Everything You Need to Know About the Marlborough Senior Center: Services, Programs & More

Community Connections | WMCT-TV | Hosted by Ryan Malyar | Featuring Trish Pope, Director of Senior Services, Marlborough Senior Center

If you've never stepped foot inside the Marlborough Senior Center, you might be surprised by just how much is going on inside those walls. In a recent episode of Community Connections on WMCT-TV, host Ryan Malyar sat down with Trish Pope — the City of Marlborough's Director of Senior Services and one of the longest-serving department heads in the city — for a wide-ranging conversation about everything the center has to offer, from health insurance navigation and tax prep to fitness classes, food assistance, and a cozy gas fireplace where the knitting club gathers.

Whether you're approaching 60, helping a parent explore their options, or just curious about what's available in Marlborough, here's a full breakdown of what was covered.

Who Is the Marlborough Senior Center For?

One of the most common misconceptions Trish Pope hears? "I'm not old enough." In Marlborough, senior services are available to residents age 60 and older — and the center is seeing more and more people in their 60s taking advantage of what it offers. You don't have to be retired. You don't have to be a certain age. If you're 60 and curious, you're welcome.

SHINE: Free Medicare Counseling for Marlborough Residents

One of the most valuable — and underutilized — services at the center is SHINE, which stands for Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone on Medicare. Trish Pope serves as the SHINE counselor for the Marlborough Senior Center, supported by two trained volunteers.

SHINE services include:

• Medicare 101 for those turning 65, including guidance on Parts A and B, supplemental insurance options, and how to enroll

• Open enrollment review — even if you're happy with your current plan, it's worth a 15-minute check-in. Plan costs and drug formularies can change year to year without you realizing it

• Phone and Zoom appointments for those who can't come in person

• HR department referrals welcome — employers regularly send employees who are approaching Medicare eligibility

During the most recent open enrollment period, the Marlborough Senior Center helped over 500 seniors navigate their Medicare choices.

SCRIPT Program: Work Off Your Property Taxes

The SCRIPT Program (a tax work-off initiative) allows qualifying Marlborough seniors to earn $1,500 off their property taxes by working 100 hours in a city department.

Participants have worked in roles including answering phones, filing, shredding, assisting at the DPW transfer station, and even staffing the floating boardwalk at a local park. The program matches volunteers to departments based on skills and interests — and department heads frequently request their SCRIPT workers back the following year.

To qualify:

• Must be a Marlborough resident and homeowner for at least 5 years

• Must qualify for the Circuit Breaker tax credit

• If your home is held in trust, you must be named as a trustee

• Up to 30 positions available; a lottery is held if applications exceed openings

Free Tax Preparation Through AARP

AARP-trained tax preparers are available at the Marlborough Senior Center every Monday through April 6th, with a focus on serving seniors. They're also available on Saturdays at the Marlborough Public Library, open to anyone.

These volunteer preparers offer free tax filing for those with simple returns. At the senior center, every return receives a second review before submission. Appointments are filling quickly — call the center to book yours.

Fuel Assistance & SNAP Benefits

For seniors struggling with heating costs, fuel assistance applications are still being accepted. The process can feel overwhelming at first, but Outreach Coordinator Lisa Martino will walk you through the required documents and submit the application on your behalf. Assistance is available whether you heat with oil, gas, or electricity — and renters whose heat is not included in their rent may also qualify.

On the food side, the Marlborough Senior Center recently set up a pop-up food pantry in the center's foyer in response to SNAP benefit reductions. The pantry is stocked with non-perishables and is accessible during regular center hours — no appointment needed, no set hours, and fully anonymous. Popular items include canned pasta, tuna, and chicken. Community donations are welcomed and can be dropped off at the front desk.

Over 20 Fitness Classes a Week

The Marlborough Senior Center offers 21 fitness classes per week — and they fill up fast. From yoga to more active options, there's something for a wide range of ability levels and interests.

Activities, Games & Clubs

The center's programming goes well beyond bingo (though that's available too). Program Coordinator Mary Grimaldiactively listens to members and designs programming around what the community actually wants. Recent and ongoing offerings include:

• Knitting club (they sit by the fireplace — yes, a real working gas fireplace)

• Acrylic painting

• Needle felting and felt crafts

• Mah-jongg (Tuesdays and Fridays)

• Pitch (Thursdays)

• Cribbage (Wednesdays)

• Hots (Friday mornings)

• Ping pong (Mondays)

• CPR certification class coming in March — subsidized for Marlborough residents ($25 for residents, $35 for non-residents)

• Bus trips, including annual outings on the water

The Greenhouse & Center Grill

The senior center has a greenhouse used by the garden club during warmer months, and a new chef at the Center Grill. In an exciting collaboration, the chef is working with the garden club to grow herbs, lettuce, and other ingredients for use in the kitchen — a true farm-to-table setup. Chives are already grown on-site, along with flowers used for centerpieces at events.

Springwell: Home Services & Meals on Wheels

When seniors or their families need help navigating home care services, Meals on Wheels, or other support, the center's connection to Springwell (the regional Area Agency on Aging serving 27 communities) is a critical resource. Outreach Coordinator Lisa Martino helps residents assess eligibility and follow through on referrals. Springwell has a local office in Marlborough, meaning the community receives especially attentive support.

Friends of the Marlborough Senior Center

The Friends of the Marlborough Senior Center is a volunteer-driven group that fundraises to support programs and equipment not covered by the city budget. Recent contributions from the Friends include new wireless headsets and speakers for instructors, and full sponsorship of the center's annual Jazz Brunch.

The Friends run a gift shop at the center stocked with donated jewelry, accessories, and knick-knacks, and they're always looking for new volunteers. If you'd like to get involved, ask at the front desk.

MySeniorCenter Check-In Lottery

Every member of the Marlborough Senior Center is issued a key fob to check in when they visit. These check-ins generate data used for grant applications — proving attendance and program demand in a way that protects the center's funding.

To encourage participation, the center is running a check-in lottery: the member who registers as the 2,026th check-inwins a Wi-Fi-enabled tablet. The contest started in early February 2026 and is already well underway.

Technology Help

Struggling with your phone or tablet? The center offers two options:

• Asabet Valley Regional Technical School students visit once a month to assist seniors with personal devices — bring in your phone or tablet for one-on-one help

• Tech Club meets Friday afternoons in the computer room, led by a senior volunteer

Seniors on the Go: The Center's Monthly Newsletter

The Marlborough Senior Center publishes Seniors on the Go, a monthly guide to all upcoming programs and events. Copies are available at the center and can be mailed to your home for $10/year. It's also available digitally — ask at the front desk for details.

How to Get In Touch

Marlborough Senior Center Contact the center directly to:

• Book a free tax preparation appointment

• Apply for SHINE Medicare counseling

• Inquire about the SCRIPT tax work-off program

• Connect with Lisa Martino about fuel assistance, SNAP, or home services

• Register for fitness classes, programs, or the CPR certification course

• Speak with Volunteer Coordinator Kathy Murphy about volunteer opportunities

Community Connections airs on WMCT-TV, Marlborough's community media station. To watch the full episode featuring Ryan Malyar and Trish Pope, visit wmc-tv.com or tune in on your local channel.

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