- Home
- Departments
- Council on Aging
- Services / Programs
Services / Programs
- Art Program
- Community Program
- Computer Lab
- Exercise Programs
- Fundraisers
- Health-Related Programs and Activities
- Legal, Financial, and Civic Services
- Outreach Programs / Triad Program
- Social / Cultural Enrichment
- Social Day Care
- Social Interaction
- Travel, Tours, and Trips
- Senior Center Meeting Site
Art Programs
Some of the programs and community service art projects we offer at the Rose Baker Senior Center include, but are not limited to:
- Banner project for America from Our Hearts
- Banner project for SeniorCare Inc.
- Ceramics / clay work (including making bowls for the Empty Bowls Fundraiser and a ceramic tiles project for Gloucester From Our Hearts)
- Charcoals and pastels
- Drawing (including illustrations for a children's book)
- Downtown Storefront Windows Enhancement Program
- Inter-generational art project with Brookwood School
- Painting
- Various other art projects
Note: View more information about the Council on Aging’s (COA’s) Art Program.
Community Programs
Projects overseen by our Community Programs division include:
- Book sales and video rentals
- City Health Expo
- Discount trash bag sales for people age 65 and older (10:00 am-2:00 pm)
- Fairs, bazaars, and wellness projects
- Madonna Del Rosario Club meetings
- Medication Disposal Program
- Seafood Retirees meetings
Computer Lab
Services offered by the Rose Baker Senior Center Computer Lab staff include various computer instruction courses, one-on-one instruction opportunities, computer workshops, and open computer / internet access.
Computer-Based Courses & Clubs
- Computers Level One: Instruction on using Windows Classic for Windows XP and Vista
- Computers Level Two: An intermediate class expanding on lessons from Computers Level One course
- Digital Photography: An advanced class for Windows XP and Vista
- Digital Photography Club
- Exploring Vista: An intermediate class following Computer Level One course for Vista owners
- Fun with Computers (Level Three): An advanced class using Word 2003
- Genealogy Course: A class that uses Family Tree Maker to research family histories
- Internet and Email: An advanced class for Windows XP and Vista
- Spreadsheets: An advanced class using Microsoft Excel
- Quicken: An advanced class on financial organization spreadsheets
- Word Processing for Windows 2003: An advanced class
- Word 2007: An advanced class
Exercise Programs
Our exercise programs range from low-impact courses (such as Chair Yoga) to more physically demanding programs (like Latin Dance). They include:
- A Matter of Balance: Managing concerns about falls (provided through the Massachusetts Falls Coalition)
- Arthritis Association Exercise Program
- Balance-based programs: Stretching and Pyramid Walking Sessions
- Ballroom Dancing: With live band music
- Latin Moves Dance
- Tai Chi
- Yoga: Classes include Gentle Yoga, Yoga Plus, and Relaxation and Stretching Chair Yoga
Throughout the year, the Council on Aging (COA) coordinates various fundraisers to help support the Rose Baker Senior Center. Some of these fundraisers include raffles, bake sales, fairs, and other Friends of COA fundraising events.
To learn more about how to get involved with these fundraisers or to find out when the next fundraiser will be held, please contact the Senior Center at (978) 325-5800.
Health-Related Programs & Activities
The COA strives to promote good health by providing health-related programs and events. Such activities hosted at the Senior Center include:
- Audiology clinic
- Brown bag food program
- Brown bag pharmacy program
- Cooking for one / two sessions
- Congregate meals (SeniorCare Inc. nutrition program)
- Flu and pneumonia shot clinics
- Health information lectures, programs, and updates
- Health screenings
- Healthy eating seminars
- Home-delivered meals (SeniorCare Inc. nutrition program)
- Insurance information sessions by:
- S.H.I.N.E. counselor / advocacy / interpreter
- Northeast Health System
- Community health information
- Medicare and Medicaid assistance
- Pharmacy and prescription plans
- HMO and other health insurance options
- Nutrition lectures
- Podiatry clinic
- Visiting nurse clinics and blood pressure screenings
Legal, Financial, & Civic Services
The Rose Baker Senior Center also offers programs to help Gloucester's senior residents understand their rights, gain / retain financial stability, and be involved as an active member of their civic community. In order to promote this ideal, COA offers the following programs and information:
- Constituent service visits, including:
- District Six staff
- Member of Congress
- State senators
- State representatives
- Elder law issues
- Legal questions and information with local attorney (once per month)
- Local ward councilors
- Massachusetts Bar Association updates
- Veterans Agent Service visits
Financial Programs / Information
- Homestead Act
- Investment seminars
- Money management seminars
- Retirement and long-term planning
- Tax Preparation Program (IRS and RSVP)
Civic Programs
- Empty Bowl Project (Open Door Food Pantry fundraiser)
- Knitting and crochet for veterans / worthy causes
- Monthly Coastline News newsletter
Outreach Programs
- Advocacy and support
- Caregivers information and support group
- Caregivers seminars
- Case management
- Client support
- Electronic magnifier reading machine
- Family services
- Financial issues
- Friendly Visitor Program
- Grief and Loss Group
- Handyman Program
- Housing choices
- Large print books for visual handicapped
- Loan of medical equipment
- Medical appointment transportation
- Monthly legal information and questions with attorney
- New Vision Support Group
- Referrals for elders at risk
- Telephone reassurance
- Triad Council Committee
Note: Learn more about our Outreach Programs.
Social / Cultural Enrichment
- Book sales
- Choral and instrumental performances
- Concerts
- Holiday parties
- Informational lectures, classes, and courses
- Massage and manicures
- 'Meet the Author' book readings and signings
- Monthly birthday and anniversary recognition
- Performances (music, dance, and children's)
- Slide show presentations and displays
- Video rentals
- Volunteer opportunities
- Weekly movies
- Billiards (daily)
- Bingo
- Bridge (contract and duplicate)
- Covered-dish suppers
- Cribbage tournament
- Game Day
- Jazz band - live music for dancing
- Memoirs Writing Group
- Scrabble Group
- Welcome Activity Support Committee
- Whist and assorted card games
Travel, Tours, & Trips
Some of the out-of-center activities that the COA provides include:
- Long-distance travel to Europe, etc.
- Narrated museum tours
- Seasonal day and boat trips
- Theater performance trips
- Weekly mall shopping trips (CATA)
Senior Center as a Meeting Site for Others
The Rose Baker Senior Center also allows outside groups to use their facilities upon COA approval. Some of the groups that use our center include:
- American Red Cross Blood Drive
- City of Gloucester / Police Department Drug Disposal
- Community and City of Gloucester groups
- Eliot Community Human Services Inc. Vocational Training
- MBTA Access Passes
- National Senior Network Job Readiness Training
- Needy Meds Drug Discount Card Program
- New Vision Group
- Operation Able Training Site
- Perkins School for the Blind Living Independently with Vision Loss Course
- Seafood Retirees Meetings
- United States Census Testing and Training