Weekly News for Residents 55+- 8/8/25

News for Residents Age 55+

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A huge thank you to the Chelmsford Senior Center who has extended their Companion-Respite Care Program to cover Dunstable.  This program provides short-term companionship to elders 60 plus in the community providing a break for caretakers or support for those who are on their own.  There is a fee of $20 per hour ( two hour minium) with a small additional travel fee from Chelmsford to Dunstable.   If you would like a copy of the brochure, you can contact Chuck or reach out directly to April Hunt at 978-788-6174  [email protected]

Upcoming Weekly Senior Luncheons at The Dunstable Public Library (unless noted otherwise).   Please remember to ensure we have enough food, your reservation for lunch must be made by the prior Wednesday.   You can sign up at the luncheon or by reaching out to Chuck at [email protected] or 978-649-4514x223

August 13th- Taco Bar Day!    Join us for a mini-fiesta with Chicken and Beef Tacos.  In addition to our regular games, we are also hoping to start a new Poker Game.   Come learn how to play or join in for a game.   This game is being organized by a resident who is new to the lunch and he'd love to welcome and teach others who are interested in Poker.    We do have extra spaces available- so please reach out if you would like to reserve a space. 

August 2th-  BRUNCH!  Join us for breakfast for lunch with Cheese Omelet, Turkey Sausage, Potatoes and Ratatouille.

August 27th- Pizza Party 

September 3rd - TBD

September 10th a Road Trip to SeaGlass Restaurant at Salisbury Beach.  Space is limited, so please reserve early.   This event costs $35.00 and will cover your meal at the restaurant including a starter and an entree from a special menu.   There may be a small upcharge for a premium item, such as a lobster roll. After lunch we will take a short walk for those who may want to get an Ice Cream.   We are able to provide transportation by "Party Van" for 14 residents.   There also may be a few cars available for carpooling.   The price is the same if you are on the van or in a separate vehicle.    To ensure your space, advance payment is required.  You can pay at the Senior Luncheon with Cash or Check.  You can also drop off payment at Town Hall.  Checks made out to "Town of Dunstable- COA".  

Bone Builders Excercise Class is free to residents at the Dunstable Public Library on Wednesdays at 10:30 A.M. and Friday at 11:15 A.M.  If you have not participated before, please feel free to stop by to observe and pick up enrollment paperwork.

Due to requests to continue the program,  Fit Over 50 "Barre Fusion Class" that takes place each Monday at Town Hall (Lower Level) at 11:30 A.M. has been extended for 5 more sessions.    This class is open to all adults who wish to attend regardless of town residency or age.   Each class is $10 ( cash or check).  However we have extended the 5 session discount option until the class on Monday August 11th.  If you would like to-prepay for all 5 classes it will be $35.   This session will be offered 8/11,18,25 and 9/8,15

Around town this weekend!  Join The Recreation Commission for Food Truck Friday 8/8/25 at Larter Field from 5-8 p.m.  The food truck is Smokin' 51 BBQ along with Caity, Caity The Ice Cream Lady.   We'll be celebrating the 1980's with music of the era and will have a 50/50 raffle benefitting the Recreation Commission.  

New England Botanical Gardens-  A group of Dunstable Seniors are hoping to carpool and head to the New England Botanical Gardens on Tuesday September 30th as part of an AARP promotion.  If you have an AARP membership you and 5 guests can go for free.   While not an official Council on Aging event, we are happy to help connect residents who may want to participate.   Send an email to [email protected] 

The suspension of the Monthly Wellness Checks at the library has been extended through September and October.  This is due to a staffing issue as well as uncertainty of federal funding.   We are hopeful that this program can resume in the future.  Also our monthly Tech Support from Dean Lotito is taking a hiatus until the fall as well.    Dean continues to make himself available by calling him at 781-367-4791

What to know about Medicare Open Enrollment

SHINE counselors can help you with all things Medicare

Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15 – December 7.

Health insurance costs are an important part of your budget and Medicare Open Enrollment is your opportunity to review your Medicare plans with a SHINE counselor to learn about what you can expect with your current plan in 2026, or to learn about all options that may be most cost-effective for you.

You may also benefit from cost-savings programs which a SHINE counselor will explain to you.

Medicare plans can change annually, and changes are expected for 2026.

This can affect your health care and drug costs.

SHINE = Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone…on or eligible for Medicare. Certified SHINE counselors are available all year, and offer free, unbiased, confidential counseling on all aspects of health insurance to anyone on or eligible for Medicare.

You can also join an Intro to Medicare session with a SHINE counselor on a Wednesday evening on Zoom, 5:00-7:00 pm: , August 13, September 17, October 22, November 19, December 17.  Call their office and they can share an email link to the Zoom Sessions with you.  

Call the Regional SHINE Program who can assist by phone at: 978-946-1374   

For reservations, questions, suggestions etc.   Contact  Chuck Raffoni, Council on Aging Director

[email protected] or 978-649-4514 x 223