Activities & Programs
In-Person Programming
in and around the Senior / Community Center
Abstract Art
Most Thursdays 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Instructor: Andrea Alukonis
$5 Fee
Abstract & Experimental Art is offered once a week and will inspire a love for creating that lasts long after class ends. Acrylic paint art class comes together to share artistic creativity and expression in a social atmosphere.
Beginner Ukulele Class
Most Thursdays 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Instructor: Brian Testa
$5
Beginner Ukulele is an educational class for anyone that is new to the instrument and would like to become part of the Port City Ukulele Group.
B I N G O - Summer Edition
Dates:
Caller: John Stamatopulos
Nominal per card fee
Participate in an engaging and fun game of chance.
Birding Tours
Fridays at 8:30 a.m.-Please check monthly calendars for exact dates
Instructor: Sue McGrath
Free
Bird Tours with Sue McGrath are held outside the Senior/Community Center on the 1st & 3rd Fridays of the spring and summer months.
Sue is a Newburyport resident. She’s the founder and program designer at Newburyport Birders which offers birdwatching classes, guided, private tours and educational programs. She has been observing birds for over thirty years and remains fascinated by bird behavior. Sue has traveled to observe birds throughout North America, Central America, the Senegambia region of West Africa and western Europe. Sue is a member of the American Birding Association, the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, the Nuttall Ornithological Club, the Brookline Bird Club, the Seacoast Chapter of New Hampshire Audubon. She’s involved with the Friends of Parker River NWR and is the perennial volunteer Purple Martin landlord at Parker River NWR.
BOARD GAMES: Chess
Most Mondays 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Free
Novice through expert players encouraged to participate!
Bocce Ball
A pair of bocce ball courts are located at the back of the Newburyport Senior/Community Center. The courts are available to the public whenever the weather permits. A set of bocce balls, which can be signed out during regular business hours, is stored inside the Council on Aging Office. At this time, there are no scheduled events.
Bocce is played with eight large balls and one smaller target or object ball called a pallina. The game is played with two teams, each team having one, two, or four players and set of four distinguishable bocce balls.
Information about the HISTORY and the RULES OF PLAY for Bocce Ball
Coffee with the Police
4th Monday at 9:00 a.m.
Guests: Members of the Newburyport Police Department
Free
Every month, several members of the Newburyport Police Department stop by for an hour to answer your questions and engage in casual conversation. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with first responders who are out on the front lines keeping us safe and providing care. All are welcome and refreshments are served.
Cooking & Conversation
2nd Thursday of month 1:00 p.m.
Instructor: Trish Martini
$5
A discussion and cooking group that focuses on promoting a healthy, long, and happy life based on the findings of Dan Buettner (an American National Geographic Fellow and New York Times bestselling author) about the Blue Zones, where the most centenarians in the world are found. We will chat about how they live and how to incorporate that in our own lives to promote longevity, as well as cooking fresh and fantastic meals that share the same principles.
Get ready to taste great, easy-to-prepare meals that will change the way you spend time in the kitchen!
Dance Classes
(Two Levels: Novice and Intermediate/Advanced)
Dancing is a great way to stay fit while having fun and this program will help you learn the basics of ballet and tap. Different levels are offered to meet the needs of both beginners and more experienced dancers. Whether you have always wanted to learn ballet and tap, are working on refining your dance technique or are simply looking for a chance to stay active, this is the perfect way to keep the beauty of dance in your life in a fun and friendly weekly class.
Ballet
Most Tuesdays (novice) 8:30 a.m.; Thursdays 8:30 a.m.
Teacher: Nicole Marquis-Chabot
Tap
Most Tuesdays (novice) 9:30 a.m.; Thursdays 9:30 a.m.
Teacher: Jenn Grinnings
$5
Director's Choice
4th Wednesday 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Guide: Paula Burke, COA Director
Free
Our Outreach Specialist invites partners to present essential information on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at noon. Learn vital information that will make aging in place easier for you or your family members, friends, or neighbors. The best way to prepare for the future is to get educated now!
May 24th: Ted Talks with Kate
June 28th: Mystery Guest
July 26th:
August 23rd:
Drawing
Most Tuesdays 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Ann Harter
$5
Have you ever thought about learning to draw? Or love to draw and want to brush up (so to speak) on your drawing skills? Newburyport artist, Ann Harter (annharterart.com), teaches a weekly class on drawing. Lessons will be structured according to the level of experience among the class members. Currently, we are using a graphite pencil, but will use other types of drawing mediums as time goes by. Subject matter will be from photographs or drawing from life using objects and still lifes that are set up in class.
Emotional Support Canines Chloe & Tilly
Most Fridays 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Volunteer: Michael T.
Free
Dogs can make many of us feel all warm and fuzzy, and it’s particularly comforting to those who have had to give up owning pets due to circumstances beyond their control. Our emotional support pet program brings dogs in to snuggle with community members of all ages. Research shows that spending even a short period of time with animals can improve your mental and emotional health.
Exercise To Music
Two Sessions Held Most Mondays 9:15-10:15 a.m. and 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Instructor: YWCA Instructor Carol
$3 fee per class
We are partnering with the Newburyport YWCA to offer the very popular Exercise to Music fitness class. Seasoned instructors, such as Paula Pressler, will focus on meeting the specific needs of the senior population in a safe and social environment. They bring a myriad of training and certifications and design classes to specifically meet the key elements of functional fitness for seniors: balance, flexibility, mobility, cardio/strength and mind/body. The class is set to invigorating music and includes stretching, hand weights, no-impact and low-impact aerobic movements, and cool-down. The program is suited to wheelchair users, post-mastectomy patients, arthritic elders, etc.
Fit for Life
Most Wednesdays 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Instructor: YWCA Instructor Paula Pressler
$3
Life can throw you a curve ball at times! This exercise class will not only develop movement stamina , strength, and flexibility, but will prepare you with balance, brain and agility training as well...All set to motivating music!
Game Day-Cribbage and More!
Most Fridays 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Free
Ease into the weekend with a relaxing afternoon of games with friends new and old. Come alone or recruit friends to come to the SCC to play a variety of card and board games for 30-180 minutes!
Gentle Yoga
Most Thursdays 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Instructor: Mary Van Abs
Mary Van Abs is 1000-hour certified yoga instructor who has been teaching for more than 30 years.
Pathways Yoga Systems is a registered Yoga School with the Yoga Alliance.
$5
In Gentle Yoga (a.k.a. Pathways Restorative Gentle and Wellness Yoga), focusing on mild to moderate stretching and muscle strengthening are keys to this class. Learn to reduce stress and relax through exercise that will release tension through the mind as well as the body. If you are dealing with an illness or recuperating from surgery, suffer from chronic back pain, or are just starting to exercise, this is an excellent class for you. Mary adjusts the format of each class to meet the needs of her students.
Gentle Movement
Most Mondays 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Tribble
$5
Using influences from Dance, Fitness and Qi Gong, the Gentle Movement focuses on breathing, stretching, balancing, and gently working all major muscle groups, within exercise guidelines for those 50 and over. The class can be performed standing and/or sitting (except for the balance portion). This weekly Gentle Movement Class is for anyone who would like to improve their posture, balance, flexibility and mobility, and better control the symptoms associated with aging and conditions such as Arthritis and Parkinson's. Soothing music played in the background.
Intergenerational (IG) Spring Garden Project - EXPIRED
Most Mondays and Tuesdays
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Guide: Katara Harding, 2nd Grade Teacher at Bresnahan School
Free
The Annual Intergenerational Spring Garden Project brings together students from the Bresnahan School and avid gardeners from the COA to plant edible gardens in raised beds nearby. This annual project brings generations together with a common purpose and produces a robust harvest.The "COA/Brez IG Garden Club" is seeking volunteers to work with students in grades K-3 Mondays & Tuesdays from 3 - 4 p.m. throughout the month of May (except Memorial Day). The innovative Garden Club will toil in the soil of the raised garden beds between the SCC and Bresnahan School. All supplies will be provided. If you are interested in sharing your passion for gardening and your green thumb with young students, please email 2nd Grade teacher, Katara Harding, or call the COA Office at (978) 462-0430.
Language Conversation Gatherings
ITALIAN: Most Mondays 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
SPANISH: Most Mondays 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
GERMAN: Most Mondays 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
FRENCH: Most Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Free
These individual group meet once a week and are for anyone who speaks and understands the foreign language of that particular group. Discussions are lively, about various experiences in different countries, as well as current topics and activities. These groups are not designed as a class, where the language will be taught, but rather as a conversation group.
Line Dancing
Most Tuesdays 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Tribble
$5
Newcomers and experienced line dancers alike are welcome in our class. Individual steps are taught and then combined into repeating patterns that can be used in a variety of ways to accommodate different rhythms and musical styles.
Low Vision Support Group
Monthly on 2nd Tuesday 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (except in January and February)
Coordinator:
FREE
Low Vision Support Group promotes confident living with vision loss. The group is sponsored by the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The mission is to provide information about resources, devices and practices that will aide in adapting and maintaining a full and active life for those who are blind or with lessening vision. Transportation to the SCC is provided from Newburyport residents upon request.
Mahjongg
Most Thursdays 12:00 p.m.
A game originating in 19th century China, Mahjongg is usually played by four persons equipped with 144 tiles that are drawn and discarded until one player secures a winning hand
Free
McG’s Discussion Group
Most Mondays 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Free
Informal group of "townies" who meets once a week to discuss ideas, solve problems, or make comments in a social group setting.
Merrimack Valley Model Ship Club
2nd Wednesday 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Free
The workshops will begin with a demonstration by an expert in a specific area of ship modeling and continue with general discussions by club members on their current projects, problems, and accomplishments. Anyone interested in ship models and the craft are welcome. This is a free drop-in program.
NBPT COA Speaker Series
2nd Wednesday 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Free
Our Outreach Specialist invites partners to present essential information on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at noon. Learn vital information that will make aging in place easier for you or your family members, friends, or neighbors. The best way to prepare for the future is to get educated now!
May 10th Community Service / Pamela Gray Your Local Service Organization, Community Service of Newburyport
June 14th AgeSpan / Karen Holiday-Simone Managing Your Money & Finances; Scams & Fraud
July 12th Care Dimensions / Mary Crowe Making Decisions When it Matters Most: Conversations about Health Care Proxy, 5 Wishes, & More! -CANCELLED DUE TO SPEAKER AVAILABILITY. WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.
Aug. 9th SHINE / Lisa Rose Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone...on or eligible for Medicare
Sept.13th
Oct. 11th
Nov. 8th
Dec. 13th
News & Views
Most Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Free
News & Views has been meeting for over twenty years. Each week topics for discussion are suggested by the members and then voted on in order of the group's preferences. It always evolves into lively and interesting conversations. We welcome all who enjoy discussing current events.
See RULES FOR NEWS & VIEWS AS ESTABLISHED IN 1999.
Next Chapter Book Club
Monthly on 1st Wednesday 2:00 p.m.
Free
"The Next Chapter Book Group invites you to join our monthly in-person book discussion for mature readers to chat about books on a variety of themes, including classics, contemporary and popular fiction, and even a little nonfiction. A general interest reading group for the young at heart! This group meets at the Senior Community Center at 331 High Street, at 2:00 pm on the first Wednesday each month." -NPL Website
Guide: NPL Staff
SELECTIONS
July 5th: Dinosaurs: A Novel by Lydia Millet
August 2nd: We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman
To reserve a copy, call the Newburyport Public Library: (978) 465-4428
Oil Painting - ON HOLD
Most Fridays 10:00 am - 12:00 p.m.
Instructor:
$
If you have ever wanted to try painting with oil, this is your chance. Materials are provided, but students are always welcome (and encouraged) to bring their own. To maximize the student's experience, class size is limited.
Parkinson's Stretch Class
Most Thursdays 3:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Mary Van Abs
Pastel Drawing
Most Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Instructor: Ann Harter (annharterart.com)
$5
Ann Harter teaches a weekly class in pastel drawing. Students of all skill levels are welcome. Each week a different printed picture is provided as the subject matter. Instruction aligns with the level of experience of the students. A materials list consisting of a set of basic supplies that can be expanded as the student gains experience is provided and students are always welcome to bring their own set of pastels. Come experience the joy of creating art with other art-loving people!
Pickleball - NEW FOR 2023!
Between July 10th and August 18th, City of Newburyport Adult Recreation will host CASUAL PLAY SESSIONS OF PICKLEBALL at the Bresnahan School court (331 High Street) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
For program information, go to:
https://newburyportma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30188
OR call: (978) 465-4434
Ping-Pong
Most Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Most Fridays 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Free
The Pongsters meet two times a week and enjoy playing, learning, watching, and chatting around the table to the soothing back-and-forth sound of the ping-pong ball. A great way to sharpen your reflexes and have fun at the same time! All are welcome.
Port City Ukers (advanced ukulele class)
Most Thursdays 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Instructor: Brian Testa
$5
The Port City Ukulele Group is an enthusiastic group of Ukulele players that get together once a week to sing “Happy Sounds” and play the Ukulele.
Stamp Club
2nd & 4th Wednesdays 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Free
The Newburyport Stamp Club, Chapter 176876 of the American Philatelic Society, with members from as far north as Hampton, NH and as far south as Ipswich, MA, meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the SCC. Club meetings provide an opportunity for stamp collectors to meet and “share their love for little bits of paper.” Members, who pay just $10/year, can buy, sell, trade, participate in auctions, get evaluations, or just chat with other collectors. Longtime collectors, those returning to the hobby, and beginners are encouraged to join this animated and dedicated group.
Stretch with Lisa
Most Fridays 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Instructor: Lisa
$3
Table Tennis Therapy
Most Tuesdays 1:15 - 2:00 p.m.
Assistants: Specially Certified Volunteer Ping Pong Enthusiasts
Free
Although this social event is focused on providing a customized opportunity for individuals living with physical or cognitive impairments, all are welcome to play ping pong during this modified session. "Documented benefits of table tennis include improvements in hand-eye coordination, mental acuity, reflexes, balance, leg, arm, and core strength, and aerobic fitness; moreover, it provides a social outlet that may benefit mental as well as physical health...Not only is ping pong fun, but it’s also very helpful for those with Parkinson’s and other mobility issues. It helps with dexterity, hand-eye coordination, fine motor control and even mental health.”
Tai Chi
Most Fridays 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Barbara Tindall
$5
Tai Chi is "a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching that involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing."
Tai Chi-Beginner
Most Fridays 12:00 - 1 p.m.
Instructor: Barbara Tindall
$5
Beginner Tai Chi is an introduction to "a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching that involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing."
Village Talks
3rd Wednesday 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Coordinator: Joyce Cejka
Free
(Greater Newburyport) Village Talks are held on the third Wednesday of every month at noon. Engaging speakers, entertainers, and more are invited to present to the large group that gathers. Examples of recent "talks" include a presentation on fall prevention by an occupational therapist, an oldies concert featuring favorites from the 50s and 60s, and a virtual tour of Maudslay State Park.
Thanks to the generous support of both the Greater Newburyport Village and the Friends of the Newburyport Council on Aging, the festive Traveling Chef meals that are typically served on these days starting at 11:00 a.m. are complimentary. Pre-registration is required for the meal. The Village Talks are hosted by the Greater Newburyport Village and are held in the Community Rooms at the SCC.
Women of Newburyport Oral History Group - AT CAPACITY
NEW SESSION TBD
Guide: Chris Czernik
Free
In this 10-12 week pilot program, the Newburyport Women's Oral History Group, guide Chris Czernik will lead a small group (8-10 women) of native Newburyporters on a journey down memory lane. Each individual will recall and document their own experiences with anticipated topics to include birth and childhood; parents and grandparents; elementary school/high school/adolescence; adulthood; work in the home and outside the home; education/vocation/volunteer work; photos; family and important friendships; the current older years. One page autobiographies that could be shared with family and friends will be created. The culmination of this innovative activity will be a pot luck luncheon during which participants can celebrate their accomplishments.
ZenDoodle - ON HOLD DURING JULY & AUGUST
Most Fridays 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Guide: Joan Hancock
One Time $5 Voluntary Enrollment Fee
ZenDoodle is a form of Art Therapy that reduces stress, increases wellbeing, and enhances relaxation. In this unique meditative drawing class you will be guided to find your own ways of expressing your emotions so as to improve your overall health. No artistic ability necessary.
Participant's Point of View:
For most of us, trying something new can be challenge. We read the newsletter and wonder: what is it, would I like it, does it cost much, can I do it? ZenDoodle, taught by Joan on Fridays at 1 PM, is the class for you. I attended my first class with Joan in January, two days after I broke a bone in my dominant right hand. ZenDoodle is relaxing and fun. Guidance and suggestions are provided but there is no wrong way. If you can draw a line, doesn't even have to be straight, and a circle, you will enjoy ZenDoodle. If I can do it with my non-dominant hand, so can you. It is up to you to how intricate you want your design. All the supplies are provided. Mark your calendar, call a friend and join me on Friday at 1PM.
Zumba Gold
Most Tuesdays 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Tribble
$5
Zumba Gold pairs Latin and international music, including American popular music, with dance and exercise movements. A variety of rhythms and dance styles are used to tone the entire body and provide cardiovascular benefits. Participants adapt the moves to their own ability and fitness level. The goal is to move and have fun!
Virtual & Hybrid Programming
Dance Classes-HYBRID ON DEMAND
Our novice and intermediate/advanced Ballet and Tap classes will be offered on Zoom when requested.
NCM Hub Program Lineup
Exercise and More!
Comcast Channel 8 - Voice of the People
All Week (Sunday-Saturday)
5:00 a.m. & 7:00 a.m. Jazzercise
Comcast Channel 9 - Clipper City & Schools
Tuesdays 8:00 a.m. Senior Exercise with Lisa
11:00 a.m. Chair Yoga with Mary
Thursdays 8:00 a.m. Senior Exercise with Paula
11:00 a.m. Chair Yoga with Mary
Saturdays 8:00 a.m. Senior Exercise with Susan
11:00 a.m. Chair Yoga with Mary
Comcast Channel 98 - Waterside
All Week (Sunday-Saturday)
5:00 a.m. Jazzercise
Mondays 9:00 a.m. Senior Exercise with Lisa
3:00 p.m. Senior Exercise with Paula
Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. Senior Exercise with Susan
10:00 a.m. Exercise for Osteoporosis
Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. Senior Exercise with Paula
3:00 p.m. Senior Exercise with Lisa
Thursdays 9:00 a.m. Senior Exercise with Susan
10:00 a.m. Exercise for Osteoporosis
Fridays 9:00 a.m. Senior Exercise with Lisa
3:00 p.m. Senior Exercise with Paula
Saturdays 9:00 a.m. Senior Exercise with Paula
3:00 p.m. Senior Exercise with Lisa
Please send your fitness programming-related suggestions to Sarah Blackstone:
- CALL: (978) 961-0350
- EMAIL: SBlackstone@ncmhub.org
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