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Boston Seniority - Boston.gov
Boston Seniority
   Age Strong Commission        City of Boston   Mayor Kim Janey

    Stepping
    Into                J♥Yp.14-19

Summer 2021
    Issue 3
    Vol. 45
Free Publication   Mayor's Letter     Farmers Markets
                                                   Upcoming Events
                   p. 4               p. 10        p. 12
                                    SENIORITY | Summer 2021      1
Boston Seniority - Boston.gov
In This Issue...                                              Boston
CONTENTS                                                                        The Mayor's Joy Agenda is a citywide invitation              Seniority
                                                                                to hold space for joy, encourage opportunities
                                                                                                                                          Published by the City of
                                                                                for collective processing of grief, and invest in           Boston's Age Strong
4                              14-19
MAYOR'S SPOTLIGHT              STEPPING INTO JOY                                healing, imagination and play. Go to page 14                    Commission
                                                                                to see how you can participate by joining a Joy
                               Joy Walk clubs for Boston's                      Walks walking club.                                                 Kim Janey
5                              older adults.
BOOK PICKS                                                                                                                                           Mayor
Check out this summer's book                                                                                                                       Emily K. Shea
list.                          20
                               COMMISSION INFO                                                                                                     Commissioner

6                              Programs & services for older                                                                                        Ami Bennitt
STAY COOL THIS                 adults.                                                                                                      Director of Communications
SUMMER
                                                                                                                                                    Martha Rios
How to beat the heat this      25
                               THE BUZZ                                                                                                       Editor and Photographer
summer.
                               Find out what this month's buzz                                                                                 Andrew Higginbottom
                               is all about.                                                                                                       Staff Assistant
7
FEATURE STORY                                                                                                                                 Writer and Photographer
Eleanor Hardy Webb aging       26
strong.                        SEEN AROUND                                                                                                    City Hall Plaza-Room 271
                               TOWN                                                                                                               Boston, MA 02201

                               See if we saw you!                                                                                           Printed by Flagship Press, Inc.
10
FOOD ACCESS                                                                                                                                Boston Seniority is supported in
A list of Farmers Market                                                                                                                    part by The Executive Office
locations.                                                                                                                                        of Elder Affairs.
                                                                                                                                           Although all material accepted is
                                                                                                                                          expected to conform to professional
                                                                                                                                         standards, acceptance does not imply
                                                                                                                                          endorsement by the City of Boston.

Stay Connected                                                                         Facebook:                                    Do you have a story to share?
                                           Main number: (617) 635-4366
                                                                                       @AgeStrongBos                                We want to hear from you!
with the Age Strong
                                                                                                                                    Email us at
Commission:                                Website: www.boston.gov/age-strong          Twitter: @AgeStrongBos                       Bostonseniority@boston.gov
2     SENIORITY | Summer 2021                                                                                              S E N I O R I T Y | S u m m e r 230 Seniority
                                                                                                                                                               21     3
Boston Seniority - Boston.gov
Book Picks
    From the Mayor's Desk                                                          Summer Reading
    The Power of Joy                                                               for History/
                                                                                                                                                  A Peculiar Combination
    Hello and Happy Summer to All!                                                 Historical Fiction                                             by Ashley Weaver
    I’m sure you’ll agree that Boston is one special place in the                  Fans                                                           If you're a fan of
                                                                                                                                                  historical fiction and also
    summer. From our outdoor parks and community pools to harbor boat              Source: Boston Public Library                                  enjoy a bit of mystery
    cruises and picnics -- Boston has a lot to offer in the warmer weather.                                                                       and suspense, check
                                                                                   Whether you are at home or away this
                                                                                                                                                  out this first entry in a
    As we navigate our city during the pandemic, I invite you to join me for       summer, take the opportunity to catch up                       new World War II-era
    a new program called Joy Walks. These are walking clubs throughout             on some of the latest must-read history/                       series featuring Electra
    all Boston neighborhoods that are part of my Joy Agenda, a city-wide           historical fiction books.                                      McDonnell. Electra
    invitation, opportunity, and investment in our collective well-being in                                                      is a young Londoner, and an expert
    Boston, which kicked off in May.                                                                The Four Winds               safecracker, who uses her unique skills to
                                                                                                    by Kristin Hannah            help the British war effort.
    After over a year of incredible hardships caused by COVID-19 and acts of                        The bestselling author
    violence against communities of color across the country, we’re looking at                      of The Nightingale                            Boston's Oldest
    ways we can foster an equitable recovery that allows all residents of Boston                    brings the Dust Bowl                          Buildings and Where to
    to thrive. We believe that by emphasizing the power of joy in healing and                       era to life in this epic                      Find Them
    growth, we’ll come back together as a stronger, more welcoming city.                            tale of a woman who                           by Joseph M. Bagley
                                                                                                    must choose between
                                                                                                                                                  Take a trip through
    Joy Walks will bring you and other older adults back into our communities,                      trying to save the family
                                                                                                                                                  history with Bagley, the
                                                                                                    farm or moving west to
    to reconnect with friends and neighbors. Together, seniors will enjoy our                                                                     city archaeologist of
                                                                                   California in search of a better life for
    outdoor spaces and get exercise, benefiting both physical and mental health.                                                                  Boston, as he explores
                                                                                   herself and her young children.
                                                                                                                                                  50 of Boston's oldest
    While you’re walking this summer, why not visit one of over a dozen                                                                           buildings.
                                                                                                    The Personal
    Boston Farmers Markets? Gather up your favorite, fresh, healthy fruits                          Librarian
    and vegetables that are in season. Don’t forget that our Farmers Markets                                                                      The Rose Code
                                                                                                    by Marie Benedict and
    take SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) and HIP (healthy                                                                        by Kate Quinn
                                                                                                    Victoria Christopher
    incentives program), too!                                                                       Murray                                        Quinn (The Alice
                                                                                                                                                  Network) brings the
                                                                                                    A fictionalized account
    Grab your sneakers, and grab a friend. It’s time for Joy in Boston!                                                                           secret world of Bletchley
                                                                                                    of the life of Belle da
                                                                                                                                                  Park to life with this
                                                                                                    Costa Greene. In the
    Sincerely,                                                                                                                                    story of three World War
                                                                                                    early 20th century she
                                                                                                                                                  II female codebreakers.
    -Mayor Kim Janey                                                                                became J. P. Morgan's
                                                                                   personal librarian, and a powerful figure
    PS, If you walk so much that your feet need a break, don’t forget about the    in the New York city art world, while at      For more titles or BPL info, visit
    Age Strong Commission’s taxi coupon program! Learn about it inside.            the same time hiding her Black heritage       bpl.org or call 617-536-5400.
                                                                                   to protect her position.
4       SENIORITY | Summer 2021                                                                                                 SENIORITY | Summer 2021                    5
Boston Seniority - Boston.gov
Stay Cool this Summer                                         Did you know?
Beat the Heat: Summer                                               If the City of Boston declares an extreme heat event, you will
                                                                    receive a direct message via text, call, or email if you sign up for
Cooling and Walking Tips                                            AlertBoston. Contact the Office of Emergency Management at
                                                                    617-635-1400 or oem@boston.gov for more information.

Summer is the perfect time to spend        6 Tips for Summer
your days outdoors and reconnect with
nature. Whether you like to tend to your                                                                      Key Terms
garden or walk by the water at Castle       Tip 1                 Tip 4                                       ● Heat Exhaustion: An
Island, spending some time in the sun
is a great way to calm your mind and                                                                          illness that can come before
                                            NEVER leave           Visit public cooling
revive your senses.                                                                                           a heatstroke. Symptoms
                                            children or pets      centers like Boston
                                                                                                              include heavy sweating,
                                            in the car            Centers for Youth &                         rapid breathing and a fast,
The more time you spend outside this
                                                                  Families                                    weak pulse.
summer means the more time that you
are walking. Summer safety is very
important while walking throughout                                                                            ● Heatstroke:
Boston in the heat.                                                                                           Is a life-threatening illness.
                                            Tip 2                 Tip 5                                       The body temperature may
Here are some tips:                                                                                           rise above 106 degrees
                                            Drink water and       Even a bag of                               in only a few minutes.
● Choose a familiar route that is flat      stay hydrated         frozen veggies                              Symptoms include dry skin,
and free of obstacles                                                                                         rapid, strong pulse and
                                                                  placed on your neck
                                                                  can cool you down                           dizziness.
● Wear supportive footwear
                                                                                                              ● Heat Emergency:
● Avoid rushing - rushing increases                                                                           Three or more days of
your risk of falling                                                                                          temperatures above 90° F.
                                            Tip 3                 Tip 6
● Walk with friends
                                                                                                              For more information call
                                            Wear loose,           Shut window                                 the Age Strong Commision
                                            lightweight,          shades, turn off                            at 617-635-4366.
                                            breathable clothing   lights, keep windows
                                            (cotton is best)      open, turn on fans

6     SENIORITY | Summer 2021                                                                         SENIORITY | Summer 2021                  7
Boston Seniority - Boston.gov
Boston Seniority: Feature Story                                                                                                    young and to
                                                                                                                                      appreciate the
                                                                                                                                      past.”

                                                                                                                                      In addition
                                                                                                                                      to caring for
                                                                                                                                      children and
                                                                                                                        Eleanor
                                                                                                                                      her family,
                                                                                                                        in her
                                                                                                                        Boston        Webb has
                                                                                                                        Police        been a strong
                                                                                                                        Uniform       advocate of
                                                                                                                                      education
                                                                                                                                      and learning. Eleanor's book The Red Clay
                                                                                                                                      She taught at the Holland School in
                                                                                        “A neighbor asked, “Why don’t you             Dorchester and furthered her own
                                                                                        come and go with me?’ Afterward, I            education in computer science and
                                                                                        joined with Reverend Haynes,” said            nursing science. She then joined the
                                                                                        Webb. “Some of the reverends that are         Boston Police force as a school crossing
Aging Strong as a Centenarian                                                           at the church today were just teenagers
                                                                                        when I arrived in Boston.”
                                                                                                                                      supervisor where she worked for a
                                                                                                                                      number of years.
By Andrew Higginbottom, Age Strong, Staff Assistant

A  t 100 years old, Eleanor                 Luther King Jr. led a Civil Rights march    Since she has been in Boston, Webb            “We have to keep the
   Hardy Webb continues to                  in her town in Alabama. Dr. King            has focused on helping the youth and          stories of the past fresh
                                            was headquartered in the first Baptist      her family. She nurtured children of all
Age Strong. The Mattapan resident                                                       ages and has parented over thirty foster
                                                                                                                                      in our minds.”
                                            Church near the Webb home where she
attributes her longevity to “faith and                                                  children throughout her life. She tells
                                            lived with her husband, Eddie, and her                                                    Webb’s most recent endeavor was
trust in God.” Her faith has guided her                                                 them the stories of her past to help them
                                            four daughters. After participating in                                                    writing her own book, The Red Clay,
throughout her life and she has been a                                                  understand history.
                                            the march, Webb and her family faced                                                      which focused on her upbringing during
devoted member of the Twelfth Baptist
                                            consequences. The Webb children had                                                       the height of segregation in Alabama
Church in Roxbury since 1962. Prior to                                                  “Family is the glue that holds us
                                            their schools closed and her husband lost                                                 and details her life throughout the years.
arriving in Boston, Webb had struggled                                                  together. We have to keep the stories
                                            his job.                                                                                  She stays physically active by doing
with poverty and racism while growing                                                   of the past fresh in our minds. I want
up in Mantua, Alabama.                                                                                                                aerobics, gardening, and participating in
                                            Webb left Alabama shortly after and         my family and friends to understand           senior programs at the Twelfth Baptist
                                            moved with her family to Dorchester         what life was like and how tough life         Church. Mrs. Webb’s life’s journey
“If it weren’t for God, I wouldn’t have
                                            in the early 1960s. She quickly became      was during my childhood. Things are           demonstrates tenets of her church:
made it,” said Eleanor."
                                            involved in the community and her           different now and we are still living         purpose, power, praise, and prayer.
An activist in the Civil Rights movement,   church. She remembers the conversation      strong. The lord has kept me safe all
Webb remembers when Dr. Martin              about joining the Roxbury church.           these years to share my journey with the
8     SENIORITY | Summer 2021                                                                                                       SENIORITY | Summer 2021                  9
Boston Seniority - Boston.gov
Food Access                                                                Did you know? Healthy, nutritious food for all, including
 Boston’s Summer Farmers Markets                                                        Food Access           SNAP, farmers markets, & community fridges
     Affordable, fresh, healthy produce is available throughout the city

 Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh        Brighton Farmers Market                Jamaica Plain Center Street          South Boston Farmers Market
 fruits and vegetables, and Boston’s      Wednesday, 2pm-6:30pm                   Farmers Market                        Monday, 12pm-6pm
 neighborhoods offer a variety of farmers                                         Tuesday, 12pm-5pm
 markets to go shopping. Through the          Chinatown Farmers Market            Saturday, 12pm-5pm                    The Age Strong Commission is a
 Mayor’s Office of Food Access, Boston’s Saturday, 10am-4pm                                                             SNAP Outreach Center and our
 residents can save while eating healthy                                             Mattapan Square Farmers Market     advocates can fully assist seniors
 -- farmers markets accept SNAP               Copley Square Farmers Market        Saturday, 10am-1pm                    with applying for SNAP benefits.
 (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance       Friday, 11am-6pm                                                              Call Age Strong at 617- 635-4366.
 Plan) and HIP (Health Incentive                                                     Mission Hill Farmers Market
 Program), too!                                                                   Thursday, 11am-6pm                    For more information about Food
                                              Charlestown Farmers Market
                                                                                                                        Access or farmers markets, visit
                                          Wednesday, 2pm-6:30pm
 Farmers Market Locations:                                                                                              boston.gov/food or call 617-635-3717.
                                                                                     Roxbury Crossing Farmers Market
     Ashmont Farmers Market                        Codman Square Farmers Market   Tuesday, 11am-6pm
                                                                                                                        For help signing up for SNAP or HIP
 Friday, 3pm-7pm                                Saturday, 11am-2pm                Friday, 11am-6pm
                                                                                                                        call Age Strong at 617-635-4366.

    Boston Public Market at Dewey                 East Boston Farmers Market         Seaport Farmers Market
 Square on the Greenway                         Wednesday, 3pm-6:30pm             Thursday, 2pm-6pm
 Thursday, 11am-4pm

10      SENIORITY | Summer 2021                                                                                        SENIORITY | Summer 2021                  11
Boston Seniority - Boston.gov
Events + Activities
                                                                                    Did you know? 20 locations across Boston neighborhoods
August Happenings:
                                                                                       Main Streets                community resources, services & events
Get Out and About in Boston!
* Please note not all events are free and are subject to change

                                                                                                                               Mayor Kim Janey's
           Jamaica Pond Walking Tour                Parks Fitness: Salsa with                Friday Afternoon Concert
 August
           Time: 11:00 am
                                           August
                                                    Metamovements
                                                                                    August
                                                                                             Series                            Neighborhood Coffee Hours
     21    Location: Jamaica Pond,          24      Time: 6:00 pm                    27      Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm          9:30 am - 10:30 am
           Jamaica Plain                            Location: O'Day Playground,              Location: 1 City Hall Square,
           Contact Info: info@jphs.org              75 West Newton St., South End            Boston                               Friday, August 20:
                                                    Contact Info: 617-635-4505               Contact Info: 617-635-3911           Fenway/Jamaica Plain
                                                                                                                                  Location: James P. Kelleher Rose
                                                                                                                                  Garden - 73 Park Dr., Back Bay Fens
           Boston GreenFest                         Parks Fitness: Chair Yoga                Ice Cream Social
 August                                    August                                   August
           Time: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm                 with Karma                               Time: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm             Monday, August 23:
     22    Location: Rose Kennedy           25      Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am        29      Location: Reverend Loesch            Allston/Brighton
           Greenway, Atlantic Ave.                  Location: Symphony Park,                 Family Park, 20 Wainwright           Location: Smith Playground
           Contact Info: 617-477-4840               39 Edgerly Rd.                           St., Dorchester                      235 Western Ave., Allston-Brighton
                                                    Contact Info: 617-635-4505               Contact Info: 678-760-7948
                                                                                                                                  Friday, August 27:
                                                                                                                                  Mattapan/Hyde Park
           Parks Fitness: Vinyasa                   ICA Free Thursday Nights                 Hyde Park Movie Night
 August                                    August                                   August                                        Location: Almont Park
           Yoga w/ Carla                            Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm                  Time: 7:45 pm
     23    Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm          26      Location: Institute of           30      Location: Iacona Playground,
                                                                                                                                  40 Almont St., Mattapan
           Location: Lopresti Park                  Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor              150 Readville St., Hyde Park
           (Green Space near Sumner                 Shore Dr., Seaport                       Contact Info: 617-635-4505        *Dates and times are subject to change
           & New Streets) 33 Sumner St.,            Contact Info: 617-478-3100                                                 Consult social media for weather
           East Boston                                                                                                         cancellations:
           Contact Info: 617-635-4505                                                                                          Facebook: @bostonparksdepartment
                                                                                                                               Twitter: @bostonparksdept
                                                                                                                               617-635-4505
                                                                                                                               boston.gov/parks

12     SENIORITY | Summer 2021                                                                                               SENIORITY | Summer 2021               13
Boston Seniority - Boston.gov
Stepping
              Into J♥Y
                                        As part of Mayor Kim
                                        Janey’s Joy Agenda, she
                                        and Boston’s Age Strong
                                        Commission invite the city’s
                                        older adults to join JOY
                                        WALKS, walking clubs in
                                        each Boston neighborhood
                                        this summer and fall.

                                        -Boston Seniority Team

         Inviting
     Boston’s older
     adults to step
      out together
       this summer

14   SENIORITY | Summer 2021   SENIORITY | Summer 2021           15
Boston Seniority - Boston.gov
JOY WALKS for Boston’s
 Older Adults                                                                  "If you want to walk fast,
 As part of her Joy Agenda, Mayor Kim Janey and the Age Strong
                                                                                walk alone. But if you
 Commission announce “Joy Walks,” public walking clubs for older                    want to walk far,
 Bostonians. A Joy Walks Challenge will take place September through
 October throughout all Boston neighborhoods and are free, and open                   walk together.”-African Proverb
 to all.

 “We’re inviting our older adults citywide, to join with friends, neighbors,
 and families outdoors, as we all reconnect post Covid,” Mayor Janey
 says. “We are making space in all Boston neighborhoods to hold hope
 and joy, and promote both better physical and mental health, after many
 months in isolation.”

 Joy Walks will take place in Boston neighborhoods, and “are a safe way
 for older adults to socialize outdoors in open-air spaces,” says Emily
 Shea, Age Strong Commissioner. “It will be wonderful to see so many of
 Boston’s older adults enjoying each other, the outdoor weather, and joy
 through movement.”

 Joy Walks will award prizes to participants in categories including most
 miles walked by a group, most miles walked by a duo, and most number
 of walks by a group. Joy Walks participants will enjoy complimentary
 pedometers, water bottles, and t-shirts.
                                                                                       Reach Out & Sign Up!
 Joy Walkers may also consider walking at designated Age Friendly
 walking paths--over 20 walking paths in Boston that are smooth                   Residents and existing walking clubs may sign up by
 surfaced, stair-free, with parking close by.                                      Wednesday, August 25 in person at Boston Centers
                                                                                    for Youth and Families locations, or by reaching
 To view a list of Age Friendly walking paths, visit                               Renee Frechette at the Age Strong Commission at
 boston.gov/agefriendlywalks                                                         617.635.4168 or renee.frechette@boston.gov.
 or call Age Strong at 617-635-4366.
16   SENIORITY | Summer 2021                                                                               SENIORITY | Summer 2021      17
Boston Seniority - Boston.gov
10 Benefits of Joining a
                                  Walking Club
                                             Socialize &
                                           re-connect with
                                          folks after Covid

             Walking can help                                            Meet other older
              alleviate stress,                                        adults & neighbors in
           depression & anxiety                                          your community

 Walking can                                                                    Walking can help
  help with                                                                   lower blood pressure
 weight loss                                                                     & cholesterol

      Walking can help                                                          Walking helps
     slow down mental                                                        build strong muscles
     decline from aging                                                            & bones

         Walking can help                                                  Walking can help
           aid digestion,                                               alleviate arthritis pain
        circulation & sleep               By joining the Joy             & lower blood sugar
                                          Walks challenge,
                                           you are eligible
                                            to win prizes!
18     SENIORITY | Summer 2021                                 SENIORITY | Summer 2021              19
In Boston, we Age Strong.
As part of the Health and Human Services cabinet, our mission
is to enhance your life with meaningful programs, resources, and
connections so together we can live and age strong together in Boston.

     We can help with:                                                                 Call us for more details at 617-635-4366.

               Access to Information and Benefits:                                              Volunteer Opportunities:
               Community Advocates connect seniors to a comprehensive array of                  We operate volunteer programs in impact driven work across the city:
               resources, benefits, and information. We can:                                    • RSVP matches seniors with valuable volunteer opportunities in Boston.
               • Assist with applications for public benefits like Supplemental                 • The Senior Companion Program matches seniors with homebound
               Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and fuel assistance.                         persons who need assistance.
               • Ease the process of applying for, and receiving, Medicare benefits.            • Senior Greeters volunteer their time to greet guests of City Hall.
               • Assist older adults access several tax relief exemptions                       • Senior Property Tax Work-Off Program: Qualified senior homeowners
               and programs like the Elderly Exemption 41C, Senior Circuit                      get the opportunity to work-off up to $1,500 on their property tax bill by
               Breaker Tax Credit and more.                                                     volunteering for a City agency.
               • Assist older adults with navigating systems including the aging
               network and city services.
                                                                                                Housing:
               Outreach and Engagement:                                                         The Age Strong Commission works to ensure that older adults are able
                                                                                                to find and maintain housing. We can:
               The Commission organizes many events and programs throughout                     • Assist with housing applications.
               the year. From large city-wide celebratory events to smaller                     • Connect older adults with other City and community agencies that
               neighborhood focused gatherings, we engage with older residents                  can provide resources for home repair and other challenging situations
               on many levels.                                                                  like hoarding.
                                                                                                • Provide mediation and court advocacy.

               Transportation:                                                                   Alzheimer's and Caregiver Support:
               We are committed to helping people continue to lead independent                   Know that you are not alone; we are here to support you. We:
               lives by connecting them to transportation resources. We offer:                   • Host Memory Cafés, which are places where individuals
               • Free wheelchair-accessible shuttles that provide door-to-door                   experiencing memory loss and their caretakers can meet in a safe,
               service for non-emergency doctor’s appointments. Call                             social environment.
               617-635-3000 for more information.                                                • Provide referrals and offer workshops, training, and support groups
               • Taxi Coupons at discounted rates.                                               for those who are supporting an older loved one.

20    SENIORITY | Summer 2021                                                                                              SENIORITY | Summer 2021                   21
Transportation                                                                       Outdoor Safety

How to Buy Taxi Coupons                                                                Mosquito Bite
Did you know that our Taxi Coupon                                                      Prevention
program is back? Discounted taxi                                                       Source: Boston Public Health Commission
coupons are available for Boston
residents age 65 and older and persons                                                 West Nile virus (WNV) is a rare, but
with disabilities. Coupons can be used                                                 serious disease, most often spread to
in taxis licensed by the City of Boston.                                               people by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Below are the eligibility requirements                                                 WNV is found in Boston mosquitoes             late as November). People over age 50 are
and how to buy taxi coupons.                                                           every year during the summer and fall         most at risk to experience serious illness if
                                                                                       months (June – November). Read this           they are infected with WNV.
     Step 1: Eligibility requirements                                                  Q&A to learn how to protect yourself
                                                                                       from mosquito-borne illnesses.                What should I do if a mosquito bites
                                                                                                                                     me? Both WNV and EEE are rare, and
We offer taxi coupons to Boston residents   Coupons are also sold at sites across
                                            Boston. To view the locations visit        What diseases are spread by                   it is unlikely that you will get sick from
65 and older or disabled. Please show                                                  mosquitoes? Mosquitos in Boston               a mosquito bite. However, you should
an ID showing your Boston residency.        boston.gov/taxicoupons or call Age
                                            Strong at 617-635-4366.                    can spread WNV and Eastern Equine             contact your doctor immediately if you
Each coupon book costs $5, please pay                                                  Encephalitis (EEE). People can get WNV        develop high fever, confusion, severe
with cash. Coupons don't expire. Each                                                  or EEE when an infected mosquito bites        headache, stiff neck, or if your eyes
                                            The Age Strong Shuttles are also another
resident may buy 2 coupons each month.                                                 them. Mosquitoes get these diseases by        become sensitive to light.
                                            resource for transportation. We provide
The coupons are valid for taxis licensed                                               biting infected birds, but people cannot
                                            Boston residents age 60 and older with                                                   How can I help prevent mosquito-borne
by the city of Boston. For a limited time                                              get WNV or EEE from birds. Most people
                                            free transportation within the City of     bitten by infected mosquitoes experience      illnesses? If you are outdoors from dusk
residents may buy 4 coupon booklets per
                                            Boston to non-emergency medical            no symptoms or mild symptoms, but             to dawn, or in an area with mosquitoes,
month.
                                            appointments and grocery trips,            some can develop serious disease.             consider these options to stop mosquito
                                            with advance notice. We also have                                                        bites:
     Step 2: How and where to purchase
                                            wheelchair-accessible shuttles. Call us    Do people in Boston get sick from
                                            at 617-635-3000 to set up a ride.          mosquitoes? WNV has been found in                 Use an EPA-approved repellent
Coupons are available at the Age Strong
                                                                                       Boston mosquitoes every year since 2000       anytime you're outdoors
Commission. Our office hours are
                                                                                       and has caused some people to get very
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.                                                                                                   Wear long pants, long sleeves and
                                                                                       sick. EEE is found occasionally in Boston
Our office is located at:                                                              mosquitoes. Cases of EEE in people are        socks to reduce exposed skin outdoors
1 City Hall Square, Room 271                                                           extremely rare in Boston, but can happen.
                                                                                                                                        Repair torn screens to keep mosquitoes
Boston, MA 02201
                                                                                       Am I at risk? Mosquitoes in Boston            outside.
                                                                                       are most active and most likely to carry
                                                                                       disease from July to September, but can        For more information visit bphc.org or
                                                                                       spread diseases until the first hard frost (as call 617-534-5395.
22     SENIORITY | Summer 2021                                                                                                     SENIORITY | Summer 2021                     23
Contest
Mayor's Garden Contest                                                                       The Buzz
Source: Boston Parks and Recreation Department
The annual Mayor’s Garden Contest
is a city-wide celebration of urban
                                             The 2021 Age Strong Garden Category
                                             finalists include:
                                                                                          Free Remote Worker Training
gardening, recognizing gardeners who have                                                 for Older Adults
landscaped, planted flowers, vegetables,
trees, and shrubs, helping beautify Boston's                                              Operation Able, through federal funds from the
neighborhoods.                                                                            Department of Labor, offers free training for older
                                                                                          adults who want to be remote workers -- working from
Part of Mayor Kim Janey's citywide                                                        home. Those 55+, who are unemployed Massachusetts residents, may apply for a
beautification initiative, the Garden Contest         Janice Dunlevy, Dorchester          20-week virtual skills training, taking place online through video conferencing.
recognizes winners with the “Golden
Trowel” award, who will also be entered                                                   Training features setting up a secure home office, skill instruction on Microsoft Office
to win a grand prize of two roundtrip                                                     software, choice of subject-matter training in customer service, accounting, or medical
tickets on JetBlue for non-stop travel from                                               office administration. Training also features instruction in online job searching, access
Boston. Additional support is provided by                                                 to technology, Wi-Fi, and technical support.
Mahoney’s Garden Centers and the Isabella              Arlene Simon, Dorchester
Stewart Gardner Museum. Further, winners                                                  There are 2 cycles: one in fall and one in the spring. The first cycle starts on
who have won three or more times will be                                                  September 13, 2021. Contact Mark Gyurina, Chief Program Officer at Operation Able:
inducted into the Garden Contest Hall of                                                  mgyurina@operationable.net or 617-308-1947.
Fame.

The contest is for Boston residents who
are amateur gardeners. But, businesses and            Maria Termini, Roslindale                                              Hyde Park & Adams Street
other groups can submit in the “Storefront,                                                                                  Library Branches Reopen!
Organization, or Main Street District
Garden” category. Applicants may enter
one category each year.                                                                                                      Two of our previously closed Branches have
                                                                                                                             reopened for in-person service! The Hyde Park
Gardens are judged on general appeal and                                                                                     Branch was closed for a $300,000 waterproofing
neatness, natural or formal layout, use of            Nancy Thimble, Hyde Park                                               and maintenance project, and the Adams
color plant material, variety and quality                                                                                    Street Branch was closed for an $18.3 million
of plants, and, sustainable features and                                                                                     reconstruction and redesign.
methods used to create the garden. The
awards ceremony will be in late August.                                                                                      For more information visit
For more information, visit boston.gov/                                                                                      bpl.org/news or call 617-536-5400.
mayorsgardencontest or call 617-635-7275.       Natalia Torbina, Fenway Victory Gardens
 24    SENIORITY | Summer 2021                                                                                                        SENIORITY | Summer 2021                   25
Seen Around Town

©Jeremiah Robinson                                                                 ©Isabel Leon                              ©Jeremiah Robinson

                                                                                      ©Jeremiah Robinson    ©Jeremiah Robinson                             ©Isabel Leon
 ©Jeremiah Robinson        ©Isabel Leon        ©Jeremiah Robinson

 ©Jeremiah Robinson                                                                    ©Jeremiah Robinson                             ©Jeremiah Robinson
                                          ©Jeremiah Robinson        ©Isabel Leon
  26      SENIORITY | Summer 2021                                                                                                SENIORITY | Summer 2021                  27
“Anything is possible
                                                when you have the
                                                right people there to
                                                support you.”
                                                			        -Misty Copeland
   28
©John WilcoxS E N I O R I T Y   | Summer 2021
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