New Exercise Classes Ready to Start at Beech Street

Art Exhibit

An exhibit of Katha Seidman's oil paintings will be seen in the Lounge and Game Room starting today, Nov. 16, and running to Dec. 28. Visit the Center and enjoy the portraits and still lifes painted by this talented local artist.

Digital Camera Use

Mondays and Wednesdays, by appointment.

Meet one-on-one with instructor David Ching. Get the most out of your digital camera. Learn how to use the menu button and its surrounding arrows, set-up resolution, date and time, camera speed for still and sport photos, download pictures to a computer, save memorable photos, and other functionalities. Donations to the Belmont Council on Aging will be accepted for exceptional service. The recommended donation is $10 per one-hour session.   

Exercise Classes

New sessions of our most popular exercise classes are starting soon. Classes are very reasonably priced and open to the public.

Aerobics: Nov. 28

Chair Yoga: Nov. 30

Line Dance: Dec. 29

Qigong: Dec. 13

Strength & Flexibility: Nov. 28

Tai Chi: Dec. 2 

Getting Your Best Health Care: Real-World Stories for Patient Empowerment

Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m.  

What do Tom Brady, Michael Jackson, and Hinda Farbstein have in common?  They all had health crises with important lessons for keeping you and your families healthy. Their stories, and many others, will be discussed in this presentation about partnering with your doctors and nurses to get the best care when you most need it. Please call to sign up. About the speaker: Author Ken Farbstein, MPP, is the President of Patient AdvoCare, a professional patient advocacy service. His book, titled as above, is published by the Professional Patient Advocate Institute.

Friends of the COA Annual Craft Fair

Saturday, Nov. 26. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Holiday ornaments and gifts, cards, handmade jewelry, sweaters, scarves, quilts, leather goods, candy, door and table decorations, and much more. Bake Sale and light lunch. Raffle quilt and items from all vendors! Donation $1; children under 12 are free. Free door prize. Sponsored by the Friends of the Council on Aging to benefit the Beech Street Center programs

 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.

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.

Reminders

Community Teamwork Fuel Assistance Reminder

Community Teamwork fuel assistance applications have recently been mailed to former applicants.  If you received one, please examine it for accuracy and make any necessary changes. Pay special attention to the instruction sheet and list of necessary documents.  The application must be signed and dated. Return promptly, including copies of all required documents, to Community Teamwork in Lowell.  Do not delay. If approved now, assistance should be available starting November 1. Anyone needing help with the application should contact Marie Poore at the COA by calling 617-993-2979.  Voice mail messages may be left at any time. 

Day and Overnight Trips

Friday, December 9 to Sunday, December 11: White Mountain Hotel and Resort.

Our annual 3 day, 2 night trip. Trip includes all you can eat Friday Night Seafood Buffet followed by a show, a guided tour, comedy show, and grand finale Christmas show.  Before leaving, we will enjoy an all you can eat grand Sunday brunch.  A $50 deposit is due now. Cost is Single $467pp, Twin $367pp, or Triple $357pp.  Check payable to White Mountain Hotel

Saturday, December 31: Day Trip—New Year’s Eve, Sheraton 4 Points, Norwood, MA

Featuring the fabulous voice of Stephen McNulty and vocalist Sharon Zee.  Plus dancing, watching, or listening to the Ray Cavicchio Orchestra.  Trip includes a luncheon, show, orchestra, party favors, and toast.  Pick up will be in the morning at the Council on Aging. Meal choice: Prime Rib or Baked Scrod.  Cost is $69.95 per person. Check payable to Best of Times.

Friday, May 11 to Friday, May 18: Bermuda Cruise.

8 days & 7 nights Boston to Bermuda cruise on the Norwegian Cruise Line Dawn, which includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation from Belmont to Boston, all meals on board the ship plus NCL’s freestyle dining ashore program, travelers’ insurance, an exclusive cocktail party, and the services of a Best of Times Professional Tour Director. Cruise leaves Boston’s wharf at 4:00 p.m. and will spend 3 days at King’s Wharf, 3 days at sea, and will return to Boston on Friday at 8:00 a.m. Costs range from $729pp inside stateroom to $1129pp mid-ship balcony stateroom (plus $300pp for taxes, transfers, and government fees.)  A deposit of $400pp is due upon registration.  Final payment due no later than February 2, 2012. Checks or credit card payable to Best of Times.

Rentals

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

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.

About this column: A weekly update on the services provided by the Council on Aging and what's happening at the Beech Street Center.