Community Corner

Senior Center Newsletter: Transportation

The following was submitted by the North Andover Council on Aging & Senior Center.

Independence. That’s the status most seniors would prefer to have—to be able to go where they want when they want.

But because of a lack of transportation, many older Americans can’t readily get to a medical appointment, go shopping, or visit their local senior center for a meal or social activity. They can arrange for Meals on Wheels for daily food needs. Some have a relative or a generous neighbor to depend upon for a ride.

But what if they don’t have anybody to help them? Or can’t afford to call a taxi? This is a dilemma facing many older adults. How does the fit into the above scenario? Medical Transport is offered weekdays through our NEET Program. We have 21 volunteers that volunteer from hour hours a week to four days they pick the hours that works best in their busy life.

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For transport we request three business days notice for local and 4 for Boston trips.  In exchange the client is asked to contribute .43 cents per mile and pay for any parking or tolls that are required.

On Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning 8:30/9:15 our 12 passenger van picks up clients at their homes and brings them to the Senior Center and returns them home after lunch for $1.00 round trip. We ask for two days notice reservations for pick up are made through our reception desk.

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On Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday we make a grocery shopping run to Market Basket. Tuesday and Wednesday, the bus leaves the Senior Center at 1 p.m. On Friday at 9:30 a.m., sign up is requested by the day before each trip, and a $2 R/T is requested. The last Monday of the month the van does a run to the Rockingham Mall leaving the Senior Center at 1 p.m. returning by 4 p.m., $4.00 R/T is requested.  During our down time the van is used for emergency medical transport as well as social events.

If you would like additional information please call the North Andover Senior Center at 978 688-9560. 

REMINDER:  NEW DATES FOR MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT  OCTOBER 15 – DECEMBER 7.

GOLF PASSES:  Passes are available to North Andover 60+ Residents Only – No Guests!  Proof of residency is required.   Buy passes at the Senior Center for $6. Passes can be used from June 6 – August 29, Mondays after 12 noon. (Note: Golf Course will not be available on 8/15.) 9 holes: $15., 18 holes: $20.

MYSTERY LUNCH RIDE:  Thursday, July 7, 10 am sign up required.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL: Wednesday, June 22, @ 1:15 with the 5th Grade students from Thompson School.

PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM:  Friday, June 24, 9 am to 4 pm, Cost: $13 admission and lunch on your own. Bus: $3.00 due at sign up

NEW PROGRAM-STRENGTH TRAINING:  Tuesdays from 1 – 2 pm.  This is a six week program of strength training geared to your individual ability.  Builds strength, balance and increases bone density.  Six weeks for $24. or drop- ins $6.  Instructor Patty Ferrullo.

LECTURE SERIES:  June 20 will be Harrison Whitney speaking on Civil Process from the Sheriff’s Department. June 27 the last lecture of the year will be Thomas Ricardi, Birds of Prey. Sign up required for the last lecture.

SUPPER CLUB:  Thursday, July 21 at Stripers Grille in Salisbury.  Bus: $5.  Order off the menu.  Depart Senior Center at 4:00 pm.

TRAINED SHINE VOLUNTEERS offer free, confidential counseling on all aspects of health insurance to North Andover residents on Medicare.  Call the North Andover senior center and ask for a SHINE appointment, (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders).  Call for information on the Summer Schedule. 

THE FIX – IT SHOP: (New Hours)  The first and third Monday of the month from 12-3.  We repair almost as good as new.  Lamps, with cords and sockets, replace watch batteries, small tables and chairs.  Anything not listed; we will give it a shot!  Your cost is $2 - $4 depending on work needed, plus parts. Proceeds benefit the Senior Center.

BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS: Thursday mornings by individual 45 minute appointments.  $7.and sign up is required. You will learn how to set up email, and search the internet and more.

ZUMBA, ZUMBA , ZUMBA with Tallie:  Monday and Wednesdays 3:30 – 4:30 and Thursdays,4:30 – 5:30. Punch cards are $40 for 10 classes.                                                                                                                    YOGA:  Yoga Class Monday mornings at 9 with Cheryl Cronin.  Please call to register, drops- in’s welcomed.

JNew schedule for TAI CHI: Tuesday mornings, Intermediate class 9:00-10:00,   Beginner Class 10:10 – 11:10.  Please call to register or sign up on Tuesday morning.                                                                          Wii Sport Bowling:  Stop by the Senior Center on any Thursday morning between 9 and 10 to try your luck at Bowling with the Wii System.  It’s fun, good exercise. 

WALKING GROUP:  Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9. Meet at the Youth Center and walk for an hour at your own pace.  As the weather warms up we will be walking the Old Town Common.

MAHJONG:  Come in and play Mahjong, Mondays 12:30 – 2:30 and will run every Monday as long as there is interest.

Foxwoods: Next scheduled trip, Tuesday, June 21, $25 includes lunch buffet, transportation and Keno. Bus leaves from St. Michael’s parking lot at 6:30 am.

SUPPORT SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

STRESS RELIEF: Fridays by appointment only. 20 minute sessions with Miriam Smith,  Pranic Healer.  $5.00  donation to the Senior Center.

GRIEF SUPPORT:  The 2nd Tuesday of every month from 12:30 – 2 pm.


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