HomeMy Public PortalAboutMarch 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
March 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.
Income Tax Preparation
Wednesdays: through 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 through 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)
A Timely Reminder:
Daylight Saving time begins on
Sunday, March 8. Remember to set
all clocks forward one hour, and
remember to check the batteries in
your smoke-detector(s) too!
Spring officially begins on Friday, March 20!
Nauset Regional High School
Honors Chorus in Concert
Friday March 27 1:30pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Join us at the COA to hear the wonderful voices of the
Nauset Regional High School Honors Chorus under the
direction of Mr. Tom Faris. These talented young people
continually awe us with their musical abilities. We are so
fortunate to be able to get on their very busy schedule, so
don’t miss hearing them perform! Light refreshments
will be served.
Call the COA to reserve your seat soon at 508-896-2737.
The Savvy Caregiver Educational Program
Mondays: March 16 - April 27
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,
decision making, and making the most of family
resources. This FREE program is recommended 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
“...and the Thank-You goes to…”
...Brenda Locke, Debra Johnson and Mary Rancourt!
The annual Medicare Open Enrollment, which was from October 15th through December 7th of
2019, is always a very busy time here at our senior center. Our Brewster COA SHINE counselors
devoted many hours of their time to help as many folks as possible.
Due to their diligence last year, over 200 seniors were able to save $321,777! Many thanks!
Page 2
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
available on Wednesday and Thursday
mornings. For all appointments, please
contact the COA at 508-896-2737.
Computer Users’ Group
Please note:
There will be no Computer Users’
Group in March.
Meetings will resume next month.
Brewster Men’s Coffee Club
Thursdays: 2:00 - 4:00pm
The Brewster Men’s Coffee Club meets
on Thursday afternoons throughout
March. 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 your-
self? 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: March 24
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, March 19
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.
March 2020 Brewster, MA
Seeking donations for our own COA Library:
We are currently seeking donations of hardcover large-print books in good
condition (sorry...no rips, mold, stains or insects) for our lending library.
We are also thinking of adding audio books to our library. If anyone has complete
sets of audio books that you would like to donate, please leave them in the return
box in our library. Thank you in advance for your kindness!
Page 3 March 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.
Please Note: No Yoga on March 17.
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
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.
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.
March Program Notes
Check out all of 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.
Cape Light Compact
Presentation
Friday, March 6
1:00 - 2:00pm
Cape Light Compact is the Cape and
Vineyard’s default power supplier and
Mass Save Sponsor.
The Compact offers free energy
assessments for rented and owned
residences and businesses.
Join us to hear about free energy home
assessments which include free light
bulbs and air sealing, incentives, rebates
on select appliances, insulation and
zero-interest heat loans through
Mass Save to assist with upgrades.
Please contact the COA to reserve your
seat at 508-896-2737.
Hand Care 101
Wednesday, March 11
1:00 - 2:00pm
Learn how to keep your hands in
pain-free working order. You don’t
realize how critical your hands are in
your everyday life until you have pain
or a condition that interferes with
normal use.
Learn ways to prevent injuries and over-
use conditions incurred during typical
daily activities like cooking and meal
preparation, gardening, computer and
electronics use and recreational
activities. Techniques to manage your
arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel
syndrome and other common conditions
that affect your everyday activities will
also be presented. Kristin Marston,
CHT/L, CHT, Occupational Therapist
and Certified Hand Therapist with
Spaulding Rehabilitation will be our
presenter.
Please contact the COA to reserve
your seat at 508-896-2737.
Crafts with Lucille
Thursday, March 12
10:30 - 11:30am
Come and create some fun and FREE
crafts. Our instructor, Lucille, will guide
you through each project as you indulge
your creative side while making new
friends. No crafting experience
required!
Please call the COA to reserve your
seat at 508-896-2737.
Sound Event
Wednesday, March 18
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 something comforta-
ble 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 Silvering Screen Series
Wednesday, March 18
12:30 - 2:30pm
Brewster Fire Department
1671 Main Street
(behind the COA)
“The Best Exotic Marigold
Hotel”
This award winning, all-star cast,
including Judy Dench and Maggie
Smith, creates a buoyant comedy laced
with genuine emotion. When 7
cash-strapped seniors decide to
“outsource” their retirement to a resort
in far-off India, friendship and romance
blossom in the most unexpected ways.
Smart, life-affirming and genuinely
charming, this film reminds us it’s never
too late to find love and a fresh
beginning.
This is a program of the Brewster
Council on Aging, and we thank the
Brewster Fire Department for the use of
their 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.
Suggested meal donation is $3.00.
2020 Census Presentation
Friday, March 20
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 presenta-
tion 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.
Real ID Presentation
Monday, March 30
1:00 - 2:00pm
Beginning October 1, 2020, you will
need a Real ID or other acceptable ID
such as a valid passport to fly within the
United States, access certain federal
buildings or enter military bases.
Come join us to learn what documents
are needed before standing in line at the
RMV only to realize you were missing
one document that could get you out of
the RMV with a Real ID!
Please call the COA at 508-896-2737
to reserve your spot.
Page 4 March 2020 Brewster, MA
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
2
9:45am Keep Movin’
11:30am
Pain Relief Class
1:00pm Spanish Class
1:30pm
Tai-Chi Made Easy
3
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
4
8:00am EZ Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am Income Tax/TH
9:00am Massage w. Sandra
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
5
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
10:00am
Savvy Caregiver/TH
2:00pm BMCC
6
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:30am
Expressive Movement
1:00pm Cape Light
Compact Presentation
2:00pm Tai-Chi
9
9:30am Food to
Encourage
9:45am Keep Movin’
11:30am
Pain Relief Class
1:00pm Spanish Class
1:30pm
Tai-Chi Made Easy
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 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 Hand Care 101
12
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
10:00am
Savvy Caregiver/TH
10:30am Crafts with
Lucille
2:00pm BMCC
13
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:30am
Expressive Movement
2:00pm Tai-Chi
16
9:45am Keep Movin’
11:30am
Pain Relief Class
1:00pm Spanish Class
1:30pm
Tai-Chi Made Easy
17
9:30am W.O.W.
11:00am Chair Yoga
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
2:00pm Tai-Chi
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
18
8:00am EZ Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am Income Tax/TH
10:30am BINGO
12:30pm Movie/FD
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Sound Event
19
8:00am Pet Grooming
8:30am Hearing
Screenings
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
10:00am
Savvy Caregiver/TH
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
11:30am
Expressive Movement
1:00pm Census
Presentation
2:00pm Tai-Chi
23
9:30am Food to
Encourage
9:45am Keep Movin’!
11:30am
Pain Relief Class
1:30pm
Tai-Chi Made Easy
24
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
25
8:00am EZ Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am Income Tax/TH
9:00am Mobile Dental
Hygiene Service
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
26
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
10:00am
Savvy Caregiver/TH
2:00pm BMCC
27
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:30am
Expressive Movement
1:30pm Nauset Regional
HS Honors Chorus
2:00pm Tai-Chi
30
9:45am Keep Movin’!
11:30am
Pain Relief Class
1:00pm Real ID Seminar
1:30pm
Tai-Chi Made Easy
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
March 2020 Page 7 Brewster, MA
Healthy Meals in Motion
This popular program serves all eligible Brewster seniors, providing a few 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, March 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 by calling the COA at 508-896-2737.
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, March 25 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
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.
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, Eddy School and Council on Aging facilities. Accordingly, tours
of the Council on Aging will be offered on Fridays at 10:00am. Please call 508-896-2737 in advance to schedule a
tour of the COA. We welcome you to check us out!
Food to Encourage
Monday, March 9 and Monday, March 23 9:30 - 11:30am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Lower Cape Outreach Council in partnership with the Barnstable County Public Health Nurses and the Brewster
COA are exploring 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.
Page 9 March 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 NOTE: No Thursday sessions in March.
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 in March.
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
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 Note: This month’s dates are 3/3 & 3/4.
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.
They can assist with assessing needs, tax exemptions, fuel assistance
applications, etc. Please call 508-896-2737 to make an appointment.
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).
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).
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).
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 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 must 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 pay for 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 2
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! NOTE: No class on March 17.
A Message from Charles Altieri, RN
Public Health Wellness Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
Page 10 March 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, until they are no longer needed. Simply give us a call at 508-896-2737 or just
drop by to see what’s available. We may just have what you’re looking for!
Medication Reminders
Prescribed medications don’t work if you don’t take them. There are many barriers to faithfully taking your
medications, with one being just plain forgetting. To help you to remember to take your medications, try to:
Keep it simple; work with your doctor and pharmacist to keep your drug regimen to the fewest pills
possible. Ask for clear instructions on when to take your drugs and why you need them.
Create a routine; try to take your drugs at the same time each day and connect it with a part of your
routine. For example, keep medications in the kitchen if you are supposed to take them with meals or
by your bedside table if they are supposed to be taken at night.
Keep track; write a complete list of current medications, including doses and how often you take them.
Check the list for accuracy with your health care provider. Keep it in your wallet or purse for quick,
easy reference.
Use reminders; pill containers can help you organize your medications and help you to take them.
Large pill containers with more than seven compartments may be helpful if you take medication more
than once a day. There are a number of apps, emails and text reminders, and more that can further
enhance pill container use.
Travel smart; pack extra medications when traveling in case your trip is extended or delayed.
For flights, place your medication in your carry-on to protect it from the cargo hold temperatures and
to prevent losing it.
Mayo Clinic, January 2020
BE WELL! LIVE LONG! LIVE STRONG!
Charles Altieri, BSN, RN
Public Health Wellness Nurse
VNA of Cape Cod
March 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
Treat your minor problems like your dog would
Ever struggle through a period of time with problems you thought would never go away? Regina Brett once said,
"If we all threw our problems into a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back." Every
once in a while I will go through a funk and think, "why me?" What did I do wrong to deserve this …except to
watch that stupid spider at mass. I can make a proverbial mountain out of a molehill and then suddenly, as if the
sun came out, it's over as quickly as it began.
So how do we deal with these seeming ‘intervals of despair’? On a recent flight to visit with that part of our family
living in Panama City, Panama, I looked out the window at thirty-five thousand feet, and below I imagined what
could possibly be happening in the lives of everyone down there. Not all of them are living the Hallmark life, or
that of The Walton’s. There are those working hard to pay bills, caring for new-born babies, some suffering with a
debilitating illness, and of course, there are those facing death. Putting everything into perspective, how
seemingly insignificant our own problems become.
So how do I feel now complaining about those depressing chores I do around the house - mowing the lawn, raking
leaves that fall from my neighbor’s trees, endlessly cleaning the gutters, cleaning out my garage and shed of those
treasures I have collected in my lifetime that my kids will be saddled with and cussing me out after I go, little
paint jobs, leaky faucets, creaky knees, bending over to tie my own shoes, and my cowlick?
I am constantly looking for creative hiding places which are out of earshot and where Joanie Carfora can't find
me. After all, if she can't find me she can't spring a list of "Things-To-Do" on me, but since social networking
came along it wouldn't surprise me to see those lists posted on Facebook or attached to an email. Anyway, I ’m
breathing deeply daily, appreciative that I’m breathing at all, taking my meds, seeing my doctors on time so that
they can prescribe another pill and drinking a lot of good wine. Life’s too short for a steady diet of “Two Buck
Chuck,” unless of course if you’re coming over to visit and I always have a few bottles for those surprise visits.
So if you do come over and I’m not at home, the “Two Buck Chuck” is in the temperature-controlled milk box out
on the stoop, so help yourself. They’re screw-cap bottles, so you won’t need a corkscrew. Please recycle the bottles
when you’re done and leave the $2 in the box! And by the way, “Two Buck Chuck” is now three bucks!
Thanks, much appreciated.
Peter R. Scheffer (“Life is Good!”) - Take the time to smell the roses. You owe it to yourself!!
poop deck, n., a deck above a ship’s main afterdeck
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. Fuel Assistance recipients automatically receive a
discount electric rate for the year, so call now for more information.
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 March 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.