New and Updates from the Council on Aging, March 11, 2010

INCOME TAX HELPIt’s that time of year again when our AARP Income Tax volunteers will be available to help low- to moderate-income seniors with the completion of their federal and state income tax returns. Appointments will be scheduled from early February through early April. You must call to make an appointment for your taxes. If you received an additional $250 Social Security “stimulus” payment, you will need to tell the AARP Tax counselor.

FUEL ASSISTANCE.  This program helps income eligible households pay a portion of their winter heating bills. For information regarding income guidelines or to make an appointment to complete an application, please call our Outreach Coordinator, Sue Hatton at 508 358 2990.

AWARD WINNING ARTIST TO PRESENT FREE PASTEL PAINTING WORKSHOP, Wednesday, March 31, 1 – 3.  Whether you are an accomplished artist or just a beginner who wishes to experience working with this medium, consider joining us for this free, pastel painting class.Work with professional grade pastels and papers while receiving personal instruction to create your interpretation of VanGogh’s “Starry Night.” Award winning artist Gregory Maichack will demonstrate a variety of application techniques including scumbling, blending, slurring and layering. All materials provided.  Pre-registration is required as seats are limited at the COA. This program is funded by a grant from the Wayland Cultural Council. Call the COA (508 358 2990) or stop by the office to register.

“WHAT TO DO WHEN A FAMILY MEMBER HAS MEMORY LOSS,presented byThe Alzheimer’s Association and the Metrowest Alzheimer Partnership. Two Free Evening Seminars (light supper provided), both seminars will be held at the Council on Aging. To register, 1-800-272-3900: 

  1. GETTING STARTED: Diagnosis, behavior, communication, local resources. Wed., April 14, 5pm-7:30pm.
  2. ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: LEGAL and FINANCIAL Issues and Answers, Wed., May 12, 5pm-6:30pm

CAREGIVER CARE is a free program designed to provide support and technical skills to individuals caring for a senior family member or friend at home without compensation. Wayland residents welcome. Caregiver Care is a six-session program, one day a month for six months, beginning on Thursday, April 1st, and will be held at the Kennedy Senior Center in Natick. Each session will include instruction in technical skills such as Safety in the Home, Infection Control, Nutrition, and Good Body Mechanics; as well as a group discussion facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker. A complimentary lunch will be served. Free in-home respite care services will be provided to your family member by Century Health Systems so that you, the caregiver, can attend the program knowing your loved one is being well taken care of. The in-home respite care services will be provided for three hours after the program so that the caregiver can take some time for him or herself. Caregivers interested in joining the Caregiver Care Program should call Teri Checket, Social Worker or Debbie Budd, Outreach Coordinator at the Natick Council on Aging at (508) 647-6540.

MOVIES are shown in the Wayland Senior Center twice monthly. Showtime is 12:30pm. Popcorn and cold drinks are provided from our self-serve hospitality cart. It’sall complimentary! Bring a friend, and/or bring your lunch. On March 12, WAKING NED DEVINE (1998) will be shown. The award winning comedy starts James Nesbitt. When a lottery winner dies of shock, the fellow townsfolk in his tiny Irish village attempt to claim the money. HACHIKO: A DOG’S STORY – a new release starring Richard Gere is based on a true story of a college professor who takes in a dog he finds abandoned. Both find their lives are changed forever as they form an unbreakable bond.

ZUMBA, Wednesdays, 2-3pm, Town Building Gym, $4/class  (wear rubber soled shoes, bring water bottle).  Zumba” eliminates the “work” from “working out”. It combines irresistible Latin and international music with dynamic, yet simple exercise moves. The extraordinary secret behind Zumba is how it magically motivates the body to efficiently burn calories, effectively tones all muscle groups, incorporates full range of motion and improves the cardiovascular system.   The moves transition easily with the fabulous rhythms of salsa, merengue, samba, flamenco, reggae and more! HERE’S THE BEST NEWS: Whether you are a natural dancer or you think you have two left feet, you will enjoy this class taught by CEIL SHARON, a professional choreographer and dance school owner. She is a senior herself and a Zumba Gold certified instructor. 

TAI CHI, Wednesday, 10:30am-11:30am, Hearing Room.  Registration for the month of March: $25 (5 Wednesdays). If not pre-registered, the cost is $8.00/class (If you’re starting mid-month, attendees will be pro-rated to end of month.. Learn to use the Tai Chi form to increase your physical balance and "sense" of balance. Tai Chi allows you to physically, mentally and emotionally feel YOUR flow aligning with the flow of nature. The class begins with music and meditation, some Qi Qong breathing techniques, Temple exercises for flexible joints and strength, then the Tai Chi form itself. Class adapts to the participant’s individual needs.  Tai Chi can lower blood pressure, improve balance and reduce pain.

LOIS’ FIT FOR THE FUTURE   Every Tuesday & Thursday, 10—11am, Hearing Room. $2.00/class. Lois Leav, Instructor. Stretching, toning, aerobic fitness and weight work done to music. This class adapts to all fitness levels. Exercises can be modified to meet individual needs. Pay only when you come. This is enjoyable way to exercise and meet new people. No pre-registration required.

NEED TRANSPORTATION? Call the MWRTA “Dial-A-Ride” at 508 820 4650.  Door to door, shared van service is provided to Wayland residents 65 years of age or older, disabled of any age, or Wayland residents 60-65years of age who have used Wayland COA van service in the past year. Pre-registration is required. Call MWRTA for further information on contact the Wayland COA. BOSTON SERVICE (including Jamaica Plain VA Hospital) is now available for rides to medical appointments only-$5.00 each way. Call 508 820 4650 for additional information.

For information about Wayland’s COAMedical Taxi Vouchers using JFK Transportation and FISH (Friends in Service Helping), a volunteer group providing rides to medical appointments when no other options are available, please contact the Wayland Council On Aging (508 358 2990).

COA VanThe COA van has a limited number of seats, so call the COA early to reserve a spot. Unless otherwise indicated, the van driver will pick up/drop off people at their homes for all trips. (The following trips are sponsored by the COA – not MWRTA. Call the COA to make your reservation.

  • Thursday, March 25: “Around Town,” 10am-Noon.  This is a free trial program.  COA will make local stops in Wayland for riders needing to go to bank, library, Town Building, grocery shopping, pharmacy, etc. FREE
  • Monday, March 29: Transportation to Market Basket in Ashland. Pick ups start at 9 a.m. Return to Wayland by 1:30 p.m. FREE
  • Monday, April 12: Transportation to Market Basket in AshlandPick ups start at 9 a.m. Return to Wayland by 1:30 p.m. FREE

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