Somerville Council on Aging Weekly Organizational Updates & Information

October 2, 2015 thesomervillenewsweekly Leave a comment

UPCOMING EVENTS

Attention! The Summer hiatus is over! Bowling, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Yoga and Walking Group are back! Please call Chris Kowaleski at 617-625-6600 ext. 2300 for more information on any of our Health & Wellness programs, start dates and times and for registration.

The Moonlighters are back – starting Monday, September 14th and running through June, 2016 – Somerville’s Swinging Singing Seniors will be meeting at our Holland Street Center from 10:30 – 11:30 every Monday. The group will not meet on Monday, October 12th (Columbus Day Holiday) or on October 19th (special event—Center closed.) Sing One – Sing All – Please contact Connie at 617-625-6600 ext. 2300 if you require additional information.

The Farmers Market runs until Friday, October 30th. The Mobile Farmers Market will be at the Holland Street Center every Friday from 10:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. The Somerville Mobile Farmers Market sells fresh, local and reasonably priced produce. Anyone using SNAP or WIC receives a 50% discount. Cash, credit, debt & farmers market coupons accepted.

Foundations of Knowledge Lecture Series – Monday, October 5th, 10:30 A.M. in the Holland Street conference room. This lecture is “How Making Art Accessible Builds Community” featuring Gregory Jenkins, Executive Director of the Somerville Arts Council. Foundations of Knowledge is an educational program that brings a series of low-cost, themed lectures to you each month. A nominal fee of $20. will include five, one-hour long lectures. Or, if you prefer to take in a variety of different subjects, each lecture we present costs $5. For details and information, please contact Janine Lotti at 617-625-6600 ext. 2300.

Drop-in Creativity, Wednesday October 7th and Wednesday, October 21st at our Cross Street Center located at 165 Broadway – 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. Local artist, Emily Bhargava, from Connectionlab will host these “make & take” sessions. Working with art materials generously donated by The Beautiful Stuff Project in East Somerville all you have to bring is your creativity and enthusiasm – these events are free. Please contact Janine at 617-625-6600, ext. 2325 for more information. (Flyer sent under separate cover.)

Annual Health & Wellness Fair—Thursday, October 15th, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Holland Street. ALL CENTERS CLOSED FOR REGULAR PROGRAMMING. The day will include: hearing screening, blood pressure screening, meditation and aromatherapy, healthy eating information, FLU SHOT clinic, food samples, demos, raffles and giveaways. Keynote speakers: John Brusch, MD, and Daphne Schneider, MD. Breakfast, lunch and transportation will be provided. YOU MUST RSVP by calling 617-625-6600 ext. 2300 (Flyer sent 9-29-15 & again today) . (Wording on this has changed – if you have been using the cut & paste function. )

Berklee College of Music – Fabulous array of vocal, cabaret and instrumental performances – dates are as follows:

Monday, October 19th “A Tribute to Jazz, Blues and Good News – 4:00 P.M.

Thursday, October 22nd “Strings and Things” – 4:00 P.M.

Tuesday, November 3rd “Vox One” – 7:30 P.M.

Tuesday, November 10th “Berklee in the Round” – 7:00 P.M.

Monday, December 14th: “Backgrounds and Beyond” – 4:00 P.M.

Tuesday, December 15th “Berklee Marimba Concert” – 3:30 P.M.

These events are free & pre-registration is required. Very limited seating. Please call Janine Lotti at 617- 625-6600, ext. 2300 for details and to sign up. (Flyer sent under separate cover.) (Wording and events have changed – if you are using the cut & paste function.)

Fiore’s Restaurant – Tuesday, October 20th – Join us for a delicious lunch (meal choice chicken parmesan, salmon or eggplant parmesan. A fee of $28. includes lunch and transportation. Check in times are 10:45 A.M. at our Holland Street Center and 11:00 A.M. at our Ralph & Jenny with an approximate return time of 3:00 P.M. This will sell out fast so please call Connie at 617-625-6600, ext. 2300 to reserve your spot. (Flyer sent under separate cover.)

Yoga – Starting on Thursday, October 29th from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. and running for 5 weeks (October 29th, November 5th, 12th & 19th and December 3rd) at our Holland Street Center. This is a class for all levels and there is a $20. fee. You MUST RSVP – space is limited – please call 617-625-6600, ext. 2300 to register or if you should have any questions. (Flyer sent under separate cover.)

Foxwoods / Let’s Make A Deal – Wednesday, October 28th, Check in times are 7:00 A.M. at Holland Street and 7:15 A.M. at Ralph & Jenny with an approximate return time of 8:00 P.M. $25. for casino only / $47. for casino and Let’s Make A Deal – Trip included $10. bonus slot and $10. buffet. Please contact Connie at 617-625-6600, ext. 2300 to reserve your spot or if you have any questions. (Flyer attached)

Danversport Yacht Club – Italian Festival – Wednesday, October 21st – Departing our Holland Street Center at 10:15 A.M. and our Ralph & Jenny Center at 10:30 A.M. with an approximate return time of 4:30 P.M. A fee of $77. includes transportation, lunch (Chicken Parmesan with Penne Pasta or Baked Scrod, soft cheese & crackers, salad, rolls/bread, mashed potatoes, dessert, coffee/tea) and Fran Zarba and Ray Covicchio will entertain us with Italian songs. Please contact Connie at 617-625-6600 ext. 2300 to reserve your spot or if you have any questions.

Manhattan Dolls at the Common Man Inn – Tuesday, November 10th – Plymouth, NH – For a fee of $81.- you have a choice between Yankee Pot Roast or Baked Meat Lasagna includes, bread, salad, pasta salad, mashed potatoes, vegetables, homemade cheesecake, coffee and tea. Then the Manhattan Dolls will sing through the decades, from the 30s to the 60s. Check in is 8:45 A.M. at our Holland Street Center and 9:00 A.M. at our Ralph & Jenny Center with an approximate return time of 5:00 P.M. Please contact Connie or Kim at 617-625-6600 ext. 2300 to reserve your spot or if you should have any questions.

Thanksgiving Dinner with Mayor Curtatone – Saturday, November 14th – at the Holiday Inn on Washington Street – 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. – doors open at 3:45 P.M. – To sign up please call Connie at 617-625-6600 ext. 2300.

A Christmas Carol –Tuesday, December 1st – At the Four Points Sheraton in Norwood. Be entertained by a performance of A Christmas Carol as Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of Christmases, Past, Present and Future. Meal choices are Holiday Chicken with Potato and Vegetable or Baked Meat Lasagna – includes: salad, bread, dessert, coffee and tea. Departing our Holland Street Center at 9:30 A.M. and our Ralph & Jenny Center at 10:00 A.M. with an approximate return time of 5:00 P.M. For additional information or to reserve your spot please contact Connie or Kim at 617-625-6600 ext. 2300.

Third Annual Multicultural Day at Cross Street Center—Thursday, 3rd, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Learn more about the many languages, music, foods, and cultures of Somerville’s older adults. Call Janine at (617) 625-6600, ext. 2325 for more information or to sign up.
La Salette Shrine – Thursday, December 17th – departing Holland Street at 9:30 A.M. and our Ralph & Jenny Center at 10:00 A.M. with an approximate return time of 8:00 P.M. There is a $40.- fee which includes transportation, a chicken dinner with all the fixings at Wright’s Chicken Farm, Father Pat’s concert (an hour of traditional holiday music), and the amazing Festival of Lights. Please call Connie at 617-625-6600 ext. 2300 to reserve your spot.

LGBTQ EVENTS

Please note that we are now known as the LGBTQ

LGBTQ Advisory Group – Will not be meeting in October due to the Columbus Day Holiday. We are looking for new members and would love to have you as part of our group. This group meets the 2nd Monday of every month excluding City Holidays and snow emergencies.

LGBTQ Monthly Lunch –Will not be happening in October due to the Columbus Day Holiday. This lunch happens the 2nd Monday of every month excluding City Holidays and snow emergencies.

LGBTQ Monthly “Movies To Come Out To” – Monday, October 19th – 5:30 P.M. in the Atrium of our Holland Street Center. Yet to be determined dinner & movie. This event happens the 3rd Monday of every month excluding City Holidays and snow emergencies.

*If you require additional information or have any questions regarding the LGBT Lunch, Dinner & Movie or the Advisory Group please contact Maureen Bastardi at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2316 or email her at MBastardi@Somervillema.gov

LBT Women Fit-4-Life – Fitness and Nutrition Classes. Classes are Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting at 6:00 P.M. $10 a month fee – scholarships available & it just might be covered under your insurance. We have available slots and would love to have you. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact our Health & Wellness Coordinator, Chris Kowaleski at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2300.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Friendly Caller Program

Do you know someone who could benefit from a friendly call? Maybe you are feeling isolated and want someone to talk to – or you just want someone to listen. Please call Natasha at 617-625-6600 ext. 2300 to sign up for our “Friendly Caller” Program.

Please note that all our Centers are closed on Monday, October 5th, Columbus Day.

Please note our Ralph & Jenny Center will be closed on Thursday, October 8th.

Please note that our Ralph & Jenny Center will be serving lunch only (at 11:30 A.M.) on Wednesday, October 21st and Wednesday, October 28th.

Halloween Super Bingo scheduled at our Ralph & Jenny Center for Wednesday, October 7th is SOLD OUT.

The trip to Hart’s Turkey Farm, “Turkey Train”, scheduled for October 8th is SOLD OUT.

The Halloween Celebration at the Winter Hill Yacht Club scheduled for Monday, October 19th is SOLD OUT.

The trip to New York City scheduled for November 7th & 8th is SOLD OUT.

The Holiday celebration at the Winter Hill Yacht Club scheduled for Monday, December 14th is BOOKED SOLID.

The trip to Atlantic City scheduled for January 10th, 11th & 12th of 2016 is SOLD OUT.

Please note that the Monday morning Fit-4-Life Walking / Talking Group is now scheduled to start at 9:00 A.M. for the next seven weeks.

Bowling at Flatbreads has resumed on Wednesdays at 1:00 P.M

GROUP INFORMATION*

Men’s Group – Meets the first Tuesday of each month from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M. This group is facilitated by our volunteer, Norbert DeAmato. Are you recently retired? Looking to connect with other men in the community? Join our men’s group where you can connect with old friends and make new ones. All men 55 and over are welcome. Come chat about what is on your mind! If you have any questions or require additional information, please give us a call at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2300.
Caregiver Support Group – Meets the third Tuesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. Our Social Worker, Natasha Naim, facilitates this group. Are you caring for a parent, relative, spouse or close friend? Feeling isolated or overwhelmed? You are not alone! Come share your experience and practical support. Open to all and new members are always welcome. If you are interested in joining, have any questions or require additional information please call 617-625-6600 Ext. 2300 and ask to speak to Natasha.
Veterans Group – Meets the third Monday of each month from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. Our Social Worker, Suzanne Norton, facilitates this group. Are you a veteran? The Veterans Group is the perfect opportunity to socialize, have solidarity, to reminisce and to meet other veterans. If you are interested or require additional information, please call 617-625-6600 Ext. 2300 and ask for Suzanne.
Low Vision Support Group – Meets the second (2nd) Tuesday of each month from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M. Our Social Worker, Suzanne Norton, facilitates this group. Do you know someone who has trouble seeing? Do you have low vision? Join our Low Vision Support Group for educational and informative information and peer support in a confidential environment. Lunch and transportation may be available on request. Please call Suzanne at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2300 if you are interested in attending, have any questions or require additional information.
Current Events Group – Meets every Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Our Social Worker, Natasha Naim, facilitates this group. Join a group of your peers to discuss current events. Please call Natasha at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2300 for additional information or if you have any questions.
Book Club – Meets the first Friday of each month from 10:00 to 11:30 A.M. Senior Project Manager, Janine Lotti, facilitates this group. Group members choose both fiction and non-fiction titles on a quarterly basis. Books are available on reserve at the Central Branch of the Somerville Library. Contact Janine at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2321 or JLotti@Somervillema.gov if you require additional information.
Gardening Club – Meets the second Monday of each month starting at 9:00 A.M. and running for an hour most times. Our volunteer, Vilma Sullivan, facilitates this group. A different topic each month ranging from gardening tips & secrets to inexpensive “greenhouses.” Please contact Senior Project Manager, Janine Lotti at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2321 or JLotti@Somervillema.gov if you have any questions or require additional information.
The Moonlighters – Meets every Monday at 10:30 A.M. and runs September through June. Led by Somerville Youth Arts Coordinator, Jimmy DelPonte, the Moonlighters are an older version of the SunSetters. If you like to sing then this group is for you. Sometimes taking their skills on the road. Contact our main office at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2300 if you should require additional information.
Brain Games – Meets the first Tuesday of each month starting at 10:00 A.M. This group is facilitated by our volunteers Eileen Jones & Jan Ciganelli. Engaging as a group in brain healthy activities. Proven that keeping the mind active can actually reverse the signs of aging and improve memory and cognitive functioning. Contact the main office at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2300 to sign up!
Senior Housing 101 –Meets the last Tuesday of every month from 10:00 to 11:30 A.M. Social Worker, Natasha Naim will be facilitating this group. Participants can learn about the range of options that older adults have when thinking about where to live. Please call Natasha at 617-625-6600 ext. 2317 to sign up!
*All these groups meet at our Holland Street Center located at 167 Holland Street

English Conversation – Meets every Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday beginning at 10 a.m. at our Cross Street Center located at 165 Broadway. Janine Lotti, Senior Projects Manager and Sandy Francis, Cross Street Center Volunteer, work together to facilitate this group. No books, no tests, no stress – just a great group of older adults from all over the world who help each other to listen, speak and learn English. Continue conversation throughout a healthy lunch.

CENTER LOCATIONS, TIMES & SCHEDULES

Welcome to our centers! Everyone 55+ is encouraged to join us for fitness, culture, films, lunch and bingo. Our centers are open to everyone from Somerville and surrounding communities. Check out our calendar and give us a call with any questions or to make a reservation! 617-625-6600 ext. 2300. Stay for lunch and receive free transportation.

Holland Street: located at 167 Holland Street

(between Davis Square and Teele Square)

*Monday through Friday 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

617-625-6600 Ext. 2300

*Our Holland Street Center will be serving lunch on Monday, Thursday & Fridays only until further notice.

Cross Street Center: located at 165 Broadway

(East Somerville)

Tuesday through Thursday 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

(617) 625-6600 Ext. 2335

__________________________________________________________________

Ralph and Jenny Center: located at 9 New Washington Street,

(behind the Holiday Inn)

Tuesday through Thursday 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. (Please note time change)

(617) 666-5223

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

Monday, October 5th

9:00 Walking & Talking Group (H)

9:30 Monthly Breakfast (H)

10:00 Movie – Max (RJ)

10:30 Lecture / Foundation of Knowledge (H)

11:00 Let’s Get Healthy with Mimi (RJ)

11:30 Lunch (H)

12:00 Nutrition Counseling with Mimi (H)

Tuesday, October 6th

10:00 Cards (RJ)

10:00 English Conversation (C)

10:00 Scarves for Soldiers (RJ)

10:30 Men’s Group (H)

11:30 Lunch (RJ)

12:00 English Conversation (C)

12:00 Computer tutorial with Norbert (by appointment only) (H)

12:30 Lunch (C)

12:45 Bingo (RJ)

Wednesday, October 7th

10:00 Cards (RJ)

10:00 Let’s Get Healthy with Mimi (H)

11:00 Halloween Super Bingo (RJ)

11:30 Lunch (H)

12:00 Lunch (C)

1:00 Drop-In Creativity (C)

1:00 Bowling at Flatbreads

Thursday, October 8th

10:00 Current Events (H)

10:00 English Conversation (C)

11:00 Computer tutorial with Barbara (by appointment only) (H)

11:30 Lunch (H)

12:00 English Conversation (C)

12:30 Lunch (C)

12:45 Bingo (H)

Turkey Train Day Trip

Ralph & Jenny Center Closed

Friday, October 9th

10:30 Farmers Market (H)

11:00 Nutrition Counseling with Mimi (H)

11:30 Lunch (H)

12:45 Bingo (H)

Monday, October 12th

All Centers Closed

Columbus Day

Tuesday, October 13th

10:00 Cards (RJ)

10:00 English Conversation (C)

10:00 Scarves for Soldiers (RJ)

10:30 Low Vision Support Group (H)

11:30 Lunch (RJ)

12:00 English Conversation (C)

12:00 Computer tutorial with Norbert (by appointment only) (H)

12:30 Lunch (C)

12:45 Bingo (RJ)

Wednesday, October 14th

10:00 Cards (RJ)

10:00 English Conversation (C)

11:30 Lunch (H, RJ)

12:00 Lunch (C)

12:45 Bingo (RJ)

1:00 Bowling at Flatbreads

Supper & Bingo at HAFB

Thursday, October 15th

9:00 – 12:00 Health & Wellness Fair (H)

12:45 Bingo (H) Following the Health & Wellness Fair

All other centers closed

Friday, October 16th

10:30 Farmers Market (H)

11:00 Nutrition Counseling with Mimi (H)

11:30 Lunch (H)

12:45 Bingo (H)

Aidekman Arts Center

DID YOU KNOW?

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You can receive our monthly newsletter that is always filled with useful and important information. For a $5.00 yearly fee, you can receive it via the U.S. Postal service or a free version can be sent electronically. Please contact Connie at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2300 to sign up.