The Council on Aging offers many social, recreational, and educational programs for people age 60 and over. For a complete listing of all programs, see our Council on Aging newsletter.
Arts Classes: The Council on Aging is proud to be able to offer free classes in the arts such as writing, fine art (watercolor, drawing, collage), and opera appreciation. Instructors for these programs generously donate their time. Classes are held at various times throughout the year. Call for a schedule of upcoming classes.
Book Discussion: This group, led by Joellen Toussaint, meets twice a month on Thursdays 9:30-10:30am to share impressions of assigned books (October through May, call for dates).
Bridge: This is Standard Bridge. Men and women gather to play for fun. There is no fee to play and no cash winnings. This program meets every Thursday from 12:30 to 4:00pm at the Council on Aging.
Community Service Bears Plus: This is a community service project to make teddy bears for needy children. No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. We need stitchers, pattern cutters, stuffers, knitters (for bears' clothing), and more. Some members also knit caps for premature babies born at Newton Wellesley Hospital. The group meets every Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30am in the Tolles-Parsons Senior Room, October through mid-May.
Computer Tutoring: Every Wednesday from 2-4pm and Friday from 10am-12pm, we offer free one-on-one computer tutoring in the Tolles-Parsons Senior Room. You may call 781-235-3961 to register for a one-hour session with one of our dedicated volunteers. When you come in, please be prepared to let the tutor know what you are interested in learning. Our computer is loaded with all the standard office software and has access to the internet.
Day Trips: Visit historic and other places of interest; theater; gardens; summer cruises and more. Luncheon is typically included. Fees are set to cover trip costs and usually range from $25 - $60 per person, depending on the trip. All trips leave from and return to the Council on Aging/ Community Center at 219 Washington Street, Wellesley Hills.
Exercise Classes: The Council on Aging offers a variety of exercise classes including Line Dancing, Balance, Yoga, Walking Group (meets every Monday at 10:00am in the Library's Main Branch parking lot), and Senior Tai Chi (Tai Chi is co-sponsored by the Recreation Department and held at the Warren Recreation Building). Call the Council on Aging, or see our newsletter for current class schedule, fee, and registration and information. Most classes are held in 8-week sessions and are open to a limited number of students. There is a fee for joining exercise classes as the instructors must be paid.
Class fees must be paid in their entirety no later than the first day of class regardless of student absence (planned or unplanned) from one or more classes. It is recommended that you contact your physician before beginning any exercise class to be sure that the exercises are appropriate and safe for you.
Free Friday Matinees: Every Friday at 12:45 pm, a free movie is shown on our large screen TV in the Tolles-Parsons Senior Room. The TV was generously donated to the Council on Aging by the Wellesley Patrolman's Association. Check our newsletter or call the office at 781-235-3961 to find out which movie is playing this week!
Fuel Assistance Applications: This program, run by the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC), is for people age 18 and over. The program assists eligible people in paying their heating bills during the winter months. The Council on Aging is a designated application site for people age 18 and over in the town of Wellesley who wish to apply for the program. Fuel Assistance is for low to moderate income individuals and families. Applications taken by appointment only at the COA office November to April. Call 235-3961 for details.
Health Screenings: The Council on Aging offers health screenings as often as possible, in partnership with local hospitals and medical professionals. Screenings are free of charge. These screenings are not intended as a diagnosis, but will help you to know if a problem may exist and if you should contact your physician for follow-up. Screenings that have been offered in the past are: Hearing, Skin Cancer, Blood Pressure, Podiatry, Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, Glaucoma, and more. Call 781-235-3961 to find out if any screenings are currently scheduled at the Council on Aging.
Intergenerational Programs: In conjunction with Wellesley schools and the Wellesley Youth Commission, the COA offers intergenerational programs such as BINGO, Game Day, Line Dancing, cookie swaps, and more. Call for a list and schedule of upcoming programs.
Investment Group: Meets every Thursday morning 10:00am to 12:00pm. Participants pool funds and share research and decision making for the group's portfolio. Sessions are open to observers. There is no need to register ahead.
Publications: COA newsletter "Highlights" issued six times per year (bi-monthly). "Senior Neighbors" column weekly in The Wellesley Townsman.
Seminars: The Council on Aging offers many free, educational seminars on such topics as genealogy, local authors, finances, health, the arts, safety, health insurance, benefits programs, and town and community programs. Call for a list of upcoming seminars.
Senior Lunch: Sponsored and managed by Springwell, Inc. Meals are served at the Wellesley Community Center at 11:45 AM Monday through Friday. Call the Council on Aging office at least one business day ahead, no later than 11:30am to make a reservation. Lunch is a great time to socialize and meet new people. Suggested Voluntary Donation of $1.75 ($2.00 if you drink coffee or tea).
TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly): Free tax return preparation assistance provided by trained volunteers through AARP and the IRS from February through mid April of each year. Assistance available at the COA office by appointment only. Call 781-235-3961.
Video travel Program: On the second Tuesday of every month at 1:00pm, the COA "travels" by video to an interesting location. Travel refreshments are provided. This program is free of charge. Pre-registration is not required.
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