YOGA FOR BACK CARE Do you have a sore back? Tight hips or hamstrings? Does your back bother you from time to time? Or all the time? How would you like to ease that pain or discomfort and learn gentle poses and techniques to stretch and strengthen your back, spine, core, hips and legs? This is a workshop designed specifically for those who can independently get up and down onto the floor and Yoga mat. We will explore and gently work on our backs, belly, sides and possibly all fours (hands & knees) if you are able. Please dress in comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Please bring a yoga mat (if you have one) and a beach or large bath towel, which we will use for support and comfort on the floor. Space will be limited so that you can receive individualized care and instruction. This workshop will be held on Wednesday, January 10 from 1:00-2:30 (snow date, January 24). Cost of the workshop is $10.00 . Your instructor will be Katie Cohen, who is an experienced and registered Yoga Instructor with the Yoga Alliance, and has taught Chair Yoga at the Holden Senior Center for many years. Please feel free to contact Katie with any questions or concerns at 508-858-7856. To register for the workshop please call the Senior Center at 508-210-5570.

DOES THAT NEW PHONE FRUSTRATE YOU?? If so, join us on Wednesday, January 17 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon when a representative from Verizon will be here to help you with your electronic device (phone, tablet, etc.). If you got a new phone for Christmas, here is your chance to get your questions answered. There is no cost. FREE LEGAL CLINIC Attorney Arthur Bergeron from the firm of Mirick O’Connell will be here on Monday, January 8 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. to offer free legal advice. Fifteen minute appointments are available and you must call ahead to schedule a time. If you’d like to take advantage of this service, please call 508-210-5570 to make your appointment.

COUNCIL ON AGING BOARD MEMBERS Holden Senior Center 1130 Main Street, Holden, MA 01520 Susan Sullivan - Chairman 508 -210 -5570 Richard Mansfield, Vice Chairman Director : Louise Charbonneau Wayne Howard Secretary : Maureen Buffone Maureen Locke Program Coordinator : Clare Nelson Eric Johansen Transportation Coordinator : Mary Sloan - 508 -210 -5573 Rebecca Tornblom Outreach Workers : Paula Earley & Cynthia Smith Drivers : George Warden, John Bianco, Faye Ellis Bob Gionnatti, Gregg Tivnan

Meal Site Manager : Sue Donaldson - 508 -210 -5578

The mission of the Holden Council on Aging is to assist seniors and their families by providing services and activities that will enable them to stay independent and living in their own homes for as long as possible. Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. UPCOMING TRIPS

PRELIMINARY LINELINE----UPUP FOR 2018 TRIPS

March … St. Patrick’s Show and lunch at Aqua Turf in Connecticut … $86.00

April ….. Museum of Fine Arts in with lunch at the No Name Restaurant … $86.00 OROROR Country Jamboree with lunch at the Log Cabin in Holyoke … $86.00

May ….. Cape Cod’s Wydah Museum with a buffet lunch at the Daniel Webster House … $86.00 OROROR Duck Tour in Boston with lunch at the No Name Restaurant … $86.00

June …. Cruise on the Charles River with lunch at the Cheesecake Factory … $86.00 OROROR Bull and Claw Lobsterbake in Wells, with a stop in Kittery … $86.00

July ….. Block Island - Ferry from Point Judith, RI with lunch at the National Hotel … $121.00 OROROR Yankee Stadium—Yankees vs. the with lunch on your own … $121.00 OROROR Plymouth Whale Watch - 4 hour cruise across Cape Cod Bay with lunch at the Hearth & Kettle … $92.00

August …Narragansett Lighthouse Cruise (10 lighthouses) with lunch at the Quonset Pointe Officers Club $91.00 OROROR Nantucket Fast Ferry from Hyannis (lunch location to be set later) … $101.00

Sept. …. Stockbridge Norman Rockwell Museum with Lunch at Hearth & Kettle … $92.00 OROROR Plymouth Getaway - Plymouth Rock Paddleboat Plymouth Belle with lunch … $92.00

Oct. ..… Mohawk Trail Foliage Tour with lunch at North East Restaurant in Brattleboro, VT … $82.00 OROROR Cathedral of the Pines Foliage Tour with a tour and brunch at Parkers Maple Barn … $84.00

Thank you everyone for making this year’s trips fun and successful. If you have any suggestions or comments for future trips, please let me know. Also, if you have feedback as to which of these trips better appeals to you, please call me at 508-210-5579. I look forward to hearing your input. Sincerely, Kathy Hannigan.

SCRABBLE SCRABBLE takes place every WEDNESDAY at 10:15 a.m. We need more players, so call or drop in if you want to join the games.

FROM THE FRIENDS … HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! Reminder that Friends meetings will be held on the first Monday of the month starting in 2018. The MORNING GLORY CAFÉ on Fridays starting at 8:30 is booming!! Please continue to support the CAFÉ in one of these ways: Come for the fellowship on Fridays, volunteer to bake items (note if nuts, chocolate, or gluten free) or help by serving as a “server” at the CAFÉ. Next Friends meeting will be January 8, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. See you at the CAFÉ!

PG 3 Ring in the NEW YEAR with Centered Seniors Yoga Classes!

A unique experience to maintain or regain Strength & Balance, to Lubricate achy and stiff joints, and to provide you with Stress Reduction, Relaxation and overall Well -Being for the upcoming year.

There is a class and level for everyone

~ from a VERY GENTLE Class - Seated stretches and seated poses - Tuesdays 1:15 -2:15 ~ to a more ADVANCED Class - offering more challenging standing & balancing flows - Tuesdays 2:30 -3:30 ~ or a MIDDLE of the road MULTI -LEVEL Class on Thursdays 2:30 -3:30

All Yoga classes offer mindful movements coordinated to your breath. Adaptations are offered so that students with varying levels of abilities and physical limitations may participate to the best of their ability.

Cost for yoga classes is $2.00/class. The cost is subsidized through a grant from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

COME ONE … COME ALL … … on Wednesday, January 31 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. for an afternoon of fun and friendship as we offer another session of adult coloring. It’s a wonderful and relaxing way to spend an afternoon and to get your creative juices flowing. You can bring your own materials, or we have plenty here that we are more than happy to share. Please call 508-210-5570 to let us know you’d like to come.

BILLIARDS LESSONS FOR LADIES Ladies, have you ever wanted to learn how to play billiards? Here’s your chance. Gerry Stanley, one of our billiards players, is offering to give lessons. If you’re interested, please call 508-210-5570 and leave your name, number and when you’re available. If there’s enough interest, we’ll set a day and time for the classes.

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP The book discussion group will meet on Thursday, January 18 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the book Damaged by Lisa Scottoline. Ten year old Patrick O’Brien is a natural target at school. Shy, dyslexic, and small for his age, he tries to hide his first grade reading level from everyone: from his classmates, from his grandfather who cares for him, and from the teachers who are supposed to help him. But the real trouble begins when Patrick is accused in attacking a school aide. The aide promptly quits and sues the boy, his family and the school district. Patrick’s grandfather turns to the law firm of Rosato & DiNunzio for help, and Mary DiNunzio becomes Patrick’s true champion and his only hope for security and justice. But there is more to the story than meets the eye, and Patrick may be more troubled than he seems. With twists at every turn and secrets about the family coming to light, Mary DiNunzio might have found the case that can make her a true protector, or break her heart …? If you’d like to join the book club, new members are always welcome!!

PG 4 JANUARY 2018 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

1 2 3 4 5 HAPPY NEW YEAR 9:30 Needlework 8-4:00 Billiards 8:00 HCOA Meeting 8-4:00 Billiards 10 -12 Blood Pressure Clinic 9:00 Tai Chi 8-4:00 Billiards 8:30 -10:30 Morning 10:30 Low Impact Exercise 10:15 Scrabble 10:00 Mah Jongg Glory Cafe 12:00 Senior Lunch 12:00 Senior Lunch 10:00 Art Is 4 Every1 10:00 Poker Hoppin John American Chop Suey 10:30 Low Impact Exercise 12:00 Senior Lunch 1:00 Bingo 1:00 Pitch Party 12:00 Senior Lunch Beef Burgundy 1:00 Bridge Senior Center Chicken Pesto 1:00 Cribbage 1:15 Chair Yoga -BEGINNER CLOSED 1:00 Bridge 1:15 Oriol Senior Fitness 2:30 Chair Yoga -ADVANCED 2:30 Chair Yoga -MULTI

8 9 10 11 12 SHINE by Appt. Only 9:30 Needlework 8-4:00 Billiards 8-4:00 Billiards 8-4:00 Billiards 8-4:00 Billiards 10 -12 Blood Pressure Clinic 9:00 Tai Chi 10:00 Mah Jongg 8:30 -10:30 Morning 9:00 Friends Meeting 10:30 Low Impact Exercise 10:15 Scrabble 10:00 Art Is 4 Every1 Glory Cafe 10:30 Tai Chi 12:00 Senior Lunch 12:00 HOME COOKED 10:30 Low Impact Exercise 10:00 Poker 10:30 -12:30 Legal Clinic Beef/Onions/Peppers LUNCH 12:00 Senior Lunch 12:00 Senior Lunch 12:00 Senior Lunch 1:00 Bingo 1:00 Pitch Party Spaghetti & Meatballs Macaroni & Cheese Ranch Chicken 1:00 Bridge 1:00 Yoga for Back Care 1:00 Bridge 1:00 Cribbage 1:15 Chair Yoga -BEGINNER 2:30 Chair Yoga -MULTI 1:15 Oriol Senior Fitness 2:30 Chair Yoga -ADVANCED

15 16 17 18 19 9:30 Needlework 8-4:00 Billiards 8-4:00 Billiards 8-4:00 Billiards 10 -12 Blood Pressure Clinic 9:00 Tai Chi 10:00 Mah Jongg 8:30 -10:30 Morning 10:30 Low Impact Exercise 10 -12:00 Electronic 10:00 Art Is 4 Every1 Glory Cafe 12:00 Senior Lunch Assistance 10:00 Book Discussion Group 10:00 Poker Greek Chicken 10:15 Scrabble 10:30 Low Impact Exercise 12:00 Senior Lunch 1:00 Bingo 1:00 Bridge 12:00 Senior Lunch 12:00 Senior Lunch Fish Victor Senior Center Meatloaf & Gravy Chicken Pot Pie 1:00 Cribbage 1:15 Chair Yoga -BEGINNER CLOSED 1:00 Pitch Party 1:00 Bridge 1:15 Oriol Senior Fitness 2:30 Chair Yoga -ADVANCED 2:30 Chair Yoga -MULTI

22 23 24 25 26 SHINE by Appt. Only 9:30 Needlework 8-4:00 Billiards 8-4:00 Billiards 8-4:00 Billiards 8-4:00 Billiards 10 -12 Blood Pressure Clinic 9:00 Tai Chi 10:00 Mah Jongg 8:30 -10:30 Morning 10:30 Tai Chi 10:30 Low Impact Exercise 10:15 Scrabble 10:00 Art Is 4 Every1 Glory Cafe 12:00 Senior Lunch 12:00 Senior Lunch 12:00 Senior Lunch 10:30 Low Impact Exercise 10:00 Poker Beef Stew Vegetable Cheese Bake 1:00 Bingo Chicken Milano 12:00 Senior Lunch 12:00 Senior Lunch

1:00 Bridge 1:00 Pitch Party Salisbury Steak w/Gravy Catch of the Day 1:15 Chair Yoga -BEGINNER 1:00 Bridge 1:00 Cribbage 2:30 Chair Yoga -ADVANCED 2:30 Chair Yoga -MULTI 1:15 Oriol Senior Fitness

29 30 31 HOME SHINE by Appt. Only 9:30 Needlework 8-4:00 Billiards SCRABBLE 10 -12 Blood Pressure Clinic COOKED MEAL 8-4:00 Billiards 9:00 Tai Chi EVERY 10:30 Tai Chi 10:30 Low Impact Exercise 10:15 Scrabble 12:00 Senior Lunch 12:00 Senior Lunch 12:00 Senior Lunch WEDNESDAY Chicken Sausage Meatballs w/Onion Gravy 1:00 Bingo Marinated Pork Loin at 10:15 a.m . Jambalya 1:00 Pitch Party 1:00 Bridge Wednesday, 1:15 Chair Yoga -BEGINNER 1:00 Adult Coloring January 10 2:30 Chair Yoga -ADVANCED NEWS FROM SHINE

Can I still change my Medicare Plan? The 2017 Medicare Open Enrollment period ended on December 7, but people may still be allowed to change plans. For Plan year 2018 the Tufts Medicare Preferred Plan continues to be designated as 5-star Plan by Medicare, as a reward for the excellence of their Plans. Basically, this means that Medicare Beneficiaries may enroll in or change to, one of the Tufts Medicare Preferred Plans at any time between December 8, 2017 and November 30, 2018. Blue Cross/Blue Shield Part D Plans have also been designated as 5-Star and the same enrollment guidelines apply. This is a great opportunity if you missed the Open Enrollment deadline.

For those with a Medicare Advantage Plan: Between January 1 and February 14, you can leave your plan and switch to Original Medicare, but you cannot switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan. If you drop your Medicare Advantage plan during this period, you will be able to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to add drug coverage. Your Original Medicare coverage and your prescription drug coverage will begin the first day of the month after your enrollment. You may also add a supplement (Medigap) at this time. This could be an opportunity to upgrade your coverage if you failed to make a change during the Open Enrollment Period.

For those with Prescription Advantage or getting “Extra Help” paying for prescription drugs: You can change your plan during the year. Those with Prescription Advantage can do this only once each year. Those with “Extra Help” can change every month.

You can now visit us at our Central Mass. Website: www.shinema.org for useful information and applications for various programs. WHY SHOULD YOU CALL?? Why should you call? We like to have you call for reservations for our programs so that we will have sufficient chairs set up and an adequate amount of refreshments. Remember, 5082105570 is the number to call for program registration. If you wish to join us for lunch before or after a program, please call the dining room number, 5082105578 two days prior to the date you desire to attend. Thank you

HOME COOKED MEAL The staff will be back in the kitchen on Wednesday, January 10 concocting some delicious, stick to your ribs beef stew. Along with the stew will come some bread or rolls and a dessert yet to be named. The cost for this lunch is $4.00 for Holden Elders and Senior Center Volunteers and $6.00 for out of town Elders. Reservations will be accepted through Friday, January 5 or until we reach capacity. Please call 508 -210 -5570 to make your reservation.

PG 6 COMING IN FEBRUARY FRIENDS OF HCOA I WOULD LIKE TO: Renew My Membership Feb. 12 Legal Appointments Become a New Member

Enclosed is my $5.00 Donation Feb. 14 Valentine Program Please Send My Membership Card To: Name:______Feb. 28 Adult Coloring Address: ______Telephone Number: ______

You can stop by the Senior Center to join or mail your membership to: Holden Senior Center, 1130 Main Street Holden, MA 01520.

CANCELLATION POLICIES During the winter, the Senior Center does not necessary close when the schools are closed. To determine if the town offices are closed, please check the Town of Holden website, www.holdenma.gov or the town’s Facebook page. If the staff decides to not offer van service due to inclement weather, scheduled clients will receive a phone call from a Senior Center staff member to inform them the van is not running. Participants in specific exercise or arts classes should check with their instructor to determine THEIR cancellation policy. For Meals on Wheels or Congregate Lunch, you can listen for the cancellation information on WCRN -AM 580, WSRS -FM 96.1 or WXLO -FM 104.5. The notice will say “Elder Services of Worcester No Meals on Wheels or Congregate Dining.”

The Board and Staff wish all of you a very Happy New

Year full of good health, happiness and prosperity. The Senior Center will be closed on Monday, January 1 in observance of New Year’s Day and Monday, January 15 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Distribution of this newsletter is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Friends of HCOA

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