Wildwood, NJ – Monday, May 15th to Friday, May 19th, 5 days and 4 nights accommodations at a beautiful oceanfront hotel, tour historic Cape May, an afternoon at Atlantic City and more. All trips are non-refundable. Payments accepted by check only, made payable to SCOA.

For more information or to RSVP to this trip please call Connie Lorenti at 617-625-6600, ext. 2319.
St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon – Thursday, March 16th at 11:00 a.m. at the George Dilboy Post located at 351 Summer Street. Performance by the Rebecca McGowan School of Irish Dance at 12:30 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of music and a special meal. $10 per person. To RSVP, please call Connie Lorenti at 617-625-6600, ext. 2319.
Racial & Social Justice Department will be joining us at Coffee & Conversations on Monday, March 20th at 10:00 a.m. at the Ralph & Jenny Center. The RSJ staff will discuss the ADA Community Survey that is available to all City residents and discuss the search for the new Somerville Police Chief. All are welcome. Please call Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 to RSVP or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
The Singing Grandpops – Wednesday, March 22nd at 1:00 p.m. at the Holland Street Center. The Singing Grandpops will perform a program filled with familiar songs, dancing and lots of good ole fashioned slapstick humor! Started by a retired men’s club in Arlington, this group of talented men entertain thousands of people every year. Lunch will be served before the performance at noon, $5 per person. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov Grab and Go lunch provided by SCES will be available upon request.
Somerville Cambridge Elder Services Nutrition Department will be joining us on Wednesday, March 29th at 11:00 a.m., BINGO at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate National Nutrition Month at our Holland Street Center. Bingo will begin at 10:00 a.m. and a SCES Lunch, raffle and giveaways will be available after Bingo. RSVP by calling Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Inflammation & How it Affects our Health Workshop – Wednesday, March 22nd from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. Learn ways to avoid or reduce the inflammation in your body by making certain behavioral choices. For additional information regarding this workshop or to RSVP, please call Mary Marshall at 617-625-6600, ext. 2316 or email Mary at headtofitness10@yahoo.com
Arts & Crafts – Friday, March 24th at the Holland Street Center. Starting at 10:00 a.m. – Come and join Maureen as we try our skills at String Art. Seating is limited. Grab and Go lunch available. Please bring your own hammer. $3 per person for supplies. RSVP to Maureen Bastardi by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 or email Maureen at mbastardi@somervillema.gov
Bingo – Tuesday, March 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th at Ralph & Jenny Center starting at 10:00 a.m. Lunch available following Bingo. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Bingo – Thursday, March 2nd, 9th, 23rd and 30th at our Holland Street Center starting at 10:30 a.m. PLEASE NOTE TEMPORARY TIME CHANGE. Lunch available following Bingo. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Veteran’s Group – Meets the third Tuesday of the month (March 21st) at the Holland Street Center starting at 11:00 a.m. – RSVP to Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600 ext. 2321 or email dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Tech Time- Drop In Hours – Mondays, February 13th & 27th starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Holland Street Center. Bring your phones, computers, and tablets or borrow one from the COA. This is a drop-in style individual help to answer your technology questions and frustrations. RSVP to Natasha Naim at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317 or email Natasha at nnaim@somervillema.gov
Technology six-week course – Wednesdays, March 8th & 22nd and April 5th & 19th starting at 10:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. Participants will learn while using their own devices or one borrowed from the COA. We will focus on specific technology learning objectives each week. Space is limited. RSVP to Natasha Naim at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317 or email Natasha at nnaim@somervillema.gov
Movie Day – Friday, March 31st at 10:00 a.m. at the Holland Street Center. This month’s film is Shotgun Wedding starring Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel. Darcy and Tom gather their families for the ultimate destination wedding, but when the entire party is taken hostage, “Til Death Do Us Part” takes on a whole new hilarious meaning. Pizza will be served after the movie; $2 per person. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Project Outlook, Low Vision Group- 3rd Thursday of each month (March 16th) 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 Ferro at 857-237-1801.
Game Hour –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.) The dates are March 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th. 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 .
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) This month we meet on March 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th. Join us as we discuss a range of topics. No books – no test – just friendly conversation. Please contact Maureen Bastardi at mabstardi@Somervillema.gov or 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 to RSVP.

LGBTQIA+ and Allies Social Group – Thursday, March 9th from 5:00 p.m. to 6: 00 p.m. at the Holland Street Center located at 167 Holland Street in the Atrium. Meets the 2nd Thursday of each month. LGBTQIA+ and allies are welcome. Come and join us for this social gathering. Meet and mingle with new people. Light dinner will be served. Special treats from Connexion. RSVP to Maureen Bastardi at 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 or email Maureen at mbastardi@Somervillema.gov

Book Club – Meets the 3rd Friday of each month starting at 10:00 a.m. This month the date is March 17th – 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 & Munch Program – Wednesday, March 8th at 12:00 p.m. via Zoom Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month. This 45- minute session will treat you to a playlist of diverse musical offerings: a little jazz, some “oldies but goodies,” a smidgen of classical, a dip into barbershop, a trip to Broadway. The music is taped but the experience is live. Your guide is Somerville Resident, Laura Zoll, trained as a medieval musicologist and with a life-long love of all things musical. Learn a little, sing-along, relax and enjoy some Music while you Munch. Please RSVP to Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov You will then receive your email invitation to join the program via Zoom.

Brown Bag Supplemental Food Program – PICK UP Thursday, March 23rd 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 Naim at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317.
Left, Right, Center – Wednesday, March 15th – 10:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. A fun, fast-paced dice game that you will not be able to put down! Players roll the dice to determine where they pass their chips. The last player with chips is the winner and wins the center pot. Grab and Go lunch available after game. RSVP to Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggns@somervillema.gov
Afternoon Asian Tea, Monday, March 13th at 2:00 p.m. 9 New Washington St. – This group will be a bilingual group in Cantonese and English. The Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center will be hosting a mental health informational session. RSVP to Maureen Bastardi at 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 or email Maureen at mbastardi@somervillema.gov

Men’s Group – Meets the second Tuesday of each month (March 14th) at the Holland Street Center from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. RSVP to Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
General Nutrition Classes – In-person, Mondays at 12:30 p.m. at our Ralph & Jenny Center located at 9 New Washington Street. This month the dates are Monday, March 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th. Zoom meeting Mondays from 11:00 to 12:00 p.m. 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.
Bowling is Back! – Following lane renovations, the Council on Aging will return to bowling at Flatbread Company/Sacco Bowl Haven in Davis Square. Wednesdays, March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Fit-4-Life Exercise Classes – at the Ralph & Jenny Center – Mondays, March 6th, 20th & 27th starting at 2:30 p.m. Class will be offered on the 1st, 3rd & 4th Monday of the month. RSVP to Phelan Howell at 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Phelan at phowell@somervillema.gov
Fit-4-Life Exercise Classes at the Holland Street Center – every Monday at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Please RSVP to Phelan Howell at 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Phelan at phowell@somervillema.gov .
Virtual Fit-4-Life Exercise Class – Every Wednesday & Thursday via Zoom starting at 1:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Phelan Howell at 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Phelan at phowell@somervillema.gov for your Zoom link.
Virtual Exercise, Strength and Balance— Every Monday starting at 1:00 p.m. Instructor, John Pecchia, will be leading a class geared towards gaining strength and stability through balance exercises. Please email John Pecchia at jrpecchia@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
Yoga – In Person – Tuesdays, March 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th at 9:00 a. m. and 10:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. Join us for this beginner’s level chair yoga class. 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 Phelan Howell at 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Phelan at phowell@somervillema.gov .
LGBTQIA+ Exercise Class – Thursdays, March 2nd, 16th, 23rd and 30th starting at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Thursday, March 9th starting at 6:00 p.m. in person at the Holland Street Center. For more information or to RSVP please contact Phelan Howell at 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Phelan at phowell@somervillema.gov

Music & Movement Enrichment with Steve – Tuesday, March 21st at the Holland Street Center starting at 12:30 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. Please note date and time changes. Please RSVP to Phelan Howell at phowell@somervillema.gov or 617-625-6600 ext. 2315.

Tufts Exercise – Friday, March 3rd and 10th at 10:00 a.m. at the Holland Street Center.
Join this new exercise program where student athletes from a variety of sports will be leading an exercise program designed for all abilities. Please RSVP to Phelan Howell at phowell@somervillema.gov or 617-625-6600 ext. 2315.

Senior Zumba Class – Thursdays, March 2nd – April 20th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. In conjunction with Somerville Parks and Recreation! Online pre-registration required – for help with registration, please call Phelan Howell at 617-625-6600, ext. 2315.

Friendly Caller Program – Looking for a way to practice social distancing but 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 Naim at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317 to learn more about the program and to sign up.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Stay connected via our Facebook page – Informative, entertaining, lots of photos and updates. Visit our page at https://www.facebook.com/SomervilleCOA/

Follow the Somerville Council on Aging on Instagram! You can find us under the Instagram handle: somervillecouncilonaging If you have any questions or need help following us, contact Debby Higgins 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 Bastardi 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

The Council on Aging’s Senior Transportation Program

The COA is 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.