. for a presentation by Mass Save to learn about powering your energy costs and receive a fee home energy audit. Please sign up in advance.
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, Sept. 13 at 1:15 p.m., and continuing monthly every 2nd Wednesday at 1:15. Please sign up in advance.
LUNCHEON OUTING
Our next luncheon outing will be on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. at The Horse and Carriage Restaurant. Call us to sign up by Monday, Sept. 18 and meet us at the restaurant on the 20th. For those who require van transportation, arrangements must be made by Monday the 18th.
FOXBOROUGH MEMORY CAFÉ
The Foxborough Memory Café is a welcoming place for individuals, families and friends of those living with memory changes. Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 19, and the third Tuesday of each month, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. for our Memory Café at the Foxborough Senior Center. In September, our entertainment will be sponsored by “Right At Home” and The Residence at Five Corners, so join us for Live Music with Alexandria Connolly. Come listen, sing along and tap your shoes. We respectfully ask caregivers to remain with their loved ones during this program. Please sign up in advance and we’ll save you a seat. If you have any questions, call us at 508-543-1234.
KRIPALU YOGA
Yoga is the union between body, mind and spirit. Join us for an 8-week Kripalu Yoga class led by Lisa Cohen on Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. Everyone is welcome just as they are on their own personal journey towards greater non-judgmental self-awareness. There are no fitness pre-requisites 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. The cost is $53 per person and the classes will meet at 12:15 p.m. on the following Thursdays: Aug. 31, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12 & 19. Please sign up in advance with your payment.
SENIOR WOMEN’S DISCUSSION GROUP
Ladies, join us on the 2nd Monday of each month at 11 a.m. for our Senior Women’s Discussion Group. It’s time to gather and discuss the joys and challenges of aging, both physically and emotionally, our experiences as we evolve into this chapter of our lives, what our “happy place” is and many other topics of interest. Collectively, we share our wisdom and the perspective we have gained over the course of our lives in a safe non-judgmental place. Due to the Labor Day holiday, the next meeting of the Senior Women’s Discussion Group will be held on the third Monday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. This group is facilitated by former Taylor School teacher, Marilyn Goldman. Sign up if you’d like to join us.
CRUSTACEANS ON THE COMMON
The Foxborough Council on Aging and Human Services and the Foxborough Recreation Dept. is sponsoring a “Crustaceans on The Common” event on Wednesday, Sept. 13 on The Foxborough Common from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Come and enjoy a Lobster Roll. The cost is $15 per person. Pre-order your Lobster Roll with your payment by calling the Foxborough Senior Center at 508-543-1234 or visit www.FoxboroRec.com Supplies are limited. There will also be a FREE acoustic performance by the Gainsville Road Band on The Common.
OSTEOPOROSIS – HOW STONG ARE MY BONES?
There will be a program at the senior center on Thursday, Sept 14 at 2 p.m. on Osteoporosis. The presentation will speak to the causes and risk factors for osteoporosis, the difference in osteopenia and osteoporosis, treatment, and exercises that can help prevent bone mass loss. This program will include a 10 minute demonstration from a certified personal trainer, Frank Carey, who will show you some important stretches, training and exercises to help keep ligaments, tendons and bones healthy and strong. Be sure to sign up in advance to reserve your sea.
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, Sept. 14 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.
ALTERED ART PROJECT
Come join us on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. and learn a new technique of Altered Art with instructor Diane Cahill, and reveal your artistic talent. In this project you will decorate one or two jumbo wood clips (clothespins) in a variety of styles such as vintage, autumn or other seasonal décor of your choice. Ephemeral decorations and other supplies will be provided to create a finished design to display on a shelf or use as a refrigerator magnet for notes or photos. Please register for this program in advance.
MEN’S FITNESS
The 6-week Men’s Fitness program is designed to help senior males move and feel better. We’ll combine fitness with corrective exercise to alleviate joint pain and promote better mobility. This program is facilitated by Steve Avellino CFT, CES, SSF, SSN and the next session of classes with be held on the following Thursdays at 10:35 a.m.: Aug. 31, Sept.7, 21, 28, Oct. 5 & 12. The cost is $42 per person and must be paid at the time you sign up.
NECK AND SHOULDER CORRECTIVES FOR SENIORS
Steve Avellino’s next Thursday morning program will be “Neck and Shoulder Correctives for Seniors” and will run on the following six Thursdays at 9 a.m.: Aug. 31, Sept. 7, 21, 28, Oct. 5 & 12. This 6-week program is designed to release stress and increase mobility in the shoulder region. You will also address the cervical and thoracic spine for better posture and balance. This program is facilitated by Steve EFT, CES, SSF, SSN and the cost is $42 per person. Sign up in advance with your payment.
LEAH’S ART CORNER
Join Leah Snow as you embark on a journey of arts and creation. Leah’s art classes include all supplies and tutorials as you create something new for your home! The classes are free and supplies are included. The classes are being held on the following Mondays at 2 p.m.: Sept 11 ( Kitchen Fairies/Angels) and Sept. 25 (Adventures in Acrylics – dress in old clothes). This summer, Leah’s programs will all be held at the Lane Property! Please sign up in advance.
SEPTEMBER MOVIE DAYS
The September movies will be shown on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. and the movies are as follows:
Sept. 12 – “In the Heights” A musical adapted for cinema by Lin-Miranda and a book by Quiara Alegria Hudes. This story is set in the neighborhood of Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan, New York City.
Sept. 26 – “McFarland USA” Inspired by the 1987 true story, this movie follows novice runners from an economically challenged town in California’s Central Valley as they give their all to build a cross-country team.
Please sign up in advance for one or both of our Movie Days.
TRIP TO THE BOSTON POPS HOLIDAY CONCERT
In a few short months you’ll be thinking about getting into the holiday spirit, so plan on joining us on Thursday, December 14 for a trip into Boston for an afternoon performance of the Holiday Pops at Symphony Hall. Enjoy a program filled with holiday music favorites, the traditional Pops sing-a-long, and even a visit from jolly old Santa Claus. Before the show, we will go to the Cheesecake Factory for a delicious lunch. We’ll be traveling by motorcoach and leaving Foxborough at 11 a.m. The cost is $175 for Foxborough residents and $180 for non-residents. Registration for this program has begun. Don’t miss out on this perfect holiday celebration!
THEATER WORKSHOPS
Starting on Wednesday, Sept. 6 and continuing every Wednesday from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., our Theater Workshops will begin once again. Learn character portrayal by reading scripts (mostly comedy). This fun workshop is led by Evie Rayburg and Jeanne Bonneau, and does NOT require memorization, costumes or production. Please sign up in advance.
SERENADING SENIORS CHORUS
The “Serenading Seniors” is a friendly, fun group of singers who meet weekly at the senior center for rehearsals and occasional performances at local venues. This group meets every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and is accepting new members. The chorus has been taking a break for the summer, but will resume meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 10 a.m. You don’t have to be a singing expert to be a part of the group, so if you’re interested in joining, please call Serenading Senior Director Jeanne Bonneau at 508-543-1234.
80 FOR BRADY
Are you ready for some football? What a better way to kick-off the season than a viewing of the “80 For Brady” movie at the senior center on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 4 p.m. Pre-game with us wearing you favorite sports gear hile you watch the film and have a light snack. Sign up in advance and we’ll save you a seat.
IRELAND MEET AND GREET
Will you be joining us on our trip to Ireland in June 2024? Save the date of Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. and join us for our Ireland Meet and Greet with your fellow Ireland travelers. Details will be in September’s Gem.
FRIENDS’ BINGO – BRING A FRIEND – ALL ARE WELCOME
Come and join us for Bingo at the senior center on Tuesday, Sept. 5 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.
REFLEXOLOGY
On Friday, Sept. 15, 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.
HAIR STYLING
Would you like to get your hair cut and styled in the comfort of the Foxborough Senior Center? On Friday, Sept. 22. 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.
HEARING CLINIC
On Wednesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20 & 27 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.
VETERANS’ CLUB
The mission of the Veterans’ Club is to create a listening session around veterans and their stories to ensure that this living history will never be forgotten. The Veterans Club meets at the senior center on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 2:30 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 18. Sign up in advance if you’d like to join us.
FARMERS MARKET COUPONS
A limited number of Farmers Market Coupons are available for Foxboro senior citizens again this year. Each participant will receive $50 worth of coupons to spend at local Farmers Markets. In order to qualify you must be at least 60 years of age or disabled and living in a housing facility primarily occupied by older individuals where congregate nutrition services are provided. You must be a resident of Foxboro and have an income level at or below $26,973 for an individual or $36,482 for a couple. At the time the coupons are picked up, all participants must sign the self-declaration agreement that you meet the eligibility requirements.
CARDIO DANCE
Cardio Dance is an approachable way to get moving while listening to your favorite music. Instead of dreading the same exercises you do every day, you’ll look forward to learning new dance moves that make working out fun and inviting. The Cardio Dance Classes will be held on the following 3 Fridays in September from 11:15 to 12 noon: Sept. 1, 15 and 22. You will learn some traditional dance moves (Cha Cha, Samba, Waltz, and Tango, to name a few), but are played to contemporary music. Join instructor Kelly Sipe in this new exciting class. The cost is $17 per person and future sessions will be held on 3 Fridays each month for $17. Please sign up in advance with your payment.
TRIP TO THE EDWARD M. KENNEDY INSTITUTE
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is designed to bring the history of the United
States Senate alive – using technology to engage and inspire like never before. Join us when we visit the Kennedy Institute on Wednesday, Sept. 20. We will leave Foxboro at 10:30 a.m. and travel by school bus to Boston, first with a stop at Sullivan’s Castle Island for lunch on your own. Then on to the institute that features a full-scale replica of the Unites States Senate Chamber, interactive exhibits, and a reproduction of Senator Kennedy’s Washington D.C. office. The cost is $20 per person and must be paid at the time you sign up.
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
The Low Vision Support Group will be meeting on Thursday, Sept. 21 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
1 ON 1 NUTRITION COUNSULTATION
Registered Dietitian, Kelsey McEntee, is at the Foxborough Senior Center on the first Tuesday 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 Tuesday, Oct. 3. Call us to schedule an appointment, and come prepared with your questions about your health concerns.
OCTOBER VANGO DISCOVERY CLUB TRIPS
The VanGo Discovery Club has added 2 trips in October to its 2023 schedule. On Wednesday, Oct. 4 we will be traveling to Plymouth, MA. On Wednesday, Oct. 18 the VanGo will be going to the Samuel Slater Experience Museum in Webster, MA. Unlike traditional museums, the Samuel Slater museum tells the story of Slater (the “Father of the American Industrial Revolution”) with high-tech media, video, audio, motion, wind, and scents, to create an immersive experience. The cost for entrance into the Slater Experience museum is $8 per person. The cost for each VanGo Discovery trip is $9 and must be paid at the time you sign up for any of the scheduled day trips.
“BECOMING” VIDEO DOCUMENTARY SERIES
On Friday mornings from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., starting July 14, we will be showing the video documentary series “Becoming.” This series chronicles the origin stores of world-class entertainers, musicians and athletes. The Friday morning programs are as follows: Sept. 8 – Nick Cannon, and; Sept 15 – Ashley Tisdale. Sign up for some or all of the “Becoming”episodes.
TRIP TO IRELAND IN 2024
On June 22 to July 1, 2024, we will be traveling on a 10 day/9 night trip to Ireland. We’ll be starting off in Dublin and traveling on to Kilkenny, Waterford, Killarney, Limerick and Galway. Along the way we’ll be visiting the Blarney Stone, Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher, ending the trip with an overnight stay on the stately grounds of Cabra Castle. The cost is $4,129 per person/double, $4,729 per single, and $4,099 per person/triple. Registration for this trip has begun. Trip flyers with all the travel details are available at the senior center or can be emailed to you upon request. We have started a “wait list” for this trip, so please let us know if you are interested and would like to be added to that list.
ORGANIZED PICKLEBALL TIME FOR SENIORS
Foxborough’s new Pickleball courts on Payson Road have been reserved for use by seniors on Friday mornings between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. If seniors would like to play Pickleball at the new courts, please call the senior center at 508-543-1234 to sign up in advance.
CHESS
Calling all Chess players! On Friday mornings, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., come to the senior center and have fun playing chess with new friends while competing in this strategic board game while enjoying a cup of coffee and a donut. Please sign up in advance to let us know you’ll be joining us.
TABLE TOP GARDEN CLUB
Our Table Top Garden Club, under the direction of Marsha Lewicke, is meeting once again on Tuesday mornings at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome, no previous gardening experience is necessary. Sign up to let us know you’ll be joining us.
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.
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.
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.
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.
BRIDGE LESSONS
Bridge is a card game that is played all over the world, in person and online. Bridge lessons at the senior center, with instructor Sunil Trivedi, will now be held on Tuesdays at the NEW time of 11:30 a.m. This program will introduce new players to this international card game. Please sign up if you’d like to join us.
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 Lisa Cohen. 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 12:30 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.
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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