All programs are held at the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center, 10 Humphrey St., unless otherwise stated. Questions? Call 781-631-6225 or email 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. These lunches are supported by The Friends of the Council on Aging.
Grab-n-go lunches
Grab-n-go lunches are offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Council on Aging. 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
Friday, Feb. 24, noon. There is no Grab-n-go this day. Enjoy a seated lunch indoors instead. Register by Feb. 17. Suggested donation is $2.
Maple Street Bistro at Essex Tech
Friday, Feb. 3, 11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The menu is available at the COA. The COA van can transport up to 12 people or you can drive on your own. $15 per person. Registration and payment due by Thursday, Feb. 2.
Forensic Science Roadshow
Venture into the world of CSI with forensic scientist Paul Zambella, who worked in the Massachusetts State Police crime lab for 36 years. Learn about DNA, fingerprints, crime light and more. Thursday, Feb. 16, 12:30 p.m. Register at 781-631-6225.
‘Murder in Marblehead’
Harry Christensen and Richard Santeusanio will be back to discuss their book, “Murder in Marblehead.” Friday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m. Register at 781-631-6225.
A Tour of English Gardens
Join Ginny Von Rueden, president of the Driftwood Garden Club, as she discusses some of the best gardens in England. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $3.
Marblehead Citizens Police Academy
The academy is launching a new class in March. Applications are available online at www.marblehead.org/police-department or www.marblehead.org/council-on-aging-department. You can also sign up at the COA or police station. Call Janice at 781-631-6225 with questions.
Movie Days
Come watch the period comedy/thriller “Amsterdam” on Friday, Jan. 10, 1 p.m. Then, on Feb. 24, at 1 p.m., watch “The Banshees of Inisherin.” RSVP at 781-631-6225.
Drop-in Songs and Music
Enjoy this sing-along featuring golden oldees, 60s hits, show tunes, hymns, folk songs and sea shanties. Wed., Feb. 15, 11 a.m. to noon.
Book Club
February’s book is “Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell. Wednesdays Feb. 8 and 22, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Flying Solo
Joan Cutler leads this group designed specifically for people who live alone. Tuesday, Feb. 28, 1: 30 p.m.
Caregiver Support Group
Amy Gilliland, Marblehead police dispatch supervisor, is the featured speaker this month. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Coffee with a Cop
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.
Muscle Conditioning
Senior Muscle Conditioning with Kim on Mondays and Fridays at 9 a.m and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Cost is $3. (No class Feb. 20.)
Stay Active
North Shore Physical Therapy runs an osteo class on 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 Monday, Feb. 20.)
Zumba Gold
Zumba Gold classes are held on Wednesdays at noon. It is a lower intensity dance class inspired by Latin and world music.
Parkinson’s Fitness
The Parkinson’s Fitness class is free on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Specifically developed for folks with Parkinson’s disease but appropriate for all, this class focuses on strength, mobility and balance. This program is paid for by 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.
No experience is necessary for this indoor sport. Instructions on how to play the game will be available at every session. Yearly fee is $15. Contact pbibbo@aol.com with questions. (No class Feb. 20.)
Stretch & Strength
The Council on Aging offers a Strength & Stretch class on Mondays at 11:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Cost is $3. (No class Feb. 20.)
Step it Up
Karen Jancsy leads this low-impact movement and muscle conditioning class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. (No class Feb. 20.)
Weight Training
A Weight Training class is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:45 a.m. Cost is $3.
Yoga with Evie
This yoga class is held on Mondays at 9 a.m., Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. and Thursdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. (No class Feb. 20.)
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.
Quilting
Learn how to quilt in this class on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Cost is $5 per class.
Knitting Group
Drop-in knitting is Thursdays at 9 a.m.
Cribbage
Cribbage is held on Tuesdays. Doors close at 9:30 a.m.
Mahjong
Play mahjong Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (No class Feb. 20.)
I Love Bridge
This advanced bridge instruction class meets Mondays, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5. Drop-in bridge is on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to noon, and Fridays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (No class Feb. 20.)
Canasta
Canasta is now at the COA on Thursdays 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
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 your gross household income falls within certain limits, you may qualify for payment towards 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. 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 and 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 and discuss home safety options. Also, free fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and lock boxes can be installed. To learn more, contact Sharon Doliber 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.