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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.