The Waltham Council on Aging is dedicated to the needs and interests of Waltham elders. Board meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the third Monday of the month, at the William F. Stanley Senior Center, 488 Main St. The main phone number is 781-314-3499.
WALTHAM ARTS COUNCIL CONCERTS ON THE COMMON: July 24, Reminisants, 50s, 60s music; July 31, Back in Time, classic rock; Aug. 7, Studio Two, Beatles tribute; Aug. 14, American Legion Band, patriotic; Aug. 21, Mystique, everything; and Aug. 28, Soft Touch, Big Band Era. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. Rain dates are Thursday night of the same week at the same time. For information: 781-893-2787. Hot dogs, drinks, popcorn, cookies and pizza are available for purchase during the concerts.
HAITIAN OPEN HOUSE: 1 p.m. July 27. Attendees welcome Waltham’s Haitian seniors to tour, have lunch and learn about the programs and services offered. Free. Registration required.
SAVE THE DATE: The annual Health and Resource Fair will be held on Aug. 27 at the Embassy Suites on Winter Street. All the details will be provided in the August newsletter.
TAXI VOUCHER PROGRAM—NEW PROGRAM BEGINS: JULY 2. Taxi vouchers are available to Waltham residents age 60 and older. First time buyers must purchase the vouchers in person with proof of age and residency. A book of 10 vouchers worth $10, cost $5. A greater discount is offered to Mass Health recipients. The voucher program expires on June 30 of each year. The vouchers are not valid for rides to the airport or cruise ports. One may purchase six books of voucher for the month of July. Taxi vouchers problems should be reported. The name of the taxi company, the date and time of the problem will be needed.
FILE OF LIFE: A File of Life card keeps one’s important information in one handy location. It will list emergency contacts, medications, health issues and medical history. It enables medics to obtain one’s information during an emergency. The card is kept in a red plastic magnetic holder and is placed on a refrigerator. A smaller version is available to keep on one’s person. This version is required to be with attendees on COA day trips. File of Life cards are available at the senior center.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Drivers are needed to deliver Meal on Wheels. This is a commitment to deliver meals by route in specific neighborhoods in Waltham. Each route has about 10 stops. It takes about one hour. Volunteers can pick the day that works best for them and they will get the same route each week. For information: 781-314-3300.
WALTHAM HOUSING OUTREACH HOURS: 10-11 a.m. third Wednesdays. Outreach drop-in hours will be offered at Orange Street on Aug 15.
“ICE CREAM TO GO”: 1-3 p.m. July 19. The ice cream truck returns to senior housing. The schedule is posted at each housing site.
MOVIE AND SING A LONG: 1 p.m. July 20. A screening of the movie “Mame” and sing-along with the songs. Hosted by the Waltham Public Library as part of the Watch, Read, and Listen Program for 2018. Registration required.
SWEET DREAMS: 1 p.m. July 30. This presentation will discuss ways to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Handouts provided. Presented by Ann Mazzola, nurse health educator and clinical client care manager with Home Instead Senior Care. Registration required.
FREE 8-WEEK MATTER OF BALANCE CLASS: 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 1 through Sept. 19. This program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Sponsored by Newton Wellesley Hospital and taught by Pearl Pressman. Registration required.
NOTICE: If you or someone you know is having financial difficulty paying for food, heat, rent, etc. please call us at 781-314-3301. We may be able to help locate the appropriate agency to help you.
FILM DISCUSSION: 11 a.m. July 24 and 31. Books about the summer and vacation time inspired these films. View the film and participate in a follow-up group discussion. July 24, “Shirley Valentine”; July 31, “Niagara.”
BOOK DISCUSSION: 10 a.m. Aug. 7. Read “The Zookeeper’s Wife” by Diane Ackerman. Participate in a group discussion about the book. Books and/or spoken CDs are available at the circulation desk at the Waltham Public Library. Registration required.
BOOKS/FILM DISCUSSION: 11 a.m. Aug. 7. View the film “The Zookeeper’s Wife”. Participate in a group discussion comparing the film to its published novel. Registration required.
SUMMER UPDATES:
MONDAY MORNING EXERCISE CLASS: There will be no instructor for the Monday morning exercise class during July and August. An exercise video will be available at no charge.
THURSDAY WATER EXERCISE CLASS TIME CHANGES: The new time is noon, through Labor Day.
PAINTING: Thursday painting class will suspend for July and August. Students can use the room during the scheduled class time.
BRIDGE LESSONS: No lessons in July and August.
LINE DANCE PRACTICE: Line dance practice will be offered from 2-3 p.m. Aug. 2 and Sept. 6.
HANDYMAN PROGRAM: A volunteer handyman is available to provide free labor to seniors for safety and security related issues such as railings, assist bars, house numbers, light bulb replacement, etc. The senior is responsible for the cost of the materials. The handyman does not mow lawns, rake leaves, clean gutters, shovel snow or install air conditioners. Seniors are required to sign a liability release at the time of service. Voluntary contributions to the Waltham Council on Aging are accepted for this service. Call to place a service order.
JULY OUTDOOR COOK OUTS: Every Wednesday during July an outdoor grilled lunch will be offered. Attendees can choose a hot dog, hamburger or cheeseburger. It will include a chef’s choice of salad, chips, dessert and soda for $4. Reservations with meal selection required.
MOVIES AND POPCORN: 1 p.m. Fridays. The same movie is shown with subtitles at 10:30 a.m. Fresh popped popcorn available to those who register in advance.
SHINE HEALTH INSURANCE COUNSELING: SHINE is a state health insurance assistance program that provides free health insurance information, counseling and assistance. SHINE counselors are volunteers who are trained and certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs in many areas of health insurance, including Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap insurance, Medicare HMOs, retiree insurance plans, prescription drug programs, Medicaid, Medicare assistance programs, and other programs for people with limited resources. To schedule an appointment with a counselor: 781-314-3499.
DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT PROGRAM: The COA has walkers, tub seats, canes, transport chairs and other assistive devices to loan. It also accepts donations of such items in good, clean condition.
SENIOR CENTER NOTES
BLOOD PRESSURE: At the senior center every Wednesday from 9-10 a.m. and at 101 Prospect St. on the second Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m.
BOWLING: No bowling July and August. Will resume in September.
BRIDGE PLAY & LESSONS: No classes in July and August. Resumes in September.
COA BOARD MEETINGS: No meetings in July and August.
COMPUTER TUTOR: Off in July and August
GOLF – OUTDOOR: 10 a.m. to noon Mondays and Tuesdays at Stone Meadow, 675 Waltham St.
NO HEARING AID CLINICS: There is no hearing aid clinic in the month of July. Next appointment is Aug. 13.
HEARING SCREENINGS: July 19. West Newton Hearing offers 10-minute appointments from 1-2 p.m. to determine if one’s hearing is normal or if a full hearing evaluation is needed.
PICKLEBALL: No Pickleball in July and August.
TRIAD: Drop in. Meet one on one with Officer Bailey. Wednesday’s 8:30-10 a.m.
TAXI VOUCHERS: You may purchase six books of taxi vouchers in the month of July.
WALKING CLUB: Summer Schedule: 10-11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Bentley University, Dana Athletic Center, 450 Beaver St., parking is in the back of the building. The Athletic Center is closed on Friday’s for the summer.
Source: http://waltham.wickedlocal.com/news/20180716/waltham-seniors-notes