March Press Outreach 3-1-24

Medical Equipment Program – Through the generosity of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and from the direction of Mayor Ballantyne, the Council on Aging is now able to provide Durable Medical Equipment at no cost to Somerville residents.

Residents with a documented need for medical equipment must be over the age of 60, or have a permanent disability, and must be otherwise unable to afford or access needed medical equipment. We currently have available: Commodes, Bath Chairs, Bath Benches, Rollator Walkers, Incontinence Supplies and Transport Wheelchairs (wheelchairs are intended for transport and are not self-propelling or self-breaking.) For additional information, or for an application, please contact Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321.
St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon – Thursday, March 14th starting at 11:00 a.m. at The George Dilboy Post located at 351 Summer Street. $10. Per person – Join us for an afternoon of music, a lunch of corned beef and cabbage and a performance by the Rebecca McGowan School of Irish Dance. Please RSVP by calling Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321.
Pioneering Women of Early Rock and Roll – Cultural Series Event – Thursday, March 21st at our Holland Street Center. When it comes to the early days of rock ‘n’ roll some of the most pioneering and powerfully influential figures were women. This show will highlight women who were instrumental in making rock and roll what it is today. The Retro Polatin Duo, Jill Goldman and David Polatin, will sing, play, and discuss some of the women who defied the odds and changed the landscape of rock and roll. Portuguese Lunch from J&J Restaurant and performance is brought to you at no cost by Somerville Cambridge Elder Services Multicultural Meal Program, a City of Somerville, ARPA funded program. Please reserve your spot for the event and lunch by calling Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321.
Bring Your Canvas to Life – Monday, March 11th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at our Holland Street Center. $3 per person for materials. Join Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Art Therapist, Erica Curcio for a relaxing and crafty afternoon. Did you know that a canvas can be used for more than painting? Together we will bring your canvas to life! Using artificial flowers, canvas and markers you will create a composition that looks real! You can either hang this in your home or give as a gift to a friend! RSVP by contacting Molly Pagliuca at 617-625-6600, ext. 2318 or email Molly at mpagliuca@somervillema.gov Grab and Go lunch available upon request.
Intergenerational Poetry – Monday, March 25th, Mondays, April 1st and 8th from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at our Holland Street Center. The Somerville Council on Aging, in collaboration with Harvard University’s Poetry without Boarders course, are hosting intergenerational sessions to learn about and celebrate poetry. Over three sessions, we will be discussing and writing works of poetry. No experience with poetry is required and creative writing will be optional. If you have any questions and to RSVP please contact Natasha Naim at 617-625-6600 ext. 2317 or email Natasha at nnaim@somervillema.gov

Beginner’s De-Cluttering Group – Thursday, March 14th from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at our Holland Street Center. Does the thought of spring cleaning overwhelm you? Have you tried to de-clutter only to find yourself stuck? If you are looking for tips and tricks on how to remove some of your belongings, look no further than the Somerville Council on Aging. The Somerville Council on Aging is running a Beginner’s De-Cluttering support group. Using the Buried In Treasure curriculum, we will explore ways to reduce the amount of clutter in our homes as well as prevent clutter from accumulating. This six-week group is open to residents of Somerville and Cambridge over the age of 60. To RSVP, please contact Natasha Naim at 617-625-6600 ext. 2317 or email Natasha at nnaim@somervillema.gov
Shifting Gear: A presentation on driving from the Registry of Motor Vehicles – Friday, March 8th starting at 11:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. Have you considered giving up your license or are you having concerns about a loved one’s ability to drive? The Registry of Motor Vehicles presents information about how different aspects of aging can affect your ability to drive and what to consider when thinking about stopping driving. To RSVP, please contact Natasha Naim at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317.
Cultural Musical Event – Wednesday, March 27th starting at 1:00 p.m. at our Holland Street Center. Part lecture, part concert. Come explore the world through music, as vocalist and educator Tamara Jokic discusses the music of the Mediterranean, and performs songs in multiple languages, from Spanish and Hebrew to Serbian and Portuguese — while bringing their historical and cultural contexts to life via stories, images, and video. Tamara Jokic, an international educator, Sony Recording Artist, and winner of Berklee’s Outstanding Vocalist Award, has performed across the world, from European operas to NYC’s Carnegie Hall. Lunch will be provided by SCES at 12:00 p.m. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Designing Your Retirement, A Path to a Happy, Healthy and Fulfilling Retirement – Friday, March 22nd at 11:00 a.m. in our Holland Street Center. Many enter retirement with little planning, expecting retirement will be an endless vacation. Unfortunately, some will discover they have too much free time or are occasionally bored. Dr. Zwerling presents a process – based on scientific literature, expert opinion, and common sense – that will empower you to design a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement. It is never too late to build a better retirement! RSVP by calling Natasha Naim at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317. Grab and Go lunch available upon request.
Nutrition Bingo – Wednesday, March 13th starting at 10:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. Let’s celebrate Nutrition Month with a little fun, rather than our regular weekly Nutrition Class, we will be playing Nutrition Bingo. Come enjoy a fun way to learn more about Nutrition, test your knowledge, and win prizes! All are welcome, no prior nutrition knowledge necessary. Space is limited. RSVP to Mary Marshall at 617-625-6600, ext. 2316 or email Mary at headtofitness10@yahoo.com
Nutrition Myths: Fact or Fiction – Thursday, March 28th starting at 11:30 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. Join Somerville Cambridge Elder Services and the Somerville Council on Aging for a nutritious hot lunch and a discussion on Nutrition Myths. Celebrate March Nutrition Month and our dedication to nutrition and wellness for local adults. Meet the dedicated Nutrition Staff from SCES and learn about their meal options and other available nutrition services. To RSVP call 617-625-6600, ext. 2323 (the COA Reservation Line.)
General Nutrition Classes – Mondays starting at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom and 12:30 p.m. in person at the Ralph & Jenny Center. Wednesday, March 7th, 21st and 28th starting at 10:00 a.m. at the 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.
Memory Café – Tuesday, March 12th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at our Holland Street Center. The Memory Café is a safe space for those with cognitive decline and their caregivers. It is a place to gather and socialize without stigma or judgement. This month’s Café will include Musician Ruth Rappaport leading a sing-along that will include popular show tunes as well as pop and folk songs! Dinner will be served. RSVP by contacting Molly Pagliuca at 617-625-6600, ext. 2318 or email Molly at mpagliuca@somervillema.gov
Movie Day – Wednesday, March 6th starting at 1:00 p.m. at our Holland Street Center. This month’s movie is Queen Bees starring Ellen Burstyn, Jane Curtin & Loretta Devine. After reluctantly agreeing to move into a home for seniors, a woman encounters a clique of mean-spirited women and an amorous widower. Rated PG-13 with a running time of 1 hour and 40 minutes. $2 per person for a pizza lunch. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
LCR Game Day – Wednesday, March 20th starting at 10:00 a.m. at our Ralph & Jenny Center. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 of email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Knitting Group – Tuesday, March 19th & March 26th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at our Holland Street Center. Looking to learn or improve your knitting skills? Learn how to knit a hat with Natasha. If you have any questions, please contact Natasha Naim at 617-625-6600 ext. 2317 or email Natasha at nnaim@somervillema.gov
Bingo – Every Tuesday at our Ralph & Jenny Center – starting at 10:00 a.m. Lunch is available following Bingo. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Bingo –Holland Street Center –starting at 10:00 a.m. Lunch is available following Bingo. Dates include March 7th & March 28th. 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 (March 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
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.
Portuguese – J&J Restaurant, Ralph & Jenny Center, Tuesday, March 5th
Chinese – Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center, Holland St. Center, Thursday, March 7th
Italian – Alfredo’s Italian Kitchen, Ralph & Jenny Center, Tuesday, March 12th
Chinese – Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center, Ralph & Jenny Center, Tuesday, March 19th
Portuguese – J&J Restaurant, Holland St. Center, Thursday, March 21st
Portuguese – J&J Restaurant Ralph & Jenny Center, Tuesday, March 26th
Italian – Alfredo’s Italian Kitchen, Holland St. Center, Thursday, March 28th
All are welcome! Registration is required as space is limited. You will need to register on a weekly basis. Each week call the COA Registration line at 617-625-6600, ext. 2323, Monday thru Wednesday to reserve your spot for the following week. Please leave your name, phone number and the day/days you would like to attend for the upcoming week. We will return your call to confirm your reservation by Thursday afternoon. Grab and Go lunches are still available.
Veteran’s Group – Meets the 4th Tuesday of each month (March 26th) at our Holland Street Center starting at 10:30 a.m. Please note new time. RSVP to Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600 ext. 2321 or email dhiggins@somervillema.gov
LGBTQIA+ & Allies Social – Thursday, March 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
Project Outlook, Low Vision Group – Meets the 4th Thursday of each month (March 28th) from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at our 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. This month’s group will feature Mr. Erin Fragola from Perkins School for the Blind. He will be presenting on services available through the Perkins Institute and the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. 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, March 12th, 19th & 26th at 9:30 a.m. (Please note new time) at the Holland Street Center – RSVP to Molly Pagliuca at 617-625-6600 ext. 2318 or mpagliuca@somervillema.gov
Coffee & Conversation – Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at our Ralph & Jenny Center. Grab and Go lunch available. 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.

Coffee & Conversation – Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. 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.

Game Hour – Mondays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at our Ralph & Jenny Center. 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 (March 15th) starting at 10:00 a.m. at our Holland Street 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 – Wednesday, March 13th at 12:00 p.m. at our Holland St. Center. 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. Learn a little, sing-along, relax and enjoy some Music while you Munch. Grab & Go lunch available. Please RSVP to Debby Higgins at dhiggins@somervillema.gov or call 617-625-6600, ext. 2321.

Brown Bag Supplemental Food Program – PICK UP Thursday, March 28th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at our Ralph & Jenny Center located at 9 New Washington Street. For an application contact Natasha Naim at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317 or email Natasha at nnaim@somervillema.gov

Asian Tea – Monday, March 11th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at our Ralph & Jenny Center. The Affordability Connectivity Program (ACP) will end in April 2024, want to know about what this means for your households and what you can do? The event will be held in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. RSVP to Maureen Bastardi by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 or email Maureen at mbastardi@somervillema.gov

Flamenco Dance – Beginning on March 4th and running for six weeks. Starting at 1:00 p.m. at our Holland Street Center. Intro to Flamenco dance for adult beginners. Flamenco is a Spanish dance style, passionate and full of moments of joy. Finger and body movements make us feel free to express ourselves and characteristic rhythms stimulate our heartbeat. Let’s get dancing and discover a new experience. Please bring a bottle of water and wear comfortable clothes. RSVP to Michelle Deutsch at 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Michelle at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov
Balletone Dance – Starting Tuesday, March 5th and running for five weeks. Starting at 1:00 p.m. at our Holland Street Center. Balletone is a program for the Non-Dancer and everyBODY. Ballet techniques provide a foundation for healthier posture, body alignment, improved balance, and control of the body. Balletone is also influenced by Pilates, with centering and flowing transitions that are gentle and slow. It fuses the best of fitness through movement in all planes, develops coordination, and focuses on strength, aerobic endurance and flexibility. Enjoy moving to music and getting into the flow while feeling both elegant and energized. RSVP to Michelle Deutsch at 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Michelle at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov
General Exercise / Holland Street Center – Every Monday starting at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center and Every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. Join Michelle as she leads a general exercise program. 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

General Exercise / Ralph & Jenny Center – Every Monday starting at 3:00 p.m. at the Ralph & Jenny Center. Join Michelle as she leads a general exercise program. 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
Virtual General Exercise Class – Every Wednesday & Thursday with Michelle, at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom. Please email Michelle Deutsch at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov for the Zoom link.
LGBTQIA+ Exercise Class – Thursdays, March 7th, 21st & 28th starting at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. March 14th is our in-person exercise class starting at 6:00 p.m. at our Holland Street Center. Please RSVP to Michelle Deutsch at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov if you plan on attending or for the Zoom link.
Bowling – Wednesdays, at Flatbread Company/Sacco Bowl Haven in Davis Square from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. – Free – RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Virtual Exercise, Strength and Balance— Every Monday in March 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, March 5th, 12th & 19th starting at 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. RSVP by calling Michelle Deutsch 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Michelle at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov
Virtual Yoga – Friday, March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th starting at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. Class will focus on modified, low-impact moves and easy to follow pacing for an active lifestyle. Please email Michelle Deutsch at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov for the Zoom link.
Walking Club – Every Thursday at 9:00 a.m. Weather Permitting – Meet at the Holland Street Center. RSVP by calling Michelle Deutsch 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Michelle at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov

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.