A newsletter by the Senior Center Foundation, Inc. who supports The Senior Center 7 Main Street, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370 senior wise January-February 2017 Living on a fixed income can be a challenge, particularly for senior homeowners. Here are two programs that can help: The Senior Tax Exemption application is available through your town assessor’s office. This provides a property tax exemption of up to $500 annually to seniors over the age of 70 who meet income, asset and residency guide- lines. The Circuit Breaker Tax Credit is avail - able to taxpayers over the age of 65 who own or rent property in Massachusetts and oc- cupy the property as their primary residence. The taxpayer’s total income cannot exceed $57,000 for a single filer who is not the head of household, $71,000 for a head of household or $85,000 for taxpayers filing jointly. Married persons must file jointly to qualify. The assessed value of the real estate cannot exceed $693,000. You must file a Massachusetts state tax return to qualify even if you do not owe any income tax. For property owners the credit is based on the difference between a person’s property tax and 10% of their income and the refund can be up to $1070 of that difference. For renters they may claim a credit in the amount by which 25% of their annual rental payment is more than 10% of their total income. If you re- ceive a federal or state rental subsidy you would not be eligible. For those with high rent and lower income this credit could be beneficial. Bad Weather Policy It is that time of year again to be prepared for bad weather. Please stock up on batteries, have flash- lights ready and keep a hard line phone available for emergencies. For programs and ser - vices at the Senior Cen- ter, we delay morning programs if the Mohawk School District has a de- lay. The Center will open one- or two hours, depending on the delay i.e. if a 2 hour delay, the Center opens at 10 a.m.) Bob will decide if it is safe for van service and call people sched- uled for a ride. If school is cancelled, we are likely closed for the day. For details on any scheduling changes, call the Center after 7:00 a.m. at 625- 2502 and listen to the re- corded message. Ways to Save Money in the New Year Health Challenge You pick! What would you like to focus on to be healthier in 2017? You can set your own goals and track them yourself or with assistance from staff and our Regional Nurse Lisa White. Have your blood pressure checked, review your eating habits, check your glucose levels, record your activity and track weight management. Kickoff event: Guests mingle prior to the Ashfield COA Holiday Brunch at the Curtis House. Tuesday, January 24, 11-11:30 a.m. Lisa White will give a brief presentation and materials to help you get started. On Thursdays February 2 and 16 from 12:30-2:00 p.m. Lois Bascom will bring tasty treats made with recipes that have higher fat and salt ingredients substituted with healthier options. See if you can taste the differ - ence! This program is free. Fabulous food, wonderful friends and even the Grinch made for an outstanding holiday dinner by Hugh and company!
Transcript
A newsletter by the Senior Center Foundation, Inc. who supports The Senior Center 7 Main Street, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
seniorwise
January-February 2017
Living on a fixed income can be a challenge, particularly for senior homeowners. Here are two programs that can help:The Senior Tax Exemption application is available through your town assessor’s office. This provides a property tax exemption of up to $500 annually to seniors over the age of 70 who meet income, asset and residency guide-lines. The Circuit Breaker Tax Credit is avail-able to taxpayers over the age of 65 who own or rent property in Massachusetts and oc-cupy the property as their primary residence. The taxpayer’s total income cannot exceed $57,000 for a single filer who is not the head of household, $71,000 for a head of household
or $85,000 for taxpayers filing jointly. Married persons must file jointly to qualify. The assessed value of the real estate cannot exceed $693,000. You must file a Massachusetts state tax return to qualify even if you do not owe any income tax. For property owners the credit is based on the difference between a person’s property tax and 10% of their income and the refund can be up to $1070 of that difference.For renters they may claim a credit in the amount by which 25% of their annual rental payment is more than 10% of their total income. If you re-ceive a federal or state rental subsidy you would not be eligible. For those with high rent and lower income this credit could be beneficial.
Bad Weather PolicyIt is that time of year again to be prepared for bad weather. Please stock up on batteries, have flash-lights ready and keep a hard line phone available for emergencies.For programs and ser-vices at the Senior Cen-ter, we delay morning programs if the Mohawk School District has a de-lay. The Center will open one-or two hours, depending on the delay i.e. if a 2 hour delay, the Center opens at 10 a.m.) Bob will decide if it is safe for van service and call people sched-uled for a ride. If school is cancelled, we are likely closed for the day. For details on any scheduling changes, call the Center after 7:00 a.m. at 625-2502 and listen to the re-corded message.
Ways to Save Money in the New Year
Health ChallengeYou pick! What would you like to focus on to be healthier in 2017?You can set your own goals and track them yourself or with assistance from staff and our Regional Nurse Lisa White. Have your blood pressure checked, review your eating habits, check your glucose levels, record your activity and track weight management. Kickoff event:
Guests mingle prior to the Ashfield COA Holiday Brunch at the Curtis House.
Tuesday, January 24, 11-11:30 a.m. Lisa White will give a brief presentation and materials to help you get started. On Thursdays February 2 and 16 from 12:30-2:00 p.m. Lois Bascom will bring tasty treats made with recipes that have higher fat and salt ingredients substituted with healthier options. See if you can taste the differ-ence! This program is free.
Fabulous food, wonderful friends and even the Grinch made for an outstanding holiday dinner by Hugh and company!
MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of the Senior Center and member Councils on Aging is to enrich the lives of residents in the community as they age by de-signing support networks, identi-fying and meeting their needs and interests, and providing services and programs in welcoming, re-spectful, and safe environments.
STAFFCathleen Buntin, Director Leanne Dowd,Outreach Coordinator Dot Lyman, Activities CoordinatorRobert Szafran Transportation Coordinator & Van Driver Paul Cetto, Van DriverEric Temple, Van DriverKaren Sullivan, Van DriverJoe Gerante, Van DriverPeter Otten, Van DriverMichael Shea, Van DriverHugh Knox, Meal Site ManagerGloria Fisher, Office Assistant
NEWSLETTERSeniorWise is produced bi-monthly. Content contributions are welcome.Layout & design by Diana Hardina. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .The Senior Center [email protected]/departments
by Helen Hodges.
Priority RegistrationMost of our programs are open to all ages from all towns. However, since Ashfield, Buckland and Shelburne financially support the Center facility, staff, programs and ser-vices, residents of those towns (Consortium members) are understandably given priority for registration to programs which are lim-ited in space. Please note the priority deadline dates listed for those programs. After that date, residents of other towns may register and a slightly higher fee (if any) may be charged to cover expenses not currently covered by your town. We are happy to take your names at any time on a wait list and will call you if space is available.
Pet PolicyWe love meeting your pets! Thank you to all of you who have shared your four legged friends with us. Due to health concerns ,and that some folks have allergies or may fear tripping, we are restricting animals at our programs and activities to trained service ani-mals only who must be leashed close to you at all times. Please continue to stop by the front door to have your pups say hello(and get a treat).
A very special thank youto the following people for donated goods or services for our seniors:A very special thank you to the follow-ing people for donated goods or services for our seniors;Pat Lowell-Blood Pressure MonitorCarol Kelshaw-weightsFamily of Ella Cosomini-clothing and foodDaughters of Marion and Arthur Bold-uc-poinsettiasFamily of Doris Perry-health suppliesAbbey Labelle-booksPaul Labelle-health suppliesLisa Merrill-teaHugh Knox, Chris Knox and his kitchen staff- Greenfield Savings Bank-co-spon-soring the holiday meal
Bill Deters – technical assistanceChristine Pike – Holiday dinner caroling pianistShelley Roberts- leading Hilltown Harmony village carolingLaura Earl – Hilltown Harmony accompanistNotion to Quilt and Senior center Volun-teers – placemats
Gift Account & Center DonationsGifts made in memory of Peggy Bellor: Bette Prouty, Jack & Lois Stearns, C.Donald & Anne Call, Donna Hayes Kennedy, Kathy & Carl Porrovecchio, Grace Rock, Deborah AverillGifts made in memory of Ella Cosimini: Kathy & David Kassing, Anne Schiller, Gladys Cranmore, Charlotte Clement, Helen Hodges, Susan Cosimini, Patricia Harris, Patricia Lowell, Shirley Cusluski, Carolyn Taylor, Kathleen Sullivan, Dot Kinder, Lisa White, Elayne Ryba Catherine Osterman.Gifts made in memory of Michael Eller: Dena Willmore, Karen Dobosz, John McCo-nnell, Richard Nichols, Marion Giffin, Don & Kathy Upton, John MacDougall, Bill Baker, Dale Moss, Mary ArsenaultGeneral Donation – Sally Judd
New Assisted Listening DevicesThanks to matching grant monies from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs Service In-centive Grant administered by the MCOA, we have two new assisted listening systems: a new portable “pocket talker” for 1 on 1 con-versations and a transmitter with personal re-ceivers and headphones or ear buds for larger presentations. People listen at their preferred volume. The use of these receivers reduce the effects of reverberation from poor room acoustics and eliminates the background noise in the area. Please contact us ahead of any pro-gram you would like to attend to utilize one of these helpful devices.
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upcoming events
special events
by Helen Hodges.
Housing Options Presentation Join us for a Senior Center sponsored hous-ing information program on Tuesday, Janu-ary 31 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Buckland Public Library located at 30 Upper Street in Buckland Center. Speakers will include Shirley Stephens from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and Anitra Ford from Franklin County Regional Housing and Re-development Authority. Shirley will pres-ent information on the state funded Home Modification Loan Program. This program provides 0-3% deferred payment loans to make modifications to the primary, perma-nent residence of seniors and adults with disabilities with the goal of increasing the ability to safely function in the home. Anitra will provide information on senior housing options in Franklin County including the ap-plication process. She will also discuss ap-plying for Section 8 subsidized housing and how to safely do an apartment search on the open market. In Massachusetts; If you are looking to make your home more accessible or if you are considering downsizing to an apartment this is the presentation for you. The presenters will allow plenty of time for your individual questions.
LuncheonsWednesday, January 25, 11:30 a.m.Italian Dinner and Comedy to salute our friend Ella Cosimini. Following lunch we will have entertainment by comedienne El-len Villani. Cost: Free, thanks to donations made in Ella’s memory. Priority reservations deadline for members will be by January 12; final reservations by January 23Wednesday, February 22, 11:30 a.m.Men’s Delight pot roast luncheon and coun-try music of Loretta Lynn (Donna Lee). Wear your western gear. Thank you to our cooks- the Senior Center Men’s Group. Priority registration by February 15 for members. Cost: $5 members, $7 non-members
Conversation CaféLong Term Care FinancingOn Monday, February 27, at 5:30 p.m. en-joy some homemade soup and dessert while hearing about ways to finance long term care by Attorney Kate Downes. All welcome and free. Sponsored by the Ashfield, Buckland and Shelburne Councils on Aging.MoviesMovies are free and shown at 12:30 p.m. with free popcorn.Tuesday, January 10, Florence Foster Jen-kinsWith the worst singing voice in the world, this New York socialite sets out to make sure that the entire world hears her. Of course, obstacles do pop up, but Florence’s enduring spirit takes her all the way to Carnegie Hall, where she needs to put on the show of a lifetime in order to prove her worth.Stars Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant in this bio-graphical comedy-drama. 110 minutes.Tuesday, February 28, SullyThe story of Chesley Sullenberger,(played by Tom Hanks) an American pilot who became a hero after landing his damaged plane on the Hudson River in order to save the flight’s pas-sengers and crew. 96 minutes.
With so many good treats everywhere, we appreciate people dropping off good-ies, but ask that they be of a healthy nature such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Help our members and guests feel well, have energy and stay healthy!
Elf Bob carves the roast beef under Hugh’s watchful eye. …delicious!
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services, continued on page 5
health & wellnessReflexology AppointmentsSusanne Recos, who is certified by the American Reflexology Certification Board, is available for personal appointments here at the Senior Center, between 11:30 and 3:30. Please call to make a half- hour appointment for Susanne to work on your hands, or a one-hour appointment to work on your feet. Cost for members is $10 for hands, $25 for feet. Other residents pay $15 for hands and $30 for feet. Partial funding is provided by the Senior Center Foundation. January 10, 18, 31, February 8, 14 and 28.
Tai Chi Classes (3 classes per week!)Tai Chi has been proven to be helpful to im-prove balance, joint discomfort and stiffness and aid in falls prevention. Three different programs are offered each weekMondays at the Center led by Alan Young: 9:30-10:00 a.m. beginners, 10-11 a.m. ongoing class with more advanced move-ments. Tai Chi practitioners call themselves players! Come play with us, laugh, breathe and move with slow continuous grace to im-prove balance and stability, whether seated or standing. Free to members; non-members, try the first class for free and then pay $10 per month .Wednesdays in Ashfield led by Deb Yaf-fee: 9:30-10:15 a.m. Deb has an ongoing class following Dr. Lam’s program at the First Congregational Church on Main Street. Register at class. Cost is $24 per month for members and $40 per month for others. Thursdays at the Center led by Lois Bas-com : 9:00-9:45 a.m. Movements follow the program designed by Dr. Lam with easy forms and repetition. Free for members, $10 per month for non-members.
Healthy Bones and Balance Class RSVP of Hampshire & Franklin Counties spon-sors a self-paced, low-impact, one hour exercise class to promote healthy bones and balance. It is an ongoing program, led by our trained in-structors, held on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. at the Center and on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Corner in Ashfield. Exercises can be done sitting or standing. The classes are free thanks to our volunteers. Donations from non-members welcomed.
Walk-in Wellness Regional Public Health Nurse Lisa White, BS, RN is available for one-on-one health counsel-ing on the fourth Tuesday of the month, from 10:30 a.m. – noon. for all ages. The nurse can provide information, take your blood pressure, check your blood glucose, collect mercury ther-mometers and sharps/needles and supply you with a safe collection box. These nursing ser-vices are provided through Buckland and Shel-burne’s membership in the Cooperative Pub-lic Health Service health district based at the FRCOG. For more information contact Lisa at 413-665-1400 x 114. January 24 and Febru-ary 28. Join Lisa for your Health Challenge kickoff January 24 from 11-11:30 a.m.
Walking Group at CowellThe Shelburne Recreation Committee sponsors a walking group at the Cowell Gym from 9-10 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Program is coordinated by Judy and Bob Lawl-er. Walk safely and healthfully at your own rate. Program is free and open to all. Donations are accepted at the gym.
Gentle YogaClasses are currently held on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays the participants are using a yoga CD that they enjoy. Thursdays are led by Larry Baird. For each class we ask you to register by the month. The fee for Ash-field, Buckland, and Shel-burne residents is $10.00 per month for once per week and $15.00 per month for twice per week (payable by the month). Non-member residents please add $10.00/month.
Foot ClinicFoot clinic appointments are offered at The Senior Center every month by Registered Nurses from Foot Care by Nurses who specialize in foot care. Each appointment takes up to 30 minutes and includes nail clipping, callous removal and foot massage. Cost is $30.00 ($25 for Ashfield, Buckland and Shelburne seniors thanks to gifts to the Senior Center). Janu-ary 9, 23 and 30, Febru-ary 6, 13 and 27. Call the Center for appointments at 625-2502. For home visits call 413-367-8369.
Hilltown Harmony brought cheer to many around Shelburne Falls with their caroling.
Tax Return Prep by Lib-erty TaxThanks to Liberty Tax of Greenfield, free and reduced cost tax preparation is avail-able for area senior 65 years + here at the Center. Make an appointment February 10, 17 or March 3, 10, 24. For free preparation, annual income for individuals must be $25,000 or less, for married couples $60,000 or less. If you are homebound, your income is above limits and/or you need to file with any Schedules (A,C,D or E) or out of state returns, you may make an appointment directly with Liberty Tax at 772-0202. ($50 Mass. Return, $85-$150 Federal). Call soon. Space is limited.
SHINE Medicare Insurance Free AssistanceYou can receive free and confi-dential information about your Health Insurance options from SHINE representative Larry Bezio at the Senior Center. January 4 and February 1 from 10:00a.m. – 3:00 p.m. If you are new to Medicare, you should plan to enroll 3 months in advance of your 65th birthday. Please call for appointment.
Fuel Assistance For those of you who may struggle with the expense of heating your home this is the time of year to consider applying for fuel assistance. The Fuel Assistance program ad-ministered by Community Action for those with low or fixed income runs from Novem-ber 1 to April 30. The program is meant to help with approximately 30 percent of your home heating expenses and can be a tremen-dous help in spreading your budget. If you need any assistance with your application or if you have not previously applied and want to determine your eligibility, contact Leanne at The Senior Center. For residents of Ash-field, Buckland and Shelburne applications can be completed at The Senior Center sav-ing a trip to Greenfield.
OutreachLeanne Dowd, Outreach Coordinator, is available for confidential office or home vis-its by appointment to Ashfield, Buckland, and Shelburne residents. She will assist you with any questions you may have for services for yourself or someone you know, including fuel assistance, home health care, and food programs. Please call her at 625-2502 to make an appointment at the Center, for a home visit or to meet in Ashfield the first Thursday of the month. Leanne has of-fice hours at St. John’s Corner from 10:30-Noon on January 5 and February 2.
Home Repair ProgramA handyperson volunteer is available to do minor home repairs for seniors, such as re-placing broken windows, small plumbing and electrical jobs, and other repairs. This is a free service, available to residents of Ashfield, Buckland and Shelburne, but the senior is expected to purchase all needed
parts and materials. Voluntary donations are accepted. This program is funded in part by a Title III grant from LifePath, Inc. and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Af-fairs. If you have a project or if you are in-terested in volunteering to do home repairs please call Leanne at 625-2502.
Veterans Services at the Senior CenterThe Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans’ Services District holds office hours from 9:00 un-til 11:00 a.m. every Tuesday at the Senior Center. This service is open to all. Please call (413)772-1571 to make an appointment.
Caregiver Support GroupThe caregiver support group is for fam-ily members caring for a loved one with Al-zheimer’s disease or dementia. The group meets the first Monday of every month from 2-3:30 p.m. , unless there is a holiday in which case the group meets the second Monday. The group is facilitated by Out-reach Coordinator Leanne Dowd and Social Worker Dianna Young. The goal of the group is to provide a safe and comfortable forum in which family members and friends can meet regularly for mutual emotional support and education. Please contact Leanne at 625-2502 prior to your first group attendance. There is no charge to attend. January 9 and February 6. Watch for notice of special pre-sentations. This program is funded in part by a grant from Lifepath, Inc. and the Massa-chusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
Quilt RaffleAn anonymous quilt maker has generously donated this beautiful quilt which is being raffled off to benefit the Senior Center Foun-dation Capital Campaign. Tickets are available at the Senior Center and from Foundation members for $1 each or 6 for $5.The winning ticket will be drawn at our February 22nd luncheon.
page 6 Lifelong Learning
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Origami: Not Your Paper Crane! Have you tried origami and gotten stuck on the obscure directions or quickly tired of folding paper cranes? Well, the world of ori-gami has moved out of its past and is now a craft of great versatility. This class is de-signed to open your eyes to new possibilities. Instructor Alan Young will show you how to “read” instructions and begin folding. The group will do a couple of simple forms, then look at some other ideas. Origami has been adapted to jewelry, sculpture, three dimen-sional geometry and many other expressions. Paper of many varieties, resource books and videos will be provided. If time allows we may watch “Between the Folds”, a video showing what contemporary origami artists are doing with the medium. January 4, 11, 18, 1-3 p.m. Free but please preregister by December 28.
A Really BIG BasketHere he goes again! Alan Young is going to make a Really Big Basket and needs your help. The plan is to create a Native Ameri-can coiled basket similar to those used to store grain by the Southwestern tribes. Par-ticipants will have a chance to learn coil style basketry “hands on” getting an opportunity to work on all facets of its construction The completed work is headed to be in a row of similarly shaped objects on display in Alan’s yard, so your work will have a public life once done. February 8, 1-3 p.m. Free but please preregister by January 31.
Senior Learning NetworkWe will continue to offer informative edu-cational and cultural programs through this live, interactive video service. Programs are free, donations welcome.Canyon Connections – (tentatively)Thurs-day, February 16, 2:00 p.m. a guide from
Grand Canyon National Park will provide in-teresting facts about animal and plant adapta-tions while introducing some of the amazing creatures that call Grand Canyon home. 60 minutes. Talk to an Ossie – Coming in March! A pre-senter from the National Museum of Australia will share geographic, cultural, political and technological history of Australia.
Drumming ProgramThe Ageless Waves of Rhythm Drummers, un-der the direction of Irene Baird, will continue to meet on most Mondays at 1:00 p.m. at the Senior Center. No new drummers are being accepted at this time. If you are interested in drumming, please leave your name at the front desk.
Ashfield Council on AgingMeets monthly at the First Congregational Church Friendship Hall on the first Thursday at noonJanuary 5 – Brown Bag luncheon followed by showing of The Best of the Decade DVD of Ashfield Film Fest winning short films (ap-proximately 90 minutes).February 2 – Potluck luncheon with speaker
Computer ClassesClasses are held on Tuesdays from 9:-11:00 a.m.January Tuesdays: Word Processing: Slightly Beyond Basics. A review of word processing applications with more indepth in-struction beyond the initial steps. Please pre-register. Free for members; $10 for the month nonmembers.February Tuesdays: Lab open with assis-tance. Pre-register with date and time you will be in for help.
Valentine Card MakingCome create some heartfelt greetings for our Meals on Wheels recipients with Mary Brooks on Wednesdays: January 25, 2:00-4:00 p.m. and February 1, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Beginner Drawing ClassPolly Anderson, artist and retired school art teacher, is offering a beginner drawing class. The class will be on Tuesdays January 24, Febru-ary 7 and 21, 1:30-3:00 p.m. Pre-register by January 17. Cost: $15 members, $30 nonmembers. Space limited. Funded in part by the Senior Center Foundation.
CribbageOur monthly cribbage tour-naments will be held on Wednesday, January 11 and Wednesday, February 8, at 1:30 p.m. All cribbage players welcome! Call if you are coming to play. Free
Any Bridge players out there? We have a request to see if there are any Bridge players that would like to gather at the Senior Center to play Bridge. If you are interested in playing please call Dot at 625-2502.
page 7 Local Happenings & Resources
Men’s Night Our Men’s group meets once a month on the 2nd Wednes-day, from 5-7:30 p.m. There will be no meeting in January but will meet on Wednesday, February 8 to plan for the men’s luncheon on February 22. New mem-bers always welcome.
Memoire WritingOur Memoire Writing work-shop led by Karen Earle will continue on Fridays from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Senior Cen-ter. New participants are wel-come to join the group. This workshop is free to Ashfield, Buckland and Shelburne se-niors thanks to donations to our Gift Fund, $20 for others. Please pre-register. January 6, 20, February 17, March 3, 17, 31, April 7
Rainbow Breakfast – On Friday, Janu-ary 27, 9:30-11:30 a.m. the Shelburne Senior Center will be the host site for the Rainbow Elders Annual Winter Breakfast. LGBTIQA elders and friends will enjoy a light breakfast with old and new acquain-tances, while supporting one another to be strong and keep moving forward during challenging times. There is no charge for this event, but donations are welcomed and will be used to cover expenses for this and future Rainbow Elders events. RSVP to Lynne Feldman: 413-773-5555 x2215 or 978-544-2259 x2215 by January 24 or at www.lifepathma.org/rainboweldersEvent sponsors include:, Czelusniak Funer-al Home of Northampton, Lathrop Commu-nities, Rockridge, The Arbors at Greenfield, and Victory Home Healthcare.
Arms Library in Shelburne FallsEnjoy a free noontime concert sponsored
by Mohawk Trail Concerts on Friday, Feb-ruary 24.Talented musician Michael Nix will be play-ing guitar Free will offerings accepted.
TRIAD of Franklin CountyThis program of the Sheriff’s Department has many assistive programs for seniors including: 911 emergency cell phones, medical equip-ment loans, File of Life information cards, wellbeing checks and patrol stops to your home. Call 774-4726.
Free Drug Collection BoxThe Buckland Police Station has a secure drop box for unwanted medications. No syringes or liquids please.
Lifepath (formerly Franklin County Home Care)Offers assistance with benefits, fuel assistance, money management, legal assistance, home health care and more. 413-773-5555.
Home-Delivered Meals “Meals on Wheels” are available for seniors in West County up to seven days per week. Please call Life Path (Franklin County Home Care) at 773-5555 for information and regis-tration.
Congregate MealsMeals open to all seniors of all towns are served at the Senior Center on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. by LifePath. Reservations must be made before 11:00 a.m. one meal site day in advance by calling Hugh at 625-6266. $2.50 dona-tion suggested. Printed menus are available at the Center. Come try a nice hot meal with friends!
Brown BagThe Brown Bag program is a bag of groceries specifically for low-income adults who are 55 years and older (or younger with document-ed disability) and is distributed on the third Wednesday of the month at the Center from 3:00-4:00 p.m. January 18 and February 15. To apply for the monthly bag of groceries, call the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts at 1-800-247-9632 or you can contact Leanne at The Senior Center for help with the appli-cation. The Food Pantry has moved to the Cowell Gym in Shelburne and is open the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesdays from 11-5 p.m. Call Community Action at 773-5029 ext.2 for more information.
Food Prgrams
Christine Pike led us in holiday songs following the delicious roast beef dinner.
Senior Center Foundation, Inc.7 Main StreetP.O. Box 464
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Non Profit OrgUS Postage
PAIDPermit 183
Greenfield MA
TransportationThe Senior Center provides a Van Transportation program for seniors 60+, by contract with the FRTA, covering nine towns in West County: Ashfield, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Conway, Hawley, Heath, Rowe and Shel-burne. Rides are provided only in Franklin County, plus a monthly shop-ping trip on the third Friday to WALMART in Hadley. Rides are prioritized as follows: medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other shopping, meals then social trips. Trips for shopping in Shelburne Falls are scheduled for most Wednesday mornings and to Big Y in Greenfield on Tuesdays for Rowe, Heath, Charlemont, Colrain, Shelburne and Buckland then on Thursdays for Ashfield, Conway and Hawley. Rides to Senior Center ac-tivities and congregate meals will be provided as the schedule permits. We are not able to provide transportation to and from employment or education nor for ongoing medical trips such as dialysis or physical therapy. Please call Bob at 625-2502 to make an appointment several days in advance or for information about reservations and fees.FRTA arranges rides to out of county medical appointments. Call the FRTA at 774-2262 x163 for information and reservations and information about their fixed route between Charlemont and Greenfield with stops in Buckland and Shelburne.
Lunch Bunch TripsPre-register for the van and if you are driving yourself. Van fee is $4 or $5 depending on location. Separate checks are issued for lunch.January 18- Applebees in Greenfield. Vans depart at 11:00 a.m.February 15- Franklin County Tech School. Vans depart at 10:30 a.m..
Senior Center Foundation Board of DirectorsMargaret Payne, PresidentKay Berenson, Vice PresidentLarry Baird, TreasurerNancy Hammond, SecretaryMarion Taylor, Past PresidentDena BriggsMichael McCuskerHelen Hodges
The Senior Center Foundation, Inc. was formed to accept donations, raise funds and provide support solely for the Senior Center’s efforts. The Foundation has provided funds for special luncheons, entertain-ment, foot clinics, art classes, the Hilltown Harmony Chorus and supports this newsletter. Our annual ap-peal letters were mailed in November. Thank you to everyone who has already sent in a contribution. You may still mail or drop off a donation which is tax deductible. If you would like to consider us in your estate plan, please call Cathy at the Senior Center to arrange for a conversation with one of our Foundation Board members.Ways to support the Foundation: • Make a donation any time to P.O. Box 46, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370 • Send in a subscription for SeniorWise to help cover printing and mailing costs.
