New Horizons invites older adults to explore history, science, faith, and culture together.

Monday afternoons at New Horizons at Marlborough are reserved for discovery. Through a long-standing weekly lecture series, residents at the not-for-profit senior community and guests from throughout the area gather to explore history, science, current events, local culture, and countless other topics.

Designed to promote lifelong learning, New Horizons' free speaker series offers regular opportunities for seniors to stay intellectually engaged while connecting with neighbors who share their curiosity.

"Engagement plays an important role in health and happiness as we age," said Executive Director Betsy Connolly, MS gerontology. "At New Horizons, we're committed to nurturing the whole person -- intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Our Monday lectures encourage learning, spark conversation, and help build friendships both within our community and beyond."

According to Connolly, the series has been a resident favorite for years.

"We've received tremendous feedback from people who enjoy both the variety of topics and the consistency of the schedule," said Connolly. "Our residents lead active lives filled with family visits, volunteer work, healthcare appointments, outings, and community activities. Having a dedicated Monday afternoon lecture makes it easy for everyone to plan ahead."

Recent presentations have ranged from practical topics to fascinating historical explorations. In May, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan addressed a standing-room-only audience about elder scams and financial fraud prevention. Other recent speakers have discussed beekeeping and the vital role of pollinators, the future of space exploration, Revolutionary War artifacts, and the rich tradition of street music and classic Americana.

"I've lived here eight years, and the Monday lectures have allowed me to continue learning about things I never expected to," said resident Sue Abrahamson. "The presentations give us plenty to talk about, and I enjoy attending with long-term New Horizons friends. It's also a good way to meet new people, just by sitting beside them and talking before and after the program."

Upcoming programs include a "History of Magic" with award-winning magician, actor, and comedian Steve Charette on Sept. 14; a "History of Route 9" with Framingham city historian Kevin Swope on Oct. 12; "Salem and the Witch Trials" with author and journalist Alison O'Leary on Oct. 19; and a portrayal of "Clara Barton: Civil War Letters" with actor and activist Lynne McKenney Lydick on Nov. 16.

The Monday speaker series is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Local area residents are encouraged to contact nhm@cummings.com to reserve a place.



About New Horizons

Situated on 40 wooded acres at 400 Hemenway Street, New Horizons at Marlborough is a continuing care retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, respite stays, and an on-site geriatric-psych program. Not-for-profit New Horizons is owned and operated by Woburn-based Cummings Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in New England.

Residents enjoy an active lifestyle with regular exercise classes, art programs, musical performances, film screenings, book and bocce clubs, Jeopardy and varied card games and tournaments, educational programs, and excursions to museums, restaurants, theaters, and sporting events. The campus also features a spacious chapel, heated indoor lap swimming pool, full-service hair salon, and apothecary and general store. Regular on-site Catholic Mass, Protestant worship, and Jewish services are offered.

Thanks to a unique rate-lock policy, incoming new residents are guaranteed no increases to their rent and board fees for at least their first six years. Residences for a single person, including three gourmet meals daily, are available from $3,400 per month.

Prospective residents and their families are invited to call 508-460-5200 to schedule a campus tour, attend Mass, meet residents and staff, and sample a home-cooked meal. Additional information about New Horizons is available at CountryCommunities.com.