FRAMINGHAM, MA - The following information is about activities and services at the Callahan Senior Center for the month of October, 2011.

NOTICE: Most of the activities, special programs and events listed below require signing up or advance reservation, (unless otherwise noted). Please do so in advance so activities can be scheduled effectively and in the appropriate space.

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New Member Orientation Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of every month. If you have just joined Callahan you might want to attend one of these meetings as we enjoy coffee and pastry, answer your questions and seek your input on activities. Please join us on October 11th from 9:30 – 10:00 AM.

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Come Say “So Long” to Mary Parcher

Mary Parcher will retire from the Callahan Center on Friday, October 14, 2011.  In order to give all the seniors a chance to wish her well, there will be coffee and refreshments on Wednesday, October 12th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. If you would like to give Mary a card, there will be a basket for them at the refreshment table. No need to let us know if you plan to attend, just show up and help us make this a memorable event for this special lady!

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 New Transportation Program in Framingham

There is a NEW Dynamic Transportation Program in town! ITNGreaterBoston, a new non-profit transportation option that drives success through grassroots collaboration and community connection.

This organization brings together families, businesses, healthcare providers and community organizations to weave a strong local web of support for mobility for seniors and the visually-impaired.

After signing up as a member (individuals $60.00/year, families $100.00/year) riders open a transportation account and begin to enjoy door to door, arm through arm service 24 hours per day, 365 days a year to any destination of their choice.

In Phase I of the service, enjoy going between any of the towns of Fenway, Mission Hill, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, West Roxbury, Allston, Brighton, Brookline, Newton, Needham, Wellesley, Natick, Framingham and Ashland. This service is cost-effective through a mix of volunteer and paid drivers.

Come to the Callahan Center on October 19th, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM to learn more and sign up. For more information, call Lisa at 508-532-5980 (ext. 4108) or Jean Patel-Bushnell 617-451-0049 ext. 362. For more information about ITNGreater Boston "Dignified transportation for Seniors" visit their website at: www.itngreaterboston.org

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 HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Learn About the Medicare Changes for 2012 on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 1:00 PM at Callahan Center. Medicare plans change every year! SHINE Can Help! SHINE counselors provide Medicare counseling free of charge. Medicare’s New Open Enrollment Period is October 15 – December 7. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late! Call your senior center for a SHINE appointment now!

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 Staying Healthy! Staying Fit! - On Tuesday, October 11th, at 10:00 AM, Charlotte Trubiani, Nurse Educator will be in the center to talk with you about this flu season. We will review federal guidelines and discuss what you can expect this year. Should you plan on getting a flu shot this year? Where…? When…? Nurse Trubiani hopes to answer your questions and direct you to providers/flu clinics in the area. Please join us!

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 Support Groups at Callahan Senior Center:

• Bereavement Support Group: Mondays, October 3, 17, 24 & 31 at 10:00 am., (Center closed on Columbus Day.)

• Better Breathers’ Support Group: Wednesday, October 12 at 12:00 pm.

• Diabetes Support Group: Tuesday, October 25 at 10:00 am.

• Caregivers’ Support Group: Wednesday, October 26 at 1:00 pm.

• Grandparent Support Group: Wednesday, October 26 at 7:00 pm. Please call the Center to confirm in the event of a change.

• Low Vision Group: Friday, October 21 at 1:00 pm.

• Parkinson’s Support Group: Tuesday, October 18 at 1:30 pm.

• Stroke Survivors’ Support Group: Monday, October 3 at 1:00 pm.

BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC FOR OCTOBER: Wednesdays, October 5, 12, 19 & 26 9:30am —12:30pm.

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 PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

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Veteran’s Benefits Briefing - Tuesday, October 4th @ 10:00 AM.

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Easy Water Color Painting with Lavonne! Starts October 4th at 11:00 AM - 7 Weeks for only $55. Payment is due with Sign Up. Register at the Front Desk. Supply list will be provided.

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Italian Made Easy and Fun! Going to Italy or just ARMCHAIR traveling there? How about a trip to an Italian restaurant? How about just learning a few new words in the wonderful romantic Italian language! Celebrate National Italian Heritage Month and sign up for this class. Join us as Lucia DiDuca teaches us some popular phrases and offers helpful hints and insights about the Italian culture. Class begins Tuesday, October 11th at 11:00 AM and continues for 6 weeks all for only $15.00.

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Paraffin Hand Waxing – Monday, October 17th . Rina Zarba Licensed Aesthetician and teacher at Keefe Tech. will be taking appointments for Paraffin Hand Waxing beginning at 10:30 AM. Limited appointments, so sign up early with the Front Desk or by calling 508-532-5980.

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Art Matters: Mini-History of Western Civilization Through Art

Join us Thursday, October 20th at 11:00 AM for a mini-history of western civilization through art, from the caves to the shuttle, to see and understand how art and civilization depend upon each other - ART MAKES US HUMAN by Art Matters. Art Teaches. Art Communicates. Art has humor, adventure and passion. Art Matters!

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Armchair Travel to Italy

October is National Italian, German and Polish Heritage Month and Callahan will be Armchair Traveling to Italy and Germany, based on the book 1000 Places to See Before I Die! The Wonders of Italy on Tuesday, October 11th at 1:00 PM and Monday, October 24th at 1:00 PM.

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Stay in Your Home: Home Modification Loan Program

To Age in Place or Not? – “ I want to stay in my home but I need to do some repair work. Where can I get help?” Learn about the state’s Home Modification Loan Program offered through the Mass. Rehabilitation Commission on Monday, October 24th.

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 Retirement Discussion Group

Newly Retired (or thinking about it) Discussion Group - Come share, laugh and learn what others are thinking about and doing as they near retirement age or have already retired! Join this lively group and become a “BUCKETEER!” What’s on your Bucket List? Thursdays at 9:30 AM.

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Nintendo Wii Play Station installed!

By popular demand we have installed a Nintendo Wii gaming console in the multi-purpose room. The Wii offers motion-sensitive game play options including Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort games, plus a MotionPlus attachment that allows players to simulate the action of a real game. The games include shuffle board, bowling, baseball, golf, tennis, waterskiing and more. Demos on how to use the Wii will take place in September and October. Watch for more information and a sign-up sheet for scheduling play time.

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LUNCH AT THE CALLAHAN

Every last Wednesday of the month. One seating/serving at 11:30am. Doors will close promptly at 11:30 am. Reservation must be made by the Friday prior to the luncheon. Cost: $4.00 pp.  Menu: October 26 - Sweet and Sour Chicken, November 30 - Roast Turkey, December 28 - Chicken A La King. Please call the Callahan Center for your reservation at 508-532-5980.

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Contract Bridge Players Wanted

A fun group of bridge players is looking to expand its group. We meet each Tuesday, year round. Play is from 9:00 am to 11:30 am. Come alone or bring a friend. You will always get to play.

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 SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

In an effort to show support for our troops, we have a list of items below that are welcomed by our troops abroad. If you would like to add to the box we will send from the Seniors & Staff of the Callahan Center, please drop off your item(s) in the box at the reception desk no later than Monday, November 21st. The USO will pick up the box and mail it to the troops. Please do not bring items that have passed their expiration date. Cup-a-Soup • Pretzels• Raisins• Oatmeal/Granola Bars• Rice Krispie Treats • Twizzlers• Sunflower Seeds• Beef Jerky• Toothbrush• Toothpaste• Gum/Candy• Hairbrush/Combs• Instant Oatmeal • LipBalm• Ear Swabs• Nail Clippers• Hand/Foot Warmers• Sunscreen• Hand Sanitizer• Socks• Crossword Puzzles• Playing Cards • Band-Aids • Stationary. Thank you, once again, for your care & support!

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Volunteer Outreach Services Corner

We need individuals to assist residents in the following ways:

• Telephone Reassurance – briefly call elder residents daily to inquire of well being.

• Medical Appointment Escort Transport – drive elder residents to appointments.

• Food Shopping Assistance – shop for grocery and other household items.

• Friendly Visiting – visit elder residents periodically providing friendly contact.

Reach out! By serving, you respond to the need and strengthen our community! Contact Sam Swisher at (508) 532-5980, x 4113 or via email: ccvolrec@gmail.com

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Lead a Group at Callahan Center!

• Any retired librarians interested in leading Callahan's Monthly Book Discussion Group?

• A devoted quilter willing to teach others this skill?

• Do you know how to make earrings, necklaces and work with beads? Would you like to teach others this wearable craft? If so, give Deb a call at 508-532-5980, ext. 4110.

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 HERITAGE GALLERY

The Heritage Gallery reopened after the summer hiatus with newly consigned items and some great donated merchandise. We have some pretty glassware, black leather pocketbooks, wonderful jewelry sets and even fabric! So stop in and have a look at all you can enjoy in your home for just a few dollars while helping support the activities at the Center. We are located at the Callahan Center at 535 Union Avenue in Framingham. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 AM - 2:15 PM.

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For additional information about the Callahan Senior Center, or other services, activities or programs of the Framingham Council on Aging visit the center at 535 Union Ave, Framingham, MA 01702, or phone (508) 532-5980.

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