North Andover
Beacon of Hope and Healing presents a six-week bereavement support group. This will provide a safe environment for sharing thoughts and feelings. The group will meet on consecutive Fridays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 23. For registration or more information, call the Senior Center. There is no charge for this group discussion.
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.
Next Mystery Ride is scheduled for Thursday, March 6.
Foxwoods trip on Tuesday, March 13. Sign up at the North Andover Senior Center. Cost is $27 and includes round trip transportation, $10 lunch certificate, and $15 Keno. Leaves Water Street behind St. Michael Parish at 7 a.m. sharp. Payment is due at registration.
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.
Fourth Wednesday discussion group: Come join us for 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, OD (Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary specializing in Geriatric Eye Care) on March 6 and April 10 from 9 to 11 a.m. Call for appointment and bring Medicare Card.
New England Spring Flower Show on Thursday, March 13. The bus will leave the center at 10 a.m. and return at approximately 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be at 1 p.m. at the No Name Restaurant on the Boston Fish Pier. Ticket and transportation is $25. Lunch is not included.
The next Friend of the North Andover Senior Center Board Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 28. 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. Stop by on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. and see what it is all about.
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.
Getting ready for Analog to 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 (NTIA) 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.
Belly dancing classes will be offered on Fridays from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
Advice on Staying Warm This Winter: The first line of protection is to be aware of the weather forecast. Besides the temperature, pay attention to the Wind Chill Index, which is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin by combined effects of wind and cold. When it is very cold, dress in multiple, dry layers of loose-fitting clothing, thick socks as well as a scarf, hat and mittens. Avoid overexertion. Shoveling is very strenuous exercise and can quickly take a toll on your body. If you must shovel, go slowly, lift carefully, take frequent breaks, drink a lot of water, dress warmly, and stop at the first sign of pain or exhaustion. Keep a covered bucket of sand or salt on your porch to use for black ice. If you must drive, make sure you are well stocked with a full tank of gas, a windshield scraper and de-icer, cell phone or an emergency radio and an extra pair of gloves, socks, hat, and boots. In the event of a major storm, elders should be prepared to remain inside their homes for a few days. These precautions will help you weather emergencies: Emergency phone numbers and contact information (doctors, family, friends, neighbors, police, fire, board of health, and the Senior Center); Medications prescriptions and over the counter medication; First Aid Supplies; Three-day supply of nonperishable foods and drinks, don't forget pet food and extra water (one gallon of water per person per day). Battery operated flash light, radio, manual can opener, candles, matches/lighter, cash. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs has prepared this guide as an aid for seniors and their caregivers to have a healthy and safe winter.
Inclement Weather Policy: When schools in North Andover are canceled, senior center classes will not be held. This also applies to other emergencies, such as floods, hurricanes, etc. Tune into TV or radio for the announcement of closings. Meals at the Senior Center and Meals on Wheels are provided by the Greater Lawrence Technical School in Andover. Occasionally, they can announce a closing apart from the North Andover School System. Therefore, if they announce a closing, there will be no meals served that day. However, the center will remain open.
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.
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.
The North Andover Senior Center presents:
A six-day trip through Williamsburg, Va., Washington, D.C. and Lancaster, Penn. April 17-22, 2008. This trip includes five nights hotel, four dinners and five breakfasts, a dinner cruise on the Potomac River, tour of D.C., two-day ticket to Colonial Williamsburg, and tickets to the Virginia Tattoo. Also, a local tour guide and tour of William and Mary College. Deluxe motorcoach transportation. Cost: $779 double, $699 triple, $1089 single. Call Barbara for a complete itinerary at 978-688-9560.
The Senior Center is a collecting point for used cell phones and empty print cartridges. The Cell Phone Program 911 is a way to provide cell phones to seniors at no cost. These phones can only be used in emergencies, as they only have 911 capabilities. For further information or to obtain a phone, contact Donna Delaney at the North Andover Senior Center. Phones that we are not able to reprogram are sent along with the empty print cartridges to a recycling center. It is a great way to help raise funds for the Senior Center and keep our environment clean of old batteries and toxic waste.
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.
Tai chi and chi gong: Improve balance and relax the body. Concentration, internal body awareness and patience will improve greatly. This program allows the body to feel good and provides a healthy way to deal with stress. Tuesday morning from 10:30 to 11:30.
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, including:
r Using the van to attend the weekly BBQ or congregate luncheons at the COA. There will be no charge. But you must let the COA know ahead of time
r With 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:
r 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 prior to the week you want to go.
r Wednesdays are set aside for transportation to and from the barbecues.
r 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.
Handy Man: 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 pre-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.
