Planning for Medicare: Countdown to 65 (Duration: 60 minutes) Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.

Planning for Medicare is a general presentation and discussion led by a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts representative. It’s geared towards individuals approaching Medicare Eligibility. Topics covered include health insurance information outside of employer sponsored coverage, such as an explanation of Medicare, the Medicare enrollment timeline, Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans and programs available to early retirees, and COBRA. This is a great presentation to offer to seniors in your community who may still be working and looking to transition. Evening programs may also be available. Please call 508-478-6175 or stop by the Senior Center to register or for more information.

Medicare Supplement Plans or Medicare Advantage Plans? Which Coverage is Best for Me? (Duration: 45 mins) Thursday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m.

This is the #1 question most people have when deciding on the coverage that is best for them. This presentation will discuss the differences between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans, show real life case studies, and provide resources to help in the decision process. This presentation is great for people new to Medicare and for existing Medicare members that will have the option to make changes to their plan during the Annual Election Period from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 or during the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period from Jan. 1 through March 31. Please call 508-478-6175 or stop by the Senior Center to register or for more information.

The Mendon Food Pantry located at the Senior Center is currently open for Mendon residents one Friday per month by appointment. Upcoming dates are as follows: Oct. 3, Oct. 31 (for November) and Dec. 5.

For more information or to make an appointment call Amy Wilson Kent at 508-478-6175

A Fond Farewell 

With regret, the Mendon Council on Aging must inform its  patrons of the recent departure of Janet Hubener, Outreach Coordinator. Janet provided dedicated, caring service to Mendon seniors and their caregivers for nearly 10 years. She will be greatly missed. We wish her the best in the future.

Senior Van Transportation

Our van service is available Monday thru Thursday for trips to medical appointments within a 15-mile radius, local shopping or just coming down to the Senior Center. Our friendly drivers are available to pick you up at your front door and take you where you need to go within a 15-mile radius. If you have any mobility issues, the van does include a lift, and our drivers are trained in wheelchair securement. Please make your ride reservations at least 48 hours in advance by calling Shawna Timperio at the Senior Center, 508-478-6175. Rides are based on availability of the van; medical appointments get highest priority. Ride fees are $1 for local roundtrip rides and $4 for out-of-town rides. Vanbucks are available, get a 12-punch card for $10. Please inquire at the front desk.

Shine Health Insurance Counseling

Certified SHINE counselors are available to assist you with questions about Medicare. SHINE services are free and unbiased: we are available to discuss all options related to Medicare and additional coverage, and we do not sell any plans. Call the Mendon Senior Center at 508-478-6175 to make an appointment or call the Regional SHINE Office in Milford at 508-422-9931. SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) is funded through the federal agency, Administration for Community Living and administered through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

New Players Welcome!

The Mendon Senior Center offers a variety of recreational activities including:

Cribbage—Wednesdays 9:45 a.m. The Cribbage group is always looking for new players. All levels welcome.

Hand, Knee and Foot card game—Tuesdays 1 p.m.

Mah-Jong—Wednesdays & Thursdays 1 p.m.

Brain Games—Thursdays 11:30 a.m.

Please check our schedule regarding days, times, and availability. Don’t see your favorite game listed, please let us know what you’d like to see offered!

Tri Valley Nutrition Program

Tuesday, Sept. 16: Hot Dog, Baked Beans & Coleslaw

Thursday, Sept. 18: Baked Potato with Chili & Cheese

Tuesday, Sep. 23: Turkey with Supreme Sauce with Cornbread Stuffing

Thursday, Sept. 25: Shepherd’s Pie, Carrots and Peas following Music Bingo!

Tuesday, Sept. 30: Teriyaki Beef with Steamed Rice

Friendly Reminders! Meals are served at noon. The cost is $3 donation per meal. Reservations must be made 48 hours in advance. Transportation is available. Call 508-478-6175 to schedule. Meals are subject to change.

Dine-Out

This Friends of Mendon Elders sponsored program is open to all. Join us on the appointed Wednesday at either the Senior Center at 11:30 a.m. to carpool or at the restaurant at 12 p.m. Please sign up with the Senior Center. The cost of lunch is your responsibility, but the awesome company is free! Wednesday, Sept. 17 – Empire Buffet, Woonsocket

Mendon Minstrels Chorus Returns! Music Lovers Invited!

The Senior Center Chorus will begin rehearsals this September on Mondays from 1 - 3 p.m., starting Sept. 15. It’s not too late to join even if you miss the first few sessions! The chorus and musicians, under the direction of Dave Clinkman, will be focusing on music for the November veteran’s program, their upcoming fall program with a sports related theme as well as a spring “Garden Party theme.  New members are welcome! Call the Mendon Senior Center at 508-478-6175 if you are interested in joining.

Senior Citizens Day Luncheon

Please plan to attend the annual Senior Citizen Day sponsored by the Mendon Lions Club to honor all Mendon senior citizens, especially Leo and Peg Tetreault this year’s Senior Citizens of the Year. The event, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 21 at 11:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Church of Mendon/Uxbridge, 13 Maple St., Mendon. Please call 508-478-6175 or stop by the senior center to register for this event.

Music Bingo

Join us for a musical blast from the past on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. for Musical Bingo by Good Thomas!

Come enjoy the songs of the 50s, 60s and more. You may even win a prize! 

This program is sponsored by the Friends of Mendon Elders. Reserve your space early and consider staying for lunch afterwards. Call 508-478-6175 or stop by the senior center to register for one or both programs. Transportation is available.

Fitness Programs

Intro to T’ai Chi

The Senior Center will be offering two Introductory T’ai Chi classes funded by the Friends of Mendon Elders for you to try in an effort to gauge interest in offering future sessions.

Monday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 11 a.m.

T’ai Chi, per instructor Faith Kennedy is “meditation in motion” and is gentle for all ages. Please call or stop by the center to register.

Evening Yoga

Evening Yoga is returning to the Senior Center on a new day and time beginning Monday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. 

The cost of this eight-week session is $60 per person. Please call or stop by the center to register. Space is limited.

Mendon Senior Walking Group

The Mendon Senior Walking Group will continue this September, weather permitting, on Mondays and Fridays at 8:30 a.m. at various locations. The average distance we walk is approx. 2 miles.

If you are interested or have questions, contact Diane at: [email protected] or call her at 508-473-3081. New Walkers are always welcome. Please call the center for more information about ALL our exercise programs.

Reserve Now! Senior Day Trip -Yankee Candle & Bright Nights Trip ~ Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

Get in the holiday spirit with this fun-filled day! At Yankee Candle learn how candles are made and a get a chance to dip you own.

Enjoy a late lunch afterwards at the Golden Corral featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet. As darkness falls a ride through Bright Nights a renowned village of Christmas lights will be enjoyed!

Cost is $99 per person. (No refunds given after 11/12/25) Please register at the Mendon Senior Center.

For more info or questions, please contact Bev Fior at 508-473-8382. Checks are to be made out to Friends of Mendon Elders (please add ‘trip account’ in memo line.) Mail to 62 Providence St., Mendon, MA 01756 Trip Operated by Bloom Tours 

Octoberfest Celebration: Mark Your Calendar!

Join the Friends of Mendon Elders for a festive fall tradition at the Annual Octoberfest Celebration—a community favorite filled with cheer, treats, and treasures!

Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Senior Center. There will be raffle baskets, delicious baked goods and handmade crafts.

This special fundraiser is made possible by the support of community groups, talented crafters, and our generous bakers. Your participation helps keep the spirit of Octoberfest alive year after year!

Can’t make it? You can also view and purchase raffle baskets at the Mendon Lions Club Craft & Vendor Fair on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025.

More details coming in September—don’t miss it!