Medfield COA

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS        

The Center will be closed on Friday, November 10 and 11 in observance of Veteran's Day; and also on November 23, 24, and 25 in observance of Thanksgiving. 

Winter Weather Update: If the Medfield Public Schools are closed, the Center will also be closed. If the school has a delay, the COA will also have a delayed opening.

Director's Note

As we head into the holidays, I want to take a moment to thank you, and everyone who makes The Center at Medfield a friendly, supportive, and wonderful place to be. THANK YOU to our Volunteers, they make such a huge difference each and every day! Staff wouldn’t be able to do half of what we do without all their help and support! Thank you to our talented and caring instructors, thank you to Mike our fabulous volunteer SHINE councilor, to our Tax Prep volunteers, youth snow shoveling volunteers, the COA Board members, FOSI volunteers, Meals on Wheels volunteers, reception desk volunteers, garden volunteers, food donation pick up volunteers and to all of YOU for your participation. Last but not least, I’m so grateful to be able to work with such a wonderful team of staff; Susan, Lois, Dianne, Ann, Arlene, Vicky, Alex, AnneMarie, Priscilla, Ginny and Dennis who will be joining the team on November 1. THANK YOU. You are what makes the Center what it is. I’m so thankful for all of you! 

Sarah Hanifin

Holiday Luncheon and Show

SIGN UP NOW, SPOTS ARE LIMITED—Only 12 spots left! Join us on Tuesday, December 5 for a Holiday Luncheon and Show. Sleigh Bells Swing featuring Awardwinning Jazz and Cabaret Vocalist Krisanthi Pappas at the Scenic Danversport Yacht Club. This event is $109 per person and spots are limited. We will enjoy a delicious luncheon that starts with soft cheese and crackers, tossed garden salad, warm bread, herb roasted angus Beef thin sliced with bordelaise sauce or seafood trio, shrimp, haddock and scallops topped with a buttery crumb topping., mashed potatoes and chefs vegetable, Chocolate mousse, coffee and tea. With audience participation and surprises, this show is an afternoon of true holiday spirit! A trip you don’t want to miss! Includes transportation, luncheon, dining room gratuities and live show.  

Medfield Lions Senior Luncheon

SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, December 10 from 12-2 for the Medfield Lions Senior Christmas Party. Sorry this event is only for Medfield residents only.

Snow Shoveling for Seniors

It’s November and that means SNOW can fall at anytime! I’m happy to announce we will once again be offering the Snow Shoveling program again this year; forms will be available at the front desk and we ask that you fill them out no later than November 17, so we can find you a volunteer. For those who have never used this service before, we have a list of teenage volunteers who will shovel your stairs, walkway and/or around your mailbox. NOT your cars, or driveways. This program was created to help Medfield seniors who are no longer able to get outside and shovel a path for safety reasons. We ask that the person requesting this service reach out to Lois at 508-359-3665 x201 or stopping in to fill out the form by November 17, 2023. We ask that you don’t sign anyone up without them knowing. Thank you!

Shower Grab Bars 

The Medfield Fire Department has once again provided the Center with a supply of Moen grab bars appropriate for showers and tubs. These grab bars are designed to enable you to maintain balance, lessen fatigue while standing and have a spot to grip in case of a slip or fall. These are 18 inches long and white in color. “I obtained a shower grab bar from the supply that the COA had earlier this year. I didn't think I needed it yet, but wanted to be prepared for when the time came that I did need it. I'm surprised that I use it every day when I take showers, I hold on when getting in and out of the shower and also when I'm washing my legs and feet. They offer me such peace of mind that I won't lose my balance. They are a wonderful addition to my shower!” – Annette Wells The Center is offering these grab bars at no charge. However, quantities are very limited and installation must be done by a professional. If you require someone to install these, Oakley Home Access will install these grab bars for a fee of $75.00 per bar. If additional hardware is required, such as anchoring hardware, there will be an additional cost of $40. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Susan. 

Outreach Corner with Susan Longmoore

Fuel Assistance

Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) 2023-24 winter heating season begins November 1, 2023. For help with winter heating bills, Fuel assistance, also known as Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is a government-funded program that can pay a portion of your bill. Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of each household member 18 years of age or older. Gross annual household income cannot exceed $45,392 for a household of one and $59,359 for a family of two. The amount of assistance received depends on your income, housing status, and heating costs. If you rent, you may be eligible to receive fuel assistance even if your heat is included in your rent. Applications are processed throughout the heating season, from November 1, 2023 thru April 30, 2024. Residents may apply directly online at https://www.toapply.org/MassLIHEAP or complete the paper form that was mailed to you. If you need assistance, please contact Susan at the Center. 

Knitting Update

Norfolk County RSVP will be collecting your donations of knitted lap blankets and afghans in mid - November and delivering these to disabled veterans in nearby healthcare facilities. Thank you to those who have worked hard on these cozy blankets, they are beautiful! Any questions, please reach out to Susan. 

Drop-in Bereavement Group with Kathy MacDonald from Medfield Outreach 

Wednesday, November 15 and November 29 from 9:00—10:00 a.m. Individual grief is unique and there is no “right” way to grieve. The goal of this group is to create a community that allows expression, provides hope, support, and education to anyone wishing to understand the complicated experience of life after loss. A sign up sheet will be posted, but drop-ins are ok for this group as well.

Podiatry Clinic, (By Appointment Only)

Main Street Podiatry will be at the Center on Thursday, November 16 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Be sure to call or stop in to book an appointment.

November Special Events

You can register for all November events on Wednesday, November 1 at 9:00 a.m. 

• No Book Club this month - we will resume in January 
• Wed. Nov 1- Planning for Medicare at 5:45 p.m. 
• Sat. Nov 4– Mystery Chowder Tasting Challenge - starting at 11 a.m. $8/person. All Saturday programs are cancelled. The FOSI Christmas sale begins at 11:00 a.m. on this day. If you have any Christmas items you would like to donate to the sale, please call the Center. Thank you! 
• Wed. Nov. 8- Jekyll & Hyde Show + lunch $55/pp 
• Thur. November 9 - 12:30p.m. Veteran’s Lunch - RSVP 
• Fri. Nov 10 - Closed and Sat. Nov 11 - Closed  
• Tue. Nov 14 - Veterans Coffee Hour at 9 a.m. 
• Thur. Nov. 16 - Podiatry Clinic by appointment only  
• Thur. Nov 16 - Music with Patrick Durkin at 2 p.m. 
• Tue. Nov 21 - Music with Sean Fullerton at 2 p.m.
• Thur. Nov 23 HAPPY THANKSGIVING—Closed 
• Fri. Nov 24 + Sat. Nov 25—CLOSED

Knitting Volunteers Wanted 

The Center at Medfield is pleased to be partnering with Norfolk County RSVP to support their mission of working with volunteers to help meet community needs. Norfolk County RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) is comprised of volunteers who are 55+ years of age who build stronger communities together through service. RSVP Programs in Norfolk County include: Elementary School Reading, Meals on Wheels driving, Telefriend, Veterans’ transportation, Friendly visiting, and support for Veterans’ programs. Do you enjoy knitting? We are looking for volunteers to knit lap robe and/or afghans for veterans. Any size and color of afghans or lap robes is greatly appreciated and will be collected at the Center in Medfield to be donated and delivered to ill or disabled veterans in nearby healthcare facilities. This effort will directly support Norfolk County RSVP and local veterans. We are also asking for yarn donations. Yarn donations should be from a smoke-free home. If interested, please contact Susan to discuss details. Thank you!

Select Board Member Office Hours

Select Board Member Peterson holds office hours each month. The next session is Friday, November 3, between 9—10 a.m. 

Veterans Service Agent

Melissa Bingham will be at the Center Tuesday, November 14 from 9-10 a.m. Melissa can also be reached at 508-906-3025

Legal Clinic

Attorney Julie Ladimer will be available for legal consultations on Tuesday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m. Please call the Center for an appointment. 

Caregiver Support

Do you need assistance navigating the care-giving journey? Be part of the Caregiver Support Group Tuesday, November 28, at 2:00 p.m. 

Singing with Maggie Joseph

Do you like to sing? Join us each Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Join Maggie Joseph as she leads the singing group into the Holidays with great songs, lots of laughs and a chance to SING! There are so many benefits from singing. Self confidence, breathing right, great posture, memory training, socialization and most important, just sheer JOY! All this is possible to anyone who wants to sing! So this is your invitation to sign up for a weekly Wednesday late morning sing along with Maggie on Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. 

Kingsbury Club Swimming

Senior Swim Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m. $5/session. The Kingsbury Club will be tracking your participation in their swim program for year-end insurance reimbursements. The Center will track your participation in all our exercise programs only. 

The Center Library

Need a new book or a puzzle? The Center library has quite a selection available to share. Stop in and look, The library is open most days except when we have SHINE appointments or the monthly legal clinic. 

Bread and Bagel Bonanza 

Every Wednesday beginning at 10:00 a.m. visit the Center and pick up your favorite bread products from Blue Moon, Shaw’s, Donut Express, and Brother’s Market. No early birds please as our volunteers are busy sorting. 

Attention Woodcarvers — We Need You Thursdays at 9:00 am 

We are looking for people to join our Thursday morning woodcarving group. Please stop in and learn about this fascinating hobby! This group doesn't have an instructor; instead, it’s a social group that meets each week to work on individual projects. You will learn from each other. All are welcome! 

Interface Referral Service

Did you know that you can connect to a therapist utilizing the INTERFACE Referral Service? The William James College INTERFACE Referral Service is free for Medfield residents. They connect you with therapists who conduct sessions either in-person, over the phone or online to address anxiety, depression, grief or other mental-health concerns. When you call, a representative will ask about your specific needs, your insurance, and conduct a safety assessment. In a few weeks you will receive a follow up call with information of an INTERFACE mental-health professional that meets your needs and is available to meet with you either virtually or in-person. The INTERFACE Referral Service can be reached at 1-888-244-6843 between 9:00 a.m.— 5:00 p.m., Monday, Wednesday & Friday, and 8:00am-6:00pm Tuesday & Thursday. For more information, visit: https://interface.williamjames.edu/ 

SHINE 

Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone Initial Enrollment Period: Generally, when you turn 65 years old, this is called your Initial Enrollment Period. It lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65, and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. Are you over 65 and need to enroll soon? Are you having trouble paying for medical expenses and prescription drugs? If any of these apply to you, contact the SHINE counselor (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone). A trained SHINE volunteer offers free, confidential counseling on all aspects of Medicare and related health insurance programs. To schedule a SHINE appointment, call the Center at 508-359-3665

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Medfield Historical Society Presents “Pre-Colonial Medfield: A Walk Through Time” with John Thompson 

Monday, Nov 13 at 7:30 pm at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 26 North Street, Medfield Did you know indigenous peoples lived in and around Medfield for thousands of years before Columbus came to America? November is Indigenous Peoples Month. What better time to hear popular speaker John Thompson provide an overview of the post-glacial Medfield environment and consider what we know about its geography and geology. He will discuss clues we have from that time to the lives of the indigenous peoples in the area. He will also describe the potential for an Archaeological Protection District bylaw for the Town. An unparalleled authority on the area’s archaeology, Thompson has served on the Medfield Archaeology Advisory Committee for twenty-five years and is a former member of the Board of Trustees for the Massachusetts Archaeological Society. In recent years, he has overseen the creation of the new "Overlook" park at the former Medfield State Hospital.

Veterans Luncheon Thursday, Nov. 9 at 12:30 p.m. 

Resident Veterans and their spouse or surviving spouse of veterans are invited to be our honored guests. Kindly RSVP by Nov. 6 at 508-359-3665 Thank you Veterans! 

Music Events

Patrick Durkin

Thursday, November 16 from 2:00—3:00 p.m. Join us for an hour of signing and listening to Patrick play the piano. 

Sean Fullerton

Tuesday, November 21 from 2:00—3:00 p.m. New entertainer for the Center—be sure to stop in and hear how wonderful he is!

Artificial Intelligence Presentation - Thursday Nov. 30 at 11:30 a.m. 

Artificial Intelligence? I Can’t Even Work the Self Checkouts at Wal-Mart! Virtual Reality. Chatbots. Deep Fakes. Do you ever feel like the technological world is moving too fast? And do you really know what any of these terms mean to you, never mind all of humanity? Take a breath and enjoy an in-person, real presentation on new and emerging technologies. You might not want to use these things, but you should know what they are. Come find out in a fun and supportive manner! And bring your questions! Please RSVP! Thank you to FOSI for funding this program. 

Mystery Chowder Tasting Challenge

The annual ChowerFest, sponsored by the Medfield Lions Club, is NOW, the "Mystery Chowder Tasting Challenge" and is scheduled for November 4th from 11am-2pm at The Center at Medfield. The annual ChowderFest has always been a highly anticipated, well attended and greatly enjoyed event, and this NEW "Mystery Chowder Tasting Challenge" is going to be even more fun!! Four or Five local restaurants will be participating in the BEST CHOWDER challenge and the participating restaurants will be posted. A contribution of $8 per person is requested and both CASH and VENMO will be accepted. What is NEW, however, is the chowders will be anonymous! Chowders will be labeled by NUMBER, not by the name of the local restaurant that made it! You will be casting your VOTE by TASTE ONLY! ALL proceeds of this event will be given to The Friends of Seniors (FOSI). In addition to the TASTING, there will be a 50/50 Raffle, in which someone will win 50% of the Total Pot!

Planning for Medicare

Join us on Wednesday, November 1 at 5:45 p.m. for a special educational presentation on Planning for Medicare. This presentation and discussion is led by Susan Flanagan of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. It’s geared towards individuals approaching Medicare Eligibility. Topics covered include health insurance information outside of employer sponsored coverage, such as an explanation of Medicare, the Medicare enrollment timeline, Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans and programs available to early retirees, and COBRA. Please call or stop in to sign up! 

Beginning Watercolor with Nan Rumpf 

Sessions beginning in October. Classes will be held on Fridays from 10:45 - 12:45. Oct 13, 20, 27 and November 3, 10, 17. You will be required to bring your own watercolor supplies. *List provided when you sign up.

Annual Holiday Drive for Active Duty Military

Norfolk County RSVP will once again be collecting personal care items for active duty Military members between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is their fourth annual holiday drive and the Center in Medfield is pleased to partner again on this endeavor. Items can be donated in a bin located at the Center at Medfield. A complete list of items will be available and posted at the Center in the coming weeks. Some of wish list items include bug repellent lotion, deodorant, eye drops/eyewash, foot powder, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, face tissues, hand and body lotions, mouthwash, cotton swabs, shampoo and conditioner, shaving items, shower gel or soap, sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste, candy, coffee singles, packaged cookies, gum, mints, hot chocolate, microwave popcorn, microwave soups, protein bars, snack foods, trail mix, flashlights, new hats & gloves, paper and pens, new socks, new T-shirts, new towels and washcloths, travel games. All donated items must have a shelf life of at least six months. We appreciate your support!

Chess Players Wanted

 Do you play chess? Or do you want to learn? Tom Wong is interested in putting a group together here to play. An interest sign up sheet will be posted. Please sign up!

Cards with Bri Wed. Nov. 8 - 10:45 a.m. Join us for card making with Bri. This is a FREE event, but we do require registration for material count. 

Crafts with Annette Wed. Nov. 15 - 10:45 a.m. This month Annette will be teaching us how to make ornaments. Come help make them for the FOSI Christmas table. NO CHRAGE but please register for materials. 

Juliet Outing

Nov. 28 at 11:45 a,m. 

Romeo Outing 

Nov. 29 AT 12:00 p.m. 

Book Club

Our Book Club will take a break for November & December and regroup in January.

Super Bingo

Join us for Super Bingo on Wednesday, November 22 at 11 a.m. What is Super Bingo? Bingo, But bigger!