Summer is here at last and I love it. Early morning strolls on Quincy Shore Drive or a lap of the Fort at Castle Island. Evenings down at Wollaston Beach, haute cuisine, namely a large fish and chip thrown in with some intense people watching. No better way to while away the hours on balmy days here in Greater Boston.

If the heat gets too much or the hum of the air conditioner prompts you to want to get out of the house; our summer student Dominic has found through his extensive research several “alternative activities” that our readers might find enjoyable for the coming weeks ahead.

Senior Matinees at the Coolidge Corner Theatre

EVERY WEDNESDAY ($3.00 admission to any show before 4:00pm on Wednesdays).  The Coolidge Theatre is completely handicap accessible and all of their theatres are outfitted with assisted listening devices. Tel: (617) 734 2500.  Please note you must present valid MBTA T.A.P. id. for a discount.

Community Boating for All

21 David Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02114    Tel: (617) 523 1038

Boston has a great history as a seaport and boating is one of the most popular recreational activities. For the senior citizen who has never had a chance to go to sea, this is the opportunity you have been waiting for. Cost is $150.00 for the full season. ($50 off the regular membership). Members have use of all the sail boats from a single person to a 4 passenger vessel; unlimited instruction and classes. Guest privilege on the water instruction, windsurfing, kayaking etc.

Don’t forget your local community center also has activities scheduled all summer long at very reasonable rates, especially for older adults.

Two examples Dominic found include-

*Curley Community Center, 1663 Columbia Road, South Boston.* Senior Membership is $5.00, with three locations and a variety of things to do. Adult dance workshops, a sauna and beach as well as bingo and a senior lunch program. They also have a card room and a gardening club. Tel: (617) 635 5104

*Murphy Community Center, 1 Worrell Street, Dorchester.*

The Murphy has several classes open to senior citizens at a nominal cost. They include Sewing, Water Aerobics, Yoga and Ceramics. Call (617) for all the details. Tel: (617) 635 5150

Whilst out and about recently I picked up two catalogues from the Cambridge Center for Adult Education and the Boston Center for Adult Education. Both these institutions offer an array of classes, courses and discussions in August and September. Now is the time to sign up. Areas covered include Literature and Writing; History and Philosophy; Food and Wine; Homes and Gardens; Mind, Body and Soul; Sports and Exercise; Film, Photography and Video.

To get a Cambridge catalogue call 617 547 6789 - or Boston Catalogue call (617) 267 4430.

Next week we will have a more educational/cerebral opportunities on offer for the older adult in the area:

The New England Aquarium/University of Massachusetts, Boston/Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement to name but a few.

For your information the Cara Club (afternoon teatime in Brighton); Quincy Coffee Mornings and Monthly Mass and Luncheon at ICCNE, Canton is taking a break for the month of August. If you need to reach the senior program of the Irish Pastoral Centre with information/advocacy/ home visit requests please do phone our office we remain open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Tel: (617) 479 7404.