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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
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
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
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: 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
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
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
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
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
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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