The Billerica Senior Center is located at
25 Concord Road.
Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday through Friday.
For more information on these or other
activities, call 978-671-0916.
COA Staff Members
Donna Popkin: Director
Carol Wood: Secretary
Marilyn Keating: Outreach Supervisor
Mary Coakley: Outreach –
Linda Kiernan:Volunteer/Activities Coordinator
COA Board of Directors
Fred Kenyon Chairman
Helen Gentile Vice Chairman
Lucille MacKinnonSecretary
Dorothy Grossman
Friends of COA Board
Pricella Ellis Vice Presiden
Margarita Kaliviotis Treasurer
Annette Presseau Recording Secretary
Marie Morrison Membership
Nicholas Rosa Past President
COA Activites
Stay Connected— Would you like the council on aging newsletter, The Outlook, mailed to you every month? For more information, contact Carol Wood at the Senior Center. A bargain at $5.00 per year. Makes a great gift!
Please check out the Billerica Council on Aging's Facebook page!
Respite Care Companion Program: There is no place like home: The Respite Companion program helps families care for their loved ones, allowing elders to remain at home as long as possible. The compassionate, experienced Respite Companion staff is capable of caring for individuals with dementia, Alzeimer's or other health conditions that require supervision. Respite Companions will come to the home and prepare light meals, help with shopping lists, and be a dependable caregiver.
The Respite Companions can also provide transportation for errands and appointments for elders who do not drive or need help managing their bundles. Respite Companions are available to work morning, noon or night, seven days a week. Please Call the Senior Center at 978-671-0916 to learn more about how the Respite Companion program can help you.
Tired of walking alone or need the motivation to walk?—Meet other walkers with the Walking Wounders Walking Club. The walking club will meet everyday Monday at 8:45 in the lobby of the Senior center. Walkers will have two choices of walks: A one-mile moderately paced walk or a three-mile faster paced walk, both leaving from the Senior Center.
Check out the Billerica Council on Aging's new TV program Forever Young— Forever Young is a new monthly TV program hosted by Donna Popkin and Paul Hogman and feature programs, activities and information relevant to senior citizens and their caregivers. Forever Young is available on Comcast Channel 8 and Verizon Channel 31 on these days and times through the year.
Saturday5:00p.m.
Monday 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday6:30 p.m.
Friday 12:30 p.m.
COA Van Schedule— The van operates on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, in Billerica only, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The van will take seniors, age 60+, medical appointments and errands.Cost is $1.00 each way. To schedule a ride please call Ruth Alex, between 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (978-671-0916 x229) A two day notice is preferred.
Get Answers to Your Questions— Senator Ken Donnelly will hold office hours at the Billerica Senior Center on the first Wednesday of each moth from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Bring your issues and concerns about events on Beacon Hill and the District to his attention and keep the lines of communication open.
Help Keep Our Troops Warm!—The knitters at the Senior Center need yarn to make hats and slippers for our deployed troops. They also make hats and blankets for babies in area hospitals. They need 3-ply worsted weight yarn in dark or muted colors for the military and 3-ply baby or sport weight yarn in pastel colors for the little ones. Thank you for any donations dropped off at the Senior Center.
Do Your Gift Shopping!— The Busy Hands Gift Shop at the Billerica Senior Center, located at 25 Concord Road, has many handmade, one-of-a-kind items and also holiday items. Your family and friends will be impressed with your thoughtfulness. Come by and browse our shop Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Our fitness Center is OPEN!— The hours are Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. We have a treadmill, elliptical machine, bike, and two stations of free wights. Funding for the exercise equipment was made possible by Lahey Clinic.
Need a Notary Public?— The Senior Center now has someone who will go to you home if you need something notarized. For more information, call 978-671-0916.
Caregiver Support Group— The Caregiver Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Elaine Patsourakos, MSW, a Licensed Independent Certified Social Worker from Billerica, facilitates the group. There is no cost, and the group is open to anyone caring for an elderly relative or friend.
Senior Property Tax Work-Off Program
The Town of Billerica offers seniors the opportunity to support municipal government and schools by applying to the Senior Property Tax Work-Off Program. The seniors are then able to work 93.75 hours at the minimum wage amount of $8.00 an hour. THe $750 tax relief benefit that they ave achieved is applied to the property taxes when the hours are completed. Applications fre the Senior Property Tax WOrk-Off Program will be available May 2, 2012 at the Assesor's Office in Town Hall.
The Guildlines for the Property Tax WOrk-Off Program for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 will remain the same as last Fiscal Year 2011-2012. The Guidelines are in place to accommodate seniors with the greatest need. Assest assesssment will be the determining factor for particapntion in the program and the Assessor's Office will make the determination. Applications will be accepted May 2 through June 18th, 2012.The program runs from July 1, 2012 through March 1, 2013.
Assests include Checking Account(s), Saving Account(s), IRA, Mutal Funds, Stocks, Bonds, all Motor Vechilce registered, and any other Real Estate owned other than current residence.
Other requirments are as follows.
1.) You must be age 60 or older and a Billerica Homeowner.
2.) Married couples may work together to complete 93.75 hours. Both names must appear on the property deed.
3.) In accordance with Massachusetts Department of Revenue guidelines, no refund checks will be issued for Fiscal Year 2012-2013, therefore,
4.) Hours must be completed by March 1, 2013.
5.) A W-4 form must be completed with application (your Social Security numer will be required on the W4 form).
6.) A copy of your ID and your current tax bill are required.
If you are interested in participating or want more information please contact COA Director, Donna Popkin at 978-671-0916, ext. 221.
Volunteer Opportunities
Billerica Council on Aging Respote Companion Prgram seeks kind, compassionate, and patient people for Respite Companion postion. The program serves Billerica's homebound seniors by helping families take care of their loved ones. For more information, please call Jeanne Teehan at: 978-671-0916 ext: 226 or email, or email at jteehan@town.billerica.ma.us
Volunteers are needed now for:
1. Help with maintenace and kitchen help on Wednesdays fro 11 am to 2 pm. Contact Kinda Kiernan, x222
2.Transportation of seniors to medical apointments in surrounding towns. Contact Marilyn Keating or Mary Coakley.
Contact the Billerica Senior Center at 978-671-0916 for more information or to sign up for the following volunteer opportunities.
Telephone Receptionists: Applications are being taken for Receptionists to answer phones, greet visitors and convey general information. Monday through Friday shifts are available from 8:15 to 4:00.
Food Shopping Assistance: Provide food shopping for homebound seniors.
Friendly Home Visitor: Make 1-hour weekly visit.
Telephone Reassurance: Make daily phone call.
Social Events: Assist at parties, outings, etc.
Recreation: Call BINGO, crafts, cards, theater/choral.
Decorator: For holiday and social events.
Library: Organize and sort books
Computer Work: Projects using Publisher and Excel
Billerica Council On Aging
Call the Senior Center at 978-671-0916 for reservation and cost information.
Monthly Activities
Free Veterans’ Group:3rd Monday
Podiatry Appointments ($25):2nd Tuesday
Free Blood Pressure Checks:Tuesday and Thursday
Free Book Club:Last Tuesday
Sen. Donnelly Office Hours:1st Wednesday
Free Caregiver Support Group 1st Wednesday
Free Grief & Healing Support: 2nd Wednesday
Free Hearing Appointments:3rd Wednesday
Free Meditation: 4th Wednesday
Free Men’s Group:1st Thursday
Free Reiki Clinic:2nd & 4th Thursday
Free History Lecture:Last Thursday
Free Laughter Yoga 2nd Friday
Free Pharmacy Clinic:Once or Twice a Month
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Fitness Center Hours:
8:30–2:30 Monday and Wednesday
8:30-12:00 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
9:00-3:00 Monday through Friday
(unless classes are scheduled)
Computer Extra Help Hours: 9:30-11:30 Friday
Billiard Tables Hours: 8:30–4:00 Monday thru Friday
Weekly Activities
MONDAY
9:00:Exercise Class – Low-impact aerobics
10:00:Free Open Art Studio
10:15:Free Chair Aerobics – Easy, fun, good for you
11:00: Free Diet Buddy – Support & encouragement
1:00:Free Social Time – Coffee, snacks, conversation
TUESDAY
9:00:Free Knit/Crochet Group – Items to be donated
9:00:Tap Dancing – For experienced students
10:00 Intermediate Tai Chi - Experinced students
10:15: Free Blood Pressure Checks
11:45:Free Cardio Boost & Conditioning
12:00:Free Bridge Discussion
1:00:Free Party Bridge
1:00:Free Dominoes
1:00:Line Dancing
3:00:Free Pool Lessons for Women
WEDNESDAY
9:00:Exercise Class – Low-impact aerobics
9:00:Ceramics Class – Make decorations and gifts
12:00:Free Cribbage – A great group of players
THURSDAY
9:15:Beginner's Tai Chi – Chinese art of meditation
10:00:Horseshoes
10:45:Free Blood Pressure Checks
12:45:BINGO – Everybody's favorite game
FRIDAY
9:00:Yoga – Relaxing exercise
10:00:Free Quilting Group
10:00:Free Joyful Living
12:30:Free Mah Jongg
1:00:Line Dancing
2:00:Free Pool Lessons for Women
7:30 p.m:Chess Club
Special April Activities
Please Sign up for All schedualed activites at the Council on Aging's front desk or call 978-671-0916.
Wisdom Works Job Search Training Program—May 1, 8, 15, 22 or May 29, Junw 5, 12 & 19 at 6:00 p.m. Contact COA Director Donna Popkin at 978-671-0916, ext.221 for more information.
Sen. Donnelly Hours— Wed., May 2 at 9:30 a.m.
Caregiver Support— Wed., May 2 & 16 at 10:00 a.m. Facillitator is Elaine Patsourakos, MSA, L.I.C.S.W.
Men's Group— Thurs.,May 3 at 1:00 p.m.
Horseshoes—Thurs., May 3, 10,17,24 & 31.
Pharmacy Clinic— Thurs. May 3 & 17 at 10:00 a.m. Conducted by Dr. Chin of the Walgreen's Pharmacy.
Journey of Life through Art—Mon., May 7 at 10:30 a.m. The Peabody Essex Museum presnts an interactive gallery experience exploring the meaning of individual artworks.
Podiatry Appointments—Tues., May 8 starting at 9:00. Dr. Timothy Downs is the Podiatrist.
Veteran's Group—Tues., May 8 at 10:30 a.m. Facilitated by Brian Zuzelo and Donna Woosley.
SHINE Appointments—Wed., May 9 & 23 at 9:00 a.m. Please make an appointment with the SHINE councelor, Sherry Palo, at the front desk.
Grief & Healing—Wed., May 9 at 11:00 a.m. with Susan Bailey, Chaplain, Merrimack Valley Hospice.
Internation Potluck—Wed., May 9th at 1:00 p.m. Come and enjpy a delcious internaional cuisine, as well as great company! To participate, you must bring either a main dish, dessert or vegetable side dish for 6 people from any internation cuisine. Please have serving untensils and your dish marked. Coffee and tea provided. Limited to 50 people.
Reiki Clinic—Thurs., May 10 at 9 a.m. Reiki Master, Risemarie Bass, and her staff administer the Reiki Clinic. Please call for an appointment.
Senior Center Open House—Sat., May 12 from 10:00 a.m. See a showcase of programs, activites, and services available to Billerica Seniors.
Billerica Bandstand—Mon., May 14 at 11:00 a.m.
Swiss Bridge Tournament—Tues., May 15 at noon.
Hearing Screenings—Wed., May 16 from 9 a.m. Atlantic Audiology will conduct hearing screenings, cleans and check your hearing aids.
Pepsi Company Employees' Senior Center Cleanup—Sat., May 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please join Pepsi Company volunteers to help clean up the outside of the Senior Center. Wheelbarrowa and rakes are needed. There is a cookout for those who help.
The Driving Decision—Mon., May 21 at 10:00 a.m. Michelle Ellicks of the Registry of Motor Vehicles will give advice for caregivers and professionals who deal with unsafe drivers.
Memorial Day Veterans' Breakfast—Wed., May 23 at 9:00 a.m. and Patriotic Show at 10:00 a.m. Presented for Veterans and their spouses. Sponsored by Billerica Crossings and Billeria COA. Harry Steinman will talk on Veterans' Benefits. Sign up at the front desk, as space is limited.
Patriotic Emtertainment is at 10:00 a.m. This is sponsored by the Billerica and Massachusetts Cultural Council, and will be presented by Denise Doucette. The Public is invited.
Meditaion—Wed., May 23 at 10:15 a.m. This is facilitated by Marion Goddard.
Closed Memorial Day—Mon. May 28
Book Club—Tues. May 29 at 12:30 p.m.
How to Know if a Reverse Mortgage is Right for You—Thurs., May 31 at 10:00 a.m. Attorney Dennis McHugh will present information regarding a legal checkup on your future. Information on all aspects of reverse mortgages will be discussed. Come with your questions regarding this imortant topic. Please sign up at the front desk.
Billerica Council on Aging Golf League— Are you interested in playing in a casual Senior Golf League for men and women? Swanson Meadow Golf Course in Billerica will be the host of this league for those who are 60 years and older. For more details, please contact Onorio Cerrato at oncerrato@comcast.net or 978-362-3406, Tony Cucchi at acucchi@verizon.net or 978-663-8314, or Dick Tracey at traceymedprod@comcast.net or 978-667-4620.
