Stress Less Kit

Order by Friday, January 15
Pick up on Friday, January 22 1:30-2:00

Give yourself the gift of relaxation this new year and pick up a stress relief kit for yourself or bring one to a friend or older neighbor.
Pre-order by calling the COA by Friday, January 15.
Cost: Free, donations welcome

Art Education: Post Impressionism

Tuesday, January 12, 10:00-11:00 on Zoom

We’re bringing the museum to you with an engaging presentation by ArtMatters, an art awareness and education organization. Like a stone dropped into a calm pond, the ripples from the revolutionary Impressionist style of painting spread out, influencing a whole new generation of artists. Join us for a look at how other artists interpreted this new, personally expressive way of painting, and in turn influenced the course of art in the 20th century. This program is not being recorded. Please let us know if you plan to join by phone audio only so that we can get the image packet to you in advance. Contact the Contact the COA to register 781 786 6280.

Budapest
Wednesday, January 13, 1:00-2:00 on Zoom

Welcome to Budapest. To put it simply, if you haven't been here, it's time you make plans to do so someday. Joined by the building of the Chain Bridge in the mid-1800s, Budapest is the result of a merger between two distinct cities: Buda on the Western bank and Pest on the opposite - each with its own charm and interest. Our tour guide, Marilyn Harris, worked in education for over 40 years and in her retirement has continued to teach classes on history and travel. Contact the COA to register 781 786 6280.

Local and Global Discussion Group

TOPIC CHANGE

Thursday, January 14, 1:15-3:00 on Zoom

In view of the event that transpired at the Capitol on Jan. 6, the Local and Global Discussion Group of the Weston Council on Aging will postpone its scheduled Jan. 14 meeting on the Biden Cabinet to discuss the recent events in Washington.

Some of the topics will be: How and why did the unrest unfold? Why were the Capitol Police so ill-prepared? Trump’s most fervent supporters are not going away; what can be expected from them in both the near- and long-term future? What structures of government will need re-working in order to avoid similar situations? How will Wednesday’s events affect the Republican Party? Will anything good result from these events; if so, what?

We are also planning to present a short position paper on how Trump supporters feel and why.

The meeting will begin, as usual, at 1:15 pm via Zoom and continue until 3 pm. For further information, contact Susan Wagner at susanwgnr@gmail.com or 508-733- 8810.

The Biden Cabinet meeting is expected to take place on Feb. 11.

Black Newton: Building Community

Presented by Historic Newton

Friday, January 15, 10:00-11:00 on Zoom

Black history has always been an integral part of Newton history. Join us to examine the important place of Black Newtonians in our neighboring city, from Newton's earliest days through the 21st century. Learn about Black Newtonians' experiences in slavery and freedom, the development of a historic Black community in the 19th century, the impact of redlining and the construction of the Mass Pike in the 20th century, and the people whose efforts today keep Newton's Black community and history a vital and thriving part of who we are. Contact the COA to register 781 786 6280.

Art Programs at the AIC

Introduction to Felt Making with Elizabeth Stubbs
Tuesdays, beginning Jan 26th, 1:30-3:30pm

Watercolor: Working with Control & Surprise
Wednesdays, beginning Feb 10th, 1-3pm

Passionate Art Making with Adria Arch
Thursdays, beginning Feb 18th, 10-12pm

Contact the AIC to register.

Volunteer Opportunities

Trail Walk Leaders

We are looking for volunteers to lead trail walks! Do you enjoy walking Weston's many trails as much as we do? Are you interested in meeting new people?

The COA offers monthly trail walks on local trails. Walks are 60-90 minutes on varying terrain. Walk leaders to not need to have additional information on the trails but should be familiar with the trail they choose and comfortable with acting as leader during the walk, which entails headcount, ensuring all comply with COVID regulations, and contacting the COA or 911 in case of an emergency. Contact Kristen for more information or to volunteer as a leaders, 781 786 6282

Discovery Center Research Volunteer

The Weston COA is launching an exciting new initiative focused on helping people 55+ to find meaningful volunteer positions based on their interests, time, and talents. At this time, given Covid-19, the volunteer opportunities will center primarily on those that are virtual.

Using an initial database as a starting point, Weston COA is seeking individuals with good web browsing/researching and organizational skills to in the following areas:

Digging into selected websites that serve as a clearinghouse for multiple non-profit organizations seeking various types of volunteer workers
Identifying and vetting new organizations seeking volunteers to expand the database
Organizing all potential volunteer openings within 6-8 categories (e.g., mentoring, tutoring, communications, local town government and non-profits).

We are looking for someone to start within the next month. All research can be done on your own schedule at home and will take ~1-2 hours a week, with 2-4 hours the first couple of weeks to get it started. Contact Kristen at 781 786 6282 or kfrady@my.uri.edu to learn more or if interested.

Important Information About Smoke and CO2 Alarms

With the onset of winter, it is important to protect ourselves from fire in our homes and also from carbon monoxide (CO), an invisible, odorless and colorless gas that may be created when fuels burn incompletely. A small amount of CO over a long period, or a large amount of CO over a shorter period can poison a person. Therefore, all homes should be equipped with working smoke and CO alarms. Here are safety tips and recommendations from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area and on every level of a home, including the basement.
Smoke alarms that can be interconnected are best, as when one alarm sounds, all alarms sound.
Smoke alarms should be tested once each month by pressing the test button and hearing the “beep.” Batteries should be replaced once each year. All smoke alarms should be replaced when they are 10 years old.
Place a smoke alarm on the ceiling or high on a wall (keeping alarms away from the kitchen – at least 10 feet from stove -- to reduce false alarms).
Like smoke alarms, CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of a home (especially near fuel burning appliances, as in a furnace room). CO alarms should also be interconnected for best protection, as when one sounds they all sound. After installation, call fire department’s non-emergency number to ask what number to call should the CO alarm sound.
Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace them according to manufacturer’s instructions. If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries and replace batteries if low. If the audible trouble signal still sounds, call the fire department.
Should the CO alarm sound, move outdoors or by an open window or door (be sure everyone in your home is accounted for). Call for help from outside and wait for emergency personal to declare it is safe to re-enter your home.

Related safety information from NFPA: if you use a generator, it should be in a well-ventilated location outdoors, away from windows, doors and vent openings. Also, do not run a vehicle indoors, even if garage doors are open, and be sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow. During or after a snow storm clear vents for dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace of snow. Use gas or charcoal grills outside, as they can produce CO.

For additional information see NFPA.