Open Enrollment Begins on October 15th and runs to December 7th. Medicare recipients can change their health insurance plans for January 1, 2024. While having the freedom to change your health insurance plan can save you money, there are many health insurance plans and companies to choose from. You don’t have to make the decision alone, the Somerville Council on Aging has SHINE Counseling available in person, over the phone, or on Zoom to assist you with comparing what health insurance options are available for you. You can call Natasha Naim at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317 or Molly Pagliuca at ext. 2318 to book an appointment.

COA Holiday Luncheon – Thursday, December 14th – 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Dilboy Post located at 351 Summer Street. $10 per person. Please reserve your spot by calling Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321.
Healthy Holiday Dessert Workshop – Wednesday, December 6th starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Holland Street Center. Make healthy and delicious desserts with your friends! Join your Nutrition Consultant, Mary Marshall, in learning how to sweeten your treats naturally, use superfoods to boost your health, and feel satisfied with nourishing treats. Space is limited, please call Mary at 617 625-6600 ext. 2316 or email headtofitness10@yahoo.com to reserve your spot.
Technology Course for Beginners – Sign up for this 5-week course that includes lessons on how to navigate the basics of technology. Bring your phone, laptop, or tablet from home, or borrow a tablet or Chromebook from the COA! Wednesdays at The Holland St. Center, December 6th, 13th, & 20th and January 3rd & 10th from 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. RSVP to Molly Pagliuca at 617-625-6600 ext. 2318 or mpagliuca@somervillema.gov
Pottery Class – Wednesday, December 13th 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. at our Holland Street Center. The COA welcomes Fern, owner of Commonwealth Clayworks! During class we will learn handbuilding techniques to make tableware. This is a 1.5 hour class. Your work will be made from white, food-safe clay and glazes – fired and ready for pick up in January. Space is very limited. Please RSVP to Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600 ext. 2321.
Movie Day – Monday, December 11th at 1:00 p.m. Holland Street Center – Love at First Sight Starring: Haley Lu Richardson, Ben Hardy, Rob Delaney. Hadley and Oliver begin to fall for each other on their flight from New York to London. The probability of ever finding each other again seems impossible, but love – and London – may have a way of defying the odds. Rated PG-13 Running Time 1hr 31min RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600 ext. 2321 or dhiggins@somervillema.gov $2 per person for Pizza Lunch.
Memory Café – A Memory Café is a safe space for those with cognitive decline and their caregivers. It’s a place to gather and socialize without stigma or judgement. The Café will be held on the first Tuesday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Holland Street Center and will include dinner and an activity. The December 5th Café will include interactive music (featuring great oldie hits) and movement with Steve Gintz! RSVP by contacting Molly Pagliuca at 617-625-6600 ext. 2318 or mpagliuca@somervillema.gov
Multicultural Meals Program – Congratulations to Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) who was the recent recipient of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding from the City of Somerville. SCES will use this funding to provide free, hot, lunches to Somerville’s older adults at both the Holland Street Center and the Ralph and Jenny Senior Centers through June of 2024. Multicultural lunches will be catered by Somerville businesses and will be served at noon, following BINGO or Special Programming.
Tuesday, December 5th Ralph & Jenny Center: Portuguese – J&J Restaurant
Tuesday, December 12th Ralph & Jenny Center: Italian – Alfredo’s Italian Kitchen
Tuesday, December 19th Ralph & Jenny Center: Chinese – Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center

Thursday, December 7th Holland Street Center: Chinese – Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center
Thursday, December 21st Holland Street Center: Portuguese – J&J Restaurant
Thursday, December 28th Holland Street Center: Italian – Alfredo’s Italian Kitchen

All are welcome! Registration is required as space is limited. Please call Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321. Grab and Go lunches are still available.
Knitting with Natasha Group – Tuesday, December 5th and Tuesday, December 19th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at our Holland Street Center. Knitting has gained in popularity in the last few years and if you are looking to learn how to knit or to pick up new knitting skills, join us for knitting group! This month we will learn how to knit a potholder. All supplies, including yarn and needles will be provided. Please RSVP to Natasha Naim at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317 or email Natasha at nnaim@somervillema.gov
LCR Game Day – Wednesday, December 20th starting at 12:00 p.m. at the Ralph & Jenny Center LCR-Left Center Right is a fun, fast-paced dice game that you won’t 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. Lunch, from Somerville Cambridge Elder Services will be served at noon Please RSVP to Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov or 617-625-6600 ext. 2321.
Bingo – Tuesday at the Ralph & Jenny Center starting at 10:00 a.m. December 5th, 12th & 19th. Lunch is available following Bingo. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Bingo – Thursday at our Holland Street Center – starting at 10:00 a.m. December 7th, 21st & 28th. Lunch is available following Bingo. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Men’s Group – Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month (December 12th) starting at 10:30 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. RSVP to Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@Somervillema.gov
Veteran’s Group – Meets the 4th Tuesday of each month (December 26th) 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
LGBTQIA+ & Allies Social – Thursday, December 14th at the Holland Street Center 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Light dinner will be served. RSVP to Maureen Bastardi at 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 or email Maureen at mbastardi@somervillema.gov
Asian Tea – Monday, December 11th starting at 2:00 p.m. and running to 3:00 p.m. at the Ralph & Jenny Center. This group is bilingual in Cantonese and English. RSVP to Maureen Bastardi at 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 or email Maureen at mbastardi@somervillema.gov
Project Outlook, Low Vision Group- Meets the 4th Thursday of each month (December 28th) 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. All are welcome. Pizza will be served. For more information, please contact Claudia Ferro at 857-237-1801 or Molly Pagliuca at 617-625-6600, ext. 2318.
Tech Time—Drop In Hours Tuesdays, December 5th, 12th & 19th. at 10:00am at the Holland St. Center RSVP to Molly Pagliuca at 617-625-6600 ext. 2318 or mpagliuca@somervillema.gov
Game Hour – Mondays from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at our Ralph & Jenny Center. December 4th, 11th & 18th. 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. December 4th, 11th & 18th. Join us as we discuss a range of topics. No books – no test – just friendly conversation and good coffee. Please contact Maureen Bastardi at mabstardi@Somervillema.gov or 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 to RSVP.

Book Club – Meets the 3rd Friday of each month (December 15th) 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, ext. 2317 or email Natasha at nnaim@somervillema.gov as space is limited.

Music & Munch is now in person! – Wednesday, December 13th starting at 12:00 p.m. at our Holland Street Center. After being virtual for three years this popular program is now in person! This one-hour 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. Your guide is Somerville Resident, Laura Zoll, trained as a medieval musicologist and with life-long love of all things musical. Learn a little, sing along, relax and enjoy some Music while you Munch. Grab & Go lunches available. Please RSVP to Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov

Brown Bag Supplemental Food Program – PICK UP Thursday, December 21st 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.

General Nutrition Classes – Virtual classes, via Zoom on Mondays, December 11th, & 18th at 11:00 a.m. In-person classes at Ralph & Jenny on Mondays, December 11th, & 18th at 12:30 p.m. In-person classes at Holland Street on Wednesdays, December 13th & 20th at 10:00 a.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.

LaBlast – This class will be held on Fridays, December 1st, 8th & 15th starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Holland Street Center. LaBlast is a revolutionary dance fitness program based on all the dances from “Dancing with the Stars.” Take your mind, body and soul on a journey through Ballroom and Latin dances from different countries and cultures, while learning the true skill of dance. RSVP to Michelle Deutsch at 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Michelle at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov

Virtual Yoga – Tuesdays, December 5th & 12th via Zoom starting at 3:00 p.m. Enjoy a meditative flow of stretching and strengthening postures. This class will use a chair for support in both seated and balance exercises. Join for a mindful journey that will bring positive energy to your life. RSVP to Michelle Deutsch at 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Michelle at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov

General Exercise at Ralph & Jenny – Monday, December 4th, 11th & 18th starting at 3:00 p.m. Join Michelle as she leads a general exercise program at Ralph & Jenny Center located at 9 New Washington Street. All levels of participants are welcome to attend. RSVP to Michelle Deutsch at 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Michelle at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov
Bowling – Flatbread Company/Sacco Bowl Haven in Davis Square. Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – December 6th, 13th & 20th – Bowling will resume on Wednesday, January 10th. – Free – RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
General Exercise Classes at the Holland Street Center – Monday, December 4th, 11th & 18th at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Every Wednesday at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. RSVP by calling Michelle Deutsch 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Michelle at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov
Virtual General Exercise Class – Every Wednesday & Thursday with Michelle, at 1:00 p.m. Please email Michelle Deutsch at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov for the Zoom link.
Virtual Exercise, Strength and Balance— Mondays, December 4th, 11th & 18th with John 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 –Tuesdays starting at 9:00 a.m. and 10:00am at our Holland Street Center. RSVP by calling Michelle Deutsch 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Michelle at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov
Music & Movement – Thursday, December 21st at 4:00 p.m. at the Holland Street Center. 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. RSVP by calling Michelle Deutsch 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Michelle at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov
Virtual LGBTQIA+ Exercise Class – Thursdays, December 7th, 21st & 28th at 6:00pm via Zoom. December 14th in person at 6:00 p.m. RSVP by calling Michelle Deutsch 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Michelle at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov for Zoom link.

Walking Club – Every Thursday, December 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th at 9:00 a.m. Meets at the Holland Street Center. Weather permitting. RSVP by calling Michelle Deutsch 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Michelle at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov

The Council on Aging will be closed on Monday, December 25th in observance of Christmas.

Friendly 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, 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.