Submitted by Sherry Jackson, Needham COA Associate Director

Remember “Sunny Side of the Street," “If I Were a Rich Man," “Jersey Bounce,” “Side By Side,” The Sheik of Araby" and “Ain’t She Sweet”? These are just a few of many songs for you to listen, tap your feet, clap your hands and sing along to at the upcoming "It’s Friday Entertainment Live" event on Friday, July 13 at 1:30 p.m. at the Stephen Palmer Senior Center.

The Newton Swing Band will play songs from the Roaring '20s, through to the Fabulous '40s favorites, “golden oldies." Band members come from Needham, Wellesley, Waban, Stow, Walpole and Hopkinton, and range in age up to the 70s. They are directed by Jim Barr and Conducted by Alan Glou.

There is no fee for this program, but sign-up is required.

THIS WEEK AND COMING UP

These programs are going on this week or require registration. To sign up, call the Senior Center at 781-455-7555.

• Weekly Flicks—Friday Flicks are held on most Fridays at the Stephen Palmer Senior Center. The free movies are shown at 1 p.m., and registration is not required. Upcoming films include the 1968 film "The Yellow Submarine" on Friday, July 6.
• Monday’s Lunch Bunch—Try someplace new, socialize and enjoy a good meal with Monday's Lunch Bunch. The group meets at the Senior Center at 11:30 a.m. to board a van to the lunch destination. Coming up: Ken's Steakhouse in Framingham on Monday, July 9 and Pizzeria Uno in Dedham on Monday, July 15. A suggested donation of $5 will be collected on the van. Participants also pay the cost of their meals.

DANCE AND EXERCISE CLASSES

Get fit and learn something new with Council on Aging dance and exercise classes. Sign up in advance by calling 781-455-7555. Payment is due at the first class.

• Tai Chi—Mondays, July 2, 9, 16, 23, at 9 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church. Tai chi is a slow-motion, moving, meditative exercise for relaxation and health. As a stress-relieving therapy, it leaves the participants ready to face whatever difficulties their day may bring. Instructor Scott Brumit has studied various forms of martial arts since 1983, including tai chi and gigong. Cost is $16.
• Ballroom Dancing: “Cha-Cha"—Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31, at 2 p.m. at the YMCA on Chestnut Street. Instructor Betty Hood will lead this four-week dance class. Cost is $16. Please wear shoes that allow movement on a wood floor—not rubber soles.
• Senior Strength Exercise—Mondays, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, at 10:15 a.m. This exercise class is designed to accommodate mature individuals of various fitness levels. This seated class led by instructor Pearl Pressman will begin with a thorough warm-up followed by strength training exercises for all the major muscle groups of the body using light hand weights and conclude with gentle stretching exercises to increase flexibility and reduce muscle tension. Cost is $20. A second, four-week session will be offered on Mondays, July 13, 20, 27 and Aug. 3. Cost is $16.
• Yoga—Mondays, July 2, 9, 23, 30, at 9 a.m. This class is designed for basic and intermediate levels. Students need to bring a sticky mat (can be purchased at most sporting goods stores) and a small blanket. Participants can expect to be doing yoga seated on the floor with the use of a mat with some standing poses as well. Please wear comfortable clothes and don’t eat a big meal beforehand. This class is not a women-only venture. Men are welcome! Instructor Sandi Levy is certified as a Viniyoga Yoga teacher. Cost is $16.
• The Arthritis Exercise Class—Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31, at 10 a.m. This exercise program includes range-of motion exercises (includes flexibility, strengthening exercises, endurance activities, weight-bearing activities, balance and coordination activities, posture and body mechanics training). Cost is $16. Another session will be offered on Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26 and Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. at the YMCA on Chestnut Street. Cost is $16.
• Line Dancing Class—Mondays, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, at noon at First Baptist Church. Line dancing is fun and a great form of exercise! No partner is needed; just bring yourself! Instructor Manny Correia has been a popular line dancing teacher for more than 20 years. Cost is $20.
• Zumba Class—Thursdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26 and Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church. Enjoy Latin-inspired music as you pump your legs, swing your hips, clap your hands—and achieve a blended balance of cardio-and muscle-toning benefits in the process. Cost is $20.

LUNCH AND LEARN

"Aging with Attitude" is a fun and inspiring talk for seniors. Explore factors that contribute to ongoing health and vitality, learn how to prevent falls, stay safe with medications, create and maintain vitality and purpose and share your life’s lessons. This program will be presented by Linda Smith, RN, CMC principal of Metrowest Eldercare Managementon Thursday, July 12 at 11 a.m. at the Senior Center. The program is free, but sign-up is required. Call 781-455-7555.

GAME GROUPS

Would you like to learn how to play Mah Jong, Whist or Cribbage? Do you already know how to play games such as Mah Jong, Bridge, Whist, Cribbage, Scrabble, Backgammon or Poker and want to join a group? Call Sherry Jackson, associate director at the Needham Council on Aging, at 781-455-7555 ext. 205 for information.

TRIP NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS

The Friends of the Needham Elderly are planning their next trip on Thursday, July 19. Escape for the day and join the Friends aboard the Pilgrim Belle—a nostalgic Mississippi-style paddle wheeler—for a narrated cruise highlighting the story of the Pilgrims as they explore the waters of historic Plymouth Harbor and Cape Cod Bay. 

Lunch will be included at the Hearth & Kettle Restaurant and includes either broiled Cape scrod or roast turkey dinner. Explore the Scenic Plymouth Waterfront and enjoy local speciality shops and restaurants.  

The motor coach will leave Linden and Chambers, Linden St., Needham at 9.30 a.m. or 9.45 a.m. from the Senior Center and will return around 6/6:30 p.m. The cost of this trip is $64 (includes all tips).

Reserve a spot now by calling 781-455-7555 ext. 209. Full payment must be made upon reservation, along with luncheon choice and pick-up location.

Please make checks payable to “F.O.N.E” and mail to Needham Senior Center, 83 Pickering St., Needham, MA 02492, Attention: Trips. (No refunds if cancellation is received within 10 days prior to departure, unless a replacement can be found.)

Tour requires minimum of 30 passengers to operate, so tell your friends today.

The Friends' next trip will be on Wednesday, Aug. 22 to Lobster Fest in Holyoke, featuring a performance by "The Ponytails"—an all-girl tribute band that plays music from the 1960s. Cost is $74. 

TRY SOMETHING NEW

• Computer Lessons—The Council on Aging offers computer lessons on Thursday afternoons by appointment. Those who would like to learn about computers in a one-on-one session with an instructor are invited to these classes. Lessons are offered on Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. (by appointment). There is no fee for this class. To make a 45-minute appointment, call the COA at 781-455-7555.
• Creative Writing Group—The COA writing group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Senior Center. All are welcome, and sign-up is not required. This writing group is for all levels. The class is not about using proper grammar. It is about capturing memories or stories on paper and most of all having fun. The class is facilitated by a published writer.
• Singers wanted—If you can read music or can carry a tune, join this new group meeting on Tuesday afternoons from 12:45-1:45 p.m. at the Senior Center. Fred Shaw will lead the group in song and will provide the lyrics to songs old and new. Shaw said that his interest in music sprang from listening to barbershop and leaning to harmonize certain tunes. Shaw has performed for a wide variety of locations and audiences; however, he may be best known for his role as "Ring Master" of the mid-1960s television show “Bozo the Clown.” No audition required. Sign up is appreciated in order to have enough song sheets for all to participate. Call the Senior Center at 781-455-7555 to sign up.