Senior happenings for Week of Aug. 19

DIGHTON

The Dighton Council on Aging is located at 300 Lincoln Ave., N. Dighton. Phone: 508-823-0095. Contact Alice E. Souza, http://www.dighton-ma.gov/

Classes at the Dighton COA:

Chair yoga class is held for those age 60 or older on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to noon;

Tai chi classes are held Fridays from 9 to 10 a.m.

Exercise classes are held for those age 60 or older on Mondays and Wednesdays starting at 9:30 a.m.

Pinochle, cribbage and whist are played at the Lincoln Village Community Center on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. A whist party is scheduled for the first and third Monday of the month at 1 p.m.

Nutritious meals are served at Prime Time Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. by reservation. Call Sheila at 508-669-6272 by 10:30 a.m. the previous day to reserve a meal. A donation of $2 per meal is suggested. Home-delivered meals can be arranged for home-bound elders upon request. If you know of someone who is home-bound and in need of home delivered meals, call 508-823-0095 or 508-669-6272.

FALL RIVER

Fall River Council on Aging, 508-324-2401

Flint Senior Center, 1423 Pleasant St. Coordinator Almerinda Medeiros; 508-324-2712, Voice/TDD 324-2000

Monday: Lunch and bingo 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Rep. Paul Schmid visits first Monday of the month at 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday: Arts and crafts

Wednesday: Breakfast bingo 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. third Wednesday of the month

Thursday: Arts and crafts 9:30 a.m. to noon; Lunch and bingo noon to 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Movie matinee day; 1 pm.

Niagara/Maplewood Senior Center, 550 Tucker St. Coordinator Stephanie Valente; 508-324-2717, Voice/TDD 324-2000

Monday: Lunch 11:30 a.m.; bingo 1 p.m.

Tuesday: Exercise 9 to 9:50 a.m.; Low impact aerobics 10 to 10:45 a.m.; Pitch 1 to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Lunch 11:30 a.m.; bingo 1 p.m.; bongo bingo on second Wednesday of every month 1 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise 9 to 9:50 a.m.; low impact aerobics 10 to 10:45 a.m.; Jambalaya Jammers noon to 3 p.m.

Friday: Lunch 11:30 a.m.; bingo 1 p.m.

North End Senior Center, 101 President Ave., Executive Plaza

Coordinator Donald F. Jackson; 508-324-2711; Voice/TDD 324-2000

Monday: Pitch 1 p.m., knitting/crochet group 1-3:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Lunch 11:30 a.m., bingo 1 p.m.

Slam Bingo every last Tuesday of the month 1 p.m.

Wednesday: not available

Thursday: Lunch 11:30 a.m., bingo 1 p.m.

Friday: Bingo 1 p.m.

South End Senior Center, 114 South Main St. Coordinator Claudette Sisson; 508-324-2715

Monday: Lunch 11:15 to noon; bingo 1 to 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Cards 9 a.m. to noon

Wednesday: Cards 9 a.m. to noon; lunch 11:15 to noon; bingo 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday: Cards 9 to 11 a.m.; lunch 11:15 to noon; bingo 1 to 3 p.m.

Puzzle and game area available daily

FREETOWN

Freetown Council on Aging, 227 Chace Road, East Freetown, may be reached at Freetowncoa@aol.com or by calling Barbara Lafleur at 508-763-9557. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.

SHINE- Monday, Aug. 27, at 12:30 p.m. You must call the COA for an appointment

RMV Workshop- Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 10:30 a.m.,  call the senior center for further information

New Class! Strength With Dyna-bands, Fridays, 9:15 to 9:45 a.m., 30 minute class, $3 donation requested

Tea Time- Thursday, Aug. 30, at 11 a.m., RSVP Thursday, Aug. 23

Seated Massage- Mondays at 9:30 a.m., Call COA for appointment, $5 donation requested for 15 minutes

Ice Cream Social- Mondays at 1 p.m.

Senior Brown Bag Program- Wednesday, Aug. 22, 10:30 a.m. to noon

Blood Pressure: Wednesday, Aug. 22, 10:30 a.m.

Cyd’s Luncheon: Aug. 28, 11:30 a.m., Pork loin, RSVP and $7 due by Aug. 21.

Pool Table: Mondays, 9 a.m.

Knitting and Crocheting Club: Mondays, 10 a.m. to noon

Card Games: Pitch: Mondays, 1 to 3 p.m.

Bingo: Tuesdays, 12:45 to 3 p.m.

Painting: See you in September

Line Dancing: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. at the Freetown VFW, lessons are $2 per person.

Scrabble: Thursdays, 12:30 p.m.

Senior Club: See you in September

Yoga: Fridays, 10 a.m. using a mat, $5 donation suggested

Kanakis Produce: Fridays, 10:30 a.m.

Gold/Silver/Platinum: Thursday, Aug. 9th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Senior Van Service: Call Monday through Friday to schedule an appointment. Senior van is available on Monday - Thursday.

PORTSMOUTH

Portsmouth Senior Center weekly schedule is as follows:

Line Dancing: Instructor Josephine Vierra, 10 a.m., Monday.

Billiards: Daily at 9 a.m.

Bridge: noon Mondays and Tuesdays; pitch (hi-lo Jack); Wed at 6:30 p.m.

Adult coloring: 1:15 p.m. every Monday; free (bring your own supplies).

Art class: Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.

Alzheimer's support group: Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.

Chair Yoga Exercise with Kathryn Ward: Tuesdays, 1 p.m.

Senior Health Insurance Program counselor, Pat Walker is at the center every Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m. SHIP specializes in health insurance plans, such as: Medicare Part A, B, C, and D, Medicare Advantage, several supplemental plans. Walker can also help you with your medical bills; appointment necessary; call 401-644 3317.

Tai Chi: Instructor Jessie Harding, Wednesdays: 10:15 a.m.

Walking Club: 10 a.m.

Chorus: Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. Chorus director: Josephine Vierra

Cardio exercise with Stephanie Synnott: Fridays: 9 a.m.

Zumba Gold with Jessica Shea-Fridays: 10:15 a.m.

Fitness center is opened daily for members only 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Thrift shop is open 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Closed for lunch noon to 1. Donations may only be made during those hours.

Portsmouth Café Luncheon meals are served at noon Monday through Friday at the center. Meals served to 60 and over or disabled. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. Suggested donation is $3. Call 401-683-4106

Blood pressure screenings: Fourth Wednesday of the month from 11 a.m. to noon.; open to the public.

The Portsmouth Multi-Purpose Senior Center is located at 110 Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth. For more information about events and activities or other services, call 401-683-4106.

SOMERSET

The Somerset Council on Aging announces:

Regular office hours for the Council on Aging are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The business line is 508-646-2833, Transportation line, 508-646-2819.

Creative relaxation and mediation: Join Kim Ferrara, Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m. This class is free and will run each Wednesday through June.

Regular weekly activities include: Osteoporosis exercise, Mon. and Thurs. (physician's note required) 9:30 a.m.

Tai Chi every Monday 9:15 a.m. $3 per class

Mah jongg casual and instructional every Mon. 10:30 – 2:30

Mah jongg every Thurs. 10:30 – 2:30

Aerobics exercise class every Tues. and Thurs. 9:30 am $3 per class

Bingo every Tues. and Fri. 12:30 p.m., refreshments will be served.

Bridge every Tuesday 10 a.m.

Pitch every Wed. 9:30 a.m.

Canasta every Wed. 10:30 a.m.

Knitting/crocheting/adult coloring class every Thursday at 9:30 a.m.

Cribbage every Thursday 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Drums Alive every Friday at 9:15 a.m.

Local transportation is offered to persons 59 and older and handicapped persons five days a week and Sunday mornings for religious services only. To schedule a ride, call the day before between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. For any additional information contact the COA office.

Congregate meals are offered Monday through Friday at the senior center through Bristol Elders Services, by reservation for a donation of $2 per meal. If interested call the COA office to reserve your meal by 9:30 a.m. a day in advance.

A podiatrist visits the senior center the first and fourth Wed. of every month. Call the COA office for an appointment.

A medical equipment lending closet is available to Somerset residents. Call the Council on Aging for more information about the program at 508-646-2833.

SWANSEA

The Swansea Senior Center is located at Senior Center 260 Ocean Grove Ave. Senior events are as follows:

Nutrition Matters- On Thursday, Aug. 23 at 10:30 a.m., Bristol Elder Services nutritionist Sarah Sheppard will be at the COA with a presentation on The Power of Protein. Protein is necessary for all of us but it is perhaps most important as we age. This workshop if free and open to the public.

Fitness Programs

Zumba: Wednesdays at 10 a.m., free

Meditated Movement: Tuesdays at 10 a.m., free

Fitness DVD’s: Mondays through Fridays anytime (upon availability), free

Nintendo Wii: Mondays – Fridays anytime (upon availability), free

You V2: Mondays through Fridays at 3 p.m., The Swansea Council on Aging is launching a new Beginner Health and Fitness Workout program that will include 4 cardio-dance routines to music.

Bingo for a Buck: Socialize and have fun playing bingo. Cards are only $1 each, other Bingo supplies are supplied. Bingo is held on Tuesdays at 1 p.m.at the Swansea Council on Aging.

Knitting for a Need: Exceptional volunteers give of their time to knit for those in need. The items are donated to Citizens for Citizens, Inc., who then distributes them to needy families in Swansea and other surrounding communities. Free yarn is available (at the COA) to all club members. Mondays from 1 – 3 p.m.  For more information, call Laurie Pimentel at 508-676-1831.

File of Life, a medical notification for emergency personnel, is available at the Swansea Council on Aging for Swansea residents. Stop by or call 508-676-1831 for more information.

Health Clinics: Wednesdays, free blood pressure and glucose screenings by The Swansea Ambulance Corps from 10 to 10:30 a.m.

Daily

My Vigorous Mind: Free touch screen computer activities designed to stimulate your mind.

Congregate Meals Lunch Program: 11:30 a.m.

Supportive Day Program: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Fee and eligibility requirement apply)

Transportation: Medical and grocery shopping, free (Some restrictions apply and reservations required)

Weekly

Monday: Knitting Club, 1 to 2 p.m., free

Tuesday: Bingo, 1 to 2:30 p.m., $1 per card

Wednesday: Pitch League, 11:30 a.m. to 3  p.m.; Zumba, 10 a.m., free

Thursday: Mah jongg at noon, free

Friday: Canasta at noon, free

Swansea Supportive Day Care is a group support program for seniors 60 years of age and over who need daytime companionship and/or supervision due to physical, social, or emotional needs. Our program runs Mondays through Fridays and is designed for seniors living alone or with others. Our assistance allows the senior to remain in the dignity and security of familiar surroundings, while spending the day in a supportive environment. Contact Cristina Camarao, Supportive Day Care Coordinator, at 508-676-1831 for further information and to learn about our “One-Day Free Trial” offer.

The COA offers free transportation for Swansea residents to doctor’s appointments (in Swansea, Somerset, and Fall River) or grocery shopping (Walmart, Price Rite, Target, or Stop & Shop); and to our Supportive Day Care facility. We require 24-hour notice in advance of your appointment. To make your reservation, call 508-676-1831. Additional transportation options can be explored by visiting: www.massridematch.org

Lunch is served daily, Mondays through Fridays at 11:30 a.m. at the Swansea Council on Aging. Swansea residents, who are 60 years of age or older are welcome. A donation of $2 is suggested. Reservations, at least two days in advance is necessary by calling 508-676-1831. Meals on Wheels (home delivery of meals from Mondays through Fridays) may be arranged by calling 508-324-4619.

Free medical equipment loans such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers, commodes, etc. are available at the COA. If you or someone you know are in need of any of these items, call 508-676-1831.

If you have questions or comments, visit t www.swanseacoa.webs.com or call Laurie A. Pimentel, executive director at 508-676-1831.

TIVERTON

Tiverton Senior Center, 207 Canonicus St., Tiverton; Contact: Janet Holmes, director at 401-625-6790.

On Monday, Aug. 20, Functional Fitness with instructor Debbie Gagnon starts at 9 a.m. Quilting for Charity is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chair Yoga with instructor Kate Ward begins at 1 p.m.

On Tuesday, Aug. 21, from 9 to 10 a.m., Zumba Class with instructor Jessica, will be presented. SHIP Counselor, Pat Walker, will be here from 9 to 12 to help with Medicare, Health Insurance, Medicare Part D and any other health insurance problems. Appointments are required! Call Pat at 401-644-3317. The Book Club will meet at 10:215 a.m. At 1, Mike Kennedy will do a presentation on Reverse Mortgages.

On Wednesday, Aug. 22, Functional Fitness with instructor Debbie Gagnon begins at 9 a.m. At 9 a.m., Nick from RSVP/EBCAP will be meeting with folks to assist with tax issues and other social service issues. Zumba Classes with Jessica will start at 12:30 p.m. Wii and other games will begin at 1 p.m.

On Thursday, Aug. 23, a free walking exercise video “Walk Away the Pounds” with Leslie Sansone begins at 9 a.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly will meet at 9 a.m. At 1 p.m., there will be a special Thursday bingo; there will be no bingo Friday. The Grief Support Group will meet at 1 p.m.

On Friday, Aug. 24 Functional Fitness with instructor Debbie Gagnon will begin at 9 a.m. Mahjong starts at 11:30. Cribbage will begin at 1 p.m. Knitting for charity will start at 1 p.m.

The Tiverton Senior Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Computers are accessible Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome to use our facility for everyday socialization. We offer billiards, cards, games and activities on a regular basis. Monthly newsletters are printed with our schedule of events. Please drop in and pick one up. Lunch is served daily at 11:30 a.m. Reservations are required. Please call in advance to book your lunch. The latest you can call is 11 a.m., the day before your meal.

The Senior Center bus schedule is as follows: The regular schedule every Tuesday is to the South Coast Marketplace area. This includes Stop & Shop. Every Wednesday is in the Tiverton area, this includes: CVS, Bank of Newport, US Post Office, Rite Aid/Walgreens, Walmart and shopping at Seabra in Fall River. Trips to Town Hall are made if necessary. The Dartmouth Mall is offered on the SECOND Friday of the month. This is a free service to all Tiverton residents who are 55 or older. Please call the Senior Center at 401-625-6790 to make a reservation.

Special Events in August:

Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 10:15: Book Club will meet; Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 1 p.m.: Reverse Mortgages by Mike Kennedy; Thursday, Aug. 23 10:15: Insuring You Receive the Care You Want with Connie; Aug. 23, 1 p.m.: special Thursday bingo; there will be a bus trip to Newport Playhouse to see “No Tell Motel,”  and dinner. The cost is $47; Saturday, Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: summer craft sale; Thursday, Aug. 30, 10 a.m.: center meeting.

WESTPORT

Westport Council on Aging, 75 Reed Road, Westport. 508-636-1026. Beverly Bisch, Director

Transportation needs: Call the center at 508-636-1026 to arrange transportation, Monday through Friday, for medical, pharmacy and food shopping.

Osteoporosis class is offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9:45-11 a.m.

Aerobics is every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Toning and stretching class is Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

An advanced tai chi class is Fridays at 12:30 p.m. and an intermediate T’ai Chi class is at 1:30 p.m.

Multi-level chair yoga is Monday and Wednesday at 12:45 p.m.

Walking/hiking group leaves WCOA every Tuesday starting 8:45 a.m.

Shine, for assistance with answers and information on your health insurance questions, supplements, etc. Call to schedule an appointment at 508-636-1026.

Bingo runs every Thursday at 12:30 p.m.

Cribbage is held Thursdays from 10-11 a.m.

A watercolor workshop is offered at 9 a.m. on Wednesday with Robert Abele, a local artist. There are four instruction classes and two peer workshops. The six-week sessions are for artists just beginning their journey with watercolor and also for experienced artists willing to offer encouragement and motivation.

A knitting and crocheting class is Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Quilting is Thursday at 1 p.m.

Poetry writing is offered Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.

For more information regarding any of the diverse activities, call the Westport Senior Center at 508-636-1026

Senior Day Program, which offers a variety of activities for seniors 60 and older, is from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Outreach workers are on hand to identify needs/solutions, provide information and referrals, Friendly Visitor, and assist with long-term care planning.

A local attorney will meet individuals for 30-minute appointments for a variety of legal areas with expertise in basic estate planning, wills, and living trusts. Call the center for an appointment.