North Andover Senior Center Weekly News

Directory Assistance

The elimination of residential white page phone books has reduced paper and ink use, saving phone companies a large expense. And by gaining regulatory approval to charge a fee, $2.49 is added to the monthly bill for each 411 directory assistance request. This addition also increases the taxable total of the monthly phone bill. While computer literate individuals can get numbers free at a website, a large segment of the population, senior citizens and those with certain medical conditions, are beholden to directory assistance as the only means to obtaining an unknown but desired number. Fortunately, in Massachusetts, Representative George Peterson of Grafton, introduced an enabling bill “An Act regarding regulation of directory assistance” in 2013. The bill proposed to exempt from directory assistance charges, “Customers who are certified handicapped or elderly.” The Commonwealth remains the only state to allow exemption by age. The major phone companies serving Massachusetts have forms available for their customers to apply for the exemption; Comcast at 1-855-270-0379 and Verizon at 1-800-974-6006. The age exemption form requires the applicant be 65 or older. For Comcast, the customer must present a copy of a photo-identifying document “that includes date of birth or other proof of age.” The medical disability exemption requires a “letter of eligibility” from your doctor, as regards physical disability, cognitive/intellectual disability or visual impairment.

Upcoming Socials:

Fresh Table is in full swing. Every Wednesday volunteers create a homemade meal that is served at the Senior Center. Sign up is limited to 30 seniors and you must pay ($5) at time of sign up by the Friday before. Menus available at reception.

ANNUAL TRIP TO THE STATE HOUSE: Wednesday July 29th. Van departs from the Senior Center promptly at 9am. Meet and greet with your elected officials, tour the State House and State Library, and a group picture is the order of the day. Sign up begins July 16th for those that have never previously attended. General sign up after July 22nd. Limited to 12 North Andover seniors.

UPCOMING IN AUGUST: Look for future trips in August to Wentworth by the Sea and the Fuller Craft Museum and two Ice Cream Socials at the Senior Center. Sign up for Wentworth July 30th and sign up for the Fuller Craft Museum July 31st.

TUESDAY NIGHT DINNER BUFFET: Tuesday August 11th promptly at 4pm. Our hosts are Methuen Village with their wonderful chef Victor Casado. Menus available with reception. Limited to 35 North Andover Seniors. Sign up begins July 30th.

CHESS CLUB: Interested in LEARNING or TEACHING? Call reception at

978-688-9560 to sign up.

ONE ON ONE COMPUTER INSTRUCTION: 45 minute sessions for $7, Tuesdays with George Chory and Thursdays with Tom Kooken. Hours are 9-12. Make your appointments with reception 978-688-9560. This time can accommodate gadgets, too, if necessary (Phones, Tablets, etc.)

S.H.I.N.E. VOLUNTEERS: (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Free, confidential counseling on all aspects of health insurance to North Andover residents on Medicare; Call center for an appointment. Third Tuesday of the month, in June, July and August.

NEWS & VIEWS: Every Wednesday at 10–11:30. Come and join in the lively discussion of current events, politics, history and you never know what else?!

MEET WITH AN ATTORNEY: Atty. Ray Cannon, August 5th and Atty. Ramsey Bahrawy, August 18th. Schedule with Reception-first consult is free.

MR. FIX IT: First and Third THURSDAY of the month from 12-3pm. We repair almost as good as new. Lamps, with cords and sockets, replace watch batteries, small tables and chairs. Anything that is not listed, we will give it a shot! Your cost is $2 - $4 depending on work needed, plus parts. Proceeds benefit the Senior Center.

WALK IN CLINIC: Wednesdays 9-12 pm, the North Andover Senior Center and Home Health Inc/VNA operate a wellness clinic. If you are a North Andover Senior, we urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to check your blood pressure, blood sugar, weight and blood oxygen levels. Consult privately with an RN regarding any medication and health issues that you are concerned about. There is no charge for this service. Donations are gratefully accepted.

FOOT CARE: RN Catherine Languedoc, Foot Care Specialist ($25), 3rd Friday of every month from 8:30-2:30.

WALKING GROUP- Our Walking Group walks at the Old Town Common during the summer at 9 a.m., Monday through Friday.

North Andover Country Club Golf Passes are available with reception. Two (2) 7 week programs are available to North Andover, age 60+senior residents. Courtesy Passes are $6, one program per senior with proof of residency only. Tee times are on Mondays, from12:30 – 2:30. 9 holes $15 and 18 holes $20. Dress code required.

Volunteers are the backbone of the North Andover Senior Center, we currently need Medical Transport Volunteers. You can set your own hours. Call the Senior Center for more information. Speak with our Program Coordinator at 688-9560 for an application and assistance.

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