ONGOING PROGRAMS
Join the SCOA’s email group – The email group is for Somerville Council on Aging Seniors and / or Caregivers who are interested in the latest information on resources, events, programming, etc…in and around the Somerville area. Use the link https://groups.google.com/group/somerville-council-on-aging – If you have any questions or need help joining please contact Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email dhiggins@Somervillema.gov
Ageless Grace – Ageless Grace, the Council on Aging’s new Fitness class for the body and mind. A 5-week series, held at 4:00 p.m. at the Holland Street Center – the Ageless Grace program is an innovative wellness and fitness program done seated in a chair to upbeat music. Classes are playful, imaginative and different every time. All the movements are designed to focus on the healthy longevity of the body and the brain. Contact Chris at 617-625-6600 ext. 2315 for more information and to sign up. Cost is $20.00 for 5 classes!
Yoga – Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. A 5-week Yoga series is a low-impact and easy-to-follow paced program that lets you stretch and relax to help start your day. Contact Chris at 617-625-6600 ext. 2315 for more information and to sign up. Cost is $20.00 for 5 classes!
Silver Alert Program – The Somerville Council on Aging with the Somerville Police Department have implemented a program to take a proactive approach towards protecting some of Somerville’s most vulnerable citizens who suffer with serious cognitive impairments that put them at risk for wandering and getting lost. The Silver Alert Program is designed to collect specific information about a potential missing person, along with photo identification. This confidential information will be kept on file for immediate use in the event a loved one is reported missing. Please contact the SCOA at 617-625-6600, ext. 2300 for additional information or to register.
Free Smoke Alarm / Carbon Monoxide Detectors – The Somerville Council on Aging, The Health & Human Services Department partnering with The Somerville Fire Department are offering free smoke alarm / carbon monoxide detectors (they are one unit) to Somerville older adults and residents with a wide range of disabilities. To qualify you must be an older adult, 60 years of age or older, and live in Somerville (own or rent) or a Somerville resident with a disability (Photoelectric Alarms with ADA Compliant Strobe Light are available.) There is a brief application that will need to be filled out, signed and returned. Please contact Debby Higgins, Outreach Coordinator at the Somerville Council on Aging, at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 to request an application. Don’t delay calling. This program is on a first come / first serve basis and will be ending December 31, 2016. This is a Federally funded grant.
Free Groceries Every Month? You may be eligible for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program! CSFP is a once a month food distribution for individuals 60 years of age or older. You may be eligible to receive two free bags of food once a month containing healthy shelf stable products. Proof of identity and age are all that is required to apply. For more information or to apply please call 617-625-6600, ext. 2300 – applications are available at the front desk of our Holland Street Center.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Meet the Author – Wednesday, January 18th at our Holland Street Center from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Meet author Juliette Fay for a multi-media presentation based on her latest book, The Tumbling Turner Sisters. For additional information or to RSVP please call Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321.
Afternoon at the Movies – Tuesday, January 24th at our Holland Street Center starting at 12:30 p.m. This month’s movie is “Sully” starring Tom Hanks. RSVP to Josephine at 617-625-6600, ext. 2300.
Painting with Linda – Fridays, January 27th, February 3rd and February 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. $15 fee for supplies and materials – space is limited – registration is a must – please call Josephine or Connie at 617-625-6600, ext. 2300.
Highlander Café Luncheon – Tuesday, January 31st at the SHS Highlander Café. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. – chicken parm or baked haddock – $10 fee – RSVP to Connie at 617-625-6600, ext. 2300
Powers Music School – Thursday, February 2nd at our Holland Street Center at 10:30 a.m. “Benny and Beyond” with jazz duo, Todd Brunel on clarinet and Joe Reid on paino. RSVP by calling 617-625-6600 ext. 2300.
Monthly Breakfast – Monday, February 6th at Culinary Arts located at Somerville High School – 9:30 a.m. – $2 per person – Senior Medicare Patrol Program – Must RSVP by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2300
Meet the Assessor – Wednesday, February 8th – 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at our Holland Street Center – Question & Answer Session with City Assessor Marc Levy – a light lunch will be served – RSVP by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2300
Grandparent’s Day – Wednesday, February 22nd at our Holland Street Center – 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – lunch, art project and movie – You do not need grandchildren to come and enjoy the day. All are welcome – RSVP by calling Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2300
Diabetes Shoe Clinic – Tuesday, April 18th at our Holland Street Center from 9:00 a.m. to noontime. If you have Medicare and diabetes you should be eligible for a free pair of diabetes shoes every year. An appointment is a must so please call Natasha at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317 to schedule yours.
Happy Wedding Anniversary – Monday, April 24th at 11:30 a.m. at the Somerville Holiday Inn located on 30 Washington Street. Are you a married couple celebrating 50 years or more of marriage? The SCOA is looking for couples to come celebrate this joyous occasion. We will be hosting an Anniversary Luncheon. Please call 617-625-6600, ext. 2300 to get on the list to join the festivities.
LGBTQ EVENTS
LGBTQ Advisory Group –This group meets quarterly in the conference room of our Holland Street Center at 4:30 p.m. and run for one hour. We are always looking for new members who would like to serve on the Advisory Group. Please call Debby Higgins, Outreach Coordinator at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email dhiggins@Somervillema.gov if you have any questions or if you should need additional information.
*If you require additional information or have any questions regarding the LGBTQ events or the Advisory Group, please call 617-625-6600 Ext. 2300
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
Somerville Council on Aging LGBTQ Group
2017 Advisory Dates 4:30-5:30pm at 167 Holland Street
March 13th
July 10th
October 16th
2017 Event Dates
April 27th – Health Fair @ Holland St. Center 4:30-6:00pm
June 2nd – Dance @ The Holiday Inn 6pm
September 18th- TBA
December 18th – TBA
For more information contact Debby Higgins, Outreach Coordinator at
617-625-6600 ext. 2321 or dhiggins@somervillema.gov
WEEKLY EXERCISE CLASS SCHEDULE
Holland Street Center= (H)Ralph & Jenny Center= (JR)Cross Street Center=(C)
Mondays:
9:15 Keep Moving Walking Club (H) (on Hiatus till spring)
10:00 Bike Club (Weather dependent – call for information)
1:00 Fit-4-Life Group C (H)
4:00 Ageless Grace (H) (5 week series – call for information)
Tuesdays:
9:15 Strengthening – $3 per class (H)
11:15 Fit-4-Life (C)
6:00 LBT Fit-4-Life* (H)
Wednesdays:
8:45 Fit-4-Life Group A (H) – Exercise
9:00 Fit-4-Life Group B (H) – Nutrition
10:00 Fit-4-Life Group B (H) – Exercise
10:00 Fit-4-Life Group A (H) – Nutrition
12:00 Fit-4-Life Group C (H) – Nutrition
1:00 Fit-4-Life Group C (H) – Exercise
5:15 Zumba for All – $3 per class (H)
Thursdays:
9:00 Yoga (H) (5 week series – call for information)
9:30 Strengthening – $3 per class (RJ)
11:15 Fit-4-Life (C)
6:00 LBT Fit-4-Life*(H)
Fridays:
8:45 Fit-4-Life Group A (H) – Exercise
10:00 Fit-4-Life Group B (H) – Exercise
10:00 Fit-4-Life Group A (H) – Nutrition
*All Fit-4-Life classes are $10 per month and require pre-registration
One-on-one nutrition is on hiatus until further notice.
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 all centers will be closed on Monday, January 16th in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The trip to the Kentucky Derby is sold out. There is a waiting list if you would like your name placed on the waiting list please call Connie at 617-625-6600, ext. 2300
The Cupid Super Bingo at Ralph & Jenny is sold out.
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 volunteer, Norbert DeAmato, 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.
Low Vision Support Group – Meets the second (2nd) Tuesday of each month from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M. Our Social Worker, Natasha Naim, 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 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 third Friday of each month from 10:00 to 11:30 A.M. This group self-facilitates. 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. Please call 617-625-6600, ext. 2300 if additional information is needed.
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.” Call 617-625-6600, ext. 2300 if additional information is needed.
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.
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!
Bereavement Support Group – Meets bi-monthly on Mondays from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. at our Holland Street Center. Social Worker, Natasha Naim, facilitates this group. Please call 617-625-6600, ext. 2300 and ask for Natasha.
De-cluttering support group: – If you have concerns around your clutter, this group may be for you. This closed group meets both in spring and fall for 6-8 weeks. This group is co-facilitated by Natasha Naim and Marina Colonas. For more information, please call Natasha at 617-625-6600 ext. 2300.
Women’s Group: – Coming soon. For more information, please call Natasha at 617-625-6600 ext. 2300.
*All these groups meet at our Holland Street Center located at 167 Holland Street
English Conversation – Meets every Monday, Tuesday & Thursday beginning at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at our Cross Street Center located at 165 Broadway. Maureen Bastardi, Program Coordinator 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. Please contact Maureen at 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 for additional information.
Arts & Crafts – Meets every Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at our Cross Street Center located at 165 Broadway. Join us in a relaxing atmosphere as we learn about a wide range of arts & crafts from weaving to watercolor pencils. Maureen Bastardi, Program Coordinator facilitates this group. Please call Maureen at 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 to sign up or for additional information.
**These groups meet at our Cross Street Center located at 165 Broadway
Tax information for Seniors
Tax Clauses to be aware of:
Tax Deferral, Clause 41A:
Taxpayers should be aware of a significant change to the Tax Deferral, Clause 41A program put forth by the Mayor and approved by the Board of Aldermen in FY 2016. Clause 41A allows those 65 and older to defer up to 100% of their property taxes until such time that the property is sold or upon the death of the applicant. Prior to FY 2016, deferred taxes were assessed an annual interest charge of 8% and an applicant’s income could not exceed $40,000. With the change enacted by the City, the interest rate has been lowered to 4% per year and income limit has been increased to the maximum allowed at $56,000.
Additional eligibility requirements include ownership and occupancy in the Somerville property for 5 years and age 65 by the July 1 previous to the start of the new fiscal year. Applications must be filed annually by no later than 3 months after the issuance of the actual bill. Deadline for filing is April 1 unless the first falls on a weekend in which case the deadline is the next business day.
Qualifying for the deferral does not prevent an applicant the ability to qualify for other exemptions such as an elderly (clause 41C or 17D), veteran (clause 22), or other. Applicants should know that the deferral places a lien on the property and requires payment of the deferred taxes upon sale of the home or the passing of the applicant. However, for those with limited income and ability to make annual property tax payments, the program offers a viable alternative for managing property tax payments and finances in general.
Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit:
The senior circuit breaker tax credit is not granted by the Board of Assessors but allows a potential State income tax credit. Eligible taxpayers who own their Somerville homes may claim a credit equal to the amount that their property tax payments including 50% of their water and sewer charges for the year exceed 10% of their total income for that tax year. Income limits and maximum assessed value limits are adjusted each year by the State.
To qualify for calendar 2015, taxpayers had to be 65 on or before December 31, 2015. Income could not exceed $57,000 for single persons, $85,000 for married filing jointly, and $71,000 for head of household. Assessed value (full value excluding residential exemption valuation reduction) could not exceed $693,000. In calendar 2015, the credit could not exceed $1,070.
As an example for illustration only, note the following:
Calendar 2015 property taxes plus 50% of water and sewer charges = $6,000
Calendar 2015 income = $50,000 X 10% = – $5,000
Credit on State income tax = $1,000
All taxpayers are urged to check with their accountant and/or read State income tax guidelines carefully. Interested seniors can find more information at mass.gov/dor/seniors
Hardship, Clause 18:
The hardship exemption allows the Board of Assessors to grant up to a full property exemption for taxpayers who by reason of age, infirmity, and poverty, are in the judgement of the Assessors unable to contribute fully to their tax liability. The Board may also grant an exemption based upon a financial hardship resulting from a change to active military status.
Additional requirements include ownership and occupancy of the property as of the July 1 for the fiscal year in question. The applicant must be an individual and not a business entity or corporation. All co-owners must independently qualify for the exemption to be granted. Unlike deferral clauses, there is no lien placed on the property and no pay back of abated taxes. Deadline for filing is April 1 unless the first falls on a weekend or holiday in which case the deadline is the next business day.
Temporary Hardship, Clause 18A:
The temporary hardship exemption gives taxpayers the ability to defer up to 100% of their property taxes. To qualify, taxpayers, regardless of age, must have a demonstrated financial hardship and lack the resources to pay the taxes because of unemployment, illness, change to active military status, or other reason as determined by the Assessors. Applicants may defer all or part of their property taxes for up to three consecutive years.
The deferred taxes plus interest must be paid with the first of up to five annual installments due two years after the last year of the deferral. If the property is sold or upon the passing of the applicant during the deferral period, taxes plus interest must be paid as well.
Additional requirements include ownership and occupancy as of July 1 for the fiscal year in question and Massachusetts residency for the preceding 10 years. Deadline for filing is April 1 unless the first falls on a weekend or holiday in which case the deadline is the next business day.
Applicants should know that the deferral places a lien on the property. However, for those with limited income and ability to make annual property tax payments, the program offers a viable alternative for managing property tax payments and finances in general.
Need assistance with your residential taxes? You have until Monday, April 3, 2017 to file for FY Statutory Exemptions or Deferral. Please call the City’s Assessor’s office at 617-625-6600, ext. 3100 or email at assessing@somerville.gov
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, to confirm a center’s hours of operation or to make a reservation! 617-625-6600 ext. 2300. Stay for lunch and receive free transportation.
Holland Street Senior Center: located at 167 Holland Street
(between Davis Square and Teele Square)
Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Fridays: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
617-625-6600 Ext. 2300
__________________________________________________________________
Cross Street Center: located at 165 Broadway
(East Somerville)
Mondays & Tuesdays – 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Thursdays – 9:00 a.m. to 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. – 2:30 P.M.
(617) 666-5223
__________________________________________________________________
Main Office: located at 167 Holland Street
(between Davis Square and Teele Square.)
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Monday, January 16th
All Centers Closed
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, January 17th
10:00 English Conversation (C)
11:30 Lunch (C, RJ)
12:00 Computer tutorial with Norbert (H) (by appointment only)
12:45 Bingo (RJ)
6:00 Caregivers Support (H)
Wednesday, January 18th
9:00 Bowling at Flatbreads
11:30 Lunch (RJ)
12:45 Bingo (RJ)
Thursday, January 19th
10:00 Current Events (H)
10:00 English Conversation (C)
10:00 Blood Pressure Screening (H)
11:00 Computer tutorial with Barbara (H) (by appointment only)
11:30 Lunch (C,H,RJ)
12:45 Bingo (H, RJ)
1:00 Arts & Crafts (C)
Friday, January 20th
10:00 Book Club (H)
11:30 Lunch (H)
11:45 Bingo (H)
Monday, January 23rd
9:30 Veteran’s Group (H)
10:00 English Conversation (C)
11:30 Lunch (C)
Tuesday, January 24th
10:00 English Conversation (C)
11:30 Lunch (C)
11:30 Pizza & Movie (H)
12:00 Computer tutorial with Norbert (H) (by appointment only)
Wednesday, January 25th
9:00 Bowling at Flatbreads
11:30 Lunch (RJ)
12:45 Bingo (RJ)
4:30 Bingo (H)
Thursday, January 26th
9:00 Community Food Program (RJ)
10:00 Current Events (H)
10:00 English Conversation (C)
11:00 Computer tutorial with Barbara (H) (by appointment only)
11:30 Lunch (C, RJ)
12:45 Bingo (RJ)
1:00 Arts & Crafts (C)
Friday, January 27th
10:00 Painting with Linda (H)
11:30 Lunch (H)
11:45 Bingo (H)
Monday, January 30th
10:00 English Conversation (C)
11:30 Lunch (C)
Tuesday, January 31st
10:00 Senior Housing 101 (H)
10:00 English Conversation (C)
11:30 Lunch (C, RJ)
12:00 Computer tutorial with Norbert (H) (by appointment only)
12:45 Bingo (RJ)
DID YOU KNOW?
We have a Facebook page. Check us out at http://www.facebook.com/somervilleCOA
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.