JULY 31, 2026


NEW LOOK, STREAMLINED CONTENT


Welcome to our new weekly e-mail format! Each issue will highlight several upcoming events, making it easier to see what's coming in the next few weeks, and to RSVP with just a few clicks. You'll also find information about our most-requested services, and about upcoming changes or cancellations. 


Want a full list of our ongoing programs? You'll find that in each monthly newsletter (see below) and at myactivecenter.com.

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OUR AUGUST NEWSLETTER


Learn how to register for our fall series, in topics such as art, personal finance, theatre, writing, and more! You'll also find a complete list of our programs and services. 


Click here to see the August issue.


We hope to see you at the Cooper Center you soon!

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INDIAN LUNCH NOW A DROP-IN PROGRAM



We're delighted to announce an exciting change to our weekly Indian lunch, which takes place every Monday from 12 to 1 p.m., in partnership with FISCO (Friends of Indian Senior Citizens Organization). Beginning August 1, participants no longer have to preregister.


Instead, just show up and pay at the door. Cost: $5. 


UPCOMING EVENTS 


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Intergenerational Animal Adventures! 


Tuesday, August 4 | 10:30 to 11:30 AM


Meet a variety of animals including a (non-spraying) skunk, a goat, and an owl. This event is generously sponsored by Newton resident Justin Greene.

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Trial Class: Forever Strong


Tuesday, August 4 | 4:30 to 5:30 PM


This "recovery first" class blends the tension of resistance training with the release of flowing movement to promote healthy muscles and tendons, dense bones, sturdy joints, and fewer aches.

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Author Talk


Wedne
sday, August 5 |12:30 to 1:30 PM


In this month's author talk, local writer Christopher Mirabile will give background
 for and read from his new book,
The Washashore. He'll also take questions and comments from the moderator and audience. This program is co-sponsored with the Newton Free Library.

FALL SERIES CLASSES



The Cooper Center uses a "semester" system and offers specialized classes four times per year: fall, winter, spring, and summer.

In addition to these classes, we offer 50+ drop-in programs on a weekly, 
bi-weekly, or monthly basis. View information about our ongoing programs in
our August newsetter.


Registration for fall semester classes opens Monday, August 3, at 10 a.m. and they are listed below. You can register at the Front Desk or myactivecenter.com. 


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Art:





Mixed Media Exploration Series, starting September 8



Intermediate Clay Miniseries, starting September 8


Introduction to Hand Embroidery Miniseries, starting September 10



Introduction to Clay Miniseries, starting September 14


Intermediate Mosaics Series, starting September 14


Watercolor Painting Series, starting September 15


Introduction to Mosaics Miniseries, starting September 24


Japanese Ink Painting, starting October 15


Introduction to Fabric Collage Miniseries, starting October 15

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Fitness:



Belly Dance Series, starting September 8




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Games:




Mahjong for Beginners Miniseries, starting September 28



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Literature, Writing, and Culture:





Lifetime Learning Literature Series, 

starting September 11


Words to Leave Behind, starting 

September 14


Theatre for Actors, Writers, & Lurkers Miniseries, starting October 15



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Personal Finance & Technology: 




Suddenly Single: Getting Your Financial House in Order Miniseries, starting September 4


Hands-on AI Exploration Series, 
starting September 10



Optimizing Your Retirement Finances Miniseries, starting September 16


Life Transition Binder Miniseries, starting October 16

CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES 



Beginning in August, the Men's Club will meet on the 1st and 3rd Fridays, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.


Navigating Divorce Social Group is cancelled on August 3. 


Mindful Meditation is cancelled on August 6, 13, 20, and 27.


Mat Yoga is cancelled on August 27, 28, 31, September 3, and 4.


Muscle, Movement, & Balance is cancelled on August 31.


For program information and cancellations, you can always call our program line recording at 617-796-1666 or text a question to our AI assistant at 617-796-1660.



COOPER CAFE 



The Cooper Cafe is open every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Chef Jocelina offers a variety of thoughtfully prepared brunch items, with a rotating menu. She is pictured at left (center), next to Mayor Marc Laredo. See the August menu here.

FARMERS' MARKET COUPONS



Farmers' Market Coupons will be distributed at the Cooper Center (345 Walnut Street, Newtonville) on Wednesday, August 5th, at 2 p.m. on a first-come, first served basis. For any questions, please call 617-796-1672 or email oasresourcenavigators@newtonma.gov

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RESOURCE NAVIGATION



Our Resource Navigators, Rebecca Au and Henry Moche (pictured), assist older adults and their families by providing information, referrals, and case management in the following areas:


Health & Wellness

Information related to homecare, Alzheimer's/Dementia, and mental health support


Caregiver and Social Support
Information and referrals to support resources, including FriendlyVisits and Medical Escorts



Financial and Public Benefits Assistance

Help with financial assistance applications and public benefits navigation


Housing and Transportation

Information regarding housing and transportation, including GoGoNewton

Food Access

Information and assistance accessing supplemental food


Need assistance? Text a question or an appointment request to our AI Assistant at
617-796-1660. You can also call our OAS Navigator Line at 617-796-1672 or email oasresourcenavigators@newtonma.gov.

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TRANSPORTATION 



GoGo Newton provides subsidized on-demand and prescheduled rides, with Uber or Lyft, for Newton residents age 65+. The service covers all of Newton and six surrounding communities (Brookline, Needham, Wellesley, Weston, Waltham, or Watertown) as well as 15 major medical facilities in Greater Boston. GoGo Newton also provides $2 rides each way from a rider's home which must be a Newton address to the Cooper Center and then back home. To sign up, complete the online form, or call 617-796-1660.

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OLDER ADULT PARKING STICKER 



The City of Newton offers residents age 65 or older a special two-year municipal parking sticker that is valid for use at municipal parking areas in Newton, with some restrictions. In July, we began year two of the current sticker cycle, and the cost was reduced to $3.00 per sticker. Stickers will be valid until June 30, 2027. 

For information about how to purchase a sticker, and a map of included areas, stop by our Front Desk or go to
www.newtonma.gov/oaparking.


Please note that parking is allowed Highland Ave, but only on the same side of the street as the Cooper Center. This change took effect in July.

SHINE MEDICARE COUNSELING



SHINE counselors (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone on Medicare) are available year-round at the Cooper Center to assist with all of your Medicare needs, including initial enrollment, screening for assistance programs, reviewing claims, and more.


To schedule a SHINE appointment at the Cooper Center, call 617-796-1660

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS



We recently hosted dozens of our more than 200 volunteers for a Volunteer Appreciation Event. Mayor Marc Laredo served brunch boxes to our guests and spoke about the incredible contributions volunteers make in every part of the Cooper Center.


The photo collage below shows several images from the jubilant event.


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