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HomeMy Public PortalAboutJune 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 June 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. We wish you a Happy Father’s Day! We would like to thank all fathers, fathers-in law, grandfathers and great-grandfathers on their special day, Sunday, June 16th. Enjoy! ‘Beautify Brewster’ - Update Thank you to Brenda Locke, Debra Johnson, Mary Rancourt, and Theresa and Gerry Mannix for volunteering their time to help Beautify Brewster around our COA area. Our report from that day indicates that all of the volunteers around town collected 2,000 pounds of trash; including a bicycle, television, muffler, window and, of course, nips! Thank you for helping us keep Brewster clean! “If I Live to be 100, Where Will I Live?” Series Wednesday, June 19 6:30 - 8:00pm Brewster Ladies’ Library auditorium 1822 Main Street Along with good health and economic security, planning for appropriate housing that meets one’s needs over time is essential, and should NOT wait for a health crisis to begin. This seminar series will examine four junctures at which decisions about housing may be needed. The FIRST workshop in the series is: Home Safety & Modification – Creating a Better Home for Aging in Place Evaluate your home’s suitability for “aging in place” and learn from a Certified Aging in Place specialist a number of free and affordable modifications that can make your home safer and age-ready. Valuable resources will be shared for making wise and informed decisions for the best safety and home modifications solutions. For more information and/or to register, please call the COA at 508-896-2737. Friday, June 14 is Flag Day! Why not celebrate by joining us for a special concert that day at the COA! We’re hosting the well-known Victrola Society who will regale us with a host of patriotic songs. See page 4 for more information. Looking for Some Summer Fun? We’ve got “Fourth Wall Line Dancing” (see page 3), Chair Yoga (see page 4), and even a Sailing outing (also on page 4). We invite you to join us! Summer begins on June 21st! Did you know that the COA has 2 Beach Wheelchairs available, one of which can actually go right into the water! We loan them out for 2 days at a time and we ask for a donation of $10.00. They can be used at any of the Brewster beaches (either bay or pond beaches), but must stay within town lines. For more information, and/or to reserve, please call the COA at 508-896-2737. Page 2 June 2019 Brewster, MA W.O.W. (Wonderful Older Women) Tuesdays: 9:30 - 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. This popular program serves all eligible Brewster seniors, providing a few full bags of groceries and paper products each month. Pre-order from a wide selection of food items and your order will be ready for pick-up! The program 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, June 12. Please call our Brewster COA Outreach Office to enroll at 508-896-2737. Computer Help Thursdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street June dates: 6, 13, 20, 27 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 FREE! If you’d like to make an appointment, please contact the COA at 508-896-2737. Brewster Men’s Coffee Club Thursdays, 2:00 - 4:00pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street The Brewster Men’s Coffee Club will be meeting on Thursday afternoons in June. Why not join us for a 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 Thursdays: 1:00 - 2:30pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street June dates: 6, 13, 20, 27 Topics are solicited from program attendees at each meeting and discussed at subsequent meetings, all within a friendly atmosphere. Skill level is from beginner to intermediate. There’s no need to sign up ahead of time. Just a desire to learn something new! Hearing Screenings Thursday, June 20 8:30 – 10:30am 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 approximately 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. Food to Encourage 2nd & 4th Thursdays 9:45 - 11:45am June 13 and 27 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! Attention Swimmers: The last day of the Senior Swim program at Brewster Green will be Friday, June 14. After that date, there will be no more swimming there until this fall. Have a great summer and please remember to thank our friends at Brewster Green Resort for their continued hospitality to our swimmers! Page 3 June 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 offer 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. 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. Please call the Brewster 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 ad- vance. Feel free to check out a class to see if it’s right for you! Our long-time instructor is Marilou Raposa. 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 Fourth Wall Line Dancing and Line Dance II - $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! Note: For new participants, please call the COA to see where class is meeting in June - it sometimes meets at Drummer Boy Park when the weather is nice. 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! Note: For new participants, please call the COA to see where class is meeting in June - it sometimes meets at Drummer Boy Park when the weather is nice. Fourth Wall Line Dancing 8:00 - 8:45am Wednesdays June 5th through August 28th This course is designed for students with some line dance experience who are accustomed to picking up new material with ease and are interested in learning technique. The “Fourth Wall” refers to the conceptual barrier between a performer and an audience. In this class we’ll explore how to push past the Fourth Wall and find a connection to an audience. Using only one-wall dances, we’ll start with foot placements and then embellish each dance with technique such as arm motions, spotting, Latin action and more. Whether your goal is to take your line dancing to the next level or perform with a team, this course will help you learn how to share the positive energy dance brings to your life! $4.00 per class when paid by the month. Enrollment by the month is recommended because this three- month course is cumulative. Karen Shackleford from ‘Cape Sands Ballroom’ will be your instructor. Please note: The Beginner Line Dancing class has been paused until September. June 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. Victrola Society Concert Friday, June 14 2:00 - 3:30pm Celebrate Flag Day at the COA! We invite everyone to come and listen to a concert featuring patriotic songs sung by the popular Victrola Society. All branches of the military will be honored during this performance. Bring your friends and neighbors! You don’t have to be a veteran to attend, and all concert-goers will receive a flag. Tickets are only $2.00 per person. Please stop by the COA by Friday, June 7 to purchase your ticket. Refreshments will be served. Don’t miss this great event! Chair Yoga Tuesday, June 18 11:00am We are considering starting a Chair Yoga program this summer! This activity is designed to teach beginners, as well as accommodating all levels. The students will learn to adjust the postures according to their own body needs, using a chair as support for the poses. Chair Yoga can be beneficial in terms of minimizing stress and boosting mental clarity, managing and coping with pain brought on by aging or an illness, improving strength, and enhancing flexibility. If you would like to try Yoga but feel you can’t participate in traditional Yoga sessions, this class is for you! We will offer a FREE session on Tuesday, June 18 at 11:00am. The class will be run by Araci Gomes, a certified Yoga instructor. Please contact the COA at 508-896-2737 to reserve your spot. If there is enough interest, we will offer a class this summer running for 6-8 weeks in July and August at $10.00/class. Crafts with Megan Thursday, June 20 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, June 14 to let us know you are interested: 508-896-2737 The Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of Cape Cod presents: 2019 John Levin Memorial Conference: A Positive Approach to Dementia Care with Teepa Snow Wednesday, June 26, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Barnstable Performing Arts Center 744 West Main St, Hyannis This day-long workshop is offered free of charge to both family and professional caregivers, including CNA’s, medical and mental health professionals, first responders, activities directors, and all others interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s and dementia. CE’s and lunch included. Respite care available. For more information or to register, call 508-896-5170 or visit their website at: http://www.alzheimerscapecod.org Page 4 June 2019 Brewster, MA Ice Cream Fridays! 1:00 - 3:00pm June 21 through August 30 Join us each Friday throughout the summer for ice cream treats on our new patio. Admire the view, chat with a staff member and enjoy the afternoon. If the weather is inclement, we’ll simply head indoors! No need to call ahead. Just stop by. We’d love to see you! Coming in August: Introduction to Sailing Sponsored by: Pleasant Bay Community Boating 1:30 - 4:00pm 2 opportunities: Friday, August 2 or Friday, August 16 Once again, Pleasant Bay Community Boating has graciously offered us an opportunity to introduce sailing to seniors who have never had the opportunity to sail. We will be taking a small group over to beautiful Pleasant Bay for some time on the water with their instructors. If you have never explored our Cape Cod waters this way, consider taking advantage of this amazing offering. Due to boat accessibility, all participants must be ambulatory and able to walk without any cane, walker or human assistance. This program is for Brewster residents only. All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver. Transportation to the site can be provided. Space is limited. Pre-Registration is required. Call the COA at (508) 896-2737 to sign up. MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 3 9:45am Keep Movin’ 2:30pm Gentle Flow Yoga/Eddy School 4 9:00am Yoga 9:00am Massage with Sandra 9:30am W.O.W. 1:00pm Bridge 1:00pm SHINE 5 8:00am Fourth Wall Line Dancing 8:45am Line Dancing II 9:00am Massage with Sandra 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm Quilters 1:00pm SHINE 6 9:00am Qi Gong 9:00am Computer Help 10:00am Meditation 1:00pm Computer Users 2:00pm BMCC 7 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:00am Swimming at Brewster Green 10:30am BINGO 10 9:30am Pedicare 9:45am Keep Movin’ 2:30pm Gentle Flow Yoga/Eddy School 11 9:00am Yoga 9:30am Pedicare 9:30am W.O.W. 1:00pm Bridge 1:00pm SHINE 12 8:00am Fourth Wall Line Dancing 8:45am Line Dancing II 10:30am BINGO 11:00am Healthy Meals in Motion (Frederick Ct.) 11:30am Sight Loss/BLL 1:00pm Quilters 1:00pm SHINE 13 9:00am Qi Gong 9:00am Computer Help 9:45am Food to Encourage 10:00am Meditation 1:00pm Computer Users 2:00pm BMCC 14 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:00am Swimming at Brewster Green (Last Day) 10:30am BINGO 2:00pm Concert: Victrola Society Flag Day 17 9:45am Keep Movin’! 2:30pm Gentle Flow Yoga/Eddy School 18 9:00am Yoga 9:00am Massage with Sandra 9:30am W.O.W. 11:00am Chair Yoga 1:00pm Bridge 1:00pm SHINE 19 8:00am Fourth Wall Line Dancing 8:45am Line Dancing II 9:00am Massage with Sandra 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm Quilters 1:00pm SHINE 20 8:00am Pet Grooming 8:30am Hearing Scrgs. 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 21 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:30am BINGO 11:00am Rep. Tim Whelan 1:00pm Ice Cream Friday! 24 9:45am Keep Movin’! 2:30pm Gentle Flow Yoga/Eddy School 25 9:00am Yoga 9:30am W.O.W. 10:00am BP/GlucoseTesting/BLL 10:00am Legal Help 1:00pm Bridge 1:00pm SHINE 26 8:00am Fourth Wall Line Dancing 8:45am Line Dancing II 9:00am Mobile Dental Hygiene Service 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm Quilters 1:00pm SHINE 27 9:00am Qi Gong 9:00am Computer Help 9:45am Food to Encourage 10:00am Meditation 2:00pm BMCC 1:00pm Computer Users 28 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm Ice Cream Friday! Page 6 Senior Happenings June 2019 Page 7 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, until no longer needed. Simply give us a call at 508-896-2737! Free Personal Hygiene Items! The COA has recently received a large quantity of adult disposable incontinence products in various sizes. If you or someone that you know could use them, don’t hesitate to give us a call or stop by. We will be happy to give them to you! SHINE news… When Can You Enroll in a Medigap (Supplement) Plan? Medigap (supplement) plans provide extra protection beyond Medicare by filling in some of the “gaps” in Medicare coverage. In Massachusetts, the insurance companies allow continuous open enrollment. You must have Medicare A and B to enroll, and cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (HMO, PPO). Anyone who is eligible may enroll or change plans or coverage levels at any time, with changes effective the first of the following month. In Massachusetts, there are two Medigap plans, Core and Supplement 1. The Core plan pays some of the co-pays and co-insurance for Medicare covered services, while the Supplement 1 covers all the deductibles, co-insurance and co-pays for these services. With a Medigap policy, you are free to choose any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare and you do not need referrals to see a specialist. Trained SHINE volunteers offer free, confidential counseling on all aspects of Medicare and related health insurance programs. Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 to schedule an appointment with a SHINE counselor. Programs Changed or Ended for the Summer: ● No Massages with Sandra in July and August. ● After the June 12 meeting of Sight Loss meeting there will be no further meetings until September. ● After June 14, there will be no Senior Swim program at Brewster Green until fall. ● No Senior Striders program until school resumes in the fall. ● No Beginner Line Dancing classes until September. Donate your Used Eye Glasses and Used Hearing Aids The Lions Club of Dennis-Harwich is now collecting used eye glasses and used hearing aids here at our COA. Please feel free to drop off these items in the box in our hallway. In addition, we’ve also got a receptacle for used hearing-aid, watch and other button batteries. You’re welcome to drop these batteries off here for proper disposal. Go Cruisin’ this Summer! The COA has senior discount coupons for the Hyline High Speed Ferry service to the Islands, as well as the Hyannisport Harbor Cruise and the Cape Cod Canal Cruise. Please note: these coupons are to be used for individual travel only (not for groups). Just stop in at the COA office to pick one up before you embark on your new adventure! 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 ~ 9:00 – 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 - June dates: 6, 13, 20, 27 COMPUTER USERS GROUP: Thursdays ~ 1:00 - 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 - June dates: 6, 13, 20, 27 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 June 26 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. This month’s date: June 25 LINE DANCING (I): Class on hold until September. LINE DANCING (II): Wednesdays ~ 8:45 - 9:30am Some dance experience required (see class description on page 3). Cost: $4.00 per class when paid monthly. $6.00 per class for drop-ins. 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 ~ 10:00 - 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 ~ 8:00 - 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 further notice QI GONG: Thursdays ~ 9:00 - 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) 6:30 - 7:15am and 3:00 - 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 and 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 basis to support this activity! NOTE: Last day of swimming for summer: Friday, June 14 TENNIS: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays ~ 9:00 – 11:00am Please call the Brewster Recreation Department at 508-896-9430 for more information. W.O.W.: (Wonderful Older Women): Tuesdays ~ 9:30 - 11:00am This friendly group of women review current events, talk about movies & books, give each other support & enjoy conversation. Stop by! YOGA: Tuesdays ~ 9:00 - 10:30am. $10 per class. Class uses breathing techniques as a foundation for exploring gentle & safe stretching. Drop-ins welcome! Page 9 June 2019 A Message from Charles Altieri, RN Public Health Wellness Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod Home visits will occur on Mondays. Page 10 June 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! Mobile Dental Hygiene Service Wednesday, June 26 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 Caring for Dry Skin Dry skin is the most common cause of itching in older adults. Keep your skin healthy by: ● Keeping showers short and warm not hot; hot water can deplete natural oils in your skin. Bathing with water at about 90 F helps minimize this, so does keeping bathing times to less than ten minutes. ● Cleansing gently, most of the time use soap only on the face, underarms, genital area, hands and feet. Even then, cleanse gently and use mild, super fatted or glycerin soaps or dry skin cleansers from brands such as Cetaphil, Dove or Vanicream. Avoid aggressive scrubbing or lying in soapy water or a bubble bath. Many soaps, such as antibacterial, perfumed or deodorant soaps can be harsh on the skin. ● Dry yourself gently, brush off excess water with your hands and then pat or blot yourself with a towel. Avoid rubbing or wiping your skin dry. ● Moisturizing within a couple of minutes of bathing, apply moisturizing cream or ointment to trap moisture in your skin. A product in which petrolatum is one of the top three ingredients may be best. Products containing glycerin, lactic acid or urea may provide an extra boost. ● Using a humidifier when the air is dry which is useful in the winter months if you live in a cold climate. ● Protect your skin through hydration, drink plenty of water during the day and protect your skin from dry winds. Mayo Clinic, May 2019 BE WELL! LIVE STRONG! LIVE LONG! Charlie Altieri, BSN, RN, Public Health Nurse Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod June 2019 Page 11 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 FOBE) 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, MA Sightings from the Poop Deck “Crouching in position posing in perfect posture On the rooftop of a gothic cathedral sits a monster” ― Justin Bienvenue A gargoyle has been described as a grotesque carved human or animal face or figure projecting from the gutter of a building, typically acting as a spout to carry water clear off a wall. My oldest daughter Debbie is celebrating a significant destination birthday in Madrid and is doing what typical tourists do, i.e., visiting places of interest built by famous architects, such as Antoni Gaudi in Spain. She is in touch daily with her siblings Pete Jr., and Susan, and shares via “WhatsApp,” photos that she considers may be of interest. Most of these photos are shared with Joan and I and while many are very impressive, over time just by their sheer numbers can become cumbersome and admittedly, I might add, boring and are thereby subjected to my conveniently placed Delete key. There are days, when for obvious reasons, I may not be included in this group think-tank and therefore may not be privy to what is being transmitted over the Atlantic. That ’s when I know that they are up to something sinister. For example, the picture at the top of this document was not one shared with me, and my three kids had a grand and hysterical time playfully asking each other about who in our family bore a striking resemblance to that gargoyle, knowing full well that their unanimous conclusion was none other than me. As I looked at the photo it was obvious to me what their conclusion had been and I howled. It WAS me! One thing I can say about my oldest daughter: if she is ever captured by the enemy she will spill the beans. She just can’t keep a secret! So one of these three smart Aleck ingrates (guess who?) cleverly and anonymously sent the picture to me and asked, “Dad, we’re trying to figure out who in our family this guy looks like. What do you think?” I know when my kids are toying with me and I very calmly replied that my first choice would have been Pope Francis. I know how to play this game too….who do they think taught them? So, tomorrow I will be searching Cape Cod for a cathedral with a large enough parapet upon which I can perch and wait for rain so that I can do what I was designed to do. In the meantime, if you happen to run across my kids, tell them that their dad is looking for them. Peter R. Scheffer (“Life is Good!”) - Ready to pounce!! 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 June 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.