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HomeMy Public PortalAboutFebruary 2019 1673 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631 • (508) 896-2737 • Fax (508) 896-7587 Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday Denise Rego, Director Andrea Nevins, COA Board Co-Chair Alice Stelzer, FOBE President Sharon Tennstedt, COA Board Co-Chair February 2019 MISSION STATEMENT: To support and advocate for older adults and their families by providing programs, services and resources that promote independent living and quality of life. Brewster COA’s Inclement Weather Policy If the Nauset Public Schools are closed, all activities, programs and van transportation at the Senior Center are cancelled. If the Brewster Town Hall is closed, the Brewster COA will also be closed. Holiday Closing Notes The Brewster COA will be closed on Monday, February 18 for the Presidents Day observance. Enjoy the holiday! Welcome to Our New Nutrition Site Manager! We are pleased to announce that on Tuesday, January 22nd, Maria Emmet joined us as the new Elder Services Nutrition Site Manager. She was once the Nutrition Site Manager at the Wellfleet Senior Center, so she comes to us with experience! Maria is married with 3 adult children who live in Massachusetts. Feel free to introduce yourselves to her when you come in! Another Survey? We want to hear from you! Barnstable County’s Healthy Aging-Cape Cod project, in conjunction with the Brewster Council on Aging, is conducting a Cape-wide community survey to hear more about people’s plans as they age. Are you planning to stay on the Cape as you grow older? Are you a caregiver for your spouse or parent, or helping a relative or neighbor as they age? And, are you receiving help or services from others that is allowing you to stay in your home or community as you age? Please take 15 minutes to complete this important survey, either online using the link below, or through a paper survey which will be distributed at the Brewster COA. For further information, please contact us at 508-896-2737. Thank you for your feedback! Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Aging-CapeCod-Regional Are you turning 65 soon? Come and get the straight story about your Medicare options from certified SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) counselors. Thursday, February 7th, 6:00 pm at the Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street Call the COA today at 508-896-2737 to reserve a seat! Go Red Day is Friday, February 1 Although National Wear Red Day isn’t a public holiday, we encourage you to wear red to raise awareness of heart disease in women. Move more, eat smart and manage your blood pressure. Make a Commitment to Yourself! Page 2 February 2019 Brewster, MA Exercise your Options! The Brewster Council on Aging offers these Exercise and Wellness classes to help you have a healthy, active and enjoyable life! All classes are at the Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street, unless otherwise noted. Check us out! Keep Movin’ 9:45 - 10:45 am Mondays and Fridays This program is primarily strength- training for seniors. The classes are friendly, and a fun way to relieve arthritis symptoms while learning important strengthening exercises. Classes help to build strength, coordination and balance each week by using hand and leg weights, balls and bands. The cost is $50 for the 10-weeks (20 classes per session). To sign up, stop in any Monday or Friday and speak to the instructor, Linda Fraser. You may observe the class, but may not participate unless signed up by the instructor. Gentle Flow Yoga Class 2:30 - 3:45pm Mondays Eddy School 2298 Main Street In collaboration with the Brewster Recreation Dept., we are offering a Gentle Flow Yoga Class. Join this Hatha-based yoga class suitable for all levels; classes will be geared to attendees. Variety from week to week and season to season ensures a sustainable practice – one that nourishes all aspects of being: mental, emotional and spiritual, as well as physical. Come learn “tools you can use” in daily life to calm and energize the mind while strengthening and lengthening the body and renewing the spirit. Our instructor, Karen Corcoran, is certified in Hatha, Kundalini and Yin and has been teaching on Cape Cod for over 2 years. This is an ongoing class and the Recreation Department will sell a 5-class card at $10/class. Drop-in rate is $12.00 per class. Please bring a mat. Call the Recreation Department at 508-896-9430 to sign up! Yoga 9:00 - 10:30 am Tuesdays This class uses breathing techniques as a foundation for exploring gentle and safe stretching. It is appropriate for all fitness levels, and helps with relaxation and focus. $10.00 per class. No need to sign up in advance. Feel free to check out a class to see if it’s right for you! Our long-time instructor is Marilou Raposa. Line Dancing - Beginner (I) 8:oo - 8:45 am Wednesdays A fun, new way to get light exercise and meet new friends. This is NOT your usual Country-Western line dance class. We dance to all styles of music! No dancing experience required! Prerequisites: Good balance, good spatial orientation and ability to memorize 32-count patterns. $4.00 per class when paid monthly, $6.00 per class for drop-ins. Our instructor, Karen Shackleford, comes to us from ‘Cape Sands Ballroom’. Meet new friends and dance your cares away! Line Dancing - Beyond the Basics (II) 8:45 - 9:30am Wednesdays Carry your dance experience forward! This intermediate class is for those with knowledge of jazz squares, grapevines, Charlestons, diagonal travel, box steps, and mambo steps. Prerequisite: Good balance, good spatial orientation and ability to memorize 32-count patterns. $4.00 per class when paid monthly, $6.00 per class for drop-ins. Discount offered for those enrolled in both classes - $3.50 per class! Come learn fun, mini dance routines to your favorite pop, rock and Latin music! Karen Shackleford from ‘Cape Sands Ballroom’ will be your instructor. Balancing Act 9:30 - 10:15am Wednesdays Better Balance through Body Awareness and Fun! This class explores a number of ways to build more awareness of our bodies in order to establish good balance. There is a combination of seated and standing exercises, utilizing our chairs. Good posture while standing, as well as walking and moving, is emphasized. There are some exercises to help build a stronger body core and sense of being centered in our bodies. Easy movement games help you build confidence physically from the inside out. Come join us for building good balance and having fun with it at the same time! No need to call the COA to register. Cost is $2.00 per class and drop-ins are welcome! Our instructor is Carol Marcy. Why not give it a try! Qi Gong 9:00 - 9:45 am Thursdays Qi Gong is an integration of physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intentions. The gentle, rhythmic movements help to reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality and enhance the immune system. Qi Gong’s greatest appeal is that everyone can benefit! The instructor also incorporates some elements of Tai Chi into each session. $2.00 per class or $10.00 per 5-week session. Our instructor is Ray DiPietro. You’re welcome to come check it out! Meditation 10:00 - 11:00am Thursdays Is your world moving too fast? Do you sometimes wish you could stop, take a deep breath and stay still for a short period of time? This meditation class focuses on building internal awareness with an orientation toward the heart and breath. Our instructor, Carol Marcy, will also talk about the many benefits of meditation, and will use a guided meditation format. Cost is $2.00 per class and drop-ins are welcome! Come and relax! Page 3 February 2019 W.O.W. (Wonderful Older Women) Tuesdays: 9:30am - 11:00am Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street Are you sitting at home talking to yourself? Would you enjoy talking with others and feeling good about your day? Do you like to discuss books, movies, local events and issues? Then WOW would love to welcome you into our weekly discussion group. Join us whenever you can at the COA! You’ll find us to be a very friendly group with a positive attitude. If you have any questions, please call the COA at 508-896-2737. Brewster, MA Computer Help Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street Thursdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm February 7 and 14 Do you need help using your computer? We have one-on-one sessions available to help you feel more confident in your computer skills. Sessions are one hour and completely FREE! If you’d like to make an appointment, please contact the Brewster COA at 508-896-2737 Brewster Mens’ Coffee Club Thursdays, 2:00pm - 4:00pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street The Brewster Mens’ Coffee Club will be meeting on the following Thursday afternoons in February: 7, 14, 21, 28 Come join us for a hot cup of coffee and some lively conversation on these cold, winter days. We’re always looking for new members. We’re also looking for Guest Speakers, so if you’ve got a topic of interest that you’d like to present, just let us know! Computer Users Group Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street Thursdays: 1:00pm - 2:30pm February 7 and 14 Are you interested in computer technology? Then you are invited to join this friendly group to learn about all things tech! Each week’s topics are solicited from program attendees, and covered in subsequent meetings. The skill level is from beginner to intermediate. All questions are welcome and there’s no need to sign up. Just come and learn something new! Mobile Dental Hygiene Service Mobile Dental Hygiene Services offers friendly, convenient, and affordable preventative oral health care at the Brewster Council on Aging! The following services are FREE to eligible individuals with Medicaid/MassHealth: cleanings, screenings, oral cancer exams, fluoride treatments, denture care, education, referrals. No dental insurance? They offer reduced private-pay options such as: cleaning - $80, denture care - $25 and an exam for $30. The price of a cleaning includes an exam and denture care. They will also see children if there are any visiting grandchildren! This service will be held on the 4th Wednesday of every month. This month’s date will be Wednesday, February 27. Please contact Mobile Dental Hygiene Services if you have any questions or you would like to make an appointment. Their telephone number is 508-827-6725 or check them out at: smiles@mobiledentalhygiene.com Hearing Screenings 8:30am – 10:30am Thursday, February 21 Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street Advanced Audiology Associates offers FREE screenings here at the Brewster Council on Aging. These screenings are by appointment only and last around 15 minutes. They will include hearing screenings, ear inspections and hearing aid checks. Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 to set an appointment for this valuable service. Income Tax Preparation Brewster Town Hall, 2198 Main Street Income Tax season is here! Make it easy on yourself and call the Brewster COA soon at 508-896-2737 to schedule an appointment with a knowledgeable tax representative from AARP. Appointments are available on Wednesdays until April 10th, on a first-come, first-served basis. The representatives will make the job of filing your taxes much easier! ***Although the program is free, donations to the Brewster COA are appreciated! Please note: This service is for basic, uncomplicated tax filing ONLY! (Form 1040 or Form 1040-EZ) February Program Notes Check out the exciting and informative programs and events we’ve got planned for you this month! All programs take place at the Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street, unless otherwise noted. Valentine’s Day is Thursday, February 14th! The COA invites you to stop by and receive something special for this ‘sweet’ holiday! Food to Encourage 2nd & 4th Thursdays 9:45am - 11:45am February 14 and February 28 Lower Cape Outreach Council in partnership with the Barnstable County Public Health Nurses and the Brewster COA are looking to explore the impact of Nutrition & Healthy eating on Diabetes and Hypertension. This program is open to everyone. Health monitoring by a nurse, involving Blood Pressure and Glucose checks, is available. Each participant will receive a bag of fresh fruits/veggies every other week, along with free recipes! Just stop by at any point during the time period listed above! Funky Fitness Beginning on Wednesday, March 6 2:30pm (12 sessions) Eddy School Recreation Room 2298 Main Street This is an advanced 12-session workout program to address 4 major categories of fitness: endurance, strength, balance & flexibility. Music is the backdrop and inspiration for all exercises in each 60-minute class. Frank Callahan will be your instructor. The class will begin on Wednesday, March 6th and go through Wednesday, May 29th at the Eddy School Recreation Room. There will be no class on Wednesday, April 17th due to school vacation week. The fee will be $60 for the 12 sessions, making it $5.00 per class. You won’t believe how much fun you will have while exercising. Take a chance! To register, please call the Brewster COA at 508-896-2737. Crafts with Megan Thursday, February 21 10:30am - 12:30pm Free! You’ll be creating an easy, fun new craft each month. All supplies are included. Meet new friends and indulge your creative side while our instructor, Megan, offers guidance in all projects. Please contact the COA by Friday, February 15 to let us know you are interested: 508-896-2737 A Matter of Balance A Matter of Balance is an educational and exercise program developed at the Roybal Center at Boston University. If you are concerned about falling and want to improve your strength, flexibility and balance, this is the class for you. The goal is to acknowledge the risk of falling but emphasizes practical coping strategies to reduce your fear. Meetings are led by 1 or 2 trained coaches. An Informational Session will be held on Friday March 1st from 1:00 - 2:00pm at the Brewster COA. Class will run every Friday from 1:00 - 3:00pm beginning on March 8th and ending on April 26th. To register for this FREE program, please call Amy Chapman at the VNA at 508-957-7423. Coming Soon… Mardi Gras – On Tuesday, March 5th, be sure to stop in at the COA to pick up some beads and a treat! St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the COA Monday, March 11 1:00pm In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Bill Reidy will be here playing his Celtic music to entertain us! We will be serving green punch and yummy treats during the show. This fun performance will be held on Monday, March 11th at 1pm. This program is FREE!! Please call us at 508-896-2737 to reserve your seat. Page 4 February 2019 Brewster, MA Cancer Support Group In the past we have asked if there are any programs that you would be interested in, and we have started to talk about a “Cancer Support Group”. Let our director, Denise, know if you would be interested in meeting on a monthly basis with others who have similar issues regarding their cancer, discuss better nutritional and physical exercise habits, and/or just talk about your experiences. Please call her at 508-896-2737 to let her know your interest. MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:00am Swimming at Brewster Green 10:30am BINGO GO RED DAY! 4 9:45am Keep Movin’! 2:30pm Gentle Flow Yoga/Eddy School 5 9:00am Yoga 9:30am W.O.W. 1:00pm Bridge 1:00pm SHINE 6 8:00am Line Dancing I 8:45am Line Dancing II 9:30am Balancing Act 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm Quilters 1:00pm SHINE 7 9:00am Qi Gong 9:00am Computer Help 10:00am Meditation 1:00pm Computer Users 2:00pm BMCC 8 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:00am Swimming at Brewster Green 10:30am BINGO 11 9:45am Keep Movin’! 9:00am Pedicare 2:30pm Gentle Flow Yoga/Eddy School 12 9:00am Yoga 9:00am Pedicare 9:30am W.O.W. 1:00pm Bridge 1:00pm SHINE 13 8:00am Line Dancing I 8:15am Keep Movin’! 8:45am Line Dancing II 9:30am Balancing Act 10:30am BINGO 11:00am Mobile Pantry (Frederick Ct.) 11:30am Sight Loss/BLL 1:00pm Quilters 1:00pm SHINE 14 9:00am Qi Gong 9:00am Computer Help 9:45am Food to Encourage 10:00am Meditation 1:00pm Computer Users 2:00pm BMCC 15 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:00am Swimming at Brewster Green 10:30am BINGO 11:00am Rep. Tim Whelan 18 (The COA is Closed) 19 9:00am Yoga 9:30am W.O.W. 11:00am Massage with Sandra 1:00pm Bridge 1:00pm SHINE 20 8:00am Line Dancing I 8:15am Keep Movin’! 8:45am Line Dancing II 9:30am Balancing Act 10:30am BINGO 10:30am Massage with Sandra 1:00pm SHINE 1:00pm Quilters 21 8:00am Pet Grooming 8:30am Hearing Screenings 9:00am Qi Gong 10:00am Meditation 10:30am Crafts with Megan 1:00pm Financial Planning 2:00pm BMCC 22 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:00am Swimming at Brewster Green 10:30am BINGO 25 9:45am Keep Movin’! 2:30pm Gentle Flow Yoga/Eddy School 26 9:00am Yoga 9:30am W.O.W. 10:00am BP/GlucoseTesting/BLL 10:00am Legal Help 1:00pm Bridge 1:00pm SHINE 27 8:00am Line Dancing I 8:15am Keep Movin’! 8:45am Line Dancing II 9:00am Mobile Dental Hygiene Service 9:30am Balancing Act 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm SHINE 1:00pm Quilters 28 9:00am Qi Gong 9:45am Food to Encourage 10:00am Meditation 2:00pm BMCC Page 6 Senior Happenings Disclaimer The Brewster Senior Center offers many legal, financial, recreational, medical screening or other services and/or activities by volunteer or nominal -cost practitioners. Seniors participating in these services do so with the understanding that the Brewster Council on Aging, The Brewster Senior Center, the Town of Brewster, Friends of Brewster Elders (aka F.O.B.E.) or its employees or agents DO NOT ASSUME ANY LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ADVICE OR SERVICES RENDERED BY SUCH VOLUNTEER OR NOMINAL COST PRACTITIONER. Any act, advice, or service by outside providers at the Council on Aging SHOULD NOT BE PRESUMED TO BE ENDORSED OR SPONSORED BY THE BCOA. February 2019 Page 7 Mobile Pantry - “Healthy Food to Go” We are pleased to bring you this program in cooperation with The Family Pantry of Cape Cod. Participants select their food in advance using the provided shopping list, which includes standard non-perishable foods, along with special non-perishable foods, fresh produce, bread products, dairy and meats. Your shopping order is pre-bagged at the Family Pantry and kept in a refrigerated truck until you pick it up. This takes place on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Frederick Court, across from the Brewster COA. Our next date is Wednesday, February 13. Participants must register and be income-qualified. For more information, please call Debra or Brenda at our Outreach Office at (508) 896-2737. Brewster, MA Fuel Assistance Need some help with your winter heating bills? You may be eligible for fuel assistance. Please contact the Outreach Department at the Brewster COA at 508-896-2737. Fuel Assistance recipients automatically receive a substantially discounted electric rate, so call now for more information. SHINE News Are you turning 65? Don’t Make Costly Mistakes! They can result in higher healthcare costs and lifelong penalties. If you are already collecting Social Security, you will automatically receive your Medicare card 2-3 months before your 65th birthday. If you are not collecting Social Security, it’s up to you to get signed up for Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) insurance. If you are currently covered by your or your spouse’s active employment however, you may be able to delay your Medicare enrollment. Confused? Make an appointment with a SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) counselor to discuss your particular situation. Counselors are trained and certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and are re-certified annually. There is no cost for SHINE counseling. Appointments can be made by contacting the Brewster COA at: 508-896-2737 As an alternative, we invite you to attend the “New to Medicare” seminar being held at the Brewster COA on Thursday, February 7 at 6:00pm. Give us a call at 508-896-2737 to reserve your spot now! BAYSIDE WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES: ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP & ACTIVITY GROUP for PEOPLE WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: 1st & 3rd Tues. of each month ~ 1:00 - 2:30pm at Maplewood of Brewster, 820 Harwich Road (Route 124). The Caregivers support group and the Dementia support group run simultaneously. Drop-ins welcome. Dr. Molly Perdue, facilitator. Call (508) 896-5170 BALANCING ACT: Wednesdays ~ 9:30am - 10:15am Creating better balance through body-awareness, while having fun! Gentle exercises help build stability. $2.00 per class. Drop-ins welcome. BANKING ASSISTANCE: For help balancing seniors’ checkbooks. By appointment only. Please call the COA at (508) 896-2737 to reserve. BINGO: Wednesday and Friday ~ 10:30 - 11:30am. BLOOD PRESSURE & GLUCOSE TESTING/HEALTH COUNSELING: 4th Tuesday of the month at the Brewster Ladies Library, lower level. 10:00am – 2:00pm - On a drop-in basis. Provided by VNA of Cape Cod. BREWSTER MEN’S COFFEE CLUB (BMCC): Thursdays ~ 2:00pm. BRIDGE (men’s and women’s groups): Tuesdays ~ 1:00pm. COMPUTER HELP: Thursdays ~ 9:00am – 12:00pm By appointment only. 1-hour sessions are hands-on, one-on-one, and participants choose their own pace and area of interest. Call (508) 896-2737 PLEASE NOTE: February dates: 7, 14 COMPUTER USERS GROUP: Thursdays ~ 1:00pm - 2:30pm The first part of the meeting is usually for questions and answers, followed by instructions on topics solicited from program participants. Skill level Is from beginner to intermediate. Just drop in! PLEASE NOTE: February dates: 7, 14 DENTAL HYGIENE SERVICE: 4th Wednesday ~ 9:00am Mobile Dental Hygiene Service offers friendly, convenient and affordable preventative oral health care at the COA! To make an appointment, please call Mobile Dental Hygiene Svc. at (508) 827-6725 or visit their website at smiles@mobiledentalhygiene.com PLEASE NOTE: This month’s date is February 27 FINANCIAL PLANNING: 3rd Thursday ~ 1:00pm. By appointment only. A knowledgeable volunteer answers questions and provides information concerning Long Term Care and Financial Planning. Call (508) 896-2737 HEARING SCREENINGS: 3rd Thursday ~ 8:30am By appointment only. FREE. Includes ear inspections and hearing-aid checks if needed. Appointments are 15 minutes each. Call (508) 896-2737. KEEP MOVIN’!: Mondays and Fridays ~ 9:45 - 10:45 am. 10-week session/20 classes, for the cost of $50.00. Strength training for seniors. Classes help to relieve arthritis symptoms using adjustable weights and stretch bands. PLEASE NOTE: If you are interested, please stop by the class and speak with the instructor. Also, February 13, 20 and 27 are make-up days. Class will be held from 8:15am - 9:15am LEGAL HELP: 10:00am on the 4th Tuesday of even months with Atty. Katie Wibby. Atty. Adam Dupuy still offers legal advice, but does not have scheduled dates at the COA. 1/2-hour appointments. By appointment only: (508) 896-2737 The attorney will answer your legal questions. Free for initial appointment. This month’s date is February 26. LINE DANCING (I): Wednesdays ~ 8:00am - 8:45am No dance experience required. $4.00/class when paid monthly, or $6.00/class for drop ins. Cash or checks payable to “Cape Sands Ballroom”. No need to call first; just come and join us! LINE DANCING (II): Wednesdays ~ 8:45am - 9:30am Some dance experience required (see class description on page 2). Fees same as LINE DANCING I. MASSAGE with Sandra: 3rd Tuesday, beginning at 11:00am, and 3rd Wednesday, beginning at 10:30am. Massages last 30 minutes and are offered for $15.00. By appointment only. Call (508) 896-2737 CHATTER WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES: MEALS ON WHEELS: Provided to each homebound elder who is unable to prepare nutritionally balanced meals. Call Brewster Nutrition at 508-896-5070. MEDITATION: Thursdays ~ 10:00am - 11:00am Class focused on building internal awareness with an orientation toward the heart and breath. Guided meditation format used. $2.00 per session. Drop-ins welcome! Come and relax! OLD FASHIONED QUILTING BEE: Wednesdays ~ 1:00pm. Fellow quilters bring in their quilting projects and enjoy the camaraderie of other quilters. Come join in with the ‘Brewster Basters’! OUTREACH ASSISTANCE: The Outreach Workers will answer any questions you have about resources and programs you may be entitled to, assist with assessing needs, file-of-life, fuel assistance applications, etc. Please call 508-896-2737 to make an appointment. PEDICARE: 2nd Monday of the month ~ 9:00am - 2:30pm (Diabetics must see a MD/Podiatrist). ½ hr. appointments - $29.00 Home Visit - $50.00 Please call (508) 896-2737 for appointment. PET GROOMING: Buttons & Bows ~ 3rd Thursday of the month ~ 8:00am - 8:30am Nail clipping for animals will take place in a mobile van at the back of the COA. First-come, first-served. The charge is $3.00 (normally $10.00). Stop by! PICKLEBALL: Please call the Brewster Rec. Dept. at 508-896-9430 POKER: On-hold until late Spring 2019 QI GONG: Thursdays ~ 9:00am - 9:45am. $10.00 for 5 sessions. Chinese method for enhancing the immune system; utilizing posture and breathing exercises, along with focused intentions. Gentle and calming. REP. TIM WHELAN: 3rd Friday of the month ~ 11:00am - 12:00 pm Offered on a drop-in, first-come-first served basis. SENIOR DINING: Hot lunches are provided Monday through Friday at the COA Suggested donation is $3.00 per meal. 24-hour notice required. Please call 508-896-5070 no later than 11:00am the day before. Come at 10:30am on Wednesdays and Fridays to play BINGO before lunch! Live piano music on Thursdays at 11:30am. SENIOR STRIDERS: Monday - Friday (during school session) 6:30am - 7:15am and 3:00pm - 5:00pm. Visit the Brewster Rec. Office at Eddy Elementary School to register! Program is held at Stony Brook Elem. SHINE: Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone Tuesdays & Wednesdays - 1:00pm - 4:00pm Highly-trained volunteer counselors help seniors and Medicare beneficiaries understand their rights and benefits. Please contact the COA for an appointment at: 508-896-2737. Appointments are FREE! SIGHT LOSS GROUP: September - June on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Brewster Ladies Library ~ 11:30am -1:00pm Please call Sight Loss at (508) 394-3904 for more information. SWIMMING: Brewster Green Pool ~ Fridays: 10:00am - 12:00pm. This is ONLY available for Brewster’s senior (60+) residents. You ALSO need to have your Brewster COA Swipe Card for admittance. A donation of $1.00 per swim is recommended and this is done by an Honor system. Stop by the COA on a monthly or quarterly basis to support this activity! TENNIS: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays ~ 9:00am – 11:00am (Open play during winter months). Tennis courts are at 384 Underpass Road. Please call the Brewster Recreation Department at (508) 896-9430 for more information. W.O.W.: (Wonderful Older Women): Tuesdays ~ 9:30am - 11:00am This friendly group of women review current events, talk about movies & books, give each other support & enjoy conversation. Stop by! YOGA: Tuesday mornings from 9:00am - 10:30am. $10 per class. Class uses breathing techniques as a foundation for exploring gentle & safe stretching. Drop-ins welcome! Page 9 February 2019 A Message from Charles Altieri, RN Public Health Wellness Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod Home visits will occur on Mondays. Page 10 February 2019 Brewster, MA Senior Striders The Senior Striders Walking Program continues throughout the school year! Seniors are able to walk laps at the Stony Brook Elementary School, both before and after school. Due to new security measures, all participants will need to be CORI-checked and have a name badge that they will wear while walking. This program is FREE, but you must register with the Brewster Recreation Department. Walking hours are 6:30am - 7:15am and 3:00pm - 5:00pm (during school session). Walk in comfort at Stony Brook! To register for this great program, please visit the Brewster Recreation Department office in-person, located at the Eddy Elementary School, 2298 Main Street. Keeping Fingers and Toes Warm Winter’s chill can be especially hard on the fingers and toes if you have arthritis or a condition such as Raynaud’s disease that affects blood circulation. To maintain warmth and comfort: ● Encourage circulation. Wiggle or massage your fingers and toes. Move your arms in a windmill circle or shake your arms and legs. ● Choose mittens; mittens offer more warmth than do gloves. Look for a pair that’s insulated with wool or fleece. ● Double up; wear two pairs of socks. For the layer closest to your skin, look for a moisture wicking fabric. On top, choose wool or a wool-blend sock. ● Carry hand and foot warmers; small charcoal or chemical packs that generate a low level of heat can be placed in your mittens, socks or boots. Battery-powered options are also available. You can find warmers of all types in may sporting stores. ● Warm with water; soak your hands and feet in warm not hot water or place hands under running warm water. ● Try specialty gloves; therapeutic gloves specially designed for people with Raynaud’s disease may help. ● Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity helps increase blood flow to the body’s tissues. ● Don’t smoke. Smoking narrows the blood vessels, which restrict circulation. If the cold is bothersome despite your efforts, talk to your doctor. Let your doctor know if your fingers or toes feel numb or painful, or turn white or blue. Mayo Clinic, December 2018 BE WELL! LIVE STRONG! LIVE LONG! Charlie Altieri, RN, Public Health Nurse Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod February 2019 Page 11 ‘Brewster Bayside Chatter’ Online: The ‘Brewster Bayside Chatter’ is available online each month and can be found on our website at: www.brewster-ma.gov. Search under ‘Departments’ and select ‘Council on Aging’. Scroll down to where it reads: ‘our newsletters are available online’ and click on the link! Happy Reading! Brewster, MA Sightings from the Poop Deck “All you need is love….but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” Charles M. Schulz When you have reached the age of maturity - translation: older, much older - you often hear those around you thinking out loud, “I think I’m losing it!” This morning I was about to leave the house a little early and head off to the Wellness Center, but I could not find my truck keys. No problem, I have a spare set, but I made the mistake of telling Joanie Carfora that I misplaced my keys and whenever something gets lost around our house she is off and running into every room of the house imploring St. Anthony to please help these lost items magically reappear. No big deal, I left the house with my spare set thinking that when I returned home I would then attempt to find them. I parked my truck, reached into my pocket for a tissue and lo and behold, wouldn’t you know it? St. Anthony had come through again! My damn keys were in my pocket, put there by me, and I just did not remember putting them there. So you might conclude, “This guy is not losing it, he’s already lost it!” I did not have my phone with me, or I would have called home with the good news, knowing that trash cans were frantically being turned over in search of those vanishing keys. Now don’t be too hard on me. After all, how many times have you gone into a room to get something and after you got there you asked yourself, “What did I come in here for?” Of course, that’s not the exact words you chose, but if I were to write what you really said, I would no longer be asked to write the next Poop Deck. I will give you an example. The other day I walked into the spare bedroom, you know, the one I use to just toss stuff into and quickly shut the door, and Joanie Carfora was standing there staring into space. I began to worry and my fingers were poised and ready to dial 911, but before I did I asked her, “What’s up?” She finally moved and said, “I forgot what I came in here for.” I was relieved, but I’ll let you in on a little secret. Even if she had remembered what she was looking for she would have never found it in that room - even with St. Anthony’s help! Peter R. Scheffer (“Life is Good!”) poop deck, n., a deck above a ship’s main afterdeck Looking for Medical Equipment? If you are currently looking for Medical Equipment, either for yourself or for someone you know, please contact the COA to find out if we have anything that you could use. We often receive donations of crutches, walkers, canes, shower/tub benches, commodes and wheelchairs that we lend out, free of charge, for indefinite periods of time. Simply give us a call at (508) 896-2737. We may just have what you’re looking for! BHT - BOSTON HOSPITAL TRANSPORTATION Enjoy comfortable and safe transportation from Cape Cod DIRECT to Boston hospitals on a wheelchair -accessible van. MONDAY thru FRIDAY SCHEDULE 7:30a.m. Orleans (Shaw’s) 7:45a.m. Harwich (Route 124 Commuter Lot) 8:00a.m. Barnstable (Route 132 Commuter Lot) 8:15a.m. Sagamore (Rotary Commuter Lot) RESERVATIONS are a MUST!!! (Reserve no later than 11a.m. the day before) $30.00 Round Trip/$15.00 One-way Cash or Checks (Payable to CCRTA) accepted For reservations call 1-800-352-7155 Monday – Friday: 8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. Schedule your medical appointments between 10am & 2pm. The van will leave Boston by 3pm. Please visit the website for more information: www.capecodrta.org TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION COA VAN – Scheduled trips include: Monday – Friday to nutrition site and home after lunch: FREE!! Grocery Shopping in Orleans: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am - 1pm. Post office, banking & pharmacy trips: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays The suggested donation is $2.00 for these errands. Please contact the COA at (508) 896-2737 to schedule your ride. MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS – Volunteer drivers are available for transport to medical appointments in their personal cars. Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 as soon as you make an appointment or at least four business days (Monday thru Friday) in advance so that we can find a volunteer to provide your ride. Please notify the COA if you can’t keep your appointment so we can notify our drivers. Donations are accepted for this service. WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE MEDICAL VAN – Transportation to medical appointments is provided on a volunteer basis, Monday through Friday. A one-week advanced reservation is required. Donations are accepted for this service. Call the COA for more information at (508) 896-2737. Page 12 February 2019 Brewster, MA Non-Profit Org US Postage PAID Permit #25 Orleans, MA 02653 DART - DIAL-A-RIDE TRANSPORTATION Service: CCRTA provides a daily general public demand response service that is wheelchair-accessible, door-to-door, and ride-by-appointment. This service is available to all Cape Cod residents and is available Monday through Saturday in all towns, with limited Sunday service. The DART does not run on holidays. For available times in Brewster please call Customer Service toll-free at (800) 352-7155, Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm. OR CURRENT RESIDENT FRIENDS OF BREWSTER ELDERS 1673 MAIN STREET BREWSTER, MA 02631 This agency and its programs are funded (in whole or in part) by the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Federal Administration for Community Living by a contract from Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands.