All programs and events are held in the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center unless otherwise stated in the individual briefs below. Questions should be directed to 781 631-6225 or councilonaging@marblehead.org.
Lunching at the COA
Lunch is offered on Tuesdays at noon for $3. The meals are prepared in the Council on Aging’s commercial kitchen. The generosity of the Friends of the Council on Aging offsets the cost of lunch.
Grab-n-go lunches
Grab-n-Go lunches are offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Council on Aging. This program is offered through “AgeSpan,” formerly known as Elder Services of Merrimack Valley & North Shore. Pick up time is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Reservations must be made the Thursday before by calling 781-631-6225.
The Traveling Chef returns
On Friday, Jan. 27, at noon, Grab-n-Go is replaced with a seated meal at the COA. RSVP at 781-631-6225. Suggested donation is $2.
Caregiver Support Group
Everyone’s welcome at this dinner and conversation on Wed., Jan. 18, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. RSVP by Jan. 16 at 781-631-6225.
Flying Solo with Sharon
COA Outreach Coordinator Sharon Doliber leads this group specifically for people who live alone. Tues., Jan. 24, 1:30 p.m. RSVP at 781-631-6225.
Elder Survival Skill Basics
“Police Chief Dennis King will share personal safety techniques to use when out and about or at home, as well as ways to handle those relentless scam artists,” says COA staff. Thursday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m.
Coffee with a Cop, now on Fridays
Join Chief Dennis King or someone else from the Marblehead Police Department to discuss community concerns. Fridays at 8:30 a.m.
Blood Pressure Clinic
Drop-in blood pressure clinic on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon.
Fitness Center closed
The COA Fitness Center is being refloored and will be closed the week of Jan. 2. It is scheduled to reopen on Monday, Jan. 9.
Muscle Conditioning
Senior muscle conditioning with Kim on Mondays and Fridays at 9 a.m, and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Cost: $3
Stay Active
This osteo class with North Shore Physical Therapy runs Mondays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. There’s also Balance and Mobility with Mary Manning on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Each class is $3. (No classes on Jan. 16)
Zumba
Zumba Gold classes are held on Wednesdays at noon. “A lower intensity, Latin and world-music inspired dance fitness class for all abilities.”
Parkinson’s Fitness
Parkinson’s fitness class is free on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. “Specifically developed for folks with Parkinson’s Disease, but appropriate and beneficial for all. Class combines focus on strength, mobility and balance. This program is paid for by the generosity of the Friends of the Council on Aging.”
Indoor Curling
Indoor curling takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. “Come and enjoy an indoor sport with a mixed group of fun, friendly men and women. Experience is not necessary. Instructions on how to play the game and learn the rules will be available at every session.” Yearly fee is $15. Contact pbibbo@aol.com with questions.
Strength & Stretch
The Council on Aging offers a strength and stretch session on Mondays at 11:3o a.m. and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Cost is $3.
Step it Up
Karen Jancsy leads this low-impact movement and muscle conditioning class. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. (No class on Jan. 2 or 16.)
Weight Training
A weight training class is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:45 a.m. Cost is $3.
Yoga with Evie
A yoga class is held on Mondays at 9 a.m., Wednesdays at 8:3o a.m. and Thursdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m.
Chair Yoga
Gail Perry Borden teaches chair yoga on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Cost is $3.
Line Dancing
Kate Hoffman teaches line dancing on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The first hour is focused on beginners; however, all are welcome and encouraged to participate. Cost is $5
Drop-in Songs & Music
Enjoy this sing-along to Golden Oldies, show tunes, sea shanties and more. If you play an instrument, bring it along. Wednesdays, Jan. 4 and 18, 11 a.m. to noon.
Movie days
The COA is hosting two Friday movie screenings in January: “The Good Nurse” on Jan. 6, at 1:15 p.m., and “Endangered” on Jan. 20, 11 a.m. Popcorn and drinks will be served. RSVP by calling 781-631-6225.
Quilting
Learn how to quilt in this class on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Cost is $5 per class. The Quilt Guild will meet Tues., Jan. 17, at 6:30 p.m.
Cribbage
Cribbage is held on Tuesdays. Doors close at 9: 30 a.m.
Mahjong
Play Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (No Mahjong on Jan. 16.)
I Love Bridge
This advanced bridge instruction class meets Mondays, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5. (No class on Jan. 16.) Drop-in Bridge is on Tuesdsays 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Fridays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Canasta
Canasta is now at the COA on Thursdays 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Book Club
In January, the Book Club will meet Wednesday, Jan. 11, and Friday, Jan. 27, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Call Sharon for the book title at 781-631-6225.
Get a senior Charlie Card
People who are 65 years or older are eligible for reduced MBTA fares with a senior Charlie Card.
These cards are valid for eight years. Call Nadine Lepick at 781.631-6225 Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. to ask questions or make an appointment to process an application. Cards can also be reloaded with cash on any bus.
Need help with heating costs?
The Home Energy Assistance Program at North Shore Community Action Programs, Inc. helps income-eligible households pay their winter heating bills even if the cost of heat is included in their rent. If their gross household income falls within certain limits, they may qualify for payment towards their winter heating bills. In addition, eligible National Grid customers may qualify for a discount of up to 32 percent off their electric and gas bills, too. For more information about Home Energy Assistance, call 978-531-8810 or email fuelassistance@nscap.org.
Need a lift?
The COA offers transportation services to both in-town and out-of-town medical appointments and in-town errands such as the hairdresser, bank, to vote or to the COA for programs and/or lunch. Weekly grocery shopping trips to Crosby’s & Market Basket and bimonthly trips to the North Shore Mall are also available. Transportation runs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To schedule a ride, call 781-631-6225
Home-safety audits
The town offers home safety audits to local residents. A representative from both the Marblehead Fire Department and the Council on Aging will schedule a time to meet seniors at their homes and review/discuss home safety options with you. Also, free fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and lock boxes can be installed as necessary. To learn more, contact Sharon Doliber, 781-631-6225.
Senior work-off program
The town of Marblehead is accepting applications for the senior work-off program from Jan. 6-31, 2023. The purpose of this program is to allow participating senior taxpayers to volunteer their services to the town in exchange for a reduction of up to $750 on their fiscal year 2024 property tax bills. Marblehead services will be enhanced by utilizing the skills of the town senior citizens.
ELIGIBILITY:
Must be 60 years or older
Must be owner (or spouse of owner) and occupy the Marblehead residence for which the abatement will apply
Income must not exceed $51,528 for a senior household of one person or $69,824 for a senior household of two; only one volunteer abatement per household per year
There will be 30 openings for 2023. Applicants must complete conflict-of-interest training and pass a CORI check. The town department head, the Council on Aging director and the applicant must agree on placement.
Placement is also based on qualification, availability, location and physical limitation. If there are more applicants than openings, acceptance will be based on both financial need and the suitability of an available placement. 2023 volunteer hours must be completed by Oct. 13, 2023.
The rate will be credited at the $15 per hour state minimum wage. The town will issue a W2 form for federal income tax purposes. Applications will be available starting in December on the Council on Aging website at marblehead.org and at the Council on Aging. Please address questions to Lisa Hooper, executive director of the Council on Aging, at 781-631-6225.
Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist who has written hundreds of stories for local newspapers, including the Marblehead Reporter. She also works as a PR specialist.