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HomeMy Public PortalAboutAugust 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 August 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. Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of Cape Cod presents... 2020 John Levin Memorial Conference: Managing Dementia Care in the Time of COVID-19 with Teepa Snow Saturday, August 29, 2020 8:30am - 4:30pm Live Video Conference via Zoom Conferencing Topics Include: Patient-Based Infection Control; Engagement and Activity Modifications for Infection Control; Effects of Social Isolation on Those Living with Dementia; Communication and Connection Strategies While Using PPE; Tips for Connecting via Phone and Video Chat; Ideas for Engagement and Activity Options in the Home Setting. Over the last three years, the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center has presented the John Levin Memorial Conference with nationally renowned dementia expert, Teepa Snow. Because this year’s conference is being offered via videoconferencing, we have the capacity to reach up to 5,000 participants, serving a broader regional community. Whether you work for a healthcare organization, are in the community, or you are a family caregiv- er, please feel free to join us for the timely and essential information this conference will provide. We hope that all of you can join us in August for this incredible event. If you have questions, please feel free to call us at (508) 896-5170. When leaving a message, please specify that you are interested in the ‘Teepa Snow’ event. Happy August to all our friends! We hope you have been able to enjoy your summer, different as it certainly is. We are only featuring an on-line version of our newsletter this month, as our building currently remains closed to the public. But, the COA staff is still available for you and can be reached simply by calling our regular main number: 508-896-2737. We try to return all calls and email inquiries promptly. If you have questions, we are here for you! Meanwhile, we are also working to modify our building according to the new safety protocols, so that when we all do eventually return, we can remain as safe as possible. There is a new drop-box that has been installed directly behind the COA building by the little bench. If you have items that need to get to COA staff, please deposit them there. We’ve also installed a new sign-board that faces the parking lot right next to the building. We’ll be updating it periodically, and it will be readable from your car! Please use this issue of our newsletter as a resource guide for what is going on and what programs are available. We’ve tried to include as many references as we could think of. We wish everyone much good health! Programming Update While our building remains closed, some of our services are available to you in your home or over the telephone. ● Pedicare: Please call Janet Tinney at 508-776-3092 ● Massage: Please call Sandra Smith at 508 -237¬0458 ● Hearing Screening: Please call Advanced Audiology Associates, Inc. at 508-385-5222 ● Legal Help: Please call Attorney Katie Wibby at 508-775-7020 x2113 or Attorney Adam Dupuy @ 508-775-3433 ● Mobile Dental Hygiene: Please call them at 508-827-6725 for updated location and availability ● Pet Grooming: Please text (preferred) or call Karen Duble of Buttons & Bows at 508 -360-2596 Please note: the next drop-in date at the COA will be Thursday, August 20, from 8:00am to 8:30am in the back parking lot. The cost is $3.00 per nail trim for seniors. ● Computer Help: Please contact the COA at 508-896-2737 and we will forward your name and contact information to Del Borah, our Computer Help instructor, who will then help you via phone.  Beach Wheelchair Info: The COA has one PVC beach wheelchair that is available. It does not float. The requested rental donation for the chair is $10.00 for 2 days. You will need a truck or large SUV to move this wheelchair. Please contact the COA at 508-896-2737 for more information. The Natural Resources Department has installed two sheds to house one floatable wheelchair each. The sheds are located at Breakwater Beach and Paines Creek. The wheelchairs are available for daily use and can be reserved by calling 774-327-0382 to reach one of their Beach Ambassadors, who will then come and open the shed and provide the required waiver for use. There is a life-jacket available as well. After each use the Beach Ambassador will return, clean/sanitize the chair and put it back in the shed. There is also a floatable wheelchair available at Long Pond, which can be reserved by calling the same number. All wheelchairs must remain at their respective beaches.  Medical Equipment: If you are looking for Medical Equipment, please contact the COA at 508-896-2737 and tell us what you are looking for. We’ll see if we have it and get back to you with instructions on how you can pick it up.  Senior Shellfish License: Although we cannot process your license in person, you can mail us a copy of your Driver’s license, a copy of your latest Brewster tax bill, and a check for $5.oo payable to “Brewster COA”. Please include a self -addressed, stamped envelope so that we can mail your new shellfish license, and your documents, back to you. Please send your check and paperwork to: Brewster COA, 1673 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631.  Free Personal Hygiene Items for Men: The COA has a large quantity of men’s disposable incontinence products in size L/XL. If you or someone you know could use them, please don’t hesitate to give the COA a call at 508-896-2737. Page 2 Brewster, MA August 2020 In Memoriam The Brewster COA would like to acknowledge the passing of a former employee. June Gallant died on June 14. Prior to her retirement, she was a fixture at our front desk for 12 years, happily providing information to the seniors of our community. She also served as a member on the board of the Friends of Brewster Elders for many years, and volunteered her time at the Sea Captains’ Thrift Shop. Our sympathies go out to her family and many friends. She will definitely be missed. Looking for Something Fun to Do?  Some of our instructors have been holding their classes via Zoom or YouTube. These are primarily the current Tai Chi and Meditation classes that formerly met each week at the COA. They will continue with remote classes until we are able to all join together in person again.  If you would like to join Tai Chi classes, please contact our instructor, A.Jay Zahn, at capecodtaichisociety@gmail.com  If you would like to join Meditation, please contact Carol Marcy at drcarolmarcy@gmail.com Upcoming Programs Beginner Spanish Thursdays, beginning August 13 9:30am via Zoom With the changes that the pandemic has brought to all of our lives, do you find yourself seeking an activity that gives you a sense of accomplishment? This class may be the answer! Cindy Doutrich, a Professor Emeritus of Spanish, is offering a six-week introductory class that will meet on Zoom each Thursday morning at 9:30am for one hour beginning on August 13. Email and access to Zoom are required. $40.00 per participant To register please email Cindy at cdoutric@ycp.edu Please stay tuned for the following presentations that will be aired on Channel 18, the COA website, the Town of Brewster website and Facebook. The dates for the airing will be posted on our COA and Town websites toward the middle of August and in our September newsletter. Passing the Torch by Financial Advisor Bob Mauterstock: This presentation will address such critical areas as having a family meeting, long-term care planning and legal planning. People will leave the program with the tools to get their affairs in order and communicate clearly with their children. The following programs will all be presented by Larry Dapsis, Cape Cod Entomologist: Ticks; One Bite Can Change Your Life: 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 The Backyard Garden: 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. Pollen Ecology: 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. Edible Insects: Learn about entomophagy, the practice of eating bugs which is part of many diets around the world. Find out which bugs you can eat, as well as sustainability and nutritional value! Page 3 Brewster, MA August 2020 Page 4 Brewster, MA August 2020 OUTREACH Notes We have put food resources in place for our seniors in an effort to limit traveling to the grocery store: ● The COA has a some stock pantry-staples, that can be delivered to your door. Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 to see what we have and when we can deliver it to you. ● Participation in the Healthy Meals in Motion Mobile Food Pantry program has increased. This is a free monthly food distribution program in collaboration with the Harwich Family Pantry. It is now curbside pickup. There are currently over 70 participants in this program. See the article at the bottom of this page for more information and how to sign up. ● We continue to deliver meals to 35-40 seniors who have signed up for the hot lunch program. The program continues throughout August. Currently, the dedicated culinary staff at the Nauset Regional Middle School in Orleans prepares meals for distribution on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is a free program for our seniors. Outreach staff is also available for information about: • Grocery and Pharmacy pick-up • Fuel Assistance • SNAP Assistance • Emergency Buttons • Elder Services • Homecare Assistance • Medical Equipment • Referrals of all types ● Applications for FY2021 tax exemptions are now being accepted. Tax exemptions are available for qualifying primary resident seniors, veterans, and blind tax payers. Renewal applications have been mailed to those who received the exemption last year. Please note that all elderly exemption applicants MUST make a tele-conference appointment with Brenda Locke or Debra Johnson at the Council on Aging to submit and review their application materials. They can be reached at (508) 896-2737 or by email at: blocke@brewster-ma.gov or djohnson@brewster-ma.gov 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 every month, from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Frederick Court, across from the Brewster COA. Our next date is Wednesday, August 12. Please call our Brewster COA Outreach Office to enroll at 508-896-2737. SHINE Notes Your SHINE counselors have been busy. Brewster residents are still turning 65 and going onto Medicare, still changing prescriptions, and still addressing insurance related issues. Please call Brenda or Debra at 508-896-2737 to speak confidentially about: • Medicare Parts A&B • Medicare Advantage Plans • Medicare Part D • Public Assistance Programs (including Prescription Advantage, Extra Help from Social Security, MassHealth, and other subsidized programs) You might not be aware that you are eligible for assistance in some of these programs. Let us help you! Page 5 August 2020 Brewster, MA Important Update from the Massachusetts RMV—REAL ID The RMV has introduced an appointment-only reservation system, and is not currently accepting appointments for the issuance of REAL IDs, however they now have a special offer to encourage everyone with a license expiring this summer to renew their ‘standard’ license or ID card online now, and wait to get their REAL ID. Who is eligible? All Massachusetts ID card holders who have an expiring 2020 ID card. Massachusetts driver’s license holders, up to 74 years of age, who have an expiring 2020 license. You will not be able to renew your license online IF: Your driver’s license is suspended or revoked. You have unpaid parking tickets, excise tax, or EZ-Pass violations. Eligible program participants should visit Mass.Gov/myRMV, login to their “myRMV” account, and renew their standard license or ID card online by August 12th. Their new license or card will be mailed to them. Eligible drivers who renew online by August 12th will be able to visit the RMV in 2021 if they need to upgrade their standard driver’s license or ID to a REAL ID (federally-compliant credential) at no additional cost. There is no difference in the cost for a ‘standard’ vs. a REAL ID driver’s license; both are $50, while the traditional $25 upgrade/amendment fee will be waived. For step-by-step license/ID renewal instructions, visit: https://www.mass.gov/doc/online-drivers-license-renewal-process/download Driver’s Licence Renewal for 75+ For those seniors who are 75 years or older and have an expiring 2020 license or ID card, the RMV has applied several automatic extensions to the expiration dates, typically coinciding with an individual’s birth date, to prevent them from having to visit the RMV this summer. The RMV is not planning on being open prior to September for in-person visits except in special circumstances. Here is the new list of extensions: ● Driver’s licenses and ID cards that expired or in March, April, and May 2020, will now expire in September 2020. ● Driver’s licenses and ID cards that will expire in June have been extended until October 2020. ● Driver’s licenses and ID cards that will expire in June have been extended until October 2020. ● Driver’s licenses and ID cards that will expire in July have been extended until November 2020. ● Driver’s licenses and ID cards that will expire in August have been extended until December 2020. State law mandates that license holders 75 and older complete their driver’s license renewal in-person to present a vision screening certificate or take an eye exam. For more information on extensions, or to verify their current expiration date, customers should visit Mass.Gov/RMV and login to their myRMV account. Transportation Notes Although the COA is not currently offering transportation, we continue to refer folks to the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority. They are presently operating on a their summer fixed-route schedule. Also, they are still providing their Dial-A-Ride (DART) service. For information and/or to schedule a ride, please call 800-352-7155. They will be happy to explain the measures that they have taken to keep their riders safe and comfortable during the pandemic. Page 6 August 2020 Brewster, MA Need some help? The following is a list of services available: Groceries and Meals The COA Pantry A variety of canned goods are available through the COA’s ‘pantry’. COA staff are happy to bring you whatever we have on-hand to help you out. Just call us at 508-896-2737 for more information. Items will be delivered directly to your address. 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 curbside 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, August 12. Please call our Brewster COA Outreach Office to enroll at 508-896-2737. Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels delivers meals to people aged 60 and over who are homebound and unable to prepare their own meals. For more information call Elder Services, Information and Referral at 508-394-4630 or 1-800-244-4630. If you are already a client and need to reach our Nutrition Site, please contact Maria at 508-896-5070. Hot Meal Delivery This program provides a hot lunch every Tuesday and Thursday to seniors in our community. The lunches are graciously provided through a grant awarded to Nauset Regional High School. Meals are delivered by COA staff. If you would like a hot lunch, please contact the COA at 508-896-2737. This program will continue through August. Free Grocery Delivery Service through Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) The Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), in service to the Barnstable County Incident Command COVID-19 response, is providing a free service delivering prepaid groceries to seniors and people at higher risk for infection. The new program is called Critical Delivery Service. Instructions for Ordering Food Using the MRC’s Critical Delivery Service: Call 508-556-7161 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and speak with an MRC Volun- teer. You will provide your name, address, and phone number, and discuss options of stores where you can order. See a list of participating grocery stores with pre-ordering and curbside pickup options at https://bit.ly/CCMRC_FOOD. Food Pantries St. Vincent de Paul Society, Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, Brewster Phone: 508-385-7582 Call and leave information, a volunteer will return the call. Delivery available. The Family Pantry of Cape Cod, 133 Queen Anne Road, Harwich Phone: 508-432-6519 Website: www.thefamilypantry.com In-car food pick-up procedure. Pantry hours for food pick-up: Tuesdays 10am-3:30pm, Wednesdays 10am-Noon, Thursdays 10am- 3:30pm & 5-7pm, Saturdays 10am- Noon. See website or call for additional information and to confirm opening hours. ‘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! Food Pantries (cont’d) Lower Cape Outreach Council (LCOC), 19 Brewster Cross Roads, Orleans Phone: 508-240-0694 Website: www.lcoutreach.org See website for list of pantry openings by date, time and location. Curbside pick-up procedure of prepackaged groceries. If you are not yet a registered patron, please call LCOC to sign-up before going to a pick-up site. Hands of Hope Food Pantry, 49 Rt. 28, West Harwich Phone: 508-432-1312 If not already registered, please call for intake and to schedule food pick-up. Hours for food pick-up by car: Monday & Friday 10am-3pm, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 1pm -3pm. Additional Resources: Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands is another valuable resource. Though their offices are not currently open to the public, their staff is available from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. Their Home Care Services department is available, as is Protective Services. You may contact them at 508-394-4630. If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, or know of someone who is, our friends at Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of Cape Cod, located right here in Brewster, are still operating on a daily basis and have even moved their support groups to on-line. If you need any help, please give them a call at 508-896-5170. Helpful Phone Numbers Brewster Town Hall 508-896-3701 Town Clerk 508-896-3701 ext 1146 Health Department 508-896-3701 ext 1120 Library 508-896-3913 Department of Public Works (DPW) 508-896-3212 Water Department 508-896-5454 Natural Resources 508-896-4546 Meals on Wheels Program 508-896-5070 (Maria) Fire Department (non-emergency) 508-896-7018 In the event of an emergency, please dial 9-1-1 Police (non-emergency) 508-896-7011 In the event of an emergency, please dial 9-1-1 Chamber of Commerce 508-896-3500 or see their website at: www.brewster-capecod.com Sea Captain’s Thrift Shop (run by Friends of Brewster Elders) 508-896-8180 Page 7 Brewster, MA August 2020 Help for Pet Owners The Cape Cod Disaster Animal Response Team has been busy during the last few months organizing contact-free pet food pantries for Cape Cod residents. They have also packed pet food supplies for home deliveries. They are offering their help. If you need to get pet food and require assistance, please contact the Brewster COA at 508 -896-2737. We will contact CCDART who will then work out a plan with you for delivery. Page 8 August 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. Currently via Zoom. 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 or see page 3 of this newsletter for more info. 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. See page 3 for more info. 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 2 for more info. 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 Baysters’! 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: Thursday, May 21 ~ 9:00am - 3:00pm (Diabetics must see a MD/Podiatrist). ½ hr. appointments - $29.00 Home Visit - $50.00 See Page 3 of this newsletter. 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 2 for more information). 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! Begins 5/8. 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 Note to our Readers: As this date, many of these programs are still currently on hold, pending the reopening of the COA building to the public. Meanwhile, if you wish to join a Zoom/YouTube class for either Tai Chi or Meditation, please consult page 3 of this newsletter. Other services available to you are listed on pages 2 and 3. We encourage you to consult the Town of Brewster website at www.brewster-ma.gov for the latest information. Brewster, MA A Message from Charles Altieri, RN Public Health Wellness Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod Home visits will occur on Mondays. Page 9 August 2020 Brewster, MA 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. Wearing a Face Mask? Yes or No, if you don’t feel sick. Face masks initially have been recommended for those people who feel sick—to prevent virus spread—or are in close contact with people who have documented COVID-19. Mayo Clinic doctors also have urged those with a compromised immune system to wear a mask while in close proximity to others in public spaces. For healthy people who are not sick, it’s thought that masks are generally not that helpful in providing protection from the virus. There are a number of reasons for this, including that masks often aren’t air-tight and that donning a mask often results in more face touching, not less. In addition, if healthy people who aren’t in higher risk settings buy too many masks, there won’t be enough for those who truly need them. However, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends that healthy people wear homemade cloth face masks, secured with ties or ear loops; in public settings where it may be difficult to maintain 6 feet of social distancing space. Recommendations may be updated as more information is available from experts caring for people with COVID-19. If you wear a mask of some sort, follow these important steps:  Keep your social distance; understand that face masks will not fully prevent the virus from entering your respiratory tract. Moreover, the virus can enter your body through your eyes, which are not protected by your face mask.  Keep your hands away from your face; there is some risk that wearing a face mask will result in more face touching, especially for those that have allergies to certain parts of a mask, such as metal or rubberlike straps.  Don’t neglect any other important steps; face masks do not negate any other prevention methods, such as the need to wash your hands appropriately or stay at home if you are sick.  Remove the face mask properly; this generally involves removing the mask by loosening the straps at the back or pulling back elastic banding, and then carefully removing the mask without the outer part of the mask or your hands touching your face. Wash your hands after removal. If you have a manufactured mask, you can preserve it for reuse. If you have a homemade mask, wash it in the laundry on a regular basis. Mayo Clinic - June 2020 BE WELL! LIVE LONG! LIVE STRONG! Charles Altieri, BSN, RN Public Health Wellness Nurse VNA of Cape Cod Face Masks Available If you are in need of a face mask, the COA has a selection of handmade, washable ones available. Just give us a call at 508-896-2737 and we’ll make sure you get one! Please note: There is currently no Senior Dining on-site at the Brewster CO. This menu is for the Meals on Wheels home lunch-delivery program only. For more information, please contact Maria at 508-896-5070. Thank you. 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: Grocery Shopping in Orleans: 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 11 August 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. Please note: We are in the process of developing our COA Transportation offerings. Please see the September ‘Bayside Chatter’ for new transportation information.