Activities & Programs

Group assembled in board room listens to speaker
Senior Medical Patrol Presentation to the Low Vision Support Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In-Person Programming

in and around the Newburyport Senior / Community Center

 

Abstract Art-SEE OPEN STUDIO DESCRIPTION BELOW

 

Beginner Ukulele Class

 Thursdays 8am to 9am

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.

Advance Ukulele Class

Thursday 9am to 10am

Instructor:  Brian Testa

Advanced Ukulele is an educational class for anyone that has experience with the instrument and would like to become part of the Port City Ukulele Group

B I N G O - Summer 2024

Dates:TBA

Caller:  John Stamatopulos

Nominal per card fee

Participate in an engaging and fun game of chance.

 

Newburyport Birders- Birding Tours

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MORE TOURS IN 2024!

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.

 

Chess Club

Mondays 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 

Free

Novice through expert players encouraged to participate! Tournaments sponsored intermittently.

 

Bocce Ball-Summer

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 a Cop

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:  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:  Ice Cream Sampler

August 23rd:  The Plum Island Drifter

September 27th:  Meet & Greet with a CHAMPION!

October 25th:  NO PROGRAM TODAY

November 22nd:  Welcome Your New Director!

December 27th:  PROGRAMMING PAUSE

 

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

Most Fridays 10:00 am - 12:00 p.m.

Instructor: Rob Brun

Pre-register directly with instructor Rob Brun:  Neicul58@hotmail.com

$10

Artist Rob Brun meets artists where they are at and offers instruction for all levels. Materials will be provided although students are welcome (and encouraged) to bring their own. To maximize the student's experience, class size is limited.

 

Open Studio

Most Thursdays 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Instructor:  Andrea Alukonis

Andrea Alukonis has served as an instructor at the Newburyport COA for years, most recently teaching Abstract Art.

Fee:

In this casual art class, an artist can work in a comfortable setting along with other working artists sharing information, working together, sharing materials, and ideas.

 

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 - Now offered by NEWBURYPORT ADULT RECREATION

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:

 

 

 


 

AttachmentSize
PDF icon News & Views Rules57.07 KB