09-05-2025
Readers appreciation lesson in community learning in Jamaica Plain
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Learning is very important as one ages — it is known to help keep dementia at bay, and it is particularly beneficial if done with others. Many universities offer programs at very low cost for retirees/seniors. The one I belong to now is a great resource. We have classes, hold outings and parties, and do a dining trail through the Lowell area to explore the history, food, and culture of the different ethnic groups there. The program, LIRA — Learning in Retirement Association— is associated with UMass Lowell. Our classes are held there and pretty much all are hybrid, so you can attend via Zoom. Our members range in age from 50s to one who is over 100 and often attends in person!
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Margy Roeck
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Dracut
This is great. Doesn't have to be a high-rise either; any community, apartment complex, neighborhood, etc., can do the same. . . . I would recommend having a book club with neighbors. Something to bring neighbors together and learn more about them.
GardenFan64
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JP@Home is a community organization that fosters the same connections as Towering Minds. It promotes enrichment and community among seniors with the aim of helping them stay in their homes in a rich and healthy way. JP, Roslindale, Hyde Park, Brookline, West Rox residents are welcome. There is a membership fee, but it's manageable.
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wumberlog
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I'm sitting here in the original Pelican Cove in Sarasota, Florida, where our ($40/year) resident-taught education programs continue. ... Past very popular courses included US Security, the American Political System, discussions of American Short Stories, and Music for All. This year there was a lecture on one man's opinion of the Best Rock Band (ever — and why), Watercolor Painting, and Flora and Fauna of Pelican Cove, Sarasota, to name a few. In the evening we have nationally known musicians nearly every week for 13 weeks. Many (but not all) residents are retired. The 'University' courses and beautiful shady campus convinced us to buy here!
jmmurph47
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While it was enjoyable to read Salvatore Tagliareni's piece about the connections of residents living in the 30-story Jamaicaway Tower, it doesn't diminish the angst I feel whenever I view this architectural monstrosity rising high above the Emerald Necklace and Jamaica Pond. As old-timers such as myself recall, it was constructed well above the height restrictions of the area, due to the permissiveness of so many political connections that sanctioned an end-around of height limitations for this tree-lined area.
Joe Galeota
West Roxbury
Another lifelong learning opportunity is at the University of Massachusetts Boston — the OLLI institute. OLLI stands for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and is the 'best deal in town.' Check it out!
Hilarity Ensued
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Going Underground
I loved the Your Home: Renovations issue (March 30). I have one question regarding
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Judy Rehfeld
Epping, New Hampshire
Beautiful renovation but yikes when it comes to those granite stairs to the basement. Hope that glass is reinforced and well-sealed against water intrusion. And if they'd built in any drainage down there, it would have helped a lot to mention it in the article.
filmlady
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How much does it cost to dig that deep and create the renovated basement? It must have been pretty disruptive to the neighbors. It's certainly an interesting idea.
nantucketgirl37
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My husband who is an architect did same for us in Brookline — it's found space!
brilliant22
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I know from experience that excavating a basement is costly. Fifteen years ago, my wife and I decided we would stay for the long haul in a modest bungalow in Central Mass., which led to a major renovation. I had the back half of my house up on 28 jacks. We excavated roughly 150 cubic yards of hardpan clay, and lowered our basement by 36 inches. I have 7-foot ceilings there with four I-beams holding up the house. . . . It was a ton of money and a ton of work. Often there is too much focus on the 'eye candy' aspect of renovations. Many readers want to know the costs, timelines, setbacks, and all of the important stuff behind the scenes that no one ever sees.
jjshello
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