I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the kind words and expressions of faith that you have shared with me as I have transitioned into the interim director position. It is so important you all know that anything I do here at the center is to benefit you. You are my reason! You are the biggest part of my 26½-year career at the Methuen Senior Activity Center.

I will hold office hours Fridays, 10-11am for you to come and share with me the trials of life you are facing and to hear about the wonderful things that are happening to you.

Cardio drumming
is new class
“Cardio Drumming with Paula” is designed for seniors looking to improve their cardiovascular health, balance and flexibility. In addition to the drumming element, the class includes exercises to help improve balance and stability.

Participants can expect a high-energy and upbeat atmosphere, as well as a supportive instructor who can modify to meet your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience with fitness classes, cardio drumming is a great way to stay active, improve your overall health, and have fun in a safe and inclusive community. The class is taught by Paula Goodwin, certified active aging coach, with over 30 years’ experience teaching.
Thank you, Methuen Home Depot, for your generous donation of buckets for this new exercise program! It will be held April 2, 10:30 -11:15am. Call the center to sign up.
Join the Golden
Green Team!
Are you passionate about keeping our community clean and green? The Golden Green Team, a brand-new club at the Senior Center, is here to foster a sense of ownership and pride in our local environment. We plan and complete community cleanups, ensuring our parks and playgrounds are enjoyable for everyone.

Join us for our meetings where we discuss our goals and hopes for the club, then head out to make a real difference. All cleanup materials are provided, so there’s no pressure — just a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow nature warriors, build camaraderie and enjoy the great outdoors. Stay active, get fresh air and contribute to a cleaner, greener community.

Kickoff meeting is April 16 at 1pm. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a positive impact. Call (978) 983-8825 to register and become a part of the Golden Green Team!

Fuel & food
assistance
With the cost of heating your home rising, have you ever tried to apply for fuel assistance? We tell everyone apply! You don’t know if you come under the guidelines unless you apply. Make your appointment at the Methuen Senior Activity Center by calling (978) 983-8825.

The SNAP program is designed to help place nutritionally valued meals on your table, if you come under the guidelines. Call the Senior Center so we can give you an appointment with Methuen Health and Human Services!

Northern Essex Elder Transport, “NEET”, Seeking Volunteer Driver
Northern Essex Elder Transport, “NEET,” a nonprofit program that provides no-cost rides to medical appointments for older adults residing in 13 Merrimack Valley communities, is looking for volunteer drivers looking to make a difference in their community.

NEET offers its services to older adults residing in Amesbury, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Methuen, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, N. Andover, Rowley, Salisbury, and West Newbury.

Dori Sawyer, NEET Administrator, said “the need is ever-growing for no-cost, flexible, and equitable transportation access to healthcare appointments.” “NEET volunteers provide this and more.” “Our generous volunteers provide rides and a sense of connection to another human, which has been so lacking, especially since the pandemic.” “They are the superheroes of the NEET program and the communities we serve”, Sawyer said.
Older adult riders register for NEET and schedule their rides through their local senior center via transportation software. Volunteer drivers can preview these pre-scheduled rides and proactively select the rides that fit their schedule. This is a very flexible method of volunteering. There are no set times or days to volunteer. Drive when and where you want!

NEET drivers use their vehicles and receive a generous monthly mileage reimbursement. Supplemental insurance is also available. Volunteers must have a valid license, active automobile insurance policy, and be able to pass a CORI (background check). Training is also provided.

“Volunteer drivers tell me they find it extremely rewarding to volunteer, and the older adults they serve are extremely grateful for the service.” “I hear this repeatedly Sawyer said.” “It is more than a ride.” “They are surprised by how much they enjoy the interaction with other people and how much they are helping them. The volunteers really love it.”

Are you ready to don your superhero cape? Interested drivers can contact us at the NEET office in Amesbury at 978-388-7474 or at info@driveforneet.org, or find the volunteer application and driver testimonials on NEET’s website at driveforneet.org.

Coming up
Registration is required for all events.
April 1: Ice Cream Social and Trip Talk with Royal Tours and Bear Mountain, 1pm.
April 2: Social Security Women’s Equity Presentation, 1:30pm; Adopt-A-Grandparent Program, 2:30pm.
April 3: The Talk, conversation on today’s news stories, 10am; Happy Hearts Chorus rehearsal. If you like to sing, please join us at 1pm.
April 4: Kindness Rocks with Yvonne Paplaskas, 10am; Photography Class with Nancy Reardon, 10am.
April 7: Social Security SCAMS presentation, 10:30am; BINGO ,1pm.
April 8: Walking Club, 10:30am. Meet at the Train Depot (weather permitting); Blue Cross Blue Shield Informational Presentation, 10:30am.
April 9: Traveling Chef special lunch program, 11:30am. $2.
April 10: Bank Scams and Frauds, presented by TD Bank, 10:30am; Happy Hearts Choral Group rehearsal, 1pm.
April 11: Photography Class with Nancy Reardon, 10am.
April 14: 45’s tournament, 12:30pm.
April 15: Ambassador’s Coffee Hour. Join us for a tour of our beautiful center and see what there is to offer. 10am; Sewing Guild, noon.
April 16: Golden Green Team Kick Off Meeting, 1pm. Join the club and make a difference in your community; Adopt-A-Grandparent, 2:30pm.
April 17: The Talk, 10am; Happy Hearts rehearsal, 1pm.
April 18: Center closed.
April 21: BINGO, sponsored by Cedarview, 1pm.
April 22: Walking Club with Regina, 10:30am. Meet at train depot on Railroad Street.
April 23: Loss and Transition, 10am; Free comedy show, “Alan Ames Thinks He’s Funny,” 2pm.
April 24: Craft Class with Jennifer, $5 due at registration.
April 25: Game Day, Scattegories, 10am.
April 28: Us vs. Them 45’s tournament, Methuen Police vs. the Methuen Seniors, 12:30pm.
April 30: Golden Green Team, Park Walk, 1pm; Adopt-A-Grandparent program, 2:30-3:45pm.

The Senior Center is located at 77 Lowell St. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8am-4pm; Friday, 8am-12:30pm. To view our entire newsletter, go to cityofmethuen.net and click Senior Center. For more information on activities, trips or functions, call (978) 983-8825.