Category: Seniors

  • Introducing SOAR 55

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — SOAR 55, your local volunteer resource in MetroWest, offers opportunities to give back, expand your skills, and gain experience.

    Connect and Serve Today!

    SOAR 55, Service Opportunities after Reaching 55, a program of Newton Community Service Center and with a satellite office location at the Framingham Public Library, connects adults 55 and over with (more…)

  • CALLAHAN HAPPENINGS FOR JANUARY 2010

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — Here’s what’s happening in January at the Callahan Senior Center this month!
    Support Groups at Callahan Senior Center

    • Bereavement Support Group: Mondays, January 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 10:00 am.
    • ‘Better Breathers’ Support Group: Wednesday, January 13 at 1:00 pm.
    • Diabetes Support Group: Tuesday, January 26 at 10:00 am.
    • Grandparent Support Group: Wednesday, January 27 at 7:00 pm. Please call the Center to confirm in the event of a change.
    • Low Vision Group: No meetings in January & February. Meeting will resume in March.
    • Massage Therapy: Thursday, January 7 (by appt. only).
    • Parkinson’s Support Group: Tuesday, January 19 at 1:30 pm.
    • Podiatry: Wed., January 13 with Dr. John 1:00 – 4:00 pm & Wed., January 27, with Dr. Lukoff from 1:00 – 3:30 pm (by appt. only).
    • Stroke Survivors’ Support Group: Monday, January 4 at 1:00 pm.

    BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC FOR JANUARY – Wednesdays, January 6,13,20 & 27 from 9:30am—12:30pm (more…)

  • CALLAHAN HAPPENINGS for DECEMBER 2009

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Events and news from  Callahan Senior Center, Framingham, MA.

    CRAFT SHOW & BAKE SALE – Saturday, December 12th from 9:00am-2:00pm Callahan Center (jewelry, clothing, arts & crafts & White Elephant Tables) No admission fee.

    Heritage Gallery –  Do you need a pretty plate on which to place your cookies for the Neighborhood Holiday Cookie Swap? Do you need some stocking stuffers for $1.00? Does your mantle need a touch of red and green to help usher in the holiday season? How about a pair of sparkly earrings or a necklace to wear to the Holiday Sing-a-long Concert? If so, then we will be looking for you at the Heritage Gallery in the Callahan Center on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

    Holiday Open House – Monday, December 21st from 12 noon until 2:00 pm at Callahan Center. There will be music by disc jockey Bob Fisher, dancing and refreshments.

    New Year’s Eve Day CELEBRATE! It’s fun, it’s a party and it’s a great deal! —December 31, 2009 Noon time Luncheon (Prime Rib or Chicken) at Lantana, Randolph, MA $69.00 pp Dancing & easy listening, New Year’s Countdown with confetti celebration and Champagne toast! Depart from Callahan at 10:30am and arrive back to Center at 4:30pm. To sign up, please call the Callahan Travel Office, Mon.-Fri. between 10 am-2 pm at 508-532-5980, extension 3.

    Support Groups at Callahan Senior Center:

    Bereavement Support Group: Mondays, December 7, 14, 21 & 28 at 10:00 am.

    ‘Better Breathers’ Support Group: Wednesday, December 9 at 1:00 pm.

    Diabetes Support Group: Tuesday, December 29 at 10:00 am.

    Grandparent Support Group: Wednesday, December 2 at 7:00 pm. Please call the Center to confirm in the event of a change.

    Low Vision Group: Friday, December 18 at 1:00 pm.

    Massage Therapy: Thursday, December 3 (by appt. only).

    Parkinson’s Support Group: Tuesday, December 15 at 1:30 pm.

    Podiatry: Wed., December 9 with Dr. John 1:00 – 4:00 pm & Wed., December 30, with Dr. Lukoff from 1:00 – 3:30 pm (by appt. only).

    Stroke Survivors’ Support Group: Monday, December 7 at 1:00 pm.

    Caregivers’ Support Group Notice – Due to the Metrowest Office closing and moving to Boston, Judith Chaloux, Bereavement Coordinator, will no longer be able to come to the Callahan Center to host the Caregivers’ Support Group. We are in the process of contacting the Boston office to find a coordinator to host the group here at the Center. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

    BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC FOR DECEMBER
    – Wednesdays, December 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 from 9:30am—12:30pm

    Town of Framingham & Callahan Center Snowstorm Policy Notice – If the schools close due to snowstorms or other inclement weather days, there will be no activities at the Center. On these days, the Town of Framingham Staff will be available to you at the Center, unless the Town of Framingham declares an emergency closing.

    Please note:
    Due to a lack of storage space at the Callahan Center, please be advised that we can no longer accept donations of books, magazines, puzzles and other miscellaneous items until further notice. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with this request.

  • CALLAHAN HAPPENINGS – NOVEMBER 2009

    Framingham, MA – Here’s what’s happening at the Callahan Senior Center for the month of November 2009.

    HEALTH AND WELLNESS

    Support Groups at Callahan Senior Center

    • Bereavement Support Group: Mondays, November 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 at 10:00 am.
    • ‘Better Breathers’ Support Group: No meeting in November due to the Veterans’ Day holiday. Meeting will resume in December.
    • Caregivers’ Support Group: Please note new date due to holiday — Wednesday, November 18 at 2:30 pm.
    • Diabetes Support Group: Tuesday, November 24 at 10:00 am.
    • Grandparent Support Group: Next meeting is Wednesday, December 2nd at 7:00 pm. No meeting in November due to Thanksgiving holiday. Please call the Center to confirm in the event of a change.
    • Low Vision Group: Friday, November 20 at 1:00 pm.
    • Massage Therapy: Thursdays, November 12 & 26 (by appt. only).
    • Parkinson’s Support Group: Tuesday, November 17 at 1:30 pm.
    • Podiatry: Wed., November 18 with Dr. John 12:30 – 4:00 pm & Wed., November 25, with Dr. Lukoff from 1:00 – 3:30 pm (by appt. only).
    • Stroke Survivors’ Support Group: Monday, November 5 at 1:00 pm.

    BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC FOR NOVEMBER Wednesdays, 4, 18 & 25 – 9:30am—12:30pm

    Healing Partners Bereavement Support Group – Have recently lost a spouse, parent, or other loved one? How are you coping? Come join us to share your experience and feelings on Monday mornings from 10:00-11:30 am. New participants are always welcome.

    Callahan Center has a TOPS Club, Inc. Chapter! TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a national non-profit organization. The group meets on Wednesdays from 11:45 am—12:45 pm. Please contact Lorraine Fournier, if you have any questions at 508-532-5980, extension 4102.

    STAYING HEALTHY! STAYING FIT! – Thursday, November 12th at 10:00 am in the Multi-purpose Room our topic will be Cardiovascular Disease and sign up for the Walking Program.

    Holiday Tea! –  *SAVE THE DATE* – On December 10th at 10:00 am, please join us at the center for a Holiday Tea! Our topic; ‘Making the most of the Holidays’, will be a discussion of the ups and downs of this time of year.

    VNA Care Network: Medication Safety – Get the Facts on Monday November 16, 2009 from 11:00am-12:00pm at the Callahan Center . Program will cover:

    STATE SENATOR KAREN SPILKA’S 2009 SENIOR HEALTH and WELLNESS FAIR – November 21st from 9:00 am – 1:30 pm at the Callahan Center , 535 Union Avenue in Framingham.

    FRIENDS OF CALLAHAN UPDATE – The Friends of Callahan will hold their next general meeting on Monday, November 9, 2009 at 1:00 pm at the Callahan Center. Entertainment will be provided by Peter O’Malley. Refreshments will be served. Please join us and bring a friend!

    Framingham Garden Club – The Framingham Garden Club will be at the Callahan Center on November 9th @ 10:00 am creating a Fall arrangement. The fee for this class, which includes all materials, is $5.00. Seating is limited to 12; please sign up by calling the reception desk @ 508-532-5980 no later than November 5th. Please bring scissors.

    Fall Inspired Decoupage Art Class – On November 16th at 9:30-11:00 am come join in on the fun with artist, Susan Chicco, and create an incredible work of art out of one of the items Susan will supply the day of the class such as a vase, clay pot, or a frame or bring something you have around your house that you would like to decoupage. Seating is limited to 10 people; please sign up no later than 10/13 at the reception desk @ 508-532-5980.

    Computer Literacy Center Offerings For Seniors – The Callahan Center offers a number of courses including Introduction to the PC, Intermediate PC, Internet and Email, MS Word, and Photoshop. All are 4-day a month courses and the donation is $20.00.

    Heritage Gallery – Christmas in November? Well, in the Heritage Gallery it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Folks have consigned and donated some fabulous decorations, crafts and collectibles to the Gallery. Plus we have the ‘usual suspects’ – lamps, table settings, linens, jewelry, bowls, plates and platters. Baking cookies to give a neighbor this holiday? Come buy a pretty plate and make the plate part of your gift. Making fudge to give a friend? Come pick up a pretty container to present the fudge. Shop now for gifts, stocking stuffers and just plain fun at the Heritage Gallery.Open Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

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  • CALLAHAN SENIOR CENTER HAPPENINGS FOR OCTOBER 2009

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — Here’s what’s happening at the Callahan in October:

    Tuesday, October 6th at 11:00 am, Kimberly Sambuchi, of Framingham Cooperative Bank will be here conducting a presentation on Online Banking.

    Wednesday, October 7th from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Callahan Center – This is the first session of a talk on fall prevention. The talk will provide six simple steps to help prevent falls. A light snack will be provided. Come to this program and get the facts to keep right side up. Learn how to reduce your risk of falling, prevent injury and remain safe at home!

    Thursday, October 8th, 2009 at 10:30 am at Callahan Center –“Staying Healthy; Staying Fit” — Discussion: Maintaining Your Cardiovascular Health”.

    Thursday, October 8th at 3:00 pm, we will have Officers Dolores Coots and Debi Nau from the Framingham Police Department at the Center to conduct an 8-week self-defense course.

    Tuesday, October 13th at 11:00 am, Linda Sakin, a Hard of Hearing Independent Living Specialist, will be at the Center conducting a presentation “How to Shop for a Hearing Aid”.

    Friday, October 16th – The third annual Health Information Forum for Portuguese-speaking Seniors will be held at the Callahan Center. Important health and health insurance issues will be discussed. It is being organized by the Metrowest SHINE Program, the Hudson Senior Center and the Marlborough Senior Center. All presentations will be done in Portuguese. Reservations are required, as space is limited. Call Ana at the Hudson Senior Center (978-568-9638) or Ana Cristina at the Marlborough Senior Center (508-485-6492). This event is completely free!

    Monday, October 19th at 9:30-11:00 am, come join in on the fun with artist, Susan Chicco, and create an incredible work of art out of a picture frame. Make it your own by using the creative art form: decoupage. Decoupage is the art or technique of cutting out pictures or designs from paper or other material and applying them to a surface. Seating is limited to 10 people.

    Monday, October 19th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm – FREE bone density screening for osteoporosis with the VNACare Network. An appointment is necessary.

    Monday, October 19th at 1:00 pm – The Friends of Callahan will hold their next general meeting with entertainment provided by Mel Simons and his one-man show!

    Tuesday, October 20th at 11:00 am, Lisa Rohmer from Framingham Cooperative Bank will be here conducting a presentation on Reverse Mortgages.

    The Callahan Center offers a number of courses including Introduction to the PC, Intermediate PC, Internet and Email, MS Word, and Photoshop. All are 4-day a month courses and the donation is $20.00. If interested, please call Robert Kyriakakis, Computer Center Coordinator, at 508-532-5983.

    Thursday, November 12, 2009 – 2010 Day Trips Travel Show Presentation from 10 am – 12 Noon
    Tuesday, November 17, 2009 – COLLETTE TRAVEL SHOW for 2010 Europe & Beyond Trips from
    10:00 am – 12:00 pm (with light refreshments) Be the first to know about our 2010 Overnight Trips!!!

    Support Groups at Callahan Senior Center: Bereavement Support Group: Mondays, October 5, 19 & 26 at 10:00 am. Center Closed for Columbus Day holiday. ‘Better Breathers’ Support Group: Wednesday, October 14 at 12:00 noon. Caregivers’ Support Group: Please note new date and time- last Wednesday of the month—October 28 at 2:30 pm. Diabetes Support Group: Tuesday, October 27 at 10:00 am. Grandparent Support Group: Wednesday, October 28 at 7:00 pm. Please call the Center to confirm in the event of a change. Low Vision Group: Friday, October 16 at 1:00 pm. Massage Therapy: Thursdays, October 1 &15 (by appt. only).

    Parkinson’s Support Group: Tuesday, October 20 at 1:30 pm. Podiatry: Wed., October 14 with Dr. John 12:30 – 4:00 pm & Wed., October 28, with Dr. Lukoff from 1:00 – 3:30 pm (by appt. only). Stroke Survivors’ Support Group: Monday, October 5 at 1:00 pm.

    BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC – Wednesdays, October 7, 14, 21 &28 – 9:30 am—12:30 pm

    Heritage Gallery – The pumpkins are growing big and round, the leaves are changing color, mum plants are popping up everywhere…including at the Heritage Gallery. New items are constantly arriving. Need a necklace to wear to that fall wedding? How about a wedding present? We have it all! The Gallery hours are: 10 am – 2 pm, Wed.-Fri.

    Should you Change your Medicare Health Plan? You may not have a choice! Some Medicare health plans will no longer be offered next year, including Tufts Medicare Preferred PPO and PFFS. In October, your plans will be sending letters about changes for next year. Be sure to open, read and save these letters! Although your plan may still be available next year, a different plan may be better for you. You may want to consider changing plans during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (November 15 – December 31).

    Some reasons to look for a new plan for next year: Your current plan’s premium will be increasing, your co-payments to providers will be increasing, your doctors will no longer be taking your plan, some of your prescriptions will no longer be covered or the cost of your prescriptions will be increasing. A SHINE Counselor can help you understand the choices! SHINE offers free Medicare counseling at your Senior Center. Call your Center and ask for a SHINE appointment. You can also reach a SHINE counselor by calling 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636), then pressing or saying 3. If you get the SHINE answering machine, leave your name and number. A volunteer will call you back, as soon as possible. Please be patient. Due to a large volume of calls, you may not hear from us for several days.

  • CALLAHAN HAPPENINGS FOR SEPTEMBER 2009

    FRAMINGHAM,MA — The Heritage Gallery, after being closed for the month of August, is BACK IN ACTION with a SALE and loads of new, fresh merchandise beginning on Wednesday, September 9th. The Gallery reopens at 10:00 am; the SALE will take place the 9th, 10th and 11th only. Gallery hours are Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 10:00 am—2:00 pm. The Heritage Gallery is a wonderful place to browse for “hidden treasures.” The Gallery accepts consignments and donations. Appointments encouraged. Call (508) 532-5980 for information.

    Support Groups at Callahan Senior Center:

    Bereavement Support Group: Mondays, September 14 & 21 at 10:00 am. No meetings on Labor Day Holiday or Yom Kippur.

    ‘Better Breathers’ Support Group: Wednesday, September 9 at 12:00 noon.

    Caregivers’ Support Group: Please note new date and time- last Wednesday of the month—September 30 at 2:30 pm.

    Diabetes Support Group: Tuesday, September 29 at 10:00 am.

    Grandparent Support Group: Wednesday, September 30 at 7:00 pm. Please call the Center to confirm in the event of a change.

    Low Vision Group: Friday, September 18, at 1:00 pm.

    Massage Therapy: Thursdays, September 3 & 17 (by appt. only). Parkinson’s Support Group: Tuesday, September 15 at 1:30 pm.

    Podiatry: Wed., September 9 with Dr. John 12:30 – 4:00 pm & Wed., September 23, with Dr. Lukoff from 1:00 – 3:30 pm (by appt. only).

    Stroke Survivors’ Support Group: Monday, September 14 at 1:00 pm.

    BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC FOR SEPTEMBER – Wednesdays, 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 from 9:30—12:30

    Tuesday, September 8th at 11:00 am, Dr. Krishma Nirmel, a local Neuro Surgeon, will be at Callahan Center to conduct a presentation on new treatment for back pain and Spinal Stenosis.

    Monday, September 14th at 9:00 am, the Callahan Bowling league starts up on and bowls every Monday at Fairway Lanes on Rte. 9 in Natick.

    Wednesday, September 16th at 10:00 am, Peter Harvell will conduct a presentation on Veterans’ benefits. Following the presentation Peter will hold an office hour here at the Callahan Center 10:45-12:00.

    Wednesday, September 16, 2009 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Callahan Center & ‘Best of Times’ Travel Show: featuring new Multi-day Tours for 2010!

    Thursday, September 17th at 10:30 am, Callahan Center – Discussion: “ Staying physically active.” Activity of the month: Sign up for Walking Club

    Thursday, September 17th from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., a six week course in Acrylic Painting will be offered at the Callahan Center. Class will be held every Thursday for 6 weeks. The cost is $56.00 and is due when you register. Also, a list of acrylic painting supplies needed for the course will be available when you register.

    Friday, September 17th at 11:30 am, Zumba classes will start up again at Callahan Center!

    The Callahan Center offers a number of courses including Introduction to the PC, Intermediate PC, Internet and Email, MS Word, and Photoshop. All are 4-day a month courses and the donation is $20.00.

    Contract Bridge Anyone? Tuesday morning contract bridge group is looking for new players. This is a friendly, fun group that meets year-round. Come alone or bring a friend. All attendees will get to play. Check-in time 8:45 am. Bridge from 9:00—11:30 am.

    SHINE: An Important Time of the Year for Those on Medicare – If you have Medicare, before long you will be getting important information from your Prescription Drug Plan, your Medicare Health Plan, and/or Prescription Advantage (if you are a member). It is very important to read the letters and understand the information they contain. DO NOT IGNORE ANY LETTERS FROM YOUR PLANS! During the annual Medicare Open Enrollment (November 15 – December 31), you will have a chance to CHANGE your coverage for next year. Our state-certified SHINE (Medicare) Counselors can help you understand your plan changes, as well as other options you may have. SAVE THE LETTERS FROM YOUR PLANS! To schedule a FREE appointment with a SHINE Counselor, call your senior center. You can also reach a SHINE Counselor by telephone. Call 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636), then press or say 3. Once you get the SHINE answering machine, leave your name and number. A SHINE Counselor will call you back as soon as possible.

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  • AUGUST 2009 CALLAHAN HAPPENINGS

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – What’s Happening at the Callahan Senior Center in August:

    Friday, August 28th at 11:00 am – 2nd Annual Veterans’ Appreciation Luncheon. Seating is limited; tickets will only be given to a Veteran and one guest. Please call the Callahan Center at 508-532-5980 by August 21st to reserve a seat at the luncheon.

    Support Groups at Callahan Senior Center: Bereavement Support Group: Mondays, August 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 10:00 am. ‘Better Breathers’ Support Group: Wednesday, August 12 at 12:00 noon. Caregivers’ Support Group: No meeting in August. Meetings will resume in September. Diabetes Support Group: No meeting in August. Meetings will resume on Tuesday, September 29 at 10:00 am. Grandparent Support Group: Wednesday, August 26 at 7:00 pm. Please call the Center to confirm in the event of a change. Low Vision Group: Friday, August 21, at 1:00 pm. Massage Therapy: Thursdays, August 6 & 20 (by appt. only). Parkinson’s Support Group: Tuesday, August 18 at 1:30 pm. Podiatry: Wed., August 12 with Dr. John 12:30 – 4:00 pm . Wed., August 26, with Dr. Lukoff from 1:00 – 3:30 pm (by appt. only). Stroke Survivors’ Support Group: Monday, August 3 at 1:00 pm.

    BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC FOR AUGUST – Wednesdays, August 5 & 12 from 9:30—12:30 pm. Blood Pressure Clinic reopens Wednesday, September 2nd.

    PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAM FY 2010 – The Callahan Center will be taking appointments for the Property Tax Relief Program starting in August. Please call Janice McIntyre at 508-532-5980, extension 4106.

    Interested in Tatting? If you are interested in Tatting, the Callahan Center has received a request to start up a Tatting group. Please call Heather Pippos, Activities Manager at the Callahan Center, at 508-532-5980, extension 4110.

    Thursday, August 13th at 2:30 pm , Instructor, Donna Travers, is offering a free, one-time only, Muscle strengthening Demonstration Class for men only at the Callahan Center.

    Thursday, August 27th at 3:00 pm, Instructor Robin Natanel will offer a complimentary demonstration of her Tai Chi class.

    Wednesday, September 9th at 10:00 am HERITAGE GALLERY will re-open on and has openings for volunteer sales clerks. If you have retail sales experience and would like to apply, please contact Lorraine Fournier, our Volunteer Coordinator, at 508-532-5980, extension 4102. Heritage Gallery is open Wednesday through Friday, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm and volunteer hours would be in 4-hour increments.

    And, coming in September:

    “BACK IN ACTION” SALE

    at The Heritage Gallery

    The Heritage Gallery, after being closed for the month of August, is BACK IN ACTION with a SALE and loads of new, fresh merchandise beginning on Wednesday, September 9th. The Gallery reopens at 10:00 am; the SALE will take place the 9th, 10th and 11th only. There have been some exciting changes in the Gallery as volunteers have come forth to arrange new items, set up displays, polish and scrub every surface. Bring your friends and have fun shopping! Gallery hours are Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 10:00 am—2:30 pm.

    Wednesday, September 16, 2009 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm -Callahan Center & ‘Best of Times’ Presents a Travel Show Featuring new Multi-day Tours for 2010!

    Thursday, Sept. 17th – New Painting Class for the Fall 2009 – A six week course in Acrylic Painting will be offered at the Callahan Center starting on. Class will be held every Thursday for 6 weeks from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $56.00 and is due when you register. Also, a list of acrylic painting supplies needed for the course will be available when you register. Please sign up no later than September 10th by calling the reception desk at the Callahan Center.

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  • Activities at Callahan Senior Center in June 2009

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — CALLAHAN HAPPENINGS FOR JUNE 2009

    Heritage Gallery INDOOR YARD SALE at Callahan Center – Friday, June 12, 2009 10:00 am – 1:30 pm – Start your holiday shopping early and pick up some unique items at reduced prices. We will have tables with items for 25 cents, 50 cents, $1.00, $2.00 and up! Stop by and have a fun shopping trip! All proceeds will go to Heritage Gallery for the Friends of Callahan Building Fund. The Gallery will be closing on Friday, June 26, 2009 for the summer months of July and August and (more…)

  • CALLAHAN HAPPENINGS FOR MAY 2009

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — Here’s what’s happening at the Callahan in May, 2009:


    “Jewels of Framingham” to be honored — If you are a Framingham resident, 90 years of age and older, you are invited to the “Jewels of Framingham” celebration on (more…)

  • CALLAHAN CENTER HAPPENINGS IN APRIL 2009

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — Here’s what’s happening at the CALLAHAN SENIOR CENTER IN APRIL 2009:

    Red Sox ‘Opening Day’ Celebration! Monday, April 6th, 2009 at 12:00 pm at Callahan. Please sign up at Callahan Center no later than Thursday, April 2nd. Donation of $2.00 is required when you sign up.

    “Acupuncture” with Carl Stimson, Licensed Acupuncturist on Monday, April 27th, 2009 at 10:00 am at (more…)