Athol Senior Center news: September

ATHOL — The following meetings and activities are scheduled 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.

Noon — Monday, Sept. 9, Mt. Grace AARP Chapter 3673, pot luck lunch.

1 p.m. — Tuesday, Sept. 16 - Athol Golden Age Club.

1 p.m. — Tuesday, Sept. 17 - Council on Aging

1 p.m. — Tuesday, Sept. 24 - Royal Rubies

1 p.m. — Thursday, Oct. 10 - Quarterly meeting of the Friends of the Council on Aging.

(For more information call 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.

Sunday, Sept. 15 — Sing! Sing! Sing!, a star-studded musical tribute to the USO shows of WWII, at Athol High School. Tickets $15 per person, available at the COA office.

Wednesday, Sept. 18 — Brown Bag pick-up; 11-11:45 at the senior center.

Saturday, Sept. 21 — Monthly pancake breakfast at the Senior Center, to support the Athol Fire Department to purchase a specialized washer and dryer.

Thursday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fallon Senior Medicare Advantage program with Brian Guagnini. Explore health care options, and get answers to questions about current Fallon coverage.

Monday, Oct. 21 — Athol Golden Age Club “Mystery Trip” Information will be announced soon.

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 1-2 p.m.

Thursdays — Fitness class 9-10 a.m.; yoga class 10:30-11:30 a.m.; bridge (cards) 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Senior Center, 11 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays: Sept. 4, Sept. 11 and Sept 18;

Lakeside Apartments, 10-11 a.m. Sept. 25th.

Athol Senior Center, Sept. 10 & Sept. 17 from 8 to 9:45 a.m. For information call 978-249-8986.

Thursdays, beginning Sept. 12. Six weeks, from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information call the Athol Council On Aging 978-249-8986.

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 (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 other 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.

■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.

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.

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.

The Circuit Breaker Tax Credit is a state income tax credit for eligible Massachusetts residents age 65 or older who paid rent or real estate taxes during the tax year. The credit is for senior homeowners and renters who meet income limits and other eligibility requirements. Homeowners may claim the credit if they paid more than 10 percent of their total income for real estate taxes, including water and sewer debt charges. Renters can count 25 percent of their rent as real estate tax payments. You must file a state income tax return to claim the Circuit Breaker Credit, whether or not you have to file otherwise. Call the Council on Aging at 978-249-8986 for an appointment.

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