TINA GORMAN
Are there programs and activities for the city’s older adults that are easy on the wallet? Consider these “no-cost” options that are available at the Westfield Senior Center. The ‘Do Re Mi Singers’ rehearse on Monday mornings from 9:45 to 11:15 and perform throughout the year in the greater Springfield area. This year they will be making their fifth appearance at the Big E on September 25, Westfield Day. Former Westfield State University Professor Les Hutton offers chess lessons to anyone who is interested in learning the game on Monday afternoons from 1:00 to 2:30. No prior experience is necessary and chess sets are provided. Chess helps to improve memory, concentration, logical thinking, and creativity. Most importantly, ‘Chess with Les’ is an enjoyable way to exercise your brain!
If you would like some one-to-one computer assistance, Frank Quirk is available for individual half-hour support tutorials on Mondays from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Just sign up in advance and take advantage of these private lessons. The senior center now has wireless access.
Do you enjoy cards? Think about joining the senior center’s Tuesday afternoon penny poker or just-for-fun Pitch games. Do you enjoy singing, swaying, or toe tapping to piano tunes in a casual atmosphere? Our jazzy pianist takes your requests on the third Tuesday of the month beginning at 10:45 during our ‘Tickling the Ivories with Cool Cat, Joyce Platt’ jam session. Joyce has been delighting her audiences for years with upbeat music of all kinds. What about joining the ‘Walk-Abouts’ group on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 for some good old fashioned easy, breezy exercise? The group varies its walking route to keep things interesting and fun.
Are you a reading enthusiast? Whether you enjoy reading yourself or prefer to listen while someone else reads aloud, there are opportunities at the Senior Center. The Senior Center’s ‘Novel Ideas’ Book Group, led by Liz Boucher, meets on the second Friday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in the Craft Room. Participants read the selected book independently and then meet to share their perspectives and opinions. If you would rather let someone else do the reading, Kathy Benedict leads the ‘Talking Books’ group on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Participants listen to the selected story read aloud, learn a bit about the author, and then have, what is often, a lively discussion.
Educational programs abound at the Senior Center. In addition to guest presenters discussing special topics throughout the year, our monthly ‘Live and Learn’ series is generally held on the second Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. This month’s topic, ‘Sweet Dreams,’ will be held on September 11. If you have trouble falling asleep, awaken often during the night, or wake up very early in the morning and are unable to fall back asleep, then this session is for you. Handouts with basic information will be provided and as always, questions from participants are welcome during this informal informational session.
Periodically the Westfield Council On Aging partners with Highland Valley Elder Services to provide a workshop series. Beginning in September, the Westfield Senior Center will be the host site for a six-week workshop series on Diabetes self-management. Individuals with Type II Diabetes who want to take control, remain active, and improve their quality of life will benefit from this unique program. Workshop participants will learn skills to manage stress, prevent complications, eat healthy and understand the “carb connection,” work within the health care system, prevent low blood sugar, manage skin and foot care, increase energy, decrease health risks, and make informed choices about treatment. Workshops are highly interactive, provide mutual support, and build the confidence of participants to manage their health challenges and remain active. The workshops will be held on Mondays September 8, 15, 22, 29 and October 6 and 20 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. There is no charge for participation in the series and all materials will be supplied. Advance registration is necessary because space is limited. For more information or to sign up for the series, please call the Senior Center at 562-6435.
The Westfield Senior Center is located at 40 Main Street. Free parking is available in the Stop & Shop lot or, for no more than three hours, in the Thomas Street Municipal Lot located behind the Bank of America.
Tina Gorman
Executive Director
Westfield Council On Aging
