Weston Council on Aging
September 2016
September is National Senior Center Month
Weston COA
You are never too young or too old to join or volunteer at the Weston COA.
Celebrate National Senior Center Month by starting something new and becoming involved at the COA. We offer a variety of services, programs, classes,
lectures, and outings. Stop by to learn more about the COA.
Did you know that the Weston COA…
 Publishes this monthly newsletter which is mailed or emailed to all Weston
residents over the age of 60.
 Has two social workers on staff as well as a part-time registered geriatric
nurse consultant.
 Offers at least 10 different drop-in exercise classes a week for $5 or less per
class.
 Has approximately 200 Weston residents of all ages volunteering annually.
You can join their ranks on a regular or periodic basis as your schedule
permits.
 Schedules monthly lectures on health, nutrition, finance and medical issues.
 Offers periodic trips to museums, historic sites and places to enjoy nature
and the environment.
Aging Mastery Program (AMP) Returns by Popular Demand
Wednesdays, September 14–November 16, 1:30–3:00 pm
The Aging Mastery Program is a fun, innovative and interactive program that
helps seniors successfully face challenges of aging and master skills that give
life meaning and purpose. This 10-week program will focus on the following
topics: healthy eating and nutrition, exercise, medication management, sleep,
financial fitness, advanced planning, healthy relationships, falls prevention
and community engagement. The program is funded by NCOA, MCOA and
EOEA. Call or email the COA to sign up.
Land’s Sake Workshop at the COA
Wednesday, September 14, 10:00–11:00 am
Community Center Land’s Sake educators will teach us about herbal
20 Alphabet Lane
medicine. Join us for this hands-on workshop. Call or
Weston, MA 02493
email the COA to sign up for the September session.
781-786-6280
Fax: 781-786-6289
COA Hours:
Monday–Friday
9:00 am–4:00 pm
Inside This Issue
Calendar
2
Fitness at the COA
3
4-5
Programs & Classes
Castle Island
Programs & Lectures
Tuesday, September 20
Leave COA at 10:00 am and Return Around 1:30 pm Health & Wellness/SHINE
Senior Services
Explore Boston’s inner harbor and the historic sites of
Volunteer/Veterans Svcs
Castle Island. Bring your lunch or buy it at Sullivan’s.
Around the COA & Town
Cost for transportation: $5. Limit 12 participants. Call
Transportation
the COA to sign up.
Last Page News
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Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
September
1
9:30-11:00 Blood Pressure
9:30-12:00 Shop/Hannaford
10:00-11:30 Caregivers
Support Group
2
9:00-11:30 Duplicate
Bridge
7
9:30-12:30 Ireta at BSA
1:00-3:30 Mahjong Play
2:00-3:00 Ukulele
9:30-10:30 Gentle Yoga
9:30-12:00 Drop-in Art
10:30-11:00 Meditation
1:00-4:00 Veterans’ Agent
8
9:00
Sweet Treats
9:15-10:15 Yoga
9:30-12:00 Shop/Market
Basket
10:00-12:00 Intermed. Bridge
1:00-3:00
SHINE
11:00-12:00 Stronger Seniors
12:30-3:30 Podiatry
1:15-3:15 Local & Global
Discussion
9
9:00-11:30 Duplicate
Bridge
12:00-1:00 Fitness Fridays
1:00-2:00 German for
Beginners
12
9:00-10:00 Exercise for
Every Body
9:30-12:00 Drop-in Art
10:05-11:05 Zumba
11:15-12:15 Functional
Fitness
12:00-1:00 Lunch at BSA
2:30-3:30 French
Conversation
13
9:30-10:30 T’ai Chi
9:30-11:00 Short Stories
9:30-12:30 Ireta at BSA
10:00-11:30 Walking at Regis
College Track
10:00-12:00 Art Talk
11:00-12:00 Beginner T’ai Chi
1:00-3:30 Mahjong Play
2:00-3:00 Ukulele
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8:30-10:30 FCOA Mtg
9:30-10:30 Gentle Yoga
9:30-12:00 Drop-in Art
10:00-11:00 Land’s Sake
Workshop
10:30-11:00 Meditation
11:00-12:00 Functional
Fitness
12:00-1:00 Office Hour w/
Wade Blackman
1:00-4:00
Veterans’ Agent
1:30-3:00 Aging Mastery
15
8:30
Board Meeting
9:15-10:15 Yoga
9:30-11:00 Blood Pressure
9:30-12:00 Shop/Hannaford
10:00-12:00 Intermed. Bridge
11:00-12:00 Stronger Seniors
1:00-3:00 Neuropathy
16
9:00-11:30 Duplicate
Bridge
12:00-1:00 Fitness Fridays
1:00-2:00 German
Conversation
19
9:00-10:00 Exercise for
Every Body
9:30-12:00 Drop-in Art
10:05-11:05 Zumba
11:15-12:15 Functional
Fitness
12:00-1:00 Lunch at BSA
12:30-2:30 Project Linus
20
9:30-10:30 T’ai Chi
9:30-11:00 Short Stories
9:30-12:30 Ireta at BSA
10:00-11:00 Art Talk
10:00-1:30 Castle Island
11:00-12:00 Beginner T’ai Chi
1:00-3:30 Mahjong Play
1:30-3:00 Spanish
2:00-3:00 Ukulele
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9:15-10:15 Yoga
9:30-12:00 Shop/Market
Basket
10:00-12:00 Intermed. Bridge
11:00-12:00 Stronger Seniors
12:00-3:00 SHINE
12:30-3:30 Podiatry
23
9:00-11:30 Duplicate
Bridge
12:00-1:00 Fitness Fridays
1:00-2:00 German for
Beginners
26
9:00-10:00 Exercise for
Every Body
9:30-12:00 Drop-in Art
10:05-11:05 Zumba
11:15-12:15 Functional
Fitness
12:00-1:00 Lunch at BSA
2:30-3:30 French
Conversation
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9:30-10:30 T’ai Chi
9:30-11:00 Short Stories
9:30-12:30 Ireta at BSA
10:00-11:30 Walking at
Town Green
10:00-11:30 Art Talk
11:00-12:00 Beginner T’ai Chi
1:00-3:30 Mahjong Play
1:30-3:00 Spanish
2:00-3:00 Ukulele
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29
9:15-10:15 Yoga
9:30-12:00 Shop/Hannaford
10:00-12:00 Intermed. Bridge
11:00-12:00 Stronger Seniors
30
9:00-11:30 Duplicate
Bridge
12:00-1:00 Fitness Fridays
1:00-2:00 German
Conversation
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Closed For
6
9:30-10:30 Gentle Yoga
9:30-12:00 Drop-in Art
10:30-11:00 Meditation
11:00-12:00 Functional
Fitness
1:00-4:00 Veterans’ Agent
1:30-3:00 Aging Mastery
9:30-10:30 Gentle Yoga
9:30-12:00 Drop-in Art
10:00-11:30 Veterans’
Brunch
10:30-11:00 Meditation
11:00-12:00 Functional
Fitness
1:00-4:00 Veterans’ Agent
1:30-3:00 Aging Mastery
(781) 786-6280
Web: www.weston.org/coa
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Fitness & Wellness at the COA
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
9:00-10:00
Exercise for
Every Body
9:30-10:30
T’ai Chi
9:30-10:30
Gentle Yoga
9:00-10:00
Yoga
10:05-11:05
Zumba
11:15-12:15
Functional
Fitness
11:00-12:00
Beginner T’ai Chi
11:00-12:00
Functional Fitness
11:00-12:00
Stronger Seniors
Friday
12:00-1:00
Fitness Fridays
Check the Calendar on Page 2 for Start Dates
Exercise for Every Body With Ellen Cohen-Kaplan—Mondays, 9:00–10:00 am
Focuses on stretching, cardio work, strengthening, postural exercises, balance and muscle
groups while moving to the beat of the music. $5
Zumba With Ellen Cohen-Kaplan—Mondays, 10:05–11:05 am
A high-energy, cardio-fitness workout set to a strong beat with easy-to-follow dance steps. $5
Functional Fitness With Kathy Langenberg—Mondays, 11:15 am–12:15 pm and
Wednesdays, 11:00 am–12:00 pm. Focuses on cardio conditioning with emphasis on core
strengthening and balance using Pilates rings, resistance bands, light hand and leg weights. $3
T’ai Chi and Beginner T’ai Chi With Robin Natanel—Tuesdays, 9:30–10:30 am and
11:00 am–12:00 pm. T’ai Chi is known to improve coordination, balance, flexibility and muscle
strength. It improves focus using deliberate and graceful movements. $3
Walk With Michelle Nickerson
Tuesdays, September 13 and October 4, 10:00–11:30 am, Regis College Track
Tuesdays, September 27 and October 11, 10:00–11:30 am, Weston Town Green
Meet Michelle for a walk and go at your own pace. Wear sneakers and bring a water bottle.
Gentle Yoga Led by Steffi Shapiro—Wednesdays, 9:30–10:30 am Reduces stress in a
quiet, meditative atmosphere by using controlled movement, slow stretches and breathing. $3
Yoga With Sandy Honeyman—Thursdays, 9:00–10:00 am
Emphasizes the linking of breath to movement with safe practice of yoga postures and correct
alignment. Participants must be able to raise themselves from the floor. $5
Stronger Seniors With Marilou Lourdes Encarnacion —Thursdays, 11:00 am–12:00 pm
A full-body workout for strength, balance and flexibility enhancement. This class is suitable for
individuals who prefer seated exercise. $3
Fitness Fridays With Michelle Nickerson—Fridays, 12:00–1:00 pm
Improves balance, mobility, strength and endurance using stability balls, exercise balls,
resistance bands and light weights. $3
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Email: [email protected]
SEPTEMBER 2016
Programs and Classes
Mondays
Drop-in Art
Mondays, 9:30 am–12:00 pm
Open to all, from beginners to experienced artists. Bring your own supplies and
enjoy painting in a supportive, informal atmosphere. Cost: $5
Lunch at the Brook School Apartments, 44 School Street, Building C
Mondays, 12:00–1:00 pm. No lunch served on September 5.
Call the COA for your reservation by Friday morning prior to lunch. It is
sponsored by Springwell. A $2 donation is requested.
Project Linus Knitters
Monday, September 19, 12:30–2:30 pm
Needle workers of all skill levels are welcome. We have needles and yarn to get
you started. Once a year, finished afghans are delivered to area hospitals for children in need. Donations of washable yarn are greatly appreciated.
French Conversation & Culture With Shirley Reiss & Daniel Métraux
Mondays, September 12 and 26, 2:30–3:30 pm
Drop by for an hour of casual French conversation.
Coming Soon
→
Architecture Series With Pat Richard
Mondays, October 31, November 7, 14 and 21 10:30 am–12:00 pm
Tuesdays
Watercolor by
Marla
Greenfield
Watercolor With Marla Greenfield
Tuesdays, October 11–November 15, 9:30 am–12:00 pm
This class will explore the wonderful and unique qualities of watercolor, reinforcing techniques that let the paint do what it does best. Experiment with allowing
the paints to blend on the paper, underpainting and glazing/layering to achieve
luminous results. Examine issues such as composition, the importance of value,
breaking the process down into manageable steps and generating rich darks.
Students are encouraged to bring their own photographic reference. Some
watercolor experience is suggested. Cost: $115 for 6 sessions or $25 per class
Call the COA to sign up.
Mahjong Play—Tuesdays, 1:00–3:30 pm
Conversational Spanish With Janet Wohlers
Tuesdays, Beginning September 20, 1:30–3:00 pm
Brush up on your Spanish and join us for some lively conversation.
Ukulele With Daniel Métraux
Tuesdays, 2:00–3:00 pm
The ukulele is easy to play and previous experience playing a musical instrument
or reading music is not required. For more information, contact Instructor Daniel
Métraux at [email protected]. Bring your own ukulele and tuner. $5 per
class or a monthly prepayment of $12 at the first of the month.
(781) 786-6280
Web: www.weston.org/coa
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Wednesdays
New!
Enjoying Poetry
Wednesdays, October 5, 12, 19 and 26, 9:30–11:00 am
Are you a poetry lover? Come share your interest in the spoken and written word.
Join Professor Malati Ramratnam, PhD, in a series of interactive sessions to
explore the works of British, American and Indian poets. Participants are
welcome to bring their favorite poems, including their own, to be discussed with
the group—contact the COA before class to have photocopies made. Malati is a
longtime Weston resident and a Professor of English and American Literature
who has taught and traveled around the globe. Limit 15 participants. Call or
email the COA to sign up for one or more of these sessions.
Drop-in Art
Wednesdays, 9:30 am–12:00 pm
Open to all, from beginners to experienced artists. Bring your own supplies and
enjoy painting in a supportive, informal atmosphere. Cost: $5
Meditation
Wednesdays, 10:30–11:00 am
Join our informal meditation group and enjoy its many benefits. “Those who miss
meditation miss the whole dance of life.” Bhagwan Shree
Office Hour With Wade Blackman
Wednesday, September 14, 12:00–1:00 pm
Stop by and talk with Wade Blackman, Congresswoman Katherine Clark’s
Weston liaison, who has office time at the COA. No appointment is necessary.
Thursdays
Sweet Treats
Thursday, September 8
The COA would like to thank the hospitality group of the Women’s Community
League of Weston who has generously offered to provide baked goods to the COA
on the second Thursday of each month. Stop by and enjoy a sweet treat.
Intermediate Bridge Lessons With Stuart Whittle
Thursdays, September 8–October 13, 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Refine bidding and play techniques with instruction, coaching and hands-on
practice. Students should have a foundation of basic concepts. Stuart is an ACBL
Certified Bridge Instructor and Gold Life Master. Call the COA to sign up.
Cost: $115 for 6 weeks or $25 per class
Local and Global Discussion Group
Discussion: Thursday, September 8, 1:15–3:15 pm
The September and October meetings will be devoted to the Presidential election.
Representatives of the Democratic and Republican Town Committees will join us
for the discussion.
Fridays
Duplicate Bridge
Fridays, 9:00–11:30 am
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Email: [email protected]
SEPTEMBER 2016
Programs & Lectures at the COA
Nature Inspirations Art Talk Series
Join us for 3 consecutive Tuesdays in September for hands-on, demonstration
and lecture programs associated with the current three-person exhibit at the
COA. Come and hear what the artists have to say about their work.
John Thompson: Tuesday, September 13, 10:00 am–12:00 pm
This hands-on workshop will introduce you to the drypoint technique of preparing an aluminum plate for printing. Drypoint is a technique in which a sharp
pointed tool allows you to draw into the surface of the metal plate, which is then
inked and run through a press. John will be bringing a press, so your prints will
be run on the spot. John has a studio in Waltham and currently teaches at the
Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
Marky Kauffmann: Tuesday, September 20, 10:00–11:00 am
Join us for a slide show and discussion about Marky’s work that will include
content and process. She will talk about her series, Prayer Images, which is currently on display and the work that she is developing in the studio. The process
that she uses is multi-layered and the final image is a digital archival pigment
print. Marky has a studio in Somerville and has taught photography in several
schools, including Weston High School.
Kelley Harwood: Tuesday, September 27, 10:00–11:30 am
Learn how Kelley develops her oil on board paintings by attending this demonstration. Working from observation, she will make a one-sitting floral painting.
She will begin by drawing a quick charcoal value study, and then will demonstrate how she uses the palette knife to mix and apply color. Kelley has a studio
in Waltham.
Call or email the COA to sign up for one or more of these art talks.
To Cook or Not to Cook
Monday, October 24, 1:30–3:00 pm
Have you had enough cooking after doing it for over 50 years? Join Ed Alessi,
a retired MSW clinical social worker for this interactive workshop if:
 you’re looking for an easier way to provide nourishing and healthier food;
 you have dietary restrictions because of high blood pressure, diabetes, high
cholesterol or your physician is telling you to lose weight;
 your income is limited and you're looking for cost-effective ways to eat;
 you live alone and are cooking for one person.
Call or email the COA to sign up.
A Matter of Balance–Managing Concerns About Falling
Workshop to be Held in October
This 8-session interactive workshop, sponsored by Springwell and the COA, will
help to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants will
engage in group discussion, problem solving, skill building, assertiveness
training and learn exercises to increase flexibility, range of motion and strength.
You will learn to set realistic goals for increasing activity and change your
environment to reduce the risk of falls at home and learn exercises to increase
strength and balance. Call the COA for more information.
(781) 786-6280
Web: www.weston.org/coa
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Health and Wellness
New COA Nurse, Paula Lawrence, MSN, BSN
In July, we welcomed our new nurse, Paula Lawrence, to the COA staff. Paula
received her MSN and BSN from the University of Pennsylvania. She has worked
in a variety of settings, most recently at Senior Home Care Services in Morristown, NJ, and before that, the Council on Aging in Concord, MA. Paula can be
reached by calling the COA or by email at [email protected].
Blood Pressure Screening at the COA
Thursdays, September 1 and 15, 9:30–11:00 am
Podiatry
Thursdays, September 8 and 22, 12:30–3:30 pm
Routine foot care with Dr. Douglas John is available by appointment. Call the
COA for your 15-minute appointment.
Neuropathy Support Group
Thursday, September 15, 1:00–3:00 pm
Join the Weston Chapter for peripheral neuropathy support, led by volunteer
Leslie MacGregor Levine. Neuropathy is nerve damage with resulting loss of
sensation that can occur as a result of traumatic injuries, infections, autoimmune
diseases, metabolic disorders and exposure to toxins. This meeting is open to
anyone with neuropathy as well as family and friends.
Durable Medical Equipment in the COA Loan Closet
The COA offers medical equipment to borrow. Walkers, wheelchairs, canes,
shower chairs and raised toilet seats are usually available. If we do not have what
you are looking for, we may be able to help you locate it by using our current lists
of medical equipment suppliers. Call ahead for items being accepted for donation.
Food Pantry
Weston residents of any age may visit the food pantry once per month, located at
the COA, for nonperishable items, including canned tuna, soup, canned vegetables,
pasta, cereal and various personal household items. This is a confidential service.
A Message From the SHINE Program Director
Medicare Diabetes Testing Supplies
If you have Original Medicare and use diabetes testing supplies, Medicare is continuing its National Mail-Order Program. Under the program, you are required to
use a Medicare approved national mail-order contract supplier to pay for diabetes
SHINE
testing supplies. You can also go to any local pharmacy or storefront supplier
that’s enrolled with Medicare. If you do not use one of these Medicare approved
ordering methods, you may end up paying much more for your supplies. Be sure
that your supplier has your Medigap policy information when placing your order.
Suppliers must make sure you get the prescribed brand of diabetes testing
supplies to avoid an adverse medical outcome and must never influence or try to
convince you to switch your supplies to another brand. To find a current list of
contract suppliers, visit Medicare.gov/supplier or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Call the
This program
Weston COA to schedule an appointment with Andrea Levinson on
provides
Thursdays, September 8, 1:00–3:00 pm and September 22, 12:00–3:00 pm.
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Email: [email protected]
SEPTEMBER 2016
Senior Services
New COA Social Worker, Michelle Gucciardi, MSW, LICSW
In August, Michelle Gucciardi joined the COA staff as the full time Outreach/
Social Services Coordinator. Michelle received her MSW from the University of
Michigan. She has been a Social Worker at Fallon Health in Leominster, MA,
since 2010. Call Michelle at the COA or email [email protected].
Social Workers in the Community
Ireta Metchik, LCSW, is at the Brook School Apartments on Tuesdays,
9:30 am–12:30 pm. An appointment is not necessary, but feel free to call or email
her at the COA if you would prefer to schedule one.
Are you “Aging Alone?”
Would you like to expand your support system, learn about community resources
and meet others in a similar situation? The COA is considering a social worker-led
group session to explore these issues. Call Ireta Metchik for more information.
Caregivers’ Support Group
Thursday, September 1, 10:00–11:30 am
You may find this monthly group helpful if you are concerned about or caring for
someone with memory changes. Members share stories and wisdom as well as
resources and strategies for coping with these challenges. Call leader Emily
Hutcheson, M. Ed., at 781-891-8046, or email her at [email protected], for
more information.
Do You Have a Lockbox?
A lockbox is a small box that is installed on the outside of the house by the Weston
Fire Department. The box holds a key to the house that the Fire Department can
use to enter the home in an emergency. Only the Weston Fire Department has a
key to the Lockbox. If no lockbox is present, the Fire Department will gain entry
by forcing a door or window open which may cause property damage. To order a
lockbox, contact Anne Danforth at the Fire Department at 781-786-6101.
Friendly Call Program
If you would like daily or periodic check-in phone calls, there are volunteers available to connect with you. Call the COA to be added to the Friendly Call List.
Home Projects
If you are a Weston resident and need work done at your house, the COA has a list
of the following vetted contractors: electricians, organizers, gutter cleaning,
painters, handymen, pest control, landscapers/tree, plumbers, ramp installation
companies and stair lift installation companies. Email or call the COA for a list.
Stay Informed
Weston Media Center
Find out what’s going on in Weston. COA lectures, Town Government meetings,
public school, library, music, cooking and historical events are available on your
computer, tablet or smartphone at www.westonmedia.org.
Stay Connected With www.weston.org
Subscribe to COA news and events through www.weston.org. Click “Stay
Informed” to get started.
(781) 786-6280
Web: www.weston.org/coa
Volunteering
Volunteering at the COA
 Drivers Needed—Consider becoming an occasional driver for FISH. It’s a
great way to give back:
 You decide when to drive—the average is 1 or 2 rides per month.
 You decide where to drive—most rides are in Metrowest.
 You get to know your Weston neighbors.
 You help someone who can’t get to an appointment otherwise.
Help is also needed with:
 Weekly Shopping Trips—Ride the COA Friend Ship bus on Thursday
mornings and/or on the first Tuesday of the month to assist participants
with their grocery shopping;
 Tutors are needed to meet one-on-one with
seniors navigating their devices;
 Meals—Deliver a hot lunch to people needing help with their nutrition.
Contact Leila Hewitt at the COA for more information.
Intergenerational Programs
Pen Pal Program
A Weston High School student and local Girl Scout has offered to collaborate with
the COA on a Pen Pal Program, with an electronic twist. Plans are in the early
stages and we are ready to gauge interest and gather names. If you are
intrigued by the idea of an electronic correspondence with a Weston student,
contact Leila Hewitt at the COA. More details will be published as the program
develops.
Veterans’ Services
Veterans’ Brunch
Wednesday, September 28, 10:00–11:30 am
Dave Hencke, the Veteran Outreach Coordinator at VA Boston Healthcare
System, will join us for brunch. To help secure quality of life for Veterans, the
Outreach Coordinator position synchronizes existing VA outreach functions to
more effectively find, engage and establish local Veterans in the VA network of
care. Mr. Hencke will join us to speak about VA Healthcare enrollment. Call the
COA to RSVP.
Veterans’ Agent, Sarada Kalpee
Town Hall Hours: Wednesdays, 9:30 am–12:00 pm
COA Hours: Wednesdays, 1:00-4:00 pm
Sarada is available to assist you with accessing and navigating the various VA
systems and benefits, including: VA Healthcare, pension benefits and/or disability
compensation, qualifications for Chapter 115 State financial benefits, obtaining
glasses or hearing aids or concerns you have about Agent Orange. For information
or to make an appointment, call her at 781-850-5504 or via email at
[email protected].
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Email: [email protected]
SEPTEMBER 2016
Around the COA
Messages From Alice Benson, COA Board Chair
Director, Eileen Bogle Retires
After 12 years as COA Director, Eileen Bogle has decided to focus more time on
her family and other interests. During this time, Eileen devoted herself to
enhancing the quality of life for Weston seniors—introducing innovative cultural
programs, broadening the reach of social services, strengthening health and
wellness offerings and establishing organizational collaborations across the town.
We thank Eileen for making the COA a vibrant and integrated place for Weston’s
seniors. We send her off with deep appreciation and wish her all the very best in
her new adventures.
Many Thanks to Board Members
On behalf of the entire Board of the Council on Aging, I wish to thank three
people for their important dedicated service to the organization and residents of
Weston.
Melissa Galton has been an incredibly dedicated, hardworking Chair of the
Board. She has been there always when needed and provided wonderful leadership to the Board. She will be sorely missed in her Chair role but we’re lucky
she’s staying on as a Board member.
Don Goldstein’s wisdom and insight have been invaluable to the Board’s
decision-making. His intelligence, warmth and gracious ability to get right to the
core of the matter will be missed. We look forward to him continuing his active
participation in other areas at the COA.
Alicia Sargent’s technological knowledge and willingness to contribute in
numerous areas on the Board will be missed. We understand her need and desire
to spend more time with her family. We know we’ll continue to rely on her on a
number of matters.
A Note From Eileen Bogle, Director of the COA
In September, I will be retiring from my position as Director of the Weston
Council on Aging. In doing so, I will be leaving a position that I have thoroughly
enjoyed since 2004. In reflecting on my 12 years in Weston, I would like to thank
everyone who has supported the COA, especially the Board and our many
volunteers. It has been my distinct pleasure and privilege to work with all of
you.
- Eileen
Around Town
Clothing Exchange, Josiah Smith Tavern Barn
Open Tuesdays, Beginning September 13, 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Shop, donate or consign designer and name brand clothing, accessories and attic
treasures at the Clothing Exchange. Proceeds support the Women’s Community
League Service & Scholarship Fund for WHS graduating seniors. Enjoy lunch at
the café and consider joining a friendly group of volunteers. For more
information, go to www.wclweston.org.
(781) 786-6280
Email: [email protected]
Transportation Programs
Shopping Shuttle
Beginn New!
ing in
Framingham Shopping Center & Shoppers World
Octob
er
Fridays, October 7 and 21 and November 4 and 18
The COA is piloting a new shopping option. There will be two pickup
areas, one leaving from the COA at 9:30 am and one leaving from the Brook
School Apartments, 44 School Street at 9:40 am. The two stops will be: Target
at the Framingham Mall and Bob’s Stores at Shoppers World. The COA van
driver will return to pick you up at those same locations between 11:45 am and
12:00 pm and return you to your original pick-up spot by 12:30 pm. Call the
COA to sign up. Cost: $3
Weekly Grocery Shopping
Every Thursday, 9:30 am–12:00 pm
Shopping on the First Tuesday of the Month Will Return in October
Our van driver will provide curb-to-curb service on the Friend Ship bus. Check
the calendar on page 2 for destinations. Call the COA to sign up. Cost: $2
Discounted Taxi Vouchers
 One green voucher, costing $2, will allow the user to travel one way
anywhere within Weston. Round trips within Weston require two
green vouchers for $4.
 One blue voucher, costing $10, will allow the user to travel one way to any
contiguous town (Lincoln, Natick, Newton, Waltham, Wayland, Wellesley
and also to Framingham Logan Express). Round trips to a contiguous
town require two blue vouchers for $20.
Taxi service hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–8:00 pm and all day on weekends
and holidays. Reserve your ride with Veterans Taxi by calling 781-899-6600.
A gratuity is included in the voucher cost.
Friends in Service Helping (FISH)
Transportation to Medical Appointments
Medical appointments are stressful enough without having to worry about
transportation. For over 40 years, Weston’s FISH Program has matched
volunteer drivers with Weston seniors needing rides on an occasional or shortterm basis. If you or a loved one has a transportation need, contact the COA
3–5 business days before your appointment. We’ll work with our network
of volunteers to respond to your request. Rides are subject to volunteer driver
availability and a signed waiver must be on file at the COA prior to your first
ride.
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Board of Directors
Alice Benson, Chair
Marge Ackerman
Betsey Brew Boyd
Joseph Butt
Leslye Fligor
Melissa Galton
Vida Goldstein
Wayne Johnson
Pam Remis
Arria Sands
Gerri Scoll
WESTON COA
SEPTEMBER 2016
Mailing for this newsletter is funded by the Friends of the Weston Council on Aging.
Weston Council On Aging
20 Alphabet Lane
Weston, MA 02493
Non-Profit
POSTAGE
PAID
Boston, MA
Permit No.
57803
Deliver to Current Resident or
Associate Board Members
Kelly Renner
Phyllis Ritvo
Heather Shrimpling
COA Staff
Administrative Assistant:
Sandy Coburn
[email protected]
AAA Roadwise Driver Program
Safe Driving for Mature Operators
Volunteer Coordinator:
Fridays, October 14 and 21, 10:30 am–12:30 pm
Leila Hewitt
Driving on today’s roadways can be challenging.
[email protected]
Even if you’re a skilled driver, you can improve your performance.
With new entertainment and safety technologies being built into cars,
Social Workers:
our attention can more easily be diverted from the driving task or we
Michelle Gucciardi, MSW,
LICSW
can depend too much on vehicle technology. This two-part course is
[email protected] designed to keep you up-to-date on the latest risk-reducing driving
Ireta Metchik, MSW, LCSW techniques. Call or email the COA to sign up. Participants are
[email protected]
required to commit to both sessions. Free.
Nurse:
Paula Lawrence, MSN
[email protected]
Bus Driver:
Vic Gaybor
Community Center
20 Alphabet Lane
Weston, MA 02493
Phone: 781-786-6280
[email protected]
Monday–Friday
9:00 am–4:00 pm
Continuing Education
Lifelong Learning at Regis College (LLARC), Weston
Fall 2016 Courses Begin Monday, September 19
For course selections and descriptions go to www.regiscollege.edu/
llarc, email [email protected], call 781-768-7135 or pick up a
brochure at the Weston COA.
Wellesley Weston Lifetime Learning (WWLL)
Fall 2016 Courses for Seniors Begin Monday, September 19
Non-credit courses for seniors meet on Mondays, 10:00–11:30 am at
the Wellesley Unitarian Church, 309 Washington St. For course selections and descriptions, go to www.wwllcourses.org, call 781-205-4204
or pick up a brochure at the Weston COA or Weston Public Library.