We are planning a Mother's Day celebration at the Citizens Center at noon on Wednesday, May 4, for mothers and all the other important women in our lives. Lunch will be provided by the famous Chicken Connection and entertainment will be provided by Brian Corcoran. Tickets are $5 and must be purchased in advance.Contact Kathy or Rita for tickets. This will be a wonderful expression of gratitude to all the women who do so much.
Art class
Great news: One of the area's most talented artists would like to teach an advanced art class at the Citizens Center. Judith Larmay would like to help artists bring their images from "good" to "exceptional." Judith will be teaching on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3:30, and classes are $10 per week. She is a seasoned painter and teacher with 35 years of experience, and she studied at Massachusetts College of Art and Bradford College. Judith's work is marketed in galleries locally and worldwide, and some of her pieces are currently on display at Angles and Art at 80 Wingate Street. Check out Judith's website at www.larmayartsstudio.com.
For the novice artist we have several openings right now in our art class with Cara Smoley on Thursdays at noon at the Citizens Center. Cara comes fully qualified and has been teaching at the Citizens Center for several years. Pieces from her Council on Aging students will be on display at the Citizens Center on April 21 and at the Haverhill Public Library in mid-May, so watch for that great show. Contact the Council on Aging for additional information.
Day trips
We have several new great day trips planned! How about a trip to Newport, Rhode Island, for the 30th Annual Chowder Festival on Saturday, June 4. The day begins with a visit to the Breakers Mansion, and then it is on to the greatest international chowder championship. The cost for this day trip is $80.
We are also pleased to announce a great luncheon program at DiBurro's in Ward Hill, on Wednesday, May 25. Entertainment will be provided by the famous Shaw Brothers. This trip is a great value at $48 per person for the luncheon and show.
Did you know that we have a showcase of beautiful handmade articles for sale? The next time you need a special gift for a baby consider shopping our supply of sweater sets and Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. They are beautiful!
The Haverhill Recreation and COA Red Sox Trip to Baltimore and Washington, DC, will take place April 26-28. Seats are in the upper reserved section between first and third base. Cost is $279 per person, double occupancy and includes deluxe motor coach transportation. This is a great trip that provides terrific value. This trip is the perfect way to honor our soldiers and veterans by visiting the national monuments.
We have an exciting travel opportunity which includes a 7-day Alaskan cruise and two Red Sox games in Seattle. This trip sounds like a perfect summer getaway. Travel is August 12-22 and includes two nights in Seattle for baseball, a city tour, and a visit to the Chateau St. Michelle winery. Call me for details.
We have a third trip to see the World Series champions play in Baltimore which includes a fabulous tour of Historic Philadelphia. This trip includes two buffet breakfasts and a fully-narrated tour of Philadelphia. Cost is $449 per person, double occupancy, and luxury motor coach transportation.
Support group
Rabbi Allan Press facilitates an interactive support group "The Challenges and Opportunities of Aging" which meets at the Citizens Center. Rabbi Press will include such topics as illness, loss, loneliness and isolation and discovering new paths to happiness. He brings with him a compassionate, caring and loving heart, as well as a passion for service. Through his presence, honesty, openness and capacity to listen well, he has touched many people in profound ways and helped them to find their inner strength and their way through difficult times.
Advice offered
Have you heard of SNAP? The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federal program that provides financial assistance to seniors and others who cannot cover the costs of a healthful diet. We have applications at the Council on Aging office, and we will be happy to provide information and assistance to seniors.
If you have any issues or questions regarding your health insurance, be sure to contact one of our SHINE counselors. Appointments can be made by calling Wendy at 978-374-2390 ext. 19.
Transportation
Did you know that the Merrimack Valley Transportation offers a program called EZ Trans for people who are at least 60 years old and people who are disabled? EZ Tran is a "shared ride" service intended to accommodate those who cannot use the MVRTA fixed route bus system. Communities serviced by EZ Trans include Andover, Amesbury, Haverhill, Lawrence, Merrimac, Methuen, Newburyport and North Andover. Contact the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority at 978-469-6878 for details.
Did you know that people who are at least 65 years old are eligible for a 50 percent discount on the commuter train to Boston? If you would like to learn more about the MBTA Senior/TAP program, please contact Kathy Bresnahan at the Council on Aging.
Volunteer opportunities
Have you thought of volunteering to help area seniors? We are in need of volunteers to assist with our Brown Bag program which is held on the first Tuesday of every month. Volunteers are needed for approximately 3 hours from 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. There is also a dramatic need for drivers to provide transportation to doctor and hospital appointments through the NEET program. Many seniors are no longer able to drive and have difficulty getting to appointments to area hospitals and doctors. If you can give a few hours a month to assist, contact Kathy Fairchild at NEET (Northern Essex Elder Transportation) 978-388-7474.
Exercise
Stay in shape by joining our new bowling group which meets on Mondays at 11 a.m. Everyone loves the newly renovated All Saints Bowling Center at 26 Broadway in Haverhill, and we have an enthusiastic group. They would love to have more bowlers.
Zumba Gold has become one of our most popular classes! Instructor Stephanie Smith is a dynamic teacher, and she has her class dancing up a storm. Classes are held every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and the cost is $5 per week. This is offered as a drop-in class, so come to the Citizens Center and join the fun.
Yoga is offered twice a week at the Citizens Center. Tuesday evenings at 6:30 Flyn Costello leads a one hour yoga class for people of all ages. On Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. Mary Van Abs offers a 1 ¬ hour gentle senior yoga class. Cost is $5 for a one-hour class and $7.50 for a l¬ hour class.
Piano lessons
Have you always wanted to learn to play the piano? Now is your chance. Piano instructor, Helen Hamilton, is offering private beginner lessons at the Citizens Center on Mondays. Cost is $12.
Bingo
Everyone loves Monday's Super Bingo. Bingo is played at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., every Monday and Thursday at 1 p.m. and Super Bingo is played on Mondays only. There are many new friends to meet at bingo, and we welcome all players who are 60 and older or disabled.
Details on all trips and activities are available by contacting Kathy Bresnahan (ext 11) or Rita LaBella (ext 16) at 978-374-2390 or kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.com.
Be sure to pick up a copy of our newsletter, The Voice, for a complete listing of our activities and trips. The Voice is available for viewing at www.ci.haverhill.ma.us or you can send your email address to rlabella@cityofhaverhill.com to receive your copy via email. Rita LaBella and I would love to hear from you if you have any ideas, suggestions or questions regarding the Council on Aging.
