From the holiday events to help with Medicare Parts A and B to getting help with shoveling snow this weekend, the December edition of the Watertown Senior News is filled with information.
From the Director
Season’s Greetings!
The Watertown Senior Center will be offering some great programs in December that you won’t want to miss! We will be hosting the ever-popular Holiday Boxwood Trees event with Ernie Berardinelli; and local artist Dawn Scaltreto will be leading her final Zen Art workshop using vibrant alcohol inks to create stunning abstract artworks.
On Dec. 10, a representative from MassEDP will be here to discuss a special telephone equipment program, and if a new exercise program is on your New Year resolution list, join us for a Jazzercise demonstration class on the 18th.
In the spirit of the season, Delvena Theatre Company returns on the 17th with their dramatic production of “A Christmas Carol,” and the Mellowtones celebrate the season with a Holiday Sing and Cookie Party on the 20th.
Do not hesitate to contact us for help with fuel assistance and SNAP applications, emergency assistance requests, and information about the Watertown Food Pantry. If you need to go grocery shopping or to the Watertown Mall, consider riding our Senior Shuttle Bus for $1 round trip. Call us for details about these and many more services available to seniors.
On behalf of all of us, Happy Holidays, and we all wish you good cheer in the New Year!
See you at the Center,
Anne-Marie Gagnon
The Friends of the Watertown Council on Aging Presents 2019 Holiday Party!
Join us for a fun afternoon Holiday Party! Lunch catered by Maria’s, music for dancing by the Dixie Diehards. The Friends of the COA will also be holding their Basket Raffle. Tickets on sale November 22.
Friday, December 13 , 2019, 11:30 AM—2:30 PM – Doors open at 11:30, Hibernian Hall—151 Watertown Street—Tickets $10.00
December Programs
HOLIDAY BOXWOODS with ERNIE
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at 10 am
Cost: $15.00 Pre-register: Yes SIGN-UP: Now
ZEN ART with DAWN SCALTRETO
Session 3: Vibrant Alcohol Inks
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 9 am
With Creave Colorworks partcipants will use vibrant alcohol inks to make stunning abstracted artworks.
Cost $5.00 Pre-register: Yes SIGN-UP: Now
MassEDP with CHRIS PLANT
Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 10 am
Come learn about the Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program (MassEDP) which may be able to provide you with a specialized telephone network. If you qualify, these telephones may come for free or at reduced cost. MassEDP only provides home telephones with land line service. Come and learn more about what this program can offer you!
Cost: FREE Pre-register: Yes SIGN-UP: Now
JAZZERCIZE with MISS SUSAN
Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 10 am
Join Susan, a certified senior fitness trainer, who taught dance and exercise for over 50 years in Watertown and at the DanceWright Studio. Please wear comfortable clothes and sneakers for a demo jazz stretching session.
Cost $3.00 Pre-register: Yes SIGN-UP: Now
DELVENA THEATRE COMPANY presents “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”
Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 10:30 am
The Delvena Theatre Company will present a dramatic reading of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. Christmas music will put the finishing touch on this message of hope and love.
Cost: FREE Pre-register: Yes SIGN-UP: Now
Holiday Sing & Cookies with the Mellowtones
Friday, December 20, 12:30 pm
Mellowtones Holiday Sing at Watertown Mall
Sunday, December 22, 12:30 pm
New Year’s Eve Celebration!
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at 10:30 am
Cost: $5.00 Pre-register: Yes SIGN-UP: Now
PUBLIC SAFETY MORNINGS
Join us for casual conversation & coffee in the Lounge. Coffee with Chief Lawn & Captain Dupuis, Tuesday, December 10 at 9:30 AM
Hot Coffee with the Fire Department Thursday, December 19 at 10:00 AM Cost: FREE Pre-register: No
Join Wednesday Conversational ESL Group (English as a Second Language)
November 20, 2:00 pm
Come to practice conversation and improve your speaking and listening proficiency. Our volunteers have extensive experience in teaching and multicultural communication. Any level of knowledge and skills is welcomed and will be carefully accommodated by the volunteers that are well versed in individual- and group-centered teaching techniques. Come and share your story, cultural background, worldviews, and hobbies with our Conversational ESL group. No prior registration is requested. Call the Senior Center at (617) 972-6490 for more information.
On the WATERTOWN SENIOR SHUTTLE
Call (617) 972-6490 to register.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Trip to Market Basket & Marshall’s in Waltham. Call today to reserve a spot on the Senior Shuttle. Watertown seniors only. Space is limited to 16 on each run and 2 wheelchairs, so sign up early.
STRICT 3 BAG LIMIT. Driver provides limited assistance.
RUN 1: 8:45 AM: Leaving from 100 Warren, 55 Waverley or McSherry Gardens.
RUN 2: 11:30 AM: Leaving from other locations.
Cost: $2.00 donation paid to driver. Pre-register: Yes
SENIOR CENTER BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 9:30 AM
The December meeting will discuss Still Life by Louise Penny.This story looks to be an intriguing murder mystery. Looking Ahead to January’s Meeting: Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 9:30 AM
The January meeting will discuss Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. It’s about the University of Washington’s crew who “at the 1936 Olympics showed the world what true grit really meant.” — New York Times The Watertown Free Public Library will have copies of the book available by
December 15.
How do I get help with Snow Shoveling?
Call the Watertown Senior Center at (617) 972-6490 for an application for the program organized by the Watertown Recreation Department.
Caseworker Corner
MassHealth Might Pay for your Medical Transportation
If you are a MassHealth member, you may be eligible for non-emergency transportation to and from your MassHealth covered services when you are unable to access public or private transport. Services include but are not limited to doctors’ appointments, counseling, and day habilitation. If you have Springwell’s services, ask your Care Manager to fill out and mail for you a Prescription for Transportation (PT-1) form on your behalf.
You will receive a letter in the mail informing you that your PT-1 has been approved or denied. If you’re approved, you will receive instructions on how to set up your transportation. If denied, you will be given a reason for the denial and information on how to appeal it.
To get more information, please call MassHealth Customer Service Center at 800- 841-2900 or go to www.mass.gov/how-to/request-transportation-for-a-member.
Assistance with Paying for Medicare Part A and B
The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program is one of the four Medicare Savings Programs that allows you to get help from your state to pay your Medicare premiums. This program helps pay for Part A premiums, Part B premiums, and deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
In order to qualify for QMB benefits, you must meet the income requirements that are listed on the Medicare Savings Programs page: www.benefits.gov/benefit/6177.
Call us if you need assistance with applying or if you have more questions.
Did you know that the Senior Center can help with MassHealth, SNAP and Housing applications, Fuel Assistance and Emergency needs? We can also connect you to other services that might be helpful such as a free 20 minute legal services appointment with an attorney from Metrowest Legal Services, and Senior Parking Permits. Senior Parking Permits are for Watertown residents age 65 and older for up to 2 free hours of metered parking in Watertown’s municipal parking lots. Permits are $3 for 2 years. Please bring your driver’s license and car registration to sign-up.
See more events and information and read the entire Watertown Senior News for December by clicking here.