The Hopkinton Senior Center is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. For a more extensive listing of programs and services, including lunch program menus, as well as a newsletter, check hopkintonseniorcenter.com. Anyone with questions can call 508-497-9730. The Senior Center also has a Facebook page that provides updates on resources, programs and events.

Winter Weather Policy
The Senior Center is closed to the public when the Hopkinton Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather. Play it safe; watch the news and check for school closings. When in doubt, call the Senior Center or check out the Facebook page for closing updates. Transportation assistance also could be impacted by inclement weather.

Our Time Memory Cafe at the Senior Center
Thursday, March 7, 1 p.m.
This is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness or mild cognitive impairment, or living with dementia, and their care partner, family and friends. The cafe is a place to socialize, share experiences and form friendships. Live music and refreshments usually are offered. This is a joint venture between Senior Services and the Hopkinton Public Library. For more information, call the Senior Center.

Dementia Friends Information Session
Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Residents of all towns are invited to become a Dementia Friend by attending an informational program at the Hopkinton Public Library. Attendees will learn about the five key dementia messages, the different types of dementia and their impact, what it’s like to live with dementia, and how to interact and communicate with people living with dementia. Resources and support information and materials will be available for care partners. To reserve a spot, call the Hopkinton Senior Center at 508-497-9730 or email sdocknevich@gmail.com.

Home Safety Tips for Fall Prevention
Wednesday, March 20, 1 p.m.
More older adults have been choosing to remain in their homes through their aging years. Per the CDC, “Every second of every day, an older adult (65+) suffers a fall in the United States,” in fact, “one out of 4 older adults will fall each year.” Join Deb Froehlich, OTR/L, Clinical Liaison with Complete VNA, as she shares some simple tips to help make your home setting safer and reduce the risk of falls. Deb has completed many home safety checks with her evaluations through the years and will address common issues that occur in various main rooms of the home, review simple solutions such as durable medical equipment, and answer questions.

Garden Club: Ask the Plant Doctor
Thursday, March 21, 1 p.m.
The Garden Club is back and ready to talk plants. While it may be too soon to start planting outside gardens, it’s never too soon for indoor houseplants. A member of the Garden Club will share tips on being a new plant parent, including plant care, diseases and choosing the right plant(s).

Beyond Kilimanjaro: From Sunbirds to Elephants
Wednesday, March 27, at 1 p.m.
The Joys of Nature Travel Talk with Joy Marzolf will be held in person as well as virtually. While many visitors travel to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, nearby travelers can see Mount Meru within Arusha National Park. The elevation of the park creates a varied habitat and cooler climate, leading to a great diversity of wildlife. In the trees, one might find baboons, blue monkeys and the striking black and white colobus, while elephants and giraffes may be found grazing among the trees, shrubs and grasses below. Flowers on trees and shrubs bring spectacular butterflies and tiny nectar drinking sunbirds, while large hornbills perch themselves on branches overhead. Further west, Lake Manyara is an oasis for life, much of which is protected by a national park. Here, large herds of elephants can be found in and around the forest and lake, while hippos cool themselves in the water. There is so much to be seen beyond Kilimanjaro. Advance registration is not required but is strongly recommended. Those participating virtually should call for the Zoom link.