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HomeMy Public PortalAboutNovember 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 November 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. November Holiday Closings The COA will be closed on Wednesday, November 11 in honor of Veterans Day. Thank you to all of you who have served and to all of those who are still in the service. We will also be closed on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday. May all of us have something to be thankful for this year. Let’s Give Thanks! To say the least, 2020 has been a difficult year for just about everyone. What better time than during this Thanksgiving season to take a moment to send someone a card or note thanking them for all they do. It will make them smile! It's official! Although we were not able to celebrate Pete at the Annual Volunteer Luncheon, he was officially crowned as our Volunteer of the Year 2019 on Tuesday, September 22nd! COA Director Denise Rego and Friends of Brewster Elders President Marilyn Dearborn (shown at right) visited him in his home and presented him with a certificate and gift. Thank you Pete for all of your hard work through- out the years! Photo courtesy of Denise Rego Pete Scheffer, our 2019 Volunteer of the Year Curbside Turkey Pot-pie Day at the COA! Monday, November 23 1:00pm to 3:00pm Brewster COA parking lot, 1673 Main Street Call ahead to reserve at 508-896-2737 Thanksgiving will most certainly be a little different this year, but the COA wants you to know we’re thankful for you! On November 23 between 1 and 3 pm, we will be giving out a frozen individual-size turkey pot-pie, along with an Individual-size fruit pie, to each person. We ask that you call us ahead at 508-896-2737 by November 19 to reserve your pie. We’ll be socially distant while wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Although the pies are FREE, donations in any amount will be most welcome. We’ll be putting the donations to good use by purchasing future gift cards for the seniors in our community who may need extra assistance this holiday season. 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 Note: the next drop-in date at the COA will be Thursday, November 19, 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.  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 (showing that you are at least 70 years of age), a copy of your latest Brewster tax bill, and a check for $5.oo payable to “Brewster COA”. Be sure to 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 Page 2 Brewster, MA November 2020 SHINE NEWS…Don’t Delay - Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7th! Now is the time to review your Medicare plan options. A quick review could save you money in 2021. Medicare’s Part C (Medicare Advantage Plan) and Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) Annual Open Enrollment began last month and ends December 7th. Please make sure you review your 2021 Medicare options during this time period so that you have the most cost-effective plan for 2021. During this Annual Open Enrollment (October 15 - December 7), you will have a chance to CHANGE your plan. This change will take effect January 1, 2021. SHINE Counselors can help you understand your plan’s changes, screen you for assistance programs and discuss other options you may have. If you do not change your plan during this period you may have to stay with your existing plan for another whole year. (Note: the open enrollment may not affect those with retiree coverage). Please Note: Until further notice all SHINE appointments will be via telephone. Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 to make your appointment with a SHINE counselor. All appointments are 45 minutes in length. Be sure to have a list (or bottles) of your current medications ready for the appointment and if you are a couple, please ask for 2 appointments if you feel that the two of you will exceed the 45 minutes. If we are unable to accommodate you during this short period, call the regional SHINE office in Barnstable Village at 508-375-6762. SHINE is here to help. Don’t Forget: Daylight Saving time ends on Sunday, November 1. Remember to set your clocks back 1 hour and check the batteries in your smoke detectors too! Page 3 Brewster, MA November 2020 Now that you’ve got Zoom, are you looking for something fun to do? Some of our instructors have been holding their classes via Zoom or YouTube.  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  Our Brewster PC User Group has a Zoom meeting every other Thursday at 1:00pm. If you wish to participate please notify the instructor, Pete Scheffer, via email at: prs288@gmail.com Pete will be happy to include you in the group and will send you an invitation. Free Personal Hygiene Items: The COA has a variety of disposable incontinence products available. If you or someone you know could use them, please don’t hesitate to give the COA a call at 508-896-2737. How to download ZOOM The first order of business is to sign up for Zoom. Google the word Zoom and proceed to the website. If you're not already signed up, click the orange box that reads SIGN UP, IT'S FREE. Click on SSO (single sign on) or Google or FB to create your profile. Zoom will send you an email with a confirmation link. Click on that link to sign in using your credentials. Click on Download Zoom On the Download Center page, click "Download" under the "Zoom Client for Meetings" section. The Zoom app will then begin downloading. Contacting your State Representatives Although the monthly drop-in appointments to speak with your State Rep. Tim Whelan have been placed on hold for now, you can still reach him at the State House at: 617-722-2488. Rep. Sarah Peake can also be reached at the State House at: 617-722-2040 Additional Resources: Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands: 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. Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of Cape Cod: If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, or know of someone who is, Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of Cape Cod, located right here in Brewster, is still operating on a daily basis and has even moved their support groups to online. If you need any help, please give them a call at 508-896-5170. Page 4 Brewster, MA November 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: At this date, many of our regular programs continue to be 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, Meditation, or PC User Group, please consult page 3. Other services available to you are listed throughout this newsletter. We encourage you to consult the Town of Brewster website at www.brewster-ma.gov for the latest information. Page 6 November2020 Brewster, MA Upcoming November Programs Go4Life Fitness Program: The Go4Life fitness program, developed by the National Institute of Aging, features exercises you can do at home to improve strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. We have CDs you may borrow for home viewing and exercise. They are available for pick up and you must call the COA to request one at 508-896-2737. For more information on the Go4Life program visit: www.nia.nih.gov/Go4Life Ted Talks: The Brain Changing Benefits of Exercise by Wendi Suzuki: What's the most transformative thing that you can do for your brain today? Exercise! Get inspired as neuroscientist Wendi Suzuki discusses the science of how exercise boosts your mood and memory and protects your brain against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Google Ted Talks and in the search bar type in The Brain Changing Benefits of Exercise. Veterans Day November 11, 2020: Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans, alive or deceased but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. Check the following link for a schedule of Veterans Day events in Washington D.C., including wreath laying, concerts, talks and more: Culturecapital.com Savvy Caregiver Program on Zoom: Offered by Alzheimer’s Family Support Center. This is a six week evidence-based educational program specifically for family caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's and other dementia-related diseases. Sessions on Zoom: 11/4 – 12/9 from 10 am – 12pm and 11/10 -12/15 from 10am – 12pm. Call AFSC at 508-896-5170 to reserve your spot. The COA is coming to your home! The COA is offering various classes, presentations and artistic events on Channel 18, the Town website and the COA website. Please see page 7 for the November programming calendar. Below is a brief explanation of each program: Critical Financial Conversations with your Family 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 com- municate clearly with their children. Funky Fitness with Frank Callahan: This is an advanced workout program to address four major categories of fitness: endurance, strength, balance & flexibility. Music provides the backdrop and inspi- ration for all exercises in each class. Crafts by Lucille: Create some fun crafts from the comfort of your home. Our instructor, Lucille, will guide you through each project as you indulge your creative side. Many crafts will feature items you may already have in your home. No crafting experience required! Two presentations 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. Edible Insects: Insects are part of many diets around the world with the exception of North America and Europe. There are a number of valid reasons to consider rethinking our attitude about insect -based foods including sustainability and nutrition. Don’t worry - we won't make you go dig for worms and cook them up during this webinar, but you may consider these creatures culinary treats after this talk. Page 7 Brewster, MA November 2020 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3pm – Music Series Replay 4pm – Crafts by Lucille 7am – Funky Fitness Part 3 & 4 10 am – Funky Fitness Part 1 & 2 7am – Crafts by Lucille 11am – Edible insects with Larry Dapsis 7am – Chair Yoga 7am – Critical Conversations with Bob Mauterstock 11am – Funky Fitness Part 3 & 4 7pm – Book TV 3pm – Chair Yoga 4pm – Crafts by Lucille 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 3pm – Music Series Replay 7am – Funky Fitness Part 3 & 4 10 am – Funky Fitness Part 1 & 2 7am – Crafts by Lucille 11am – Ticks: One Bite Can Change Your Life with Larry Dapsis 7am – Chair Yoga 7am – Edible Insects with Larry Dapsis 11am – Funky Fitness Part 1 & 2 7pm – Book TV 3pm – Chair Yoga 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 3pm – Music Series Replay 4pm – Crafts by Lucille 7am – Funky Fitness Part 3 & 4 10 am – Funky Fitness Part 1 & 2 7am – Crafts by Lucille 11am – Critical Conversations with Bob Mauterstock 7am – Chair Yoga 7am – Ticks: One Bite Can Change Your Life with Larry Dapsis 11am – Funky Fitness Part 3 & 4 7pm – Book TV 3pm – Chair Yoga 4pm – Crafts by Lucille 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 3pm – Music Series Replay 7am – Funky Fitness Part 3 & 4 10 am – Funky Fitness Part 1 & 2 7am – Crafts by Lucille 11am – Edible Insects with Larry Dapsis 7am – Chair Yoga 7am – Critical Conversations with Bob Mauterstock 11am – Funky Fitness Part 1 & 2 7pm – Book TV 3pm – Chair Yoga 29 30 3pm – Music Series Replay 4pm – Crafts by Lucille 7am – Funky Fitness Part 3 & 4 10 am – Funky Fitness Part 1 & 2 NOVEMBER 2020: COA Programming on Channel 18 November 2020 COA Programming schedule (cont’d from previous page): Chair Yoga with Araci Gomes: 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. Music series: Musicians will play selections varying from classical to jazz. Book TV: Authors will discuss the books they have published. Perhaps you may find one to enjoy and start your own online book club. Page 9 November 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. 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! Need some help with food or prescriptions? 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 door. 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. Curbside Pickup The Brewster COA is offering curbside pickup on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the following markets and pharmacies: Brewster Village Marketplace 1760 Main Street, Brewster 508-896-2905 Ferretti’s Market 501 Underpass Road, Brewster 508-896-8919 CVS Skaket Corners 9 West Road, Orleans 508-255-0570 Walgreens* 130 Rt. 6A, Orleans 508-255-5931 (Please note, Walgreens has a $30.00 minimum order for free curbside pickups) Once you have placed and paid for your order, please inform the business that the Brewster COA will be there to pick it up for you on either a Tuesday or Thursday (must be ready on those days). Next, just give us a call at 508-896-2737. We’ll pick it up and deliver it directly to your home. 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. Preorder from a wide selection of food items and your or- der will be ready for pickup! Please note: this program will not be held in November. The next date will be Wednesday, December 9. Please call the COA Outreach Office to enroll at 508 -896-2737. Brewster Fire/Rescue is open for Blood Pressure Checks and Sharps Disposal Services Brewster Fire Department is open to residents for blood pressure checks and/or exchange of used sharps containers. Hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Questions concerning these programs may be directed to their Administrative Assistant, Amy Handel, at 508-896-7018. ‘Brewster Bayside Chatter’ Online: The ‘Brewster Bayside Chatter’ is available online each month and can be found at: https://www.brewster-ma.gov/council-on-aging Scroll down to where it reads: ‘our newsletters are available online’ and click on the link! Or go directly to: http://records.brewster-ma.gov/WebLink/0/fol/75664/Row1.aspx Help for Pet Owners The Cape Cod Disaster Animal Response Team (CCDART) 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 10 November 2020 Brewster, MA OUTREACH Notes We have put food resources in place for our seniors in an effort to limit traveling to the grocery store: ● The COA still has 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 substantially. This is a free monthly food distribution program in collaboration with the Harwich Family Pantry. The program will not be held in November, however please see the article on page 9 for more information. Outreach staff is also available for information about: • Grocery and Pharmacy pickup • Fuel Assistance • SNAP Assistance • Emergency Buttons • Elder Services • Homecare Assistance • Medical Equipment • Referrals of all types For help with any of these, please contact the Outreach Office at 508-896-2737. Property Tax Exemption Information Applications for FY2021 tax exemptions are now being accepted. Tax exemptions are available for qualifying primary resident seniors, veterans, and blind taxpayers. 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 Fuel Assistance begins November 1 Do you need some help with your upcoming winter heating bills? You may be eligible for fuel assistance. Beginning November 1, the COA will begin accepting Fuel Assistance applications. Please contact the Outreach Office at the COA at 508 -896-2737. Page 11 November 2020 Brewster, MA Sightings from the Poop Deck I’m having a terrible time of late trying to remember things. I have an app on my phone for Stop & Shop and also for Shaw's and I take a great amount of pride when I shop because I can use my online coupons to save a few bucks. However, at Shaw's you have to enter your cellphone number at checkout and, believe it or not, I went through the line one day and totally forgot my phone number. Your phone number is on your phone, but you have to remember how to access that screen also and I was not having a good day. Now I’ve been through all those stories about walking into a room and forgetting what you came in for. Or trying to remember a name or a place and spouting out clues like who a person is married to when you can’t remember the person's name. There are times when Joanie Carfora and I are having a conversation and I’ll forget the name or place and it remains unsolved even when I go to bed, but the thought just lingers. Suddenly it comes to me and I’ll wake J.C. and tell her who or where it was and she will ask why this little tidbit couldn’t wait until morning instead of waking her from a sound sleep. My reply is always, “If I would have waited until morning I would have surely forgotten it again!” If COVID has done anything for us it has made Zoom meeting experts out of everyone so that we can keep in touch. The problem with Zoom, if you’re hosting, is that you have to remember that you have one scheduled. I remember scheduling a Zoom meeting with our Ft. Myers friends, but got so involved working around the house that I totally forgot about the meeting. I realized my inattentiveness (more about this word later) that night when I read my email from the group and they were not very happy. The easy way out for me would have been just to tell the truth, but I never seem to take the easy way out. I thought about a few cockamamie excuses like, “I fell out of bed that morning, banged my head and suffered an amnesia jolt.” That would not have worked since my friends think I am always in an amnesia state. I wound up finally telling the truth. Now for “Inattentiveness.” The word does not bring back many fond memories. My fifth grade teacher, Ms. Chavasta, at Thomas Jefferson School Number 1 in Passaic, New Jersey, had written the word in red across my report card and on Parents Night proceeded to tell my mother that I was very inattentive in class. So you see, not much has changed in seventy plus years. If I am one thing, I am consistent! I may have been a scooch, but I was not inattentive! That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! Peter R. Scheffer - (“Life is Good!”) - I am a scocciatore! Look it up. poop deck, n., a deck above a ship’s main afterdeck 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 MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS We are now offering medical rides from our local area to as far as Hyannis for routine doctor’s appointments Mondays through Fridays. There will be 1 ride per day, with 1 client getting the ride to their appointment. All safety precautions, such as social distancing, hygiene protocol and cleaning/disinfecting, will be strictly reinforced. Due to these protocols, our ability to offer rides will be considerably reduced, so we encourage you to have an alternative method of transportation available. Appointments should be booked for times between 9:00am and 2:00pm. 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 schedule 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. Our van is wheelchair-accessible. Page 12 November 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: 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.