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UPCOMING HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
The Cooper Center will be closed on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, September 5, 6, and 7, in observance of Labor Day.
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THE SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER HAS ARRIVED
Click here to read our September newsletter. Learn about our Open House on Newtonville Village Day, September 20 (we hope you'll join us!), and see photos from our recent Volunteer Appreciation Day. You'll also find details about our services, our upcoming special events and concerts, and our drop-in programs.
You can also view our program information on myactivecenter.com. Sign-up instructions are here.
You can view our fitness schedule here.
We hope to see you at the Cooper Center soon!
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SPECIAL TALK AT UPCOMING INDIAN LUNCH
We'll have an exciting change to our Indian lunch on August 31. In lieu of the meditation that typically precedes the meal, our partners at FISCO (Friends of Indian Senior Citizens Organization), will welcome the Alzheimer's Association for a talk on how to build brain-healthy habits and the latest research, followed by a Q&A.
No need to preregister. Instead, just show up and pay at the door! Cost: $5.
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EVENING TRIVIA STARTS IN SEPTEMBER
Mondays, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
We're delighted that “Games with James” trivia will take place every Monday evening, starting September 14. Come alone or with a friend or two, and we will seat you with other individual participants. You are also welcome to come with a pre-formed group (4-6 people). Arrive between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. for pizza; trivia begins at 6:30.
Event fee: $5, which includes 2 slices of pizza. Non-dairy options will be available. Pay when you arrive and sign in at the kiosk.
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Healthy and Prepared: Staying Safe during Extreme Weather
Wednesday, September 2 |1:30 to 2:30 PM
Join representatives from the City of Newton Health & Human Services and Sustainability Team to learn how extreme heat, flooding, poor air quality, and ticks can affect your health, and what you can do to prepare.
| | | | | Classical Piano Concert
by Archie Richards
Thursday, September 10 |1:30 to 2:30 PM
Archie Richards is a fan favorite who continues to inspire audiences at age 89. He will perform pieces by Edvard Grieg, Cecile Chaminade, Rachmaninoff, and more.
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Melodies & Memories: A Creative
Writing Workshop Inspired by Music!
Thursday, September 10 |4:30 to 6:00 PM
Veteran English teachers and professional musicians Robin Miller (flute) and Joanne Baker (piano) will perform short, moving pieces, and then pause for you to write your thoughts, memories, or stories that the music evokes. Participants may write independently or be guided through the process.
| | | | | Baseball History: Remembering the 1986 American League Champions
Wednesday, September 16 |1:30 to 2:30 PM
Herb Crehan, a widely-recognized authority on Boston baseball history, will discuss the Red Sox' glorious, then agonizing, 1986 season.
| | | | | Learn to Play the Ukulele
Thursday, September 17 |1:30 to 2:30 PM
Learn how to play a fun instrument: tune, strum, fret, read chord diagrams, and play easy songs on the ukulele. No experience necessary. Space is limited. | | | | | Fascinating Rhythms
Wednesday, September 23 |1:30 to 2:30 PM
Join Cornell Coley, M.Ed., for a fun interactive drum circle. Cornell brings bells, drums, shakers, and scrapers for introductory rhythm-making, with stories and songs. This “hands-on” music-making experience is ideal for first-timers. Space is limited. | | | |
FALL SERIES CLASSES
Registration for fall semester classes will continue until classes are filled. You can register at the Front Desk or myactivecenter.com.
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Art:
Mixed Media Exploration Series, starting September 8
Introduction to Hand Embroidery Miniseries, starting September 10
Introduction to Mosaics Miniseries, starting September 24
Origami Meditation Session, September 25
Introduction to Fabric Collage Miniseries, starting October 15
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Fitness and Games:
Belly Dance Series, starting September 8
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Personal Finance & Technology:
Suddenly Single: Getting Your Financial House in Order Miniseries, starting September 4
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CANCELLATIONS AND UPDATES
NEW CLASS!
Strength Building: Strong Muscles, Strong Bones will meet every Thursday at 4:30 pm, starting September 3.
Daytime Mat Yoga with Barbara is cancelled today, August 28, as well as August 31, September 3, and 4.
Line Dancing is cancelled on August 31.
Muscle, Movement, & Balance is cancelled on August 31.
Music Makers Band is cancelled on September 1. NEW!
Basketball Organized Play is cancelled on September 2. NEW!
Starting in September, Parlor Organized Play will meet on the 1st Wednesday and 2nd Monday of every month. Their next meetings will take place on September 2 and September 14.
Coffee and Conversation is cancelled on September 8. NEW!
Acoustic Music Jam and Sing is cancelled on September 12.
Mindful Meditation is cancelled on September 17.
Cecilia Plotkin's Zumba Gold class will be canceled on September 18 and September 21. NEW!
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.
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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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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.
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BACKYARD BLUEPRINTS: CALL FOR
DETACHED ADU DESIGNS
Newton’s Planning & Development Department was recently awarded the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant, which through a detached ADU design competition, will help make it easier and more affordable to build ADUs in Newton.
With that, the department is NOW accepting design submissions through October 9th.
Who can apply?
Individuals, students, or teams of architects, builders, manufacturers, designers, and other design professionals are encouraged to apply. Although there are no experience requirements, all applications must include plans stamped by a Registered Professional Engineer or Registered Architect in Massachusetts.
How do I apply?
You can apply online by simply CLICKING HERE.
What do I need to apply?
Applicants will provide basic information about themselves and their project, as well as design dimensions. Submissions must also include:
- A brief design narrative
- Signed contract
- Floor plans
- Elevations
- Building sections
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Renderings (optional but encouraged)
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Simplified public facing floor plans (optional but encouraged)
How will the competition work?
Upon submitting your application, the City’s Planning and Inspectional Services Departments will review each design to ensure it complies with applicable codes and ordinances. Designs that meet all applicable requirements will then move on to a public vote and the three designs that receive the most votes will get the following cash prizes:
1st Place: $5,000
2nd Place: $4,000
3rd Place: $3,000
But the benefits don’t stop there! All designs that meet applicable codes and ordinances, including the winning designs, will be made available for homeowners to purchase for a fixed cost of $1,000 paid to the design owner.
Where can I learn more?
Visit newtonma.gov/adu for all project information, including the application, legal contract, FAQs, and more. Stay tuned for an upcoming webinar where you can learn more about the competition and ask questions.
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