Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-12-00-COA-newsletterTELEPHONE 781 - 861 -0194 FAX 781 - 863 -2271 DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES Lauren MacNeil lmacneil @ci. lexington. ma. us OFFICE MANAGER Dianne Snell dsnell @ci. lexington. ma. us SOCIAL SERVICES COORDINATOR Michael Novack mnovack @ci. lexington. ma. us OUTREACH SOCIAL WORKER Amy Yang ayang @ci. lexington. ma. us PROGRAM CLERK Elisabeth Coble ecoble @ci. lexington. ma. us NUTRITION SITE MANAGER Muriel Meade ADULT DAY CARE DIRECTOR Carolyn Griffith 781 - 259 -1807 VETERANS' AGENT Winston "Pat' Flynn COUNCIL ON AGING Betty Borghesani Don Chisholm Marian Cohen, Chair Bob Edwards Dan Fenn Donald Graham Paul Lapointe Leo McSweeney Frieda Oliner Jane Trudeau FRIENDS OF THE COUNCIL ON AGING Becky Clarke Donald Graham Beverly Kelley Ruth McIntosh SELECTMAN LIAISON Richard Pagett Join us for the Holiday Season... 4p iel Reading of A Christmas Carol COA Board member Dan Fenn joins us for an enchanting reading of Christmas Carol, Tues- day, December 14th at 2:30 pm in the Senior Center Dining Room. Light refreshments will be served. Register with the receptionist by Monday, December 13th. Free. Annual Holiday Luncheon, Wednesday, December 15, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Join us for this seasonal luncheon at the Knights of Columbus /Heritage Hall, 177 Bedford Street. Catered by Marty's Catering of Stoneham. Lunch will be served at 11:45. Our own Pryme Tyme Band will play music for dancing. Menu includes: Garden salad, roast turkey with stuffing and gravy, mashed potato, green beans, rolls, dessert and beverages. Register with the receptionist by Thursday, December 9. $7 per person. (Sponsored in part by the Friends of the COA.) Holiday Tea & Christmas Carol Sing -a -Long with the Young at Heart Chorus Tuesday, December 21, 1:30 pm. Along with a performance of holiday songs, the Young at Heart Chorus invites you to join them in a Christmas carol sing -a -long, followed by a holiday tea. Register with the receptionist by Friday, December 17. Free. Intergenerational Poetry Session. Thursday, December 2, 9:15 am - 10:00 am. Sixth -grade students from Clarke Middle School will be selecting and analyzing a poem of their choosing for figurative language and for sound effects. They will also tell what the poem means to them and select an image that they feel captures the essence of their poem. These ideas will be put onto a slide show using a computer software program called Hyperstudio. The seniors would be invited to come to a computer lab and sit with a student one -to -one while each presents her slide show. Register with the Senior Center receptionist. Session will take place at Clarke Middle School. Who's on First? Shifting Family Roles as We Age. Tuesday, December 7 at 7:00 pm, in the Cary Library Meeting Room How does our aging family members' loss of independence and health affect our family rela- tionships? Aging is a normal developmental process and involves profound change that occurs over a period of time, and they affect both the elder and his or her family. In order to respond positively, families need to restructure and redefine the roles that individuals play in relation- ship to each other. The challenge for any family is to become more flexible regarding individ- ual responsibilities, to plan for future changes and to prepare for potential crisis. Some factors that may affect a family's ability to respond supportively to each other include family history on decision making, physical distance from each other and the ability to talk about difficult is- sues. Successfully responding to these factors can create a family environment of deepening care for each other and openness to this new experience of aging in late adulthood. Presented by Minuteman Senior Services. Call the Senior Center for more information. Lexington S enior C enter & NON- PROFIT Social Services Department U.S. POSTAGE PAID BOSTON, MA Newsletter PERMIT NO. �—, 59348 D ecember 2004 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED No. 290 1475 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 htt : / /ci. lexington. ma. us TELEPHONE 781 - 861 -0194 FAX 781 - 863 -2271 DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES Lauren MacNeil lmacneil @ci. lexington. ma. us OFFICE MANAGER Dianne Snell dsnell @ci. lexington. ma. us SOCIAL SERVICES COORDINATOR Michael Novack mnovack @ci. lexington. ma. us OUTREACH SOCIAL WORKER Amy Yang ayang @ci. lexington. ma. us PROGRAM CLERK Elisabeth Coble ecoble @ci. lexington. ma. us NUTRITION SITE MANAGER Muriel Meade ADULT DAY CARE DIRECTOR Carolyn Griffith 781 - 259 -1807 VETERANS' AGENT Winston "Pat' Flynn COUNCIL ON AGING Betty Borghesani Don Chisholm Marian Cohen, Chair Bob Edwards Dan Fenn Donald Graham Paul Lapointe Leo McSweeney Frieda Oliner Jane Trudeau FRIENDS OF THE COUNCIL ON AGING Becky Clarke Donald Graham Beverly Kelley Ruth McIntosh SELECTMAN LIAISON Richard Pagett Join us for the Holiday Season... 4p iel Reading of A Christmas Carol COA Board member Dan Fenn joins us for an enchanting reading of Christmas Carol, Tues- day, December 14th at 2:30 pm in the Senior Center Dining Room. Light refreshments will be served. Register with the receptionist by Monday, December 13th. Free. Annual Holiday Luncheon, Wednesday, December 15, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Join us for this seasonal luncheon at the Knights of Columbus /Heritage Hall, 177 Bedford Street. Catered by Marty's Catering of Stoneham. Lunch will be served at 11:45. Our own Pryme Tyme Band will play music for dancing. Menu includes: Garden salad, roast turkey with stuffing and gravy, mashed potato, green beans, rolls, dessert and beverages. Register with the receptionist by Thursday, December 9. $7 per person. (Sponsored in part by the Friends of the COA.) Holiday Tea & Christmas Carol Sing -a -Long with the Young at Heart Chorus Tuesday, December 21, 1:30 pm. Along with a performance of holiday songs, the Young at Heart Chorus invites you to join them in a Christmas carol sing -a -long, followed by a holiday tea. Register with the receptionist by Friday, December 17. Free. Intergenerational Poetry Session. Thursday, December 2, 9:15 am - 10:00 am. Sixth -grade students from Clarke Middle School will be selecting and analyzing a poem of their choosing for figurative language and for sound effects. They will also tell what the poem means to them and select an image that they feel captures the essence of their poem. These ideas will be put onto a slide show using a computer software program called Hyperstudio. The seniors would be invited to come to a computer lab and sit with a student one -to -one while each presents her slide show. Register with the Senior Center receptionist. Session will take place at Clarke Middle School. Who's on First? Shifting Family Roles as We Age. Tuesday, December 7 at 7:00 pm, in the Cary Library Meeting Room How does our aging family members' loss of independence and health affect our family rela- tionships? Aging is a normal developmental process and involves profound change that occurs over a period of time, and they affect both the elder and his or her family. In order to respond positively, families need to restructure and redefine the roles that individuals play in relation- ship to each other. The challenge for any family is to become more flexible regarding individ- ual responsibilities, to plan for future changes and to prepare for potential crisis. Some factors that may affect a family's ability to respond supportively to each other include family history on decision making, physical distance from each other and the ability to talk about difficult is- sues. Successfully responding to these factors can create a family environment of deepening care for each other and openness to this new experience of aging in late adulthood. Presented by Minuteman Senior Services. Call the Senior Center for more information. Lexinv,ton �ienlor (;enter Newsletter — tjecemeer 2UU4 rav,e 2 December Program Highlights • Trusts and P Tuesdays, 9:30 am -11:30 am. Trusts and Probate is an ongoing member - directed class which discusses the use of wills, trusts and probate in estate planning, as well as many aspects of senior living and town affairs. Class members all contribute to the discussions with their experience and points of view. • International Affai Tuesdays, 2:00 pm -3:30 pm. International, Political, Economic, and Global Policies Discussion Group. Dr. Naeem Rathore will explore conflicts around the world and US participation; cooperative efforts /the UN; US and world economies; jobs; the role of education; election 2004. Much of each session is devoted to a particular issue. Views are respectfully exchanged. All are welcome. Free. • Monthly Birthday Lunch Thursday, December 9th, noon. Join the daily luncheon program for our monthly celebration of birthdays! Call by 11:00 on 12/7 to sign up. The Saturday Group Thursdays, 10 -11:30 am. For those in retirement, everyday can seem like �— Saturday! For some, retirement is an adventure; for others, they need a few ideas about how to fill their days. Join comrades in retirement as we get together for coffee & conversation. • Computer Club Wednesday, December 1, 9:45 am - 11:00 am. Harry Eigner will present a history of computers. Wednesday, December 15, 9:45 am - 11:00 am. Shep Arkin will give a presentation on the characteristics and features of today's modern television sets. • Dietician's Discussion Monday, December 6, 9:45 am. Minuteman Senior Services presents Ca - What's the Buzz? Many of the current popular diets recommend limiting or avoiding carbohydrates. Peg Mikkola, RD, LDN will discuss good /bad carbohydrates, how much should be in your diet, and the current diets limiting them. Register with the Senior Center receptionist. • Afternoon Movies. December 6, 1:15 pm. Raising Helen (2004). Starring Kate Hudson and John Corbett. After losing her sister and brother -in -law in a car accident, Helen, a young modeling agency assistant, becomes the guardian of their three children. As she tries to combine her new responsibilities of parenthood with her busy job and hip lifestyle, she eventually befriends a local pastor, who falls in love with her. 119 Minutes. PG -13 . December 20, 1:15 pm. Cheaper by the Dozen (2003). Starring Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt. When Tom Baker (Martin) gets a job offer to coach the football team of a famous University, he moves his family to the big city which is a big change for his wife and twelve kids. Things get out of control when both parents are busy with their new jobs, while trying to find new ways of parenting their tribe. 98 Minutes. PG. • WWII Veteran's Club Monday, December 13,1:15 pm. Meetings are held in the Meeting Room at Cary Memorial Library. Lieutenant Steve Rooney of the Massachusetts Army National Guard will be speaking about his year at the Al Queda Detention site at Camp Delta in Quantanamo, Cuba. • C reative C rafts! Tuesday, December 21, 9:30 am -11:00 am. Ann Raisis's craft class is an introduction to new techniques or materials. Ann insists that no crafting experience or artistic talent is required! This month we will be making scented bath oils /salts. The class is $3.00 and the materials fee is $3.50. Register with the receptionist. • A rm Char Travel. Wednesday December 22, 10:00 am. George Cotton will continue his series of travel talks. Today we will carry on with our visit to New Zealand through the magic of video photography. The session is free and all are welcome. Volunteer opportunities in afriendly and busy environment? The following volunteer opportunities are available at The Senior Center: • Permanent and substitute receptionists for various shifts, both morning and afternoon • Windowpane Shop workers on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 10 am - 2 pm • Kitchen volunteers Monday through Friday 11 am - 1 pm. For more information call Lauren at 781- 861 -0194. Meals on Wheels Drivers are also Needed! Meals on Wheels drivers are needed in Lexington. Call today and touch people's lives with food and friendship. Vol- unteer one day a week or one day a month. Delivery time is between 11 am & 1 pm. Call Rosemary McLaughlin at 781- 272 -7177 ext. 7083 between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Lexington Senior Center Newsletter — December 2004 Page 3 Services & Information . . . • , IDNE. Counselors Rose Lerner or Rhoda Neidorf are available to help you with any aspect of your health insurance on Tuesdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Call the Senior Center at 781- 861 -0194 to make an appointment. Please let us know if you can't make your appointment. • Fuel Assistance The Fuel Assistance Program will run from November 1 to April 30. Appointments can be scheduled for new clients through the Senior Center receptionist by calling (781) 861 -0194. No appointments will be scheduled prior to the last week of October. You must have an appointment. Fuel Assistance appointments will take place at the Senior Center on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00 am and 11:00 am. Home visits can be arranged. If you have any questions, please contact Michael Novack at (781) 861 -0194. • Library Lines We have many recent books for borrowing so please acquaint yourself with the latest in the book world. Our "Free Stuff' table is now located in the hall just outside the library. We hope you will take advantage of our freebies. There is also a table in the hall with a j igsaw puzzle set up and ready for use. Donations of books and magazines are welcome. No more than ten books at a time, please. Now that the cold weather is upon us, reading a good book is a pleasant way to keep warm and cozy. • Tax Aide Volunteers. The AARP/IRS sponsored Tax -Aide program helps low and moderate income seniors prepare their federal and state income taxes. Tax -Aide volunteers attend a one -week training session in January and must pass an IRS examination. If you are comfortable doing income taxes and would like to consider becoming a volunteer, contact John Rheinstein at 781- 861 -7971. • Friend - Friend Program i s currently seeking volunteers who are interested in being a part of a new Steering Committee. As part of the vital services we offer Lexington seniors, this committee will recruit volunteers and coordinate their efforts. The Friend -to- Friend Program helps to relieve the isolation of homebound elders in Lexington. The homebound elder is paired with a volunteer who offers friendly visits, and /or assistance with grocery shopping and errands. If you are interested in being a part of this committee, contact Michael Novack, at (781) 861 -0194. • Hospice Volunteers Needed ...Care Alternatives Hospice is seeking individuals or groups to make crafts for our terminally ill patients, or assist with administrative work such as answering phones, making copies or helping with other office work. The are also looking for people who would like to provide companionship and support to our patients and their loved ones. For more information call Carol Sazama at 508- 229 -8390. Transportation Options... • MBTA Buses As part of the regional bus system, Routes #62 and #76 service Lexington and provide a link to Alewife Station and the Red Line to Boston. The general fare of $1. Senior Citizen Discount Pass (65 +) fare is $.15. Requires Senior Citizen Pass ID obtained by submitting an application to the MBTA. Call 617-222-5438 for info. • FISH ( Friendly Independent Sympathetic Help) is a high- regarded private volunteer organization founded in 1972 that offers people free rides to medical appointments. FISH's 120 volunteers provide some 150 round trips per month. Your help is needed. If you can use a phone, drive a car and can volunteer one day a month, you can play a pivotal role in maintaining this essential service. To volunteer call 781-862-0375. • Housing Villages Stop & Shop Bus On Tuesdays and Fridays, a C &W school bus transports residents from the three Lexington Housing Villages to Stop & Shop. The destination on Tuesday is the Lexington Stop & Shop and on Friday the Bedford Stop & Shop. Service begins at 8:50 am at Countryside Village followed by stops at Vynebrook and Greeley. The bus leaves Stop & Shop at 10:30 am to return to each of the Villages. Free service complements of Stop & Shop. • MBTA "The Ride "...Residents with mobility issues who are unable to use public transportation are eligible. The application process involves input from a health care professional who must complete the Application for Certification of ADA Paratransit Eligibility. Rides can be scheduled from 14 days before the trip to 4:00 pm the day before. Contact the MBTA Office for Transportation Access at 617- 222 -5123 for more information. Holiday Items at the Window ane Shop. p During the month of December, the Windowpane Shop will feature a nice selection of holiday items - shoppers will find many new things along with some slightly used treasures! Store hours are Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10 am to 2 pm, and along with the holiday items shoppers will find like -new clothing, accessories, jewelry, scarves, pocketbooks, and small household items. Please call Lauren or Dianne at the Senior Center if you'd like to work in the store ... our customers would love us to be open pted 1�I 0 n day ' Frl ay �� more hours! Donations a n1 to 4: 30 Pm- g-.30 December 2 S Center Programs Page 4 MONDAY I TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 9:00 Stretch & Bend 1 9 -12 Fix -It -Shop 2 9:00 Stretch & Bend Senior Center Snow Policy If the Lexington Public Schools are closed 9:30 Foursome Bridge 9:00 Stretch & Bend 9:30 Foursome Bridge 9:30 ESL - Chinese 10:00 Saturday Group 9:30 Yoga due to snow all COA ramm ro in and p g g 9:35 60+ Fitness 10:00 Blood Pressure 10 -2 Library lunches (including Meals on Wheels) will 9:45 Computer Club Senio Cente 12:00 Lunch — Lex Cafe also be cancelled. Senior Center staff will 12:00 Lunch — Lex Cafe 10 -2 Library 1:00 Current Events make every effort to be at the center during 2 -4 Ping Pong 10 -2 Windowpane Shop 1:30 Bingo the day answer an �' �' questions. q ons. Please use 2 -4 Pryme Tyme Band 12:00 Lunch — Lex Cafe 2 -4 Ping Pong 1.15 Line Dancing your judgment about venturing out on snowy 2:00 Caregiver's Group days as your safety is important to us. 6 7 8 9 10 8:30 Kripalu Yoga 9:00 Stretch & Bend 9:00 Stretch & Bend 9 -12 Fix -It -Shop 9:00 Stretch & Bend 9:00 Stretch & Bend 9:30 English/Chinese 9:30 Foursome Bridge 9:00 Stretch & Bend 9:30 Foursome Bridge 9:35 60+ Fitness 9:30 Trusts & Probate 9:30 ESL - Chinese 10:00 Saturday Group 9:30 Yoga 9:45 Dietician's Disc. 10 -2 Library 9:35 60+ Fitness 10:00 Blood Pressure 10 -2 Library 10 -2 Library 10 -2 Windowpane Shop 12:00 Choice Meal Countryside 12:00 Lunch — Lex Cafe 12:00 Lunch — Lex Cafe 12:00 Lunch — Lex Cafe Chinese /Seafood 10 -2 Library 1:00 Current Events 1:00 Scrabble 1:00 SHINE 1:00 Asian Support 10 -2 Windowpane Shop 1:30 Bingo 1:15 Tai Chi 1:00 English/Chinese Srs 1:00 Bereavement 12:00 Birthday Lunch — 2 -4 Ping Pong 1:15 Afternoon Movie 1:30 Pool 2 -4 Ping Pong Lex Cafe 2- 3:30Veterans' Agent 1:30 Chorus 2 -4 Pryme Tyme Band 1:15 Line Dancing 2 -4 Ping Pong 2:00 International Affairs 13 14 15 16 17 8:30 Kripalu Yoga 9:00 Stretch &Bend 9:00 Stretch & Bend 8:30 Podiatry Clinic 9:00 Stretch & Bend 9:00 Stretch & Bend 9:30 English/Chinese Srs 9:30 Foursome Bride g 9 -12 Fix -It -Sho p 9:30 Foursome Bridge 9:35 60+ Fitness 9:30 Trusts &Probate 9:30 ESL - Chinese 9:00 Stretch & Bend 9:30 Yoga 10 -2 Library 10 -2 Library 9:35 60+ Fitness 10:00 Saturday Group 10 -2 Library 12:00 Lunch — Lex Cafe 10 -2 Windowpane Shop 9:45 Computer Club p 10:00 Blood Press /Greele y 12:00 Lunch � Lex Cafe 1:00 Scrabble 12:00 n Lunch — Lex Cafe 11.30 Holiday Luncheon 10 -2 Library 1:00 Current Events 1:15 Tai Chi 1:00 SHINE Heritage Hall 10 -2 Windowpane Shop 1:30 Bingo 1:15 WW II Club /CAL 1:00 English/Chinese Srs 2 -4 Ping Pong 12:00 Lunch — Lex Cafe 2 -4 Ping Pong 2- 3:30Veterans' Agent 1:30 Pool 1:15 Line Dancing 2 -4 Ping Pong 2:00 International Affairs 2:00 Caregiver's Group 2:30 Christmas Carol 8:30 Kripalu Yoga 20 9:00 Stretch & Bend 21 9:00 Stretch & Bend 22 9 -12 Fix -It -Sho 23 p 24 9:00 Stretch & Bend 9:30 English/Chinese Srs 9:30 Foursome Bridge 9:00 Stretch & Bend Christmas Holiday 9:35 60+ Fitness 9:30 Trusts & Probate 9:30 ESL - Chinese 10:00 Saturday Group 10 -2 Library 9:30 Creative Crafts 9:35 60+ Fitness 10:00 Blood Press /Vynbrk Fim 12:00 Lunch — Lex Cafe 10 -2 Library 10:00 Armchair Travel 10 -2 Library 1:00 Scrabble 10 -2 Windowpane Shop 12:00 Choice Meal 10 -2 Windowpane Shop 1:15 Tai Chi 12:00 Lunch � Lex Cafe Chinese /Chicken 12:00 Lunch — Lex Cafe ° 1:15 Afternoon Movie 1:00 SHINE 1:00 Asian Support 1:15 Line Dancing 2- 3:30Veterans' Agent 1:00 English/Chinese Srs 1:00 Bereavement 2 -4 Ping Pong 1:30 Pool 2 -4 Ping Pong Senio Cente Closed 1:30 Chorus /Sing -a -Long 2 -4 Pryme Tyme Band 2:00 International Affairs 8:30 Kripalu Yoga 27 9:00 Stretch & Bend 28 9:00 29 Stretch &Bend 9 -12 30 Fix -It -Shop 9:00 Stretch & Bend 31 9:00 Stretch &Bend 9:35 60+ Fitness 9:30 English/Chinese Srs 9:30 Foursome Bridge 9:00 Stretch & Bend 9:30 Foursome Bridge 10 -2 Library 9:30 Trusts & Probate 9:30 ESL - Chinese 10:00 Saturday Group 9:3 0 Yoga g 12:00 Lunch — Lex Cafe 10 -2 Library 9:35 60+ Fitness 10 -2 Library 10 -2 Library 1:00 Scrabble 10 -2 Windowpane Shop p p 12:00 - Lunch � Lex Cafe 10 -2 Windowpane Shop 12:00 Lunch — Lex Cafe 1:00 Parkinson's Support 12:00 Lunch — Lex Cafe 1:00 Prostate Cancer 12:00 Lunch — Lex Cafe 1:00 Current Events 2- 3:30Veterans' Agent 1:00 SHINE 2 -4 Ping Pong 1:15 Line Dancing 1:30 Bin g o 2 -4 Ping Pong 1:00 English/Chinese Srs 2 -4 Pryme Tyme Band 2 -4 Ping Pong 1:30 Pool 1:30 Chorus 2:00 International Affairs Lexington Senior Center Newsletter — December 2004 Page 5 ON THE MOVE 1 . Day and Overnight trips for Lexington Seniors Tizp reservations can be mcule by mail or in person at the Senior Center. Reservations cannot be made by phones Make checks payable to COA Recreation. Due to advance financial commitnrents, refunds for cancellations nmcle only if the vacancy is filled The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular $79 WAIT LIST ONLY Thursday, December 9, 2004 Don't miss this opportunity to see the world famous Rockettes, direct from New York City's Radio City Music Hall. The Holiday Special at the Wang Center features the classic "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, "Living Nativity", and a tap- dancing rendition of "Twelve Days of Christmas ". Santa Claus and a cast of 100 will help you celebrate the Holiday Season. The orchestra seats are for the 2 P.M. matinee. We will also visit the Copley Plaza and Prudential Shops, where you can have lunch on your own, and see the Christmas decorations. And after the show there will be a sightseeing tour of Boston Common to view the Christmas lights. Trip Code T05 -14. Depart 9 A.M.; return 5 P.M. Park at St. Brigid's Church, Worthen Road. Mohegan Sun Casino $21 Monday, January 10, 2005 Try your luck at your choice of over 6,000 state -of -the -art slot machines, Blackjack, Poker, or Baccarat. The package includes a $10 food coupon and a $10 free bet. Trip Code T05 -15. Depart 7:30 AM; return 6:30 PM. Park at St. Brigid's Church, Worthen Road. "Shear Madness" & Sunday Brunch $49 Sunday, January 16, 2005 We start the day at Gourmeli's Restaurant in the Marriott Copley Place with a delicious breakfast buffet that includes your choice of egg dishes, made to order; waffles; an assortment of breads, muffins, and breakfast pastries; fresh fruit and juices; and the beverage of your choice. Then it's on to the Charles Playhouse to see "Shear Madness ", the comedy whodunit, where the audience gets to solve the crime. This production opened in Boston in 1980 and is still going strong, having been performed over 10,000 times. Trip Code T05 -16. Depart 11:3 0 AM; return 5:3 0 PM. Park at the C &W Bus parking lot, 240 Bedford St. The Butterfly Place & Stagecoach Tavern $49 Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005 Walk among hundreds of live butterflies! The Butterfly Place Atrium is an indoor living environment which has been carefully designed for the propagation and development of some of nature's most colorful living creations. Within this atrium's living butterfly environment can be found a variety of colorful plants and shrubs, each of which has been selected as a source of nectar for the butterflies. There will be a delicious buffet lunch at the Stagecoach Inn in olde Groton, where you will be eating in the distant shadows of Paul Revere, Ulysses S. Grant, Presidents Cleveland and Taft, and Eleanor Roosevelt, and many others. Trip Code T05 -17. Depart 8:45 AM; return 5:30 PM. Park at St. Brigid's Church, Worthen Road. League Looks at Lexington "Safety Net" — December 3rd, 9:30 am. It may come as a surprise to some that, while many people in Lexington enjoy economic prosperity, other individuals and families are experiencing economic hardship. To take a look at the organizations and services available to provide financial assistance to Lexington resi- dents in need, the League of Women Voters of Lexington has assembled a panel of involved citizens for their monthly First Friday Coffee on December 3. Panelists will include Robert Bicknell, Housing Partnership Board; Lauren MacNeil, Director of Social Services; Gail Wagner, Transportation Coordinator; and Carol Wortman, Lexington Food Pantry, talking about how effective these services are in alleviating economic stress. This is the third program in the 2004 -05 series of First Friday forums hosted by the League of Women Voters of Lexington to promote awareness and understanding of public policy issues. The December 3 coffee starts at 9:30 a.m. in the Community Meeting Room in the lower level of Cary Memorial Library and is open to the public at no charge. For information, call 781-861-0123. Help Lower Newsletter Production and Mailing Costs! Our newsletter is now available via email to those that would like to help us cut cost in production and mailing. To subscribe do the following: 1. Go to http : / /lexingtonMA.VirtualTownHall .net /subscriber.shtml and follow the step by step directions that will take you through the registration process. 2. When you receive your confirmation email, forward it to dsnellgci.lexington.ma.us to be removed from our mailing list. You'll continue to receive the newsletter in traditional fashion until our new system is successfully in place. Blue Cross Blue Shield has announced that it will have a special open enrollment for Medex, its Medigap plan, from November 1 to December 31 which will be effective January 1, 2005. If you are interested, call Blue Cross at 1- 800 - 678 -2265 for an application. If you would like to speak with a SHINE counselor regard- ing this, please call the Senior Center at 781- 861 -0194 for an appointment. If you just have a quick question, please leave your name and telephone number with the receptionist and ask for a SHINE counselor to call Lexington Senior Center Newsletter — December 2004 Page 6 Senior Center Exercise Classes Yoga for Health and Fitness, with Lisa Groves January Yoga classes Fridays December 3, 10, 17, 31 9:30 -10:30 $24.00 will be held in Estabrook Mondays January 3, 10, 24, 31 9:30 -10:30 $24.00 Hall at Cary Hall Fridays January 7, 14, 21, 28 9:30-10:30 $24.00 Develop strength, flexibility, and balance, and improve overall physical and mental well -being using time - honored yoga movements, postures, and breathing exercises. Exercises will be adapted to meet individual needs; all levels welcome. Please bring a blanket. Register in advance with Senior Center receptionist. Tai Chi, with Laura Coulter -Cook Mondays December 6, 13, 20 Beginner 1:15 -2:15 $16.50 Advanced 1:15 -2:45 $19.50 Improves balance, breathing and body awareness. Medical studies show benefits towards lower blood pressure, cholesterol and osteoporosis. First 30 minutes of class is chi gong exercises to warm up. In the second 30 minutes, beginners learn to breath, balance and the sequence of level 1. Advanced students are beginning on working on sinking, slowing Levels 1 & 2, form down and Level 3 sequence. Register in advance with Senior Center receptionist. Drop -in Exercise Programs... ♦ Stretch & Bend. Large, popular stretching and limbering group offers support and instruction. The group meets Mondays through Friday at 9:00 -9:30 am. Free. ♦ 60+ Fitness. Lead by enthusiastic group members, this work out focuses on both upper and lower body muscle strengthening, using free weights and bands. Video instruction will sometimes be used. Meets Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:35-10:30. All are welcome. Free. ♦ Kripalu Yoga with Don Weikert. Move gently from a centering meditation, to stretching and warm -ups, to learning physical postures (asanas) to relaxation. Mondays 8:30 -9:45. $5 /session. Pay instructor. ♦ Line Dancing with Patricia Kavgian. Dancing is a great way to exercise! Come join the group for great music, fun dances and a group of people having a great time. Every Thursday from 1:15 to 2:30 in the dining room. Pay instructor $2 a session. ♦ Ping Pong. All welcome to join a game on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 2 -4. All levels of experience in Ping Pong are welcome. Free. Ongoing Groups and Services... • Asian Support Group. We meet to talk about personal and family issues, and adjustment to American culture. Meets at the Senior Center 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, 1:00 -2:30 pm. • Bereavement & Friendship Group. Meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 1:00 -2:30 pm. For more information contact the group leader Michael Novack at 781- 861 -0194. • Prostate Cancer Group. This group is for men who currently have prostate cancer or survivors who wish to share the knowledge they have gained with others. Meets third Wednesday of each month, 1:00 - 2:30 pm.. The December meeting has been changed to Wednesday, December 29th at 1: 00 pm • Parkinson's Support Group. Led by Art Sotak. Support for individuals suffering from Parkinson's disease, families & caregivers. Group meets the 4th Monday of each month at 1:00 pm. • Caregivers Group: Memory Impairment. Group meets 1 st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 2-3:3 0 pm. A support group for caregivers of individuals with memory impairment. The group is ongoing and there is no fee. Leader is Sandy Simon, an experienced geriatric social worker. Call Michael Novack at 781- 861 -0194 for information. • Podiatry Clinic. With Dr. Teri Burtoft. Thursday, December 16. Call 781- 861 -0194 to schedule an appointment. $25. Please pay the Podiatrist directly. Appointments scheduled 8:30 am to 11:30 am. • Blood Pressure Clinic. Thursdays at 10:00 AM. On the first Thursday of the month, the clinic is held at the Senior Center. Clinics are also held at the Senior Villages other Thursdays of the month. Call the Senior Center for directions to the other locations • Veterans' Agent Office Hours. Our Veterans' Agent Pat Flynn can meet with you during his weekly office hours, Monday's from 2:00 to 3:30 PM. Call the receptionist at 781- 861 -0194 to make an appointment. • Adult Day Care. Provides a structured day program for seniors needing assistance to live independently. Meals and transportation are provided. Call Director Carolyn Griffith at 781- 259 -1807 for information.