This Week at the Senior Center: Art in Bloom

Submitted by the Needham Council on Aging

Now in its fourth year, Needham’s Art in Bloom 2012 will return by popular demand to the on Friday, March 2 from 1-4 p.m. Creative and colorful floral interpretations of artwork by members of the Beth Shalom Garden Club and art students will be on display throughout the afternoon. This program is free and does not require registration.

ALSO THIS WEEK

• It’s Friday Entertainment Live—Judy Bernstein will proudly present “The Proper Bostonians: A One-Woman Show" on Friday, March 2 at 1:30 p.m. This performance is alive with personalities and anecdotes—a mixture of humor, respect and affection. The Proper Bostonians is an entertaining look at Boston Society and a delightful piece of Americana. “And this is good old Boston, The home of the bean and the cod, Where the Lowells talk to the Cabots, And the Cabots talk only to God.” Bernstein is a graduate of New York University's School of Dramatic Art. She has performed on radio and TV in New York City. She studied with Alice Nichols, coach of the Metropolitan Opera staff. Currently she teaches college students and performs students and performs throughout the New England area. This program is free, but sign-up is required. Call 781-455-7555.

ONGOING

• Tax help—The COA and AARP sponsor free tax counseling sessions for Needham seniors. Call the senior center at 781-455-7555 anytime after Feb. 1 to schedule an appointment. Appointments will be held between Feb. 13 and April 15. All meetings are confidential, and individuals should bring a copy of their 2011 tax return, all income statements received including Social Security and any state or federal tax forms they received in the mail. All tax counselors are trained by the IRS.
• Cell phone clinic: Why is it important for elderly people to have cell phones? First, it is a way for seniors to keep in contact with their children and grandchildren. Additionally, as people get older, it is important to stay in contact with family in case of a physical problem that may occur. For an appointment and pointers on how to use your cell phone, contact La Tanya Steele at 781-455-7555 ext. 208.
• Employment assistance: The Needham Council on Aging is gathering the names of individuals who are interested in participating in a future Job Training and Search Workshop—details to be determined. If interested, call 781-455-7555.

COMING UP...

These programs are coming up in the next few weeks. Please note that early registration may be required.

• Rep. Denise Garlick Office Hours—Massachusetts State Rep. Denise Garlick will be available to hear your concerns and to answer any questions on Monday, March 5 from 10:45-11:45 a.m. at the Senior Center. No registration required.
• Monday’s Lunch Bunch—Try someplace new, socialize and enjoy a good meal with Monday's Lunch Bunch. The group meets at the Senior Center at 11:30 a.m. to board a van to the lunch destination. Upcoming trips include in Needham on Monday, March 5 and Acapulcos in Needham on Monday, March 12. To sign up, call the Senior Center at 781-455-7555. During the winter months, the suggested donation of $3 will be collected on the van. You will also pay the cost of your meal.
• Caregiver Support Group—A support group is forming for anyone providing care and assistance to a parent, spouse or friend. You are not alone. Come meet with others, share ideas and give support to one another. The support group's next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 7 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. For other dates and time, call LaTanya Steele at 781-455-7555 ext. 208.
• Friday Flicks—The 1994 film "Quiz Show” will be shown on Friday, March 9 at 1 p.m. at the Stephen Palmer Senior Center. This is free, and there is no sign-up required. 

LEARN SOMETHING NEW

The Council on Aging offers a variety of inexpensive classes and lectures on everything from exercise to art. Please note that most classes require early registration, typically by the week before the class is to begin. For information about any of these classes, call 781-455-7555.

• Ballroom Dancing Class: The “Merengue”—Come learn to merengue on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. beginning on March 6 at the YMCA on Chestnut Street. The cost for this four-week class is $16, and it will be led by instructor Betty Hood. Participants should wear shoes that allow movement on a wood floor—not rubber soles.
• Art History: New York, NY—Start spreading the news! There is a love affair between artists and NYC. The starting place for immigration and embarkation for trips abroad. The place for artists to be for learning, earning and yearning (paying their dues). The home of possibilities and impossibilities that sometimes come true.  If you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere! Please join in an artistic celebration of NYC, the unofficial center of the universe, a place so nice they named it twice, on Wednesday, March 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Avery Crossings, 110 West St. There is no fee or sign-up required for this program.
• Creative Writing Group—Write your memoirs or try your hand at creative writing. This writing group is for all levels. The class is not about using proper grammar. It is about capturing memories or stories on paper and most of all having fun. The class is facilitated by a published writer who has generously volunteered his time and talents. The group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at the Senior Center. The next session will be held on Tuesday, March 13 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. No sign-up required. All are welcome.
• Computer Lessons—The Council on Aging offers computer lessons on Thursday afternoons by appointment. Those who would like to learn about computers in a one-on-one session with an instructor are invited to these classes. Lessons are offered on Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. (by appointment). There is no fee for this class. To make a 45-minute appointment, call the COA at 781-455-7555.