HomeMy Public PortalAboutFebruary 20201673 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
February 2020
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.
“If I Live to be 100, Where Will I Live?”
Homes for a Lifetime Planning Series
“A Home Away from Home -
Evaluating Nursing Home Options”
Friday, February 7 2:30 - 4:30pm
Brewster Ladies Library Auditorium
1822 Main Street
Nursing home care may be needed on a temporary or
permanent basis. 44% of residents stay less than a year;
30% between one and three years.
Learn how to ask the right questions, compare the quality
of different facilities, and make a good choice if the time
comes when more support may be needed.
Please contact the COA at 508-896-2737 to
reserve your seat.
February Closings:
The Brewster COA will be closed on
Monday, February 17 for the President’s Day
observance. Enjoy the holiday!
“New to Medicare” Seminar
Tuesday, February 4 6:00 pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Are you turning 65 soon?
Come and get the straight story about your Medicare
options from certified SHINE (Serving the Health
Insurance Needs of Everyone) counselors.
Call the COA at 508-896-2737 to reserve your
seat! Light refreshments will be served.
Income Tax Preparation
Wednesdays: February 5 - April 15
Brewster Town Hall, 2198 Main Street
Income Tax season is here! Make it easy on yourself and
call the Brewster COA soon at 508-896-2737 to
schedule an appointment with a knowledgeable tax
representative from AARP. Appointments are available on
Wednesdays, beginning February 5th and continuing
until April 15th. The representatives will make the job of
filing your taxes much easier!
***Although the program is free, donations to the
Brewster COA are appreciated!
Please note:
This service is for basic, uncomplicated tax filing
ONLY! (Form 1040 or Form 1040-EZ)
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the COA
and the Friends of Brewster Elders
Monday, February 10 1:30pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
$5.00 per person
Please join us as the COA and the Friends of
Brewster Elders celebrate all things Valentines with a
concert and some delectable sweets!
Our concert begins at 1:30pm and features the very
talented Paul Ashley, a wonderful guitarist and
entertainer (the same gentleman who performed at
our Lobster Roll luncheon in August). After the
concert, you’ll enjoy the “Everything Chocolate”
Buffet!
Tickets are $5.00 and available at the Brewster COA
during the week of February 3. Drop by soon so you
won’t miss this fun-filled event!
Page 2 February 2020 Brewster, MA
All classes are at the Brewster
COA, 1673 Main Street, unless
otherwise noted.
Computer Help
Wednesdays & Thursdays:
9:00am - 12:00pm
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 Wednesdays and Pete
Scheffer on Thursdays.
For all appointments, please contact the
COA at 508-896-2737.
Computer Users’ Group
Thursdays: 1:00 - 2:30pm
This month: Feb. 6 and 13 only
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!
Brewster Men’s Coffee Club
Thursdays: 2:00 - 4:00pm
The Brewster Men’s Coffee Club meets
on Thursday afternoons throughout
February. 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.
W.O.W.
(Wonderful Older Women)
Tuesdays: 9:30 - 11:00am
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.
Blood Pressure and Glucose
Testing
Fourth Tuesday of every
month: February 25
10:00am to 12:00pm
A nurse from the VNA will check your
blood pressure and listen to your health
concerns (glucose testing will also be
available). This FREE service does not
require an appointment and is offered on
a first-come, first-served basis.
Hearing Screenings
Thursday, February 20
8:30 – 10:30am
Advanced Audiology Associates
offers FREE screenings here at the
Brewster Council on Aging.
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.
Pain Relief Class
(Alexander Technique)
Mondays: 11:30am – 12:30pm
Do you experience back or neck pain?
Do you want to learn how to be more
balanced, coordinated and have less
pain? Come learn how to relieve your
pain holistically and naturally by
learning how to “undo” unhelpful habits
of both body and mind!
Please bring a yoga mat.
$10.00 per class.
Our instructor, Helen Manzella, is a
Certified Alexander Technique teacher.
She is a graduate of the Boston
Conservatory at Berklee's Alexander
Technique Teacher Training Course and
Tommy Thompson's Alexander
Technique Center at Cambridge, a
3-year 1,600-hour program.
Exercise Your Options!
All classes are at the Brewster
COA, 1673 Main Street, unless
otherwise noted.
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 $50.00 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.
Tai-Chi Made Easy
Mondays: 1:30 - 2:30pm
This class requires no prior experience
or ongoing commitments, and there is
no special equipment necessary. 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 own
personal energy and that of another
utilizing the circular movements
inherent in Tai-Chi.
The cost is $10.00 per class. Wearing
loose-fitting clothing is recommended.
Our instructor, A. Jay Zahn, is a
long-time practitioner and has studied
related martial arts, breathing exercises
and meditation.
Page 3 February 2020 Brewster, MA
More Exercise Options!
All classes are at the Brewster
COA, 1673 Main Street, unless
otherwise noted.
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!
EZ Fourth Wall Line
Dancing - New session!
8:00 - 8:45am Wednesdays
New students are welcome in this brand
new session! This course is designed for
those with some dance experience who
are accustomed to picking up new mate-
rial with ease and are interested in learn-
ing technique. In this class we’ll explore
how to push past the Fourth Wall (the
conceptual barrier between dancer and
audience) and find a
connection to an audience. 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 bring a water bottle and shoes to
change into that are flat, flexible, closed
and non-marking.
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 bring a water bottle and shoes to
change into that are flat, flexible, closed
and non-marking.
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!
Expressive Movement Class
11:30am – 12:30pm Fridays
This class will teach you all about how
to expressively move your body and
how to strengthen the mind/body
connection. We will utilize a variety of
expressive movement forms from
Authentic Movement to improvisation.
Classes will be set to music from around
the world.
No previous dance experience is
required. Please bring a yoga mat.
$10.00 per class.
Our instructor is Helen Manzella, an
improvisational dancer.
February 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 St.,
unless otherwise noted.
¡La clase de español
comienza en febrero!
(Translation: Spanish class
starts in February!)
Mondays:
February 3 – March 16
1:00 - 2:30pm
$60.00 for the entire session
Have you always wanted to learn
another language? This is your
opportunity to learn Spanish, the
language spoken by over 470 million
people worldwide. The instructor
has over 30 years’ experience as a
college professor of Spanish and
wishes to share her enthusiasm for
the language and culture with you.
In this course, you will learn the
pronunciation of Spanish and how
to form questions and statements
on everyday topics such as food,
family, travel, daily routines,
hobbies, and shopping. The format
of the class will include activities in
pairs and small groups, games and
short film clips.
Be sure to call the Brewster COA at
508-896-2737 to reserve your spot
in this fun new class!
Food to Encourage
Monday, February 10 and
Monday, February 24
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 FREE 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 and vegetables 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.
Sound Event
Wednesday, February 12
1:00 - 2:30 pm
$5.00
Come join Carol Marcy for an early
afternoon journey into health and
deep relaxation. The sounds of the
crystal singing bowls and the
symphony gong will create a
vibrational environment which has
scientifically been shown to
normalize your heart rate, blood
pressure, provide better blood flow
and increase the oxygen carried by
the blood to all cells in the body. The
lymphatic circulation and immune
system function are also improved.
We will begin with a brief guided
meditation to help focus awareness
internally by initiating a simple
breath rhythm and relaxation
response.
Please wear comfortable warm
clothes. You can choose to sit in a
chair or lie down on the floor. If you
are on the floor, please bring some-
thing comfortable to put underneath
you. You may also want something
to cover your eyes. Please call the
COA to sign up at 508-896-2737.
The Savvy Caregiver
Educational Program
Thursdays:
February 27 – April 2
10:00am – 12:00pm
Brewster Town Hall
2198 Main Street
The Savvy Caregiver 6-session
course covers: the pathology of
dementia diseases, strategies for
caregiver self-care, dementia
stages, developing contented
involvement for someone with
dementia, how to recognize options
to optimize decision making, and
making the most of family
This FREE program is recommend-
ed for active family caregivers of
people living with Alzheimer’s or
other dementia-related diseases.
Free respite-care is available
during class hours.
This program is being offered by the
Alzheimer’s Family Support Center,
in conjunction with the Brewster
COA.
For more information, or to
register, please call
508-896-5170, or email:
support@capecodalz.org
support@capecodalz.org
Tours of the COA
The Brewster School Department
and Council on Aging would like to
keep the public and town officials
informed of current space usage at
the Stony Brook School and Council
on Aging facilities.
Accordingly, tours of the Council on
Aging will be offered on Fridays
from 10:00am to 12:00pm.
Please call 508-896-2737 in advance
to schedule a tour of the COA.
Looking for Volunteers!
Everyone has different talents.
What is yours and would you be
willing to share your skills with our
community at the COA?
Do you enjoy crafts and want to
create something, have you traveled
and wish to discuss your destination
and experience, do you have a green
thumb and can teach us how to care
for our plants and shrubs, are you
interested in theatre, arts, or dance
and want to bring characters to life?
How about photography?
Soap carving? Genealogy?
These are just a few examples of the
myriad topics out there that can be
offered. It doesn’t have to be a
series; even an hour or two would be
fun for our center.
Please contact Lisa Donovan at the
COA at 508-896-2737 if you are
interested in being a volunteer and
teaching a class or two, and thank
you in advance!
Page 4 February 2020 Brewster, MA
resources.
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
3
9:45am Keep Movin’
11:30am
Pain Relief Class
1:00pm Spanish Class
1:30pm
Tai-Chi Made Easy
4
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
11:00am Chair Yoga
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
2:00pm Tai-Chi
6:00pm Seminar
“New to Medicare”
5
8:00am EZ Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am Income Tax/TH
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
6
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Meditation
1:00pm Computer Users
2:00pm BMCC
7 GO RED DAY!
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:30am
Expressive Movement
2:00pm Tai-Chi
2:30pm Seminar/BLL
“Home Away from Home”
(see page 1)
10
9:30am Food to
Encourage
9:45am Keep Movin’
11:30am
Pain Relief Class
1:00pm Spanish Class
1:30pm
Tai-Chi Made Easy
1:30pm Special Event:
Celebrate
Valentine’s Day!
11
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
12
8:00am EZ Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am Income Tax/TH
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Healthy Meals
in Motion (Frederick Ct.)
11:30am Sight Loss/BLL
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Sound Event
13
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Meditation
1:00pm Computer Users
2:00pm BMCC
14
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
11:30am
Expressive Movement
2:00pm Tai-Chi
HAPPY DAY!
17
PRESIDENTS DAY
The COA is closed
18
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
11:00am Chair Yoga
12:30pm Massage w.
Sandra
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
2:00pm Tai-Chi
19
8:00am EZ Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am Massage w. Sandra
9:00am Income Tax/TH
9:45am Keep Movin’
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
20
8:00am Pet Grooming
8:30am Hearing
Screenings
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
1:00pm Financial
Planning
2:00pm BMCC
21
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:00am
Rep. Tim Whelan
11:30am
Expressive Movement
2:00pm Tai-Chi
24
9:30am Food to
Encourage
9:45am Keep Movin’!
11:30am
Pain Relief Class
1:00pm Spanish Class
1:30pm
Tai-Chi Made Easy
25
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
10:00am BP/Glucose
Testing
10:00am Legal Help
11:00am Chair Yoga
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
2:00pm Tai-Chi
26
8:00am EZ Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am Mobile Dental
Hygiene Service
9:00am Income Tax/TH
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
27
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
10:00am Savvy
Caregiver Program/TH
2:00pm BMCC
28
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:30am
Expressive Movement
2:00pm Tai-Chi
Page 6 Senior Happenings
February 2020 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, February 12.
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, February 26 Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Mobile Dental Hygiene Services offers friendly, convenient, and affordable preventative oral health care at the
Brewster Council on Aging! The following services are FREE to eligible individuals with Medicaid/MassHealth:
cleanings, screenings, oral cancer exams, fluoride treatments, denture care, education, and referrals.
No dental insurance? They offer reduced private-pay options such as: cleaning - $80, denture care - $25, and an
exam for $30. The price of a cleaning includes an exam and denture care.
Please contact Mobile Dental Hygiene Services if you have any questions or you would like to make an 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.
Brewster COA’s Inclement Weather Policy
If the Nauset Public Schools are closed all
activities, programs and van transportation
at the COA are cancelled.
If the Brewster Town Hall is closed, the
Brewster COA will also be closed.
Additional Programs available through the
Brewster Recreation Department:
Looking for even more things to do? The Brewster
Recreation Department has the Senior Striders Walking
Program, Pickleball, Tennis and Gentle Flow Yoga, to
name a few. Please contact the Brewster Recreation
office at 508-896-9430 for more information.
Good News from SHINE: Medicare Savings Programs (MassHealth Buy-In programs)
On January 1, 2020 the income and asset limits for the Medicare Savings Programs (also known as “MassHealth
Buy-in” programs) are increasing. Under these new limits, many Massachusetts residents with Medicare may now
be eligible for these programs, and existing members may be eligible for other Buy-In benefits.
Medicare Savings Programs are federally funded programs administered by each individual state. These
programs are for people with limited income and resources and help pay some or all of their Medicare premiums,
deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.
Call your certified SHINE counselors, Debra or Brenda at the COA 508-896-2737 for info.
Page 9 February 2020
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 COA. 10:00am – 12:00pm
On a drop-in basis. Provided by VNA of Cape Cod. FREE.
BREWSTER MEN’S COFFEE CLUB (BMCC): Thursdays ~ 2:00pm
BRIDGE (men’s and women’s groups): Tuesdays ~ 1:00 - 3:45pm
CHAIR YOGA: Tuesdays ~ 11:00am - 12:00pm $10.00 per class.
Helps improve strength and flexibility (see page 3 for full 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. This month: Feb. 6 and 13 only
DENTAL HYGIENE SERVICE: 4th Wednesday ~ 9:00am - 3:00pm
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
EXPRESSIVE MOVEMENT: Fridays ~ 11:30am - 12:30pm
$10.00 per class Strengthening the mind-body connection using move-
ment. No experience needed (see page 3 for full description).
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 2 for
full 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: February 25
EZ 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 full description). $4.00 per class when paid
monthly.
LINE DANCING (II): Wednesdays ~ 8:45 - 9:30am
Some dance experience required (see page 3 for full description).
Cost: $4.00 per class when paid monthly. $6.00 per class for drop-ins.
MASSAGE with Sandra: 3rd Tuesday and Wednesday. Massages
last 30 minutes and are offered for $15.00. Please call for schedule and
appointment: 508-896-2737
MEALS ON WHEELS: Provided to each homebound elder who is not
able to prepare nutritionally balanced meals. Call Brewster Nutrition at
508-896-5070. Sponsored by Elder Services of Cape Cod and Islands.
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, or
$2.00 per class. Chinese method for enhancing the immune system; utiliz-
ing posture and breathing exercises, along with focused intentions. Gentle
and calming (see page 3 for full description).
PAIN RELIEF CLASS: Mondays ~ 11:30am - 12:30pm $10.00 per
class. Holistic and naturally relieve your back and/or neck pain! (See
page 2 for full description).
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 a FREE 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
admittance. 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.
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!
TAI-CHI MADE EASY: Mondays ~ 1:30 - 2:30pm $10.00 per class
Explore essential elements of Tai-Chi: breathing, basic stances, Tai-Chi
postures, and develop awareness of the life-force called Chi (see page 3
for more information). No experience necessary!
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 February 2020 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!
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!
Boost your “good” Cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is called the “good” or “happy” cholesterol because its components
work to remove excess cholesterol from your blood and protect your blood vessels from damage and inflamma-
tion. A higher level of HDL is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and related complications, such as a
heart attack.
The best way to boost your HDL cholesterol is to:
Lose weight - Shedding extra pounds can lead to a 5 to 20 % increase in HDL.
Get moving - Physical activity, especially aerobic activity, not only helps you lose weight but also can help
improve your HDL function and raise HDL. Brisk walking, jogging, swimming and playing racquetball are
all good signs of aerobic activity, as long as you safely get your heart rate up.
Not smoking - If you smoke, stopping can increase your HDL by up to 5%. Quitting isn’t easy, but once
you do, tobacco’s harmful effects on HDL tend to evaporate.
Drink in moderation - Moderate alcohol consumption increases HDL cholesterol. This might explain why
a drink a day may have protective effects on the heart. But don’t start drinking to protect your heart.
Exercise and a healthy diet can be safer and just as effective!
February is American Heart Month! What better way to show your heart some love than to try one or
more of the suggestions above.
Mayo Clinic, Nov. 2016
BE WELL! LIVE LONG! LIVE STRONG!
Charles Altieri, RN
Public Health Wellness Nurse
VNA of Cape Cod
Go Red Day is Friday, February 7
Although National Wear Red Day isn’t a
public holiday, we encourage you to wear
red to raise awareness of heart disease in
women. Move more, eat smart and
manage your blood pressure.
Make a Commitment to Yourself!
February 2020 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
“Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet eating her curds and whey. Along came a spider and
sat down beside her and frightened Miss Muffet away.”
Dr. Thomas Muffet, English physician and entomologist. (d. 1604)
You undoubtedly have heard of creatures of habit. I would be one of them. Sit in the same pew at
St. Joan of Arc every Saturday night at five o’clock mass, park in the same space, sit next to the same
people, etc., etc. I pick up the bulletin on the way in to church, say “Hi” to the greeters and settle in
waiting for mass to begin. Usually I will go over the readings prior to mass well aware that the deacon
will read them to everyone, however it’s like having done your homework and being prepared and
attentive. At this particular mass I must admit, I was not very attentive, and as a matter of fact was
greatly distracted. So much so that I contemplated going back to mass the next day to atone for my
distraction.
As I settled into my seat I noticed a little black spot suspended in the pew directly in front of me. It was a
very tiny spider hanging eye level on a thread not visible to the naked eye, but suspended at least thirty
feet from the ceiling. This little bugger had really worked hard to get here to this level in time for mass.
People were sitting at both ends of that row and I wondered how this whole drama was going to play
out. Whenever I sat or knelt, I lost sight of him and it was only when I stood up that I could see him.
I did not dare to swat him, since I was the only one who knew he was there and how foolish would I have
looked swatting at the air with my bulletin? I exhaled with more force than usual and watched him
swinging in the breeze. I was actually playing during mass. Sister Anthony Mary should see me now.
Shame. Father Bill, I’m sure, gave a well prepared and well thought out homily, but I never heard a
word. I wondered when people went up to receive the sacraments if this little Araneae would hitch a ride
on someone in that row, but thankfully, that did not happen, since he was still swinging in the breeze at
the end of mass.
Obviously I was no longer in a state of grace, since I actually did miss mass, thus my thoughts of going
back the next day. Nope, didn’t! But what if he were still there? How many more masses would I have to
attend before I got one that counted? I could change seats, but that would not be possible….”Creature of
Habit!”
Peter R. Scheffer (“Life is Good!”) - If Father Bill only knew!!
P.S. By the way, Joan saw the spider too! She claims I am A.D.D. I should have asked her what the
homily was about just to see if she was paying attention.
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 February 2020 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.