The Council on Aging recently celebrated the retirement of Cindy Hickey, longtime director and advocate for older adults and welcomed Ashley Speliotis, LICSW, ME.d, CCM, as interim director. Cindy dedicated her career to enriching the lives of seniors through education, physical exercise and social programming. While she will be dearly missed the council is continuing with her tradition of providing comprehensive programming to Somerville’s seniors.
While the COA is not yet having face to face meetings, their Social Workers are available to assist with concerns regarding food insecurity, health insurance and caregiver support. Exercise, yoga, and music and movement groups are being brought to you on our cable stations and Zoom and their outreach workers are connecting with residents daily through friendly calls and innovative programming.
Council on Aging staff are available Mondays thru Wednesdays, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Thursdays 8:30 AM-6:30 PM and Fridays 8:30 AM-1:30 AM.
Join our Email Lists
If you would like to receive a virtual copy of our monthly newsletter and daily tips please contact Maureen Bastardi at 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 or email Maureen at MBastardi@Somervillema.gov
If you would like to become part of our Google Group please contact Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at DHiggins@Somervillema.gov
Social Services
Looking for a way to practice social distancing but still remain connected to other people? Look no further than the Somerville Council on Aging’s Friendly Phone Caller program. We have many wonderful volunteers who are waiting to give you a call. Whether you are looking to make a new friend or would just like a friendly chat to look forward to every week, this program has you covered. Call Natasha at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317 to learn more about the program and to sign up.
Facebook
Stay connected via our Facebook page – often updated by Debby or Maureen. Informative, entertaining, lots of photos and updates. Visit our page at https://www.facebook.com/SomervilleCOA/Exercise
Exercise Schedule
Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. = Fit-4-Life Zoom exercise
Thursdays 1:00 .p.m. = Fit-4-Life Zoom Exercise
Thursdays 6:30 p.m. = LBT Fit-4-Life Zoom Exercise
Somerville City Cable
RCN = 13/Comcast = 22
The Fit-4-Life Exercise Show = Daily at 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Fit-4-Life YouTube
Fit-4-Life Exercise Video # 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hd26HjpwBI&t=68s
Fit-4-Life Exercise Video #2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwHfyoEZaws&t=247s
Fit-4-Life Exercise Video #3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcI2eBSS024&t=158s
Yoga YouTube
Yoga with Janine video #1 = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDGF_EEbqF0&t=130s
For questions or to register for a Fit-4-Life Zoom exercise class, please contact Chris at CKowaleski@somervillema.gov or call 617-625-6600, ext. ????
Goody Bags for Seniors
Please join us to reach out to Somerville Seniors who need a little sunshine. We are looking for donations of new games, puzzles, arts & crafts supplies, books or any other fun items. Items can be dropped off at the Holland Street Center located at 167 Holland Street from July 29th to August 7th. There will be a box inside the vestibule. The items will be used to create goody bags for seniors. For more information please contact Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or DHiggins@Somervillema.govEmployees
All employees can be reached by calling the city number at 617-625-6600 and ask for the extensions listed below.
Ashley E. Speliotis, LICSW, ME.d, CCM Ext. 2310
Interim Director ASpeliotis@Somervillema.gov
Connie Lorenti Ext. 2319
Administrative Assistant CLorenti@Somervillema.gov
Chris Kowaleski Ext. 2315
Health & Wellness Coordinator CKowaleski@Somervillema.gov
Natasha Naim, LICSW Ext. 2317
Social Worker NNaim@Somervillema.gov
Debby Higgins Ext. 2321
Outreach Coordinator DHiggins@Somervillema.gov
Maureen Bastardi Ext. 2335
Program Coordinator MBastardi@Somervillema.gov
Josephine Raczkowski Ext. 2300
Administrative Assistant JRaczkowski@Somervillema.gov
Judy Calvey Ext. 2325
Holland Street & Ralph & Jenny Director JCalvey@Somervillema.gov