HomeMy Public PortalAboutMay 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
May 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.
May is Older Americans Month
Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads
our nations’ observance of Older Americans Month.
This year’s theme was selected to encourage and celebrate
countless contributions that older adults make to our
communities. Their time, experience, and talents benefit
family, peers, and neighbors every day. Communities,
organizations, and individuals of all ages are also making
their marks. This year’s theme highlights the difference
everyone can make – in the lives of older adults, in support
of caregivers, and to strengthen communities.
Announcing the Volunteer of the Year:
We would like to congratulate Pete for being our
Volunteer of the Year! Over the past 24 years, he
has given us too many hours to count. And as a 24
year resident of Brewster, Pete has worked at a few
town meetings, election worker from May 2006 to
present, COA Board Member from 2005-2008,
FOBE President for 6-8 years and currently helping
others with computer issues thru his one–on–one
classes with Computer Help and his Computer
Users’ Group which began in 1996.
“If I had to single out 2 things that stand out for me
and give me great joy, they are the longevity of the
Computer Users’ Group, which I believe began way
back in 1996 when Computers for Seniors ceased to
function, and the Poop Deck, which was initiated
while I was still president of the FOBE and
someone asked me if I would be interested in
writing a piece for the Bayside Chatter.”
Married to the lovely Joan Carfora for 62 years,
Pete has 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 4 great-
grandchildren with #5 on the way June 18 in
Panama City, Panama.
We want to thank Pete for all he does. He will be
honored at the upcoming Annual Volunteer
Luncheon in June.
A Note from Denise
Dear friends,
This May Bayside Chatter went to the publisher on
Wednesday, April 8th. Therefore, the information
contained in this newsletter is subject to change based on
the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to
check the town website, www.brewster-ma.gov, for the
most current Town information.
The Brewster Town buildings have been closed to the
public since March 16th. We have been working remotely
from our homes. We are anxious to get back to our regular
routine and see your happy faces every day.
Meanwhile, if you need assistance, please call us at
508-896-2737 and leave a message with your name, phone
number and reason for calling. Or, contact me by email at
drego@brewster-ma.gov and I will respond as soon
as I possibly can.
When this is over, I think we need to plan for a BIG
welcome back party!
Stay well,
Denise
Holiday Closing Notes:
The COA will be closed on
Monday, May 25
in honor of Memorial Day.
Remember all of those
who have served.
Pete Scheffer
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
Thursdays: 1:00—2:30pm
Topics are solicited from program at-
tendees at each meeting and discussed at
subsequent meetings within a friendly
atmosphere. Skill level is from beginner
to intermediate. There’s no need to sign
up ahead of time; just bring a desire to
learn something new!
Mark your calendar for a Special
Presentation:
“Selling Items Online”
Thursday, May 14 1:00 - 3:00pm
See page 4 for more information!
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: May 26
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, May 21
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.
May 2020 Brewster, MA
Page 3 May 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.
May 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, May 13
2:00 - 3:30 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, May 14
10:30 - 11:30am
Come and create some fun and FREE
Spring 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.
The Silvering Screen Series
Wednesday, May 13
12:30 - 2:30pm
Brewster Fire Department
1671 Main Street
(behind the COA)
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Another 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.
Selling Items Online
Thursday, May 14
1:00 - 3:00pm
Do you have stuff that is good but you
don’t know what to do with it? Are you
interested in selling some things you
feel are valuable in order to give you a
little more pocket money? Craigslist, an
online site for selling locally, will be
covered in detail. Other online sites
available will be listed for your infor-
mation, but not covered. Our instructor,
Pete Scheffer has agreed to teach us all
how to do this. Please call the COA at
508-896-2737 to reserve your seat.
Passing the Torch
Friday, May 15 1:00pm
Talking to your adult children about all
the issues that you will face as you get
older is often very difficult to do.
Bob Mauterstock will offer you a
practical and empathetic approach to
work with your children to discuss and
plan all the decisions you will have to
make. “Passing the Torch” will address
such critical areas as having a family
meeting, long-term care planning and
legal planning. You will leave the
program with the tools to get your house
in order and communicate clearly with
your children.
Bob Mauterstock is an accomplished
speaker and authority on developing a
cohesive plan to preserve your financial
security and pass on a meaningful
legacy to your children. He is a
Certified Financial Planner who was a
financial advisor to families for over 30
years. He has written four books
including “Passing the Torch, Critical
Conversations with Your Adult
Children”. Bob has a Bachelor’s degree
in Psychology from Princeton
University and a Master’s Degree in
Education from the University of
Connecticut. He currently volunteers
with the Alzheimer’s Family Support
Center here in town, and is a Brewster
resident.
Please calll the Brewster COA at
508-896-2737 to reserve your seat.
The Backyard Garden:
It’s a Jungle Out There
Monday, May 18 1:00pm
This seminar will include an overview
of the pest management toolbox and a
variety of vegetables and small fruits
that gardeners enjoy growing, the
principal insect pests and solutions.
Also included will be an introduction to
the good bugs that are helping control
predators and parasites. Please call the
COA at 508-896-2737 to reserve your
seat.
Page 4 May 2020 Brewster, MA
2020 Brewster in Bloom Festival Cancelled: No Annual Ice Cream Social
This year’s Brewster in Bloom Festival originally scheduled for May 1-3, has been cancelled in response to Governor
Baker’s emergency order limiting group sizes. This means that the Annual Ice Cream Social will not be held. However, the
35th anniversary of Brewster in Bloom will take place next year from April 30 - May 2, 2021. Hope to see you then!
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
1
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:30am
Expressive Movement
1:00pm Beginner Tai-Chi
2:00pm Tai-Chi
4
9:45am Keep Movin’
11:30am Pain Relief Class
1:30pm
Ongoing Beginner Tai Chi
5
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
11:00am Chair Yoga
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
2:00pm Tai-Chi
6
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
7
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
10:30am Crafts with
Lucille
2:00pm BMCC
8
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
11:30am
Expressive Movement
1:00pm Beginner Tai-Chi
2:00pm Tai-Chi
11
9:30am Food to Enc.
9:45am Keep Movin’
11:30am Pain Relief Class
1:30pm
Ongoing Beginner Tai Chi
12
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
13
8:00am EZ Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Computer Help
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Healthy Meals
in Motion (Frederick Ct.)
11:30am Sight Loss/BLL
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Sound Event
14
8:00am Pet Grooming
8:30am Hearing
Screenings
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
1:00pm Financial
Planning
2:00pm BMCC
15
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Rep. Tim
Whelan
11:30am
Expressive Movement
1:00pm Beginner Tai-Chi
2:00pm Tai-Chi
18
9:45am Keep Movin’!
11:30am Pain Relief Class
1:30pm
Ongoing Beginner Tai Chi
19
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
20
8:00am EZ Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am Massage
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
21
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
2:00pm BMCC
22
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:30am
Expressive Movement
1:00pm Beginner Tai-Chi
2:00pm Tai-Chi
25
The COA is closed
26
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
9:30am Food to Enc.
10:00am BP/Glucose
Testing
10:00am Legal Help
11:00am Chair Yoga
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
2:00pm Tai-Chi
27
8:00am EZ Fourth Wall
Line Dancing
8:45am Line Dancing II
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am Mobile Dental
Hygiene Service
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
28
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
2:00pm BMCC
29
1:00pm Beginner Tai-Chi
Page 6 Senior Happenings
May 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, May 13.
Please call our Brewster COA Outreach Office to enroll at 508-896-2737.
Food to Encourage
Monday, May 11 and Tuesday, May 26
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, May 27
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 appoint-
ment. 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!
Walk for Alzheimer’s
Please join the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center for the Dave Birtwell Memorial Walk on
Saturday, May 9, 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. Hope to see you there!
For info, please call 508 896-5170 or email: info@capecodalz.org.
You may also visit our website at www.alzheimerscapecod.org.
Page 9 May 2020
WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:
ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP & ACTIVITY
GROUP for PEOPLE WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT:
1st & 3rd Tues. of each month ~ 1:00 - 2:30pm at Maplewood of
Brewster, 820 Harwich Road (Route 124). The Caregivers support group
and the Dementia support group run simultaneously. Drop-ins welcome.
Dr. Molly Perdue, facilitator. Call 508-896-5170
BANKING ASSISTANCE: For help balancing seniors’ checkbooks.
By appointment only. Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 to reserve.
BINGO: Wednesday and Friday ~ 10:30 - 11:30am
BLOOD PRESSURE & GLUCOSE TESTING/HEALTH COUNSELING:
4th Tuesday of the month at the Brewster COA. 10:00am – 12:00pm
On a drop-in basis. Provided by VNA of Cape Cod. FREE.
BREWSTER MEN’S COFFEE CLUB (BMCC): Thursdays ~ 2:00pm
BRIDGE (men’s and women’s groups): Tuesdays ~ 1:00 - 3:45pm
CHAIR YOGA: Tuesdays ~ 11:00am - 12:00pm $10.00 per class.
Helps improve strength and flexibility (see page 3 for full description).
COMPUTER HELP: Wednesdays & Thursdays ~ 9:00 – 12:00pm
By appointment only. 1-hour sessions are hands-on, one-on-one,
and participants choose their own pace and area of interest.
Call 508-896-2737
COMPUTER USERS GROUP: Thursdays ~ 1:00 - 2:30pm
The first part of the meeting is usually for questions and answers, followed
by instructions on topics solicited from program participants. Skill level is
from beginner to intermediate.
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
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. $3.00
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.
Requested donation of $1.00 per swim done through 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!
BEGINNER TAI-CHI: Fridays ~ 1:00 - 2:00pm $10.00 per class.
Explore essential elements of Tai-Chi: breathing, basic stances, postures,
(see page 2 for more information). No experience necessary!
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 May 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!
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!
May 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
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.
Sightings from the
Poop Deck
XY Chromosomes
“The only concern I have about
toilet paper is of the one hanging on
the roll next to where I am sitting.”
me!!
These are amazing times. It’s March
21, 2020 as I write this and we are
in the midst of the COVID-19 virus.
The shelves in the super markets
have been picked clean of bread,
hand sanitizer, disinfectants, and
TP. I’m thinking, “What is it that
panics people to strip shelves in the
markets leaving nothing for their
neighbors? What’s missing in their
DNA which causes this ugly
hoarding prohibiting the rest of us to
act civilly?”
Severe weather such as hurricanes,
blizzards, nor’easters all seem to
sound the clarion call for bread,
milk, batteries and water to get
through difficult times and when the
storm has passed we scratch our
heads and wonder how we’re going
to rid ourselves of this stuff. We
overreacted again with the vision of
“doing without” for one day and left
nothing for our neighbors. We have
had emergency generators installed
so that we would not miss one
episode of “Days of Our Lives” on
TV. We have become a very soft
society unwilling to do without.
Shame on us.
I can remember a few years ago
during blizzard conditions on Cape
Cod, watching the snow piling up on
our slider and keeping my fingers
crossed that we would not
experience an extended power
outage and wishing in vain. The
lights went out, we lit all the candles
we had, fired up the woodstove,
turned on our battery-operated
radio and listened to the news on
WXTK 95.1. Having spent my
36-year career in the electric utility
industry I did not bother to pick up
the phone to call Eversource. I knew
already what was happening on the
other end. I knew the crews were out
already and if the storm worsened
they would call for assistance from
utilities in neighboring states. For a
mere few hours we lived with the
inconvenience of a comfort we had
grown accustomed to….and we
managed to survive!
In my own humble opinion there
may be missing chromosomes in the
DNA of those who would hoard and
deprive their neighbors of the
necessary essentials of daily living.
To those I would emphatically say,
“This is the USA. No one is going to
starve or go without. Food banks,
churches, Saint Vincent DePaul,
Lower Cape Outreach are all out
there ready to assist when you call.
Be considerate, don’t panic, think of
your neighbor and leave something
for them!”
Peter R. Scheffer - (“Life is Good!”) -
Anyone have any spare TP?
Memorial Day is May25. Remember
those who made the ultimate
sacrifice for our country.
P.S. The opinions expressed here are
solely my own.
poop deck, n., a deck above a ship’s
main afterdeck
World Tai Chi and Qigong Day
Saturday, May 30 1 pm - 4 pm
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. 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.