Seniors at the ABCD North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center (NE/WE NSC) enjoyed a gorgeous, fun and sun-filled day out at Rockport on May 30th.
Nearly four dozen seniors and students from the center’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program participated, accompanied by NE/WE NSC staff and volunteers. For many of the ESOL students, who also balance two or three part-time jobs plus attending class, it was their first trip to a different part of Massachusetts. One student asked, “Where are the apartment buildings? It is not so crowded like Boston.” One senior enthused, “I have been counting down the days to this adventure!”
The bus picked up at the Prado on Hanover Street in the North End as well as at the Amy Lowell Apartments in the West End so that folks from both neighborhoods could take advantage! It was a scenic drive to the ocean and attendees enjoyed oldies, Italian, and Spanish music, along with water and snacks. Upon arrival, the group dispersed to explore shops and the streets.
The flowers, in bursts of red, blue, pink, and yellow, were in full bloom. No matter where you were, you could smell the salt air. Everyone reconvened for lunch at the Blue Lobster Grill. The lunch choices were tasty and fresh, including a fish and chips plate, crab cake, grilled salmon, grilled chicken and cheese, or baked haddock.
The day passed too quickly of course, but all in all there was plenty of time to relax, shop, and enjoy one another’s company and conversation. Several seniors commented to Maria Stella Gulla, NE/WE NSC Director, that after the seemingly never-ending winter, this was the first real outing they had had in months. The NE/WE NSC is hard at work brainstorming future trips, which may include Cape Cod and farmers’ markets. Please give your suggestions to the friendly staff at ABCD NE/WE NSC!
The trip would not have been possible without the generous support of Senator Joseph Boncore, Representative Aaron Michlewitz, and City Councilor Lydia Edwards, who sponsored the bus service provided by Crystal Transportation. The NE/WE NSC thanks you for caring so much about the constituents you serve and enabling them to have a rejuvenating, educational, and interesting day.
Would you like to join the fun? Please call 617-523-8125 to find out about educational and recreational programming and human services that the center provides.
You guys should plan a trip to NYC
Unless a senior is a member of one of the clubs, we hear nothing about anything offered to us here in the North End !!!
Isn’t there a way for more seniors to get the notices for events that we may want to take advantage of ? It is really unfair that we always miss out on trips that we also could attend and enjoy.