The Watertown Senior Center has a variety of exercise classes, a Valentine’s Breakfast and Speed Dating this month, and much more. See details below in the Senior News, provided by the Watertown Senior Center.
Greetings from the Director
Greetings! Although winter may seem cold and dreary, there is warmth and fun happening at the Watertown Senior Center and we encourage you to join us! Friday’s Chair Volleyball Team has been meeting for a few months now and invites new players each week. Come in from the cold, grab a chair and enjoy the music, laughs and even a little exercise with this spirited group, or join in any of the exercise classes to help keep your heart healthy!
This month, we will also be hosting a Senior CharlieCard Day, a theatrical event by Delvena Theatre Company, researchers from UMass presenting about senior children and parents aging together, and a new Readers’ Circle partnership with the Wartertown Free Public Library. The tax preparers from AARP will also be taking appointments to help seniors with their taxes. These dates fill quickly, so call today.
For those who like to travel, our Spring trips will be posted soon, and the Senior Shuttle be taking a trip to Market Basket in Waltham on February 20 and a lunch at Ken’s Steakhouse and shopping excursion on February 27.
We look forward to seeing you this month. Please don’t forget to sign in to a class or program or shuttle bus ride with your My Senior Center Keytag. This helps to keep us informed on how best to serve you. Rae, Margie or the shuttle drivers Jim or Bob will make sure to remind you. Thank you for your cooperation. With thanks to all of the volunteers who help us every day here and at the Watertown Food Pantry. You make our hearts happy!
Cheers! Anne-Marie Gagnon
Discussing Hearing Loss Support Group Experience with Kathy Trefethen, MSW
Tuesday, Feb 4, 12:30 pm
How do the ear hears so the brain can understand? How do you keep the quality in your relationships while adapting to adult hearing loss?
How do you communicate so that you get the best help from your hearing
loss specialist? Join to discuss those questions and beyond with Kathy,
MSW, who started a Hearing Loss Support group at Franklin Senior Center.
Cost: FREE Pre-register: Yes!
Make a Tea Wreath with Arlene Smith
February 5, at 10 am
The weather outside may be chilly but one can always warm things up with a cup of tea. Join us to craft a simple “wreath of tea” perfect as a decoration for your kitchen or as a meaningful gi& for a friend. Simple and fun to make no craft experience necessary. All materials provided.
Cost: $7 Pre-register: Yes!
Valentines BREAKFAST
February 13, 10 am
Join us for a Valentines Breakfast on the eve of Valentine’s Day. Bring your
special one, your friends, and family to enjoy the food, nice company and beautiful songs performed by Ed, Karaoke Express.
Cost: $7 Pre-register: Yes!
Flowers with Ernie
February 11, at 10 am
Come to enjoy making grapevine heartshaped wreaths with red silk roses
at Ernie’s Class.
Cost: $10 Pre-register: Yes!
INCOME TAXES AT THE SENIOR CENTER
Starts February 7, at 10am
Income tax help will again be available this year starting on Friday, February 7th. This program is intended for low to middle income taxpayers to file a simple form only. Check the dates with our February calendar on page 7. Call the Senior Center at 617-972-6490 to see if you qualify to apply for this service.
Cost: FREE Pre-register: Yes SIGN-UP: Now
Speed Dating at the Belmont Senior Center
February 12, at 10:00 am
The Watertown COA is teaming up with Bedford, Belmont, and Lincoln for this FREE event for seniors aged 65 and up to be held on Wednesday, February 12 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Belmont Council on Aging, Beech Street Center, 266 Beech Street, Belmont, MA. You’ll meet up to twelve other local, single seniors through a series of six minute “predates.” A8er the event, the organizers will contact you to let you know if you’ve made a match. Space is limited! Call 781-259-8811 to register; let us know if you need transportation.
Cost: FREE Pre-register: Yes!
“Aging together: Senior Children and Their Parents” with Celeste Beaulieu, M.S. UMass Boston Research
February 18, at 10am
Dr. Kathrin Boerner is leading the Aging Together Study, funded by the National Institute on Aging. The purpose of this study is to learn more about the increasingly common relationship constellation of senior children (65+) and their very old parents (90+), to find out what challenges these children and parents face and what support needs they may have. Come to hear about findings and insights!
Cost: FREE Pre-register: Yes SIGN-UP: Now
DELVENA THEATRE COMPANY “Lizzie Borden and the 40 Whacks”
February 19, at 10:30 am
The Delvena Theatre Company will be presenting Lizzie Borden and the 40 Whacks by Fran Baron. On a scorching hot day in Fall River, back in August of 1892, a heinous crime occurred. Spinster Lizzie Borden was accused, tried, and acquitted for the vicious ax murders of her father and stepmother. The performance includes a mock trial that invites the audience to participate by questioning Lizzie and deciding her guilt or innocence. Did she or didn’t she? You be the judge at the Watertown Senior Center on Wednesday, February 19
Senior CharlieCard Day
February 25, at 10:00 am
The Office of State Senator William Brownsberger is hosting a Senior CharlieCard Day at the Watertown Senior Center on Tuesday, February 25th at 10AM. Senior Charlie Cards are available for all people 65 and older for reduced MBTA fares, and these cards are valid for 8 years. You will need to bring a valid, government issued license or ID for proof of age, fill out an application, and get your photo taken to apply for a Senior CharlieCard. We will mail your application to the MBTA, and your permanent Senior CharlieCard will arrive in the mail in 4 6 weeks.
Cost: FREE Pre-register: Yes SIGN-UP: Now
Readers’ Advisory Circle with Emily, WFPL
February 26, at 10:00 am
Join Reference Librarian Emily from the Watertown Free Public Library for Readers’ Advisory Circle! Emily will help you find your next favorite read by reviewing popular titles If you want suggestions for books based on titles you have previously enjoyed, come armed with a couple of your favorites. Otherwise, come talk about books you have liked, and listen about some others that you may enjoy! After the Advisory Circle, the library would be happy to place holds on books for you to get selections in a timely manner. Happy reading!
Cost: FREE Pre-register: Yes SIGN-UP: Now
Join our Wednesday Conversational ESL Group All ARE WELCOME!
Come to practice conversation and improve your speaking and listening proficiency. Our volunteers have extensive experience in teaching and multicultural communication.
No prior registration needed. Call the Senior Center at (617) 972-6490 if you need more info.
PUBLIC SAFETY MORNINGS
Join us for casual conversation & coffee in the Lounge. Coffee with Chief Lawn & Captain Dupuis Tuesday, February 11th & 25th at 9:30 AM Hot Coffee with the Fire Department Thursday, February 27th at 9:30 AM
Cost: FREE Preregister: No
DIALOGUE WITH THE DIRECTOR
Join AnneMarie Gagnon, Director of the Watertown Senior Center, for an hour of coffee and informal conversation.
WHEN: FEBRUARY 13 at 9:00 AM
Health & Wellness
February 6: Blood Pressure Screening at 10:00 AM by Wil Wilhelmus, Public Nurse, Watertown Town Hall. Free.
February 20: Foot Care Clinic at 11:00 AM. Toenails, corns, callus care only. The cost for this service is $25.00 payable to Dr. Alper.
February 27: Blood Pressure Screening at 10:00 AM by Linda Micklay, R.N. from CareGroup Home Care. Free.
DROPIN EXERCISE CLASSES at the SENIOR CENTER.
Pay as you go! Each class lasts one hour. In the absence of an instructor, the COA reserves the right to substitute an offering or cancel the class.
MONDAY EXERCISE at 11:00 AM Exercise with Shannon
Exercises include muscle strengthening, light-stretching, balance and posture improvement, and low-impact aerobics. Cost: $3.00
TUESDAY EXERCISE at 9:30 AM Exercise with Joanna
Join the fun! Regular exercise can improve circulation, help to strengthen bones, increase muscle mass, reduce joint stiffness, and improve general health. Cost: $3.00
TUESDAY LINE DANCING at 11:15 AM
Join Manny and friends and get up and get moving with this fun bunch! Cost: $4.00
WEDNESDAY MAT YOGA at 11:00 AM
Yoga with Sue Bring your own mat and join Sue for this gentle, restful yoga session that promotes strength and agility. Cost: $3.00
THURSDAY CHAIR YOGA at 9:30 AM
Yoga with Diane Cost: $3.00 Join Diane for this seated yoga class that works all your muscles.
THURSDAY KEEP FIT with JOANNA at 11:00 AM. Cost $3.00
NEW! FRIDAY CHAIR VOLLEYBALL at 10:00 AM Cost: FREE!
FRIDAY TAI CHI with MARIE at 12:30 PM Cost: $4.00
FRIDAY STRENGTH & BALANCE at 2:15 PM With Pearl Cost: $3.00
PLEASE NOTE: If a class is canceled and we have enough notice, you may receive a Robo-Call from the Senior Center. The number that comes up on Caller ID is 617-440-3507 and might be identified as Scam by your smart phone.
Read the entire February Watertown Senior News by clicking here.