HomeMy Public PortalAboutApril 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
April 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 almost over! 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)
Beautify Brewster Day
Saturday, April 25 10:00am
It’s that time of year again where we do
a little spring cleaning around our beautiful town!
If you are interested in volunteering a few hours of your
time to help pick up trash, there will be 2 routes that
we are responsible for:
between the COA and the Brewster Ladies Library, and
between the COA and the 4 corner lights at Routes 137
and 124.
Please call Denise at 508-896-2737 if you have any
questions or want to sign up.
Thank you for your continued support!
Holiday Closing Notes:
The COA will be closed on Monday, April 20
in honor of Patriot’s Day. Enjoy the holiday!
A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls
Wednesdays: April 15 – June 3 1:00 - 3:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Have you turned down a chance to go out with family or friends because you were concerned about falling?
Have you cut down on a favorite activity because you might fall? If so, A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns
About Falls is a program for you. Fear of falling can be just as dangerous as falling itself. People who develop
this fear often limit their activities, which can result in severe physical weakness, making the risk of falling even
greater. Many older adults also experience increased isolation and depression when they limit their interactions
with family and friends.
A Matter of Balance can help people improve their quality of life and remain independent. This series is
designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. Participants learn to set
realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and learn simple exercises
to increase strength and balance.
Join us to learn more on April 1 from 1:00pm - 2:00pm.
To register for this FREE program, please contact Amy Chipman at the VNA at 508-957-7423.
National Volunteer Week:
April 19 - 25
A BIG Thank You to all 126 of our
volunteers for giving 6,972 hours of their
time in 2019! Next month, we will be
announcing our “Volunteer of the Year”
so stay tuned.
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 April.
Meetings will resume in May.
Brewster Men’s Coffee Club
Thursdays: 2:00 - 4:00pm
The Brewster Men’s Coffee Club meets
on Thursday afternoons throughout the
month. 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: April 28
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, April 16
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!
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.
Please bring a yoga mat.
$10.00 per class.
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.
NEW!
Beginner Tai-Chi Class
Fridays: 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Starts Friday, May 1
ONGOING
Beginner Tai-Chi Class
Mondays: 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Come learn 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.
Classes will incorporate stretching
warm-ups, Qigong breathing exercises,
and participants will learn the series of
movements culminating in the beautiful
24-posture Yang form. Our instructor,
A.Jay Zahn is a long-time practitioner
and has studied related martial arts and
meditation.
The New Friday class requires no prior
experience. For either class, there are
no ongoing commitments, and there is
no special equipment necessary.
The cost is $10 per class. Wearing
loose-fitting clothing is recommended.
April 2020 Brewster, MA
Put on your Walking Shoes
Are you interested in walking in different areas of Brewster? Would you like to
meet other walkers? We would like to start a Walking Club that takes place
throughout May and June, and want to know if anyone is interested. We currently
have one leader but we need two so we are looking for someone to step up, pun
intended, and assist. Just give Lisa a call at the Brewster COA at 508-896-2737.
Page 3 April 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
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.
April 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.
Sound Event
Wednesday, April 8
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.
Crafts with Lucille
Thursday, April 9
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.
Fraud/Scam Presentation
Thursday April 9 1:00pm
Brewster Ladies Library
1822 Main St.
Did you know: in 2017, 6.64 percent of
consumers became victims of identity
fraud — that’s about 1 in 15 people.
One in five victims of identity theft
have experienced it more than once.
There’s a new victim of identity theft
every 2 seconds.
Come and join the Brewster Police
Department for a presentation on
identity theft and delve into the mind of
a scammer. In this presentation, we take
a look at some of the common scams
that people fall victim to. We provide
you with the ways to spot a scam and
show you how not to be their next
victim.
Please call the COA to reserve your seat
at 508-896-2737.
The Silvering Screen Series
Wednesday, April 15
12:30 - 2:30pm
Brewster Fire Department
1671 Main St. (behind the COA)
“The Quartet”
Once-popular opera diva Jean Horton
(Maggie Smith) creates a stir with her
arrival at Beecham House, a home for
retired performers. No one feels the
uproar more than Reginald (Tom
Courtenay), Jean's ex-husband, who still
stings from her long-ago infidelity.
Most of the other Beecham residents are
delighted, and try to convince Jean to
join them in a performance of
"Rigoletto." Jean, however, knows that
she is long past her prime and is
reluctant to sully the memory of her
once-lovely voice.
Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 to
reserve your seat. This is a program of
the Brewster Council on Aging, and we
thank the Brewster Fire Department for
the use of their room.
Ticks: One Bite Can Change
Your Life
Friday, April 17 1:00pm
Lyme Disease is the most prevalent
tick-borne disease in MA and is now
considered to be a health crisis.
In addition to Lyme, deer ticks can
carry the pathogens which cause
Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, Relapsing
Fever and Powassan virus, all of which
can be very serious.
This program will review the basic life
cycle and ecology of deer, dog and lone
star ticks. A three-point protection plan
will be presented: Protect Yourself,
Protect Your Yard and Protect Your Pet.
Tick-borne diseases are preventable.
This program is presented by Larry
Dapsis, Cape Cod Entomologist.
Please call the COA to reserve your seat
at 508-896-2737.
Pollination Ecology – How Can
We Help Bees
Monday, April 27 1:00pm
Honeybees, both locally and nationally,
have been suffering catastrophic losses.
This program will review honey bee
biology and the factors responsible for
the problem.
In addition, we will review the state of
wild pollinators like bumble bees and
the things residents can do to help them.
Many of the fruits and vegetables we eat
require pollination.
Presented by Larry Dapsis, Cape Cod
Entomologist.
Please call the COA to reserve your seat
at 508-896-2737.
Page 4 April 2020 Brewster, MA
Please join the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center for the Dave Birtwell Memorial Walk
on Saturday, May 9, 2020 from 10:00am – 2:00pm at Brooks Park, Oak Street, Harwich.
FREE Community celebration - Food, 6K walk/ride, music and dancing to support AFSC services for
families and individuals living with Alzheimer’s dementia. For info, please call 508 896-5170
or email: info@capecodalz.org. You may also visit our website at www.alzheimerscapecod.org.
Town Meeting Reminder
The Annual Spring Town Meeting is
Monday, May 4 at 6:00pm at the
Stony Brook Elementary School.
Rides can be provided. Just call the
COA at 508-896-2737 by April 30 to
reserve your seat on our bus!
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
1
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
1:00pm Introduction to
A Matter of Balance
2
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
2:00pm BMCC
3
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:30am
Expressive Movement
1:30pm NRHS Building
Project Presentation
2:00pm Tai-Chi
6
9:45am Keep Movin’
10:00am
Savvy Caregiver/TH
11:30am Pain Relief Class
1:30pm
Ongoing Beginner Tai Chi
7
9:00am Yoga
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
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
9
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
10:30am Crafts with
Lucille
1:00pm Fraud/Scam
Presentation/BLL
2:00pm BMCC
10
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
11:30am
Expressive Movement
2:00pm Tai-Chi
13
9:30am Food to Enc.
9:45am Keep Movin’
10:00am
Savvy Caregiver/TH
11:30am Pain Relief Class
1:30pm
Ongoing Beginner Tai Chi
1:30pm NRHS Building
Project - Another View
14
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
15
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/BFD
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Matter of Balance
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’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Rep. Tim
Whelan
11:30am
Expressive Movement
1:00pm “Tick” Seminar
2:00pm Tai-Chi
20
PATRIOT’S DAY
The COA is closed
21
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
11:00am Chair Yoga
12:30pm Massage
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
9:00am Massage
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Matter of Balance
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 Enc.
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am
Savvy Caregiver/TH
11:30am Pain Relief Class
1:00pm “Bee” Seminar
1:30pm
Ongoing Beginner Tai Chi
28 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
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
1:00pm Matter of Balance
30
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
2:00pm BMCC
Page 6 Senior Happenings
April 2020 Page 7 Brewster, MA
Nauset Regional High School
Building Project
Presentation
Friday, April 3 1:30 – 3:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Superintendent Tom Conrad would
like you to join him for an informa-
tional session about the Nauset
Regional High School Building
Project. He will answer questions
relative to the impact of the project
on the education of our students, the
school choice question, the cost to
Brewster residents and the need for
the project.
Please call the COA to reserve your
seat at 508-896-2737.
NRHS Building Project -
Another View
Monday, April 13
1:30 - 3:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
This informational session is being
presented by the Concerned Taxpay-
ers of the NRHS District. It will
feature reasons you should consider
voting NO on the NRHS building
proposal. Get ALL the information
about the $132 million dollar project
before you vote. Please call the COA
to reserve your seat at
508-896-2737.
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 are 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!
SHINE News –
Are you happy with your
2020 Medicare Health
Insurance plan?
Now that you are a few months into
2020, let’s think about your 2020
Medicare health and prescription
plans. Have you had some out of
pocket expenses you did not
anticipate? Were your co-payments
more than you thought they should
be? Are you struggling with
premium expenses? Do you just
need someone to explain what you
have for coverage?
SHINE counselors can help review
and explain your policies. We can
also determine whether you qualify
for assistance programs to help
alleviate some of the out of pocket
expenses.
We’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to
give us a call if you have any
questions regarding your Medicare
coverage.
You can make an appointment with
a SHINE counselor at the COA
by calling 508-896-2737.
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,
April 8.
Please call our Brewster COA
Outreach Office to enroll at
508-896-2737.
Food to Encourage
Monday, April 13 and April 27
9:30 - 11:30am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
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.
Mobile Dental Hygiene
Service
Wednesday, April 22
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Mobile Dental Hygiene Services
offers friendly, convenient, and
affordable preventative oral health
care at the Brewster Council on
Aging! The following services are
FREE to eligible individuals
with Medicaid/MassHealth:
cleanings, screenings, oral cancer
exams, fluoride treatments, denture
care, education, and referrals.
No dental insurance? They offer
reduced private-pay options such as:
cleaning - $80, denture care - $25,
and an exam for $30. The price of a
cleaning includes an exam and
denture care.
Please contact Mobile Dental
Hygiene Services if you have any
questions or you would like to make
an appointment. Their telephone
number is 508-827-6725 or check
them out at:
smiles@mobiledentalhygiene.com
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!
Page 9 April 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 April.
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 April.
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: April 28
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.
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;
utilizing 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!
ONGOING BEGINNER TAI-CHI: 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!
A Message from Charles Altieri, RN
Public Health Wellness Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
Page 10 April 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, 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!
Using Arthritis Gels Safely
A topical gel for arthritis pain that contains a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as diclofenac
(Voltaren) gel can spare your body up to 95% of the drug exposure that would occur by taking an oral NSAID such
as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Aleve).
Still you need to use the gel properly by:
● Avoiding it if you have cardiovascular disease or common gastrointestinal side effects, such as internal
bleeding or ulcers; diclofenac gel increases risk for gastrointestinal or cardiovascular side effects, even if the
risk is lower than that of oral NSAIDS.
● Never taking it at the same time as you take other NSAIDS. Tell your Doctor and pharmacy about any
other drugs that you take prior to starting diclofenac gel.
● Applying it to only clean, dry skin that is free from scars, cracks or wounds. Avoid using skin care products
immediately before and after applying diclofenac gel.
● Using only the amount that your doctor has prescribed. Diclofenac gel often comes with a dosing card for
easy reference.
● Ensure full, effective coverage; apply the gel in tiny dots on front, sides and back of joints, then rub in.
Don’t cover the area with clothing, and don’t expose it to direct sunlight for at least ten minutes afterwards.
Wait an hour before rinsing or bathing the site.
● Avoid skin to skin contact until the gel is fully dried. This is especially true with children. Wash your
hands immediately after use, unless you applied it to hand joints for pain relief.
(Mayo Clinic, February 2020)
BE WELL! LIVE LONG! LIVE STRONG!
Charles Altieri, BSN, RN
Public Health Wellness Nurse
VNA of Cape Cod
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.
Free Personal Hygiene Items
The COA still has some 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!
April 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
“I never threw an illegal pitch.
The trouble is, once in a while I
toss one that ain’t never been seen
by this generation.”
Leroy Satchel Paige
The equipment truck left Fenway
Park last week bound for Jet Blue
Park in Ft. Myers, Florida, spring
training home of the Boston Red
Sox. I always looked forward to this
time of year, especially when I got to
Passaic High School as a sophomore.
I could finally try out for the baseball
team.
I was not a particularly gifted player,
but I had a few (very few) strengths
and many weaknesses, and I knew
how to pray and so through some
miracle, I managed to make the
team. My weaknesses? Very slow
runner, poor fielder, weak hitter,
but I knew how to sacrifice and
move the runner up, so I batted
second in the lineup, which gave me
many at bats. Problem was the
leadoff batter never seemed to get on
base, so my many at bats only
lowered my batting average. My
greatest strength was my arm and in
my first year in right field no one
ever went from first to third on a
single to right. I was the self-
proclaimed Roberto Clemente of the
Passaic Indians. Early on in one of
our scrimmages against the varsity,
the varsity third baseman was a
baserunner on second and on a base
hit to right I saw the third base
coach waving him home. I remem-
ber thinking to myself, “not so fast
big boy.” I remember fielding the
ball cleanly, another miracle, and
letting it go. I swear the throw never
got more than six feet off the ground
(of course I’m exaggerating) and
when the catcher caught it the
runner was out by fifteen feet. We
beat the varsity that day 12-4, so we,
the scrubs, did four laps around the
quarter mile track and the varsity
did twelve to go along with a good
reaming by our coach. I think I was
home having dinner when they
finished.
Playing right field is no walk-in-the-
park. In high school, pitchers are
always ahead of the hitters and
consequently batters swing late and
many balls are hit into right field.
The problem is the ball is always
carrying away from you toward the
foul line like a sliced golf ball. My
Richie Ashburn glove had short
fingers on it and while it performed
well for Richie Ashburn what I
needed was a bushel basket. I did
not particularly like right field and
was very happy whenever I was
moved to left and center.
I remember playing left field against
Paterson Central High School at the
Totowa Oval. If you play the outfield
you are always on your toes before
every pitch and you had to be on the
move at the crack of the bat to get a
good jump on the ball. On this par-
ticular day on a routine fly ball hit
between left and center our center
fielder took off toward right field. I
caught the ball, threw it back into
the infield, walked over to our center
fielder and said, “Gerry, what were
you chasing?” Ironically, a pigeon
had taken off from behind home
plate at the crack of the bat and
Gerry got a great jump - chasing the
pigeon. Gerry went off to Rutgers
and became a very successful
Optometrist!
Peter R. Scheffer - (“Life is Good!”) -
“ I’m always chasing rainbows.”
poop deck, n., a deck above a ship’s
main afterdeck
World Tai Chi and Qigong Day
Saturday, April 25
1:00 - 4:00pm
Harwich Cultural Center
School House Drive
204 Sisson Rd, Harwich
In conjunction with the Brewster
Council on Aging Tai Chi classes
and the Cape Cod Tai Chi Society,
we invite you to come celebrate the
beauty and uplifting experience of
Tai Chi and Qigong. Practiced for
thousands of years, these moving
meditations complement each
other and can provide a foundation
for overall wellness. Tai Chi can
help improve balance, flexibility,
hand-eye coordination, core
strength, and provide a source for
stress relief. Qigong can help
release muscle tension, enhance
circulation, improve concentration,
and calm the mind. Tai Chi and
Qigong focus on movement and
breathing, connecting with the life
force known as Chi. The event will
include easy stretching warm-ups;
demonstration of the Tai Chi form;
group participation of Tai Chi
movements, postures, and Qigong
techniques. A Labyrinth walk is
also planned.
This event is FREE and open to
folks of all ages and ability (please
no pets). Wearing loose-fitting
clothing is recommended.
Participation in this celebration
happens all across the world!
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 April 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.