HomeMy Public PortalAboutNovember 20191673 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 Marilyn Dearborn, FOBE President
Sharon Tennstedt, COA Board Co-Chair
November 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.
Welcome!
Steve Holmes – PT Bus Driver/
Custodian
We are pleased to announce that Steve
Holmes will be helping us transport our
Brewster seniors to the Senior Center for
events and programs. Steve is no
stranger to the Senior Center, as he
volunteers his time to give rides to
medical appointments and also serves as
the secretary to the COA Board.
We welcome him to our team!
November Holiday Closings
The Brewster COA will be
closed on Monday,
November 11 in honor of
Veterans Day. Thank you to
all of you who have served and to all of
those who are still in the service.
We will also be closed on
Thursday and Friday,
November 28 and
November 29, for the
Thanksgiving holiday.
We wish all of you a
wonderful Thanksgiving!
Reminder:
Daylight Savings time
ends on Sunday,
November 3.
Remember to set your
clocks back one hour, and don’t forget to
check those batteries in your smoke
detectors!
Senior Real Estate Tax Abatement Program
The Senior Real Estate Tax Abatement Program matches
municipal volunteer opportunities in the Town of Brewster with
eligible senior citizens who are qualified and able to volunteer their
services in exchange for a reduction in their real estate tax bill.
In exchange for 78.5 hours of volunteer service, the Town will abate
the annual real estate property tax by $1,000.* (*less mandatory
deductions), OR in exchange for 39.5 hours of volunteer service, the
Town will abate the annual real estate property tax by $500.* (*less
mandatory deductions).
You need to complete the volunteer hours by September 1, 2020.
Are you eligible?
Town of Brewster Taxpayer who is age sixty (60) or older.
Homeowner and occupant as of July 1st of the prior
calendar year for the property that the abatement is
requested.
Owned and occupied real estate in Brewster for the
preceding five (5) years.
Limit of one (1) Senior Real Estate Tax Abatement per
property.
Priority will be given to those residents whose annual income is
less than $51,858 if single, $59,275 if married.
Must be current with payment of all Town taxes.
Residents may only participate in either the Senior Tax
Work-Off OR Veterans Work-Off Program, not both.
Application deadline is Friday, December 13, 2019.
As of November 1, applications can be picked up at the
Council on Aging or found on the Town’s website. If you have
any questions, please call Regina at the COA at 508-896-2737.
Page 2 November 2019 Brewster, MA
Computer Help
Wednesdays & Thursdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
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!
Our knowledgeable and dedicated volunteer instructors
are Del Borah on Wednesday mornings, and
Pete Scheffer on Thursday mornings.
For all appointments, please contact the COA at
508-896-2737.
Computer Users’ Group
Thursdays: 1:00 - 2:30pm (No class Nov. 28)
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Topics are solicited from program attendees at each
meeting and discussed at subsequent meetings in a
friendly atmosphere.
Skill level is from beginner to intermediate. There’s no
need to sign up ahead of time; just bring a desire to
learn something new!
Hearing Screenings
Thursday, November 21 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.
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.
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 throughout November (no
meeting on Thursday, November 28). 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.
Funky Fitness
Wednesdays through December 11
3:30 - 4:30pm
Eddy School Gym, 2298 Main Street
This is an advanced workout program to address four
major categories of fitness: endurance, strength,
balance & flexibility. Music provides the backdrop and
inspiration for all exercises in each 60-minute class.
Frank Callahan will be your instructor. Class goes
through Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the Eddy School Gym.
Please note: There will be no class on
Wednesday, November 27 due to the
Thanksgiving holiday.
The fee is $5 per session, and drop-ins are welcome.
You won’t believe how much fun you can have while
exercising!
November is National Memory Screening
Month
Free, Confidential Memory Screenings
Friday, November 8th
1:00 – 3:00pm
Brewster Council on Aging, 1673 Main St.
The Alzheimer’s Family Support Center is offering free,
30-minute memory screenings at the Brewster COA.
These screenings are not diagnostic but may indicate
whether participants should see a doctor for further
testing. Screenings are free and open to the public.
Please call the Brewster COA at 508-896-2737
to make an appointment.
The Alzheimer’s Family Support Center, a 501(c)3
nonprofit, provides free comprehensive support
services for families and individuals living with
Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.
For information, please call (508) 896-5170 or email:
support@capecodalz.org
Page 3 November 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.
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.
Chair Yoga
11:00am - 12:00pm Tuesdays
This class 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!
The cost is $10.00 per class. Please
bring a mat.
The class is taught by Araci Gomes, a
certified Yoga instructor.
Tai-Chi
Tuesdays and Fridays
2:00 - 3:00pm
Learn the many physical and spiritual
benefits of Tai-Chi, a gentle, flowing,
standing exercise. Classes will
incorporate stretching warm-ups, and
participants will learn the series of
movements culminating in the beautiful
24-posture Yang form. These moves
can improve flexibility, coordination
and balance; build muscle strength, and
provide a mind-body connection for
stress release. Our instructor, A.Jay
Zahn, is a long-time practitioner and has
studied related martial arts, breathing
exercises and meditation. Tai-Chi is
suitable for people at all levels of
physical conditioning. The cost is
$10.00 per class and drop-ins are
welcome!
Fourth Wall Line Dancing
8:00 - 8:45am Wednesdays
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.
Karen Shackleford from ‘Cape Sands
Ballroom’ will be your instructor.
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
The practice of Qi Gong dates back
3000 years and is an ancient Chinese
method of exercising, meditation &
visualization, and breathing to manage
the Qi (life force energy) in your body.
Movements are slow and rhythmic, to
self-massage acupoints (meridians) and
release blocked Qi . You will feel
refreshed, nourished, energized and
relaxed. Qi Gong can benefit everyone!
$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 with us!
November 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.
Food to Encourage
Tuesday, November 12 and
Monday, November 25
9:30 - 11:30am
(Please note exact dates above)
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 and
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!
No need to sign up. Please bring your own bag and
stop by at any point during the time period listed above!
The Silvering Screen Film Series
“Five Flights Up”
Wednesday, November 13 12:30pm
Brewster Fire Station - Multipurpose Room
1671 Main Street (behind the COA)
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 fifth presentation will be “Five
Flights Up”. This movie is about a long-time married couple
contemplating selling their now “hip” apartment to move to
a smaller, more age-friendly housing only to encounter chaos
and confusion. The film is FREE. This is a program of the
Brewster Council on Aging, and we thank the Brewster Fire
Department for the use of the room.
Please contact the COA at 508-896-2737 to reserve your seat.
Light refreshments will be served, but please join us for
lunch at the COA beforehand.
For lunch reservations, please call our Brewster Nutrition
Site at 508-896-5070 by 11:00am the day before to reserve
your meal. Cost is $3.00.
Spanish for Beginners – Looking for Interested
Students!
We are looking to possibly have a “Spanish for Beginners”
class. This would be a 1½ hour class for 6 weeks during the
months of February and March. The fee will be $60.00.
If you are interested please call Lisa Donovan, our Program
Coordinator, at 508-896-2737 to ask any questions and to let
us know if you would like to participate.
“What, Where and Why”
Nauset Regional High School Building Project
Thursday, November 14th 1:00pm
Thomas Conrad, Superintendent of the Nauset Public
Schools, is excited to meet with interested senior citizens in
Brewster regarding the Nauset Regional High School
Building Renovation Project. He would like to explain the
project so that citizens better understand the educational
needs of the students.
Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 to reserve your seat.
Refreshments will be served.
Brain Health
Monday, November 18 1:00pm
Dr. Molly Perdue, PhD, co-founder and Executive Director
of the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center here in Brewster,
will be educating us on brain health. Everyone experiences
changes in their brain and cognition as they age. This
workshop covers these changes and what we can do to
maintain a healthy brain. Practical tips including exercise,
diet, sleep and ways to stimulate the brain will be presented.
Please call us at 896-2737 to reserve your seat.
Refreshments will be served.
Crafts with Megan
Thursday, November 21 10:30am - 12:00pm
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. Each month’s project reflects the season and
there is no crafting-experience required! FREE!
Please contact the COA by Friday, November 15 to let us
know you are interested: 508-896-2737
Page 4 November 2019 Brewster, MA
Fall Town Meeting
Monday, November 18 6:00pm
Stony Brook Elementary School
384 Underpass Road
The Fall Town Meeting is scheduled for 6:00pm on Monday,
November 18 at the Stony Brook Elementary School. The
Brewster COA is happy to be offering transportation to and
from the meeting. To sign-up for a ride, please contact the
COA at 508-896-2737 by Thursday, November 14th.
Upcoming Programs in December:
Be sure to check next month’s Bayside Chatter for news
about our Holiday Line Dance Showcase on December 9th,
and an upcoming visit from the Kindergarten classes that
will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit!
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
1
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Open
Enrollment
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
2:00pm Tai Chi
4
9:45am Keep Movin’
5
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
10:00am Open Enrollment
11:00am Chair Yoga
1:00pm Bridge
2:00pm Tai Chi
6
8:00am Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Computer Help
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm Open Enrollment
7
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Meditation
1:00pm Computer Users
2:00pm BMCC
8
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Open
Enrollment
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Memory
Screenings
2:00pm Tai Chi
11
(The COA is Closed)
12
9:00am Yoga
9:00am Pedicare
9:30am W.O.W.
9:30am Food to
Encourage
10:00am Open Enrollment
11:00am Chair Yoga
1:00pm Bridge
2:00pm Tai Chi
13
8:00am Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Computer Help
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Healthy Meals
in Motion (Frederick Ct.)
11:30am Sight Loss/BLL
12:30pm Movie/Fire Dept.
1:00pm Open Enrollment
1:00pm Quilters
14
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Meditation
10:30am Crafts with
Megan
1:00pm Computer Users
2:00pm BMCC
15
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
10:00am Open
Enrollment
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
11:00am
Rep. Tim Whelan
2:00pm Tai Chi
18
9:45am Keep Movin’!
6:00pm
Fall Town Meeting
Stony Brook Elem.
School
19
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
10:00am Open Enrollment
11:00am Chair Yoga
12:30pm Massage with
Sandra
1:00pm Bridge
2:00pm Tai Chi
20
8:00am Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Massage w. Sandra
9:00am Computer Help
9:45am Keep Movin’
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm Open Enrollment
21
8:00am Pet Grooming
8:30am Hearing
Screenings
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Meditation
1:00pm Computer Users
1:00pm Financial
Planning
2:00pm BMCC
22
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Open
Enrollment
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
2:00pm Tai Chi
25
9:45am Keep Movin’!
9:30am Food to
Encourage
26
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
10:00am BP/Glucose
Testing/BLL
11:00am Chair Yoga
1:00pm Bridge
2:00pm Tai Chi
27
8:00am Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am Mobile Dental
Hygiene Service
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
28
(The COA is closed)
29
Day after Thanksgiving
The COA is closed and
there will be
No Swimming at
Brewster Green today
Page 6 Senior Happenings
November 2019 Page 7 Brewster, MA
Healthy Meals in Motion
This popular program serves all eligible Brewster seniors, providing a few full bags of groceries,
fresh produce 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, November 13.
Please call our Brewster COA Outreach Office to enroll at 508-896-2737.
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!
Mobile Dental Hygiene Service
Wednesday, November 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, 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
Brewster Holiday Hope
The Brewster Recreation Department runs Holiday Hope, a fundraising drive, each year during the months of
November and December. The events associated with the drive are: Breakfast with Santa and the Giving Trees
located at the Town Hall and the Recreation Office. All of the proceeds from these events and from the sponsors
involved are donated to the Brewster residents. Each year, the Rec Dept. sponsors families and children of all
ages in our town over the winter and holiday season.
In collaboration with our Brewster Recreation Department, the COA is getting involved to help collect funds for
our Brewster children. This year’s goal is to raise $3,000. for this program. No donation is too small. For more
information, please contact Denise at 508-896-2737. Thank you for your generosity.
SHINE News: Want to Save Money?
If you’re on Medicare, ‘tis the season to do your annual check of your prescription drug plan and health insurance.
Each year, by Medicare rules, prescription drug plans can change significantly. Companies can change
formularies, deductibles, drug tiers, premiums, preferred pharmacies, and co-pays.
Open Enrollment runs from October 15th- December 7th every year. It’s the time when Medicare encourages and
allows you to review your plans and make the best choices for the next year. If you haven’t been reviewing your
plans every year, you are very likely paying too much.
Come and visit a certified SHINE counselor to get help reviewing and implementing any changes.
Call the COA at 508-896-2737 for an appointment.
Page 9 November 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: Wednesdays ~ 9:00 – 12:00pm with Del Borah
and Thursdays ~ 9:00am - 12:00pm with Pete Scheffer
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
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: No class on November 28.
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
FINANCIAL PLANNING: 3rd Thursday ~ 1:00pm
By appointment only. A knowledgeable volunteer answers questions
and provides information concerning Long Term Care and Financial
Planning. Call (508) 896-2737
HEARING SCREENINGS: 3rd Thursday of the month ~ 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.
FOURTH WALL LINE DANCING: Wednesdays ~ 8:00 - 8:45am
For those with prior Line Dancing experience interested in learning a new
technique. See page 3 for detailed information. Cost: $4.00 per class
when paid monthly. Come expand your skill and have fun!
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: 3rd Tuesday and Wednesday, beginning at
9:00am. Massages last 30 minutes and are offered for $15.00.
By appointment only. Call 508-896-2737
MEALS ON WHEELS: Provided to each homebound elder who is una-
ble to prepare nutritionally balanced meals. Call Brewster Nutrition at
508-896-5070.
CHATTER
WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:
MEDITATION: Thursdays ~ 10:00 - 11:00am Class focused on build-
ing internal awareness with an orientation toward the heart and breath.
Guided meditation. $2.00 per session. Drop-ins welcome! (See page 3)
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
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.
(See page 3 for more information)
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!
PLEASE NOTE: Open Enrollment will be occurring on Tuesdays,
10am - 4pm, Wednesdays 1pm - 4pm and Fridays 10am - 1pm, until
December 6. Please call soon for an appointment at 508-896-2737.
SIGHT LOSS GROUP: September - June on the 2nd Wednesday of
each month at Brewster Ladies Library ~ 11:30am - 1:00pm. Call Sight
Loss at 508-394-3904 for more information.
SWIMMING: Brewster Green Pool ~ Fridays ~ 10:00am to 12:00pm
NOTE: This is ONLY available for Brewster’s senior (60+) residents.
You ALSO need to have your Brewster COA Swipe Card for admit-
tance. A donation of $1.00 per swim is recommended and this is done by
an honor system. Stop by the COA monthly/quarterly to support this
activity.
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!
A Message from Charles Altieri, RN
Public Health Wellness Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
Page 10 November 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!
Free Personal Hygiene Items!
The COA still has a large quantity of adult disposable incontinence products in various sizes. If you or someone
whom you know could use them, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 508-896-2737, or just stop by. Let us know
what size you’re looking for. If we’ve got them we will be happy to give them to you!
Flu season! When to seek care?
Your first winter illness came on fairly suddenly, with a fever and a slight sore throat. You had your flu
shot but wonder if this could be the flu. Should you seek medical care?
For older adults and those with chronic medical conditions, the best advice is to call your doctor’s office
and to be seen for an appointment if you’re asked to come in.
Sometimes, symptoms clearly suggest whether you’re dealing with viral influenza (flu) or another
illness, such as a common cold. Symptoms of the flu can vary in atypical ways, particularly in older
adults. In addition, adults 65 and older are at high risk of complications with influenza, such as
bacterial pneumonia.
Taking action
Dealing with the flu involves several key steps:
● Getting the flu vaccine each year: this reduces the risk of flu infections and lessens the severity of
illness if you get the flu. Vaccine effectiveness varies from year to year, but it ’s still the single best
protective measure available.
● Practicing good hand hygiene: clean your hands frequently using an alcohol -based hand sanitizer
or soap and water. Avoid large crowds and close contact with people who are sick.
● Contact your doctor as soon as you suspect that you have the flu. Your doctor can determine if you
have the flu and if you need an antiviral drug. Your doctor may order a simple test that detects flu
viruses. These antivirals include Tamiflu and Relenza which are prescribed to prevent further
complications. They can reduce the flu’s severity; it is best to be taken within 48 hours of the start
of the illness. However, studies have shown the benefits can extend beyond the 48 hour window,
especially in people at high risk.
● Being alert to complications: contact your doctor if symptoms become more severe, improve and
then become worse, or if you have unusual symptoms, or if you have experienced severe sore
throat, chest pain, confused thinking, dizziness, lightheadedness or breathing difficulty.
Mayo Clinic, October 2018
BE WELL! LIVE STRONG! LIVE LONG!
Charlie Altieri, RN, Public Health Nurse
Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod
November 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
“Oh, you’re from New Jersey? What exit?”
Joe Piscopo
“How ya doin’?” I was leaving the Brewster Senior Center one afternoon, and as I exited the elevator I
greeted the guys at the Brewster Men's Coffee Club, “Hey guys.” Customarily I don’t usually join in, but
given a special invitation this day, I decided not to be in a hurry and to sit and chat. Little did I know
that Mike was from Bayonne, New Jersey and Tom from Teaneck, New Jersey, so it was like old home
week. Now Jersey Guys may neither have the notoriety, the beauty, nor the popularity of the Jersey
Girls, nor do we have their clout, but we do have the privilege to say not only the good things about
The Garden State, but also those things that are not so good like, “Did you hear about the guy who is
purportedly buried on the fifty yard line in Giants Stadium?” Or, “Do you remember the stink that used
to come from the farmer Henry Krajewski’s pig farms in Secaucus?” As an aside, Krajewski ran for
president in the 1950s and 60s promising “A Pig in Every Pot.”
Now living in New Jersey was not all about smells, traffic, the Jersey Shore, the Tick Tock Diner, and
Rutt's Hut “rippers.” After all, some very famous celebrities were born and raised in New Jersey.
Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Meryl Streep, Jon Bongiovi, Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston,
Bruce Willis, Mike, Tom and myself, just to name a few. Albert Anastasia claimed to be from Passaic
before they filled him full of holes in a New York City barber chair. Don’t ever get a shave in New York
City!
What is most disconcerting to me is the legend of the New Jersey Devil, probably started by someone
from Philadelphia, who pinned that Devil label on our poor little state. I drove down the dirt road in
Leeds Point, the Devil’s birthplace, one day, attempting to gain a little more insight into the history and
lore of Mrs. Leeds’ thirteenth child, and people started coming out of their houses, pointing at my car
and shouting, “He’s back!”
Some of you who are reading this will ask, “Well, if you feel New Jersey is so great, why don’t you all just
go back?” It’s really not that easy for us. You see, we are all in the Witness Protection Program.
Shhhhh!
BTW, I know you would like to tie this all together and to do that you would have to know specifically
where in New Jersey I called home. Well, very simply, it was….. Exit 154 on the Garden State Parkway,
Northbound. :)
Peter R. Scheffer (“Life is Good!”) - When you speak of New Jersey, and you’re not from there, please be
nice. Remember, there is lots more room on the fifty yard line!
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: This is 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 November 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.