EVENTS

Bingo – Tuesdays at Ralph & Jenny Center starting at 10:00 a.m. and Thursdays at Holland Street starting at 10:00 a.m. Grab and Go lunch available following Bingo. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at DHiggins@Somervillema.gov

Project Outlook, Low Vision Group- 2nd Tuesday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Holland Street Center. Project Outlook is a group of residents with low or no vision who enjoy getting together for camaraderie and socialization. Project Outlook has been active for over 30 years. Come join in the conversation, we look forward to meeting you. For more information please contact Claudia at 857-237-1801.
Game Club –Mondays from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at our Ralph & Jenny Center located at 9 New Washington Street (behind the Holiday Inn.) Please join us as we play a wide variety of board and card games. Please RSVP to Maureen Bastardi at 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 or email Maureen at mbastardi@somervillema.gov .
General Nutrition Classes – In-person, Mondays at 12:30 p.m. at our Ralph & Jenny Center located at 9 New Washington Street and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center located at 167 Holland Street. Virtual classes are offered Monday at 11am via Zoom. New and returning members are welcome! To RSVP please call Mary Marshall at 617-625-6600, ext. 2316 or email her at headtofitness10@yahoo.com.
Walking Group –Fridays at 9:30 a.m. The walking group meets in front of the Holland Street Center and will enjoy walks through area neighborhoods. All classes and groups will be limited in participation and are weather permitting. Pre-registration is required. For additional information or to register for the program, contact Chris Kowaleski by email at ckowaleski@somervillema.gov or by phone at 617-625-6600 ext. 2315.
Fit-4-Life Exercise Classes—Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.—In-person, indoor at the Holland Street Center. Each class will focus on strength, balance and flexibility. Pre-registration is required as classes are limited; masks are required. Please contact Chris Kowaleski at 617-625-6600 ext. 2315 or email ckowaleski@somervillema.gov with any questions or for additional information.
Coffee & Conversation – Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – At the Ralph & Jenny Center located at 9 New Washington Street (behind the Holiday Inn.) Meet people from all over the world as we discuss a range of topics. No books – no test – just friendly conversation. This program is in person; pre-registration is required as space is limited. Please contact Maureen Bastardi at MBastardi@Somervillema.gov or 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 to RSVP.
Men’s Group – 2nd Tuesday of the month from 10:30 to 11:30 -Our popular men’s group is held on the second Tuesday of every month at the Holland St. Center. New and returning members are welcome. Please RSVP to Norbert DeAmato at ndeamato@hotmail.com

Bowling is Back – Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Flatbreads Company / Sacco Bowl Haven in Davis Square. For more information or to sign up please contact Debby at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Deb at Dhiggins@Somervillema.gov . Face coverings are required.
Yoga – In Person – Tuesday, April 5th & April 26th at 10:00 a.m. Easy-to-follow program lets you stretch and relax. Yoga provides modified, low-impact moves and easy-to-follow pacing for a healthy, active lifestyle. Please RSVP to Chris Kowaleski at 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Chris at CKowaleski@Somervillema.gov
Somerville’s Poet Laureate, Lloyd Schwartz – Wednesday, April 6th, 1:00 p.m. at the Ralph & Jenny Center located at 9 New Washington Street (behind the Holiday Inn.) The program will begin with a reading of “the Two Horses” a poem Schwartz wrote about his mother and the memories which she shared with him about her childhood. Following, Schwartz will guide you through writing about your own memory. To join us please RSVP to Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600 ext. 2321 or email dhiggins@somervillema.gov Grab & Go Lunch will be available after the program. This event is made possible by the Academy of American Poets with funds from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Coffee with the Chief of Police, Chief Charles Femino Friday, April 8th at the Holland Street Center 10:00 a.m. Join us for coffee and treats with Somerville Police Chief Femino and members of the Somerville Police Force. Please RSVP to Debby at 617-625-6600 ext. 2321 or dhiggins@somervillema.gov Grab & Go Lunch will be available after the conversation.

Line Dancing with Julie Kaufmann – Monday, April 11, 2022 at our Holland Street Center. No experience needed. For more information or to RSVP please call Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at DHiggins@Somervillema.gov

How to Help a Loved One Who Clutters – Wednesday, April 13th and Wednesday, May 18th from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at the Holland Street Center. Do you have someone in your life that is more than a little messy? Does their clutter prevent them from having better relationships with family and friends? If you find yourself in this situation and have a hard time talking to someone about their clutter, look no further than this two part seminar. On April 13th, we will discuss how to talk with someone who is hoarding. We will show you different techniques about how to engage them and their clutter in a productive manner. On May 18th we will discuss different resources available to someone who is looking for support with de-cluttering. To RSVP for the seminar, please contact Natasha at 617-625-6600 ext. 2317.
Mix It Up Mondays – Mondays, April 11, and April 25 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Holiday Street Center. Led by Tufts Occupational Therapy Interns. Take a stroll down memory lane and join us for afternoons of creativity and nostalgia. Participate in an array of activities like painting, creating poems and sharing recipes while socializing with your friends at SCOA! This series will culminate in a collection of tangible memories for you to treasure. RSVP to Chris by phone at 617-625-6600, ext. 2315, or email at ckowaleski@somervillema.gov ​
April Boxed Lunch Pick Up – Monday, April 11th starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Ralph & Jenny Center located at 9 New Washington Street (behind the Holiday Inn.) We hope you can stop by! Please reserve your lunch by calling Connie at 617-625-6600 ext. 2319.

Make Your Own Sea Glass Art – Wednesday, April 13th from 11:00 a.m. to noon at the Ralph & Jenny Center located at 9 New Washington Street (behind the Holiday Inn.) Interested in learning how to create some take-home art made out of sea glass? Perfect for decoration, for fun, or as a gift for a friend or family member. Come join Lowell Dorr and Local Artist Kate Parisi as they guide us in making great sea glass art. No need to bring anything – all materials provided for you. $7 per person for materials payable to Lowell and Kate at the start of class. Please RSVP in advance with Maureen Bastardi at 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 or email Maureen at MBastardi@Somervillema.gov – This event is SOLD OUT but you can put your name on the waiting list.

LGBTQ+ Social Group – Thursday, April 14th from 5:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. at the Holland Street Center located at 167 Holland Street. LGBTQ+ and allies are welcome. Come and join us for this social gathering. Meet and mingle with new people. RSVP to Maureen Bastardi at 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 or email Maureen at MBastardi@Somervillema.gov

Book Club – Friday, April 15th at 10:00 a.m. – Do you love books and want to discuss your love of reading with others? Consider joining book club. Group meets in person at 167 Holland St. and concurrently via Zoom. Please RSVP by calling Natasha Naim at 617-625-6600 or email Natasha at nnaim@somervillema.gov as space is limited.

Music & Movement – Thursday, April 21st at 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Join Steve as he plays guitar, sings and leads gentle movements. Just tapping your toe or singing along can help move your body in new ways. Being physically active is not just good for our bodies but it is also one of Mental Health America’s 10 tools to building resiliency; or the ability to overcome obstacles and manage through tough times. This program is in person, pre-registration is required as space is limited. Please RSVP to Debby at Dhiggins@Somervillema.gov or 617-625-6600 ext. 2321.

Left, Right, Center – Friday, April 22nd or Friday, April 29th at 10:00 a.m. at the Holland Street Center. Join us for this fun and interesting game. RSVP to Debby by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at DHiggins@Somervillema.gov

Caregiver Check-In – Tuesday, April 26th at 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Are you a caregiver for a loved one and want to connect with other caregivers? Would you like to discuss the joys and challenges of caregiving? The Somerville Council on Aging is hosting a monthly check-in via Zoom for caregivers. Please contact Natasha Naim by either calling 617-625-6600 ext. 2317 or e-mail Natasha at NNaim@Somervillema.gov.

Movie Matinee – Wednesday, April 27th at 10:00 a.m. at the Ralph and Jenny Center located at 9 New Washington Street (behind the Holiday Inn.) Showing will be: Throw Momma from the Train, starring Danny DeVito and Billy Crystal Long-suffering momma’s boy Owen has a mother who’s a cross between Quasimodo and the Wicked Witch. Owen’s friend Larry has female problems of his own. Can these hapless males help “eliminate” each other’s problems? Get ready for some of the funniest foul play on film. Please RSVP to Debby at 617-625-6600 ext 2321 or dhiggins@somervillema.gov Grab and Go Lunch Available after the Movie
Brown Bag Supplemental Food Program – PICK UP Thursday, April 28th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Ralph & Jenny Center located at 9 New Washington Street (behind the Holiday Inn.) For an application contact Natasha at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317.

Interactive Ballroom Dance Performance from Dance Caliente – Friday, May 6th at 10:00am at the Holland Street Center with Eileen Herman-Haase and Raul Nieves, from Dance Caliente. Eileen and Raul will perform multiple routines with participatory lessons after each dance performance. You can dance from your chair, around your chair or right out on the dance floor. Dust off your dancing shoes! No experience needed. Please RSVP to Debby at 617-625-6600 ext. 2321 or dhiggins@somervillema.gov Grab & Go Lunch will be available after the performance.

Friendly Caller Program – 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.

EXERCISE
Virtual FIT-4-LIFE SCHEDULE
Mondays 1:00 p.m. = Fit-4-Life Zoom Exercise
Wednesdays 1:00 p.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

SOCIAL MEDIA
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/

Follow the Somerville Council on Aging on Instagram starting April 1, 2022 You can find us under the Instagram handle: somervillecouncilonaging If you have any questions or need help following us, contact Debby at 617-625-6600 ext. 2321 or email her at dhiggins@somervillema.gov

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
If you would like to receive a virtual copy of our monthly newsletter 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

A FRIENDLY REMINDER
All senior center activities will be cancelled if Somerville Public Schools are closed due to weather. The Council on Aging office will remain open.
Updated Mask Policy
At the Ralph and Jenny Senior Center it is now optional to wear a mask. This is in accordance with City guidelines who has lifted the mask mandate in City owned buildings on March 21st. We kindly asks that you continue to wear a mask at the Council on Aging Offices and at the Holland Street Senior Center. The TAB building is a shared space with Tufts University where the mask mandate remains in effect at this time. Communal hot lunches will resume in April; join us for lunch on Tuesdays at the Ralph & Jenny Center and on Thursdays at the Holland St Center. Grab & Go lunches remain available as well.
The Council on Aging’s Senior Transportation Program Return’s this April!
The Council on Aging is excited to announce the return of our Senior Transportation Program this April! The COA will be offering free taxi rides to Somerville residents over the age of 60. Rides are available to go to the grocery store, farmer’s market, pharmacy in Somerville and routine medical appointments in the surrounding communities. To best accommodate the needs of everyone in the City and to maximize the use of our funding, we will be capping the number of rides per week. To ensure the health and welfare of every resident of Somerville, exemptions will be made for chemotherapy and radiation appointments. To find out more information or to schedule your ride, please call Connie Lorenti at 617-625-6600 ext. 2319. All rides must be booked two business days in advance. This program is funded through ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Funding. Thank you to Mayor Ballantyne, City Council, and the ARPA Team , for supporting senior transportation!
Somerville Council on Aging Board of Directors Seeks New Members
The City of Somerville Council on Aging Board of Directors seeks seven new members, and all Somerville residents are invited to apply. Boards and commissions offer an opportunity for residents with a range of experience, skills, expertise, and perspectives to share their talents and insights with their community. The mission of the Board of Directors is to inform, assist, and advocate for all persons 60 years of age or older who reside in Somerville. The Board works collaboratively with senior citizens and other agencies to improve the quality of life for local seniors. The Board typically meets on the first Friday of each month for two hours. Board members serve two-year terms. Applications are due Friday, April 15. Interested candidates should submit a statement of interest to Ashley Speliotis, Council on Aging Director, at aspeliotis@somervillema.gov or by mail to Somerville Council on Aging, Tufts Administration Building, 2nd Floor, 167 Holland St., Somerville, MA 02144. Please email Ashley Speliotis or call (617) 625-6600 ext. 2310 with questions.