Council on Aging

Locations & Hours

The Council on Aging has three senior centers offering a wide range of activities and services. Our main office is located at the Holland Street Center at 167 Holland Street and can be reached by calling 617-625-6600 x. 2300 

Social Service Assistance

Through trained staff and an extensive resource file, the Somerville Council on Aging is able to direct callers to the appropriate resources and answer questions about a variety of services.  In many cases, the Council on Aging works individually with older adults to find them the help they need. Through case management, brief information, and referral we are able to work together to offer options for those seeking assistance. 

• Our social services team promotes senior health and independence and continued living in the community.
• Provides referrals for assistance to Families and Caregivers seeking help for their elderly loved ones.
• Provides volunteer opportunities for older adults to share of themselves and their wisdom and friendliness with the seniors of Somerville in multiple ways. Volunteers may choose from a variety of opportunities that best fit their interests and schedules. 

Social Services Support Services and Programs

• Wellness Programs: personal safety, nutrition, and exercise classes, caregiver support, as well as, information and referrals.                                                                             
• Nutrition: Information about wellness and nutrition assistance programs, as well as assistance registering for hot lunches, Meals On Wheels, food pantry programs and grocery shopping      
• Housing: Information and assistance with applying for senior housing buildings as well as helping seniors make informed decisions about housing. We also provide information regarding fuel assistance and weatherization programs. 
• Transportation: information about grocery and medical transportation to and from medical appointments.        
• Financial subsidies: utility/property tax exemptions/deductions/deferrals, money management, income tax form preparation, and public benefits such as fuel assistance referrals.
• Advocacy, Outreach and Education for and about senior issues and needs including but not limited to concerns around housing, health insurance and transportation.                                             
• Baby Boomer Planning To accommodate the diverse interests and needs of our recently retired older adults.
• Durable Medical Equipment Loan Program: walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs available to borrow.
• Support Groups and other specific interest groups. The Council On Aging offers A Caregiver Support Group, Veterans Group, Men’s Group, Current Events Group, as well as several others.  
• SHINE Counseling: Our Social Workers are SHINE certified and are able to provide assistance with transitioning onto Medicare and reviewing your Part D MCR plan each year during open enrollment.

For additional information regarding our programing, or to schedule an appointment please contact us at 617-625-6600, ext. 2300 and ask to speak to one of our Social Workers
 

Transportation

The Council on Aging’s Senior Transportation Program
Contact Number: 617-625-6600 extension 2319
The COA is offering free taxi rides to Somerville residents over the age of 60. Rides are available to go to the grocery store, farmer’s market, or pharmacy in Somerville and routine medical appointments in the surrounding communities. To best accommodate the needs of everyone in the city and to maximize the use of our funding, we will be capping the number of rides per week. To ensure the health and welfare of every resident of Somerville, exemptions will be made for chemotherapy and radiation appointments. To find out more information or to schedule your ride, please call Connie Lorenti at 617-625-6600 ext. 2319. All rides must be booked two business days in advance. This program is funded through ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Funding.

Door2Door-SCM Transportation 
Contact Number: 617-625-1191
SCM Transportation serves residents of Somerville, Cambridge, and Medford over the age of 62 or resident living with a disability.  SCM provides transportation for local routine medical appointments and grocery shopping.  SCM uses special vans that can accommodate a wheelchair and rides can be booked up to two weeks in advance.  SCM’s business hours are Monday-Friday from 9am-1pm.

MBTA the Ride
Contact Number: 617-337-2727
If you are living with a permanent or temporary disability that prevents you from using the MBTA Bus or Train services, The RIDE may be an option for you.  The RIDE has a wide range of travel options within the State and the purpose of The RIDE extends beyond grocery shopping or medical appointments.  Eligibility Screenings are completed by directly contacting The RIDE during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
 

Health & Wellness Activities

• Bowling – Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Sacco’s Bowl Haven in Flatbreads located in Davis Square for fun, socialization and physical activity. Three strings of bowling and shoe rental.  Contact Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Deb at dhiggins@somervillema.gov if you are interested or need additional information.
• Music & Movement Enrichment with Steve – The third Thursday of each month from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Join Steve as he plays guitar, sings and leads us in gentle movements.   Just tapping your toe or singing along can help move your body in new ways.  If you are interested in joining, have any questions or require additional information please call Debby Higgins at 617-625- 6600 Ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov
• Strength and Balance Exercise – Monday & Wednesday mornings and Thursday evening for the LBTQA+ community.  Morning and evening sessions available at Holland Street, afternoon sessions available via Zoom. Pre-registration and medical waiver required.
• Nutrition Classes – Monday mornings 11:00 a.m. via ZOOM and 12:30 p.m. at the Ralph & Jenny Center.  Use sound nutrition as a guideline and truly listen to what your body needs.  Short term, topic specific classes offered Wednesdays at 10:00am at the Holland St. Center.  Contact Mary Marshall at 617-625-6600, ext. 2316 or email Mary at headtofitness@yahoo.com if you are interested or need additional information. 
• Walking Group – Join us for a gentle 30-to-60-minute walk around the community. Contact us at 617-625-6600, ext. 2300 if you are interested or need additional information.
• Yoga – Tuesday mornings - Classes are geared toward gentle movements, improves breathing, music, and relaxation. Please contact us at 617-625-6600, ext. 2300 for times, dates, locations, and for more information about this class.

Please call the Council on Aging directly at 617-625-6600 extension 2300 to find out more about our rotating classes such as: Chi Kung. Healthy Steps, Line Dancing and more!

Other Events & Activities

Holland Street Center: 167 Holland St. Somerville, MA 02144

Bingo – Every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to Noon.   Facilitated by Judy and Debby.  If you are interested in joining, have any questions or require additional information please call Debby Higgins at 617-625- 6600 Ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov

Book Club – Meets the third Friday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This group self-facilitates. Group members choose both fiction and non-fiction titles on a quarterly basis. Books are available on reserve at the Central Branch of the Somerville Library. If you are interested in joining, have any questions or require additional information please call Natashia Naim at 617-625- 6600 Ext. 2317 or email Natasha at nnaim@somervillema.gov

Caregiver Support Group – Meets the third Tuesday of each month. Our Social Worker, Natasha Naim, facilitates this group. Are you caring for a parent, relative, spouse or close friend? Feeling isolated or overwhelmed? You are not alone. Come and share your experience and practical support. Open to all and new members are always welcome. If you are interested in joining, have any questions or require additional information please call Natasha at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2317 or email Natasha at nnaim@somervillema.gov

Image

 

De-Cluttering Support Group – If you have concerns around your clutter, this group may be for you. This closed group meets both in spring and fall for 6-8 weeks. This group is facilitated by Natasha Naim. If you are interested in joining, have any questions or require additional information please call Natasha at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2317 or email Natasha at nnaim@somervillema.gov

LGBTQIA & Allies Social Group – We meet the 2^nd Thursday of each month from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  This group is facilitated by Maureen Bastardi.  LGBTQIA & Allies are welcome.  Come and join us for this social gathering.  Meet and mingle with new people.  Have a slice of pizza or two.   Let’s enjoy each other’s company.  If you are interested in joining, have any questions or require additional information please call Maureen at 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 or email Maureen at mbastardi@somervillema.gov

Men's Group – Meets the first Tuesday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This group is facilitated by our volunteer, Norbert DeAmato. Are you recently retired? Looking to connect with other men in the community? Join our men's group where you can connect with old friends and make new ones. All men 55 and over are welcome. If you are interested in joining, have any questions or require additional information please email Norbert at ndeamato@hotmail.com

Music & Munch Program – Join Laura Zoll on the 2^nd Wednesday of each month from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.  This group self-facilitates.   This 45-minute session via ZOOM will treat you to a playlist of diverse musical offerings.  The music is taped but the experience is live.  Learn a little, sing-along, relax and enjoy some Music while you Munch.  If you are interested in joining, have any questions or require additional information please call Debby Higgins at 617-625- 6600 Ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov

 

---

 

Ralph & Jenny Center: 9 New Washington St. (Behind the Holiday Inn.) Somerville, MA 02143

Arts & Crafts – Various dates.  Join us in a relaxing atmosphere as we learn about a wide range of arts & crafts from weaving to watercolor pencils. Maureen Bastardi, Program Coordinator facilitates this group.  If you are interested in joining, have any questions or require additional information please call Maureen at 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 or email Maureen at mbastardi@somervillema.gov

Bingo & Lunch – Every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Facilitated by Judy and Maureen.  If you are interested in joining, have any questions or require additional information please call Debby Higgins at 617-625- 6600 Ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov

Coffee & Conversation – Every Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  This group is facilitated by Maureen Bastardi.  Join us for a fresh cup of coffee as we discuss a wide range of topics.  If you are interested in joining, have any questions or require additional information please call Maureen at 617-625-6600, ext. 2335 or email Maureen at mbastardi@somervillema.gov

Game Hour – Every Monday from 11:00 a.m. to noon.  This group is facilitated by Maureen Bastardi.  Join us for lunch and activities.  Yahtzee, Sorry, Jenga, Cards, Scrabble, Checkers, Clue, Qwirkle, Dominoes, Uno & Connect 4 are available to play. If you are interested in joining, have any questions, or require additional information please call Maureen at 617-625- 6600, ext. 2335 or email Maureen at mbastardi@somervillema.gov

Image

Please call the Council on Aging directly to find out more about special events such as guest performers and speakers which occur monthly!

Newsletter

Stay up to date with the Council on Aging’s monthly newsletter! 

Staff

Somerville Council on Aging Executive Director  
Ashley Speliotis  

Somerville Council on Aging Staff  
Connie Lorenti, Administrative Assistant  
Natasha Naim, LICSW, Social Worker
Debby Higgins, Outreach Coordinator  
Maureen Bastardi, Program Coordinator  
Josephine Raczkowski, Administrative Assistant  
Judy Calvey, Holland Street Director  
Phelan Howell, Health and Wellness Coordinator
Molly Pagliuca, LCSW, Social Worker

Board  
Daisy Monsalve  
Pina Mingace  
Edna Murray  
Ronit Prawer  
Marian Bremer  
Maclise Jean  
Neeraj Wadhera 

Image