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THE WEEKLY GEM - February 13, 2023
Published on Feb 13, 2023 09:01
THE WEEKLY GEM
Foxborough Senior Center
February 13, 2023
THE IRISH IN BOSTON
On Wednesday, March 15 at 4 p.m., author Anthony Sammarco will be back at the senior center to present an illustrated lecture on “The Boston Irish.” He will explore the 19th and 20th century people and institutions that were founded by and for the Irish immigrants and their descendents. Some of the prominent ones are Boston College, Carney Hospital, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, the House of Good Shepherd, the House of the Angel Guardian, and many churches such as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Immaculate Conception in Boston’s South End. Many people think that the Irish immigration of the 1840’s changed the face of Boston over the ensuing century. Generations of Irish in Boston have contributed to the fabric of the city’s life in business, government and the church. Don’t miss this fun and informative program. Sign up in advance.
WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE
We’ll be playing the game “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” at the senior center on Wednesday, March 1 at 4 p.m. While we can’t promise a million dollars, we can guarantee you’ll have fun playing this game in a group setting hosted by Marc Craig. If you correctly answer the 14 questions, you could win a $100 gift certificate to the Foxborough Senior Center, or if not, there will be plenty of smaller prizes along the way. Come on out for a fun night. Even if you don’t want to participate, you are welcome to watch the show and enjoy some light refreshments. Don’t forget to sign up in advance.
GEO BLUE PROGRAM
Geo Blue is an option for health insurance for short term international travel offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. If you have a trip planned (or are you traveling with us to Italy?) Geo Blue provides peace of mind to world travelers. Join us on Monday, Feb. 13 at 2:30 to learn about the program. This presentation will explain the various levels of coverage in the plan. Please sign up in advance.
DENTAL BLUE 65
Dental care is essential to your overall health!! Regular dental checkups help protect your smile and prevent problems down the road. On Monday, Feb. 27 at 2:30 p.m., there will be a short presentation at the senior center that will explain the Dental Blue 65 program, and allow for questions/answers from Blue Cross Blue Shield representatives. Sign up in advance if you’d like to join us.
WHAT IS AN APPLE AIR TAG?
Are you always misplacing items? Are you traveling and worried about losing your checked bags? Join us on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 1:45 p.m. for our program on Apple Air Tags – what are they and how you can use them, paired with your iPhone, to never lose anything again! Sign up in advance.
HIP MOBILITY AND LOWER BACK STABILITY
The hips should be mobility based and the lower back should be stability based. As we age, this begins to reverse. This will cause pain, balance and stability issues. Join us for Steve Avellino’s next 6-week program, Hip Mobility and Lower Back Stability, on the following Thursdays at 9 a.m.; Feb. 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30. This program will address both hips and lower back issues. The program is facilitated by Steve Avellino, EFT, CES, SSF, SSN and the cost is $42 per person. Payment for the 6 classes is due at registration.
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 will be held on the following Thursdays at 11:45 a.m.: Feb. 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30. The cost for the 6 classes is $42 and payment is due at registration.
PAOLO DIGREGORIO LECTURE–“ETERNAL: THE ARCHITECTURAL GRANDEUR OF ROME”
Rome has existed for nearly 3,000 years. From its ancient glory as the center of the empire, through its rise as the seat of western Christendom, to its modern role as the capital of Italy, Rome has been built and rebuilt. Join us on Wednesday, Feb.15 at 4 p.m. when history lecturer Paolo DiGregorio will be at the senior center to examine the historical and architectural legacy of Rome. Sign up in advance to reserve your seat.
RHODE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE CRUISE
On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, we will be traveling to Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island for a 90 minute cruise showcasing 10 of Rhode Island’s most beautiful lighthouses. We will be traveling by motorcoach and leaving from the parking lot of St. Mary’s Church, 58 Carpenter Street, at 10 a.m. Before the cruise, we will have a delicious lunch at the Quanset O’ Club, and the menu will include your choice of one of the following: New England Baked Scrod or Breaded Chicken Cutlet. All meals will include mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, rolls, butter, vanilla ice cream, coffee and tea. After lunch we’re off on our cruise where the captain will take us throughout the Narragansett Bay bringing us up close and personal to the historic lighthouses. The cost for this trip is $122 for Foxboro residents and $127 for non-residents. The sign-up with payment has begun.
TRIP ON THE BOSTON DUCK TOUR & MAGGIANO’S FOR LUNCH
Join us on Thursday, June 15 at 8:30 a.m. as we travel by motorcoach to experience Boston like never before on a Boston Duck Tour. We will depart from the Prudential Center for an 80 minute Boston tour. The Boston”Ducks” are WWII amphibious-style vehicles that travel on land and in water. On our narrated tour, we will see many of Boston’s famous sites and even take a dip in the Charles River for a skyline view. After the tour, we will enjoy a family-style lunch at one of Boston’s favorites, Maggiano’s Italian Restaurant. Following lunch, we’ll stop at the Prudential Center for a little free time before we depart for home. The cost is $139 for Foxborough residents and $144 for non-residents. The sign-up with payment has begun.
AUDIO-DESCRIBED MOVIE
On Thursday, March 16 at 1 p.m., the Low Vision Group will be showing the audio-described movie “Where the Crawdads sing.” Abandoned as a girl, Kya raised herself in the dangerous marshlands of North Carolina. For years, rumors of the marsh girl haunted Barkley Cove, isolating the sharp and resilient Kya from ther community. Drawn to two young men from town, she opens herself to a new and startling world. However, when one of them is found dead, Kya immediately becomes the main suspect. As the case unfolds, the verdict as to what happened become increasingly unclear, threatening to reveal many secrets. This program will be open to the general public as well as the Low Vision Support Group attendees. Please sign up in advance.
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING II
Join us for Steve Avellino’s next 6-week program, Strength and Conditioning II, on Monday’s at 11:45 a.m. at the senior center. This program is designed to help with balance, posture, and pain relief, with an emphasis on regaining movement integrity. The program is facilitated by Steve Avellino EFT, CES, SSF, SSN, and the classes will be meeting on the following Mondays: Feb. 6, 13, 27, Mar 6, 13 & 20. The cost is $42 per person and should be paid at the time you register for the class.
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, Mar. 9 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.
HAIR STYLING
Would you like to get your hair cut and styled in the comfort of the Foxborough Senior Center? On Friday, Feb. 24, 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.
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
The Low Vision Support Group will be meeting on Thursday, Feb. 16, 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 for final details
LUNCHEON OUTING
Our next luncheon outing will be on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at Conrad’s Restaurant at 1 p.m. Call us to sign up by Monday, Feb. 13 and meet us at the restaurant on the 15th. For those who require van transportation, arrangements must be made by Monday the 13th.
HEARING CLINIC
On Wednesdays, Feb.15 & 22, March 1, 8, 15 & 22 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.
MEN’S BREAKFAST
It’s breakfast time at the senior center for the Guys once again! So gentlemen, join us for the next Men’s Breakfast with friends on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 9 a.m. The cost is $3 per person. Please sign up in advance with your payment and we’ll save you a seat.
MAH JONGG TOURNAMENT
Join us on Friday, March 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for an inter-town Mah Jongg Tournament at the Foxborough Senior Center which will be bringing players together from Foxborough, Franklin, Sharon, Walpole and other towns. Players should have at least 1 year experience playing Mah Jongg. Pizza lunch will be provided, courtesy of the Foxborough Senior Center. If you have specific questions, please email [email protected]. The entry fee is $5 (or $10 at the door) and will be collected by David Lescoe (Lesky) at the senior center on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, between noon and 3:30 p.m.
MAKING MUSIC
Calling all musicians and singers: Bring your ukulele, guitar, voice or other acoustic instrument and join us for our “Making Music” program on March 6 at 1 p.m., and on the first Monday of every following month at 1 p.m. All skills are encouraged and welcome to participate in this monthly FREE sing and play along experience. We will explore fun and familiar songs. 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 10:45 a.m. Everyone is welcome, no previous gardening experience is necessary. Sign up to let us know you’ll be joining us.
FRIENDS’ BINGO – BRING A FRIEND – ALL ARE WELCOME
Come and join us for Bingo at the senior center on Tuesday, March 7 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.
HUMAN – THE WORLD WITHIN
Join us on Tuesday mornings at 9:30, starting Feb. 7 for the 6-part Netflix docuseries about the incredible workings of the human body. Cutting edge science and captivating personal stories collide in this illuminating series. The video series will be held on the following Tuesdays: Feb. 14 “Pulse”, Feb. 21 “Fuel”, Feb. 18 “Defend”, March 7 “Sense” and March 14 “Birth”. Sign up and we’ll save you a seat.
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, March 8 at 1:15 p.m., and continuing monthly every 2nd Wednesday at 1:15. Please sign up in advance.
LEAH’S ART CORNER
Join Leah Snow at the senior center as you embark on a journey of arts and creation. Leah’s classes will meet on the following Wednesdays at 2 p.m., and the classes include all supplies and tutorials as you create something new for your home: February 15 – Shell Painting, and; February 22 – Rock Painting. Please sign up in advance for any or all of the classes you may be interested in.
TRIP TO ENCORE CASINO
We will be traveling to Encore Casino in Everett, Massachusetts on Thursday, March 30, 2023. We ‘re leaving at 9 a.m. from the side parking lot of St. Mary’s Church at 58 Carpenter Street, and traveling by motorcoach to New England’s newest casino! Try your luck with 2,800+ slot machines, including 166 table games from craps to roulette to blackjack and baccarat, all at state-of-the-art tables with superior service. We will be at the casino until 3 p.m., and a Casino Package of $20 free slot play is included. (Casino Package is subject to change.) The cost is $37 for residents and $42 for non-residents. Call or stop by the senior center to sign up with your payment.
TRIP TO THE NEWPORT PLAYHOUSE IN 2023
Join us as we travel once again to the Newport Playhouse on April 27, 2023. We’ll travel by motorcoach and leave from St. Mary’s parking lot, 58 Carpenter Street, at 9:45 a.m. This favorite trip location includes an extensive buffet lunch, which includes a large variety of hot and cold foods, main entrees, side dishes, beverages and homemade desserts. Following lunch, we will all see a comedic play in the playhouse theater, and we end our day with a fun-filled cabaret performance. The cost for this fun-filled day is $139 for Foxboro residents, and $144 for non-residents. Registration with payment has begun. Don’t miss out!
BEST OF PROVIDENCE TOUR
We’ll be off to Providence, RI on Thursday, May 25, 2023 for our Best of Providence trip. We’ll be traveling by motorcoach and begin our morning with a visit to Scialo’s Bakery where we will enjoy coffee, treats and a bit of history of Providence’s most famous bakery. Afterwards, we will enjoy lunch at Cassarino’s Ristorante and then we will enjoy a 90 guided tour of Providence. The cost is $117 per person for Foxborough residents and $122 for non-residents. Registration with payment has begun.
TRIP TO OGUNQUIT, MAINE
On June 21 & 22, 2023 we’ll be off by motorcoach to Ogunquit, Maine, for a visit to the Ogunqit Playhouse and a stop at Foster’s Clambake. Enjoy Theater at its best and the charm of Southern Maine on this theatrical culinary escape. On the way up north, we’ll stop off at Kennebunkport for a guided tour, and later we’ll check into the Meadowmere Resort in Ogunquit for the evening, where we will enjoy a wine and cheese reception. Dinner will be at Jonathan’s Restaurant located in the hotel, and then afterwards we’ll be enjoying a Broadway musical at The Ogunquit Playhouse. After breakfast on day 2, we’ll drive along Maine’s southern coast. We will arrive in Maine’s “first town,” York, where we will visit one of the earliest English settlements in the country at The Museum of Old York. Then we’re off to Foster’s to enjoy a traditional clambake with lobsters, clams, chowder and all the fixins. On the way home, we’ll stop for a visit to the Kittery Outlets. The cost for this trip is $634 per person (double), $744 per person (single) and $753 per person (triple). The cost includes transportation, accomodations at Meadowmere, tours, reserved playhouse seating, museum tickets, all taxes, gratuities, 3 meals and the Trip Protection Plan insurance. Registration for this trip has begun.
ADIRONDACK BALLOON FESTIVAL
Join us for a trip to the glorious Adirondacks to see one of the country’s largest Balloon Festivals on September 22 to 24, 2023. Our first stop will be the resort town of racing and elegance – Saratoga Springs, where we will have some free time for lunch and shopping, followed by a guided tour of the town. We will be spending 2 nights at the Fairfield by Marriott hotel. In the late afternoon we’ll head to the Festival to see the launching of over 50 hot air balloons, including special shapes. Dinner will be in the grand Ballroom of the Queensbury Hotel. On day 2, we’re up early for another balloon launch. We will cruise on Lake George, eat lunch at the water’s edge, and back to the Festival for another balloon launch, followed later by the MoonGlow Ascension of the balloons. On day 3, we’ll rise early for another balloon launch followed by breakfast. Afterwards, we will return to Lake George to enjoy some free time and lunch on our own before we head for home. The cost for this trip is $853 per person (double), $1,222 per person (single) and $753 per person (triple). The cost includes transportation, tours, 2 nights’ lodging, 4 meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner) Lake George cruise, 5 different launchings of various balloon shapes, baggage handling (1 piece), all taxes & gratuities, and the Trip Protection Plan insurance. The registration for this trip has begun. Don’t miss this unique travel experience!
FEBRUARY MOVIE DAYS
The theme for February’s Movie Days is the actor Harrison Ford. The movies will be shown at 1 p.m. on the following Thursdays:
Feb. 16 – “The Call of the Wild” Based on Jack London’s classic story about Buck the dog taken from his home in California and a Yukon prospector that discovers and bonds with him.
Feb. 23 – “Ender’s Game” a young military cadet may be humanity’s only hope against an alien invasion in this epic adaptation of the hit novel.
Please sign up in advance for some or all of the February movies.
CLASSIC MOVIE MONDAYS
Join us on the Monday afternoons at 1:15 for our Classic Movie Mondays. The movies will be shown on the following Mondays in February: Feb. 13 “Rockie” and on Feb. 27 “Grease”. Please sign up in advance for some or all of February’s Classic Movie Days.
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 SUPPER
Our monthly Senior Supper program focuses on a unique high quality catered meal. We hope you’ll join us for an evening out with friends on Wednesday, Feb. 22. This program will start at 4 p.m. and food will be served around 4:30. February’s meal will be finger sandwiches and salad! The cost is $5 and must be paid at the time you sign up.
MANAGING YOUR EMAIL
Lori Capone will be at the senior center on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 1:30 p.m. to present a class on “Managing Your Email.” Lori will teach us a variety of email features. Additional time wil allow for questions and discussions. Please sign up in advance.
MANAGING PHOTOS ON AN IPHONE & IPAD
Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 1:30 when Lori Capone will present a program on how to use the photo library, albums, saving, deleting and other options on an iPhone and/or iPad. If you have questions on managing your photos on your iPhone and iPad, don’t miss out on this informative program. Sign up in advance.
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.
1 ON 1 NUTRITION CONSULTATION
Registered Dietitian, Kelsey McEntee, is at the Foxborough Senior Center on the 2nd Friday 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 Friday, March 10. Call us to schedule an appointment and come prepared with your questions about your health concerns.
REFLEXOLOGY
On Friday, Feb. 17, 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.
BOOK CLUB
Our senior center Book Club will be meeting on Monday, March 6 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, sign up in advance.
CULTURAL DANCE
Starting in October, join Foxborough resident, Garmai “Mai” Sumo on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. as she teaches us dances from her native country of Liberia. Mai will provide a fun atmosphere to experience and learn new dance moves while exercising. The cost is $3 per class and this program 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.
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.
BRIDGE LESSONS
Bridge is a card game that is played all over the world, in person and online. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play Bridge, this is your opportunity. The classes are held on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunil Trivedi is the instructor and he will introduce new and interested players to the game. Please sign up in advance.
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 Michelle Lawlor of the YMCA. 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 1 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.
TABLE TOP GARDEN CLUB
The senior center Table Top Garden Club will resume meeting on Tuesdays at 10:45 a.m. in February 2023.
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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