The Newsletter of the Cambridge Council on Aging806 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139Office 617.349.6220 September 2021 http://www.cambridgema.gov/DHSP/COA

Newslines

Dear Seniors,The month of January officially rings in the new year, but September is also considered to be the start of a new year. Students start their school year; committees resume meeting after a summer break; TV series return from their hiatus – it’s all a fresh start. I have always been a lifelong fan of school supplies. I would obsess about the right notebooks, folders, pens, highlighters, etc. This year marks the first time in quite a long time, that I won’t be purchasing those coveted school supplies. Instead, the concentration has been setting up my son’s dorm room. Yes, he is off to his Freshman year of college. A couple of months ago I told you about his graduation and now I find myself just days before I pack him up and send him off. He is super excited, and I am excited for him, but deep down I’m struggling to let go. I’m sure everyone understands. With all transitions, we prepare for them as much as we can. Without realizing, I prepared my son for his college move in day the very first day of kindergarten. When we arrived on that first day of kindergarten, I spoke to him encouragingly about all the fun he would have and all the things he would learn. I reassured him that I would be back to pick him up at the end of the day. I remember he took his step into the hallway and then disappeared. I remember standing with other parents and thinking “it is harder for me to say good-bye than it is for him to walk down the hallway”. I’m going to try and remember this in a couple of days when I close the door to his dorm room. I will cheer him on because this will be the next ‘hallway’ that he will walk down. As I watch him disappear, I won’t hide my tears and I will learn to let go and I will say to myself, “I’ll be here at the end of the day to pick you up (whenever you need me).”

The above text is a portion of my note in the September 2018 Newslines. So…three years later…I cannot even believe three years have passed! I wanted to share this again. I wrote this three years ago with such a heavy heart. Now, I reflect on it with such a full heart. I now prepare to send my son off to his senior year. What an incredible college experience. Let us not forget that 1.5 years has been solely via Zoom. It is fitting that the last line of text above: “I’ll be here at the end of the day to pick up (whenever you need

me)” and I am writing this note to you today. I will soon be heading into

Logan Airport to pick him up and his friends. They are returning

from a European adventure. Travel was different for sure but so glad that with all the various and simple safety precautions, they had a trip of a lifetime.

Now they will begin their senior year. Hopefully it all

happens – “in person” – safely. I am feeling grateful that a bit of

normalcy can happen for my son and friends. I remain prayerful that is

the same for all of us. You will notice that we continue to welcome participants to our Senior Centers. Offering “in person” as well as virtual programming. Please review the calendar carefully, as I am sure you do not want to miss out on your favorite activity.So, let me head out to the airport, grateful that he still needs me, even if just for a ride! 😊Here is to fresh starts. Happy September! Warm Regards,Susan P. Pacheco

Revised April, 2021

Cambridge Food Resource Guide Food Pantries Hours and location information may change, and programs may have eligibility restrictions. We suggest confirming all details with programs directly. Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC) Tues, 12-2pm; 11 Inman St., 617-868-2900 Thurs 11am-1pm East End House Tues & Fri 105 Spring St., 617-876-4444 1pm Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House W, 4-6:30pm; Th, 2-5pm 71 Cherry St., 617-547-4680 F, 9am-12pm, Sa, 10am-1pm Project Manna 3rd Sat of the Month 146 Hampshire St., 617-868-4853 8am (while supplies last) St. Paul Parish Saturday 29 Mt. Auburn St., 617-491-8400 10am-12pm Cambridge Community Center Tues-Fri 5 Callender St., 617-547-6811 1pm-3pm Helping Hand Food Pantry 2nd & 4th Sat of the Month 364 Rindge Ave., 617-547-4070 11am-1pm St. Paul AME Church Weds 3-5pm; 85 Bishop Allen Dr., 617-661-1110 Thurs 12-2pm Salvation Army Mon-Fri, by appointment only 402 Mass Ave., 617-547-3400 (Must be resident of Cambridge, Somerville, or Arlington) Food For Free Home Delivery Program Food For Free’s Home Delivery program brings grocery boxes to the homes of qualifying, low-income Cambridge residents who are unable to access traditional food pantries due to illness or disability and do not have relatives or caretakers who are able to assist with groceries. Applicants under 80 years old must provide a medical referral explaining disability or impairment that prevents access to local food pantries and lack of a caretaker who can go to a food pantry on their behalf. Participants will not be enrolled without a medical note. To apply, please call 617-684-1854 or visit bit.ly/2UBoGSx For additional information about SNAP, WIC or other food assistance resources, please contact Project Bread at 800-645-8333, or the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee(CEOC) at 617-868-2900. If you have any updated information to provide for this flyer, please send an email to cambridgeinmotion@challiance.org To view this flyer online, please visit: bit.ly/3bjPg8x

Information & Referral

Caregiver Support Group If you are a caregiver and have question about Caregiver Support, there is help available. To learn more about Caregiver Support resources please contact 617-349-6220. Vincent McCarthy vmccarthy@cambridgema.gov or Maryellen McEleney mmceleney@cambridgema.gov

SHINE Program Are you new to Medicare? Are you turning 65 soon, or losing employer-based health insurance coverage? The SHINE program can help you understand your Medicare health insurance coverage options. For more information, please call the Council on Aging at 617-349-6220. SHINE is a service of Minuteman Senior Services funded, in part, by Administration for Community Living, the Cummings Foundation and local support of individual donors.

Prescription Advantage Newsletter Article I’m in the “donut hole”. What can I do??

If you have reached or are about to reach that gap in your Part D plan, the Commonwealth’s Prescription Advantage program can help. For individuals with an annual income less than $38,640 (single) or $52,260 (married), Prescription Advantage can lower your co-payments while in this gap. There is no premium for this state-sponsored pharmacy assistance program. Call today for more information at 617-349-6220. You can also learn more online at www.prescriptionadvantagema.org

September 2021 Happenings at the Cambridge Council on Aging *To register for classes/programs, unless specifically noted otherwise, please call the COA @ 617-349-6220.Flamenco - Tango flamencoWednesdays, September 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 10:00-11:00Wednesday flamenco class provides in-depth expertise on learning the rhythm of clapping hands, singing, and dancing at the same time. Tango has an energetic and festive feeling and taste and is also an essential rhythm for all.

*Flamenco Dance ClassFridays, September 3, 10, 17 and 24, 10:00-11:00 “In Person class starting on September 10” This class for all, with or without any kind of physical limitation and have the option of dancing sitting on the chair if needed. So that each of you will discover your flamenco with your style. Special flamenco items are not required. Please join the class with comfortable clothes, water bottle and chair.

Gentle Morning Jive Dance Class Tuesdays, September 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10:00-11:00Wake up your body, mind and soul with stretching, strengthening and dancing -- all from home! Our workout which draws from disciplines such as yoga, Pilates, tap, jazz, West African, modern and ballet dance. No dance experience necessary. Movements will be demonstrated from a seated position but can be modified to be done while standing.

Online Tech-Help via ZoomSmartphone Q&A: BasicsTuesdays September 7, 14, 21 and 28, 12:30- 1:30Geoff & Pam will be available via zoom to answer common questions about your wireless devices, laptops and applications such as Zoom and Facebook. To register, e-mail Geoff at gkotowski@cambridgema.gov

Book Group/Read and TellThursday September 9, 12:00-1:00Readers aren’t able to all read the same book - so instead the book discussion has become a “share what you have been reading meeting”.

*Health & Wellness PresentationThursday, September 9, 1:00-2:00Topic: The food we eat affects every part of our being.... even our minds. What foods keep our brains young? Let’s discuss.

Bingo *Monday, September 13, 1:00-3:00 Starting September 13th In-Person Bingo will be held on Mondays in the Senior Center Dining room. The cost of the game using Senior Center cards is $1.00. Each card will be distributed prior to the Bingo game or you can bring in your own cards (Cards we mailed during virtual Bingo). The cost of the game for 3 cards is $1.00.If you prefer to have your own cards please see Julie King.

Spanish Class Mondays, September 13, 20 and 27 6:30 -8:00Welcome to Sylvia’s Virtual Spanish Class. The class meets every Monday night. The students enjoy connecting virtually to learn the Spanish language in the context of deconstructing grammar and culture to constructing dialogue and conversations. Students speak the language with native speakers they meet in passing, on field trips to restaurants of Spanish origin, and on voyages to Spanish speaking nations. This is our 15th year together, and we enjoy discussing current events, learning about the world in which we live, and learning all about the Spanish language and the people who speak it. Muchas Gracias y Mucho Gusto!!!

Better Balance With Fall Prevention StrategiesTuesday, September 14, 11:00-12:00September is fall prevention month a virtual health education talk with presenter: Mary DeCourcey, MS Mount Auburn Hospital This presentation is a combination of fall prevention strategies and how to build better balance. Learn about your risks for falling in order to reduce your risk. Strategies to improve your balance will be discussed. Some exercises will be introduced at the end of the session for participants to practice at home to improve strength and balance. Participants will leave the presentation with strategies they can take with them and incorporate into everyday living. *In-Person Classes/Programs schedule starting for the Cambridge Senior Center at 806 Massachusetts Ave.:*Health and Wellness on Thursday, September 9, 1:00-2:00. *Flamenco Dance on Friday, September 10, 10:00-11:00.*Line Dancing on Monday, September 13, 6:00-7:00.*Strong and Stretched on Monday, September 13, 11:00-12:00*Zumba Gold on Tuesday, September 14, 1:30-2:30.*ESOL (CLC) on Wednesday, September 22, 9:45-12:00.

Intermediate Mat Yoga: Intermediate Mat Yoga will be designed to cater to those more experienced yogis who are interested in more vigor and challenge.

Line Dancing: Easy to learn and fun to dance. This class will teach you the basics of line dancing as well as the newer and more established line dances being done. Have fun, learn new dances and making new friends.

Meditation: This is a thirty-minute guided meditation class, with focus on breath work. Aimed at reducing one’s overall stress.

Move, Groove and Embody Rhythm Dance: Accompanied by recorded traditional West African and African rooted rhythmically stressed music.

Qi Gong: A movement practice from Chinese breath and martial arts traditions. Exercise movements include sitting and standing and are gentle and accessible to all participants. We follow a simple peer led routine.

Spanish: This class reviews and updates students about the Spanish Grammar that permits students to formulate sentences and paragraphs of information for understanding, responding, and conversing in the Spanish language.

Strength Building: A muscle conditioning class focusing on high repetitions with light or no weight utilizing what you have available at home. You will need to be able to stand for a good portion of class, have a chair, a portion of empty wall space you can lean against, a bit of floor space to move in, any of the above mentioned props, sneakers, and water. Strong & Stretched: A 45-minute class starting with a cardio warm up, strengthening exercises using hand weights (try soup cans/water bottles) or Thera bands for resistance. Muscle conditioning reinforces good posture and class ends with deep Yoga stretches.

Watercolor Painting: Learn Methods and techniques used to create watercolor art in this self-paced, instructor-led class. Participants responsible for their own watercolor painting supplies.

Zumba Gold: This is a low impact, easy to follow, 45-min Latin inspired dance class. This class is appropriate for adults of all fitness levels and participants can go at their own pace.

Art /Watercolor Painting: Learn art techniques, with an emphasis on drawing and watercolor painting, in this beginner-friendly, instructor-led class. Participants are encouraged to use whatever art materials they have on hand.

Balance Chi Kung: Learn basic Tai Chi principles with gentle, slow repetitive movements of Chi Kung. Over time, this may increase balance, and encourages you to find a way to allow your body to move in a relaxed way. The class begins and ends with meditation.

Cardio and Yoga for Heart Health: A 45-minute class starting with 20 minutes of East/West Cardio followed by 25 minutes of in-depth Yoga poses.

Chair Exercise: This class is designed to exercise at one’s own pace, including seated, standing and stretch exercises.

Dancing for Balance: This fun, friendly dance class is suited for all fitness levels. You will learn basic steps geared towards improving one’s balance. Seated warm up and cool down exercises are performed.

English for Speakers of Other Languages: Beginning and Intermediate English for Seniors Conversation, vocabulary, basic grammar with Colleen Brennan, CLC ESOL Teacher. Flamenco Tango Flamenco class provides in-depth expertise on learning the rhythm of clapping hands, singing, and dancing at the same time. Tango has an energetic and festive feeling and taste and is also an essential rhythm for all.

Flamenco Dance: This is a class for all, with or without any kind of physical limitation and have the option of dancing sitting on the chair if needed. So that each of you will discover your flamenco with your style. Gentle Morning Jive: Wake up your body, mind, and soul with stretching, strengthening, and dancing -- all from home! Music from disciplines such as yoga, Pilates, tap, jazz, West African, modern and ballet dance. No dance experience necessary. Movements will be demonstrated from a seated position but can be modified to be done while standing.

Gentle Mat Yoga: In this gentle, one-hour class, we practice the basic elements of yoga. Including standing, seated and lying down postures. This class is appropriate for adults comfortable moving from floor to standing with minimal support. Modifications available to participants.

Cambridge Council on Aging Class Descriptions

September 2021 Cambridge Council on Aging Virtual Programming Schedule Online classes will be offered through Zoom. Priority will be given to Cambridge Seniors.

The Council on Aging reserves the right to impose a class size limitation per the instructors’ request.To sign up, call the Cambridge Council on Aging at 617-349-6220.

Participants will receive a Zoom email invitation directly from the instructor prior to the start of each class.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Qi Gong 9:00-9:45Cultura Latina 11:00-11:45Strong and Stretched 11:00-12:00Dancing for Balance 1:00-2:00*Watercolor Painting 1:00-2:00 Monday Bingo with Julie 1:00 -3:00 *In-personGentle Mat Yoga 3:30-4:30*Line Dancing 6:00-7:00Spanish 6:30-7:45

ESOL II (By email only)ESOL IV (By email only)Strength Building 9:30-10:15Gentle Morning Jive Dance 10:00-11:00Balance – Chi Kung 11:00-12:00 Meditation 11:00-12:00 (New Class)Tech Help 12:30-1:30Zumba Gold 1:30-2:30 In-personChair Yoga 3:00-4:00

Chinese Singers 9:00-12:00 In-personChinese Folk Dancing 9:00-12:00 In-personESOL (CLC) 10:00-11:00 In-personBalance – Chi Kung 10:00-11:00Flamenco - Tango flamenco 10:00-11:00Chair Exercise 11:00-12:00Chair Yoga 12:00-1:00Strong and Stretched 1:30-2:30

Meditation 9:00-10:00Watercolor Painting 9:30-11:30Chair Exercise 11:00-12:00Haitian Elder Group Meeting 11:00-12:00Dancing for Balance 1:30-2:30Gentle Mat Yoga 3:00-4:15

Qi Gong 9:00-9:45Zumba Gold 9:30-10:30Flamenco Dance 10:00-11:00Cardio + Yoga 11:00-12:00Cultura Latina 12:30-1:15Whist at the North Cambridge Senior Center 1:00-3:00

Special Events & Activities*In-person @ North Cambridge Senior Center NCSC

1 Strong and Stretched Canceled

2 Watercolor Painting Canceled 3 Cardio + Yoga Canceled

6

Labor Day Holiday

7 Strength Building Canceled Chair Yoga CanceledMeditation 11:00-12:00Tech Help 12:30-1:30 In-person

8 Chair Yoga Canceled

9 Watercolor Painting Canceled Gentle Mat Yoga CanceledBook Group 12:00-1:00Health & Wellness Talk 1:00-2:00 with Roberta Robinson In-personTopic: Mind Diet

10

13 *Dancing for Balance Class 1:00 to 2:00 NCSC Monday Bingo with Julie 1:00 -3:00 In-person *Gentle Mat Yoga Class 3:30-4:30

14 Better Balance With Fall Prevention Strategies 11:00-12:00Meditation 11:00-12:00Tech Help 12:30-1:30 In-person

15 16 Watercolor Painting resumes

17*Whist at the North Cambridge Senior Center 1:00-3:00 In-person

20 *Dancing for Balance Class 1:00 to 2:00 NCSC Monday Bingo with Julie 1:00 -3:00 In-person *Gentle Mat Yoga Class 3:30 -4:30

21 Meditation 11:00-12:00Tech Help 12:30-1:30 In-person

22 ESOL (CLC) 10:00-11:00 In-person

23 24

27 *Dancing for Balance Class 1:00 to 2:00 NCSC Monday Bingo with Julie 1:00 -3:00 In-person *Gentle Mat Yoga Class 3:30 -4:30

28 Meditation 11:00-12:00Tech Help 12:30-1:30 In-person

29 30 Save the Date!Sunday October 24th, BSO Chamber Concert 3:00

Cambridge Council on Aging806 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139

Citywide Senior Center

Activities Arline McGrady, Activities & Volunteer Coordinator Adam Leith, Assistant Sanaa Mohamed, Assistant

FacilityDesi Powell Sr., Facility Manager Jonathan Pedro, Custodian

Food ServiceJulianne King, Manager Isaiah Renwick-Banks, Assistant Food PantryGeoffrey Kotowski, Coordinator

North Cambridge Senior CenterAlicia Johnson, DirectorJoan Mahoney, Meal Site Director Geoffrey Coughlin, Receptionist Marybeth Joyce, Assistant

Our appreciation to the Executive Office of Elder Affairs for funds to support this publication.

Cambridge City CouncilSumbul Siddiqui, MayorAlanna M. Mallon, Vice Mayor Dennis J. Carlone, Marc C. McGovern, Patricia M. Nolan,E. Denise Simmons, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler,Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Quinton Y. Zondervan

City AdministrationLouis DePasquale,City ManagerLisa C. Peterson,Deputy City ManagerEllen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager forHuman Services

Cambridge FriendsKatherine A. Rafferty, PresidentGisela Margotta, TreasurerRuby Pierce Donohue

Council On Aging Board Daniel BurossoLois Carra, Ph.D. Jennifer Chisholm JoAnn HaasPearl HinesLily OwyangEva Paddock Beverly C. Sealey

Program and Staff

Executive DirectorSusan Pacheco

Social ServicesVincent McCarthy, Director of Client ServicesMaryellen McEleney, Information & Referral

Administrative AssistantLisa Castagna

ReceptionistsRosalind Brown Matara MaloneJean K. Tanous

Elder Haitian ProgramHermide Mercier

Computer InstructorPamela Howard NewslinesLisa CastagnaSanaa Mohamed Susan Pacheco

Like us on FaceBook & Twitter!