Friends of Acton COA

Tai Chi/Taijiquan Class with Linda Sango
2026-01-26 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-19 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-12 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-05 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
This Taijiquan class uses Formless Dragon style, a modern re-examination of classical Tai Chi and is open to all levels of participants. Linda Sango studies under Occidental Taoist Jeff Coté, who distills the essence of Tai Chi into fundamental principles. Students will be encouraged to learn single movements and explore postural, movement and conceptual principles, rather than learning as many form movements as possible. This practice is known to improve the health of body, mind and spirit while improving balance.
Free/Open to all 60+
*Friends of the Acton Council on Aging provides financial assistance for this event.

History of Doo-Wop Music with John Clark
2026-01-22 13:00 - 14:00
Join John Clark for a presentation on doo-wop music of the 1950s. The earliest stars of the genre were the “bird groups:” The Ravens, Orioles, Crows, Orioles, Penguins (Earth Angel), and the Flamingos (I Only Have Eyes for You) who all scored the early rhythm & blues hits. Later came the white doo-woppers like Danny & the Juniors singing At the Hop and Dion & the Belmonts with Where or When. And did you know that the familiar Blue Moon by the Marcels was a hit from the 1930s? And there were just so many more songs of innocent romance and snappy harmonies from this era like Sh-Boom, Little Darlin’, Sincerely, Book of Love, In the Still of the Night and that huge 1956 hit Why Do Fools Fall in Love? And don’t forget those silly ones like Speedo and Get a Job and all the doo-wop craziness of the Coasters. It’s all here!! Prior to a career as a high school and adult education teacher, John Clark worked in music publishing in Nashville. He enjoys sharing his passion for music with senior centers and senior residences.
Open to out-of-towners 60+ for $5
*Friends of the Acton Council on Aging provides financial assistance for this event.

Korean Sweet Potato Noodle Salad (Japchae) Cooking Class
2026-01-20 14:00 - 15:00
In this class you will prepare Korean sweet potato noodles with zucchini, onion and carrots and a sesame dressing. Then toss everything together and enjoy a warm tasting at the end. These Korean noodles have a soft, bouncy texture that is really unique. Registration is required; if you find you cannot attend, please inform the COA. Asako Judson, who lives in Acton, has worked at several restaurants and as a private chef and caterer.
► You must register in advance, call 978-929-6652
*Friends of the Acton COA provide financial assistance for this event.

Watercolor Painting Class with Fran Hewitt
2026-01-20 09:30 - 11:30, 2026-01-13 09:30 - 11:30
Participants in this class will learn how to use basic drawing skills and watercolor techniques to create pictures. We will explore line, color, shape, form, and texture as we draw and paint. Subjects for our work will include photographs of still-life objects, landscapes, animals, portraits, and flowers. No prior art experience is required to participate. If you have drawing and/or watercolor painting experience, you will use your knowledge to improve your skills. The supply list for this class has minor changes from the last session; it is available at the COA reception desk and can be emailed upon request. Fran is a veteran art teacher who taught drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, weaving, and collage to K thru 12th grade in the NH Public School for 30 years. She developed and taught adult art education classes as part of a continuing education program. After retiring, she moved to Acton and has enjoyed learning about the area, continuing to create art work, and reading the latest novel
Open to Acton 60+ only
Call to register for this session beginning Tuesday, January 6th after 8:30am: 978-929-6652 (no voicemails please)
*Friends of the Acton COA provides financial assistance for this event.

Ukulele Play Along Monthly Series
2026-01-16 10:00 - 11:00
If you know the basics of playing the ukulele, join Julie Stepanek for a monthly play along! After a short review and Q&A, participants will play some fun and easy songs because one learns to play the ukulele by playing the ukulele! Group will typically meet on the third Friday each month but watch the newsletter for dates. Sign up if you are new to this monthly series and indicate whether you will bring your own ukulele or use one provided by Julie. Please let the Council on Aging know if you are not continuing.
Open to out-of-towners age 60+ for $5/month
Call the Senior Center to register in advance: 978-929-6652
*Friends of the Acton Countil on Aging provides financial assistance for this event.

Friends of the Acton Council on Aging Meeting
2026-01-12 10:00 - 11:30

The 20th Century: A 1960-1969 Review with Dawn Gomez
2026-01-08 13:00 - 14:00
The “Swinging Sixties” in the United States were a decade of profound transformation. Most Americans were enjoying higher living standards built on the prosperity of the 1950’s. The stock market hit new highs and consumer spending surged. Kennedy’s “New Frontier” vision and Johnson’s “Great Society” programs inspired hope and improved quality of life for millions. The continued Civil Rights Movement challenged racism and laid the foundation for greater equality. The rise of the counterculture showcased a new way of life and set of attitudes. However, the country was deeply fractured by political assassinations and the Vietnam War. By the end of the decade, our nation was both energized by progress and shaken by violence and social unrest, leaving a legacy of change that reshaped modern America. Come learn more about this decade and share your own family stories as well. Dawn Gomez, Reminiscing Round Table Founder, provides topic-based programs for seniors at assisted living and senior center communities.
Open to all 60+/Free
*Friends of the Acton COA provides financial assistance for this event.

The Decline of the Celestial Empire: China and the West, 1830-1911 with Paolo Di Gregorio
2026-01-07 14:00 - 15:00
During the mid-19th century, the Chinese Empire that existed for more than 3000 years, began to crumble under the pressures of Western incursions. By the early 20th century, the Empire had collapsed, and a Chinese Republic had emerged. This illustrated talk will look at the events that led to the end of the Qing Dynasty and the birth of modern China. Paolo Di Gregorio is a historian, archaeologist and educator. He is a Visiting Lecturer in the History Department at Bridgewater State University, and his passion for telling stories of our past is always appreciated by Acton’s older adults!
Open to out-of-towners 60+ for $5
*Friends of the Acton COA provide financial assistance for this event.

Something’s Gotta Give (2003, PG-13)
2025-12-29 13:00 - 15:10
An aging lifelong bachelor finds himself staying at the home of his young girlfriend’s mother
and reevaluates his life. Diane Keaton, who received an Oscar nomination for her
performance, and Jack Nicholas co-star in this romantic comedy.
Shown with closed captioning, when available.
Open to all 60+/free
*Friends of the Acton Council on Aging provides financial assistance for this event.

A Holiday Affair (1949)
2025-12-22 13:00 - 14:30
At Christmas time, a single mother is torn between a dependable attorney
and a more exciting, but unemployed, man. Janet Leigh, Robert Mitchum
and Wendell Corey co-star in this romantic comedy.
Shown with closed captioning, when available.
*Friends of the Acton Council on Aging provides financial assistance for this event.

Tai Chi/Taijiquan Class with Linda Sango
2025-12-22 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-15 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-08 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-01 11:00 - 12:00
This Taijiquan class uses Formless Dragon style, a modern re-examination of classical Tai
Chi and is open to all levels of participants. Linda Sango studies under Occidental Taoist Jeff
Coté, who distills the essence of Tai Chi into fundamental principles. Students will be
encouraged to learn single movements and explore postural, movement and conceptual
principles, rather than learning as many form movements as possible. This practice is known
to improve the health of body, mind and spirit while improving balance. Linda Sango, a retired health
and physical education teacher, has been studying Taijiquan and Qi Gong under Jeff Cote´ since 2002
and has been teaching classes to seniors since 2010.
*Friends of Acton Council on Aging provides financial assistance for this event

Ukulele Play Along Monthly Series
2025-12-19 10:00 - 11:00
Have you learned the basics of ukulele from Julie Stepanek’s earlier classes and are ready for more? Join Julie for a monthly play along. After a short review and Q&A, participants will play some fun and easy songs because one learns to play the ukulele by playing the ukulele! Group typically meets on the third Friday each month but watch the newsletter for dates.
Sign up if you are new to this monthly series and indicate whether you will bring your own ukulele or use one provided by Julie. Please let the Council on Aging know if you are not continuing.
Open to out-of-towners 60+ for $5/month
► You must register in advance, call 978-929-6652
*Friends of the Acton Council on Aging provides financial assistance for this event.

The Hapsburgs: Royal Family of Europe with Paolo Di Gregorio
2025-12-18 13:00 - 14:00
The Hapsburgs were one of the most significant European royal families. At the height of their power, the Hapsburg dominions stretched across the globe from South America, through Europe, to the Philippines. Yet despite this extended realm, and the vast wealth and power that accompanied it, the family suffered tragedy, illness and, eventually, collapse. This illustrated lecture will examine the long, tangled story of this royal family. Paolo Di Gregorio is a historian, archaeologist and educator. He is a Visiting Lecturer in the History Department at Bridgewater State University, and his passion for telling stories of our past is always appreciated by Acton’s older adults!
Open to out-of-towners 60+ for $5
*Friends of the Acton COA provides financial assistance for this event.

Songs and Stories: Holiday Music Performance by Matt York
2025-12-16 13:00 - 14:00
Longtime New England musician Matt York will be performing a selection of music with a holiday theme. The songs will run the gamut from those that have been around for hundreds of years to more modern Christmas and holiday classics. Singing along is encouraged! Matt’s program combines guitar/vocal performance and interesting stories about the origins of the songs. Matt York was twice been nominated for the Boston Music Award for Best Country Artist and his album Gently Used was named one of the top albums by Worcester Magazine. His programs on the songs of Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash at the Senior Center were big hits!
Open to out-of-towners 60+ for $5
* Friends of the Acton COA provides financial assistance for this event

The First Wives Club (1996, PG)
2025-12-15 13:00 - 14:45
Reunited by the death of a college friend, three divorced women seek revenge on the
husbands who left them for younger women. Comedy starring Diane
Keaton, Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler. Oscar nomination for Best Music.
Shown with closed captioning when available.
Open to all 60+/free
*Friends of the Acton Council on Aging provides financial assistance for this event.

Holiday Music of the 50s & 60s with John Clark
2025-12-11 13:00 - 14:00
Get into the spirit of the season with this presentation featuring classic holiday songs from the 50s and 60s! You’ll hear the stories behind It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Broadway composer Meredith Willson (of Music Man fame) and country star Willie Nelson’s Pretty Paper. Did you know that songwriter Johnny Marks had written three big hits during these years? Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee), A Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives) and Run Rudolph Run (Chuck Berry)? And in the 1950s there were novelty songs galore like The Chipmunk Song, I’m Getting’ Nuttin’ for Christmas and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (which was used for a Saks Fifth Avenue advertising campaign).
You’ll also see performance clips for This Time of the Year (Brook Benton), There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays (Perry Como), The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Andy Williams) and Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano).
Open to out-of towners 60+ for $5
* Friends of the Acton COA provides financial assistance for this event

Annie Hall (1977, PG)
2025-12-08 13:00 - 14:35
Woody Allen plays a divorced Jewish comedian reflecting on his past relationship with Anne Hall (Diane
Keaton), an aspiring nightclub singer. Oscars for Best Picture, Best Writing, and Best
Actress for Keaton.
Shown with closed captioning, when available. Open to all 60+/free
*Friends of the Acton Council on Aging provides financial assistance for this event.

Classical Music Program with Sivan Etedgee
2025-12-04 12:30 - 13:30
This program, which combines piano performance and lecture, traces a musical journey from Classical elegance to the rhythmic vitality of the early 20th century, highlighting the piano’s expressive range through works by Mozart, Schumann, Liszt, and Bartók. Sivan Etedgee appears frequently as a recitalist, chamber musician, and lecturer. He is also a dedicated and enthusiastic piano teacher. His programs at the Senior Center are always enthusiastically received!
Open to out-of-towners 60+ for $5
* Friends of the Acton COA provides financial assistance for this event

When Life (and the Holidays) Feel Overwhelming: Simple Skills for Challenging Days
2025-12-03 14:00 - 15:00
Join Dr. Jennifer Staples, Clinical Psychologist and co-founder of guts nonprofit, to learn practical tools to cope with overwhelming moments. The holiday season can feel especially lonely and challenging; this session will help you find more peace, calm, and acceptance. You’ll leave with science-backed strategies you can use immediately and a take-home handout. guts makes mental health tools accessible, actionable, and relatable—because it takes guts to talk about mental health!
Open to all age 60+/free
* Friends of the Acton COA provides financial assistance for this event

Create Your Own Book! with Neal Rantoul
2025-12-01 13:00 - 15:00
On-demand publishing has made it possible for anyone to make books. For this class we will discover just how easy this can be to collect your images, organize them, then design and make your own books. By telling your own story in a book, important moments can be preserved.
In this class we will work to make your books beautiful and impactful, to tell your stories, and preserve them for future generations to come as part of your legacy. While the course is designed primarily to make photo books, other kinds of books can be made using on-demand printers.
Neal Rantoul is a photographer who has made many books of varying size and cost. He will share these in class and demonstrate how to design and lay out your project. You will make your book ready to order by the end of our six weeks together, then meet one month later to share your printed results.
Participants need to bring a laptop/tablet to each class.
► You must register in advance, call 978-929-6652
Open to out-of-town Seniors age 60+ for $20/series starting Sept. 8th
* Friends of the Acton COA provides financial assistance for this event

Movie Matinee: Our Souls at Night (2017, TV14)
2025-12-01 13:00 - 14:45
In this romance, Jane Fonda and Robert Redford star as neighbors who have both
lost their spouses. Despite living next door to each other for decades, they
have had very little contact until one pays the other an
unexpected visit.
Shown with closed captioning, when available. Open to all 60+/free
*Friends of the Acton Council on Aging provides financial assistance for this event

Discover Christmas in London
2025-11-29 - 2025-12-05 | Collette Travel
Collette Travel Trips for the Friends of the Acton COA presents Discover Christmas in London from November 29 2025 – December 5 2025.
A special thank you to Collette Travel for their contributions to the Friends of the Acton COA!!!!

Ribbon Stitchery Class with Mary Shey
2025-11-27 13:00 - 15:00
Feel the joy of creating as you learn to embroider with ribbon in this class taught by
Mary Shey who has been creating in this medium since childhood. Ribbon embroidery
is easier on the eyes and hands than embroidering with thread, and the result is a
lovely work of art with a three-dimensional quality. You will learn the different stitches
and work at your own pace to create a piece featuring pink flowers and a butterfly. This
type of embroidery was popular in the courts of Versailles, at the Forbidden City in
China and as an applique technique among Prairie and Great Lakes Native American tribes.

A fee of $24 is due to the instructor at the first class which includes everything needed and is suitable for beginners. Image of the project is displayed in the reception area. View examples of Mary’s work at https://msribbonstitchery.com/.
► You must register in advance, call 978-929-665
* Friends of the Acton COA provides financial assistance for this event
