Senior happenings for Week of April 7

 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/

April 2019

Identity Theft Protection Workshop: The New Bedford Local Consumer Program will be offering a free workshop for residents in the Dighton area on Thursday, April 25 at 1 p.m. at 300 Lincoln Ave. Call 508-823-0095 to register. Walk-ins are always welcome. 

Prime Time is an adult supportive respite facility located in the rear of the Town Hall, 1059 Somerset Avenue, Dighton, (Route 138). If you know of someone who cannot stay alone or whose family could benefit from some respite, we may be able to help both the elder and the caregiver. Prime Time is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prime Time is a supervised program for elders where they can enjoy a full and productive life. Call Sheila at 508-669-6272 or visit  www.dighton-ma.gov for more information.

 A vision clinic will be held Tuesday, May 28, at Prime Time. Cornerstone Family Vision provides this free service of minor repairs and adjustments to eyeglasses. If you are a Dighton resident 60+ and need this service, please call 508-669-6272 for more information.

 Reminiscing with Myrna: The Town of Dighton historian would like to listen to your stories about the good old days. Join us Friday, April 19 at 10 a.m., (please call to confirm) at the Dighton C.O.A, 300 Lincoln Ave. Call 508-823-0095 to let us know you’ll be attending.

Senator Mark Pacheco, or a representative, can be reached by calling 508-822-3000. If you have any questions, needs or concerns that Senator Pacheco can help you with, please call 508-822-3000 to speak to someone and or make an appointment.

The Men’s Social Group will be getting together on Tuesday, April 9 at 10 a.m. at the Dighton C.O.A at 300 Lincoln Ave.

The Sojourn Bears Group will meet Monday, April 22 at 10:30 a.m. Bears made by caring volunteers, are distributed to Cancer Patients, Survivors and those effected by it, at nearby hospitals. For more information and to let us know if you would like to help stuff the bears, sew, etc., call 508-823-0095.

 The Un-Finished-Object/Arts and Crafts Group will meet on April 23 at 10 a.m., at the Dighton Council on Aging. Let's finish your projects, bring your quilting, beading, knitting or crocheting, and let's finish it together. Call 508-823-0095 for more information.

 A Wellness Clinic will be held on Tuesday, April 16 at 9:30 am, at the Dighton Council on Aging, 300 Lincoln Ave., N. Dighton. The scheduled topic in December is medications and alcohol. A nurse will be available to answer questions and to check your blood pressure. Please call 508-823-0095 to schedule appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.

Chair Yoga class is held for those 60+, on Tuesdays, from 11 a.m. - noon, at the Dighton Council on Aging, in the Lincoln Village Community Center, 300 Lincoln Ave. Call 508-823-0095 for more information.

Tai Chi Classes are held on Fridays, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Dighton Council on Aging.

Exercise Classes are held for those ages 60+, on Mondays and Wednesdays starting at 9:30 a.m., at the Dighton Council on Aging.

Pinochle-Cribbage and Whist players are need. Games are played at the Lincoln Village Community Center, on Wednesdays and Thursday at 1 p.m. We also have a Whist Party scheduled for the 1st. and 3rd. 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 homebound elders upon request. If you know of someone who is homebound and in need of home delivered meals please call 508-823-0095 or 508-669-6272.

The SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) is available to assist you with questions concerning available Medicare HMOs and Medicare Supplements (Medigaps). Call 800-987-2510 for more information.

FALL RIVER

Fall River Council on Aging, 508-324-2401;

Regular programming includes:

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 Steven Rapoza; 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, MA. 02717; E-Mail Address: Barbara: COA@freetownma.gov or Rosemary: Freetowncoa@comcast.net. Contact person/phone number: Barbara Place, 508-763-9557

April 8 to April 12

Monday: 9 a.m. Pool, 9:30 a.m. Massage, 10 a.m. Knitting, 10 a.m. Muffins, 10 a.m. Podiatrist, 11 a.m. Identity Theft Seminar, 1p.m. Pitch

Tuesday: 12:45 p.m. Bingo, 3:45 p.m. Milk and Cookies at FES, Cyd’s Deadline

Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. AARP Taxes, 9 a.m. Painting, 9:30 a.m. Line Dancing

Thursday: 8:30 a.m. AARP Taxes, noon Birthday Lunch, 12:30 p.m. Scrabble, 1 p.m. John Root: Songbirds of the Northeast, Luncheon Deadline

Friday: 9:15 a.m. Strength Class, 10 a.m. Mat Yoga, 10:30 a.m. Kanakis, 10:30 a.m. Closed, Meat Bingo Deadline

PORTSMOUTH

Portsmouth Multi Purpose Senior Center, 110 Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth R.I. Phone: 401-683-4106 Fax: 401-683-4001

Regular Scheduled Activities Calendar

Line Dancing with instructor Rose Northup- Monday at 10 a.m.

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. Free. Bring your own supplies

Alzheimer's Support Group - Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.

Chair Yoga Exercise with Kathryn Ward- Tuesdays at 1 p.m.

SHIP counselor, Pat Walker will be here 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. Pat can also help you with your medical bills. Appointment necessary, call 401-644-3317.

Tai Chi with instructor Jessie Harding- Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Country Jammin’- Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m.

Bingo- Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. Refreshments served.

Walking Club- 10 a.m.

Chorus- Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. Chorus Director: Josephine Vierra

Mahjongg- Thursdays at 1 p.m.

Cardio Exercise with Stephanie Synnott- Fridays at 9 a.m.

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

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

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 membership dues are $15. Classes are $2.50 for members and $3 for nonmembers. You must be 55 years and older to join. For more information about events and activities or other services provided by the center, call the office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. at 401-683-4106.

SOMERSET

The Somerset Council on Aging: 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. Contact Shauna or Samantha with any questions or concerns.

Regular weekly activities include:

Osteoporosis exercise, Monday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m.

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

Mahjongg casual and instructional every Monday 10:30 – 2:30

Mahjongg every Thursday 10:30 – 2:30

Aerobics exercise class every Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 a.m., $3 per class

Bingo every Tuesday and Friday, 12:30 p.m.

Bridge every Tuesday 10 a.m.

Pitch every Wednesday 9:30 a.m.

Canasta every Wednesday 10:30 a.m.

Knitting/Crocheting/Adult coloring class, 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.

Exercise with Lynne – Join us every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. for an aerobic exercise program. This program features lights weights and even some dancing. Classes are $3, drop in anytime.

Tai Chi with Jamie – Join in every Monday at 9:15 a.m. for a slow paced Tai Chi class taught by Sifi Jamie McGuire. Classes are $3, drop in anytime.

Drums Alive- Every Friday at 9:15 a.m. This program features drumming on exercise balls to lots of great music. A great way to start any Friday! This class is free, drop in anytime.

Osteoporosis – Every Monday and Thursday. This class is run by a group of women who have been exercising at the COA for years. This class is free but does require a doctor’s note.

The COA offers free transportation Monday-Friday to all Somerset seniors. Vans travel to Fall River and Swansea for medical appts only, and within town for any need. We also offer transportation to all religious services on Sundays from 8 - 11 a.m. To schedule a ride please call the COA the day before at 508-646-2819.

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 Wednesday 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

Swansea Council on Aging,  260 Ocean Grove Ave.,  Swansea; 508-676-1831

The Swansea Senior’s Monthly Bulletin is available at the Swansea Council on Aging, Town Hall, Library, Continent Bakery, Ice Cream Barn, Ocean Grove Auto, Rite Aid, Shell Oil, Swansea Mart, Martin Court, Oakwood Senior Estates, Swan Brook, Swansea Vision, Swansea Police Station or by calling 508-676-1831.

Citizens for Citizens Inc., Senior Community Service Employment Program is seeking new participants living in Bristol and Plymouth Counties. You must be 55 +, meet income guidelines and pass a CORI check. Participants are placed in local government or non-profit agencies at $12/hour—20 hours per week. This work-training program will refresh and/or teach skills, leading to employment opportunities. Call the Swansea Council on Aging at 508- 676-1831 or Gail Bernier at Citizens for Citizens at 508-679-0041 Ext. 226 for more information.

FITNESS PROGRAMS

Meditated Movement: Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

Zumba: Wednesdays at 10 a.m.

Afternoon Fitness: Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays at 3 p.m.

Low Impact PT, Fridays at 2 p.m.

Bingo is held on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. at the Swansea Council on Aging.

Health Clinics

Wednesdays

Free-Blood pressure and glucose screenings by The Swansea Ambulance Corps from 10 to 10:30 a.m.

Daily

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

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

Transportation: Medical and Grocery Shopping – Free (Some restrictions apply and reservations required)

Weekly

Monday, Mahjong at 9 a.m.

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

Wednesday, Pitch League from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday, Mahjong at noon, free

Friday, Canasta noon, free

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

Congregate 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.

Temporary loan of medical equipment is available to Swansea seniors--items 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, you may visit our website at www.swanseacoa.webs.com or call Laurie A. Pimentel, Executive Director at the above number.

TIVERTON

Tiverton Senior Center,  207 Canonicus St., Tiverton.  Contact person/phone number: Janet Holmes, director, 401-625-6790.

Weekly events: April 8 - April 12

On Monday, April 8, 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 starts at 1 p.m. The Caregivers Support Group will meet at 2:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, April 9, Zumba with Jessica will start at 9 a.m. SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) Counselor Pat Walker, will be available from 9 a.m. to noon to help with Medicare, Medicare Part D, and Health Insurance. Appointments are required and can be made by calling Pat at 401-644-3317. Arts and Crafts with Mary will begin at 10:15 a.m. Watercolor Class with instructor Madeline Diogines starts at 1 p.m. Scrabble is played at 1 p.m. Players are needed. Games are played all afternoon.

On Wednesday, April 10, Functional Fitness with instructor Debbie Gagnon starts at 9 a.m. Chorus with instructor Starr Medeiros starts at 12:30 p.m. Zumba with Jessica begins at 12:30 p.m. A Matter of Balance Exercise Class begins at 1:45 p.m. Games begin at 1 p.m. Arts & Crafts with Mary begins at 1:30 p.m.

On Thursday, April 11, A Walk Away the Pounds video will begin at 9 a.m. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) begins weigh-in at 9 a.m. and meetings follow at 9:30 a.m. URI School of Pharmacy Outreach Program will do a presentation on “Communicate Before You Medicate” starting at 10:30 a.m. Learn about prescription meds asnd how to avoid medication errors. Also, tips on cost-cutting and information about prescriptions assistance programs. The Knitting for Charity Group will meet at 1 p.m. The Grief Support Group with Mary Hadala will meet at 1 p.m.

On Friday, April 12, Functional Fitness with instructor Debbie Gagnon starts at 9 a.m. Meet the Chief with Police Chief Patrick Jones and fellow officers will begin at 10 a.m. Mahjong will begin at 11:30 a.m. Cribbage will begin at 1 p.m. There will be no Bingo this Friday.

On Saturday, April 13, The Knitting & Quilting Volunteers and Watercolor Class will hold their Annual Sale at the Tiverton Senior Center from 9 a.m. to 2 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. 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 shopping at the South Coast Marketplace area. This includes Stop & Shop and Market Basket. 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. An additional day on Thursday has been added for and will go to the Library, and Target and Home Healthsmith on April 25. This is a free service to all Tiverton residents who are 55 or older. Call the senior center at 401-625-6790 to make a reservation.

WESTPORT

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

A Balance & Bones exercise class is offered Monday, 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.; Men’s exercise is every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 – 11 a.m.

An advanced tai chi class is Fridays at 12:30 p.m., an intermediate tai chi class is Friday at 1:30 p.m. and yoga is Wednesday at 12:45 p.m.

Walking/Hiking group leaves WCOA every Tuesday or Thursday 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. and Mahjong meets Monday noon to 3 and Thursdays 9 to noon.

A watercolor workshop is offered at 9 a.m. on Wednesday’s and Fridays with Robert Abele, local artist. The 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. and our quilting group is Thursday at 1 p.m.

Poetry writing is offered every other Wednesdays at 1:45 p.m. and the Second Half Book Club meets Wednesdays from noon – 1:45 p.m.

Advanced bridge club meets Fridays noon to 3 p.m. and beginner/intermediate bridge meets Tuesdays 9 to noon.

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.