Newton Senior Center's Joanne Fisher Ready to 'Stop and Smell the Roses'

Fisher, the Newton Senior Center's program coordinator, will wrap up her 20-year career in Newton at the end of the summer.

Joanne Fisher could fill a book with the stories she has from the Newton Senior Center. There's the one about the man who worked for the government on the Rosenberg Case, or the woman who played Wimbledon before women were officially considered professional tennis players.  And Fisher can't forget to mention the quiet senior center volunteer who whittles tiny, wooden figures with incredible skill.  "I have met people that are so extraordinary," Fisher says. "We all know everyone has a story, but Newton really is a crossroads of the world." After 20 years of hearing stories and meeting countless personalities, Fisher has decided close the book on her time as the program coordinator at the Newton Senior Center and will retire at the end of …

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New Referral Program Helps Newton Seniors Find Home Contractors

Residents 60 and over can use this resource to hire contractors that are trusted and safe.

The following is a press release from the Newton Senior Center: Newton Senior Services Home Contractor Referral Program has created a resource listing of pre-screened and approved contractors who will provide basic home and yard repair, maintenance, and adaptation services that residents 60 and over may need in order to remain safe and independent as they choose to age in Newton.  The Newton Department of Senior Services received a Title III grant from Springwell that enabled us to initiate the project. This list of contractors is provided to older residents by calling the Center. An exciting development has been a new collaboration with the Town of Weston. The Weston Council on Aging has received a similar grant from Springwell to …

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Newton Senior Center Offering New Program for Breast Cancer Survivors

The Pilates-based program brings "strength, self-esteem and quality of life" to local survivors.

Starting next month, the Newton Senior Center will be offering a new, Pilates-based program for breast cancer survivors.  The exercise courses, which will be taught by "Pink Ribbon certified" teacher Robin Resnick, feature strength training and stretching for muscles that have been affected by breast cancer surgery. Whether your breast cancer surgery happened recently or a few years ago, you are invited to join these small-group (eight women) exercise sessions. The Village Bank-sponsored course runs January 18-March 7 and will be held on Wednesdays from 1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. at the senior center.  Those who are interested must pick up a registration form from Joanne Fisher and fill it out along with a doctor's note. A $125 fee is required …

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Notice: Senior Center Closed This Week

The center will be closed through Oct. 28.

The Newton Senior Center will be closed this week pending repairs to the building's heating system. According to the Newton Senior Services website, all classes will be made up.  Initially, the site informed seniors that the building would only close if the thermostat read below 65 degrees at the time the center opens. However, with high temperatures not expected to break 60 degrees this week, the center will remain closed through Friday. Stay tuned to Patch for updates. 

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Viewfinder

Viewfinder: Wellness Fair Keeps Seniors Healthy, Happy and Informed

Newton Senior Center holds its annual Health and Wellness Fair

Newton Senior Center held its annual Health and Wellness Fair Wednesday afternoon featuring 50 different vendors as well as demonstrations in tai chi, zumba and other exercise activities. Program Coordinator Joanne Fisher estimates that the fair attracts between 200-300 visitors each year.

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Tips to Stay Cool During the Heat Wave

Some information from the city of Newton for the high temperatures expected this weekend.

The following information has been provided by the city of Newton website.  When temperatures rise above 90 for several days in a row, you need to protect yourself from the heat. We are issuing these reminders, which especially apply to older and very young individuals and to those with any special conditions. Follow these “stay cool” tips:  The Newton Free Library is available as a cool down center during normal operating hours: Monday -Thursday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Sundays during July & August When the Library is closed, those needing relief from the heat can go to one of the two Newton malls, the Mall at Chestnut Hill or the Atrium Mall. For residents 60 and over, the Newton Senior …

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Local Legislators Visit Newton Tonight, Provide Update from Beacon Hill

The local state representatives and senator will look for community feedback.

If you're wondering what the latest word is from Beacon Hill, stop by the Newton Senior Center tonight to receive an update from your local legislators.  State Sen. Cindy Creem along with State Representatives Kay Khan, Ruth Balser and John Lawn will be at the senior center tonight to provide information on the latest activity from Boston. Locals are encouraged to come by the meeting and provide their feedback or questions.  The event, which begins a 7 p.m., is being put on by the Newton Democratic City Committee. 

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What's Happening

Five Things You Need to Know Today: June 15

Daily, essential information at a glance.

Historic Newton will hold its annual meeting tonight at the Jackson Homestead and Museum. The evening's special guest speaker will be Mary Fuhrer, who will speak about Edward Durant's role as a leader in late colonial Newton. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. and is free and open to all.  The Newton Senior Center will continue its monthly summer barbecues today with the June BBQ starting at 11:45 a.m. The BBQ will be held rain or shine and music will be provided by Barry & Bob.  Newton Mayor Setti Warren will hold another village coffee tonight at the West Suburban YMCA. The meeting -- which was postponed from last month -- will give residents and business owners of Newton Corner an opportunity to discuss with the mayor the future of Newton and…

What's Happening

Five Things You Need to Know Today: June 13

Daily, essential information at a glance.

The Newton Free Library will host a free blood pressure clinic today starting at 9 a.m. For more information, call 617-796-1360. The West Newton Hearing Center is offering free hearing screenings this week for men in the Newton community as part of National Men's Health Week. Find out more information here or call the center at 617-332-7244. Players from Concord will face Newton's American Legion Post 440 baseball team this evening at Albemarle Field. The game is set to start at 6 p.m. Looking to try out some winter sports in the summer, or want to give a shot at baseball without having to lift a bat? Stop down to the Newton Senior Center this morning to try out Wii games. Appointments are on Mondays from 9 to 10 a.m. Register for an …

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Newton "Unsung Heroine" Honored at State House

Audrey Cooper was one of 100 women across the state to receive the award from the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.

Audrey Cooper has called Newton her home fore more than 60 years, and for 50 of those years she has worked to make that home a better place. "Newton has been wonderful to me and I think it's a great community," Cooper said.  Cooper was honored at the State House Wednesday as a Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) "Unsung Heroine," an award that recognizes women who "perform unheralded acts on a daily basis that make our homes, neighborhoods, cities and towns better places to live." She was one of 100 women from across the state who received the award. State Rep. Kay Khan (D-Newton), who nominated Cooper for the MCSW award, said Cooper is a "valuable and vital member" to the Board of Trustees at the Newton Free Library as …

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Nancy Brown

10:41 am on Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Audrey is an amazing person and Newton is lucky to have someone with her energy and enthusiasm!   more ›