Details of programs and activities can be found in our monthly newsletter. Sign up for this link to receive the newsletter by email: https://www.ashlandmass.com/390/Newsletter or view online.

Please NOTE: Programs and events frequently change after we produce our schedule. We try our best to provide accurate information. We appreciate your patience!

Featuring:

Free Lunch sponsored by the Ashland Police Department on Monday, Sept. 28, 12-1:30 p.m.

Entrée: meat a vegetable lasagna, garden salad, rolls and butter. Reservations required. Limited seats available. Call to reserve your space at 508-881-0140 ext. 1 by Thursday, Sept. 24 at noon.

Free Lunches Reservation Policy: Reservations for FREE lunch may be made starting on the first day of the month in which the event is held. All reservations are made with the Main office. MAX: 90 attendees. No take-out lunches. Cancellations must be made 24 hours prior to the event so that individuals on the wait list may attend. 

No-Shows: If you reserve a spot and do not attend without calling to cancel, you will not be eligible to register for the next free event.

Jimmy Buffet Tribute music by Bill Reidy. Event includes dancing, light refreshments, 50/50 raffle, and lottery tree. Thursday, Sept.17 from 5-6:30 p.m. – cost $10 pp Reservations due: Thursday, Sept. 10 at noon. Please use the payment box located outside the Main Office.

American Red Cross Blood Drive Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 12-5 p.m. Location: Ashland Community Center, 162 West Union Street, Ashland. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Ashland to schedule an appointment.

Dine out for a Cause Fundraiser  Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 4-8 p.m. Panera Bread, 400 Cochituate Road, Framingham. 20% of all Dine-in & Take-out sales will go to the Friends of the Ashland Council on Aging to help fund activities and services at the Ashland Senior Center. Use FUND4U code when ordering.

September is NATIONAL

SENIOR CENTER MONTH!

Help us celebrate all month long!  At the Entrance Information Board, you’ll find a large posterboard. We invite you to share a positive experience you’ve had at the Ashland Senior Center. Your words will help us celebrate the impact of our Senior Center, and we plan to share these wonderful messages with the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA). 

FREE SERVICES

Registrations Required

Transportation FREE transportation for Ashland Residents 60+ to bordering towns of Ashland. Curb-to-curb service and wheelchair accessible.

- Monday & Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

- Wednesday 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

- Grocery Shopping Trips to Shaw’s on Tuesdays 9-10:30 a.m. 

- Market Basket on Wednesdays from 9-10:30 a.m.

48 hours' advance notice required. Call 508-881-0140 ext. 1 to schedule.

NEW COMPUTER LAB: Explore the World Virtually

-  Watch an interview with author Mel Robbins discussing her book, The Let Them Theory.

-  View LIVE elephants on the Smithsonian's National Zoo Elephant Webcam.

-  Experience The Beatles' legendary Rooftop Concert from 1969.

-  Listen to an up-to-date Boston Red Sox baseball podcast.

-  Learn a new language with Duolingo.

-  Stream your favorite movie or TV show for free on YouTube or Tubi.

Instructions and details will be available in the Computer Lab in September. BOSE headsets are available on loan from the Main Office for private listening.

Legal Phone Consultation Friday, Sept. 11, from 10-11:30 a.m. with Arthur P. Bergeron, Mirick Law. Call to schedule an appointment.

Mobility Equipment Borrow/Loan Program: We offer a variety of gently used, high-quality mobility aids available for short-term loan at no cost to you. Equipment includes: walkers, rollators, canes, manual wheelchairs and transport chairs, shower benches and bath chairs, knee scooters and bed rails. Please call 508-881-0140 ext. 1 to check availability.

SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) In-person appointments. Thursdays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m. Appointment required. Please call 508-881-0140 ext. 1.

Veterans Office Hours Wednesday, Sept. 9 and 23 from 9-11:30 a.m. Appointments recommended. Call 508-429-0629 to schedule.

Programs & Activities

All Programs & Activities require registration unless noted in specific event description.

To register, call 508-881-0140 ext. 1 or stop by the Senior Center at 162 West Union Street, Ashland.

FREE Programs/Events Reservation Policy:  Reservations for FREE events may be made starting on the first day of the month in which the event is held.

-  All reservations must be made by the deadline date provided for each program.

-  If the minimum number of participants is not met, the event/program will be canceled.

-  Cancellations must be made 24 hours prior to the event so that individuals on the waitlist may be contacted.

-  No-shows: If you reserve a spot and do not attend without calling to cancel, you will not be eligible to register for the next free event. 

This policy does not apply to the Lions Free Breakfast. Cancellations: Call Dena Porter at 508-881-0140 ext. 1.

Community Education and Entertainment

Creative Writing Group with Clara Mott, Romance Writer. Every second and fourth Tuesday of the Month. No experience necessary. 

Sept. 8 - What do you enjoy doing in your free time that you don’t consider yourself an “expert” at? What have you learned from engaging in that activity?

Sept 22 - If you could have dinner with any three people, real or fictional, who would they be and why? Topics are suggestions. Come in with your own writings.

Downton Abbey Viewing: Season 5, Episode 3 Thursday, Sept. 3 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tea and coffee provided. 

Digital Literacy Class (Computers): Connect Your iPhone or Android Phone to Your Car for Directions with Jonathan Baron. Tuesday, Sept. 8 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Education/History: Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Ceiling Art with David Bernat, Ph.D. Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 11-12 p.m. Explore the social and historical context surrounding Michelangelo’s magnificent Sistine Chapel ceiling paintings.

Fall Container Gardening with Mary Ann Gibbons. Monday, Sept. 14 at 1:30 p.m., cost $10 pp.  Create a colorful, eye-catching, space-saving planter. Bring your own hand spade and gloves.

Discover the Beauty of the Ashland Arboretum on a Guided Trail Walk with Becca Solomon, Town Conservation Agent. Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. (Rain date: Sept. 16 at 10 a.m.) Need transportation? Call to schedule a ride by Thursday, Sept. 10. Limited Seating. Or drive and meet at the trailhead.

Movie with Popcorn: EPIC: Elvis Presley in Concert (2025) Tuesday, Sept.29 from 1-3 p.m. Follows Elvis Presley, featuring never-before-seen footage and recordings.

Around the World: in 35 Minutes with Howie Axelrod. Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. Light refreshments provided. A traveler, photographer and writer, Howie has traveled to 118 countries on 7 continents. You will journey with photos to the world’s most exotic and remote places.

BOARDS, COMMITTEE & COMMUNITY MEETINGS

Ashland Council on Aging (COA) Meeting  Thursday, Sept. 3 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Open to the Public.

Friends of the Ashland Council on Aging (FOACOA) Annual Meeting Thursday, Sept. 3 from12-1:30 p.m. Open to the public.

Dull Men’s Club with Doc Tuesday, Sept. 1: Breakfast at 9:30 a.m. at Sunnyside Cafe (self-pay).Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m., 8, 15, 22 and 29 at Ashland Senior Center. Coffee and conversation. All 60+ men welcome!

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Registrations: call 508-881-0140 ext.1. Unless otherwise noted.

Blood Pressure CLINIC Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Walk-ins welcome!

Self Advocacy at Your Doctor's Appointment! with Lyn Croft, Healthcare Advocate. Thursday, Sept.10 from 11-12:15 p.m. Learning how to effectively communicate with medical professionals can lead to better health.

Better Balance & Fall Prevention with Kristen Keane, Mary Ann Morse Home Care. Tuesday, Sept.15 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Learn practical exercises, everyday safety tips and small changes you can make at home to help you stay steady, active and independent.

Caregiver Support Group – Meets second Wednesday of the month. Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 3:30-5 p.m. Facilitated by a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Register: email [email protected]

Clocktown Memory Cafe with Music by Steve McGovern.Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 1-2:30 p.m. Clocktown Cafe provides a welcoming place for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or a cognitive impairment accompanied by the caregiver. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Susan McNulty at [email protected] or 508-532-7945. Registration: Due by Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Hearing Aid Cleaning with Hopkinton Audiology with Darcy Rapucci, Hopkinton Audiology. Monday, Sept. 21 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Respiratory Illness Vaccines & Recommendations for Older Adults with Anne Fitzgerald, RN. Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Mindful Coloring First and third Thursdays of the Month at 1:30 p.m. Walk-ins welcome!

Mindfulness & Meditation  with Mary Green. Thursdays at 11 a.m. $5 pp suggested donation per class.

Parkinson’s Boxing with Tessa Herbold - FREE. First & third Wednesday of the Month at 1:30 p.m. Equipment provided.

Sound Meditation with Sonia Stingo – FREE. Thursday, Sept.17 from 10-10:45 a.m. Sound vibrations will help to reduce stress & promote harmony. Bring a blanket and small pillow.

ARTS & CRAFTS

Registrations required unless otherwise noted. Call 508-881-0140 ext. 1.

Cook with Chef Lee: Pad Thai Thursday, Sept. 24 from 11-12:30 p.m.

Craft Class with Karen: Stretch Bracelets. Friday, Sept. 11 from 10-11 a.m. Supplies provided.

Craft Class with Elissa: Cookbook or Tablet Stand. Friday, Sept. 18 from 10-11 a.m. Supplies provided.

Craft Class with Milly: Button Flower Arrangement in Tea Cup. Friday, Sept. 25 from 10-11 a.m.Supplies provided.

Intermediate & Advanced Watercolor Class Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 9:30-11:30 a.m. See Instructor for details. Techniques & tools to enhance your paintings.

DROP-IN Knitting & Crocheting Group Second & fourth Tuesday of the Month at 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Bring your current project, share conversations, and enjoy knitting with our group.

Knit Along with Nancy Second and Fourth Thursdays at 1-2:30 p.m. Beginners Knitting Project: Decorative Pumpkin Supplies provided. All levels welcome!

Exercise

All classes have a suggested donation of $5 per person, unless otherwise indicated

FREE Trial Classes Curious about our exercise classes? Join us for a one-time trial session! It’s a great way to experience the class, meet the instructor, and see if it’s right for you.

Chair Yoga with Mary Wednesdays at 1 p.m. 

Chair Volleyball FREE Tuesdays at 1-2:30 p.m. (no Chair Volleyball on Sept. 1 or 22)

Exercise with Joni Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m.

Line Dancing with Lisa Thursdays at 1 p.m.

Ping Pong FREE Wednesdays at 11 a.m.

Tai Chi with Jon Tuesdays at 11:45 a.m. (No class on Sept. 1)

Zumba Gold with Scott. Tuesdays at 9:15 a.m.-10 a.m. (No class on Sept.1)

Games

Canasta

Wednesdays at 1 p.m. 

Chess

Mondays at 1 p.m.

Cribbage

Thursdays at 12:30 p.m.

Mahjong

Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for all levels.

Pitch Card Game

Mondays at 1 p.m.

VIRTUAL PROGRAMS Registrations required. In collaboration with the Ashland Public Library. Register at https://www.ashlandmass.com/1224/APL-Calendar .

Her America in Conversation with Author Heather B. Moore on Monday, Sept. 14 from 7-8 p.m.

Exploring Northern Costa Rica with Travel Guide Bill Gette on Thursday, Sept. 17 from 1-2:15 p.m.

Fall Bird Migration – Seas, Skies, and Land with Author Heather Wolf on Monday, Sept. 21 from 7-8:15 p.m.

(How to Avoid) Death on Mount Washington with Author Randi Menetor on Monday, Sept. 28 from 7-8:15 p.m.

Meal Programs Reservations required. Dining reservation policy.

Paid lunches: Payment slip and money is placed into the Lunch Payment Box located outside the Main Office. If you cancel, you may either pick up that week or “donate” your lunch.

Entertainment: If you plan to attend but will not be dining, the entertainment fee is $4 pp unless otherwise noted.

Birthday lunch: Celebrations are held on the first monday of the month. Only members of the Friends of the Council on Aging (FOACOA) will receive a free lunch, cupcake, and a scratch ticket. You must specify on your reservation that it is your birthday lunch. 

Free lunches reservation policy: Reservations for FREE lunch may be made starting on the first day of the month in which the event is held. All reservations are made with the Main office. MAX: 90 attendees. No take-out lunches. Cancellations must be made 24 hours prior to the event so that individuals on the wait list may attend. 

No-shows: If you reserve a spot and do not attend without calling to cancel, you will not be eligible to register for the next free event.

All lunches served with dessert. All reservations must be made by noon the Thursday before the scheduled lunch.

Lunch & Learn: “Signs a Spouse or a Friend Needs More Support” with Jennifer Luna plus Birthday Lunch. Monday, Sept. 14 at 12 p.m. - $7pp. Entrée: Hamburger or cheeseburger, french fries, garden salad and ice cream sundae. Reservations for lunch: by Thursday, Sept. 10 at noon.

Lunch prepared by July Weiner, The Casual Gourmet.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 11:45 a.m. -  $7pp. Entrée: Pasta bolognese with a garden salad and garlic bread. Reservations for lunch: by Thursday, Sept. 10 at noon.

Lunch & Trivia

Monday, Sept. 21 at noon - $7 pp. Entrée: Stuffed chicken with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and rolls. Reservations for lunch: by Thursday, Sept. 21 at noon.