Community Corner

Keep Busy at the Needham Senior Center

With classes, games, movies and other programs organized by the Council on Aging, there's plenty to do in January and February.

From celebrating Chinese culture to classes, lectures and everyday activities, the Needham Council on Aging has plenty going on in January and February.

Coming up on Monday, Jan. 30, the COA will celebrate National Diversity Month with a presentation and luncheon on Chinese culture and heritage. The free program will begin at noon at the . Sign up is required for this and all other senior programs, unless otherwise noted. To reserve a spot, call the senior center at 781-455-7555.

Other special programs scheduled over the next two months include:

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Free Legal Service—Friday, Jan. 27, 1:00 p.m., free. A law student with the Elder Law Project at Boston College will take confidential individual appointments at the senior center. Reserve a spot by calling 781-455-7555.

Lunch and Learn Lecture: “Heart Health Awareness Month”—Wednesday, Feb. 1, 12:15 p.m., free. Learn more about heart disease and steps to prevention during this special luncheon held as part of Heart Health Awareness Month.

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Black History Month Movie: “The Help”—Friday, Feb. 10, 1:00 p.m., free. Enjoy a screening of the 2011 film “The Help” about black maids during the Civil Rights era who write a controversial book with the help of a young white woman. Refreshments and a social will follow the film.

• Valentine’s Party with Sinatra, Dean Martin and Neil Diamond—Tuesday, Feb. 14, 1:30 p.m., free. Old “Blue Eyes” himself won’t be present, but visitors can come and dance along to his music, as well as songs in the style of Dean Martin, Neil Diamond and Elvis, performed by Boston area singer George Lyons.

Sen. Richard Ross Office Hours—Tuesday, Feb. 14, 10:15-11:00 a.m., free, no sign-up required. Massachusetts Sen. Richard Ross or a member of this staff will be available at the Stephen Palmer Senior Center to hear concerns and to answer any questions.

Needham’s Art in Bloom 2012—Friday, March 2, 1:00-4:00 p.m., free. For the fourth year, Needham’s Art in Bloom 2012 will come to the Stephen Palmer Senior Center, with the work of members of the Beth Shalom Garden Club and students on display for the afternoon. A special Friday Entertainment Live program will run from 1:30-2:30 p.m., and refreshments will be served.

COA CLASSES

The COA also offers a variety of classes. Typically, instructors ask that individuals sign up at least a week before the first class and bring the fee to the first meeting. Upcoming sessions include:

Tai Chi—Mondays beginning Jan. 23, 9:00 a.m., $32 for eight weeks. This class will be led by instructor Scott Brumit and will be held at , 1132 Highland Ave.

Yoga—Tuesdays beginning Jan. 24, 9:00 a.m., $16 for four weeks. This class will be led by instructor Sandi Levi and will be held at the Stephen Palmer Senior Center. Participants should bring a yoga mat to class.

Ballroom Dancing: The Fox Trot—Tuesdays beginning Feb. 7, 2:00 p.m., $16 for four weeks. This class will be led by instructor Betty Hood and will be held at the on Chestnut Street.

Better Balance, Better Bones—Wednesdays beginning Feb. 15, 2:45 p.m., $50 for eight weeks. This class will be led by instructor Leslie Worris and will be held at the Stephen Palmer Senior Center.

EVERY MONTH AT THE SENIOR CENTER

Regular monthly programs at the Stephen Palmer Senior Center include:

Table Tennis—Available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00-11:30 a.m. No fee or sign-up required.

Computer Lessons—Offered by appointment on Thursdays from 12:00-3:00 p.m.

Friday Flicks—On certain Fridays at 1:00 p.m., drop by to enjoy various films for free, with no sign-up required. Upcoming films include: “In the Good Old Summertime” (1949), Jan. 20; “The Man Who Would Be King” (1975), Jan. 27; “The Caine Mutiny” (1954), Feb. 3; “The Help” (2011), Feb. 10 (see above); “Midnight in Paris” (2011), Feb. 17; and “Huey Long” (1985), Feb. 24.

Support Groups—Support groups for caregivers, hoarding and low vision are being formed at the senior center. Call 781-455-7555 for dates and times.

• Tax Counseling—The COA and AARP sponsor free tax counseling sessions for Needham seniors. Call the senior center at 781-455-7555 anytime after Feb. 1 to schedule an appointment. Appointments will be held between Feb. 13 and April 15. All meetings are confidential, and individuals should bring a copy of their 2011 tax return, all income statements received including Social Security and any state or federal tax forms they received in the mail. All tax counselors are trained by the IRS.

See full calendars and a PDF version of the latest “Compass” newsletter, published monthly by the Friends of the Needham Elderly, at right.


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