Marlene Lesley moved from Baltimore to Northampton in August 2024 to live near her son and his family. Not one to put things off, she walked into the city’s Senior Center a few days later.

“I don’t think I even waited a week,” she said.    

She signed up as a member, picked up schedules for activities and classes, and asked about art-related offerings. The center quickly became an anchor as she started, at 78, her next life chapter.

On many Mondays, Lesley can be found in the Center’s art studio, where she’s a familiar presence at the Art & Craft Buffet, a gathering of creative types. Some arrive with a work in progress, while others use the studio’s art supplies to start something new.

Lesley brings her supply of tiny, sparkling beads that she uses to make colorful bracelets, necklaces and earrings, nearly all of which she gives away. At this stage of life, she said with a smile,“I don’t need more jewelry.” She finds beadwork absorbing, “Zen-like, calming and relaxing.”      

The mood in the room is comfortable, laid back. “I’m inspired by the creativity of others,” Lesley says, and she enjoys the company. She also attends group lunches and other activities. Sometimes she goes there just because she feels like it. “I settle myself in a corner,” she said, but welcomes interruptions as she does her beadwork. She’s never there long before someone comes over to say hi. 

Born and raised in Egypt, Lesley has lived in France, Israel and Canada.  Stateside, she lived in California, Ohio, and Colorado, mostly because of her former husband’s career moves, before settling in Baltimore.

“I’m very independent,” she says. “And I’ve always tried to be a pretty friendly person. In every place I lived, I always asked myself, where will I find people I might get along with? I was very intentional about it.” 

For many years, she worked in nursing homes as an activities director, a career that drew on her natural ease with people.    

Having visited her son’s family many times, she relocated as a fully formed Northampton booster. “I love this little city,” she said. “There’s a lot going on. It’s very accepting of diversity and I appreciate that.” 

Thanks to WhatsApp, she keeps in daily touch with her best friend of many years in Baltimore. Her connection to the past endures, but she lives in the present. 

“This became my community,” she said.  

Local resources for seniors

Northampton is home to 5,855 people who are 65 and over, according to U.S. Census figures. Two local organizations — the Northampton Senior Center and Northampton Neighbors — offer activities and services for older adults. While each has its own mission, the Senior Center and Northampton Neighbors work collaboratively and are co-sponsors of several joint activities. 

The Northampton Senior Center, at 67 Conz St., offers activities including fitness classes; tech help; support groups; weekly movies; artist and author events; lunches; and social gatherings. The Conz Street Chronicle, a monthly publication, provides complete listings.  

The center, with a full-time social worker on staff, is also a resource for information about Medicare, health insurance options, and senior housing.   

For information, email seniorservices@northamptonma.gov; or call 587-1228.  

Northampton Neighbors, at 243 King St., was founded to help adults 55 and over create and maintain connection, independence, dignity and joy as they age. It has more than 2,100 members; there is no cost to join. NN offers direct services to members along with programs and activities that bring people together.    

Some members are volunteers who help fellow members with services, such as rides to the doctor; a home visit; or tech assistance. Members have formed groups for walkers, hikers, bicycle riders; foodies, gardeners, language learners, and readers, among others.  

 For information go to northamptonneighbors.org; or call (413) 341-0160.