Comedy Program: Jokes My Irish Father Told Me

Thursday, March 13 at 11 a.m. followed by a Customized Baked Potato Bar at 12 noon

You’ll have lots of fun, as comedian Dave Kane brings you a laugh filled presentation of jokes, one liners and stories that celebrate the warmth and resilience of the Irish sense of humor. Call or stop by the senior center to register for this free program. Following the program, we will be offering a Baked Potato Bar for your enjoyment. This Tri-Valley offering will feature a selection of toppings including chili, broccoli, cheese sauce, salsa, sour cream, chives and bacon so you can customize your own stuffed potato. We also provide milk and dessert. Please sign up for lunch separately. Cost of lunch $3.

Blackstone Regional Animal Shelter Talk & Tour

Tuesday, March 25 1 p.m.

The Mendon Senior Center invites interested animal lovers to join us for a brief meeting at our center to learn about opportunities to socialize and play with shelter animals prior to their being adopted to their forever home. Current volunteer Janice Muldoon-Moors and shelter personnel will discuss this innovative program. Following this gathering, we will travel as a group on the Senior Center Van to the shelter for a brief orientation to the facility. Applications will be available at the shelter for anyone wishing to help. Please plan one and a half to two hours for this program- including travel. Please call or stop by the center to register for this program.

March is Judicial Outreach Month

Learn about the work of the third branch of government directly from judges who address a variety of challenging matters presented to the courts on a daily basis. We are awaiting the assignment of a judge to speak to our group on one of three dates we have provided: Wednesday, March 26 at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m., or Monday, March 31 at 11 a.m. Please call the center at 508-478-6175 to let us know of your interest and of the dates and times you are available.

Tri-Valley Lunch Program: 

Tuesday, March 18

Corned Beef, Boiled Potatoes, Carrots & Cabbage*

Thursday, March 20

Shepherd’s Pie, Carrots & Peas*

Tuesday, March 25

Beef with Bell Pepper and Onions

Thursday, March 27

Swedish Meatballs & Mashed Potatoes

Friendly Reminder! Meals are served at 12 noon. The cost is $3 donation per meal. Reservations must be made 48 hours in advance. Transportation is available. Call to schedule. Meals are subject to change.*Alternative meals.

The Friends of Mendon Elders News

The Friends of Mendon Elders is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization raising funds for the benefit of the senior center and the seniors it serves. New members are always welcome! Join us to learn more about the events and activities at the Senior Center. Catch up with members and enjoy some light refreshments prior to start of meeting! Our next monthly Friends meeting is, on April 14 (Trader Joe’s will be joining us during our refreshment time.)

Friends Dine Out

Wednesday March 19 ~ Roast House, Blackstone

Carpool with friends from the senior center the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. or meet at the restaurant at 12 noon. Please sign-up at the senior center.

Calling all Readers…

Our overcrowded bookshelves have undergone their annual “clear out”and the older books have been donated to a good cause. It is now easier to see what’s there and to pick out a book. This added space also provides the opportunity to add newer books. If anyone has books with a copyright date of 2020—2025 that you are done with, please drop them off. This will help keep the shelves refreshed by adding to the selections available.

Learn How to Take Better Pictures -

This five-week photography class will begin Tuesday, April 22 at 1:30 p.m. Whether you want to perfect your Phone photography skills or are have a Digital camera of your own, our instructor Steve McGrath, an accomplished, professional photographer with over thirty years experience, has something to offer. Learn how to create great images on your phone. Digital camera beginners, learn from an expert. Android and Apple Smart phones are welcome, and all models. Info about our instructor stevemcgrathphotography.com/classes

The cost for this grant subsidized program is $35 for five weeks. Please call 508-478-6175 or stop by the Mendon Senior Center to register.

“A Program that Warms My Heart”

Our pen pal program has returned this spring; corresponding with local Girl Scouts. Next fall, we hope to partner with two fourth grade classes at Whitinsville Christian School where letter writing is part of their curriculum. This is in the planning stages. We ask you to reach out to senior relatives, neighbors and friends who might be interested in joining this endearing program. A sign up sheet is available at the Senior Center or you can call or text program coordinator Cheryl Lemon 508-685-1419 to sign up early. One letter a month is all it takes and you, too, will be saying “this warms my heart.”

New Players Welcome!

The Mendon Senior Center offers a variety of recreational activities including:

Cribbage – Wednesdays 9:45 a.m. The Cribbage group is always looking for new players, stop in Wednesdays at 9:45 a.m., all levels welcome.

Hand, Knee and Foot Card game – Tuesdays 1 p.m.

Mah-Jong – Wednesdays & Thursdays 1 p.m.

Brain Games – Thursdays 11:30 a.m.

Please check our schedule regarding days, times, and availability. Don’t see your favorite game listed, please let us know what you’d like to see offered!

Mendon History

On Tuesday, March 18 at 11 a.m. local historian Jim Buckley will bring the following story to our attention: Mendon's Wilkinson Family in time of war. Please call or stop by to register for this program.

SHINE Health Insurance Counseling

Turning 65? Certified SHINE counselors are available to assist you with questions about Medicare. SHINE services are free and unbiased: we are available to discuss all options related to Medicare and additional coverage, and we do not sell any plans. Call the Mendon Senior Center at 508-478-6175 to make an appointment or call the Regional SHINE Office in Milford at 508-422-9931. We will be holding an in person EVENING presentation in May. Please let us know of your interest. Date to be determined. 

Mendon Senior Walking Group ~ Update

The Mendon Senior Walking Group hopes to resume its routine M-W-F in April. If you are interested in joining us or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact group leader Diane Howell at 508-473-3081 or email her at [email protected] 

Volunteers Wanted! 

Do you have an hour or two to spare? Do you find joy in helping others? If so, the Friendly Visiting Program is the right volunteer opportunity for you! You can make a difference in the life of a homebound senior. Please contact Outreach Coordinator Janet Hubener at 508-478-6175 for more information about this rewarding program. Lunch Servers are also needed once or twice a month on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. for the senior center lunch program. Please contact Director Amy Wilson Kent at 508-478-6175 for more information.

Food and Fuel Assistance – Help is Just a Call Away

If you or someone you know has had trouble making ends meet this winter, please consider contacting the Mendon Senior Center. Our helpful Outreach Coordinator Janet Hubener is available to offer confidential assistance with fuel assistance applications and nutritional support to Mendon residents of all ages. The SMOC Fuel assistance program helps defray heating costs incurred between Nov. 1, 2024 and April 30, 2025 for eligible households (see household size/income guide.) Please call for guidelines for larger households. Additionally, the Mendon Food Pantry, housed at the senior center, is well stocked and available to ALL Mendon residents in need. Call the senior center at 508-478-6175. Help is just a phone call away.

Household size Income Limit

1                                  $49,196

2                                  $64,333

3                                  $79,470

4                                  $94,608