Fall has arrived! The best thing about fall is the crisp air, the leaves are in their beautiful explosion of colors. We can open our windows and let in the fresh air. We can drive up to the mountain region and see all the splendor, sit by a running brook and let life’s beauty be all around us.
We are so fortunate to have four seasons here in New England. Even though some of us may not like the snow, wind and ice in the winter, this year I am looking at it from a different perspective. I will see my life as a canvas where I write my story! Falling snow, I will see it as cleansing of the heart and soul.
Spring, I will see it as my life will touch others and I will give them the knowledge to help them succeed. Summer, I will see as a gateway to fun and laughter. Fall, I will see all those that have been helped through thought, word and deed and be proud that others are recipients of help to a better way of life.
Extended hours
We are piloting extended evening hours as part of our 40th anniversary. The Senior Center will be open until 7pm on Oct. 3 and 10. During these hours, we offer billiards, socialization and card games, and the Thrift Shop will be open.
The Sunset Series has also been produced in full by a grant awarded to the Methuen Council on Aging.
Oct. 3, 5:30pm – How to maintain your career and your sanity while caring for an aging parent.
Oct. 10, 5:30pm – Navigating Solo Aging. Addressing unique needs and building support.
The Methuen Senior Center is open to all retired Methuen residents.
Happy Hearts & 40 Years of Music
The Happy Hearts Chorus presents “Celebrating 40 Years of Music” on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 1-3pm. Join us for a toe-tapping, hand-clapping, singing-along afternoon!
This concert is free and open to the general public.
Save the date! The Happy Hearts Christmas Concert will be Thursday, Dec. 12 at 1pm at the center.
The Happy Hearts will perform a free Family Holiday Concert at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 1pm.
The Happy Hearts Chorus wishes to express their gratitude to Rick Payeur, owner of Payeur Silk Flowers, for sponsoring the Happy Hearts in the Music Hall this holiday season!
The Trustees will be holding a raffle at the Dec. 12 Christmas Fair/Happy Hearts Concert. All proceeds will support the Rene and Elaine Morissette Scholarship Fund.
Talent/Variety Show
The center is hosting a Talent/Variety Show on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 1 pm. Do you sing, dance, play an instrument? Are you a comedian? If you answered “yes,” we are looking for you! Call the center to register: (978) 983-8825.
Fall Festival
On Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 2-3:30pm, the Senior Center is hosting a Fall Festival, sponsored by the Methuen Council on Aging. There will be apple crisp, apple cider, ice cream, apple pie and cider doughnuts. Space is limited. Call the center to reserve your space!
Coffee Hour
If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit us, or if you’re eager to explore all that we have available, we’d like to invite you to join our Ambassador Program. Through this program, you will be paired with an active Council On Aging member who can share their experience and help you get the most out of your membership. Your ambassador can also accompany you to special events, making it a great way to get acquainted with our center and offerings. Please join us Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 10am.
We are looking forward to meeting you and seeing around the center.
Coffee hours will be held second Tuesday of each month at 10am.
Pool table dedication
Join us Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 10am. The family of James and Judith Entwistle invite you to the dedication of our new pool table that was donated by their daughter Jami and grandson Lucas in loving memory of them. We thank Jami and Lucas for their loving gift to our center.
Book Club
Book Club with Maureen Sharrock is held the first Wednesday of the month, Oct. 2, at 1pm.
Do you love to read? Do you love to talk about books? Welcome to our brand-new Book Club with Council on Aging Board Chair Maureen Sharrock. Every month, the club will select from a diverse range of genres, cultures and periods. Space is limited to 15 participants!
Flu shots
Flu shots will be available at the Methuen Senior Activity Center on Tuesdays, Oct. 1 and 8 by appointment from 9-11:30am. Call (978) 983-8825 to save your spot. Bring your medical cards to the appointment.
Learn to play 45s
Do you like to play 45s? Do you want to learn to play 45s? On Tuesdays from 1-3pm, join Ken Ackroyd as he teaches how to play this Merrimack Valley game. After learning, you can put your knowledge to work with the 45’s tournaments that are held bi- monthly.
Coming up
Please remember to sign up for all events by calling (978) 983-8825.
Oct. 1: BINGO, 1pm.
Oct, 2: Beginners 45s, 1-3pm; Adopt A Grandparent, 2:15pm.
Oct. 3: Governor’s Council candidate Eunice Zeigler hosts a coffee hour, 8:30am; Cedar view hosts a Respiratory Therapist, 10am.
Oct. 4: Kindness Rocks, 10am.
Oct. 7: 45s, 12:30pm; New class: Sign Language, 1pm.
Oct. 8: Sound Meditation, 1:30pm; Walking Club meets at Rail Trail, 10:30am.
Oct. 9: Attorney McQuillan office hours by appointment, 9-11am; COA welcomes you back, 10:30am.
Oct. 10: Happy Hearts rehearsal for Holiday concerts, 1pm.
Oct. 11: Methuen Police Department Drone Unit Demo, 9:30am.
Oct, 14: Center closed.
Oct. 15: Ghost Talks, 11am; Methuen Fire Department Senior Supper, 4-6pm.
Oct. 16: Loss and Transition, 10am.
Oct. 17: Happy Hearts rehearsal for holiday concerts, 1pm.
Oct. 18: Kindness Rocks, 10am.
Oct. 21: Kev Tech, 10am; BINGO.
Oct. 22: Senior Health and Wellness Expo in co -sponsorship with Methuen Health Department, 2-6pm.
Oct. 23: Variety Show, 1pm.
Oct. 24: Gemstones, 1pm.
Oct. 28: AARP Safe Driving, 9:30-3pm; 45s, 12:30pm.
Oct. 30: Trunk or Treat, 2-3:30pm. Bring the grandchildren for some trick-or- treating fun at the center!
Oct. 31: Happy Hearts rehearsal for holiday concerts, 1pm.
Insurance help
Open enrollment is here! If you have questions on what health insurance coverage you need as you prepare to retire or need to make changes to your existing coverage, contact the Methuen Senior Activity Center and book your appointment with the S.H.I.N.E. (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) representative at (978) 983-8825!
Stay alert!
With so many scams out there, remember to NEVER give out valuable and personal information to anyone who calls asking for it! Your bank will not call you for your account information. Social Security will not call you for a Social Security number. If a caller states you won a lottery and is saying to send money to claim your prize, HANG UP! As always, when in doubt check it out. Don’t fall victim!
The Senior Center is located at 77 Lowell St. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8am-4pm; Friday, 8am-12:30pm. To view our entire newsletter, go to cityofmethuen.net and click Senior Center. For more information on activities, trips or functions, call (978) 983-8825.
