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THE WEEKLY GEM - September 30, 2024
Published on Sep 30, 2024 09:02
THE WEEKLY GEM
Foxborough Senior Center
September 30, 2024
PAOLO DIGREGORIO PROGRAM – “PRESIDENTIAL LOSERS: UNSUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES FOR THE LAND’S HIGHEST OFFICE”
Forty-six men have been President of the United States. Most of them have been elected to that office in hard fought, often rancorous, bitter, campaigns. But what about those candidates who lost? Does anyone remember them? Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 3:45 p.m. when history professor Paolo DiGregorio will take a look at the lives of some of those who sought and failed to win the White House. Please sign up in advance for this program and we will save you a seat.
UP, UP AND AWAY
How did the Wright brothers, two bicycle mechanics from the Midwest, out-think and out-engineer the best scientific minds in the world and invent the airplane? Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 4 p.m. to learn how the story of careful work and inspiration gave us the greatest advance in modern travel! This presentation by retired Northeastern professor, Stanley Forman, will delight all that attend. Sign up in advance to reserve your seat.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION AT THE AQUATURF CLUB
Join us on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, when we begin our celebration of St. Patrick’s Day at the Aquaturf Club in Plantsville, CT. We will be leaving Foxborough at 8:30 a.m. from the side parking lot of St. Mary’s Church at 58 Carpenter St., and we’ll traveling by motorcoach to the Aquaturf Club. We will be enjoying the music and entertainment of Padraig Allen and the McLean Avenue Band, watch some Irish Step Dancers and have a luncheon featuring Corned Beef and Cabbage, as well as Baked Scrod, served family style. Also included is coffee and donuts, and a glass of wine or beer. You’ll even have a chance at a door prize before we leave. The cost is $140 per person for Foxborough residents and $150 for non-residents. Registration for residents with payment will begin at noon on Oct. 17, and non-resident registration with payment will begin at noon on Oct. 31. Don’t miss out on the fun!
HOLIDAY PARTY AT LAKEVIEW PAVILION
The holiday season is just around the corner! Join us for our annual Holiday Celebration at the Lakeview Pavilion in Foxborough on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 12:30 to 3:30p.m. The menu includes your choice of Honey Crumb Chicken or Herb Crusted Cod. 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 $35 per person and the cost is $40 for non-residents. Tickets will be on sale at the senior center starting on October 1st and must be paid for at the time you sign up to get your ticket and reserve your seat.
STEPHEN KING IN DEPTH
Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 4:30 p.m. when Kevin Quigley, author of ten books about Stephen King, is excited to dive deep into the history – real, imagined, and sometimes spooky – of one of the world’s most enduringly popular writers. For over half a century, author Stephen King has given voice to our inner demons and darkest fears. Referring to himself – somewhat sarcastically – as “America’s Boogeyman,” King has long cemented himself in the firmament of American pop culture as that guy who writes scary books that turn into scary movies. But that’s not the whole story, as the popularity of King stories “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Delores Claiborne” and “Stand by Me” have proven. Please sign up in advance to reserve your seat for this program.
HEALTH PLAN OPTIONS
Are you ready for the Medicare Annual Election on Oct. 15th through Dec. 7th? On Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 2:30 p.m., Blue Cross Blue shield of Massachusetts will be presenting Medicare Health Plan Options which is a 45-minute presentation geared towards individuals on Medicare or approaching Medicare who may have questions about their health plan or other available plan types. The presentation will focus on the differences between Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans and explain when enrollees can switch plans. All are invited to attend regardless of insurance coverage. Please sign up in advance.
COMMON MISTAKES IN ESTATE PLANNING
On Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 3:45 p.m. there will be a presentation by Attorney Michael H. Burgess at the senior center and his program will cover the common mistakes found in estate plans. Topics covered will include Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxies, Last Wills, Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts and the basics of Medicaid/MassHealth Planning. If you’d like to join us, please sign up in advance.
CHANGE OF DATE FOR “WHERE TO NEXT?”
The “Where to Next?” program has been postponed and re-scheduled to Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. Get ready to pack your bags and your parka (hint, hint) as you hear about where we will travel next year as a group from the Foxborough Senior Center. If you have already signed up for this program, originally scheduled for Sept. 25, we will sign you up for the October date. For anyone else you would like to join us, please sign up in advance.
NATIONAL CHICKEN AND WAFFLES DAY
On Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 3:45 p.m., savory and sweet will collide for a soulful celebration of flavor as we celebrate National Chicken and Waffles Day at the senior center. Imagine a world where ingredients of every spice and spirit find their way into the honeycombs of thick and crispy waffles. Have you never tried the combination of chicken and waffles??? Now is the time. The cost is $3 per person. Please sign up in advance with your payment.
HEROINE OF FREEDOM
On Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 4 p.m., Massachusetts Commander of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, CDR Roderick Fraser, USN (Retired) presents, The Amazing Life of Susie Baker King Taylor, “Heroine of Freedom” and a remarkable woman of “Firsts.” Susannah “Susie” Baker King Taylor was born a slave at a plantation in Liberty County, Georgia on August 6, 1848. She escaped slavery to the Union Army outside of Savannah, Georgia and became the first African-American US Army nurse. If you’d like to join us for this program, 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. Currently, membership is at capacity, but if you are interested in joining us, please call the senior center to get on a waiting list. For more information, the senior center can put you in touch with the Choral Director.
“SUNRISE” CARDIO WOOKOUT
On Mondays at 8:15 a.m., you can start your week off right with the “Sunrise” Cardio Workout video series program. Lauren, with Senior Shape Fitness, offers a 30-minute workout that is perfect for seniors and beginners. This program is perfect for those who want an easy workout first thing in the morning. Sign up in advance to let us know if you’ll be joining us.
FRIENDS OF FOXBOROUGH SENIORS MEETING
The next Friends of Foxborough Seniors meeting will be on Saturday, Oct. 19 in the McGinty Room of the Public Safety Building. Join us at 9:30 a.m. for coffee and treats, to be followed by the Friends meeting at 10 a.m. For the month of November, the Friends of Foxborough Seniors will be meeting on Saturday, Nov. 23 in the McGinty Room at 9:30 a.m. for coffee followed by the meeting at 10 a.m. Friends meetings are usually held on the 3rd Saturday of the month, so this change to the 4th Saturday is only for the month of November.
STATE HOUSE VISIT
We are working on scheduling another visit to the Massachusetts State House this fall. Please contact the front desk at the senior center after Sept. 30 for more information.
TRIP TO THE BOSTON POPS HOLIDAY CONCERT
It won’t be long until you start thinking about getting into the holiday spirit, so plan on joining us on Thursday, Dec. 12 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 10:45 a.m. The cost is $200 for Foxborough residents and $205 for non-residents. Don’t miss out on this great holiday tradition! We have started a “waiting list” for this program.
AXTREME JUMPSTART GUITAR LESSONS
Have you ever wanted to learn how to play the guitar? Join us on Friday mornings at the senior center at 10 a.m. for workshops that will offer a beginner-friendly introduction to playing guitar, focusing on fundamental techniques, rhythm, some Beatles songs and more. Participants will embark on a musical journey exploring chords, strumming patterns, and song structures, in a supportive and engaging environment. Guitars can be provided during the workshop upon request. The cost is $36 per month and you must sign up in advance.
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. The next meeting will be held on Oct. 21 (due to the Monday holiday on Oct. 14). 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. This group is facilitated by former Taylor School teacher, Marilyn Goldman. Sign up if you’d like to join us.
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, Oct. 9 at 1:15 p.m., and continuing monthly every 2nd Wednesday at 1:15. Please sign up in advance.
MAKE POP-UP GREETING CARDS AT THE SENIOR CENTER IN OCTOBER
On Thursday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m., Helen Rice will be joined by Diane Cahill for our monthly Card Making Class. Diane will be demonstrating her expertise in making POP-UP-Cards, a fun and unique addition to card making. All supplies are included. Please sign up in advance if you’d like to join us.
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, Nov. 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.
TRACY’S CRAFT CLASS
Join Tracy on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 11:45 a.m. as she leads the craft class in making a spooky-themed craft just in time for Halloween. All supplies are included. Space is limited, so you must sign up in advance.
BOOK CLUB
Our senior center Book Club will be meeting on Monday, Oct. 7 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.
FRIENDS’ OCTOBER BINGO – BRING A FRIEND – ALL ARE WELCOME
Come and join us for Bingo at the senior center on Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 1:30 to 3 p.m., Bingo is usually held every 1st Tuesday of the month, but for the month of October, Bingo will be held on the 1st Wednesday. 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.
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 Monday meetings will be on Oct. 7 & 21. Sign up in advance if you’d like to join us.
SEPTEMBER SENIOR SUPPER
Our Monthly Senior Supper program focuses on a unique high quality catered mean. Join us for an evening out with friends on Wednesday, Oct. 30 when we will be serving Meat Lasagna and salad. The program will start at 4 p.m. and food will be served around 4:30. The cost is $8 per person and must be paid in advance when you sign up.
SEPTEMBER LUNCHEON OUTING
Our next luncheon outing will be on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. at the Olive Garden restaurant. Call us to sign up by Tuesday, Oct. 15 and meet us at the restaurant on the 16th. For those who require van transportation, arrangements must be made by Tuesday the 15h.
SEPTEMBER MEN’S BBQ
It’s time for the men to enjoy our great Men’s BBQ at the senior center every month during the summer. Our next Men’s BBQ of 2024 will be held on Thursday, Oct. 31 at 12 noon. The cost is $3 per person. You must sign up in advance with your payment.
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.
OCTOBER MOVIE DAYS
The theme for our October Movie Days is “Planet of the Apes.” The following movies will be shown at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in October:
Oct. 9 – “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” -Will Rodman (James Franco), a scientist in San Francisco is experimenting with a drug that he hopes will cure his father’s (John Lithgow) Alzheimer’s disease. After his work is deemed a failure, Will becomes the guardian of Caesar, an infant chimp who was exposed in-utero to Will’s drug. Caesar displays unusual intelligence, and Will decides to continue his experiments secretly. But as Caesar’s intellect and abilities grow, he comes to represent a threat to man’s dominion over Earth.
Oct 22 – “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” – Ten years after simian flu wiped out much of the world’s homosapiens, genetically enhanced chimpanzee Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his ever-growing band of followers have established a thriving colony just outside San Francisco in Muir Woods. Meanwhile, a small band of human survivors emerges, which forces Caesar – as leader - to grapple with the dual challenge of protecting his people and re-establishing a relationship with the remaining human population – the latter being Caesar’s secret wish.
Oct. 29 – “War for the Planet of the Apes” – Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless colonel (Woody Harrelson).
Please sign up in advance for any or all of our movies.
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC
Blood Pressure Clinics are available at the senior center on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. by appointment. The next clinics will be held on Oct. 8 & 22. Please call the senior center at 508-543-1234 to set up an appointment.
HEARING HEALTH
On Wednesdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16 & 23 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.
FOOT CARE FOR SENIORS
Keeping feet in good condition is essential for effective functioning, promoting leg strength, and reducing falls. Foot Care Nurse Ami, is at our senior center on the 2nd Friday of every month to hold 20 minute footcare appointments. This service includes assessment, nail clipping and filing, corn and callous reduction and a light foot massage. The next clinic date will be held on Oct. 11 starting at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $36 and must be paid in advance when you schedule your appointment.
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
The Low Vision Support Group will be meeting on Thursday, Oct. 17 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.
REFLEXOLOGY
On Friday, Oct. 18, 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 is $45 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? Hair Stylist Laurie Nicklas is at the senior center every 4th Friday of each month, from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost per person is $15 for women and men. For the month of October ONLY, Laurie will be at the senior center on Monday, Oct. 21. Sign up with your payment in advance to schedule an appointment.
POSTURE AND BALANCE WITH STEVE AVELLINO
Steve Avellino’s next 6-week Thursday morning classes, “Posture and Balance” will begin on Thursday, September 5. This 6-week program is designed to address postural issues in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. When the 3 aspects of the spine are in the correct position, your “center of Mass” is over your “base of support.” This created better balance and stability. We will also address proprioception (body knowing where it is in space). The program is facilitated by Steve Avellino, MFT, CES, SSF, CBCS, CET, TCS, and will be held on the following Thursdays at 9 a.m.: Sept. 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3, 17 & 24. The cost is $42. Sign up in advance with your payment.
STEVE AVELLINO’S “MENTAL PROGRAMMING FOR AGILITY” PROGRAM
Starting on Monday, Sept. 9 at 11:45 a.m., Steve Avellino’s next 6-week program will be “Mental Programming for Agility.” This 6-week program is designed to prepare the brain for advanced footwork programs. The focus is on agility by increasing our mind/muscle connection time. The class will meet at 11:45 a.m. on the following Mondays: Sept. 9, 16, 30, Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4. The cost is $42 per person. Please sign up in advance with your payment.
MEN’S FITNESS CLASSES
The 6-week Men’s Fitness program is designed to help senior males move and feel better. We 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: Sept. 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3, 17 & 24. Due to the popularity of this program, there are 2 Men’s Fitness Classes offered on Thursdays. The first class runs from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the 2nd class runs from 11 a.m. to noon. The cost is $42 per person and must be paid at the time you sign up for one of the classes.
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, Oct. 15, and the third Tuesday of each month, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. for our Memory Café at the Foxborough Senior Center. Join us for live music, come listen, sing along, tap your feet and enjoy. 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.
VANGO DISCOVERY CLUB
The VanGo Discovery Club will provide an opportunity to venture out and explore a new (or familiar) location. Registrants will travel using the VanGo for an independent, self-guided exploration for 3-4 hours. Park your car at the Booth Playground (80 South Street) by 10 a.m. where you will board the van. Registration for these day trips has begun. The cost for the trip is $12 per person, plus additional entry fees at certain locations. The Wednesday trip schedule is as follows: Oct. 9 - Hoxie Hill & Grist Mill in Sandwich ($12 entry fee). Please sign up with your payment for specific Discovery Club trips.
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.
Q/A WITH THE TOWN MANAGER
Town Manager Paige Duncan is at the senior center for some coffee and conversation each month. She will be joining us on Monday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m. Paige will be with us at the senior center on the 4th Monday of every month at 11 a.m. and she will keep us up to date on what’s going on in Foxborough. This is a great opportunity for you to join in the conversation and get your questions answered. Sign up in advance to reserve your seat.
REPRESENTATIVE JAY BARROWS OFFICE HOUR
Join Representative Jay Barrows at the senior center on Tuesday, Oct. 22 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 Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. Sign up in advance.
THEATER WORKSHOPS
Every Wednesday from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., our Theater Workshop meets at the senior center. 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.
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, meets at the senior center on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join us and no previous gardening experience is necessary.
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 1:30 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 meets 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 $4 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 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 $4 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. 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 $4 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 $4 per class and is punch card eligible. Space is limited, so please call in advance to sign up for each class.
SCRABBLE
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 $4 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 $4 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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