FRAMINGHAM, MA – Happenings in August at the Callahan Senior Center on Union Ave:

Support Groups at Callahan Senior Center – Bereavement Support Group: Mondays, August 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 10:00 am. Diabetic Support Group: Please call Center for date and time. Grandparent Support Group: Please call Center for date and time Low Vision Group: Friday, August 18th at 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Massage Therapy: Thursday, August 3rd by appt. only. Parkinson’s Support Group: Tuesday, August 15th at 1:30 pm. Podiatry: Monday, August 14th from 12:30 pm to 3:15 pm, by appt. only. Stroke Survivors’ Support Group: No support group meeting in August. Next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 5th at 1:00 pm.

BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC FOR AUGUST – Wednesdays, August 2, 9 and 16 only
from 9:30—11am & 12—1 pm. No blood pressure clinic on August 23rd and 30th.

CARDIOVASCULAR CLINIC IN SEPTEMBER – The Cardiovascular Clinic will be on Tuesday, September 5th at 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM. A doctor from the MetroWest Medical Center and nurse Kitty Mahoney from the Framingham Board of Health will be at the Senior Center to check your blood pressure, answer any questions and address individual concerns. For further information, please contact Kitty Mahoney at 508-532-5472.

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAM – The Property Tax Relief Program will open registration in the month of August. If you qualify for this program, you may work 74.4 hours and get a credit of $500.00 off your property taxes. Please call Kay Leeland at 508-532-5980, extension 4106 for an appointment. No applications will be accepted without an appointment.

Thursday, August 24th, 2006 at 10:00 am at the Callahan Center -“History of the Office of the Sheriff and What They Do Today – Senior Safety Issues” – Captain Dan Moore, Deputy Superintendent of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, will be here to talk to you about the history of the Sheriff’s Office and what they do today. He will also discuss senior safety issues. Come and join us for this interesting and informative presentation with refreshments. Please call the Callahan Center at 508-532-5980 or stop by the reception desk if you are at the Center to let us know you are planning to attend.

Tai Chi Program at Callahan – We are looking into having Tai Chi Classes at the Center, however we need to know how many seniors are interested. Classes would be on Monday afternoons at Callahan Center from 1:00—2:00 pm. Cost is $3.00 per class. Classes will start on Monday, September 11th.
If you are interested in Tai Chi, please call the Center at 508-532-5980 and leave your name and phone number. If you are unfamiliar with Tai Chi and would like to see a demonstration, please come to the Center on Monday, August 28th at 1:00 pm.

Interested in playing Scrabble??? – A couple of seniors are looking for some scrabble partners. If you are interested in playing on Monday or Thursday mornings at 10:00 am at the Callahan Center, please call the Center at 508-532-5980 and leave your name and telephone number. Doris Hervey or Karolyne White will call you to set up a start date.

Fall Programs offered by Framingham State College, Center for Lifelong Learners in Partnership with the Callahan Center

Course: World Religions Part II – “Islam” Instructor: Professor Jason Giannetti, J.D.
Dates: Tuesday, September 26th and Tuesdays, October 3rd & 10th at 6:30 pm – Fee: $18.00 pp

This course will focus on the principles underlying the Muslim faith. We will examine the historical and cultural precursors of Islam, the vision of its prophet Muhammad, the rise of Islam to its Golden Age, and its place in the world today. We will also discuss comparative philosophical and theological approaches between Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as the social and political interactions these three great world religions have had in the past and the way history has shaped the current geopolitical situation.

Course: “The Trilogy of Love: Three Operas”
Instructor: Mark Evans, Administrator of the Arts and Humanities Program Series
Date: Thursdays, October 12th, 19th & 26th at 10:00 am – Fee: $18.00 pp

Composer W.A. Mozart and librettist Lorenzo da Ponte put before the world three operas that challenged and changed everything operatic from form to content. Often referred to as the “Triology of Love”, join Mark Evans as he begs the question: What’s love got to do with it? Mr. Evans plans to discuss the three operas: Le Nozze di Figro, Cosi fan tutte, and Don Giovanni.
Course: “Give Your Heart a Gift this Holiday Season: Ways to Enhance Your Heart Health”
Instructor: Jessica Hodge, Ph. D.
Date: Wednesday, November 8, 2006 at 6:30 pm – Fee: $6.00 pp

Professor Jessica Hodge will discuss the ways to put a plan in place to reduce the stress of the holidays. Often we spend too much time, we do too much, and we eat and drink too much during the holiday season. We’ll examine how our holiday food and drink can be heart-healthy and discuss ways to handle potential indulgences. Be prepared to sample holiday treats!

Art Instruction at Callahan – Kathleen Wirtanen, Art Instructor, is interested in coming to the Callahan Center for an 8-week art course. Classes are geared for beginners, but all are welcome. You will learn the basics of pencil drawing and instruction will also be given for the use of Micron pens for Pen & Ink drawings. Classes will take place at Callahan Center on Thursday mornings from 10:00 am—11:30 am in the Multi-purpose Room and will run for 8 weeks starting Thursday, September 14th. The cost per class will be $3.00 per person.

Items you will need for class are: a kneaded eraser, Ebony drawing pencil by Sanford, or an #HB or #2 pencil, 11 x 14 or larger pad of white drawing paper, 11 x 14 pad of BRISTOL paper (Strathmore or Canson brands are good) and Micron pens in color black, sizes 01, 03 and/or size 05. These supplies are available at A.C. Moore, Staples, Office Max or any Art Supply store. Online stores you could try are www.DickBlick.com or www.cheapjoes.com. If interested, please call the Center at 508-532-5980 to register, and leave your name and phone number.

NOTICE: MBTA Senior ID Cards – The MBTA (Mass Bay Transportation Auth.) will replace all valid existing cards and issue new cards to customers 65+ (with proof of age) on: Thursday, August 17th between the hours of 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Callahan Center 535 Union Avenue, Framingham MA. Please call Ann Steacie at 508-532-5980, ext. 4113 with any questions.

Save the Date!! Do you want to save $ on Prescription Drugs? Monday, September 11th at 10:00 am
Come to the Callahan Center and learn about our state’s Prescription Drug Program: Prescription Advantage

Heritage Gallery would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Seniors for their generosity in providing merchandise to be sold for the benefit of the Friends of Callahan Building Fund.

Heritage Gallery will re-open Wednesday, September 6th with hours from 10:00 am – 2:15 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. There will be many new things to see – jewelry displays, collectibles, beautiful lace doilies and many lovely items for the home. Come in with your holiday shopping list to find suitable gifts for all at very reasonable prices. Looking forward to serving the Community in the coming season!