April 10, 2008 05:00 am North Andover The North Andover Senior Center is proud to recognize the efforts of its most valuable resource – the volunteers. Volunteers impact the critical needs of our community and inspire others to do the same. Their assistance helps the Senior Center provide services, programming and outreach to the homebound. We honor their commitment, compassion, and devotion to others. The center will celebrate its third annual Special Friends and Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on April 24 at DiBurro's at Ward Hill in Haverhill to recognize volunteers who have contributed 50 hours or more of direct service to elders in North Andover. National Volunteer Week was created in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order to establish the annual celebration of volunteering. This year's observance is during the last week of April.
A Mother's Day breakfast will be May 1 at 9 a.m. Signups are April 15 through April 28. The breakfast is sponsored in part by the men's breakfast group. Tickets are $4.
The next Friends of the North Andover Senior Center board meeting is Thursday, May 1, at 4:30 p.m. The Friends of the North Andover Senior Center is looking for highly motivated, caring volunteers who would make a commitment to the group and organization.
The Friends of the North Andover Senior Center, Inc. have established a transportation scholarship program for North Andover seniors. Starting April 15, 10-ride passbooks will be available for North Andover seniors at no cost. One book per month per person will be available and used passbooks must be presented to receive another one free. Seniors must fill out a brief application at the Senior Center, bring an MVRTA transport ID card, show proof of residency, and be a North Andover resident to be eligible. Once the initial amount of free books has been distributed, the cost of a 10 ride passbook will be $10 instead of $20, with the Friends of the North Andover Senior Center offsetting 50 percent of the original cost. This program is funded by Money received from the annual Matter of Taste event at the Stevens Estate helps fund the program. The mission of the Friends of the North Andover Senior Center Inc. is to create awareness, educate and identify senior needs and to promote, sponsor and financially support programs and services whose primary activities are by and for the senior population of the town of North Andover. This is in accordance with the goals and policies of the North Andover Council on Aging Board. This program is only for North Andover seniors, no exceptions.
The Friends of the North Andover Senior Center Inc. need help. They have just embarked on a three-month Capital Improvement Fundraising Campaign to supplement the town of North Andover's funding of $250,000 for critically needed renovations and upgrades to the Senior Center facility. To complete all of the recommended renovations and improvements, they need to raise a minimum of $80,000. Here is a summary of some of the key improvements planned for this project: Expand reception and waiting area providing better access; improve "people flow" and accessibility to activities, programs , services and staff; expand size of Walk-in Clinic area and computer area. The overall mission of the Friends of the North Andover Senior Center Inc. is to financially support the programs and activities provided daily to a growing elder population in North Andover. The over-80 population is the fastest-growing population and the ones who require the most services. Please mail your tax-deductible donation check made payable to The Friends of the North Andover Senior Center Inc. at P.O. Box 661, North Andover, MA 01845. Also, please write "Capital Improvement Fund" in the memo section on your check. The next Foxwoods Trip will be April 15. Sign up now open, $25. Includes round-trip transportation, $10 lunch certificate, $10 match play, $15 Keno. 7 a.m. Water Street pickup. Make check payable to Rite Way Travel.
The North Andover Senior Center is collecting items for soldiers in Iraq and in Afghanistan. Each month a different soldier is featured; this month the collection is for Joshua Tuccolo. Anyone can donate, just drop by the center and put an item in the box. Suggested items are toiletries, stationary, snacks and socks.
The North Andover Senior Center is collecting old cell phones and ink jet cartridges. Your used cell phones may be tax deductible and will be recycled in accordance with EPA regulations or refurbished and sold. 100 percent of the proceeds will help fund transportation for elder clients and staff support at the Senior Center. Please drop them off at the North Andover Senior Center.
Better Days Ahead: A program on managing chronic disease meets every Wednesday, starting April 23 through May 28, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Home Care Inc. is offering this six-week program to address the needs of individuals in the community living with chronic health issues. Class size is limited to 16 people. Call Rita Lonardo, RN at 978-552-4674 to register.
The senior center's trip to Williamsburg, Va., April 17-22 has been canceled. Impressionist Mark Verselli will perform at Angelica's Ballroom on Wednesday, April 16, at 11:30 a.m. Meal choice is Yankee pot roast or baked scrod. There will also be live music for dancing. Those planning to attend may drive or carpool. Cost is $40 per person. A performance by the "Sisters of Swing" will be April 19 at the Stoneham Theater with reserved orchestra seating. Cost is $87 per person and includes round trip motorcoach transportation and full course luncheon at Ristorante Molise. Trip to Nantucket Island Daffodil Festival, April 25-27, includes motorcoach, round-trip ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket, two nights accommodations at the Nantucket Inn with lunch on arrival, buffet breakfast each day, Saturday evening dinner with wine and entertainment, and the Daffodil Festival parade and Nantucket Island Garden Club's annual Daffodil Show. Cost is $409 per person double occupancy, $509 single. For a complete itinerary, call Barbara at 978-688-9560. A trip to Cathedral of the Pines and Lily's on the Pond is planned for Thursday, May 1. Cathedral of the Pines has over 200 acres of stately pine forests and formal gardens. A guided tour and time to explore will be followed by lunch at Lily's on the Pond. Cost is $36 per person. To sign up, call Barbara at 978-688-9560. Travel to Luciano's on Lake Pearl is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, to see the "Drifters." This trip includes roundtrip motorcoach, lunch and show. Cost is $64 per person.
The senior center reports, "As a senior citizen, criminals often target you because they think you are vulnerable but you need not believe that. Your own education and awareness can prevent these criminals from victimizing you. If you are contacted — by telephone, mail or e-mail — by someone claiming that: you have won something; need to verify account numbers or other personal information; they need your help transferring money or anything else that sounds too good to be true, hang up, delete or throw away such correspondence. No legitimate company verifies information in this way. Unless you have initiated contact — you called, mailed or visited a company's Web site — do not give out personal information. You may visit www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 to reduce the number of calls to your house. Also: www.madonotcall.govconnect.com or 1-866-231-2255. Tickets are available for the Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Society performance on Sunday, April 27, at 2:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College in North Andover. The tickets are free for the first 10 persons. A limit of two per person. You must be a North Andover senior, and ID is required.
Getting ready for digital television: At midnight on Feb. 17, 2009, full power broadcast television stations will stop broadcasting in analog format. Digital TV will replace the analog system. To prepare for this change, you can buy a new TV that has a built-in ATSC tuner, buy a Digital-to-Analog Converter Box, or subscribe to a Cable TV or Satellite TV service. To reduce the cost for analog TV owners, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce developed a converter box coupon program. This program allows Analog TV owners to request coupons towards the purchase of a Digital-to-Analog converter box. Coupons will be available from now to March 31, 2009. All households that own a TV using over-the-air analog reception are eligible. Coupons, which will look like a plastic gift cards, will be redeemable through local electronic stores. Households may request two $40 coupons toward the purchase of an Analog-to-Digital converter boxes beginning by calling 888-DTV-2009, (1-888-388-2009) or online at www.DTV2009.gov, which also provides answers to frequently asked questions. Coupons will be forwarded via U.S. mail. The approximate cost of a converter box will be between $60 and $80.
Massachusetts Credit Freeze Law: A new weapon against identity theft is now available for all Massachusetts residents. This new credit report freeze will provide consumers with the ability to prevent unauthorized access to their Credit Reports and FICO Scores. Under the new law, credit-reporting agencies cannot charge a victim of identity, or his or her spouse, for placing a security freeze on their credit report. However, consumers who have not been victimized can be charged $5 by each credit-reporting agency. To implement a credit freeze you must notify, by certified letter, each of the three major credit-reporting agencies. You will receive a PIN number, which will be used to remove the freeze from your file. The credit freeze will not apply to your existing creditors, any of the affiliated companies, or any companies peeking at your credit files. The freeze does not affect collection activity or any government agencies.
Emergency fund: The Friends of North Andover Senior Center have created an emergency fund to assist North Andover seniors in times of severe hardship. The Friends have authorized payment of up to $100 per family per year. The fund may be used for such things as utility bills, rent, food and prescriptions. To be eligible, the senior must be 60 years or older, a resident of North Andover and own their own home, rent an apartment or be living with someone who is a resident. Residents of nursing homes will not be considered for this fund. For more information, call Donna Delaney at 978-688-9560.
Scholarship fund: The Friends of Andover Senior Center have established a scholarship fund for seniors that may be having difficulty paying their class fees at the center. The Fund will pay $24 and the senior will pay the remaining $20 toward the total cost of $44. To apply for a scholarship, call Donna Delaney at the Center.
Regular programs Exercise Programs at the North Andover Senior Center include yoga on Mondays 9 to 10 a.m. and belly dancing on Fridays, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Cost is $6 per class or $4 per class if you sign up for the entire program. You do not have to be a resident of North Andover to participate. Call 978-688-9560 for a complete list of activities. Free computer classes are offered to North Andover seniors on Mondays and Thursdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Call for an appointment. Walk-ins welcome if teacher is available. Call the reception desk at 978-688-9560. Tax Time: Call for an appointment and ask for Paula. Please bring the following documentation: a copy of last year taxes, water and sewer bill, real estate taxes or rent receipts. Support group every Friday from 1 to 2:30 p.m.: Beacon of Hope is a support group which meets on a weekly basis. It brings a trained facilitator together with a group of seniors who have had losses and challenges in their lives. The goal is to bond with a group, learn from each other and create coping strategies. Newcomers are always welcome. Fourth Wednesday discussion group: Come join a monthly gathering with others experiencing life changes. The group will meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Each monthly meeting will focus on a specific topic. For registration or more information, call the Senior Center. There is no charge for this group discussion. Eye exams with Dr. Andrew D. Baker will be offered on April 10 from 9 to 11 a.m. Baker is of the Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary specializing in Geriatric Eye Care onCall for appointment and bring Medicare Card. Healthy living program is offered on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., designed for active people in the work force. Topics for discussion will be nutrition, stress management, whole foods, behavior modification and exercise. All ages are welcome. Drivers are needed to take elders to medical appointments. We also need volunteers for the telephone reassurance and friendly visitors program. Would you be interested in facilitating a writing class, music lessons, teaching computer skills or exercise classes? Please call the Center if you have some time to offer to your community. Four Seasons newsletter: If you are age 60 and over you should be receiving the "Four Seasons" newsletter. If you are not on our mailing list please call 978-688-6560 and give us your information. Those who are under age 60 may pick up a newsletter at the Center. Grocery shopping at Market Basket every Tuesday and Wednesday, round trip $2 curb to curb service. Senior Center Shuttle Monday, Wednesday, Friday pick up starts at 8:40 a.m. and returns home after lunch. Round trip is $1. Medical transport is available by calling the Center four days in advance to schedule transportation. For more information on any program above, call Paula at 978-688-9560. Moving and grooving: Fridays from 9 to 10 a.m. Get the benefits of Pilates, low-impact aerobics and strength conditioning, all in one class. Strength training: Increase functional strength by exercising with comfortable and motivational music. Class starts with a warm-up and continues with light aerobics. Hand and leg weights are optional. Class meets every Monday and Thursday at 2:15 p.m. Line dancing: Lightly choreographed dance steps, gentle low impact workout. Class is held either on Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m. or Tuesday or Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m. Fix-it shops will be open on the first and third Monday of the month from 1 to 4 p.m. Bring in your watches that need batteries and other small appliances that need repairs. Bob Millstone, a.k.a. Mr. Fix-it, can replace old wires on lamps, fix extension cords, and replace on and off switches. He loves a challenge so bring in your item and he will do the best job he can for you. Your cost is $2, plus parts. All proceeds benefit the Senior Center. Men in Motion: A complete workout for the older male. The class is geared to improving cardiovascular endurance as well as strengthening the major muscle groups, including abdominals, through resistance training. Weights and resistance bands provided. Tuesdays at 7:45 to 8:45 a.m.. Cost for senior participants $29. Senior Spinning: The original indoor cycling program is an unmatched way to make your fitness goal a reality. No complicated moves to learn, a motivating group environment, and top-notch instructor. Learn to spin at your own pace in this fun, upbeat class. Wednesday 8 to 8:45 a.m. Cost for senior participants $21. Aquacize: The Aquacize fitness program stresses aerobics and including a warm-up and stretching phase, flexibility exercise, muscle toning, and movement with music. Held in the teaching pool. Tuesday and Thursdays 7:30 to 8:10 a.m. Cost for senior participants $54. Cardio Flex: This class is broken into 30-minutes of cardio conditioning, 15 minutes of strengthening, and 15 minutes of relaxation and stretching exercise. Thursdays 8 to 9 a.m. cost for senior participants $29. Tai Chi for seniors: Feel great, stay fit and keep moving. Tai Chi may improve concentration, memory, balance, muscle stamina, flexibility, relaxation and more. Thursday 1:30-2:30 p.m. Cost for senior participants $40. Tai Chi & Chi Gong: Improves balance and relaxes the body. Concentration, internal body awareness and patience improves greatly. Allows the body to feel good and provides a healthy way to deal with stress. Tuesday morning 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. TRIAD: Seniors and Law Enforcement working together. Find out about the latest crime alerts, discussion groups, problem solving, and implementing new programs. Meets the third Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m. Woodcarving: A great social group; beginners through advanced are welcome. Meets Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Bingo: Tuesdays 1 p.m., $1 per card. Coffee and tea will be available. Book Club: Meets the first Friday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Bowling: At Academy Lanes in Bradford, $5.75 per week. Includes bowling and shoes. League forms in September. Bridge: Experienced players meet to enjoy a friendly afternoon of bridge. Partners not needed. All are welcome. Drop in on Monday or Friday afternoons. From 1 to 4. p.m. Bridge Refresher: Build upon your bridge skills. This is a weekly walk-in session. Partners not needed. All are welcome. Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Cards: 45's, Nickels and Poker (nickel and dime, dealer's choice) experienced and beginners welcome. Meets Monday afternoons at 1 p.m. $1 donation. Drama Workshop: Interactive class with lots of laughs. Meets on one Thursday a month at 9:30 a.m. Heart to Heart: Weekly fellowship and fun social program designed for social support, sharing and compassion. Meets Wednesday mornings at 10 for coffee; meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. Intergenerational Programs: Students and Seniors working together. Programs sponsored by the Intergenerational Collaborative. Joy of Exercise: Low impact aerobic/dance increases coordination, balance and strength, utilizing a variety of equipment from stretch bands to light weights (provided). Men and women welcome. Thursday morning at 10. Knitting and Crocheting: Open to all, Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 a.m. Individuals should bring their own projects and a smile. Members will be able to help each other solve any problems. Join to learn something new or for fun. Yarn is available. Lecture Series: People from different backgrounds, professions or interests give presentations and insight into a variety of subjects. Keeping our minds open and alert helps our overall health and well being. Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Meditation Class: Meditation is a practice that will help you bring focus to your breathing and help you release tension and stress. Meets on Thursdays at 11 a.m. News and Views: An informative and stimulating group covering current events, local, national and international issues. Each individual is encouraged to express his or her point of view on various subjects. Wednesday morning at 10:30. Quilting: All levels welcome. We bring our work for show and tell, tips on colors, patterns and quilting styles. Meets the first Friday of the month at 10 a.m. Sketching & Oil Painting: For all levels of artists, from beginner to advanced. The elements of drawing are emphasized—includes composition, color and values. Meets Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Strength Training: Increases functional strength by exercising with comfortable and motivational music. Starts with a warm-up and continues with light aerobics. Hand and leg weights optional (bring your own). Meets Mondays and Thursdays at 2:15 p.m. The Council on Aging is at 120 Main St. For a full list of Council on Aging events, call 978-688-9560.
Boxford Van use: The cost of using the van is $3 per person, per trip with some exceptions. There is no charge to use the van to attend the weekly barbecue or congregate luncheons at the Council on Aging, but you must let the COA know ahead of time For longer trips, the cost per person might be more than $3, but any new price will be noted in the schedule. Other scheduling items to keep in mind: The first Monday of the month will be set aside for the Silver Screen show at the Lawrence Showcase Cinema. The cost of the movie is $1, and the show starts at 1 p.m. Reserve your space the Wednesday before the week you want to go. Wednesdays are set aside for transportation to and from the barbecues. Thursdays are set aside for grocery shopping COA board meeting: The Council on Aging Board usually meets every second Wednesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. Mixed bag: Every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. is the COA's Mixed Bag Day. This day is being set aside to cover many areas of interest such as knitting, sewing, arts and crafts. Handymen: The handymen are Jacks of All Trades and are willing to help with some jobs around the house — fixing light switches, or changing locks. Game Day: Every Monday at 9:30 a.m. Everyone enjoys a challenging game. Bring a friend and join in the fun. We have Rummikub, Scrabble, Yahtzee, Monopoly, checkers, cribbage and more. Wanted: The senior center is looking for Northern Essex Elder Transport drivers. The center needs volunteers to drive seniors to various medical appointments, mostly in Peabody, Danvers, Beverly, Topsfield or Haverhill. Not a set schedule. The volunteers are provided with supplemental insurance for their vehicle and are reimbursed at 40 cents per mile. If you are interested, please call the COA at 978-887-3591. Elder services: The last Thursday of the month, Kelly Manseau from Elder Services will have office hours at the COA. She plans to have an "open door" policy for all seniors who would like to speak to someone regarding Elder Services. Silver Screen shows: At Lawrence Showcase Cinemas, first Monday of each month. Classic films shown at 1 p.m. for $1 Great Group: The Great Group is sponsored by the Boxford Village Garden Club and provides a monthly program specifically for women who have reached the age of late 70s or older. The monthly meetings are usually held every third Friday of the month at Four Mile Village. For more information, contact Doffy Falk at 978-887-8495. Congregate lunch: Lunches are held at the COA every Tuesday and Thursday. Reservations are required and must be received prior to noon on Monday or Wednesday. The cost for this meal is still $1.50 per person. Line dancing: This fun class will be held upstairs at the COA with instructor Arlene Parkhurst every Monday and Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. All levels and ages are welcome and no prior experience is necessary to enjoy this class. Interested parties do no need to register, just come in and sign up at the beginning of the class. You can come to either class or both. Come on by and kick up your heels. Yoga Classes: Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit in classes taught by Mary Van Abs. Cost is $3 per class. The Council on Aging is at 4 Middleton Road. For a full list of Council on Aging events, call 978-887-3591.
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