There’s a lot set to happen with the Council on Aging (COA) in the coming weeks. Check them out here, and for further information on any of these great trips or to reserve your seat on the van, please call 978-526-7500.
This year, the challenge is open to everyone aged 5 years and up in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Walk with your family or friends, or on your own! The challenge runs from May 1 to October 31. In that time, as you complete the challenge, you are entered into a drawing for a gift card. For each person who completes their challenge, your Council on Aging gets an entry to win up to $1000 for use with fitness programming. Go to online and register. Then choose a challenge based on a Commonwealth of Massachusetts fun fact. Then, enter your walking on the same website between May 1 and October 31. The Rockport Council on Aging is hosting the regional kick-off to the challenge 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 4, rain or shine, stepping off from Rockport’s Back Beach and bandstand. Enjoy scenic walks of varying distances. Additionally, there will be educational and information booths. A boxed picnic lunch will be served for the first 100 registered participants. For further information or to sign up, please call the C.O.A. office at (978)526-7500. Transportation will be provided.
The Manchester Council on Aging is offering a Chowder and Finger Roll Luncheon on Tuesday, May 24 at the Congregational Chapel at 12:15 p.m. Catered by the Causeway Restaurant in Gloucester, come and enjoy delicious fish chowder, clam chowder, assorted finger rolls, chips, pickles, dessert, and beverage. (wow.) The cost of this luncheon is $10 per person and open to the first 40 who sign up. Reservations and prepayment are necessary by May 19. Transportation will be available.
The Manchester Council on Aging is off to Hammond Castle in Gloucester on Friday, May 27. Hammond Castle was built in the late 1920s by scientist, inventor, and art connoisseur, John Hays Hammond Jr. This true European castle brings together a unique combination of art, architectural elements and culture, backstopped by many innovative technological applications. Pick-up begins at 10 a.m. with a return expected around 12:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for ages 65+. The self-guided tour tickets are purchased on-site in the Museum Shop. The museum is not handicapped accessible due to the number of stairs. Please call the Council on Aging office for details.
On Wednesday, June 1, the Manchester Council on Aging is offering a trip to Wegmans in Burlington. Start off with lunch at their Market Café where you can enjoy sushi, pizza, sandwiches, salads or many hot, chef prepared options. Then spend some time walking around or shopping their enormous store. Check out the different departments from the bakery to the organic produce to the cheese section. The van will start picking up seniors around 11 a.m. Return is expected around 2 p.m.
On Friday, June 3, the Manchester Council on Aging van will be going to Ocean State Job Lots Plaza in Danvers. Ocean State Job Lots sell an ever-changing array of household goods, apparel, pet supplies, kitchen pantry staples, and seasonal products (such as holiday, gardening, and pool supply) at a fraction of their typical price. You can also visit neighboring stores such as Savers, US Nails, or CVS. Van will start picking up seniors around 10 a.m.
On Wednesday, June 8, the Manchester Council on Aging is offering a trip to Charlie’s Place in Gloucester for lunch. This relaxed, neighborhood restaurant serves delicious fried seafood, sandwiches, and more, plus they have daily specials. The van will start picking up seniors around 11 a.m. Return is expected by 1:30 p.m.
The Manchester Council on Aging is pleased to offer a trip to the Sargent House Museum in Gloucester on Friday, June 10. Enjoy a tour of this house that was built in 1782 for Judith Sargent Murray (1751-1820), a philosopher, writer, and an early advocate of women's equality. Visitors will learn the history of Judith as well as her relationship with Reverend John Murray, a founding member of the Universalist church. In addition, visitors will be able to explore a small collection of original works by the great portrait painter, John Singer Sargent (1856-1925), a descendant of the Sargent family, who loved the house and its ties to Post-Revolutionary Gloucester. The Sargent House Museum also recently announced an acquisition of 15 watercolor paintings by Emily Sargent, a late 19th-early 20th century American artist and sister of artist John Singer Sargent.
The Council on Aging van will begin to pick up at 11:30 a.m. Expected return home is 2 p.m. Admission to the museum is $10 for seniors.
On Saturday, June 18,the Manchester Council on Aging is pleased to present a Community Shredding Event. This event occurs between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. behind Town Hall. Bring any documents that you want shredded and there will be a truck that will shred them on site.