Community Corner

How Fit Are You? Find Out at the COA

Remember to take the Council on Aging's satisfaction survey.

Fitness Assessment

Friday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m.

Participants will enjoy a brief presentation on health and wellness.  Topics include fitness facts & myths, proper workout intensity, general nutrition guidelines, and exercise benefits. This presentation will be followed by free fitness evaluations, which will include body circumference measurements, body fat measurements, and flexibility testing. This is presented by Fitness Together. Please call to sign up.

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English as a Second Language at the COA

Registration Thursday, Sept. 29, at 10 a.m.

English as a Second Language classes will be held every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m., starting Oct. 6. Classes are available for beginner through advanced levels. Please call Joan Bishop at 617-924-6110. Reasonably priced at $50 for the initial course and $30 for returning students for the next series of classes.

Reminders

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Satisfaction Survey

The Council on Aging are currently conducting a program satisfaction survey. You may complete one at the COA office or online at the http://beechstreetcenter.org.  

What’s Going On

Friday, Sept. 23, at 1 p.m.

“What’s Going On” is a Belmont Media Center weekly news show run for and by senior volunteers. Come watch two episodes of WGO.  Learn how to use the computer to access Belmont Media Center shows. The BMC offers a wide range of cable TV shows, town meetings and committees for Belmont viewers. These shows are aired on Belmont Cable TV and can be seen on the Belmont Media Center website. WGO show volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions.

The Ancient Silk Road: Journey Across Central Asia

Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 1 p.m.

In this photographic lecture, we explore the historic cities of the Silk Road, including Samarqand, Bukhara and Kashgar - places that flourished for over 1,000  years along the trading routes that connected across 5,000 miles between central China and Istanbul at the doorstep of Europe. The presentation will focus on the legacies of the Silk Road trade on these places, including architecture, religion,  language, ceremonies and food. This event is free. However, donations will be accepted. Recommended donation is $5.

Senior Gay Men’s Support Group

Mondays at 10:30 a.m.

There are crucial issues facing gay and bisexual men as we age. Developing a social support network and knowing which resources are ‘gay friendly’ are important aspects of aging with dignity. Too many gay seniors are going back into the closet at a time in their lives when they are the most vulnerable. Don’t let this happen to you. The group will be facilitated by Peter Frenette, Licensed Social Worker. There is no fee. To contact Peter, email: jag8641@gmail.com  or call 617-470-8072. Bring a friend or just yourself.

Strength & Flexibility: Fridays

Started Sept. 9, at 1:15 p.m.

Due to the popularity of our Strength and Flexibility class, we are offering additional classes on Fridays for the month of September.  This is the perfect opportunity to try the class for the first time or supplement your current fitness program. Classes will meet in the fitness room on the second floor. Cost is $10 for 4 classes. Please sign up at the front desk.

Drawing and Painting

Started Tuesday, Sept. 13, from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

An introduction to a range of techniques in all drawing and painting media; beginners welcome! We will start each class with a short lesson covering such topics as color mixing, light and shading, creating perspective, as well as use and care of materials. If the class is interested we may cover portraiture and landscape painting as well. Students should bring their own supplies to work in the medium of their choice. This is a new class with a new teacher. Cost is $40 for 8 sessions. 

Cardio & Conditioning

Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 5:30 p.m.

Each class begins with low impact aerobic exercise to limber up, and gradually prepare the body for the workout to follow. We will continue moving in the first half hour to a steady pace, using all of the major muscle groups of the body. Intensity can be adjusted so that each individual stays within his or her target zone. After a gradual cool down, we will move on and focus on conditioning specific muscles (abdominals, upper body etc.) with the use of light resistance. The entire class emphasizes proper technique, improving posture, balance and coordination while getting in shape. An hour well invested! This class is not chair-based and requires movement across the floor. Cost is $20 for 6 sessions.

Attention: Residents with Special Needs

We were fortunate that everyone stayed safe and no damage was reported following Tropical Storm Irene. However, the Council on Aging wants to be prepared so that if people need to evacuate their homes in an emergency they can do so safely and that public safety officials have vital information available for those who need special help evacuating.

If you need such special assistance we strongly encourage you to please register through the Council on Aging.

To register, call the Social Worker Janet at 617-993-2983. Please leave a voicemail message if you do not reach a live person.Boston to

Bermuda Cruise Presentation

Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 11 a.m.

Best of Times will present on an 8-day/7-night cruise aboard the NCL Dawn (May 11-May 18, 2012). Prices vary depending on which room you choose (from $729 pp double to $2,129 pp single). Flyers with more information are available at the COA. Add $300 pp for taxes, transfers, & gov. fees. A valid passport is required for this trip. You may make a deposit by check or credit card at the presentation.  Please call Loretta for more information at 617-484-7187. Or sign up for the presentation at the reception desk.

Wii Thursdays

The Council on Aging is now the proud owner of a Nintendo Wii console gaming system. On Thursdays, the Wii will be available to play in Classroom A from 9 a.m. to noon. Directions on how to use the device will be available.

Art Exhibit in the Lounge

A new and exciting print exhibit will be installed by the artist, Janet Campbell. The exhibit will run to Sept. 30.

Tuesday Extended Hours Programming

There is still time to join our extended programming on Tuesdays, including Meditation, Cardio & Conditioning Exercise, and Drawing and Painting class. Please call for more information.

Rentals

If you wish to rent space at the Beech Street Center for a private event, please call 617-993-2990.

Council on Aging Transportation

TRIP TO MARKET BASKET: We will be offering trips to the newly-renovated Market Basket in Burlington on the first and third Thursday of the month. Pick-up will be at 8:30 a.m. A minimum of 6 people must sign up. In the past, interest in the Market Basket trips has been very low. If this remains the trend, we will discontinue the service. Suggested donation for a ride from the Council-On-Aging for any purpose is $2 each way.

Day and Overnight Trips

Tuesday, September 20 to Thursday, September 22: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal, Canada
Trip includes a guided tour of Montreal, 2 full course dinners, and a visit to Montreal’s Casino Royale & a $20 cash bonus. Cost is Single $479 pp, Twin $339 pp, or Triple $329 pp. $50 deposit due at the time of registration. Check payable to Fox Tours. Waiver fee is available for $12 pp. A valid passport is necessary to travel to Canada.

Wednesday, October 12: Mohawk Trail. This trip is filling up fast. The trip includes The Bridge of Flowers, Atkins Farm, and lunch at the Salem Cross Inn. Meal choice: Chicken Pot Pie of Baked Scrod. Cost is $58 per person. A $5 waiver fee is available in case of cancellation. Check payable to Fox Tours.
Thursday, November 10: Angelica’s Ballroom, Middleton, MA. Lunch and entertainment, featuring stunning impressionist, Mark Verselli. He does impressions of Sinatra, Dean, Davis, Elvis, etc. Meal choice: Yankee Pot Roast or Baked Boston Schrod. Cost is $69 per person. Check payable to Gateway Travel.
Friday, December 9 to Sunday, December 11: White Mountain Hotel and Resort. Our annual 3 day, 2 night trip. A $50 deposit is due by August 31. Cost is Single $467, Twin $367, or Triple $357.  Waiver fee is available for $5.  Check payable to White Mountain Hotel.
Friday, December 30 to Sunday, January 1: Sheraton Hotel, Leominster, MA. Our annual New Year’s Eve trip is now taking deposits.
Website

We are happy to announce that the Beech Street Center has a new website at http://beechstreetcenter.org. Thank you to Margo Cole and The Friends of the Belmont Council on Aging for all their hard work, which made this website possible.

About the Senior Center

The Belmont Council on Aging Center, 266 Beech St., invites community members to attend a wide variety of events and to make use of the many services offered. Please do not hesitate to call or visit for more information: Belmont Council on Aging. Main number (617) 993-2970, Transportation (617) 993-2980.


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