NEWBURY — From holiday parties to cooking classes and more, seniors had no shortage of activities to enjoy at the Council on Aging in 2025, with the COA eager to build on that momentum in 2026.
“We’ve definitely had an increase in participation in most of our programming,” COA Director Cindy Currier said.
Pointing to crafts classes, tech classes and others, Currier said she was proud of all that the COA offered.
“We’ve also started a new program this year that’s been very popular, cooking demonstrations. We’ve had Select Board Chair Bill DiMaio do those,” Currier said.
His next demonstration is set for Jan. 22.
“We’re very excited to offer this to other folks as well,” Currier said. “If they have a recipe they want to share and are willing to demonstrate it, we’d love to set that up. They don’t have to be recorded if they don’t want to be.”
She the growth has been seen in a wide variety of groups at the Senior Center.
“Our pickleball group has grown. Our bingo group has grown. We’ve collaborated with the library to do Social Security information programs, like how to optimize your Social Security,” Currier said.
Assistant Director Kathy Zaremba said she has been thrilled to see new faces coming in.
“I feel like a lot of the word is getting out by word of mouth because I can tell by people calling here from even other towns wanting to come here for different things like our foot care, our Christmas parties, our Thanksgiving, our bingo, our mahjong group,” Zaremba said.
The big focus throughout all their efforts has been promoting socialization, according to Currier.
“You’re making new friends, sharing a meal, sitting down for coffee. That’s the real value. A lot of our seniors have made friends they wouldn’t have otherwise met, even though they live in the same town. Coming to the senior center and attending programs helps build those relationships,” Currier said.
Currier said she has been grateful for collaboration with the local police, fire and health departments.
“Our outreach coordinator and I meet with the chiefs and the health director to talk about any seniors who might be at risk. If someone is frequently calling 911, for example, we’ll reach out to see if services like home care or Meals on Wheels could help them stay at home and age in place,” Currier said.
She said they worked to establish the Good Morning Newbury program.
“Seniors sign up voluntarily and call the police dispatcher by 11 a.m. every day. If they don’t call, the dispatcher checks in with them. If they can’t be reached, the police will do a wellness check. The goal is to make sure people are OK and avoid emergencies whenever possible,” Currier said.
So far, no wellness checks have been needed, which she considers a success.
“If someone isn’t feeling well, we can send someone to help. Anyone interested can contact us at the Council on Aging or the Newbury Police Department for the forms,” Currier said.
Speaking about the COA’s annual holiday parties, she said they were well attended as usual.
“Another big one coming up is our St. Patrick’s Day luncheon on March 17. It’ll be a traditional corned beef and cabbage meal with live Irish music,” Currier said.
Another event coming up will be Feb. 19 when the Del Vina Theater Group performs “All the President’s Women.”
“They do live performances, often with just one or two actors playing multiple roles. They bring in sets and costumes, and it really feels immersive. Afterward, they usually interact with the seniors and share fun facts,” Currier said.
Currier thanked the volunteers who help make all events at the COA possible.
“They answer phones, help with meals, assist on the van, make home visits, and check in with homebound seniors. We truly couldn’t do this work without them,” Currier said.