ATHOL — The following meetings and activities scheduled for the month of August at the Council on Aging/Athol Senior Center, located at 82 Freedom St. Seniors participating in programs at the center are required to sign in by using a “My Senior Center” membership card. Cards are available at the Council on Aging office at no charge.
Meetings 1 p.m. — Aug. 27 - Royal Rubies
1 p.m. — Oct. 10 - Quarterly meeting of the Friends of the Council on Aging.
There are no Athol Golden Age Club or Council on Aging meetings scheduled in August.
Upcoming Events More info: 978-249-8986 Wednesday, Aug. 21 — Brown Bag pick-up; 11-11:45 at the senior center.
Thursday, Aug. 22 — Monthly movie and lunch, “The Hundred Foot Journey.” Rated PG with a running time of 122 minutes. A pizza and salad lunch, beverage and dessert is served at noon. Tickets $4 per person. Reservations required by calling COA 978-249-8986.
Thursday, Aug. 29 — North Quabbin Senior Picnic, 11 a.m. under the pavilion at Silver Lake Park. $7 per person, burgers, hotdogs, salads, desserts and drinks. Entertainment by “The Relics.” Tickets available at the COA office.
Activities Mondays — Painting class 11:30-1:30 p.m.; cribbage (cards) 12:30-3 p.m.
Tuesdays — Fitness class 9-10 a.m.; Red Aces/Samba (cards) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Senior lunch (reservations required by calling 978-249-9001 one day in advance by 10:30 a.m.), noon; Bingo from 1-3 p.m.
Wednesdays — Quilting group, 8-11 a.m.; Senior lunch (reservations required) at noon; woodcarving classes 1-3 p.m.; Mahjongg 1-4 p.m.; music/dance/variety 102 p.m.
Thursdays — Fitness class 9-10 a.m.; yoga class 10:30-11:30a.m.; bridge (cards) 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Blood pressure clinics Wednesday, Aug. 21 at the Senior Center, from 11 a.m. to noon; and Wednesdsay, Aug. 28 from 10-11 a.m. at Lakeside Apartments.
File of Life Small magnetic folders which attach easily to your refrigerator are available for free. They list medical needs, medications, doctors and emergency contacts. Available in the Council on Aging office.
SNAP for Seniors SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Plan) offers nutrition assistance to eligible low-income individuals, seniors and families in the United States. SNAP recipients receive a card, similar to a credit or debit card, which is automatically re-loaded monthly with funds to pay for food at supermarkets, convenience stores and pther places where food is sold. To see if you are eligible for SNAP benefits, make an appointment to complete the application by calling the COA office at 978-249-8986.
Helpful Contacts Meals on Wheels: 1-800-732-4636
SHINE: 978-249-8986
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: 978-249-5070
Free Legal Assistance: 978-249-8986
Money Management: 800-732-4636
Fuel Assistance: 978-249-8986
Food Resources: List of food pantries 978-249-8986.
Senior Transportation - The COA transportation is for Athol senior residents to travel between Athol and Orange to shopping centers, physicians offices, Athol Hospital, work, etc. The fee is 50 cents each way. Reservations must be made at least two days ahead to schedule your ride. Rides are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. Contact MART in Athol at 978-575-9966 to schedule a ride.
Transportation with MART (Montachusett Regional transit Authority).
MART is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Fixed Route Transportation operates every Monday through Friday between Athol and Orange from Market Basket to Orange Innovation Center (covering Route 2A).
Connecting Fixed Route Options from Athol Hannaford to Wachusett Station and North Station are available.
ContactMart at 800-922-5636 for more information, fees and schedule. Or go to http://www.marta.us/mart on the internet.
Mondachusett Veterans Van transportation for veterans: 978-632-9601.
Returning in September on Wednesdays, from 1-2 p.m. at the Senior Center — Music, dance, movement and variety for active seniors with Betsy Scofield.
Did You Know? Cathy Savoy is executive director of the Athol Council on Aging; Judith Thayer is Program Coordinator, and Margaret Young is Chairperson. Directors are: Lillian Bachelder, Linda Grenier, Arthur Herk, Walter Lehmann, Jackie Paluilis, Jean Ryder.
Friends of the COA President is Leonard Venett; Vice President is Steve Rabideau; Treasurer is Marguerite Goulet; and Secretary is Diane Gurney. Directors are: Diane Gurney, Allen Hodgdon, Bonnie Hodgdon, Cathy Muzzy, Toni Phillips, Maryanne Rabideau, Mary Raymond, Deborah Taylor and Brent Winters. Ex-officio member is Cathy Savoy.
The FAX number is 978-575-0277, and the website is: atholcouncilonaging.org