Public Art: Its History--and Many Current Forms & Expressions 

Tuesday, February 7, 1:00-2:00 on Zoom 

Public art has been making the headlines a lot lately: revered monuments have been toppled and replaced with contemporary sculptures, political statements appear on traditional billboards, temporary, environmental-themed art “pops up” in urban plazas, and fine new works of traditional commemorative sculpture are commissioned. Whatever your take on these diverse expressions, one thing is clear: they’re playing an important role in our society. We’ll take a look at public art--monumental, political, environmental, whimsical, "art for art’s sake," and more. What makes them succeed or not? Where is the art form headed? Join for a casual, lively discussion about public art, its history, and its current role in our culture. Call the COA at 781-786-6280 to register. 

Falls Prevention Workshop

Wednesday, February 8, 1:00-2:00 on Zoom

Developed by injury prevention professionals at Brigham and Women’s, Tufts Medical Center, and Beth Israel, this workshop offers an overview of factors that can increase risk of falls, how to mitigate fall risk factors, and initiatives aimed at preventing falls. Call the COA at 781-786-6280 to register.

Live Virtual Walking Tour of Pelourinho, Salvador, Brazil: Black History in Bahia 

Join us for a walking tour of the Brazilian municipality of Salvador, known for its deep African roots. Our tour guide will walk us through the historic neighborhood of Pelourinho, its old town center, visit important buildings including Sao Francisco Church, known for its richly adorned interior of carvings and gilt woodwork, and the Escola do Olodum, the center for Samba Reggae of Maestro Neguinho do Samba, the music of Bahia. We will learn about the first black Brazilian civic organization, Sociedade Protetora dos Desvalidos founded in 1832, and its role in fighting for the survival of many people during the post-abolition period. Throughout the tour, we will meet residents, street-food vendors and hear traditional music. The tour will conclude in Pelourinho Square, rich in historical monuments and a place to celebrate Afro-Brazilian culture. Call the COA at 781-786-6280 to register. 

Local and Global Discussion Group: Roe V. Wade 

Thursday, February 9, 1:15-3:00 at the COA 

January 22 is the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, the case which legalized abortion throughout the USA in 1973 – until the decision was reversed last June by the Court. At our February meeting, we will review recent key decisions about reproductive rights and focus our analysis on the Court’s opinions and dissents. Discussion will be led by Weston resident Nick Danforth, an international family planning consultant and former director of the James Madison Institute (the foundation which took Roe from Texas to the Supreme Court). Nick will lead our open discussion by sharing excerpts from key Supreme Court cases on reproductive rights since the mid-1960s. These meetings are hosted in-person at the COA with an opportunity to join virtually on Zoom. Call the COA at 781-786-6280 to register. 

Valentine’s Day Luncheon 

Friday, February 10, 12:00-1:30, Great Room, Community Center

Be Our Valentine! Celebrate Valentine’s Day with lunch, festive sweet treats and live guitar music. Hosted by the Weston Community League. Call the COA at 781-786-6280 to RSVP.

Curious to learn more about the REAL ID?

Check out this presentation from Mass RMV's Michelle Ellicks.