Lockboxes for Seniors – The Free Lockboxes for Seniors Program is intended to provide Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) access to your residence in the event of an emergency where you are unable to open the door. A key to your residence will be stored in a secure metal storage device, like a realtor’s lockbox, at your residence.

The access code to the lockbox will only be available to Police, Fire or EMS personnel and used only during an emergency. The program is targeted towards Somerville residents who live alone and are aged 65+, or those who are disabled and/or suffer from major medical issues at any age. Individuals living in apartment complexes or other facilities with maintenance staff are not eligible for this program. For more information, please contact Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Let’s Celebrate Older American’s Month – Thursday, May 11th starting at 11:00 a.m. at The George Dilboy Post, 351 Summer Street. Join us for an afternoon of fun as we celebrate growing older and wiser! $10 per person. Please call Connie Lorenti for additional information and to RSVP at 617-625-6600, ext. 2319.
Knock on Wood—Cultural Performance Series – Wednesday, May 24th starting at 11:00 a.m. at the Holland St. Center. Knock on Wood is a high-energy acoustic folk-rock duo, featuring singer-songwriter Howie Newman on guitar, lead vocals and harmonica. The duo performs Classic Rock covers and funny original songs. It’s a very lively show with great musicianship, nice vocal harmonies and a little humor here and there. $5. Per person. Lunch will be served after the performance. Please RSVP to Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov. Grab and Go lunch available following the program.
Massachusetts Elder Law Day – Friday, May 12th starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Holland Street Center. The Somerville Council on Aging is proud to host Attorney Lauren E. DeMatteo from Rubin and Rudman for Elder Law Day. Attorney DeMatteo will discuss wills, trusts, power of attorney and other important legal documents. Please RSVP to Natasha Naim at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317. Grab and Go lunch available following the program.
Beginner’s De-Cluttering Support Group – Mondays from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. May 1st, May 8th, May 15th and June 5th at our Holland Street Center. This six-week group is open to residents of Somerville & Cambridge over the age of 60. RSVP to Natasha Naim at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317.
Travel Training Seminar – Wednesday, May 31st – 10:00 a.m. to noon at our Holland Street Center. Has it been a while since you’ve been on a bus or train? If you are looking to become more comfortable using the MBTA look no further. For more information or to RSVP call Natasha Naim at 617-626-6600, ext. 2317 or email Natasha at nnaim@somervillema.gov

The Connect Program – Tuesday, May 2nd from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Come and learn about the Somerville Cambridge Elder Services in-home therapy program and learn how it may be a good fit for you. For more information or to RSVP please call Molly Pagliuca at 781-823-9210 or email Molly at mpagliuca@somervillema.gov Grab and Go lunches will be provided after the program.
Bingo – Tuesdays at the Ralph & Jenny Center starting at 10:00 a.m. May 2nd, 9th,16th, 23rd & 30th. Lunch available following Bingo. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Bingo – Thursdays, May 4th, 18th & 25th at our Holland Street 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
Veteran’s Group – Meets Tuesday, May 23rd 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 Open Hours – Tuesday, May 16th & 30th 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 drop-in style individual help to answer your technology questions and frustrations. RSVP to Molly Pagliuca at 781-823-9210 or Molly at mpagliuca@somervillema.gov
Technology six-week course – Mondays, May 15th, May 22nd, June 5th, June 12th and June 26th 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 Molly Pagliuca at 781-823-9210 or email Molly at mpagliuca@somervillema.gov
Movie Day – Friday, May 26th 10:00 a.m. at the Ralph & Jenny Center. This month’s film is Marry Me – Music superstars Kat Valdez and Bastian are getting married before a global audience of fans. But when Kat learns, seconds before the vows, that Bastian has been unfaithful, she instead decides to marry Charlie, a stranger in the crowd. Rated PG-13 Starring Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson. 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- 4th Thursday of each month (May 25th) starting at 2:00 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. Please note day and time changes. 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. The dates are May 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd. 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. This month we are meeting on May 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd 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, May 11th 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. 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 (May 19th) starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Holland St. Center. Do you love books and want to discuss your love of reading with others? Consider joining book club. Group meets in person 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, May 10th 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, May 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Ralph & Jenny Center located at 9 New Washington Street. For an application contact Natasha Naim at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317.
Left, Right, Center – Wednesday, May 10th – 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, May 8th at 2:00 p.m. 9 New Washington St. – This group will be a bilingual group in Cantonese and English. 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 (May 9th) 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 – Monday, May 8th, 15th & 22nd via Zoom from 11:00am-12:00pm and in-person, at 12:30 p.m. at our Ralph & Jenny Center. Wednesdays, May 3rd, 10th, & 17th at 10:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. 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.

Arts & Crafts – Friday, June 2nd at the Holland Street Center. This month we will be making string art “LOVE” signs. Please RSVP to Maureen Bastardi at 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 or email Maureen at mbastardi@somervillema.gov
Bowling – FlatbreadCompany/Sacco Bowl Haven in Davis Square. Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 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, May 1st, 15th & 22nd 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
In-person Fit-4-Life Exercise Classes at the Holland Street Center – every Monday except May 29th 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— Monday starting at 1:00 p.m. May 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd 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, May 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th 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, (virtual) May 18th & 25th starting at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Thursday, May 11th 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, May 18th at the Holland Street Center starting at 4:00 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. Please RSVP to Phelan Howell at phowell@somervillema.gov or 617-625-6600 ext. 2315.

Tai Chi – Fridays at 10:00 a.m., May 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th Join Tarsha Bethel-Stacke in this six-week Tai Chi program as she leads coordinated movements, breathing and meditation. Stemming from Chinese medicine, philosophy and martial arts. All levels are welcome. RSVP to Phelan Howell at 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Phelan at phowell@somervillema.gov

Walking Club – Friday, May 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th at 9:00 a.m. Meets at the Holland Street Center. Weather permitting. For more information contact Phelan Howell at 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Phelan at phowell@somervillema.gov

Healthy Steps – Mondays at 1:00 p.m., May 8th, 15th, 22nd and continuing on June 5th, 12th & 26th – at the Holland St. Center. The Healthy Steps Program improves balance which can decrease risk of falls, increase range of motion, and help participants gain strength and endurance, all of which can increase overall well-being. Dance with props to eclectic music – from Broadway to Bollywood, Rock to R&B, Country to Classics, Pop to Polka and Folk to Fifties. Be prepared to have fun on your way to better health. For more information or to RSVP please contact Phelan Howell at 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Phelan at phowell@somervillema.gov

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.

The Somerville Council on Aging will be closed on Monday, May 29th in observance of Memorial Day.

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, and 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.