HomeMy Public PortalAboutDecember 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
December 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
Merry Christmas!
...and a Happy Hanukkah, AND a very
Happy New Year!
The Brewster COA will be closing at
noon on Tuesday, December 24 and
remain closed until Thursday,
December 26 for the Christmas holiday.
We will also be closed on Wednesday,
January 1, 2020 for the New Year’s Day
holiday observance.
From all of us here at the Brewster
Council on Aging, we wish you a warm,
wonderful holiday season and a bright
New Year filled with much happiness!
Brewster Holiday Hope
The Brewster Recreation Department runs Holiday Hope, a fund-
raising 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 Recreation Department 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.
Holiday Line Dance Showcase!
Monday, December 9 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Please join us at the Brewster COA
for a festive, upbeat line dance
showcase by students of Cape Sands
Ballroom.
The dancers will share their love of
dance with you as they move and
groove to tunes from the 50’s
through today, including a few
holiday selections. Light refreshments will be served. Seating is
limited and we will not be able to accommodate any drop-ins.
Please be sure to give the COA a call at 508-896-2737 to reserve your
seat. Hope to see you there! FREE!
Holiday Program Line-Up
Come join us for our upcoming holiday programs! We’ve got our
talented Kindergarten performers from Stony Brook Elementary
School, and the Nauset Regional High School Chorus. Please turn to
page 4 for more information.
Page 2 December 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
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!
Please note: No meetings on December 19
& December 26.
Hearing Screenings
Thursday, December 19 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 December. 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.
The fee is $5 per session, and drop-ins are welcome.
You won’t believe how much fun you can have while
exercising!
Holiday Theme Line Dancing with
Karen
Wednesday, December 11
8:00-8:45am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
If you love line dancing and if you love holiday tunes,
mark your calendar for this FREE Holiday Theme Line
Dance class with Karen of Cape Sands Ballroom. The
dances selected will be easy (meaning less time learning
and more time dancing!) and would be the right level
for most students with a little bit of basic prior line
dance experience.
Come and move your feet to the beat of holiday classics
such as "Sleigh Ride", "Winter Wonderland", and
"Jingle Bells". Please bring a water bottle and shoes to
change into that are flat, closed, flexible and
non-marking. Casual attire in your favorite holiday
colors encouraged. See you on the dance floor!
Brewster COA’s
Inclement Weather Policy
If the Nauset Public Schools are closed all activities,
programs, and van transportation at the Senior Center
are cancelled.
If the Brewster Town Hall is closed, the Brewster
Senior Center will also be closed.
Page 3 December 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 arthri-
tis 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 partici-
pate 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.
Please note: No Yoga on December 3.
Chair Yoga
11:00am - 12:00pm Tuesdays
This class is designed to teach begin-
ners, 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 boost-
ing mental clarity, managing and coping
with pain brought on by aging or an ill-
ness, 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.
Please Note:
Special class on Dec. 11. (see page 2)
After Dec. 11, there will be no classes
until Jan. 8, 2020.
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.
Please Note:
After Dec. 11, there will be no classes
until Jan. 8, 2020.
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!
December 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.
A Holiday Concert
at Maplewood of Brewster
Wednesday, December 11 2:30 pm
Maplewood of Brewster
820 Harwich Road (Route 124)
Join your friends and neighbors to hear the wonderful voices
of the Nauset Regional High School Chorus, under the
direction of Mr. Tom Faris. These talented young people
awe us each year with their musical abilities. We are so
fortunate to be able to get on their very busy schedule every
year so don’t miss hearing them perform!
Call the COA today reserve your seat: 508-896-2737
Refreshments will be served. What a lovely way to spend an
afternoon during the holiday season!
Enjoy the Holidays
through the Eyes of Children
Monday, December 16 12:15 pm
Christmas is for children so join us as we celebrate with the
Kindergarten students from Stony Brook Elementary. They
will be singing some holiday songs, enjoy a treat and, most
importantly, have a visit from Santa. Bring your friends,
neighbors, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or just come
by yourself. Hearing the children sing and sharing their joy
at seeing Santa will add to your holiday season.
Please call the COA to reserve your seat: 508-896-2737
Refreshments will be served.
Let’s Go Shopping!
Thursday, December 5 10:00am - 2:00pm
Cape Cod Mall
Join us for an adventure to the mall where shopping, enter-
tainment, dining and the festive sights and sounds of the
season unfold. Carolers roam the mall, shops have huge sales
and the Spectacle of Trees is always a festive way to help
local non-profits during the holidays. Creatively decorated
and lavishly endowed trees are put on display and everyone
has the opportunity to buy raffle tickets and win one of the
beautiful trees and all the gifts underneath!
Shopping is always a fun way to spend a few hours, and a
few dollars, and now there are new stores to entice us to enter
such as Target.
So, let’s get together, share some laughs and kick off the
holidays! Transportation is provided but space is limited.
Please call the COA to reserve your seat: 508-896-2737
Food to Encourage
Monday, December 9 & Monday, December 23
9:30 - 11:30am
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!
Crafts with Megan
Thursday, December 19 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, December 13 to let us
know you are interested: 508-896-2737
Beginning in January 2020
Tai-Chi Made Easy
Mondays, 1:30 - 2:30pm
Begins January 6, 2020 $10.00 per class
This new class doesn’t require any prior experience or
ongoing commitments, and there is no special equipment
necessary; however, wearing loose-fitting clothing is recom-
mended. Come learn about Tai-Chi and the many physical
and spiritual benefits. Also known as “moving meditation”,
Tai-Chi can help improve balance, core strength, flexibility,
and provide a mind-body connection as a source for stress
relief. This class will not focus on learning a particular form
or sequence of movements. Instead, the essential elements of
Tai-chi will be explored: breathing, basic stances, Tai-Chi
postures, and the development and awareness of the life-force
called Chi. Classes will also present Push Hands: a dynamic
2-person exercise aimed at cultivating awareness of our
personal energy and that of another utilizing the circular
movements inherent in Tai-Chi. Come check it out!
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.
Page 4 December 2019 Brewster, MA
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
2
9:45am Keep Movin’
3
9:30am W.O.W.
10:00am Open
Enrollment
11:00am Chair Yoga
1:00pm Bridge
2:00pm Tai Chi
4
8:00am Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Computer Help
9:45am Keep Movin’
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm Open Enrollment
5
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Meditation
10:00am Shopping
Trip to CC Mall
1:00pm Computer Users
2:00pm BMCC
6
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Open
Enrollment
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
2:00pm Tai Chi
9
9:30am Food to
Encourage
9:45am Keep Movin’
2:00pm
Holiday Line Dance
Showcase
10
9:00am Yoga
9:00am Pedicare
9:30am W.O.W.
11:00am Chair Yoga
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
2:00pm Tai Chi
11
8:00am Special Holiday
Line Dance Class
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
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
2:30pm NRHS Concert at
Maplewood of Brewster
12
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Meditation
1:00pm Computer Users
2:00pm BMCC
13
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
2:00pm Tai Chi
16
9:45am Keep Movin’
12:15pm Holidays
Through the Eyes of
Children
17
9:00am Yoga
9:00am Pedicare
9:30am W.O.W.
10:00am Legal Help
11:00am Chair Yoga
12:30pm Massage w.
Sandra
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
2:00pm Tai Chi
18
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am Mobile Dental
Hygiene Service
9:00am Massage w. Sandra
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
19
8:00am Pet Grooming
8:30am Hearing
Screenings
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
10:30am Crafts with
Megan
1:00pm Financial
Planning
2:00pm BMCC
20
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
11:00am
Rep. Tim Whelan
2:00pm Tai Chi
23
9:30am Food to
Encourage
9:45am Keep Movin’!
24
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
10:00am BP/Glucose
Testing/BLL
11:00am Chair Yoga
CHRISTMAS EVE
(The COA is closing at
12:00pm today)
25
CHRISTMAS DAY
(The COA is closed)
26
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
2:00pm BMCC
27
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
2:00pm Tai Chi
No Swimming at
Brewster Green today.
30
9:45am Keep Movin’!
31
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
11:00am Chair Yoga
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
2:00pm Tai Chi
Page 6 Senior Happenings
December 2019 Page 7 Brewster, MA
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!
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, December 11.
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!
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 mandato-
ry deductions). You need to complete the volunteer hours by September 1, 2020.
Application deadline is Friday, December 13, 2019.
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.
Mobile Dental Hygiene Service
Wednesday, December 16 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 appoint-
ment. Their telephone number is 508-827-6725 or check them out at: smiles@mobiledentalhygiene.com
Fuel Assistance
Need some help with your winter heating bills? You may be eligible for fuel assistance. Please contact the
Outreach Department at the Brewster COA at (508) 896-2737 for more information.
Page 9 December 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
CHAIR YOGA: Tuesdays ~ 11:00am $10.00 per class. Helps improve
strength and flexibility (see page 3 for class description).
COMPUTER HELP: Wednesdays & 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
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. No meetings Dec. 19 & 26.
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 This month: Dec. 18
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. 15-minute appointments. Call (508) 896-2737.
KEEP MOVIN’!: Mondays and Fridays ~ 9:45 - 10:45 am. 10-week
session/20 classes: $50.00. Strength training for seniors (see page 3 for
class description). 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 FREE appointments.
Call (508) 896-2737 This month’s date: Tuesday, December 17
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). $4.00 per class when paid
monthly. Please note: No Dancing after December 11 until January 8.
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.
Please note: No Dancing after December 11 until January 8.
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
unable to prepare nutritionally balanced meals. Call Brewster Nutrition at
508-896-5070.
CHATTER
WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:
MEDITATION: Thursdays ~ 10:00 - 11:00am Guided meditation.
$2.00 per session. Drop-ins welcome! (See page 3 for class description)
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 Tuesday 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!
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 - 12:00pm
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.
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 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. PLEASE NOTE: No Swimming on Friday, December 27.
TAI-CHI: Tuesdays & Fridays ~ 2:00 - 3:00pm $10.00 per class
Improves flexibility, balance, coordination and muscle strength while
providing a mind-body connection for stress release (see page 3 for full
description). Come join us!
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!
ADDITIONAL EXERCISE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE THROUGH
BREWSTER RECREATION:
Senior Striders Walking Program, Pickleball, Tennis, Gentle Flow
Yoga. Please contact the Brewster Recreation office at 508-896-9430
for more information.
A Message from Charles Altieri, RN
Public Health Wellness Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
Page 10 December 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!
Sit less, live longer!
While no one is denying the importance of rest, too much sitting isn’t a good thing. In fact, research has
shown that the more time spent sedentary, the higher the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes,
certain cancers and earlier death.
To minimize sitting time:
Take breaks. Whether it means rising to get a glass of water, to take out the trash, or to do some
squats or simple stretches, take a break from sitting every 30 minutes. Set an alarm if this helps
you stay conscious of the time.
Stand while preoccupied. While you’re on the phone or watching television, stand or move around
rather than spending the time sitting on a couch or a chair. Using cell phones with ear pieces can
help you take a walk outside while having a conversation.
Try a standing desk at home or at work. Consider switching to a version that allows you to change
between standing and sitting while using it. You can also improve with a high table or counter.
Treadmill desks, which add physical activity, are another option.
Take your meetings on the go, whether it’s a work or volunteer meeting or a coffee date with
friends, suggest taking a walk when you talk.
Invest in a fitness monitor. These devices can alert you when you have been spending too much
time without moving. Setting a daily step count goal also may help you motivate to move than you
normally would.
Mayo Clinic, November 2019
BE WELL! LIVE STRONG! LIVE LONG!
Charlie Altieri, RN, Public Health Nurse
Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod
Do you think it’s going to Snow this winter?
Take control of your life and secure a person to snow-plow your driveway now! The COA gets
many calls asking us to recommend someone but, legally, we are not allowed to do that.
Therefore, call your carpenter, landscaper, ask your neighbor whom they use, or maybe they
are willing to help do the job for you at an agreed upon price. Planning ahead will secure your
comfort and safety in your own home, which will make for a happier winter season!
Seeking Medical Equipment?
The COA often receives 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!
December 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
Passaic High School - Circa 1954
“True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is
running the country.” Kurt Vonnegut
Dwight David Eisenhower was the U.S. president, the hourly minimum wage was $0.85, the average
home $10,250, a gallon of gas was $0.22, a gallon of milk $0.92, a loaf of bread $0.17 and a movie ticket
$0.70. The year was 1954.
Our Passaic High School Class of 1954 celebrated its 65 year reunion on October 27, 2019. We have had
our reunions every five years, so this would be our thirteenth. Joanie Carfora and I, classmates, have
attended every one, as have many others. Our class had 323 graduates, close knit friends. I like to think
we were somewhat unique and a melting pot of Italians, Polish, Asians, African Americans, Irish, Native
Americans, Russians, Jews, and Hispanics.
Our numbers have shrunk over the years. We have lost track of some, many have passed on, some who
did not have a good high school experience do not attend and the expense of travel keeps some away,
since we have spread out over the country. As octogenarians some of us don’t travel well, although many
walkers, wheelchairs, canes, crutches and hearing aids were in abundance and prove otherwise. We
joked about when our next reunion would be and agreed that we could not wait five years for obvious
reasons, so we have settled on 2021 as our next date. In the meantime we keep in touch via the social
media network, i.e., Facebook, email, text messages, Instagram, tweets, phone calls, etc.
Our time together passed quickly and parting was bittersweet. We were happy to be together, and
saddened to be saying goodbye as we thought about the next couple years and the fact that we are mere
mortals. It wasn’t always like that, but we’re older, much older, and wiser now. We are grateful to have
had the opportunity to be a part of this unique and wonderful Passaic High School Class of 1954.
Peter R. Scheffer (“Life is Good!”) - “Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” ― Dr. Seuss
P.S. Lest I forget, Merry Christmas & a Happy & Healthy New Year!!
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 December 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 D ART 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.