Politics & Government

What's New at the Senior Center: Groundbreaking Set!

A weekly look at the Needham COA's new and upcoming events and programs.

Submitted by Sherry Jackson, Associate Director

The Needham Council on Aging will host a groundbreaking at the location of the new senior center at West Street and Hillside Avenue on Thursday, May 3.

Last week, around the property, and a temporary parking area for MBTA customers has been set up on the north side of the lot. Colantonio Inc. of Holliston has been picked as the project's general contractor.

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The $8.5 million project involves construction of a 20,000-square-foot, two-story building that will house Council on Aging offices and provide space for meetings, classes and events. The building will replace the department’s current space in the basement of the on Pickering Street.

Additional information about the groundbreaking ceremony, such as times, will be released soon via local media and flyer postings at the Stephen Palmer Senior Center.

Find out what's happening in Needhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

THIS WEEK AND NEXT

These programs are going on this week or require registration this week.

  • Charlie Card Event—On Thursday, April 19, between 10 a.m. and noon, the Needham Council on Aging will hold an MBTA Senior Citizen or (T.A.P.) Charlie Card Pass Event, providing the reduced-fare cards for individuals who bring ID with proof of age (65 and up) or disability.COA staff will take each individual's photograph, and the new card will be delivered by mail. The card is free of charge. For more information, contact the MBTA office at 617-222-5438. The event will be held at the . There is no sign-up or fee.
  • Low-Vision Support Group—Friday, April 20. The group meets at the Needham Senior Center on the third Friday of every month. The group provides an opportunity for newly blind and visually impaired persons to come together to discuss issues relating to their vision loss.
  • Weekly Flicks—Watch "The Help" (2011) on Friday, April 20 and "War Horse” (2011) on April 27 at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center. This is free, and there is no sign-up required. 
  • Monday’s Lunch Bunch—Try someplace new, socialize and enjoy a good meal with Monday's Lunch Bunch. The group meets at the Senior Center at 11:30 a.m. to board a van to the lunch destination. Coming up: A trip to Grassfields in Waltham on Monday, April 23 and The Cottage in Wellesley on Monday, April 30. To sign up, call the Senior Center at 781-455-7555. A suggested donation of $5 will be collected on the van. Participants also pay the cost of their meals.
  • Emotional Overeating Awareness Month—Monday, April 23, 11:45 p.m. At this free talk, individuals will learn how to manage the feelings that prompt them to overeat. Presenter Pearl Pressman is a Certified Weight Management Consultant who has lost more than 100 pounds. Pressman is the leader of the Weight Management Support Group at the Senior Center and is also a member of the National Weight Loss Registry and a former Weight Watchers group leader.
  • Free Legal Assistance—Friday, April 29, 1 p.m. A law student with the Elder Law Project at Boston College will take confidential individual appointments at the Senior Center. Call 781-455-7555 to reserve a spot.

FRIENDS' MAY TRIP PROGRAM

Join the Friends of the Needham Elderly on their tour of magnificent estates, gardens and the historic waterfront of Bristol, RI, plus a luncheon at the Atlantic Beach Club.

Discover Blithewood Mansion, a majestic English Style Manor with one of the finest garden estates in New England on a self-guided tour. Explore the history and delights of the Great House and Estate of Linden Plane on the guided tour.  Enjoy a special guided adventure of Bristol, RI, America's most patriotic town, highlighting historic waterfront, downtown, Colt Park and more. Plus, a delicious luncheon at the Atlantic Beach Club—all inclusive for only $72 including tips.

Reserve the date now: Wednesday, May 23. Bus will depart at 9 a.m. from Linden and Chambers St. and at 9.15 a.m. from the Senior Center.  Approximate return will be around 6:30-6:45 p.m.

For reservations, cal the Friends trip desk at 781-455-7555 ext. 209. 

The trip requires 30 passengers to operate, so tell your friends and book now—sure to be popular. Secure your seat today with full payment, payable to "FONE," Needham Senior Center, 83 Pickering St., Needham, MA 02492, ATTN: Trips.

TRY SOMETHING NEW

  • Computer Lessons—The Council on Aging offers computer lessons on Thursday afternoons by appointment. Those who would like to learn about computers in a one-on-one session with an instructor are invited to these classes. Lessons are offered on Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. (by appointment). There is no fee for this class. To make a 45-minute appointment, call the COA at 781-455-7555.
  • Creative Writing Group—The COA writing group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Senior Center. All are welcome, and sign-up is not required. This writing group is for all levels. The class is not about using proper grammar. It is about capturing memories or stories on paper and most of all having fun. The class is facilitated by a published writer.

DANCE AND EXERCISE CLASSES

Get fit and learn something new with Council on Aging dance and exercise classes. Sign up in advance by calling 781-455-7555. Payment is due at the first class.

  •  Better Balance, Better Bones: Are you Afraid of Falling? This eight-week session will be held on Wednesdays at 2:45 p.m. beginning April 11 at the Senior Center. Participants will have fun while learning to improve their balance and increase strength, led by instructor Leslie Worris. Using balls, bands, weights and incorporating yoga and tai chi, studennts in this class will work on improving posture, flexibility, gait, mobility, stability, breath and endurance and maintaining their independence. This class will help improve joint stability and pain. Cost is $50.
  • Senior Strength Exercise with Pearl—This eigh-week program will be held on Fridays, beginning April 23 at the Senior Center. This exercise class is designed to accommodate mature individuals of various fitness levels. This seated class will begin with a thorough warm-up followed by strength training exercises for all the major muscle groups of the body using light hand weights and conclude with gentle stretching exercises to increase flexibility and reduce muscle tension. Cost is $32.

WALKING PROGRAMS

Spring is in the air! Get out and get walking with these programs offered by the Council on Aging. To sign up, call Sherry at 781-455-7555.

  • The Walking Club—If you walk two to four miles, a couple of days a week, then this walking club is for you. The walks are designed to offer variety. Participants will have an opportunity to walk with other walking clubs and explore trails outside the local area, with transportation provided. Upcoming walks include: Friday, April 6, Cowassock Woods and Ashland Town Forest; Friday, April 13, Cutler Park in Needham; and Friday, April 27, Great Meadows in Concord.
  • The Walking Partners Program—Would you like to have company on your walks? The Council on Aging will match you with two others who walk your pace and coincide with your schedule.


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