HomeMy Public PortalAboutJanuary 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
January 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.
Tai-Chi Made Easy
Mondays, 1:30 - 2:30pm $10.00 per class
Begins January 6, 2020
It’s a new year and time for something different!
This brand new class doesn’t require any 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 personal energy and that of
another utilizing the circular movements inherent in
Tai-Chi. Wearing loose-fitting clothing is recommended.
The January 6 class is FREE! $10.00 per class.
Our instructor, A. Jay Zahn, is a long-time practitioner
and has studied related martial arts, breathing exercises
and meditation.
January Closings:
The Brewster COA will be closed on Wednesday, January 1st for the New Year’s Day holiday.
We will also be closed on Monday, January 20th in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
The Brewster COA would like to wish all of you a Happy New
Year! We hope 2020 will be a wonderful year for everyone!
Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to
explore some different exercise options?
Check out these three new programs. More
health and wellness offerings are listed on page 3.
Expressive Movement Class
Fridays, 11:30am – 12:30pm
Begins January 10 $10 per class
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
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 expres-
sive 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. The January 10
class is FREE! $10.00 per class. Our instruc-
tor is Helen Manzella, an improvisational dancer.
Pain Relief (Alexander Technique) Class
Mondays, 11:30am – 12:30pm
Begins January 6 $10.00 per class
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
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. The January 6 class is FREE!
$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.
Page 2 January 2020 Brewster, MA
Check out what’s going on
during this month at the
Brewster COA!
Computer Help
Wednesdays & Thursdays:
9:00am - 12:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Do you need help using your com-
puter? 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
Please note: No classes until
January 30.
Thursdays: 1:00 - 2:30pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
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!
W.O.W.
(Wonderful Older Women)
Tuesdays: 9:30 - 11:00am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
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 St.
The Brewster Men’s Coffee Club will
be meeting on Thursday afternoons
throughout January. 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 speak-
ers, so if you’ve got a topic of interest
that you’d like to present, just let us
know.
Blood Pressure and Glucose
Testing
Fourth Tuesday of every
month: January 28
10:00am to 12:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
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, January 16
8:30 – 10:30am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
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.
Income Tax Preparation
Wednesdays:
February 5 - April 15
Brewster Town Hall
2198 Main Street
Income Tax season is coming!
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 6th and continuing
until April 15th, on a first-come,
first-served basis.
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)
“New to Medicare”
Seminar
Tuesday, February 4
6:00 pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
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.
Thank You to the Friends of Brewster Elders!
We would like to give a BIG Thank You to all of the Friends of
Brewster Elders. They have purchased a 65” LG Smart TV for
our 1st floor large room to replace our antiquated console.
This will allow us to stream music during lunchtime, showcase
“TED Talks” and watch current TV shows/events as well as movies.
What a good way to start the New Year!
Page 3 January 2020 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.
Chair Yoga
11:00am - 12:00pm Tuesdays
This class is designed to teach begin-
ners, as well as accommodating all skill
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!
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
material with ease and are interested in
learning 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.
Please Note: Classes begin January 8
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 Ball-
room’ will be your instructor. Please
bring a water bottle and shoes to change
into that are flat, flexible, closed and
non-marking.
Please Note: Classes begin January 8
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!
January 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
Monday, January 13 and Monday, January 27
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 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 above!
The Silvering Screen Film Series
“Ladies in Lavender”
Wednesday, January 22 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 sixth presentation will
be “Ladies in Lavender”.
This movie, starring Maggie Smith and Judi Dench, is
about two older women who discover a mysterious
young man near death on the beach by their home, and
take him in. 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 you are invited to 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 – Last Chance to
Sign up!
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 January 2020 Brewster, MA
Census Program
Friday, January 10 1:00 - 3:00pm
Are you looking to make some extra money in 2020?
The Census Bureau currently has a variety of job
openings in preparation for conducting the 2020
Census. A representative will be on hand to discuss the
opportunities available. You are invited to attend this
presentation to find out more about these positions and
how to apply for them.
Please contact the COA at 508-896-2737 to reserve your
seat.
“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.
Brewster COA’s Inclement Weather Policy
If the Nauset Public Schools are closed all
activities, programs and van transporta-
tion 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.
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
1
(The COA is Closed)
2
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
2:00pm BMCC
3
9:45am Keep Movin’!
11:30am
Expressive Movement
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
2:00pm Tai-Chi
6
9:45am Keep Movin’
11:30am
Pain Relief Class
1:30pm
Tai-Chi Made Easy
7
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
8
8:00am EZ 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
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
9
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
2:00pm BMCC
10
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:30am
Expressive Movement
1:00pm
Census Program
2:00pm Tai-Chi
13
9:30am Food to
Encourage
9:45am Keep Movin’
11:30am
Pain Relief Class
1:30pm
Tai-Chi Made Easy
14
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
15
8:00am EZ Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am Massage w. Sandra
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
16
8:00am Pet Grooming
8:30am Hearing
Screenings
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
1:00pm Financial
Planning
2:00pm BMCC
17
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
11:00am
Rep. Tim Whelan
11:30am
Expressive Movement
2:00pm Tai-Chi
20
(The COA is Closed)
21
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
11:00am Chair Yoga
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
2:00pm Tai-Chi
22
8:00am EZ Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am Mobile Dental
Hygiene Service
9:45am Keep Movin’
10:30am BINGO
12:30pm Movie/Fire Dept.
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
23
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
2:00pm BMCC
24
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:30am
Expressive Movement
2:00pm Tai-Chi
27
9:30am Food to
Encourage
9:45am Keep Movin’!
11:30am
Pain Relief Class
1:30pm
Tai-Chi Made Easy
28
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
10:00am BP/Glucose
Testing
11:00am Chair Yoga
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
2:00pm Tai-Chi
29
8:00am EZ Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Computer Help
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
30
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Meditation
1:00pm Computer Users
2:00pm BMCC
31
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:30am
Expressive Movement
2:00pm Tai-Chi
Page 6 Senior Happenings
January 2020 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, January 8.
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, January 22 Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Mobile Dental Hygiene Services offers friendly, convenient, and affordable preventative oral health care at the
Brewster Council on Aging! The following services are FREE to eligible individuals with Medicaid/MassHealth:
cleanings, screenings, oral cancer exams, fluoride treatments, denture care, education, and referrals.
No dental insurance? They offer reduced private-pay options such as: cleaning - $80, denture care - $25, and an
exam for $30. The price of a cleaning includes an exam and denture care.
Please contact Mobile Dental Hygiene Services if you have any questions or you would like to make an 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.
Snow Season Reminder
If you haven’t already done so, make sure to secure a person to snow-plow your driveway and/or
shovel your walks 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!
Also, with snow-season already upon us, we want to remind you to be wary of icy walkways as well as roadways.
If you get services from Visiting Nurses, Elder Services, Meals on Wheels, or are using our Medical Ride program,
those individuals really need to have safe access to your home. Make arrangements to have your driveway plowed
and your walks shoveled throughout the winter season, and make sure they’re cleared before any volunteer driver
comes to pick you up. We want everyone to stay safe this winter! Thank you for your understanding.
Page 9 January 2020
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 COA. 10:00am – 12:00pm
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 ~ 1:00 - 3:45pm
CHAIR YOGA: Tuesdays ~ 11:00am - 12:00pm $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 PLEASE NOTE: No Thursdays until January 30.
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. NOTE: No meetings until January 30.
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
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
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 detailed information). $4.00 per class when paid
monthly. Please note: Class begins 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: Class begins January 8.
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
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, 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 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.
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!
A Message from Charles Altieri, RN
Public Health Wellness Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
Page 10 January 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!
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!
Health Tips: New osteoporosis drug for women at risk for fractures
Post-menopausal women who have bone-thinning osteoporosis may be at lower risk for fracture if they
take a newly approved drug. The food and drug administration approved romosozumab (Eventity) in
April 2019 based on the results of two studies of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
The studies found that women who received romosozumab for a year had a dramatically reduced risk of
breaking a bone in the spine and the hips during a two year study. Evenity was given monthly by ]
injecting it under the skin. To maintain bone gain, women continued with their osteoporosis treatment
with different osteoporosis drugs.
One study found that this new drug reduce fractures by 73%, the other study by 50 %. It also helped
regrow new bone that improved bone strength as measured by bone density.
One concern with romosozumab is that in one study it was found to increase the risk of heart attack or
stroke as compared to Fosamax, another medication to treat OA. Therefore, the FDA warns that women
who have had a heart attack or stroke within the past year should not take romosozumab until further
research can clarify the risks.
Mayo clinic doctors say that romosozumab represents a welcome new treatment option for women at
high risk for fracture. This is despite potential cardiovascular side effects, as well as potential high cost
and insurance coverage difficulty. This drug may be especially beneficial given the larger increases in
bone mineral density that are seen compared with other osteoporosis therapies.
Mayo Clinic, December 2019
BE WELL! LIVE LONG! LIVE STRONG!
Charles Altieri, RN
Public Health Wellness Nurse
VNA of Cape Cod
Thank you for your help!
Thank you so much for helping to support our Brewster Recreation Department’s fundraiser in
December. The COA collected $220 to pass along towards the expenses for their Breakfast with Santa as
well as the Giving Trees that were located at Town Hall. All funds helped to provide presents to our
Brewster children. Your kindness and generosity is much appreciated.
January 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
“And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” - Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka, Dr. Seuss
Debbie named it the “Thanksgiving Team” which consisted of our oldest daughter Debbie, who was
making her way back to Panama from Paris, our grandson Peter, who lives and works in Manhattan, and
Joan and I. We met in the “Big Apple” the day before Thanksgiving and became tourists for four days.
The parade was spectacular as usual, but we were watching it in Radio City, so you might say we were
where the action was. The tree in Rockefeller Plaza was up, but the lights would not be turned on until
the following Wednesday. Our Thanksgiving dinner was at Pete’s apartment. Since everything was
prepared at Whole Foods we did not have to cook, only warm things up. After dinner we Ubered over to
the hotel where we kicked off our shoes and toasted the day.
Friday was special since we had tickets to the Radio City Christmas Show featuring the Rockettes.
Very, very impressive. Since my bladder capacity is not what it used to be, I took a five minute side trip
and when I got back Joan was quick to tell me that I had missed the best part, the live crèche with
camels, mules, sheep, shepherds, etc. I explained I had no choice because everyone in the audience
sitting in front of me would have drowned, since they did not issue life jackets. The show was followed
by lunch at the Rock Center Cafe where we enjoyed watching the skaters and Santa Claus.
Saturday was extra special with a Lyft into Chinatown and Little Italy. As we were walking along
Mulberry Street it occurred to me that there were points of interest that I could share, sort of a little
Italian history lesson for Joan, Debbie and Pete. We passed Umberto’s Clam House at 132 Mulberry
Street where “Crazy Joey Gallo” never got to finish his spaghetti with white clam sauce. We went into
Grotta Azzura Restaurant at 177 Mulberry Street, a family favorite in years gone by, where we
reminisced over a bottle of Chianti Ruffino. At 247 Mulberry Street, we gawked at the site of the former
Ravenite Social Club, also known as John Gotti’s Bunker and now the home of Cydwoq (pronounced
“sidewalk”) New York, a shoe store. Lunch at Paesanos, 136 Mulberry Street at noon and then an Uber
back to the hotel for an afternoon of rest and packing for Sunday’s trip back to Panama for Debbie and
Cape Cod for us.
It was an all-too-short weekend, but we filled it with photos, fun, many laughs and new memories. Our
“Team” is looking forward to 2020 and wondering where Thanksgiving will find us.
Peter R. Scheffer - (“Life is Good!”) - Happy New Year from the Thanksgiving Team!!
P.S. "It came without ribbons, it came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags. Maybe
Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more." Dr.Seuss
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 January 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.