Programs, classes, events for seniors

All programs are held at the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center unless otherwise stated. Questions? Call 781-631-6225 or email councilonaging@marblehead. org.

Lunching at the COA

Lunch is offered on Tuesdays at noon for $3. The meals are prepared in the Council on Aging’s commercial kitchen. These lunches are supported by The Friends of the Council on Aging.

Grab-n-go lunches

Grab-n-go lunches are offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Council on Aging. Pick-up time is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Reservations must be made the Thursday before by calling 781-631-6225.

The Traveling

Chef Returns

Friday, Feb. 24, noon. There is no Grab-n-go this day. Enjoy a seated lunch indoors instead. Register by Feb. 17. Suggested donation is $2.

Maple Street Bistro at Essex Tech

Friday, Feb. 3, 11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The menu is available at the COA. The COA van can transport up to 12 people or you can drive on your own. $15 per person. Registration and payment due by Thursday, Feb. 2.

Forensic Science Roadshow

Venture into the world of CSI with forensic scientist Paul Zambella, who worked in the Massachusetts State Police crime lab for 36 years. Learn about DNA, fingerprints, crime light and more. Thursday, Feb. 16, 12:30 p.m. Register at 781-631-6225.

‘Murder in Marblehead’

Harry Christensen and Richard Santeusanio will be back to discuss their book, “Murder in Marblehead.” Friday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m. Register at 781-631-6225.

A Tour of English Gardens

Join Ginny Von Rueden, president of the Driftwood Garden Club, as she discusses some of the best gardens in England. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $3.

Marblehead Citizens Police Academy

The academy is launching a new class in March. Applications are available online at www. marbehead.org/policedepartment or www.marblehead. org/council-on-agingdepartment. You can also sign up at the COA or police station. Call Janice at 781-631-6225 with questions.

Movie Days

Come watch the period comedy/thriller “Amsterdam” on Friday, Jan. 10, 1 p.m. Then, on Feb. 24, at 1 p.m., watch “The Banshees of Inisherin.” RSVP at 781-631-6225.

Drop-in Songs and Music

Enjoy this sing-along featuring golden oldees, 60s hits, show tunes, hymns, folk songs and sea shanties. Wed., Feb. 15, 11 a.m. to noon.

Book Club

February’s book is “Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell. Wednesdays Feb. 8 and 22, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Flying Solo

Joan Cutler leads this group designed specifically for people who live alone. Tuesday, Feb. 28, 1: 30 p.m.

Caregiver Support Group

Amy Gilliland, Marblehead police dispatch supervisor, is the featured speaker this month. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Coffee with a Cop Join Chief Dennis King or someone else from the Marblehead Police Department to discuss community concerns.

People’s Day, Juneteenth, Pride Month, MLK Day, Community Book Reads, authors and speakers on DEI and an information booth at the Farmers’ Market. This year, they will include Holocaust Remembrance Day.

TFAD incurs printing, purchasing and advertising expenses for these events. Currently, they reach out for donations from businesses and individuals to support the events. Whipple and Sliney requested a meeting with members of the Select Board to discuss the request.

Student reps sought

TFAD is seeking two student representatives. Those students who would like to serve should submit a letter of interest.

Conversations on race

Louis Meyi from the Marblehead Racial Justice Team spoke about the ongoing “Conversations on Race” series. On Monday evening, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m., Executive Director Doneeca Thurston, Iris Kimber and Tara Agaba from Lynn Museum will present a program on “Untold Stories: A History of Black People in Lynn.” The program is hybrid. For further information, see marbleheadmuseum.org.

Festival presence

TFAD will investigate participating in Marblehead Festival of Arts’ proposed Main Street Boost for town organizations this summer.

Recreation and Parks Commission

DATE: Jan. 19

LWV OBSERVER: Kay Rieper

Memorandum of Understanding with School Department

The MOU that the commission submitted to the School Department was returned and approved with the addition of a phrase about usage for school-contracted programs that is not acceptable to the commission.

School Superintendent John Buckey and School Committee Chair Sarah Fox will be

Fridays at 8:30 a.m.

Blood Pressure Clinic

Drop-in blood pressure clinic on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon.

Muscle Conditioning

Senior Muscle Conditioning with Kim on Mondays and Fridays at 9 a.m and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Cost is $3. (No class Feb. 20.)

Stay Active

North Shore Physical Therapy runs an osteo class on Mondays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. There’s also Balance and Mobility with Mary Manning on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Each class is $3. (No classes Monday, Feb. 20.)

Zumba Gold

Zumba Gold classes are held on Wednesdays at noon. It is a lower intensity dance class inspired by Latin and world music.

Parkinson’s Fitness

The Parkinson’s Fitness class is free on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Specifically developed for folks with Parkinson’s disease but appropriate for all, this class focuses on strength, mobility and balance. This program is paid for by the Friends of the Council on Aging.

Indoor Curling

Indoor curling takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. No experience is necessary for this indoor sport. Instructions on how to play the game will be available at every session. Yearly fee is $15. Contact pbibbo@aol.com with questions. (No class Feb. 20.)

Need a lift?

The COA offers transportation services to both in-town and outof-town medical appointments and in-town errands such as the hairdresser, bank, to vote or to the COA for programs and/or lunch. Weekly grocery shopping trips to Crosby’s and Market invited to the next commission meeting, and then commission members will attend the next School Committee meeting to discuss this.

Care of the high school athletic fields is the first priority of the department, and in return the department needs the use of indoor spaces in the schools for winter programs.

Budget

Superintendent Peter James presented a proposed budget with cost increases. He will send a copy to each member.

Parks James reported invasive branches were removed from trees near the high school entrance, and a wildflower mix was planted. The Vine Street area was cleaned up. After the tree burning, the area was cleaned up. A new sign was installed at the Rainbow Zone.

Recreation Director of Recreation Jaime Bloch reported that January programming is well underway. Bloch has put toy bins for younger children who are waiting with their parents in the lobby while older children are participating in programs.

On Jan. 29, there will be a ski trip to Bradford.

The Daddy-Daughter Dance is back and will be on Friday, March 24.

Bloch still needs to hire a building attendant on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Piqued pickleball players

Pickleball players have been harassing commission members over the courts being closed once it has snowed. This is a safety and liability issue. Other towns contacted have closed their courts. Other events

The retirement party for Rabbi Mayer, already approved for May 21, has requested a food truck. This was approved after making sure it is legal.

The request to hold the Home and Garden Show at the Community Center will be offered for the April 8 weekend for a fee of $5,000 to cover costs.

Basket and bimonthly trips to the North Shore Mall are also available. Transportation runs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To schedule a ride, call 781-631-6225.

Stretch & Strength

The Council on Aging offers a Strength & Stretch class on Mondays at 11:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Cost is $3. (No class Feb. 20.)

Step it Up

Karen Jancsy leads this lowimpact movement and muscle conditioning class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. (No class Feb. 20.)

Weight Training

A Weight Training class is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:45 a.m. Cost is $3.

Yoga with Evie

This yoga class is held on Mondays at 9 a.m., Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. and Thursdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. (No class Feb. 20.)

Chair Yoga

Gail Perry Borden teaches Chair Yoga on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Cost is $3.

Line Dancing

Kate Hoffman teaches Line Dancing on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The first hour is focused on beginners; however, all are welcome and encouraged to participate. Cost is $5.

Quilting

Learn how to quilt in this class on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Cost is $5 per class.

Knitting Group

Drop-in knitting is Thursdays at 9 a.m.

Cribbage

Cribbage is held on Tuesdays. Doors close at 9:30 a.m.

Mahjong

Play mahjong Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (No class Feb. 20.)

I Love Bridge

This advanced bridge instruction class meets Mondays, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5. Drop-in bridge is on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to noon, and Fridays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (No class Feb. 20.)

Canasta

Canasta is now at the COA on Thursdays 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Get a senior Charlie Card

People who are 65 years or older are eligible for reduced MBTA fares with a senior Charlie Card. These cards are valid for eight years. Call Nadine Lepick at 781-631-6225 Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. to ask questions or make an appointment to process an application. Cards can also be reloaded with cash on any bus. Need help with heating costs?

The Home Energy Assistance Program at North Shore Community Action Programs, Inc. helps income-eligible households pay their winter heating bills even if the cost of heat is included in their rent. If your gross household income falls within certain limits, you may qualify for payment towards winter heating bills. In addition, eligible National Grid customers may qualify for a discount of up to 32 percent off their electric and gas bills. For more information about Home Energy Assistance, call 978-531-8810 or email fuelassistance@nscap.org.

Home safety audits

The town offers home safety audits to local residents. A representative from both the Marblehead Fire Department and the Council on Aging will schedule a time to meet seniors at their homes and review and discuss home safety options. Also, free fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and lock boxes can be installed. To learn more, contact Sharon Doliber at 781-631-6225.

practice where someone can help if you get stuck?

Contemporary Art Boston*.

» Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum*.

» Museum of Fine Arts.

Museum of Science. New England Aquarium (now a digital promo code).

» Peabody Essex Museum.

» Trustees Go Pass* (new!).

» Zoo New England*.

Patrons without access to the internet may reserve a pass/ promo code right at the main desk or by calling (781) 631-1481, though some passes may require an email address to be used.

Tax counseling program

Mondays, Feb. 6, 13 and 27, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Mondays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

» Mondays, April 3 and 10, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Abbot Library will host the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program on Mondays starting Feb. 6 through April 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Reservations for this program are being taken during regular library hours. To reserve a spot, call the Reference Desk at 781-6311481. Please be aware that you will need your last year’s tax returns and 2022 paperwork.

Open lab

Mondays, Feb. 6, 13 and 27, drop-in 2:30-4 p.m.

Do you have a question about your computer, smartphone, or tech gadget? Do you want time to

Every Monday, join a staff member for one-on-one help with your device. Windows laptops will be available for attendees who cannot transport their device. Drop by the Reference Room anytime between 2:30-4 p.m.

Registration is not required.

Basket-weaving lesson

» Wednesday, Feb. 8, 1:30-3 p.m.

Due to popular demand, on Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 1:30-3 p.m., Abbot Public Library will host a second basket-weaving lesson!

This Adult Crafternoon event is to demonstrate how to weave a small basket with materials provided by the library. This event is free and limited to 10 people. To register, visit tinyurl.com/ Feb-2023-Adult-Crafternoon.

Adult book club

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 10-11 a.m.

On the third Tuesday of every month from 10-11 a.m., book club members can log on to Zoom to discuss the latest and most highly recommended titles led by a library staff member.

February’s pick is “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman. Copies are available in the Reference Room.

Registration is required at tinyurl.com/ Feb-2023-Zoom-Book-Club. For more information, contact Head of Public Services Librarian Morgan Yeo at yeo@noblenet. org.