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HomeMy Public PortalAboutMarch 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 March 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. A Matter of Balance Informational Session: Friday, March 1 Classes held on Fridays: March 8 - April 26 Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street 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. A Timely Reminder: Daylight Saving time begins on Sunday, March 10. Remember to set all clocks forward one hour, and remember to check the batteries in your smoke-detector(s) too! Spring officially begins on Wednesday, March 20! St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the COA Monday, March 11 1:00pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street Come get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with us as we welcome musician Bill Reidy. Bill offers an entertaining one-man show that includes traditional and contemporary Irish folk tunes, rebel songs, ballads, pub songs, and Celtic songs, all sung while accompanying himself on acoustic guitar. We will be serving green punch and delicious treats during the show. Transportation can be provided, just let us know when you sign up! This program is FREE!! Please call us at 508-896-2737 to reserve your seat soon! We hope you’ll join us! Thank You to our SHINE Representatives! Brenda Locke, Debra Johnson and Mary Rancourt The annual Medicare Open Enrollment, which was from October 15th through December 7th of 2018, is always a very busy time here at our senior center. Our Brewster COA SHINE representatives devoted many hours of their time to help over 273 clients save over $118,426! Thank you for your efforts! First Day of Spring Patio Party! (weather permitting) Wednesday, March 20 8:30am - 3:30pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street Let’s celebrate the 1st day of Spring by getting outside and enjoying our new patio! Coffee and donuts will be served in the morning, and punch and cookies will be served in the afternoon. No need to sign up. Just stop by! Page 2 March 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, un- less 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 Gen- tle 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 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. 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! Funky Fitness Wednesdays: March 6 to May 29 2:30pm 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 and 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! To register, please call the Brewster COA at 508-896-2737. Page 3 March 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 Please note: There will be no Computer Help sessions available until April. Check the April ‘Bayside Chatter’ for the complete schedule! 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 March: 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 Please note: There will be no Computer Help sessions available until April. Check the April ‘Bayside Chatter’ for the complete schedule! Mobile Dental Hygiene Service Wednesday, March 27 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, 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. 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, March 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) March 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. Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, March 5th Be sure to stop in at the COA to pick up some beads and a treat! Food to Encourage 2nd & 4th Thursdays 9:45am - 11:45am March 14 and March 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! Crafts with Megan Thursday, March 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, March 15 to let us know you are interested: 508-896-2737 The Silvering Screen Film Series “Calendar Girls” Tuesday, March 26 2:00pm Wingate Residence at Brewster Place 855 Harwich Road We will be showing a series of movies whose producers have used older actors to make a statement about the second half of life. Our 1st presentation will be “Calendar Girls”. This movie is about a group of mid-life women who develop a nude calendar to raise money. Beverages and refreshments will be served! Please call the COA to reserve your seat at 508-896-2737. The Savvy Caregiver Educational Program Thursdays: March 7 - April 10 10:00am - 11:30am Brewster Ladies Library, 1822 Main Street The Savvy Caregiver 6-session course covers: the Pathology of dementia diseases, Strategies for caregiver self-care, Dementia stages, Developing contented involvement for someone with dementia, How to recognize options to optimize decision making, and Making the most of family resources. This FREE program is recommended for active family caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. Free respite-care is available during class hours. This program is being offered by the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center, in conjunction with the Brewster COA. For more information, or to register, please contact Judi Devaney at 508-896-5170, or email: support@capecodalz.org Citizens Police Academy Tuesdays: March 12 through May 14 (10 weeks) 6:00pm - 8:30pm Brewster Police Department, 631 Harwich Rd. The Brewster Police Department announces its upcoming Citizens Police Academy, beginning on Tuesday, March 12. This is your opportunity to get an insider’s look at the functions of the Department and its officers. The class is FREE and open to the public. You will learn a great deal and meet those who serve our community. To sign up, applications are available at the Brewster COA and the Police Department. If you have any questions, please contact Lt. George Bausch at the Brewster Police Department: 508-896-7011 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. Page 4 March 2019 Brewster, MA Page 5 March 2019 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:00am Swimming at Brewster Green 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm A Matter of Balance - Info Session 4 2:30pm Gentle Flow Yoga/Eddy School 5 Mardi Gras Day 9:00am Yoga 9:00am Massage with Sandra 9:30am W.O.W. 1:00pm Bridge 1:00pm SHINE 6 8:00am Line Dancing I 8:45am Line Dancing II 9:00am Massage with Sandra 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm Quilters 2:30pm Funky Fitness/ Eddy School 7 9:00am Qi Gong 10:00am Meditation 2:00pm BMCC 8 10:00am Swimming at Brewster Green 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm A Matter of Balance 11 9:00am Pedicare 1:00pm St. Patrick’s Day Celebration! 2:30pm Gentle Flow Yoga/Eddy School 12 9:00am Yoga 9:00am Massage with Sandra 9:30am W.O.W. 1:00pm Bridge 1:00pm SHINE 13 8:00am Line Dancing I 8:45am Line Dancing II 9:00am Massage with Sandra 10:30am BINGO 11:00am Mobile Pantry (Frederick Ct.) 11:30am Sight Loss/BLL 1:00pm Quilters 2:30pm Funky Fitness/ Eddy School 14 9:00am Qi Gong 9:45am Food to Encourage 10:00am Meditation 2:00pm BMCC 15 10:00am Swimming at Brewster Green 10:30am BINGO 11:00am Rep. Tim Whelan 1:00pm A Matter of Balance 18 9:45am Keep Movin’! 2:30pm Gentle Flow Yoga/Eddy School 19 9:00am Yoga 9:30am W.O.W. 1:00pm Bridge 1:00pm SHINE 20 First Day of Spring Patio Party at the COA! 8:00am Line Dancing I 8:45am Line Dancing II 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm Quilters 2:30pm Funky Fitness/ Eddy School 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 1:00pm A Matter of Balance 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 1:00pm Bridge 1:00pm SHINE 27 8:00am Line Dancing I 8:45am Line Dancing II 9:00am Mobile Dental Hygiene Service 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm Quilters 2:30pm Funky Fitness/ Eddy School 28 9:00am Qi Gong 9:45am Food to Encourage 10:00am Meditation 2:00pm BMCC 29 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:00am Swimming at Brewster Green 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm A Matter of Balance 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. ‘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! March 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, March 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. 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! Advertising Page 8 March 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 - No Computer Help until April 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 - No Computer Users Group until April 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 March 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 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. Drop-ins $12.00. 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. 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 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 March 2019 A Message from Charles Altieri, RN Public Health Wellness Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod Home visits will occur on Mondays. Page 10 March 2019 Brewster, MA Carbon Monoxide New cars are now coming with keyless ignition; this is carrying a new unrecognized risk. You’re more likely to leave the car running once parked in the garage, which means a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that’s produced from cars, small engines, stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, or any fuel burning appliance. Exposure is usually low, for example when the running car is in open air, and when your furnace is operating properly. But with enough build-up in an enclosed space the gas can become deadly quickly. Signs of poisoning from exposure to low levels include: ● Headache, Fatigue, Shortness of Breath, Dizziness, Nausea. Higher or prolonged exposure warning signs become more severe including: ● Confusion, Vomiting, Loss of coordination, Loss of consciousness, Death. If you suspect exposure, seek fresh air immediately. Once outside use your cell phone or go to a neighbor’s house and call emergency help; 911 will connect you to your local firehouse. Do not go back into the house, as you may pass out. Reducing your risk of Carbon Monoxide exposure includes: ● Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector and place it close enough to wake you up. Change the batteries regularly. ● Have your heating system, water heater, and any gas, oil, or coal appliance serviced annually. ● Make sure all gas appliances are properly vented. ● Don’t use a gas range to heat your house. ● If you have a wood-burning fireplace, open the vent before lighting, and leave the vent opened until all the ashes have cooled. Have the chimney cleaned annually. ● Don’t leave your car running inside an attached garage, even if you leave the garage door open. ● Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove or any other gas or charcoal burning device in your house or garage. ● Have a carbon monoxide alarm for all recreational vehicles, including motor homes. ● Know all your warning signs for leaving your keyless ignition - such as beeps or dashboard displays. Mayo Clinic, January 2019 BE WELL! LIVE STRONG! LIVE LONG! Charlie Altieri, RN, Public Health Nurse 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! March 2019 Page 11 Brewster, MA Sightings from the Poop Deck "Not I, nor anyone else can travel that road for you. You must travel it by yourself. It is not far. It is within reach. Perhaps you have been on it since you were born, and did not know. Perhaps it is everywhere - on water and land." Walt Whitman (Leaves of Grass) It’s January 4, 2019 and I am a very humbled beneficiary enjoying a spectacular view looking out over the Pacific Ocean about 200 yards away from the balcony of my daughter Debbie and son -in-law Nick’s beach house in Chumico, Coclé Province, Panama. I’ll be down on the beach this evening as the sun goes down sipping my glass of Cabernet and watching the gentle Pacific lapping at the shoreline. It’s amazing how different and mild the Pacific is when compared with the angry Atlantic which we are so used to. For some strange reason I am hung up today on the word “Journey.” Perhaps it may have something to do with recently watching the legendary John Wooden giving a TED Talk (Technology, Entertainment, Design). He mentioned “journey” a couple times, specifically referring to his team practices, often thought of as the journey and the games the destination. For you non basketball fans, John Wooden coached UCLA basketball from 1948 until 1975 winning ten NCAA national championships, a record which may never be reached again. John Wooden quotes Cervantes in his talk, specifically, “the journey is better than the end,” and it got me to digging a little. Ralph Waldo Emerson is often quoted, “It’s not the destination it’s the journey” so if you gave it some thought it is probably true in many cases. How many times has our destination been a disappointment and our journey the highpoint? To digress a little and as an aside to teachers both active and retired who may be reading this, may I suggest that you look up this John Wooden TED Talk on YouTube which will undoubtedly make you extremely proud of your profession. Moving on with the word “Journey,” in one of the dark recesses of my brain (actually I only have one dark recess, the rest is just empty space) I was reminded of a movie I saw about ten years ago, namely, The Bucket List. If you saw it too you will remember that Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman become good friends and travel (Journey throughout) the world together. Some of the quotes from the movie are hilarious and some very philosophical. Carter Chambers (Freeman) shares with Edward Cole (Nicholson) the two questions asked of the dead by the gods at the entrance to heaven: “Have you found joy in your life? Has your life brought joy to others?” I’m going to test that question right now. “Hey Joanie Carfora, has my life brought joy to you?” She’s standing there looking at me cross-eyed. I’ll take that as a yes! One last quote from the Bucket List only because it refers to older (mature) people like myself and I find it to be rather useful. Edward Cole is giving some sage advice to his aide Thomas whose name is really Michael, but Edward thinks that the name Michael is too biblical so he renames him Thomas: “Three things to remember when you grow older. Never pass up a bathroom, never waste a...bleep (censored), and never trust a fart.” No argument there! Peter R. Scheffer - (“Life is Good!”) - Everyday is a journey!! P.S. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day and also equally important, Buon San Giuseppe!! 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 March 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.