Believe it or not, the holiday season is approaching. Anyone interested in going to the Holiday Pops at Symphony Hall, please contact Kathy Bresnahan at the Council on Aging at 978-374-2390, ext. 11.
The Council on Aging will host a senior knitting and craft fair on Nov. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This fair will provide the perfect opportunity for knitters and crafters to sell their items and for holiday shoppers to purchase hand made items. Please call Kathy Bresnahan, ext. 11, or Rita LaBella, ext. 16, at 978-374-2390 if you are a senior citizen who would like to sell items.
Rebuilding Together of Greater Haverhill is now accepting applications for free home repair assistance. Applicants must own and occupy their home for at least four years, live in Greater Haverhill, meet federal HUD low-income guidelines, and be elderly, disabled or a family with young children. Priority is given to homes that need safety and accessibility modifications. Other restrictions may apply. Call Rebuilding Together at 978-469-0800 or email rtogether@verizon.net for additional information.
A representative from Community Action’s Heating Assistance Program will be at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., on Oct. 11 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss the application process for this winter. Eligibility for this program is based on income only. Assets are not considered for participation. Assistance is not available for residents living in subsidized housing where heat is included in rent. Homeowners who qualify may also receive additional assistance with additional utility expenses, such as natural gas, telephone and electricity.
The Council on Aging will offer a new line dancing class on Thursdays at 1 p.m. Cost of the class is $3 per person. Instructor Gerry Mullen is a seasoned professional and works in many area senior citizen centers. Students will learn new dances and have lots of fun. Call 978-374-2390 for additional details or to register for this class.
Volunteers to work at bingo are needed at the Citizens Center Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 2:30 p.m. Anyone interested is asked to call 978-374-2390.
The Council on Aging is offering a gambling get-away to the Resorts Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City Nov. 7 to 9. This fully-escorted tour includes luxury motorcoach, deluxe hotel accommodations, a $25 slot bonus, two buffet dinners and a “Christmas from the White Mountains” Show featuring Don Who. Cost for this trip is $179 per person, double occupancy.
Enjoy some holiday spirit at the White Mountain Hotel in North Conway, N.H. The Council on Aging is planning an encore overnight trip to this luxury hotel Dec. 9 and 10. The trip includes one night accommodation, three meals, two holiday shows and deluxe motorcoach transportation. Cost is $225 per person, double occupancy.
A new community-based program titled “Phone Pals” provides an effective means of reducing isolation, victimization and health concerns. Volunteers are asked to telephone at-risk seniors to provide reassurance and social support services. Contact Carol Corso at 603-425-3199 if you are interested in volunteering for this program.
Active retirees may want to help with gardening and pruning, The city’s Garden Club has been planting and maintaining the gardens at City Hall and the Citizens Center. Much labor is required to maintain the beds, and they are looking for volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to contact Kathy Bresnahan for details.
Haverhill’s Brightside is reorganizing and needs your help. Many programs are in progress including Bloomfest, Adopt-A-Park, community gardens and clean-ups. Interested people are encouraged to become involved to help beautify the city. More information is available from Elaine Barker at 978-372-3861.
Senior citizens can call 800-772-1213 to replace Medicare cards or make changes to addresses or phone numbers. Changes to direct deposit, proof of benefit amounts, Social Security card applications, field office locations, information messages, social security statements and other information can be obtained by calling this number.
A new cribbage group meets at the Citizens Center on Wednesdays from 9 to 11:00 a.m. on the balcony.
Dominoes “Mexican Train” will be played at the Citizens Center on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. If you are interested, call the Council on Aging office at 978-374-2390. An instructor will teach novice players.
Penacook Place is hosting an Alzheimer’s Family Support Group on the last Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m. The group will meet in the conference room at Penacook Place, 150 Water St. Contact Barbara Stricsek at 978-374-0707 for more information.
