Medfield COA

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS        

Director’s Note: 

Director’s Note: Happy September! I’m excited to share we have a lot of new programs being offered in September that I hope you will try out. We will be kicking off our Monthly Birthday Parties beginning in September. All are welcome to attend, but we do ask that you register in advance. The Center will be offering another new program Brain Exercises which will be a two-part series. Tuesdays we will provide the new materials for you to work on; and Friday, we will regroup to review the answers together. Brain Exercises will begin on Tuesday, September 5 at 2 p.m. We are also offering Beginning Bridge for those wanting to learn how to play bridge, or those who could use a refresher. This will be a 4-part series. More information inside with dates/times. Mah Jongg classes will be taught once again this month beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. Please be sure to register to make sure we have enough people to run the classes. Our Salem Large Day Trip has been cancelled but we are offering 3 small bus trips in September. We will be traveling to the Cape, the JFK Museum and Castle Island. I’m sorry to announce that due to staffing challenges, our lunch program for Saturdays has been discontinued effective September 9. You are welcome to bring your own lunch to enjoy before Bingo but we will no longer be offering lunch on Saturdays. See you at the Center!

Sarah Hanifan

From the Desk of Lois Abramo - Volunteer/Program Coordinator

I have heard so many wonderful stories, listened to many requests, and shared many laughs with so many of you! I look forward to continuing to build on the calendar with new and reviving some former programs from pre-COVID. They may look different but give them a try. I am in need of a few volunteers to add to my list for driving to medical appointments, and overall assistance in running some programs so send me an email or give me a call if this interests you. More new things will be coming, but it takes a village to pull it all together. I am grateful for any suggestions and assistance.

Lois Abramo

Outreach Corner with Susan Longmoore

FARMER’S MARKET COUPONS: Did you know that less than onethird of seniors eat the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables? The Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program aims to increase access to nutritious local foods. Farmer’s market coupons can be used to purchase fruits, vegetables and fresh herbs. Qualifying individuals are given $50 in coupons. Coupons for this year will expire on October 31. According to the Farmer’s Market Coalition, older adults benefit from Farmer’s Markets. While locallyfresh sourced produce is beneficial to everyone, the communal aspect of a Farmer’s Market adds an element of socialization and community. To be eligible you must be 60 years or older and meet income guidelines. HIGH 

PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS: Prescription Advantage is a state-assistance program which may lower the amount you pay for prescription drugs. Members are allowed to join or change their Medicare drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan one time per calendar year. Eligibility is based on income only and there is no asset limit. For Massachusetts residents eligible for Medicare, Prescription Advantage may provide secondary drug coverage if you are 65 or older with specific income qualifications. Talk with a SHINE counselor to help you apply for this program and provide free, confidential counseling on all aspects of Medicare and related health and drug insurance programs. Call the Center to schedule an appointment.

September Special Events

• Saturday, Sept. 2 COA CLOSED and Monday, Sept. 4 COA CLOSED for Labor Day. 
• Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2 p.m., NEW Brain Exercises. Part 1 - Materials provided. *Check calendar for additional days! 
• Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 4 p.m. Beginning Bridge. Limited to 20, sign up required. Free! 
• Thursday, Sept. 7 - Special Bus Trip to Cape Cod and lunch at Seafood Sam's, $5 for transportation. Sign up required! 
• Friday, Sept. 8 - 10:30 a.m. Meet Eddie, the Norfolk County Sherriff's Therapy Dog. 
• Friday, Sept. 8 - 12:00 p.m. Part 2 Brain Exercise Review *Check calendar for additional days! 
• Monday, Sept. 11 - 10 a.m. Trip to JFK Museum $5 bus & $10 admission. + Cultural History of Japan lecture at 11 a.m. 
• Tuesday, Sept 12- Veteran’s Coffee Hour with Veterans Service Office Melissa Bingham 9 a.m. + Legal Clinic at 2pm 
• Wednesday, Sept. 13 - Special Amelia Earhart Presentation at 6 p.m. 
• Thursday, Sept. 14 - Shine Appointments by appointment only + September Birthday Party at 2pm with Mike Dardis 
• Monday, Sept. 18 Castle Island Bus Trip $5 per person for transportation only—Registration required 
• Wednesday, Sept. 20 - Supper Club with live entertainment. $6 per person, open to all. 5-7 p.m. 
• Thur. Sept. 21 - Juliet Outing at 11:45 a.m. + Henry Quinlan, 50 years in Publishing—come hear his stories! 2:00 p.m. 
• Tuesday, Sept. 26 - Caregiver Support Meeting with Susan at 2:00 p.m. 
• Thur. Sept. 28 - Book Club at 2:00 p.m.

Knitting Volunteers Wanted 

The Center at Medfield is pleased to be partnering with Norfolk County RSVP to support their mission of working with volunteers to help meet community needs. Norfolk County RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) is comprised of volunteers who are 55+ years of age who build stronger communities together through service. RSVP Programs in Norfolk County include: Elementary School Reading, Meals on Wheels driving, Telefriend, Veterans’ transportation, Friendly visiting, and support for Veterans’ programs. Do you enjoy knitting? We are looking for volunteers to knit lap robe and/or afghans for veterans. Any size and color of afghans or lap robes is greatly appreciated and will be collected at the Center in Medfield to be donated and delivered to ill or disabled veterans in nearby healthcare facilities. This effort will directly support Norfolk County RSVP and local veterans. We are also asking for yarn donations. Yarn donations should be from a smoke-free home. If interested, please contact Susan to discuss details. Thank you!

Legal Clinic

Attorney Julie Ladimer will be available for legal consultations on Tuesday, September 12 at 2:00 p.m. Please call the Center for an appointment. 

Caregiver Support

Do you need assistance navigating the care-giving journey? Be part of the Caregiver Support Group Tuesday, September, at 2:00 p.m. 

Kingsbury Club Swimming

The Kingsbury Club will be tracking your participation in their swim program for year-end insurance reimbursements. The Center will track your participation in all our exercise programs only. Any questions, please reach out to Sarah. 

The Center Library

Need a new book or a puzzle? The Center library has quite a selection available to share. Stop in and look, The library is open most days except when we have SHINE appointments or the monthly legal clinic. 

Bread and Bagel Bonanza 

Every Wednesday beginning at 10:00 a.m. visit the Center and pick up your favorite bread products from Blue Moon, Shaw’s, Donut Express, and Brother’s Market. No early birds please as our volunteers are busy sorting. 

Attention Woodcarvers — We Need You Thursdays at 9:00 am 

We are looking for people to join our Thursday morning woodcarving group. Please stop in and learn about this fascinating hobby! This group doesn't have an instructor; instead, it’s a social group that meets each week to work on individual projects. You will learn from each other. All are welcome! 

Veterans Service Agent

Melissa Bingham will be at the Center Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 9-10 a.m. Melissa can also be reached at 508-906-3025

Interface Referral Service

Did you know that you can connect to a therapist utilizing the INTERFACE Referral Service? The William James College INTERFACE Referral Service is free for Medfield residents. They connect you with therapists who conduct sessions either in-person, over the phone or online to address anxiety, depression, grief or other mental-health concerns. When you call, a representative will ask about your specific needs, your insurance, and conduct a safety assessment. In a few weeks you will receive a follow up call with information of an INTERFACE mental-health professional that meets your needs and is available to meet with you either virtually or in-person. The INTERFACE Referral Service can be reached at 1-888-244-6843 between 9:00 a.m.— 5:00 p.m., Monday, Wednesday & Friday, and 8:00am-6:00pm Tuesday & Thursday. For more information, visit: https://interface.williamjames.edu/ 

SHINE 

Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone Initial Enrollment Period: Generally, when you turn 65 years old, this is called your Initial Enrollment Period. It lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65, and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. Are you over 65 and need to enroll soon? Are you having trouble paying for medical expenses and prescription drugs? If any of these apply to you, contact the SHINE counselor (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone). A trained SHINE volunteer offers free, confidential counseling on all aspects of Medicare and related health insurance programs. To schedule a SHINE appointment, call the Center at 508-359-3665

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Meet Eddie the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Comfort Dog! 

We are pleased to announce that the Norfolk County Sheriffs will be visiting with Eddie the comfort dog on Friday, September 8 at 10:30 a.m. They will discuss the roles of comfort dogs and provide lots of interaction!

Calling All Veterans

We are pleased to announce that once a month, Melissa Bingham, Medfield's Veterans Service Officer, will be at the Center for coffee and chat. Join us on Tuesday, September 12 from 9-10 a.m. RSVP by calling 508-359-3665.

September Birthday Party with Cake and Live Entertainment 

Join us on Thursday, September 14 at 2 p.m. to celebrate our September Birthdays! We will serve cake while being entertained by Mike Dardis. If your birthday is in September, please come be our guest of honor! Open to all, registration.

Amelia Earhart: Pioneer in Aviation - Wednesday, September 13 from 6-7pm. 

Amelia Earhart’s fearless, adventuresome spirit leads to hair-raising rides down her homemade roller coaster, and she is enthralled with the wonders of the new “flying machines” during a family vacation to the Iowa State Fair. As she matures, she is fulfilled by her work as a nurse’s aide and begins to consider a career in medicine. This idea “flies out the window,” however, when she pays a pilot $1.00 to take her up for a short “hop” in his plane. From then on, the science of aviation becomes her passion as flying becomes her career. Since 2003, Sheryl Faye has masterfully brought to life important historical women to both children and adults across the U.S. In her one-woman shows, she immerses the audience in a multimedia learning experience that captivates viewers and sparks their interest to explore more. Sheryl is a full-time actress; a goal she has worked her whole life to achieve. Besides performing a variety of historical women for schools, libraries, historical societies, senior centers, and others, she also writes and performs with StageCoach Improv. She has been the voice of several characters for Sony Play Station games and for a variety of medical CD ROMS. She recently shot a national print ad for Vicks cold/flu and continues to keep busy working on films, television and theater throughout Boston and New York. Be sure to join us on Wednesday, September 13 from 6-7 p.m. for this special event! Registration is required. Open to all.

Supper Club - Wednesday, September 20 from 5-7 p.m. 

Join us for a Pasta Supper on Wednesday, September 20 from 5-7 p.m. Pasta, meatballs and Sauce, bread, and dessert. $6 per person limited to 60 and open to all Center members! Payment is due by check (payable to the Town of Medfield—COA) at the time of sign up. Entertainment this evening will be provided by Paul French. He will be singing and playing guitar. He’s been singing and playing for years. He features familiar hits from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s; from Buddy Holly to Jimmy Buffet and everything in between. Join us for a great evening with food, friends and music. 

Henry Quinlan Years in Publishing – Humorous Stories Thursday, September 21 at 2:00 p.m. 

Spend an entertaining and fun hour with Henry Quinlan as he relates the funniest anecdotes from his 50 Years in Publishing from authors, some well-known, others not so much. Some of them were in the books he published; others were stricken, all are true. Some of the better known names are President GWH Bush, Movie Star Mitzi Gaynor, Athletes KC Jones and Danny Ainge, Ted Kennedy, Vitaly Churkin, Anderson Cooper, Astronaut Wally Schirra, John Cullinane and more.

Beginning Bridge and Beginning Mah Jongg

BEGINNING BRIDGE CLASS - NEW! Beginning Bridge with Ken Jenkins. Wednesday, September 6, 20, 27 and Oct 4 at 4pm. This Bridge is not only for beginners but also those who haven’t played in some time and need a refresher course. We are meeting to review, have fun, and make friends. Hopefully this group will continue to play after the basic skills are acquired. Limited to 20. Free, but be sure to sign up to reserve your spot. 

BEGINNING MAH JONGG Come learn how to play Mah Jongg. On Tuesdays beginning September 12 at 1:00 p.m. Mahjong or mah-jongg is a tilebased game that was developed in the 19th century in China and has spread throughout the world since the early 20th century. It is played by four players. FREE

Crafters Corner 

Card Making with Bri Wed., September 13 at 10:45 .m. Come make a fun greeting card with Bri! No charge, we just require registration for materials. 

Crafting with Annette Wed., 27 at 10:45 Sign up with Annette for a fun craft for September. What is she making?! Check the sign up sheet for more information. 

Book Club Meeting 

Join us for our next Book Club Meeting on Thursday, September 28 at 2:00 p.m. 

Castle Island Trip

The last Castle Island trip of the season is Monday, September 18 at 10:00 a.m. $5 for transportation. Limited to 14 spots, be sure to register.

ROMEO and JULIET Luncheons

JULIET Luncheon —Thur. Sept. 21 Take a guess where the bus is headed. Here's a hint: Route 1 and Clam Strips!

ROMEO Luncheon —Thur. Sept. 28 The guys are off for some history and some lunch in Hudson, MA. This will be a day trip!

Low Vision Support Group - Thursday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m. 

Learn about the latest resources and specialized telephones from Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program for people with low vision.

Beginning Watercolor with Nan Rumpf 

Sessions beginning in October. Classes will be held on Fridays from 10:45 - 12:45. Oct 13, 20, 27 and November 3, 10, 17. You will be required to bring your own watercolor supplies. *List provided when you sign up.