Sharing Strength ~ Support Program

At a new time! Open to all Seniors! The Mendon Senior Center continues to host Sharing Strength; a supportive program led by Counselor Gail Bourassa, LMHC of My Choice Therapy.  The group, using everyone’s experience, will explore topics related to health and wellness such as stress, hobbies, coping, routines etc. Upcoming scheduled dates are 2/26, 3/12, and 3/26 at a new time—11 a.m. Please contact director Amy Wilson Kent, if you are interested in attending this group.

Need Support? Jenn can Help! 

Our new Senior Center Outreach Coordinator, Jenn Talamini, offers:

-  Free, confidential counseling

-  Caregiver support

-  Information and referrals on aging issues

-  Home visits are available by appointment.

Call Jenn at 508-478-6175, ext. 2 for assistance. This position is partially funded by a state grant.

New Players Welcome!

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

-  Cribbage –Wednesdays 9:45 a.m.

-  Hand, Knee and Foot a Canasta Card game –Tuesdays 1 p.m.

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

Want to learn how to play? Our members are eager and willing to instruct you. Call ahead to let us know of your interest. Don’t see your favorite game listed, please let us know what you’d like to see offered!

Tri-Valley Lunch Program

If you want an alternative to eating home alone and don’t want to feel the pinch in your wallet, why not consider this friendly, affordable alternative at the Mendon Senior Center? Our volunteers will make you feel right at home. The varied Tri-Valley menus offer nutritious, delicious choices. Lunch is served 12 noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Transportation is available. Call Shawna Timperio to register. Come be our guest! Your first meal is on us! Special thanks to our wonderful Tri-Valley lunch servers and helpers: Wendy Bohannon, Phil Cieply, Karen Cieply, Betsy Edsall, Warren Goodnow, Rosie Gibson-Hare, Lisa Hurley, Mary MacDougall, Hala Muhareb, Peg Nogueira, Dona Son and Diane Howell.

February Menu 

- Tuesday, Feb. 17

Non-Tri-Valley meal - Birthday Bash! $5

- Thursday, Feb. 19

Garlic Herb Chicken with Cranberry Herb Stuffing

- Tuesday, Feb. 24

Swedish Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes

- Thursday, Feb. 26

Ranch Chicken with Wild Rice and Spinach

Friendly Reminders! Meals are served at 12 noon. The cost is a $3 donation per meal. Reservations must be made 48 hours in advance. Transportation is available. Call Shawna to schedule your ride. Meals are subject to change.

Birthday Bash

Our February Birthday Bash will take place on Feb. 17, with festivities beginning at noon. We will be entertained by Pat Durkin, showcasing his talents as a vocal soloist and pianist. Please join us as we celebrate our February birthdays and enjoy a fun afternoon with friends. Our birthday guests are invited free of charge; all other guests are encouraged to make a $5 donation.

Friends Dine Out

We invite you to join us for the Friends monthly Dine Out. Carpool with friends from the senior center the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 12 noon or meet at the restaurant at 12:30 p.m. The cost of lunch is your responsibility, but the company is free! Please sign-up at the senior center. Upcoming dates: Wednesday Feb. 18 ~ Quaker Tavern, Uxbridge, March 18~ TBA, April 15~ BVT, Upton.

Fitness Programs

Curious about adding a little movement to your week? We’d love for you to join us! Please call Shawna Timperio at the center for more information about our exercise programs. New participants can try their first class for free.

Chair Exercise: Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m.

This popular 60 minute class chair yoga program offers the same benefits as traditional yoga, like boosting strength, flexibility and mental well being. The practice is great for older adults, people with health conditions, and those who work at a desk all day.

Qigong: Wednesdays 10 a.m.

Qigong, pronounced Chee-gong, is a practice that utilizes gentle stretching and breathing exercises. Upon finishing this 60 minute class, students will feel relaxed yet energized.

Tai Chi: Wednesdays 11 a.m.

Tai Chi, per instructor Faith Kennedy is “meditation in motion” and is gentle for all ages. This is also a 60 minute class.

Shine Health Insurance Counseling

Certified SHINE counselors are available to assist you with questions about Medicare. SHINE services are free and unbiased. Counselors 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. SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, and administered through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence. 

Technology Assistance

We would like to remind everyone that the Mendon Senior Center computer lab is available for your use during center hours. Check your emails and utilize the internet away from home. If you need assistance with your cell phone, laptop or ipad, consider attending one of the upcoming Tech Talk on March 2. Call to register.

Senior Van Transportation

Our van service is available Monday thru Thursday for trips to medical appointments, 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 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 rides roundtrip and $4 for out-of-town rides. Vanbucks are available, get a 12-punch card for $10. Please inquire at the front desk.

Upcoming Programs:

What’s Cooking with Betsy and Dona

This new program will debut on March 27 at 12:30 p.m. Betsy and Donna will offer live cooking demonstrations featuring some of their favorite dishes, starting with a hearty, healthy soup paired with sandwich suggestions. They will also share tips on modifying recipes for portion size and health benefits. Guest cooks will join them throughout the series to demonstrate additional cooking and baking ideas. If you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share, please let us know. Advance sign-up by the Monday prior to the event is required, and a small fee will be charged to cover costs. Come ready to learn, taste, and enjoy a few surprises!

Ukulele Lessons

The Mendon Council on Aging is pleased to announce that the Massachusetts Cultural Council has approved grant funding for a three-part instructional program. Learn the fundamentals of ukulele playing April 2, April 9 and April 16. No experience is necessary. Ukuleles are provided or bring your own. Participants will learn how to tune, strum, fret, read chord diagrams and play fun songs. Our instructor Julie Stepanek lives in Western Massachusetts and for the past 15 years she has been teaching and making music at libraries, schools and senior centers throughout New England. There is no fee for this program. We are grateful to the Mendon Cultural Council for its continued support of programming that enriches the lives of our residents. Call 508-478-6175 or stop by the Mendon Senior Center to register for this free program.