Highlights from our year!

Friends of the Blackstone Council on Aging, Inc.
P.O. Box 204 Blackstone, MA 01504
Senior Center Hours: Mon.—Thurs. 8:00am to 3:30pm; Friday 8am to Noon
Location: 15 St. Paul Street Blackstone, MA 01504 - Phone: 508-876-5134
December
2015
Volume 9
Issue 12
Highlights from our year!
BVT Cooking Demonstration
Field Day in August
Mike turns 100
Paint night fundraiser!
Volunteer Lunch
Pl
Rep. Kuros and Senator Fattman at Halloween
Halloween Party!
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Weekly Activities
Mondays
Mondays
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Thursdays
Thursdays
9:00am
10:15am
10:00am
10:00am
1:00pm
9:00am
10:00am
1:00pm
December 2015
Evening Bingo
Arthritis Exercise
Painting Class
Chair Yoga
Zumba Gold
Bingo
Strength Training
Tai Chi
Yarn Works
Thursday December 17
Thursday’s at 6:30 pm
Senior Center Christmas Party!
Savini’s Restaurant
Wednesday December 9th @ 12:00
Tickets are $10.00 for chicken, $12.00 Scrod, $15.00 Ribeye
See Gail for Tickets!
Food, Fun and Presents!
Coloring is an activity that we tend to associate with children. As we grow older, we put aside our crayons
and colored pencils in favor of more respectable writing utensils like pens and highlighters. However, it
turns out coloring can be beneficial for adults -- namely for its de-stressing power.
The practice generates wellness, quietness and also stimulates brain areas related to motor skills, the senses
and creativity. In fact, publishers have lately been launching coloring books specifically for adults.
Join us for our new Adult
Coloring Class with Jasmine!
Tuesday December
8th
Tuesday December
22
12:45-1:45
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December 2015
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Blackstone Senior Center
December Activities
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1
Thursday
2
Friday
3
4
10:00 Zumba
10:00 Chair Yoga
10:00 Tai Chi
11:00 Seniors Choice
12:00 Bistro Lunch
12:00 Lunch
11:30 Lunch @ BVT
1:00 Bingo
1:00 Wii Games
7
8
9
9:00 Arthritis Class
9:30 Walmart
10:00 Zumba
10:15 Water Color
Painting
10:00 Chair Yoga
12:00 Lunch
12:45 –1:45 Adult Coloring
with Jazz
12:00 Holiday Party @
Savini’s Restaurant
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9:30 Craft Class
12:00 Lunch
11
11:00 Seniors Choice
12:00 Ocean State Job
Lot
9:30 - 10:30
Representive Kuros
Office Hour
10:00 Tai Chi
12:00 Lunch
4:30 LaSalette Shrine
14
15
9:00 Arthritis Class
16
10:00 Zumba
10:00 Chair Yoga
10:15 Water Color
Painting
10:00 Rob Roy’s
12:00 Bistro Lunch
12:00 Lunch
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Bingo
21
22
23
9:00 Arthritis Class
10:00 Chair Yoga
10:00 Zumba
10:15 Water Color
Painting
12:00 Lunch
12:00 Bistro Lunch
12:45 –1:45 Adult Coloring
with Jazz
1:00 Bingo
12:00 Lunch
28
29
9:00 Arthritis Class
17
18
9-11 Medication Review
Blood Pressure Clinic
9:00 Tai Chi
11:00 Seniors Choice
10:00 Christmas Carols
12:00 Pot Luck Lunch
1:00 Yankee Swap
6:30 Evening Bingo
24
Closed
30
10:00 Zumba
25
Closed
31
Closed
10:00 Chair Yoga
10:15 Water Color
Painting
12:00 Bistro Lunch
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Bingo
12:00 Lunch
Tri-Valley, Inc. receives Federal financial support under the
Older Americans Act furnished by Central Mass Agency on
Aging and the Mass Office of Elder Affairs.
* All meals are donations of either $3.00 for Tri-Valley, Inc. or
$4.00 for Bistro, unless otherwise indicated.
Lunch reservations must be
made 48 hours in advance.
Call Gail at 508-876-5151
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A River Runs Through December 2015
Blackstone Senior Center
December 2015
Lunch Menu
Monday
Tuesday
Tri Valley
Turkey ala King
Wild Rice
California Vegetables
Cookie
Wednesday
1
Thursday
Bistro
Chicken Soup
Grilled Cheese
Dessert
Friday
2
Tri Valley
Greek Chicken
Vegetable Couscous
Brussels Sprouts
Chocolate Brownie
(Plain Cake)
3
9
Tri Valley
10
Meatballs/Onion Gravy
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Carrots & Peas
Fresh Fruit
Bistro
7
American Chop Suey
Home Made Bread
Dessert
Tri Valley
8
Vegetable Cheese Bake
Green Peas
Corn
Peaches
Bistro
Hot Dogs
Beans
Home Made Bread
Dessert
14
Tri Valley
15
Beef Barley
Salisbury Steak
Mashed Potatoes
Honey Glazed Carrots
Fruit Bar
(Cookie)
Bistro
Tomato Macaroni Soup
Grilled Ham & Cheese
Dessert
16 Tri Valley
Chicken Piccata
Penne Pasta
Spinach
Birthday Cake
(Plain Cake)
17
Bistro
Pasta & Meatballs
Home Made Bread
Dessert
21
Tri Valley
22
Baked Ham/Maple Glaze
Sour Cream & Chive
Potatoes
Turnip & Carrots
Red Velvet Cupcakes
(Chocolate Mousse)
Bistro
Shepherds Pie
Dessert
23
24
Tri Valley
Chicken Fajitas
Spanish Rice
Corn
Fresh Orange
Bistro
30
Chicken Soup
Chicken Salad Sandwich
Dessert
Bistro
28
Italian Wedding Soup
Grilled Cheese
Dessert
29
Holiday Party @
Savini’s Restaurant
Seniors Choice
Seniors Choice
11
Seniors Choice
18
Senior Center
Closed
B L A C K S TO N E
C O U N C I L O N TR A N S P O R T A TI O N S E R V I C E
4
31
Senior Center
Closed
For Transportation call:
508-876-5133 for reservations
Trips are subject to change due to medical
appointments.
25
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December
2015
Military Christmas
As we gather together with our families to celebrate Christmas this year, there will be
many families missing loved ones who are serving our country away from home It is
important for us to remember as we celebrate Christmas in the safety and comfort of
our homes, the contributions and sacrifices our military are making on our behalf. Many of our troops do not have the family support to send them holiday greetings! We will again be taking donations to send a box to a military member. Stop in the
Senior Center to donate anytime between November 16 and December 7th.
Package must be sent by 12/9/15 to ensure Christmas delivery.
December 17th
Christmas Carols @ 10:00am
Pot Luck Lunch @ 12:00
(Bring your favorite dish to share)
1:00 Yankee Swap
($5.00 minimum)
Call Gail with your dish 508*876*5151
The Senior Center and Town Hall Offices will be closed Thursday December 24
and Friday December 25th.
Happy, Safe Holidays to Everyone from the Senior Center Staff
Press Release
Attention Golfing Retirees
The Baldwin Golf League is looking for retired golfers for 2016 season.
Play is at The Edgewood Golf Club on Hartford Ave West near Uxbridge-Douglas Line.
10 four-man teams play Monday afternoons, April thru September, from 2 PM to 7 PM.
Entry fee is $100 which includes four cookouts, individual & team prizes & banquet.
Green fees are $12 per man + $5 cart fee.
If interested, please call or e-mail Jim Gallagher, at 508 259-3786 or
at [email protected] before February 2016.
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Thursday December 17th
9:00am-11:00 am
Medication Review and
Blood Pressure Clinic!
___December 2015
Volunteer Meals on Wheels
Drivers Needed!
We are looking for volunteer drivers for approximately 2 hours (10am – noon) one day a
week to deliver meals on wheels to residents
in the Blackstone/Millville area. I am also looking for a relief driver to cover vacations. Volunteers will be reimbursed for travel expenses.
Please call Gail @ 508-876-5151 if you
are interested.
Don’t forget to use your key card every
time you come into the center!!
Brought to you by The Blackstone Board
of Health and Trish Parent, Public
Health Nurse.
SMOC—Heating Assistance
This program is designed to help low-income people afford the cost of heat in winter
months. Eligibility is based on gross annual income and family size. For fiscal year
2016, the income eligibility is:
Family Size
Gross Annual Income of Household
(1)
$33,126.00
(2)
$43,319.00
(3)
$53,511.00
(4)
$63,704.00
(5)
$73,897.00
(6)
$84,089.00
(7)
$86,000.00
(8)
$87,912.00
Blackstone residents must be over the age of 18 years to apply and can either own a
house/condo or rent. If heat is included in your rent, you can still apply. SMOC packets
will be available at the Blackstone Senior Center after October 25, 2015. The program
begins on November 1, 2015 and runs through April 30, 2016. After receiving a
packet, an appointment is necessary to complete an application. Please bring with you
all the necessary required documents as stated in the packet.
All applications are mailed to SMOC in Framingham to determine eligibility and benefit
level. The Blackstone Senior Center is an intake site ONLY.
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December 2015
RESIDENTS SURVEY NOW AVAILABLE
The Town is in the process of preparing an updated Master Plan. Among the first steps of this process is to conduct a
survey of Blackstone residents in order to gauge opinions about various issues relating to current services and facilities
as well as to help guide future Town policies and proposals. You can print the survey on-line by clicking on the : Master
Plan Survey on the Town Administrator page on the town website or you can complete the survey online by visiting the
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BlackstoneMP .
All results are confidential and anonymous.
We encourage every adult resident to complete the survey. If you fill out a paper survey, please drop it off at Town Hall at
the Town Administrator’s Office or mail it to Blackstone Master Plan Survey, 15 St. Paul Street, Blackstone, MA 01504.
The survey will be an important part of the Town’s Master Plan. It will ask for your Perception and Opinions on Blackstone, it’s government, facilities and services. It is imperative to the growth of the Town, what direction we are headed
and your suggestions for future planning.
If you need help accessing the survey, please see Kevin Jordan, outreach Coordinator or Laurie Keefe, Director. We will
have paper copies available and also can help you fill out the survey online if you prefer.
Congratulations BMR Charger Marching Band.
The Charger Marching Band competed on Saturday November 7, 2015 at MetLife Stadium and were crowned the 2015 US Bands Group IV Open National Champions.
Blackstone Council On Aging Board is looking for new members
The Council on Aging has an Advisory Board, That Board is made up of Volunteers, the Purpose of
the Board is:
To advocate, plan, coordinate, and provide comprehensive day to day services for Blackstone residents
age 60 and over and to provide services to residents under the age of 60 with disabilities.
The COA Board consists of seven (7) members who are appointed by the Selectmen. The Board works
with other town agencies and community service providers. Along with the Director, they are part of
the municipal government and act as an advisory board overseeing and volunteering for projects aimed
at identifying the total needs of the community's elder population, linking services to those needs, and
improving the quality of life for our Seniors.
Please send letters of intent to the Town Clerk.
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Staying Informed and Engaged
December 2015
During the winter months, ice, snow and cold temperatures can make life challenging for everyone. Slippery sidewalks and cold weather can cause a wide range of injuries and illnesses -especially for seniors.
Here is some helpful advice for preventing common winter dangers that the elderly population faces.
Avoid Slipping on Ice Icy, snowy roads and sidewalks make it easy to slip and fall. "Unfortunately, falls are a common occurrence for senior citizens, especially during the winter months," Often falls cause major injuries such as hip and wrist fractures,
head trauma and major lacerations.
While younger people often recover relatively quickly from such injuries, older adults face complications, which Dr. Wang says are
a leading cause of death from injury in men and women over the age of 65.
Make sure to wear shoes with good traction and non-skid soles, and stay inside until the roads are clear. Replace a worn cane tip
to making walking easier. Take off shoes as soon as you return indoors because often snow and ice attach to the soles and, once
melted, can lead to slippery conditions inside.
Dress for Warmth Cold temperatures can lead to frostbite and hypothermia -- a condition where the body temperature dips too
low. According to the CDC, more than half of hypothermia-related deaths were of people over the age of 65.
So don't let indoor temperatures go too low and dress in layers. Going outside? Wear warm socks, a heavy coat, a warm hat,
gloves and a scarf. In very cold temperatures, cover all exposed skin. Use a scarf to cover your mouth and protect your lungs.
Your body temperature should never dip below 95 degrees -- if it does get medical assistance immediately.
Fight Wintertime Depression Because it can be difficult and dangerous to get around, many seniors have less contact with others during cold months. This can breed feelings of loneliness and isolation.
To help avoid these issues, family members can check in on seniors as often as possible; even a short, daily phone
call can make a big difference. Seniors can utilize the services of the Senior Center.
Prepare for Power Outages Winter storms can lead to power outages. Make sure you have easy access to flashlights
and a battery-powered radio in case the power goes out. Stockpile warm blankets. Longer power outages can spoil the
food in your refrigerator and freezer so keep a supply of non-perishable foods that can be eaten cold on hand. If the
power goes out, wear several layers of clothing, including a hat. Move around a lot to raise your body temperature.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Using a fireplace, gas heater or lanterns can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure your safety by checking the batteries on your carbon monoxide detector and buying an updated one if you
need to.
The most important tip to keep in mind during the colder months is to ask for help. If you need to clear your property
of snow and ice, don't hesitate to ask a family member or neighbor, or hire a professional. Arrange rides to the grocery
store and doctor's appointments. Our Senior Center has transportation available to you! Please call us if you need a
ride!!
Wintertime certainly poses challenges for seniors, but with a bit of planning and awareness, you will stay healthy and
experience the joys of springtime soon enough.
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State Representative
Kevin Kuros
office hours
at the Senior Center
Friday December 11th,
2015
From 9:30am– 10:30am
Please take advantage of this opportunity to
ask questions to your state rep!
Crocheted Gifts are NOT Cheap. If someone has given you a handmade blanket, the
average cost to them (not including their
time) for materials averages $45-$50. Each
skein costs about $6, and each afghan pattern requires approximately 8 skeins. If
someone crocheted you an afghan, it took
them a month or more to make it. They
LOVE you!!
Yarn Works
Group Meets Thursday at
1:00
December
2015
La Salette Shrine
Tuesday
December 8, 2015
Leaving the Center at 4:30pm
Call Gail to reserve your spot
508-876-5151
An opportunity at La Salette for wholesome
family entertainment
The National Shine of Our Lady of La Salette, officially recognized
recently as one of the best places to visit in Massachusetts, has been a
favorite spot locally for decades.
The site on Park Street in Attleboro is renowned throughout New England, certainly, for its annual Christmas lighting display. That tradition
began more than half a century ago and now includes 300,000 lights
over 10 acres of land and attracts thousands of visitors annually, without an admission charge.
A Very Special Thank you to all Those
who made our Silent Auction Event a
Success!!
Those who Donated
Those who Attended
We had a blast and can’t
wait to do it again next year!
Friends of the Blackstone COA, Inc. General Disclaimer
Through the Newsletter, Cable Access, Web sites and other Internet applications, the Friends of the Blackstone COA, Inc.
provides access to a broad range of content, information, and discussion utilizing a variety of technologies and delivery
mechanisms. These include, but are not limited to, links to external Web sites, audio and video presentations, podcasts,
blogs, comment and message forums, e-mail updates and advertisers. These materials may include content from external
contributors, individuals or organizations. The assertions, opinions, and conclusions expressed therein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Friends of the Blackstone COA, Inc.
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December 2015
State Line Power Products
New England Chimney & Roofing
Blackstone, MA 01504
508-294-3757
Licensed and Insured
Chainsaws * Lawn Mowers * Tractors *
Snow Blowers *
Sales—Service—Parts
Husqvarna
Kawasaki
Toro
271 Main Street
Blackstone, MA 01504
Pick-up & Delivery
508-883-7670
Al’s Tree Service &
Lawn Care
508-883-4900
(508) 883-9579 OFFICE
(508) 726-0158 CELL
PAUL JOLICOEUR
Financing Available
SALES AND SERVICE
BLACKSTONE, MA 01504
Tree Removal
Brush Clipping
Stump Grinding
Fully Insured
Free Estimates
Sales
www.diamondoverheaddoor.com
ANIMAL ARTS
Professional Dog and Cat Grooming
Since 1993
508-876-9900
7 Main Street
Blackstone, MA 01504
Kim Giguere-Owner
Oak Ledge Terrace
Assisted Living
Financial Assistance
Th/ GAFC Program
29 Federal St
Blackstone, MA 01504
Since 1981
508-883-4833 508-883-1909
Next Friends Group Meeting is
November 3rd
@10:00 am
At The Senior Center
Come join the COA Friends Group!
They meet this month on
August 4th
at the Blackstone Senior Center.
Volunteering promotes goodwill and
friendship and makes the heart grow
fonder.
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December 2015
Blackstone Council on Aging
Board Officers
Friends of the Blackstone
Council on Aging, Inc.
501 (c )(3) Organization
Jay DiLibero………….
Chairperson
Audrey Drake……………..Vice Chairperson
Jeanne Conine………….
Secretary
Patty Dubois………..
Board Member
Julie Wingate……….
Board Member
Linda McGilvray………….Chairperson
Violet Theroux …………..Vice Chairperson
Joen Carpentier…………..Treasurer
Marcia McDonald….…....Secretary
Board Members:
Marie Bishop, Nancy Davidson
And Many Un-mentioned volunteers!
Currently 2 open Volunteer positions
Meetings are open to the public.
Meeting dates and times are posted with the
clerks office
Meetings are open to the public.
Held at the Blackstone Municipal Center
15 St. Paul Street lower level
Held at the Blackstone Municipal Center
The Tole Booth
Treasures for the Home from the Heart
Donna Latour
Proprietor
Important Numbers for Help
Tri-Valley, Inc. (help at home) 1-800-286-6640
Medicare
Prescription Advantage
1-800-243-4636
Social Security
Blackstone Food Pantry
1-508-883-6726
SMOC Fuel Help
129 Main Street
Blackstone, MA 01504
(508) 876-8900
1-800-633-4227
1-866-772-1213
1-800-286-6776
- - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cut here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Yes, I would like to become a supporter of the
Friends of the Blackstone Council on Aging, Inc. a 501 (c) (3) organization.
Name _______________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________
Town & Zip ___________________________________________
Amount enclosed:
$10.00
for a (1) year newsletter subscription.
Subscription: Jan. 1—Dec. 31, 2014 provides newsletter mailed to subscribed address.
Thank you for your generous donation.
Donations: Memorial: $ _____ Special Occasion: $_____ Other: $______
New__
Renewal__
Address Change
The Newsletter can also be viewed on the Town Web-Site
Please make checks payable to: Friends of Blackstone Council on Aging, Inc.
MAIL to:
Friends of Blackstone COA
P. O. Box 204
Blackstone, MA 01504
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Blackstone Lions Support All Town Activities
And Organizations
Come Join Us and Have Some Fun!
Call Cindy Crawford at
(508)883-5842
For More Information
December 2015
We go to CVS and Walmart Pharmacy Daily
Call 508-876-5133 for reservations
ALL SENIOR VAN TRIPS ARE SUBJECT TO
CHANGE DUE TO MEDICAL
APPOINTMENTS BEING A PRIORITY.
Donations for trips are always welcome. Thank you.
Senior Center Staff
Laurie Keefe…....Director…………………………..(508) 876-5134.…[email protected]
Gail LeClair…….Nutrition/Fitness Coordinator …..(508) 876-5151…[email protected]
Dennis Pimenta...Transportation Coordinator ….….(508) 876-5133…[email protected]
Van Drivers
Nancy Davidson, Theresa Cardinal, Dennis Bouvier,
Robert Greenhalgh, Dave Ceolinski, Alan Rainville
Volunteer Drivers
Dick Hilditch, Stella Gallant,
S.H.I.N.E. (Ser ving the Health Infor mation Needs of Elder s) Volunteer s
Judy and Lee Katz, Pat Morris
Production and distribution of this monthly newsletter is funded by the
Friends of the Blackstone Council on Aging, Inc., the Executive Office of Elder Affairs
and from generous donations from the community.
Thank you.
Address Service Requested
Friends of the Blackstone
Council on Aging, Inc.
P.O. Box 204
Blackstone, MA 01504
U .S. POSTAGE PAID
BLACKSTONE, MA
PERMIT NO. 3
PRESORTED STANDARD
ORGANIZATION
NONPROFIT