Leon A. Mathieu Senior Center
January/February 2015
DONALD R. GREBIEN
MAYOR
MARY LOU MORAN
DIRECTOR
Dear Pawtucket Seniors:
We say goodbye to 2014 and welcome in the New Year. As we begin 2015, my
family and I would like to wish you the best—a very healthy and happy New Year.
As I begin my third term as your Mayor, looking back last year we made some very
tough fiscal choices to keep Pawtucket from sliding into bankruptcy. Tough choices were
made at all levels of our city government to slash costs, decisions based on the right things
to do for taxpayers. I was very pleased when the City’s bond rating moved up two notches,
to a BBB+, in late 2014. The bond rating agency’s outlook for the city was upgraded
from “stable” to “positive”. I was also extremely pleased that residents and businesses
saw no tax increases. Even with tightening our belt, we continued to adequately fund key
programs and services, like those offered at the Leon Mathieu Senior Center.
For over six years, Mary Lou Moran and her capable staff have brought a dazzling array
of activities, programming and services to Pawtucket’s older residents to improve their lives.
The Senior Center is not only a place you can call home and enjoy the company of your
friends, but is also where you can tap into important health and community resources.
My administration remains committed to you and preserving the vital programming and
services offered at the City’s Leon Mathieu Senior Center, and wish them well as they
celebrate their 35th Anniversary in 2015.
Sincerely,
The mission of the Leon Mathieu Senior Center is to identify Pawtucket’s older adults and provide them with a safe, supportive
and nurturing environment where they can access information about resources, programs and services available on the local,
state and federal levels. The Center acts as an advocate for the rights and well being of older adults on a wide variety of issues.
LEON A. MATHIEU
SENIOR CENTER
420 Main Street
Pawtucket, R.I. 02860
Phone: (401)728-7582
Fax: (401) 725-8220
Internet Address:
www.pawtucketri.com
Email Address:
[email protected]
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Senior Center Director
Mary Lou Moran
Community Information
Specialist & Case Worker
Joan Newton
Program Coordinator
Karin Lavoie
LEON MATHIEU SENIOR CENTER &
BLACKSTONE HEALTH, INC. HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
THE ENTIRE BUILDING WILL BE CLOSED ON:
Thursday, January 1……………..……....In Observance of New Year’s Day
& Monday, January 19………In Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
NO ACTIVITIES, SENIOR SHUTTLE, OR BLACKSTONE CAFÉ.
THE LEON MATHIEU SENIOR CENER WILL BE CLOSED ON:
Monday, February 16………………...In observance of Presidents’ Day
BLACKSTONE CAFÉ WILL BE OPEN
EMOTIONAL WELLNESS CONSULTATIONS
The LMSC offers a program to address the
challenges facing many aging men and women.
Our Elder Liaison from Gateway Healthcare,
Nicole Vadnais, is available at the Center, by appointment, on
Thursdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon to provide individual
consultations for those seniors who wish to discuss issues affecting their
emotional wellness. To schedule an appointment contact the
Center at 728-7582 or visit the 2nd floor administrative offices.
Outreach Worker
Emilia Fernandes
Secretary
Julieth Cornejo
Shuttle Van Drivers
Marie Case & Kathy Greer
BLACKSTONE HEALTH
Nutrition Director
Alyssa Joyce, RD, LDN
728-9290
Nutrition Assistant
Susan Leal
New Horizons
Adult Day Center Director
Melissa Smith
727-0950
Leon Mathieu Senior Center
& Blackstone Health, Inc.
Inclement Weather Policy
Please be aware that the Leon Mathieu
Senior Center will be closed for activities,
transportation and meals when the
Pawtucket Schools are cancelled.
During school vacations listen to the
radio and T.V. stations for any Leon
Mathieu Senior Center cancellations.
Please Note: For your own safety, and the
safety of our drivers, please make sure
your walkway and driveway are clear of
snow and ice prior to your pickup.
INTRODUCTORY
COMPUTER CLASSES:
The next session for
computer classes will
begin in mid January. If
you are interested in
taking the class, please
call 728-7582 or stop by
the 2nd floor office.
Thanks to our volunteer
instructors Maria Baxter,
Claudette Gaffney, and
Frank Billeri.
The Programs and services offered at the Leon Mathieu Senior Center are funded in part
by the City of Pawtucket, Community Development Block Grant, RI Department of
Human Services - Division of Elderly Affairs, State Funding - Community Service Grant,
U.S. Administration on Aging, donations and memberships.
Thank you to all our donors!
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Are You Nuts for Nuts?!
Written By: Alyssa Joyce, RD, LDN
Nuts are a super food packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fat.
However, you do not want to overdo it on nuts, because the fat and calories can add
up quickly!
The lowest calorie nuts, 160 calories per ounce, are almonds, pistachios, and cashews.
Look for raw or dry roasted nuts to get them at their lowest caloric value.
What are the worst nuts for your diet? Macadamia nuts (10 – 12 nuts) have 21 grams of fat, and Pecans
(18-20 nuts) have 20 grams of fat.
The best nuts for your heart are Walnuts! In 14 Walnuts there are 180 calories, and 18 grams of fat.
They have a high amount of healthy fats and are similar to Olive Oil in terms of heart health.
The best nuts overall are mixed nuts! This way you can get a variety of nutrients and still consume them in
moderation.
Funded in part by the U.S. Administration on Aging and State Funds through the Rhode Island Division of Elderly Affairs
HAIRDRESSING
SERVICE
FREE NUTRITION
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The Leon Mathieu Senior Center and
Blackstone Health Inc. co-sponsor FREE
nutrition education programs for adults 55+.
Every Wednesday
8:30 am - 11:30 am
On the 2nd Floor
Services Include:
Men’s Wash + Cut = $10
Women’s Wash + Cut = $12
Women’s Wash + Set = $12
Women’s Wash + Cut +
Blow Dry Style = $18
Women’s Wash + Cut+ Set
= $24
Perms & colorings are not
available. Appointments are
required. Please call 728-7582
or visit the 2nd Floor office.
Payment is cash only.



Free One-on-One Nutrition Counseling
appointments are offered with Alyssa Joyce,
Blackstone Health, Inc. nutritionist. Make
an appointment with Alyssa for a one-on-one
consultation specific to you! To make an
appointment please call Alyssa at 728-9290.
A monthly Weight Management Support
Group, also led by Alyssa Joyce of
Blackstone Health, Inc., occurs on the first
Tuesday of each month at 12:30 pm in the
First Floor Garden Room. The Support
Group focuses on healthy weight
management for people 55 and older. The
group engages in interactive nutrition
activities, weigh-ins (optional), and
education focusing on topics such as heart
health, nutrition for diabetes, cooking
demos, and much more! The next meetings
will be held January 6th and February 3rd.
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE
WARREN ALPERT
MEDICAL SCHOOL OF
BROWN UNIVERSITY
Since the fall of 2007, Brown
Medical students have visited
the Senior Center under the
supervision of Dr. David Anthony,
Assistant Professor of Family
Medicine at Brown University.
The students benefit from being
able to practice geriatric
assessments and senior
volunteers benefit from being
able to help shape future doctors!
If you would like to volunteer for
this program see Karin Lavoie,
Program Coordinator.
Free Blood Pressure Screenings
1st Friday of each month with Bayada Home Health Care from 9-11 am
R.I. College nursing students on Tuesdays during the Spring and Fall college semesters
U.R.I. College of Pharmacy on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 10:30 -11:30am
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SOCIAL SERVICES CORNER:
Are you receiving all the benefits you are entitled to? We are here to help!
The Senior Center’s Community Information Specialist and Case Worker, Joan Newton, is available to meet with you
one-on-one to provide information, assistance, and options available to you. Topics include, but are not limited to:
Health & Prescription Benefits Check-Up
Housing
Heating Assistance
Retirement Planning
Medicare Savings Program
Medicare/Medical Assistance
Identity Theft
Home and Community Care Options
SNAP Program (formally the Food Stamp Program)
Living Wills and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
Low-Income Subsidy Assistance for Prescriptions
Eligibility Screening for Federal, State, and Local programs
Health Care Fraud Protection
To schedule an appointment contact the Senior Center at
728-7582 Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
AARP Volunteer Tax Preparation Service
AARP volunteer tax preparers will be available during the 2015 tax season to assist seniors 60+ with their
tax returns. No appointments will be taken and individuals will be seen on a first come first served basis.
This service will be available on Tuesdays & Fridays, 9am-12pm from February 3, 2015-April 10, 2015.
You will need to bring a photo ID and proof of all income (e.g. W-2s, 1099 Social Security Benefit
Statement, etc.) with you. Service is limited to short forms only.
LIHEAP: Low-Income Heating Assistance Program
A single person can earn up to $2,283/month and a married couple can earn up to $2,985/month to qualify
for heating assistance (based on 2014 guidelines). If you are interested in applying for Heating Assistance
you can make an appointment in the Senior Center’s 2nd floor office or by calling 728-7582.
Veteran Benefits Information
Make a one-on-one appointment with Ron Plante, a Veteran Service Representative from the Department
of Veteran Affairs to learn about the many VA benefits available to veterans and their spouses and/or
dependents. Appointments are confidential and can be made by visiting the Center’s 2nd floor office or by
calling 728-7582.. The next date for this service is Thursday, February 26th.
Support Group
The Senior Center, in collaboration with Gateway Healthcare, hosts a monthly support group meeting. The
group meeting is facilitated by Nicole Vadnais, Gateway Healthcare Elder Liaison, and focuses on a variety
of topics related to aging and how it can affect elders and their caregivers. The next meetings will be held
on Tuesday, January 27th and Tuesday, February 24th from 3:15pm - 4:00pm.
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
The American Parkinson’s Disease Association leads a monthly support group at the Senior Center. The
group is led by volunteer Bernice Belt and is held in the 1st floor Garden Room. The next meetings will be
held on Thursday, January 8th and Thursday, February 12th from 1:00pm-2:15pm.
Alzheimer’s Alert Program
The City of Pawtucket’s Alzheimer’s Alert Program is a joint effort between the City’s Division of Senior
Services and the Pawtucket Police Department. The purpose of this program is to ensure the safety of
registered participants who are suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Client information
is kept completely confidential. To learn more about this program contact the Senior Center at 728-7582.
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SHOPPING & LUNCHEON TRIPS $2.00 per person/depart at 11:30 am
Tickets go on sale Monday, January 5th at 9:00 am. Each person is able to sign up for any
shopping trip, 1 lunch trip and 1 special trip initially. You may sign up for any additional
lunch and special trips as space permits on Monday, January 12th at 8:30 am.
PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY ONLY SIGN YOURSELF UP FOR THESE TRIPS
Los tiquetes estarán a la venta el 5 de Enero del 2015 a las 9:00 am.
FEBRUARY SHOPPING TRIPS
JANUARY SHOPPING TRIPS
Thurs
8th
Christmas Tree Shop
Thurs 5th
Christmas Tree Shop
Thurs
15th
Wal-Mart, N. Smithfield
Tues
Wal-Mart, N. Smithfield
Thurs
22nd
Warwick Mall
Thurs 19th
K-Mart, Cranston
Thurs
29th
Wamponaug Mall+ Marshalls
Thurs 26th
Target Plaza, Warwick
FEBRUARY LUNCHEON TRIPS
JANUARY LUNCHEON TRIPS
Tues, Jan. 20th
Mozzarella’s, N. Providence
Mon, Jan. 26th
Gregg’s, Providence
10th
Mon, Feb. 9th
Tues, Feb. 24th
Spumoni’s, Pawtucket
Hose Company, Pawtucket
Note: If you miss the van or are not picked up as scheduled, please contact the Senior Center’s main number at 728-7582
so that the office can contact the driver. Trip payments are nonrefundable unless you are able to find a replacement or we are
able to fill your place from the waiting list.
January Special Trip
February Special Trip
Tuesday, January 27th
Thursday, February 12th, Valentine’s Day Gala
RISD Museum Tour & Lunch at Davenports
Cost is $12.00 and covers transportation
At the West Valley Inn in West Warwick
+ entrance to the museum.
$22 per person
Self-guided tour of the RISD Art Museum
Price includes transportation on a chartered
at 10:15 am, followed by lunch at Davenports
school bus, meal, taxes, gratuity and
in East Providence at 12:00 noon.
entertainment. Depart the Center at 11:00 a.m.
Cost of lunch is on your own.
and return at approximately 3:30 p.m.
Leave the Center at 9:30 a.m. and return at
You will select your meal when you sign-up.
approximately 2:30 p.m.
BUS PASSES 2015
R.I. D.M.V. TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
The LMSC provides
transportation to the
Cranston DMV on the
3rd Tuesday of each month (January 13 & February 17)
departing the Center at 10:45am. Service is limited to RI
State I.D. cards only. This service is free for Pawtucket
seniors & disabled adults. Contact the Center for the DMV
application, documents required, and to register.
RIPTA bus passes will be
issued at the Leon Mathieu
Senior Center on Friday,
January 16th & Friday, February 20th from
11:30am-2pm in the 1st floor Garden Room.
Seniors (65+) and disabled adults will be charged
$25.00 for a 5 year pass.
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PODIATRY
CLINIC
with
Dr. Mark Kuhar
The next podiatry clinic will be
held on Tuesday, January 27th
from 10:30am to 12 Noon. An
appointment is necessary.
Please visit the 2nd floor office
to schedule an appointment.
Bring your insurance card(s)
and a valid ID/License with you.
R.I. Bar
Association
Legal Clinics:
This program is sponsored by
the RI BAR Association. The
clinics consists of individual
appointments with an attorney
who can answer your legal
questions. The appointment is
private & confidential. If you
would like to make an
appointment please call
728-7582 or visit the 2nd floor
office.
Free
Therapeutic
Massage
Victoria Tavares, a
certified massage therapist will be
available on the last Monday of each
month from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm for
free chair and hand massages.
Appointments are required and can
be made in the Center’s 2nd floor
office or by calling 728-7582.
FROM THE MAYOR’S OFFICE...
Beth Roberge, Volunteer Seniors
Liaison is available on Monday,
Wednesday and Fridays from 10am
to 2pm at City Hall in Room 210 or
you can call her at 728-0500 Ext. 241.
SEWING & ALTERATIONS
Our seamstress, Zinaida Vygoder, is here on
GOLDEN
AGERS BOOK Tuesday afternoons from 1-3pm on the
2nd floor to provide a variety of sewing
CLUB
The Book Club meets once a month.
They are scheduled to meet on:
Thursday, January 15th &
Thursday, February 19th from
12:00 pm to 1:00 p.m.
Come & share what you have
been reading!
needs. Fees collected help support Senior
Center activities. You may drop off 2 items
at a time and alterations cannot be done on
coats and formal outfits as our sewing
machine cannot handle those items. Please
note that all items must be in clean
condition when dropped off.
The Book Club is run by Dot
Pelchat. Thank you Dot!
Thank you Zina for
volunteering your time!
Prescription Drug Take Back Program
Pawtucket Police Station, 121 Roosevelt Avenue
Pawtucket residents can safely dispose of unused and/or expired
medications 24 hours a day/365 days a year at the permanent collection
box located in the foyer of the police station. Please place pills in a clear
Ziplock-type bag prior to handing them over to the police officer on duty
and please DO NOT include any personal medical information! Items that
CANNOT be dropped off include: needles/syringes/lancets, IVs &
equipment, personal care products, bloody or infectious waste,
aerosol cans, thermometers, inhalers, or hydrogen peroxide.
Thank you for helping to keep our community safe! For more
information please call the Pawtucket Police Station at 727-9100.
Notary Public
Services
Available
Mary Lou Moran,
Senior Center Director,
is a Notary Public. If you need
any documents notarized, she is
available to assist you.
Please bring in a photo I.D. along
with the unsigned document you
need to have notarized.
This service is free!
The Pawtucket Senior Citizens Council (PSCC)
The PSCC is always looking for new members. This is a perfect way to give back
to your community. Pawtucket residents 62 and older are eligible to volunteer on
the council. The PSCC meets once a month, except for the months of January, July
and August. If interested in serving on the PSCC contact Mary Lou Moran, Senior
Center Director, at 728-7582 for more information.
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DAILY ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2015
MONDAY
TUESDAY
9:00 - 10:30
9:30 to 10:30
Line Dancing
Muscle Strength
with
Florence $2
& Toning with Toba
9:30 - 10:30
9:30 - 11:00
Yoga for Seniors
with Shri Studio $5
Knitting Class
10:00 - 11:00
Computer Class
with Frank $8
10:00 - 11:30
Needlepoint on
Plastic with Ginny
11:30 - 12:00 Lunch
$3 suggested donation
11:30 - 12:00 Lunch
12:30 - 2:45
$3 suggested donation
Hi-Lo Jack Club
with Joan and Dick $2 12:15 - 3:00
Penny B-I-N-G-O
1:00 - 2:30
Watercolor
Painting Class
with Alice
12:30 - 1:15
Non-Impact Aerobics
with Toba
1:00-3:00 Seamstress
Services with Zina
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
8:30 - 9:30
9:30 - 10:30
Breakfast at the Café Salsacise with Toba
$3 suggested donation
10:00 - 11:00
Computer Class
8:30 - 11:30
with Claudette
Hairdressing Service
and Maria $8
with Julie Silva
11:30 - 12:00 Lunch
10:00 - 11:00
$3 suggested donation
Stretch Exercise
with Jean
12:15 pm
Afternoon Movie
11:30 - 12:00 Lunch
$3 suggested donation 12:15 - 3:00
Penny B-I-N-G-O
11:30 - 12:30
Tai Chi Class
12:30 - 1:30
with Bob $10
Spanish Computer
Class
with Claudette
12:30 - 1:30
and Maria $8
Arthritis Exercise
with Jean
1:30 - 2:30
Computer Lab
12:15 - 3:00
Cards &
with Claudette
Board Games
and Maria
JANUARY
FRIDAY
8:30 - 9:30
Breakfast at the Café
$3 suggested donation
9:00 - 11:00
Cribbage Club
with John
10:00 - 11:00
Stretch Exercise
with Jean
11:30 - 12:00 Lunch
$3 suggested donation
12:30 - 2:30
Coffee Hour
See Topics Below
FEBRUARY
Feb 6th at 12:30 pm
Jan 2nd at 12:30 pm
Bingo Blast with Karin Lavoie, Program Coordinator. Blackstone Valley Tourism Council presents
“A History of Slater Park”
Non-cash prizes to be awarded to all winners.
Jan 9th at 12:30 pm
Feb 13th at 12:30 pm
The URI College of Pharmacy presents “Gallbladder Annual Valentine’s Day Party!
& Gallstones” & January birthday celebration
Entertainment provided by the Ro-Tones, featuring
Rosalie Cartwright and Tony Pandolfo. $1.00 per
Jan 16th at 12:30 pm
person. Please sign-up in the 2nd floor office by
“Assistive Devices 101” with Oak Hill Health and
Wednesday, February 11th.
Rehabilitation Center
Feb 20th at 12:30 pm
Jan 23rd at 12:30 pm
URI College of Pharmacy presents “Skin
Disorders Jeopardy” & February birthday
celebration
Blackstone Valley Community Action’s
R.S.V.P. Senior Jazz Band will perform
Jan 30th at 12:30 pm
Feb 27th at 12:30 pm
Nutrition Hour presentation with Alyssa Joyce,
Blackstone Health, Inc. Nutritionist
Art Appreciation Program with Toba Weintraub
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LEON MATHIEU SENIOR CENTER……………………………………………………...…
728-7582
ELDER CARE INFORMATION SPECIALIST……………………………………………
728-0146
BLACKSTONE HEALTH (formerly COASI)……………………………………………
725-6444
BLACKSTONE HEALTH NUTRITION…………………………………………………
728-9290
BLACKSTONE CAFE MEAL RESERVATIONS……………………………………………
728-5480
CITY OF PAWTUCKET SENIOR SHUTTLE……………………………………………
725-8220
(for Pawtucket residents only)
LOGISTICARE TRANSPORTATION………………………………………………………
1-855-330-9131
(to all medical appointments & meal sites)
727-0950
NEW HORIZONS ADULT DAY CENTER…………………………………………………
462-3000
RI DIVISION OF ELDERLY AFFAIRS……………………………………………………
784-9500
R.I.P.T.A. BUS PASS INFORMATION………………………………………………………
1-866-931-7079
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION…………………………………………………
Leon Mathieu Senior Center
420 Main Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860