HomeMy Public PortalAboutMay 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
May 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, May 27th in honor of
Memorial Day.
Reminder: Annual Town Meeting
Monday, May 6th 6:00pm
Stony Brook Elementary School
384 Underpass Road
Rides can be provided! Simply call the COA
by noon on Thursday, May 2nd to reserve
your ride: 508-896-2737. See page 4 for
information on Election Day, May 21st!
Brewster COA’s 45th Birthday Cake and Ice Cream Social!
Friday, May 3rd 2:30 - 5:00pm 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
and the Brewster Council on Aging.
Happy Mother’s Day to All!
We would like to thank all mothers,
mothers-in law, grandmothers and
great-grandmothers on their special day,
Sunday, May 12th. Have a wonderful day!
Announcing the Volunteer of the Year:
Ronnie Dickens
We would like to congratulate Ronnie for being our Volunteer of
the Year! In 2018, she gave 275 hours of her time helping at our
Sea Captains’ Thrift Shop. A 14-year resident of Brewster, she has
worked at the Thrift shop for nearly 5 years, managing the
glassware and household items, and setting up the Annex for
various holidays.
Even when she isn’t at the Sea Captains’ Thrift Shop, she is always
thinking about how she can help out in other places.
For instance, she also volunteers her time on the Friends of
Brewster Elders Board, the Our Lady of the Cape Thrift Shop, and
also is a member of the Brewster Garden Club.
Married for 49 years to Mike, Ronnie is the mother of Bryan and
Kirstin and grandmother to Layla and Carter.
We want to thank Ronnie for all she does. She will be honored at
the upcoming Annual Volunteer Luncheon in June.
Page 2 May 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.
Computer Help
Thursdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
May dates: 2, 23, 30
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 May.
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
Thursdays: 1:00 - 2:30pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
May dates: 2, 23, 30
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, May 16 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.
May is Older Americans Month
Each year, more and more older adults are making a positive impact in and around Brewster. As volunteers,
employees, employers, educators, mentors, advocates and more, they offer insight and experience that benefits
the entire community. That’s why Older Americans Month (OAM) has been recognizing the contributions of this
growing population for 56 years.
Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) each May, OAM provides resources to help older
Americans stay healthy and independent, and resources to help communities support and celebrate their
diversity. This year’s OAM theme, Connect, Create Contribute, encourages older adults and their communities to:
CONNECT with friends, family and services that support participation
CREATE through activities that promote health and personal enrichment
CONTRIBUTE time, talent, and life experience to benefit others
Food to Encourage
2nd & 4th Thursdays 9:45 - 11:45am
May 9 and 23
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!
Page 3 May 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
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!
May 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.
Healthy Hearing
Monday, May 13 1:00pm
Did you know the newest hearing aid technology can
now be programmed to communicate directly with
smart phones, doorbells, smoke detectors and other
smart devices? It’s true! Many household devices can
be programmed to send a signal through your hearing
aid to let you know that something has happened.
Dr. Tiffany Pfleger, an audiologist from Advanced
Audiology Associates in Yarmouthport, will be here to
discuss these newest advancements in hearing aid
technology. After the discussion, there will be a chance
to listen to these devices live! Don’t miss this
presentation. Please contact the COA at 508-896-2737
to reserve your seat.
Crafts with Megan
Thursday, May 16 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, May 10 to let us
know you are interested: 508-896-2737
Beach and Transfer Station Stickers
Friday, May 17 10:00am to 1:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Like last year Donna Kalinick, from the Town Hall, will
be selling beach and transfer station stickers at the COA
for our seniors. The “Sticker form” was included in
your tax bill. We have extra forms available here at the
COA or it can be printed from the Town’s website. Just
fill it out and bring it in with you, along with your
vehicle registration, and Donna will be able to sell you
your stickers.
Another option is to fill out the form, copy your
registration, include your check and leave it all here
with us before Donna comes. When she is here on
May 17th, she will be able to process it and we can
return it to you! Get your stickers before the rush!
Preparing for your Funeral
Monday, May 20 1:00pm
Your life - Your legacy - Plan to make it right.
Come discover the 4 simple steps to planning your final
arrangements, which will bring peace of mind to you
and your family. You will receive a free Personal
Planning Guide! This program is being sponsored by
Doane Beale and Ames Funeral Home.
Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 to reserve your
seat. Refreshments will be served.
The Silvering Screen Film Series
“The Trip to Bountiful”
Tuesday, May 21 2:00pm
Wingate Residences 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 third presentation will
be “The Trip to Bountiful”. This movie is about an
older woman who is seeking to escape her
overprotective son and daughter-in-law to return to her
childhood home in Texas.
Although the program is being held at Wingate
Residences at Brewster Place, please call the COA to
reserve your seat at 508-896-2737. Refreshments
will be served.
Page 4 May 2019 Brewster, MA
Spring Fashion Show
Friday, May 24 1:00pm
Come join us for a fun afternoon of
fashion! The students from Jane McGown’s
Nauset High School Advanced Fashion Design class
will model fashions that they have designed. Come
witness what talented students we have in our school
district, and view their creativity on display!
Tickets are $2.00 each and can be purchased at the
COA office.
Refreshments will be served. Be sure to get your ticket
soon so you don’t miss this ‘fashionable’ event!
Election Day is Tuesday, May 21
Who says “there’s no such thing as a free ride?”
If you need a ride to the polls on Election Day, the
COA is offering free transport!
Simply call our office by Friday, May 17 to let us
know that you would like a ride: 508-896-2737
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
1
8:00am Line Dancing I
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:45am Keep Movin’
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
2:30pm Funky Fitness/
Eddy School
2
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Meditation
1:00pm Computer Users
2:00pm BMCC
3
10:00am Swimming
at Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO 2:30pm 45th Birthday Party and Ice Cream Social!!
6
9:45am Keep Movin’
2:30pm Gentle Flow
Yoga/Eddy School
6:00pm Annual Town
Meeting/Stony Brook
Elementary School
7
9:00am Yoga
9:00am Massage with
Sandra
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
8
8:00am Line Dancing I
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Massage with
Sandra
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Healthy Meals in
Motion (Frederick Ct.)
11:30am Sight Loss/BLL
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
2:30pm Funky Fitness/
Eddy School
9
9:00am Qi Gong
9:45am Food to
Encourage
10:00am Meditation
2:00pm BMCC
10
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming
at Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
13
9:30am Pedicare
9:45am Keep Movin’
1:00pm Seminar:
“Healthy Hearing”
2:30pm Gentle Flow
Yoga/Eddy School
14
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
15
8:00am Line Dancing I
8:45am Line Dancing II
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
2:30pm Funky Fitness/
Eddy School
16
8:00am Pet Grooming
8:30am Hearing Scrgs.
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
10:30am Crafts with
Megan
1:00pm Financial
Planning
2:00pm BMCC
17
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming
at Brewster Green
10:00am Sticker Sales
10:30am BINGO
11:00am
Rep. Tim Whelan
20
9:45am Keep Movin’!
1:00pm Seminar:
“Preparing for Your
Funeral”
2:30pm Gentle Flow
Yoga/Eddy School
21 Election Day
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
2:00pm Movie:
“The Trip to Bountiful”
at Wingate of Brewster
22
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
23
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
9:45am Food to
Encourage
10:00am Meditation
1:00pm Computer Users
2:00pm BMCC
24
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming
at Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm
Spring Fashion Show!
27
(The COA is closed)
28
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
10:00am
BP/GlucoseTesting/BLL
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
29
8:00am Line Dancing I
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
2:30pm Funky Fitness/
Eddy School
30
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Meditation
1:00pm Computer Users
2:00pm BMCC
31
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming
at Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
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 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.
May 2019 Page 7
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, May 8. Please call our Brewster COA Outreach
Office to enroll at (508) 896-2737.
Brewster, MA
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!
Walk for Alzheimer’s
On Saturday, May 11th Denise, our director, will be participating in her 10th walk.
This year, she will participate in the Dave Birtwell Memorial Walk, which will be
held at Brooks Park in Harwich. Money raised will help support Alzheimer’s
Family Caregiver Support Center, which is located at 2095 Main Street,
Brewster.
After her mother’s passing in January of 2010, she is committed to helping other with the
disease. If you would like to sponsor her for the walk, please stop by the COA with your
donation. Checks should be made payable to: “Dave Birtwell Memorial Walk”.
With your help, we have donated a total of $5,605 over the past 9 years. We hope to reach
our goal of $6,000, which means she need to raise $395. Thank you for your ongoing
support!
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 - May dates: 2, 23, 30
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 - May dates: 2, 23, 30
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 May 22
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.
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 Please Note: May 7 & 8 only
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 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 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 May 2019
A Message from Charles Altieri, RN
Public Health Wellness Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
Page 10 May 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, May 22 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
Tooth Brushing Reduces Cardiovascular Risks
Brushing your teeth twice daily is important for maintaining good oral hygiene. This daily routine can
also benefit your heart.
A study presented at the 2018 American Heart Association scientific sessions provided new evidence of
this link. The study’s 682 participants self-reported their tooth-brushing habits compared with the
recommendation of twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Over an average of 28 months of
follow-up, those who reported brushing their teeth less frequently and for a shorter duration had three
times the risk of a first major cardiovascular event than did those who met the tooth-brushing
guidelines. These cardiovascular events included heart attack, stroke, and hospitalization for heart
failure or dying of a cardiovascular cause.
A separate study in the December 2018 issue of Hypertension, further endorses the link between oral
health and cardiovascular disease. It found that gum (Periodontal) disease appears to be associated
with high blood pressure and also interferes with medications to treat this condition.
In addition to brushing your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, Mayo Clinic experts recommend daily
flossing and regular visits to your dentist. While brushing your teeth, you may want to set a timer or use
an electric tooth brush that has a built in two minute timer to ensure you ’re spending enough time on
this important step.
Mayo Clinic, April, 2019
BE WELL! LIVE STRONG! LIVE LONG!
Charlie Altieri, BSN, RN, Public Health Nurse
May 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 have a fat friend there are no see-saws, only catapults.
Demetri Martin
Our Ft. Myers getaway in March this year was a pleasant one, renewing old friendships from the
previous year, eating out at different restaurants a few times a week and then topping it off with dessert
which usually consisted of a huge sundae at The Love Boat right outside our gate. However, I now have
a very large problem. I stepped on a scale, strategically placed in the Publix market. Why they would
put it there is beyond me. You see, after you check out there is this huge old time scale that you have to
pass as you exit and the natural thing is to go over and step on it. Big mistake! You know those
bell-ringers in the carnivals where you take a hammer and swing it as hard as you can to ring the bell?
Well that’s what it sounded like as I stepped on it and got the attention of everyone in the store.
Wow, I really did put on more than just a few pounds which has now created another problem.
In a few weeks we will be returning to Cape Cod and I seem to be having a problem fitting behind the
wheel of our car. Sure, I have pushed the seat back which has solved that problem, but now I can’t reach
the gas pedal. Maybe there is some thig-a-ma-jig that can be rigged like blocks that can be installed on
the gas pedal that will solve that problem. I’ll check with GM.
If any of you are coming to Ft. Myers anytime soon, let me know and perhaps I can recommend a good
restaurant. Also, if you do come soon, would you consider driving my car home?
Tonight we have reservations at The Deep Lagoon restaurant with a group of friends, but right now it’s
lunchtime and I will need something to hold me over until then, so I put a pizza in the oven.
By mid afternoon I may need a sandwich, so I’m off to Publix for some Italian bread and some ham and
cheese….and that dreaded scale.
If you should see Joanie Carfora when she returns and there is this huge fat guy standing next to her,
be nice - that would be me!
Peter R. Scheffer (“Life is Good!”) - “Thin people are beautiful, but fat people are adorable.”
Jackie Gleason
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 May 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.