Seems with every moment, time goes by so quickly. School bells are ringing, summer is coming to an end. Soon the trees will be the host of vibrant colors, and the crisp cool nights will be upon us. I look at this time of year as renewal. As the colors of the leaves change and the trees begin their sleep, I have hope for a brighter and new beginning in the days, weeks, months ahead of each of us.

I will end this summer with my hopes to all of you. May you all look forward to happy times with family, friends and neighbors. May your days be filled with love, laughter and songs that make our heart sing.

Sunset hours

Perhaps you have never seen the Senior Center because you are still working or maybe you just haven’t had a chance during the busy summer months. Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 3, the center will be open until 7pm on Wednesdays. We will offer space to play 45’s, billiards and exercise classes. Health and Human Services will be at the center to offer: Blood Pressure Clinics, SNAP, FUEL Assistance, RAFT and help with paperwork for senior housing and MassHealth applications, to name a few.
Here’s the schedule for exercise classes (4:30-5:15pm and $2 per session):
B.B.B. (Balance, Bones and Brains). This wonderful exercise class not only keeps your joints moving while learning techniques about balance, but also keeps your mind active while doing trivia while exercising. The dates for the B. B.B. are Sept. 3 and 17; Oct. 1, 15 and 29.
Yoga and Meditation with Joanie Lawrence. Here is a great way to unwind after a work week. Learn to breathe, relax your body. Meditation puts your mind in a different zone so you can relax and enjoy the precious life we live. Join Joanie on Sept. 10 and 24, then Oct. 8 and 22.
In addition, licensed social worker Jacqueline Marchand will lead the Loss and Transition support group on Wednesdays, 4-5:30pm, for anyone who has suffered the loss a loved one.
We all look forward to meeting you!

Clothing Drive

The Lawrence Ladies Lodge from the Sons of Italy will host a Clothing Drive for the Methuen Senior Activity Center on Thursday, Sept. 4 from 10am-noon.

Anti-substance
support

Join us Saturday, Sept. 13, 10am-1pm as we welcome MVPASAP (Merrimack Valley Prevention and Substance Abuse Program) for an event that Phil Lahey started at the Senior Center 10 years ago. Even though Phil is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in all those who are extending their hand to families across Essex County.

A meaty fund-raiser

Mark your calendar for Sept. 23, 3-9pm as we head to the Texas Roadhouse for our fund-raising event! We will have a table in the lobby of the restaurant for a raffle and 15% of the paid meals come to the Methuen Senior Activity Center!
All you need to do is have the flyer for that night (located in the main lobby of the center) or have the flyer in your phone to show your waiter. Its that simple. See you at the Roadhouse!

Meet Chief Toto

Join us as we welcome Fire Chief David Toto on Tuesday, Sept, 23 from 9-11am in the main foyer of the Senior Center. There will be coffee, light refreshments and conversation with Chief Toto.

Coming up

Please remember to call to reserve your spot!
Sept. 1: Labor Day, center closed.
Sept. 2: Blood Pressure Clinic, 9-11am; Beginners 45’s. Learn to play the game, 1pm; Dominoes, 1-3pm.
Sept. 3: Extended hours begin. Center open until 7pm Wednesdays.
Sept. 4: The Talk, 10am.
Sept. 5: Kindness Rocks, 10am-noon.
Sept. 8: GemsTones, 1pm. Music and dancing; Mahjong,1pm.
Sept. 9: Sewing Guild, noon; Blood Pressure, 9am; Beginners 45’s, 1pm; Dominoes, 1-3pm.
Sept. 10: Painting, 10am-noon.
Sept. 11: Whist, 1-3pm.
Sept. 12: Quilting Circle, 9-11am.
Sept. 13: MVPASAP, 10am-1pm.
Sept. 15: Kev Tech, 10am; 45’s Card Game, 12:30pm.
Sept. 16: Ice Cream Social, 1-3pm with music by DJ Mark Rich, ice cream by Jay Gees. Sponsors are state Rep. Estela Reyes and City Council Chairman Ron Marsan.
Sept. 17: Loss and Transition, 10am; Lunch sponsored by Olive Garden in Methuen, 1pm. Space is limited to 40 guests. RESERVATION REQUIRED.
Sept. 18: The Talk,10am; Veterans Services Officer Paul Jensen Office Hours at the center, 10am-noon; Birthday Luncheon with Director and Office Manager, 11:30am; Bridge, 1pm.
Sept. 19: Quilting Circle, 9am.
Sept. 22: BINGO, 1pm.
Sept. 23: Karaoke,1:30pm.
Sept. 25: Happy Hearts BIG Show, 1pm. Emcee is Cole Welch Caffrey.
Sept. 29: 45’s game starts at 12:30pm.
Sept. 30: Bocce on the front lawn (weather permitting), 10am; Beginners 45’s – learn to play the game, 1pm.

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.