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 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.
Focus Group – Friday, August 2nd from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Holland Street Center located at 167 Holland Street. Please join the City of Somerville Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) for a focus group on the potential rental registry and energy disclosure ordinance. We are looking for tenants and landlords to join us. Focus group participants will be eligible for a gift card. What is the rental registry and energy disclosure ordinance? The potential ordinance proposes to require residential and commercial landlords to register their units with the City of Somerville and share information about the energy use of each unit. This information would be publicly available and accessible. The intention is to make this information transparent and available for potential tenants making housing decisions. Why is OSE hosting focus groups? OSE wants to hear insights from those most impacted by this potential ordinance. Feedback will guide City staff in the ordinance development and implementation.
Lockboxes for Seniors – What is the Lockboxes for Seniors program? The 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. Who is eligible? The program is targeted towards Somerville community members who live alone and are aged 65+, or those who are disabled and/or suffer from major medical illness at any age. Individuals living in apartment complexes or other facilities with maintenance staff are not eligible for this program. How do I know this is safe? A member of the Somerville Fire Department will install and demonstrate how the lockbox operates and answer any questions you may have. The four-digit combination on the lockbox will only be available to responding emergency personnel in the event of an emergency. Who should I contact for more information? For more information, please contact Debby Higgins at the Council on Aging via E-mail at dhiggins@somervillema.gov or by telephone at (617) 625-6600 ext. 2321. There is no charge to participate in the program if you meet the established target criteria. The Council on Aging will verify eligibility for services. This program is designed for those who are at most significant risk for falls or have limited mobility. All participants will be required to provide a spare house key to be used in the lock box as well as a safety inspection of the property.
AARP Presentation on the Six Pillars of Brain Health – Thursday, July 11th at 10:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. It’s never too late to take charge of your brain health. In this session, you will learn about the six pillars of a brain-healthy lifestyle, share your brain-boosting activities and be inspired by others. RSVP by contacting Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov Lunch will be served at noon.
Summer Olympics Event – Wednesday, July 31st starting at 10:00 a.m. and running to 11:45 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. Travel the world and enjoy fun and easy games while winning fun prizes! Try your hand at modified golf, archery, ping pong and much more. Let the games begin! Lunch at noon, $3 per person. Space is limited. To RSVP, please contact Michelle Deutsch by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Michelle at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov
Farmers Market Coupons for Older Adults – Coupon distribution at the Holland Street Center is tentatively planned for Thursday, July 18th, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services Nutrition program is distributing free farmer’s market coupons for eligible older adults in July. Available through the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture. Eligible participants will receive a coupon booklet worth $50 to use to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables at area farmers’ markets. Applicants must be Cambridge or Somerville residents, aged 60 or older or disabled and living in elderly housing with a congregate meal program, and income at or below 185% of the Federal poverty levels. Income is self-declared, do not bring proof of income. Coupon booklets are limited one per person, while supplies last. Booklets must be picked up in person. Identification with proof of address and a date of birth is required to receive coupons. If someone is unable to come to a distribution site, they can send someone with a proxy form. Contact SCES Nutrition Department for more information on a proxy form and the farmers market program at 617-628-2601. SCES is an equal opportunity provider.
Community Rowing – Tuesday, August 6th at 10:00 a.m. with a rain date of Thursday, August 8th at 10:00 a.m. Together, on land, we will learn the basics of rowing and then we will hit the water to test out our skills! Community Rowing Inc. works with various communities from training Olympians to kids with special needs. During our session we will be using adaptive equipment; no rowing or water experience is needed. Transportation will be provided and will leave from our Holland Street Center. RSVP required, for more information and to RSVP contact Michelle Deutsch at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov or call Michelle at 617-625-6600, ext. 2315. Space is limited.
Climate Change and You! – Wednesday, July 24th from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at our Holland Street Center. As temperatures rise and we experience a hotter climate, the Somerville Council on Aging is hosting a three-part series on how we, as individuals, can adapt to climate change. In July, for our second installment, we have invited Vanessa Boukili, Urban Forestry & Landscape Planner in the City of Somerville to present on the importance of trees in the fight against climate change and what plants are best to cultivate for the environment. To RSVP, please contact Natasha Naim at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317. Pizza Lunch will be provided. Grab n’ Go meals will also be available.
Blood Pressure Clinic – Thursday, July 25th starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Holland Street Center located at 167 Holland Street. Celeste Gearhart, Director of Public Health Nursing will be at the COA the last Thursday of the month to take your blood pressure. She will also share heat safety resources as we head into the summer months. Celeste will return on August 29th.
Caregiver Support Group – Friday, July 12th, 19th & 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Holland Street Center located at 167 Holland Street. Are you a caregiver of an older adult and would like a safe place to discuss the challenges, stresses, strengths and joys that come along with caregiving? Sign up for our Caregiver Support Group. RSVP by contacting Molly Pagliuca at 617-625-6600, ext. 2318 or email Molly at mpagliuca@somervillema.gov
Music & Munch – Wednesday, July 10th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at our Holland Street Center located at 167 Holland Street. This hour-long 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. Please RSVP to Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Asian Tea – The 2nd Monday of each month (July 8th) from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Ralph & Jenny Center. This group is bilingual in English and Cantonese. RSVP to Maureen by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 or email Maureen at mbastardi@somervillema.gov
Portuguese Senior Coffee Social – The third Monday of each month (July 15th) from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at our Ralph & Jenny Center located at 9 New Washington Street. This event will be in Portuguese. RSVP to Juliana Bertoldo by calling 978-291-8277.
Knitting Group – Tuesdays, July 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at our Holland Street Center located at 167 Holland Street. Needles and yarn will be provided. Please RSVP to Natasha Naim at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317.
Movie Day –Wednesday, July 24th starting at 1:00 p.m. at our Holland Street Center. Join the Somerville Council on Aging and the Somerville Disability Commission for Disability Awareness Month. We will be showing CODA. As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family’s fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her passion at Berklee College of Music and her fear of abandoning her parents. Rated PG-13 and running time is 1 hour & 51 minutes. Free pizza lunch at 12:30 p.m. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
LCR Game Day – Friday, July 26th starting at 10:30 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 of email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Bingo – Every Tuesday in June 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. 2323 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Bingo – July 18th & July 25th starting at 10:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2323 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
Men’s Group – Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month (July 9th) 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 – Thank you for joining us for the Multicultural Meals and Arts Program! This program was funded by the City of Somerville, American Rescue Plan Act through June of 2024. Using additional funding from Somerville Cambridge Elder Services’ American Rescue Plan Act Funding, SCES will be able to continue the multicultural meals through the summer. We hope to provide 2 to 4 multicultural meals per month through September 30th of 2024, at which time we will resume serving meals through our caterer, City Fresh Foods of Boston.
DateMealLocation
Tuesday, July 2nd City Fresh Caterer – Hot or Cold OptionRalph & Jenny Center
Tuesday, July 9th City Fresh Caterer – Hot or Cold OptionRalph & Jenny Center
Thursday, July 11thItalian – Alfredo’s Italian KitchenHolland Street Center
Grab & Go lunch available per request
Tuesday, July 16th Portuguese – J&J RestaurantRalph & Jenny Center
Grab & Go lunch available per request
Thursday, July 18th City Fresh Caterer – Hot or Cold OptionHolland Street Center
Tuesday, July 23rd City Fresh Caterer – Hot or Cold OptionRalph & Jenny Center
Thursday, July 25th Portuguese – J&J RestaurantHolland Street Center
Grab & Go lunch available per request
Tuesday, July 30th Italian – Alfredo’s Italian KitchenRalph & Jenny Center
Grab & Go lunch available per request
Menu Subject to Change
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.
Veteran’s Group – Meets the 4th Tuesday of each month (July 23rd) 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
LGBTQIA+ & Allies Social – The 2nd Thursday of each month (July 11th) from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Holland Street Center. 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 (July 25th) 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, socialization and enjoy a meal together. Project Outlook has been active for over 30 years. This month we will be having a musical singalong with Joel and Dan! Come join in the conversation, we look forward to meeting you. All are welcome. For more information and to RSVP please contact Molly Pagliuca at 617-625-6600, ext. 2318 or email Molly at mpagliuca@somervillema.gov or call Claudia at 857-237-1801.
Tech Time – Drop-in Hours – Every Tuesday in July starting at 9:30 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. RSVP by contacting Molly Pagliuca at 617-625-6600, ext. 2318 or email Molly at mpagliuca@somervillema.gov
Coffee & Conversation – Monday, July 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at our Ralph & Jenny Center. Join us as we discuss a range of topics. No books – no test – just friendly conversation and good coffee. Grab-n-Go lunch available. Please contact Maureen Bastardi at mabstardi@Somervillema.gov or call Maureen at 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 to RSVP.
Coffee & Conversation – Thursday, July 11th, 18th & 25th 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 call Maureen at 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 to RSVP.
Book Club – Meets the 3rd Friday of each month (July 19th) starting at 10:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. We will be discussing “One Earth we are Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vyoung. 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.
Brown Bag Supplemental Food Program – PICK UP Thursday, July 25th 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
General Nutrition Classes – Monday, July 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. via Zoom and 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. in person at the Ralph & Jenny Center. Wednesday, July 10th, 17th & 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Holland Street Center. New and returning members are welcome! For more information on our classes or Nutrition Tips contact Mary Marshall by calling at 617-625-6600, ext. 2316 or email her at headtofitness10@yahoo.com.
Bowling – Wednesdays, July 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st 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
Pilates – A six-week program starting on Friday, July 12th and continuing July 19th & 26th, August 2nd, 9th & 16th at 9:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center. Pilates is an exercise program that was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates with the goal of injury prevention and strengthening the body. In this chair-based Pilates class, we will use both seated and supported standing positions to improve muscular toning, core strength and balance. Pilates uses specific exercises that are simple yet precise and focus on proper postural alignment. The body connects with the breath for a mind-body experience that reduces stress and builds calmness overall. For more information and to RSVP please contact Michelle Deutsch by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2315.
General Exercise / Holland Street Center – Monday, July 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th starting at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at our Holland Street Center and Wednesday, July 10th, 17th & 24th at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. 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 – Monday, July 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th 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 the exception of Wednesday, July 31st with Michelle, at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom. Please email Michelle Deutsch at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov for the Zoom link.
LGBTQIA+ Exercise Class – Virtual program every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in July except in person on July 11th 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.
Virtual Exercise, Strength and Balance— Monday, July 1st, 22nd & 29th 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 – Every Tuesday in July 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
Walking Club – Every Thursday in July at 9:00 a.m. Weather Permitting – Meet at the Holland Street Center entrance. RSVP by calling Michelle Deutsch 617-625-6600, ext. 2315 or email Michelle at mdeutsch@somervillema.gov
Music and Movement – Thursday, July 18th starting at 4:00 p.m. at our 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.
Somerville Council on Aging 2024 Trips!
Day Trips
The Spirit of Boston – Tuesday, July 23rd – $149 per person.
Come aboard and enjoy the most entertaining experience in Boston featuring our Grand Luncheon Buffet and dancing on a two-hour cruise. Refunds unavailable after June 21st.
Overnight Trip
Christmas New York Style – Sunday, December 8th – Monday, December 9th Two days and one night accommodation, roundtrip transportation, full breakfast buffet, touring of the Hudson River Valley & a ticket to the Radio City Rockettes show. Price: single room, $819, double room $659 per person and Triple/quad room $639 per person. Refunds unavailable after November 8th.
Payments accepted by check, made payable to SCOA.
For more information contact Connie Lorenti at 617-625-6600 ext. 2319.
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.