Can you believe August has arrived? Sometimes I feel like life goes by way too fast. I hope you all have been having a wonderful summer filled with fun, laughter and family.
Today, I write this column as the new executive director of the Methuen Senior Activity Center. I come to you following the footsteps of amazing women who had this title before me.
The first director who paved the way for a place to call your second home, Evelyn Rudis. I never had the opportunity or pleasure to meet her in person, but I have been told the stories of how she was the cornerstone in this beautiful facility.
Corinne ( LaCharite) Johnson, the woman I worked under for 23 years! This woman was a powerhouse! She was involved in every facit of the center and every organization that could help grow the center.
Linda Sheehan, another powerhouse! Linda had the right words and the dedication to keep this center vibrant. When we had the flood that closed our doors for another close to 6 months, she was always concerned about the seniors in our community. She kept our spirits high and, most importantly, had the staff reach out to our seniors in the community
Ashley Shaheen, dynamic young lady. Though her stay was short, I learned so much from this powerhouse. She gave her heart and soul to this center and the participants.
My hope is to have a little bit of each of these wonderful ladies while working in this capacity, one day at a time, one wish to make come true, a day at a time.
I am asking you, the community, what it is that you would like to see at YOUR senior center! Together, we will keep this dwelling filled with great events, most of all, great people: YOU!
My door is open and I want to meet you! Monthly, we will have “Lunch with the Director and a Staff Member” so you can learn more about us. My heart is the Methuen Senior Activity Center where this September I will be celebrating 27 years of service to the community! I want to thank the mayor, the City Council for believing and all those who believed in me. It was your prayers that made it happen! I am truly grateful.
No one does the job alone. The wonderful staff here – Maribet Torres, Jennifer Loiselle, Cheryl McQuillan, Liz Otto and all the volunteers – we look forward to working with all of you!
Now on to the work that I would like to accomplish while sitting in this seat and working for and with you!
Farmers Market
coupons
The Farmers Market coupon books will be distributed Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 9am. Quantities are limited. First come, first served.
Gigi and
the Gravity Men
Join us for an afternoon of rock ‘n; roll, ballads, dancing and a whole lot of friendship on Tuesday, Aug. 12 from 1-3pm.
This event is free. Call today to make your reservation: (978) 983-8825.
August birthdays
Join the director and Office Manager, Maribet Torres for the luncheon at 11:30am on Aug. 28. We look forward to celebrating your special birthday month with you! Call (978) 983-8832.
Extended hours
start next month
We will have extended hours on Wednesdays beginning Sept. 3 through Oct. 29 until 7 pm. Enjoy playing billiards or ping pong, and bring some friends and play 45s.
We will also be offering exercise classes for $2 per class. BBB (Balance, Bones and Brains) with Brian Coyne is Sept.3 and 17 and Oct. 1, 15 and 29.
Joanie Lawrence will offer Yoga with Meditation Sept.10 and 24 and Oct. 8 and 22.
Exercise classes will run 4:30-5:15pm. Call the center to register at (978) 983-8825.
Methuen Health and Human Services will also be available during these extended hours offering Blood Pressure checks, SNAP, housing paperwork assistance, RAFT assistance and so much more!
Like ice cream?
City Council Chairman Ron Marsan and State Rep. Estela Reyes invite you to a free Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, Aug. 13 from 1-3pm. Music by DJ Mark Rich with ice cream from Jay Gees. Reservation required. Call (978) 983-8825.
Coming up
Aug. 1: Kindness Rocks, 10am.
Aug. 4: 45’s tournament, 12:30pm. $3 per person; KevTech, tech help with your phone, device, etc., at 10am.
Aug. 5: Crafting with friends and coffee, 9am.
Aug. 6: Entertainer Mathew York, 1pm. Free; Book Club, 1pm.
Aug. 7: The Talk, 10am.
Aug. 8: Film Series, “Mama Mia 2” in the lobby, 10:30am.
Aug. 11: BINGO, 1pm.
Aug. 12: Walking Club on Rail Trail, 10:30am; Gravity Men, 1-3pm; J&J Home Care informational table, noon.
Aug. 13: City Council candidate Sharon Birchall hosts Coffee Time, 9-11am; Giving Tree, noon.
Aug. 14: Coffee with a Cop, 10:30am.
Aug. 15: Kindness Rocks, 10am.
Aug. 18: 45’s Tournament, 12:30pm. $3 per person; KevTech, 10am.
Aug. 19: Karaoke, 1pm.
Aug. 20: Loss and Transition, 10am.
Aug. 21: The Talk, 10am.
Aug. 22: Film Series, “Metropolis” in lobby, 10am.
Aug. 25: BINGO, 1pm.
Aug. 26: Walking Club on the Rail Trail, 10:30am.
Aug. 28: Crafting with Jennifer, 10:30am.
Aug. 29: Outdoor Games, weather permitting.
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.
