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HomeMy Public PortalAboutApril 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 April 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. Holiday Closing Notes: The COA will be closed on Monday, April 15th in honor of Patriots’ Day. Enjoy the holiday! COA Board Updates We want to take this time to thank Cindy O’Leary for serving on the COA Board for 5 ½ years. Her energy and contributions to this committee were outstanding. We want to welcome Laura Usher as her replacement. Laura comes to us with a real estate background, so we welcome her ideas regarding housing issues in Brewster. “Sea Songs and Stories” presented by Davis Bates Monday, April 29 1:00pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street We will celebrate the diverse heritage of Cape Cod and the New England Coastal Region by presenting storyteller Davis Bates. Entitled “Sea Songs & Stories”, the program will involve the audience in a variety of cultural traditions. There will be plenty of sing-alongs, and even a short lesson in how to play music with spoons from a kitchen drawer! Refreshments will be served. Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 to reserve your seat. Brewster COA’s 45th Birthday Cake and Ice Cream Social! Brewster in Bloom Weekend Friday, May 3rd 2:30pm to 5:00pm at the Brewster COA 1673 Main Street Our Brewster COA will be celebrating its 45th year, so please join us for our BIG party! There will be birthday cake, ice cream sundaes, and we will be entertained by Centertonix, an a cappella ensemble from Cotuit Center for the Arts. We’ll also have a caricature artist on hand to do portraits! Choose from 2 flavors of ice cream (Vanilla or Moose Tracks), hot fudge or strawberry topping, plus many different “add-ons”, such as M&Ms, sprinkles, Oreo cookie bits, cherries and whipped toppings to make a delicious sundae! Cost per sundae is only $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children under 12 years of age. Park at the COA, or over at Brewster Baptist Church (in the back lot) where you can catch our shuttle to the festivities! Let’s celebrate this fun filled event for all ages! Sponsored by the Friends of Brewster Elders and Atlantic Payroll. Page 2 April 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 Recreation Room 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. Please bring a mat. 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 for- ward! 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. 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 vitali- ty 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 April 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 April dates: 18 and 25 Do you need help using your computer? We have one-one sessions available to help you feel more confident in your computer skills. Sessions are one hour and FREE! If you’d like to make an appointment, please contact the COA at 508-896-2737. Brewster Men’s Coffee Club Thursdays, 2:00pm - 4:00pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street The Brewster Men’s Coffee Club will be meeting on the following Thursday afternoons in April: 4, 11, 18, 25 While you’re waiting for Spring to arrive, why not join us for a hot cup of coffee and some lively conversation! 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 April 11, 18, 25 Please join us for this special presentation: “How to Buy or Sell on Craigslist” April 11 at 1:00pm Do you have stuff that is good, but you don’t know what to do with it? Are you interested in selling some things you feel are valuable in order to give you a little pocket money? Our instructor, Pete Scheffer, has agreed to teach us all how to do this! Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 to reserve your seat for this very informative program! Hearing Screenings 8:30am – 10:30am Thursday, April 18 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 almost over! 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 1040-EZ) Beautify Brewster Day Saturday, April 27 10:00am It’s that time of year again where we do a little spring cleaning around our beautiful town! If you are interested in volunteering a few hours of your time to help pick up trash, there will be 2 routes that we are responsible for: between the COA and the Brewster Ladies Library, and between the COA and the 4 corner lights at Routes 137 and 124. An ‘Appreciation Lunch’ will be held from 12:30-2:00pm at the Brewster Baptist Church. Please call Denise at 508-896-2737 if you have any questions or want to sign up. Thank you for your continued support. April 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. Mediterranean Pathway to Wellness A Fun & Informative Nutrition Presentation Friday, April 5 1:30pm – 2:45pm Learn about the delicious components and benefits of the Mediterranean diet. See why those following the diet have less heart disease and lower death rates than those following a typical American diet. Join registered dietitian Tricia Silverman as she shares easy ways to incorporate healthful Mediterranean foods into your own diet. Tricia will lead a fun olive oil tasting. Please RSVP to the Brewster Senior Center at 508-896-2737 to reserve your seat. Food to Encourage 2nd & 4th Thursdays 9:45am - 11:45am April 11 and April 25 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! Crafts with Megan Thursday, April 18 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, April 12 to let us know you are interested: 508-896-2737 The Silvering Screen Film Series “Robot & Frank” Tuesday, April 23 2:00pm Wingate Residence at Brewster Place 855 Harwich Road We are continuing to show a series of movies whose producers have used older actors to make a statement about the second half of life. Our second presentation will be “Robot & Frank”. The movie is about Frank, a retired cat burglar, who finds new zest for life by training the robot caretaker his son gave him to help commit heists. Although the program is being held at Wingate Residence at Brewster Place, please call the COA to reserve your seat at 508-896-2737 Coming next month: Beach and Transfer Station Stickers Friday, May 17th 10:00am to 1:00pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street Mark your calendar! Like last year Donna, from the Town Hall, will be selling beach and transfer station stickers for our seniors at our Senior Center. Just use the form you received in your tax bill, and the COA will have extra forms as well! Get your stickers before the rush! More info in next month’s ‘Bayside Chatter’. Page 4 April 2019 Brewster, MA Reminder: Annual Town Meeting Monday, May 7th 6:00pm Stony Brook Elementary School, 384 Underpass Rd. Rides can be provided! Simply call the COA by noon on Thursday May 2nd to reserve your ride: 508-896-2737 Mobile Dental Hygiene Service Wednesday, April 24 Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street 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, and 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. 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 National Volunteer Week: April 7 - 13 A BIG Thank You to all 109 of our volunteers for giving 6,366 hours of their time in 2018! Next month, we will be announcing our “Volunteer of the Year” and giving you more information about the Annual Volunteer Luncheon. Stay tuned! Page 5 April 2019 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 9:45am Keep Movin’ 2:30pm Gentle Flow Yoga/Eddy School 2 9:00am Yoga 9:00am Massage with Sandra 9:30am W.O.W. 1:00pm Bridge 3 8:00am Line Dancing I 8:45am Line Dancing II 9:00am Massage with Sandra 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm Quilters 1:00pm SHINE 2:30pm Funky Fitness/ Eddy School 4 9:00am Qi Gong 10:00am Meditation 2:00pm BMCC 5 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:00am Swimming at Brewster Green 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm A Matter of Balance - Info Session 1:30pm Seminar: Mediterranean Pathway 8 9:30am Pedicare 9:45am Keep Movin’ 2:30pm Gentle Flow Yoga/Eddy School 9 9:00am Yoga 9:30am W.O.W. 10:30am Pedicare 1:00pm Bridge 1:00pm SHINE 10 8:00am Line Dancing I 8:45am Line Dancing II 10:30am BINGO 11:00am Mobile Pantry (Frederick Ct.) 11:30am Sight Loss/BLL 1:00pm Quilters 1:00pm SHINE 2:30pm Funky Fitness/ Eddy School 11 9:00am Qi Gong 9:45am Food to Encourage 10:00am Meditation 1:00pm Computer Users Group: “How to buy and sell on Craigslist” 2:00pm BMCC 12 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:00am Swimming at Brewster Green 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm A Matter of Balance 15 PATRIOT’S DAY The COA is closed 16 9:00am Yoga 9:00am Massage with Sandra 9:30am W.O.W. 1:00pm Bridge 1:00pm SHINE 17 8:00am Line Dancing I 8:45am Line Dancing II 9:00am Massage with Sandra 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm Quilters 1:00pm SHINE 2:30pm Funky Fitness/ Eddy School 18 8:00am Pet Grooming 8:30am Hearing Screenings 9:00am Qi Gong 9:00am Computer Help 10:00am Meditation 10:30am Crafts with Megan 1:00pm Financial Planning 1:00pm Computer Users 2:00pm BMCC 19 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:00am Swimming at Brewster Green 10:30am BINGO 11:00am Rep. Tim Whelan 1:00pm A Matter of Balance 22 9:45am Keep Movin’! 2:30pm Gentle Flow Yoga/Eddy School 23 9:00am Yoga 9:30am W.O.W. 10:00am BP/GlucoseTesting/BLL 10:00am Legal Help 1:00pm Bridge 1:00pm SHINE 2:00pm Movie: “Robot and Frank” Wingate of Brewster 24 8:00am Line Dancing I 8:45am Line Dancing II 9:00am Mobile Dental Hygiene Service 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm Quilters 1:00pm SHINE 2:30pm Funky Fitness/ Eddy School 25 9:00am Qi Gong 9:00am Computer Help 9:45am Food to Encourage 10:00am Meditation 1:00pm Computer Users 2:00pm BMCC 26 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:00am Swimming at Brewster Green 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm A Matter of Balance 29 9:45am Keep Movin’! 1:00pm “Sea Songs and Stories” 2:30pm Gentle Flow Yoga/Eddy School 30 9:00am Yoga 9:30am W.O.W. 1:00pm Bridge 1:00pm SHINE 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. April 2019 Page 7 Mobile Pantry - “Healthy Food to Go” We are pleased to bring you this popular 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, April 10. 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 Need help with prescription drug costs? Prescription Advantage may be your answer! By now, some of you may have reached or are getting close to the gap or “donut hole” with your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). In 2019, you fall into the Medicare Part D gap when the negotiated retail cost of your medications reach $3,820. Once in the gap you are now responsible for 25% of the negotiated retail cost for brand name medications and 37% for generics. Prescription Advantage, which is a state-run program, can assist you in this gap and put a cap on your out-of-pocket cost for medications. Eligibility is based on income only and there is no asset limit! If you are a Massachusetts resident and eligible for Medicare, the income limits are:  Age 65 or over - $62,450 or less for a single person or $84,550 or less for a married couple.  Under age 65 and disabled - $23,481 or less for a single person or $31,791 or less for a married couple. There is no charge for joining Prescription Advantage if you have an annual income at or less than $37,470 for a single person or $50,730 for a married couple. However, there is a $200 per person annual enrollment fee for those with higher incomes. You may also join if you are 65 years or older and not eligible for Medicare. If you are not eligible for Medicare, Prescription Advantage will be your primary prescription drug plan and there is no income limit. There are other ways we can help with your drug costs. Please call the Brewster Senior Center at 508-896-2737 to make an appointment with a SHINE counselor for more information on these programs or assistance with any Medicare issue. Trained SHINE volunteers offer free, confidential counseling on all aspects of Medicare and related health insurance programs. Advertising Page 8 April 2019 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 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 - April dates: 18 and 25 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 - April dates: 11, 18, 25 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 April 24 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 GENTLE FLOW YOGA Mondays ~ 2:30 - 3:45pm Eddy School, 2298 Main Street. Hatha-based yoga suitable for all levels. 5 classes for $10.00 per class. Drop-ins are $12.00 per class. Call Brewster Rec. Dept: 508-896-9430 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. 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. PLEASE NOTE: April 23 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: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 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 parking lot. 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 Scheduled appointments on Tuesday/Wednesday afternoons, or call Brenda for an appointment on other days. 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 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 April 2019 A Message from Charles Altieri, RN Public Health Wellness Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod Home visits will occur on Mondays. Page 10 April 2019 Brewster, MA ‘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! Helping a Friend in Grief Family connections often play an important role in helping with grief. But friends have something special to contribute, as well. Help friends in grief by: ● Understanding grief is normal; grief is an unexpected response to death or tragedy, with feelings such as intense pain, sadness, disbelief, fear, anger and guilt. ● Allowing friends to mourn in their own ways. Features of grief, such as tears, preoccupation with the deceased or social withdrawal are unique, variable and fluctuating. There are no predictable stages of grief. The amount of time needed to cope with the loss can vary as well. ● Helping friends take care of their health; encourage your friends to take care of their health needs, such as inviting them on a walk, sharing a meal with them or inviting them along for an activity. Encourage them to keep up with doctor’s visits, or to have a medical checkup. ● Being there, listening and using touch; don’t underestimate the importance of attending a funeral or a memorial, or writing a personal note. Sharing a story of the deceased, or any act of being there for a friend. Listen attentively, hold a hand or offer a warm embrace. ● Being specific and practical with help; for example, say “I’ll bring dinner over tomorrow, if that’s ok.” ● Remembering the long-term; anniversaries and holidays are good times for a visit, phone call or a thoughtful note. (Mayo Clinic, May 2018) BE WELL! LIVE STRONG! LIVE LONG! Charlie Altieri, BSN, RN, Public Health Nurse Come Join Us for Lunch! Simply call Maria in our Brewster COA Nutrition Center at (508) 896-5070 by 11:00am the day before and she will make sure your delicious, hot meal will be ready for you when you come the following day. The monthly menu is always available at the COA. Just ask us for one! Join us at 10:30am on Wednesdays and Fridays to play BINGO before lunch. Or, join us for some lively piano music on Thursdays, provided by our wonderful volunteer pianist! Requested meal donation is $3.00. Transportation can be arranged. This program is sponsored by Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands. You might enjoy the new friendships that you can make at the Senior Center! April 2019 Page 11 Brewster, MA 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! Sightings from the Poop Deck When you see how fragile and delicate life can be, all else fades into the background. Jenna Morasca It’s that time of year when we normally point our Buick Envision in a southerly direction and take off for the month of March. This year has been slightly different in that we’re making more stops on our way than usual, to visit with friends and relatives with health problems. In Wayne, New Jersey we visit with Joan’s best friend Lorraine, one of her bridesmaids at our wedding and a Passaic High School 1954 classmate, who is having some problems getting around and generally not physically well, but in good spirits. Sadly, what haunts me as we drive away after two days sharing happy memories are her parting words, “I’m so happy we had these two days together to reminisce, since I don’t know if we’ll ever see each other again.” Our next visit is with my brother in Lakewood, New Jersey, who has been suffering with that dreaded disease that begins with the “C” word. He has been struggling for too long now and while I don’t get to see him too often because of the distance between us, I do talk to him frequently. The disease has reduced him by sixty pounds, but admirably, he’s hanging in, which I knew he would. His three kids look in on him almost daily and I’m grateful for them. While we are there it begins to snow and we have sixty miles to go on the Garden State Parkway to Egg Harbor Township to visit with Joan’s sister , so we say our goodbyes and promise to check in often to see how he is doing. Joan’s sister Marie has round-the-clock care, but thankfully is still living at home, by choice. We check into a nearby hotel and visit for the next two days. It may not be so, but Joan and I agree that her health appears to have improved as we say goodbye and point our fully loaded car toward Lumberton, North Carolina. We’re now on our way to Bluffton, South Carolina where our daughter Su- san and son-in-law Rich, recent “empty-nesters,” have now begun their move into their dream home from Alpharetta, Georgia which I shall miss and I considered to be a dream home. It’s a beautiful home here in Palmetto Bluff and we’re thrilled for the kids, but somehow we’re dealing with this guilt that we should be so blessed while our friends and siblings suffer so. Peter R. Scheffer - (“Life is {Oh So} Good”) - Pray Hard!! poop deck, n., a deck above a ship’s main afterdeck 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 April 2019 Brewster, MA Std. Mail US Postage PAID Permit #100 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 TOWN OF BREWSTER - COA 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.