What's New at the Senior Center: Friends' Trip to RI

Submitted by Sherry Jackson, Associate Director

Join the Friends of the Needham Elderly on Wednesday, May 23 on a tour of magnificent estates, gardens and the historic waterfront of Bristol, RI, plus a luncheon at the Atlantic Beach Club.

Discover Blithewood Mansion, a majestic English Style Manor with one of the finest garden estates in New England on a self-guided tour. Explore the history and delights of the Great House and Estate of Linden Plane on the guided tour.  Enjoy a special guided adventure of Bristol, RI, America's most patriotic town, highlighting historic waterfront, downtown, Colt Park and more. Plus, a delicious luncheon at the Atlantic Beach Club—all inclusive for only $72 including tips.

The bus will depart at 9 a.m. from Linden and Chambers St. and at 9.15 a.m. from the .  Approximate return will be around 6:30-6:45 p.m.

For reservations, cal the Friends trip desk at 781-455-7555 ext. 209. 

The trip requires 30 passengers to operate, so tell your friends and book now—sure to be popular. Secure your seat today with full payment, payable to "FONE," Needham Senior Center, 83 Pickering St., Needham, MA 02492, ATTN: Trips.

SAVE THE DATE

On Wednesday, June 20, The Friends of the Needham Elderly will take a trip to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and Gardens Guided Tour, with lunch at the Venezia on the Waterfront in Boston. Cost is $65 including tips.

THIS WEEK AND COMING UP

These programs are going on this week or require registration this week.

• Weekly Flicks—Watch “Hugo” (2011) on Friday, May 4 and "The Artist" (2011) on Friday, May 18 at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center. This is free, and there is no sign-up required. 
• 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: A trip to The Dolphin in Natick on Monday, May 7 and The Aegean in Framingham on Monday, May 14. To sign up, call the Senior Center at 781-455-7555. A suggested donation of $5 will be collected on the van. Participants also pay the cost of their meals.
• Art History: “Chagall”—Wednesday, May 2, 10:30 a.m., at Avery Crossings, 110 West St. Learn more about Marc Chagall, one of the most versatile artists of the 20th century. There is no fee or sign-up required.
• It’s Friday Entertainment Live with Singer Gail Gallagher—Friday, May 11, 1:30 p.m. “As Time Goes By” is a show filled with comedy, poignancy and love-struck characters riding the ups and downs of love and life with songs from the 1920s to the ’70s—Broadway, Hollywood, big bands, pop and rock n’ roll. Sign-up is required. There is no fee for this program.
• Blood Pressure: What’s all the Fuss About?—Wednesday, May 16, 12:15 p.m. A Lunch and Learn presentation by Bobbie Converse, RN in honor of National High Blood Pressure Education Month. How does high blood pressure affect my health and body? How do blood pressure medicines work? What can I do about the side effects of blood pressure meds? What else can I do to manage my blood pressure? Converse, an RN employed with the Visiting Nurses Association Care Network, will be available to answer your questions. There is no fee for this programs Sign-up is required; call 781-455-7555.

MOTHER’S DAY

The Council on Aging will hold a Mother’s Day breakfast on Wednesday, May 9 at 10 a.m. at Wingate at Needham, 539 Highland Ave. All senior women are invited to attend and enjoy a complete breakfast of pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, biscuits and home fries. There is no fee for this program, but sign-up is required. Call 781-455-7555 to sign up.

TRY SOMETHING NEW

• Spanish Class for Beginners—Tuesdays, May 8, 15, 22 and 29, 9:30 a.m. at the Senior Center. This class is for individuals with little or no previous experience with the Spanish language. Both instructional and conversational, this class will give participants tools to learn Spanish and will be great fun for all. The class is taught by volunteer Lumareli Marcaccio, the director of operations with ComForcare Senior Services in Norwood.
• 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.

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.

• Yoga—Mondays, May 7 and 14 and June 4, 11, 18 and 25, 9 a.m. This class is designed for basic and intermediate levels. Students need to bring a sticky mat 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 of the six-week session is $24. 
• Tai Chi Class—Mondays, beginning May 14 at 9 a.m. at . 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 for this four-week class is $16.

WALKING PROGRAMS

Spring is in the air! Get out and get walking with these programs offered by the Council on Aging. To sign up, call Sherry at 781-455-7555.

• The Walking Club—If you walk two to four miles, a couple of days a week, then this walking club is for you. The walks are designed to offer variety. Participants will have an opportunity to walk with other walking clubs and explore trails outside the local area, with transportation provided. Upcoming walks include: Friday, May 4, Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain and Friday, May 11, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway in Boston.
• The Walking Partners Program—Would you like to have company on your walks? The Council on Aging will match you with two others who walk your pace and coincide with your schedule.

LOW-VISION SUPPORT GROUP

 The Low-Vision Support Group meets at the Senior Center on the third Friday of every month. The group provides an opportunity for newly blind and visually impaired persons to come together to discuss issues relating to their vision loss. The group addresses topics about how to use specialized equipment in the home or on the job; how to maintain independence, aging and vision loss, or the effects of vision loss on family and friends. If you need a ride, call the Senior Center at 781-455-7555.