Ashburnham Council on Aging July events

The Ashburnham Council on Aging (COA) provides numerous services for the senior citizens in town, most at little or no cost.

The Ashburnham Senior Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is located on 1 Memorial Drive in the same building as, and next to, the Ashburnham Police Department.

All Ashburnham Senior Citizens are welcome to drop in. They have a lot of information that may be of interest and it a good time just getting together for a cup of coffee and a chat.

The following are some of the services/activities available at the Senior Center:

Meals-on-Wheels are available to those unable to get out. MOC Nutrition Lunch Meals are served at noon. Participants must reserve the day before by calling the meal-site at (978) 827-5735. Cost of meals is a donation of $2.

Those who need transportation, call (978) 827-5000. Transportation on the Senior Van costs $0.25 each stop intown and $0.50 each way to Fitchburg or Gardner.

Additional activities include: lunch, bingo, arts & crafts, Forever Young Club meetings and events, line dancing, speakers, blood pressure clinics, exercise, and the Tax Work Off Program.

Information is available to seniors and their families on a number of topics. Referral to other agencies and services is provided as needed.

For more information, contact Mary Lee Muesel at (978) 827-5000.

The Ashburnham Council on Aging will conduct a blood pressure and well adult clinic from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 8. The nurse will be available during this time to discuss issues related to strokes. This service is offered in partnership with the Nashoba VNA. Health questions are welcome. Anyone over age 55 may participate in the program.

The COA will hold their annual Strawberry Festival at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 22. Strawberry confections including strawberry shortcake with fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream, strawberries dipped in chocolate and strawberry pastry will be served. Cost is $1. Reservations required by calling (978) 827-5000.

Pizza and Bingo for a Buck will be held at noon on

Tuesday, July 29. One dollar buys lunch, dessert and a bingo card. All seniors welcome. Rides available. Reservations required by calling (978) 827-5000.

Van trips planned for the month of July:

• Tuesday July 8 - day trip to Rockport for shopping. Leave from the center at 9 a.m. and return at 5 p.m.

• Wednesday, July 16 - The Forever Young Club will take a Horizon Edge Casino Cruise.

• Friday July 18 - Enjoy lunch at the Westminster Country Club. Van cost is $1. Lunch is done individually.

• Wednesday, July 23 - Pick your own flowers in Stow. Leave from the center at 9 a.m. and return at 4 p.m. Cost is $8.

• Thursday, July 31 - Enjoy the Cheshire Fair in Keene, N.H. Leave from the center at 9 a.m. and return at 5 p.m. Cost is $5.

For more information on trips, or to make reservations, call (978) 827-5000.