HomeMy Public PortalAboutFebruary 20211673 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
February 2021
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.
Covid-19 Vaccine Information
Now that we’re all hearing about vaccines becom-
ing available, there are a lot of questions. We
encourage you to read the article on page 2, written
by Amy von Hone, our Brewster Health Director.
As of press time for this newsletter, actual dates
for the phases discussed in the article were not
available.
As always, you may either check the town website
at www.brewster-ma.gov or give the COA a call
at 508-896-2737 for the latest information.
Brewster Residents in Need are Invited to
Apply to Brewster COVID Relief Fund
As the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic
affects Cape Cod, Brewster COVID Relief funds
remain available for Brewster residents. Earlier
this year, the Town established a relief fund
designed to provide direct and essential support to
Brewster residents whose health and well-being
are most immediately impacted by the coronavirus
pandemic. The goal of this fund is to help meet the
basic needs of residents who are faced with
financial challenges related to housing, medical
bills, utilities, etc.
To qualify for assistance, residents must meet
certain financial eligibility criteria based on
established federal standards and must have lived
in town for at least 3 months. Brewster Council on
Aging and Housing staff will assist residents in
completing the application process, review
completed applications, and determine program
eligibility. Requests for financial assistance from
eligible residents will then be voted on by the
Brewster COVID Relief Fund Committee on a
regular basis. The identity of applicants will be
kept confidential throughout the process.
Payments will be made directly to the appropriate
vendor.
Please contact Town staff with questions at
covidrelieffund@brewster-ma.gov.
February Holiday Closings
While our building remains closed to the public,
our staff is available weekdays, 8:00am to 4:00pm,
by calling 508-896-2737. We are not available on
the following holiday:
Monday, February 15: Presidents’ Day
Brewster COA’s Inclement Weather Policy
If the Nauset Public Schools are closed,
all curbside COA programs and COA
medical transportation are canceled.
If the Brewster Town Hall is closed, the Brewster
COA will also be closed.
Looking for something fun to do this month? Check out our Valentine’s Day Festivity curbside
event, featured on page 6. Or, how about remembering your school days by making Valentines for
family and friends? See the article on page 4 for the COA’s little gift to help make that easier. And, did
you know that Go Red Day is Friday, February 5? Though it’s not a national holiday, we encourage you
to move more, eat smart and manage your blood pressure as you wear red to raise awareness of
heart disease in women. See the article on page 6 for things to know! Happy Heart Month to all!
Page 2 Brewster, MA February 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Primer
Compiled by Amy von Hone
Brewster Health Director
We are hearing more news every day about the new
COVID-19 vaccines now available for use in the
United States. This article will help de-mystify the
bits of information swirling about and provide
some facts to encourage you to learn more about
this important topic.
Two vaccines were approved by the US Federal
Drug Administration (FDA) in December, 2020 for
use to fight the COVID-19 virus in the United
States. Through the approval of an Emergency Use
Authorization (EUA), two major drug manufactur-
ers, Pfizer and Moderna, developed vaccines in less
than a year of the first known COVID-19 infections
in the US. Should we be concerned about the safety
and effectiveness? We are currently in a state of
emergency which warrants an emergency response.
The EUA process allows the researchers and manu-
facturers to create and distribute the vaccine in a
shorter period of time but still requires a vigorous
vetting process that includes clinical trials follow-
ing rigorous FDA standards and comprehensive
evaluations of the subsequent data. The Pfizer vac-
cine alone has been studied in approximately
43,000 people as part of the approval process, and
will continue to track and monitor the effects of the
vaccine for safety issues and effectiveness.
There are many types of vaccines available to fight
many types of diseases, and Pfizer and Moderna
are using a newer technology called messenger
RiboNucleic Acid (mNRA) vaccines. Unlike many
other vaccines that use a weakened or inactivated
germ in our bodies to trigger an immune response,
mRNA vaccines introduce instructions for our cells
to make a harmless piece of the spike protein that
is found on the surface of the COVID virus. When
our bodies make this protein, it triggers an im-
mune response (production of antibodies) that, in
turn, will protect us if we are infected with the real
COVID-19 virus. Other mRNA vaccines that you
may be familiar with are flu, Zika, and rabies
vaccines, which is another reason why the COVID-
19 vaccine was developed so quickly – the technol-
ogy was already available. Once scientists discov-
ered the spike protein unique to COVID, they were
able to quickly create the mRNA COVID vaccine.
The vaccine is designed to target more than one
part of the spike protein, so if the current strain of
COVID mutates, the vaccine should still work.
An added layer of protection is also provided by the
fact that our bodies typically make more than one
type of antibody as part of the immune response.
When can I get vaccinated? In the early stages of
the pandemic, the federal government contracted
with Pfizer and Moderna to purchase the vaccines
for rapid distribution to our communities upon
approval. The first shipments have been distribut-
ed to every state in the country and will continue to
be rolled out as the manufacturers produce more
vaccine. In order to receive the vaccine, each state
developed their own vaccination distribution plan
based on the recommendations of the Center for
Disease Control (CDC). The MA Department of
Public Health (MA DPH) is working closely with
state, county, and local health departments, as well
as our numerous healthcare partners and commu-
nity organizations, to plan an efficient and
equitable distribution of the vaccine to all members
of our local communities. This plan is comprised of
Three Phases and prioritizes protecting our most
vulnerable populations, maintaining our
healthcare system capacity, and addressing inequi-
ties in healthcare access.
The Health Department is in the early stages of
discussions with our neighboring health depart-
ments and local partners to coordinate the distri-
bution of the vaccine to our Cape residents. At the
time of publication, the majority of those
prioritized in Phase One (healthcare workers, first
responders, long term care facilities) will have
received their first dose of a two dose vaccine.
Phase Two will consist of high risk individuals, the
educational community, essential workers, and
those 65 and older. Finally, Phase Three will
provide vaccinations to the general public and
those unavailable during the first two phases. The
Health Department, in conjunction with our
Council on Aging, will keep our residents informed
as plans for each phase are finalized and ready to
implement. Based on the availability of the vaccine
as distributed through the MA DPH, vaccination
clinics are expected to take place beginning in
December, 2020 through early summer, 2021. If
not currently on the distribution list for the COA
newsletter, seniors are asked to register with the
COA at 508-896-2737. Regular updates can also be
found on the Town of Brewster webpage at
www.brewster-ma.gov
For more information about COVID-19,
visit Barnstable County Health Department
Covid-19
Page 3 Brewster, MA February 2021
AARP Tax Aid - Program Update
As we go to print with this newsletter, we are sad to say that Brewster will not be involved with the
AARP Tax Aid Program. As you know, we are not open to the public. After much discussion, we cannot
find a venue to host the 5 tax aides to do the paperwork. As time goes on and if anything changes, we
will have the updated information in our March newsletter. However, we do not encourage folks to wait
until March to make their tax filing plans.
A Note of Thanks to Debra Johnson, Brenda Locke and Mary Rancourt, our SHINE reps!
The annual Medicare Open Enrollment, which was from October 15th through December 7th of 2020, is
always a very busy time here at our senior center. Working through the conditions imposed by the
pandemic, our Brewster COA SHINE representatives devoted many hours to help as
many folks as possible. Due to their diligence last year, they saved over 500 folks
an estimated $380,272!
Our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated SHINE reps!
Programming Update
While our building remains closed, some of our services are available to you in your home or over the
telephone.
● Pedicare: call Janet Tinney at 508-776-3092
● Massage: call Sandra Smith at 508-237¬0458
● Hearing Screening: call Advanced Audiology Associates, Inc. at 508-385-5222
● Legal Help: call Attorney Raymond Yox at 508-775-7020 X2011
or Attorney Adam Dupuy at 508-775-3433
● Mobile Dental Hygiene: 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, February 18, from 8:00am
to 8:30am in the back parking lot. The cost is $3.00 per nail trim for senior (60+) pet-owners.
● Computer Help: 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: though 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
You may also use our drop-box at the COA, located at the bottom of the ramp behind our building.
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.
Page 4 Brewster, MA February 2021
Senior Fitness Hour
A new “Senior Fitness Hour” is premiering on Channel 99 of Lower Cape Community Access TV for
older adults in the communities of Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, and Truro. This program is
the result of a collaborative effort between Lower Cape TV and the Councils on Aging in these
communities. We know the pandemic has created an extended period of isolation which has been hard
for seniors, and everyone is desperately missing their routines. This collaboration was an opportunity
for us to work together regionally while leveraging resources to make sure all older adults could access
opportunities to focus on their health and well-being from the safety of their homes. Every weekday
there will be fitness classes featuring instructors from various senior centers. From 10-10:30am, there
will be regular senior fitness classes, and from 10:30-11am there will be chair fitness classes.
See below for the schedule:
10-10:30am: Regular Senior Fitness 10:30-11am: Chair Fitness
M Frank’s Funky Fitness M,W,F Life Exercises with Janet
Tue, Th Morning Fitness with Becky Tue Chair Fitness with Melissa
W Fitness with Melissa Th Sit Fitness with Becky
F Gentle Yoga with Debra
Recognize and Prevent Hypothermia
Hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, is a dangerous condition that can happen when a
person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Although hypothermia is most likely to occur at very
cold temperatures, it can also occur at cool temperatures - above 40 oF - if a person becomes chilled
from rain, sweat, or submersion in water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
older adults with inadequate food, clothing or heating are among those at greater risk for hypothermia.
A body temperature that is too low can affect the brain, and make a person unable to think clearly or
move well. A person who is experiencing hypothermia may not know it is happening and may not be
able to do anything about it.
Warning signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion or feeling tired, confusion, memory loss,
fumbling hands, slurred speech and drowsiness.
Hypothermia is a medical emergency! If you notice any of the warning signs, take the person ’s tempera-
ture. If the temperature is below 95 oF, get help immediately! If you are not able to get medical help
right away, try to warm the person up.
This article was drawn from information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at:
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/hypothermia.html
Let’s make some Valentines!
As you sit at home, awaiting warmer weather, why not think about surprising your family
and friends with a home-made Valentine? The COA is helping out by offering you a FREE
Valentine Card kit, which will have enough paper, envelopes, glue, ribbons and supplies to
make 6 cards. Dazzle your loved ones by unleashing your creativity! There’s no judging, no
pressure, just a whole lot of fun! There will even be some pre-cut heart shapes in each kit, so you don’t
have to bother cutting your own if you don’t want to. A sample card will be included for inspiration. But,
we’ve only got a limited supply of these kits. Simply give the COA a call at 508-896-2737 to request one,
and we’ll make arrangements to get it to you. It’ll take your mind off your troubles for a bit, and might
even bring back some fond memories of elementary-school Valentine’s Days!
Also, for those of you who remember our good friend June Gallant, her daughter Cindy has generously
donated some of the materials in the kit! Thank you, Cindy! And Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you!
Page 6 February 2021 Brewster, MA
Upcoming February Programs
Valentine’s Day Festivity
Thursday, February 11 12:00 - 1:00pm
1673 Main Street, in the COA parking lot
behind our building
Did you know? The first Valentine's Day was in the
year 496! Having a particular Valentine's Day is a
very old tradition, thought to have originated from
a Roman festival. The Romans had a festival called
Lupercalia in the middle of February - officially the
start of their springtime. Let’s keep the tradition
going and join us on February 11, from noon to
1:00pm, for a curbside Valentine’s Day festivity.
“What You Need to Know About Geriatric
Care Management”
presented by Jill Beardsley, MA, CAGS of
Case Management Professionals in
Hyannis.
This presentation will discuss the role of a Geriatric
Care Manager (GCM) and their areas of expertise.
It reviews when you may need the help of a GCM,
what to expect, and how to go about hiring a GCM
who is right for you and your needs. For further
information, please contact Jill at 508-771-1075 or
jill@csacapecod.com.
Please check the Channel 18 schedule on the next
page for air times.
New Zoom exercise class: Qi Gong
Tuesdays at 9:00am 45-minute sessions
Please contact the instructor Ray DiPietro at
rayvector@hotmail.com to join the class.
Remember Howard Johnson’s?
Anthony Sammarco is a noted historian and author
of over sixty books on the history and development
of Boston, and he lectures widely on the history
and development of his native city. Below, you will
find a link to copy and paste into your browser to
watch a great clip on the rise and fall of the
Howard Johnson’s restaurant chain. You can also
open YouTube and in the search bar type his name
for many other clips about Boston. Howard John-
son - 28 Flavors - Anthony M. Sammarco
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRz5jeO9QlA
Are you interested in shellfish aquaculture?
The Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, Southeastern
MA Aquaculture Center & Woods Hole Sea Grant
are offering a 10 week online course on the
Fundamentals of Shellfish Farming. Course topics
include shellfish biology, clam and oyster culture
techniques, predator control, permitting, safety,
and an intro to business management. Class will
meet virtually via Zoom on Thursdays from
7:00 - 8:15pm starting on February 4th. The cost
for the course is $75.00.
To register, please email Abigail Archer or
call 508-375-6702. Registration deadline is
January 28.
More details about the course can be found at the
website https://www.capecodextension.org/
marine/workshops/
Why is American Heart Month in February?
It's a tradition that's over half a century strong.
The first proclamation was issued by President
Lyndon B. Johnson in February 1964, nine years
after he had a heart attack. Since then, the presi-
dent has annually declared February American
Heart Month. Due to the pandemic and scheduling
conflicts, we are not able to film and air in time for
the month of February a presentation on Heart
Health. This will be aired in March so please stay
tuned for: "Heart Health for Women: Why Gender
Matters” presented by Elissa Thompson, MD,
Cardiologist, Cape Cod Healthcare.
Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
If you have any of these signs, call 9-1-1 and get to a
hospital right away.
1. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or
pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a
few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
2. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the
back, neck, jaw or stomach.
3. Shortness of breath with or without chest
discomfort.
4. Other signs such as breaking out in a cold
sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
5. As with men, women’s most common heart
attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But
women are somewhat more likely than men to
experience some of the other common symptoms,
particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting
and back or jaw pain.
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/
heart-attack/understand-your-risks-to-
prevent-a-heart-attack
Page 7 Brewster, MA February 2021
Looking for something fun to do?
Some of our instructors are 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
NEW! If you would like to join Qi Gong classes, they are held on Tuesdays from 9 -9:45am.
Please contact our instructor, Ray DiPietro at rayvector@hotmail.com to sign up.
February 2021: COA Programming on Channel 18
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6
7am –
Chair Yoga
11am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
7am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 3 & 4
11am – Home
Modification
with
Dave Karas
7am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 3 & 4
11am –
Chair Yoga
7am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
11am -
Geriatric Care
with Jill Beardsley
7pm –
Book TV
3pm –
Eat Well,
Stay Well
with
Kim Concra
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
3pm –
Winter Music
Series
7am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
11am -
Geriatric Care
with Jill Beardsley
7am –
Chair Yoga
11am –
The Real ID
with
Michele Ellicks
7am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 3 & 4
11am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
7am –
Chair Yoga
11am –
Eat Well, Stay Well
With Kim Concra
7pm –
Book TV
3pm –
Funky
Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
3pm –
Winter Music
Series
7am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 3 & 4
11 am – Home
Modification
with Dave Karas
7am –
Chair Yoga
11am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
7am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
11 am –
Shifting Gears
with
Michele Ellicks
7am –
Chair Yoga
11am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 3 & 4
7pm –
Book TV
3pm –
Geriatric
Care
with Jill
Beardsley
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
3pm –
Winter Music
Series
7am –
Funky Fitness Parts
3 & 4
11am –
Eat Well, Stay Well
with Kim Concra
7am –
Chair Yoga
11 am – Home
Modification
with
Dave Karas
7am –
Chair Yoga
11am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
7am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
11am –
Geriatric Care
with Jill Beardsley
7pm –
Book TV
3pm –
Shifting
Gears with
Michele
Ellicks
28
3pm –
Winter Music
Series
Page 9 February 2021 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 RESPONSI-
BILITY 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.
Need some help with food or prescriptions?
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 for those who are unable to drive on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the
following markets and Pharmacies (we ask for at least 2 business days’ notice—no same-day pickup available):
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
order will be ready for pickup! Brewster’s delivery is always the second Wednesday of each month,
so the next date is Wednesday, February 10. Please call the COA Outreach Office to enroll
at 508-896-2737.
Contacting your State Representatives
Although the monthly drop-in appointments to speak with 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 be reached at the State House at: 617-722-2040
Fuel Assistance
Do you need some help with your winter heating bills? You may be eligible for fuel assistance. The Fuel Assistance
Program provides low income households with help paying home heating bills during the heating season from
November 1 – April 30. Eligibility is determined by gross income of total household members. If you are deemed
eligible for fuel assistance you will also receive a discount on your electric bill.
If you are a Brewster resident applying for the first time, or need help with a re-certification application, please
call the COA Outreach Office at 508-896-27370 to find out how to proceed.
COVID-19: In the past, intake has been done in-person at the COA. This year it may be done differently,
depending on the circumstances.
You are welcome to either call the COA, or call Fuel Assistance directly at 508-746-6707 or toll-free
at 877-833-4243.
‘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
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!
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 and 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 February 2021 Brewster, MA
OUTREACH Notes
We have some 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 us 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. Please see the
article on page 9 for more information.
Outreach staff is also available for information about:
• 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
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. Please specify the size you are looking for.
For the latest information on town topics, we encourage you to consult the Town of Brewster
website at www.brewster-ma.gov
Page 11 February 2021 Brewster, MA
Sightings from the Poop Deck
148 Luddington Avenue
Clifton, New Jersey 07011
1 (201) 478-1287
“Home is where love resides, memories are
created, friends and family belong,
and laughter never ends.” Unknown
You walk through the four levels of the house, the yard,
the garage, just to be sure you haven’t forgotten
anything. You won’t be back. You pull the back door
shut, check that it’s locked and you leave thirty-five
years behind. Thirty-five really good years. From here
the three kids could walk to School Number 3, to
Christopher Columbus Junior High School, to St. Paul’s
Roman Catholic Church, play anywhere with the kids
on the block, who were in abundance, and not have to
worry. The chief of police lived in the neighborhood. It
was a modest middle class neighborhood that produced
a 1979 Naval Academy Grad who became a career
Marine serving in the Middle East and six doors away a
1983 West Point Grad, a career 101st Airborne Army
Ranger serving in Afghanistan; a Doctor of Education
from the University of Missouri, a Simmons College
Grad, and a Brandeis College grad now a professor at
MIT. Grandma and Grandpa lived around the corner
and if the kids cut through the Breslin’s yard they could
be walking into their grandparents' back door in less
than a minute. The tree at the curb was planted by
Joanie Carfora and still stands proudly. We were
moving on and I did not think I would miss it because
we were retired, the kids were all out of college and
making their own lives and we were moving into a home
on Cape Cod which we had purchased in 1976 and made
ready by 1996. I was wrong about missing it….kinda.
Our daughter Debbie’s friend Mary Anne drives to
Clifton from New Hampshire occasionally to visit with
her mom and every time she visits she rides past the
house and sends us a picture. Nothing will stir the
juices quicker than a photo and as I study the latest one
I am taken back to the kids birthdays, graduations,
parents nights, report cards, high school dances,
wrestling matches, cheerleaders, softball games, high
school football, and a ton of what could be called the
live streaming of good memories.
Isn’t it funny, we live in a region where we can
enjoy everything it has to offer and envied by many, yet
sometimes we are transported back to earlier times
when life was somewhat hectic. Today we are retired
and have been for longer than I could have ever
dreamed and free to do anything with our time without
constraints, yet if I sit long enough and stare at that
photo I am taken back to a time when perhaps life may
have been better, different but better. How did I arrive
at this frame of mind? Let me count the ways.
I was born in New Jersey, raised in New Jersey, met
and married my lifetime sweetheart Joanie Carfora in
New Jersey, our kids were born and raised in New
Jersey, my career was in New Jersey, I graduated from
college in New Jersey, so...I’m really just a typical
“Jersey Boy” and I guess, always will be. I never
abandoned the Yankees, Giants, Knicks, Rangers and
Devils when it would have been so easy to jump on the
New England bandwagon and root for teams up here
that were doing better, but to me that would have been
disloyal. But just remember, the Giants did beat the
Patriots in the Super Bowl...twice, so loyalty does have
its rewards.
I can see some of you reading this standing there with
your hands on your hips and saying very indignantly,
“Well, if he loves and misses New Jersey so much why
doesn’t he just go back?” Tsk tsk. Well, it’s not that
easy. You see, I’m told if you try to return to a place you
remember from the past it can’t ever be the same as you
remember it. Or, as Thomas Wolfe so succinctly put it,
“You Can’t Go Home Again.”
So I must acknowledge and thank Mary Anne for these
occasional ride-bys and photos which take me back to a
time and place I can never go again, but anxiously await
the next photo and watch the past slowly scroll before
my eyes. It’s been fun just revisiting….but I’m still a
“Jersey Boy! ”How yuz doin’.”
Peter R. Scheffer - (“Life is Good!”)
Happy Valentine’s Day
P.S. If you call the above number I don’t know who will
answer…. but it won’t be me! ;-)
poop deck, n., a deck above a ship’s main afterdeck
Drummer Boy Park Walking Circuit
Did you know? There is a new paved walking circuit at
Drummer Boy Park, and beautiful benches have been
installed at either end of the circuit. A walk around the
circuit is equivalent to a quarter mile with beautiful
views of the marshlands and Wing Island. So, if you
have “cabin fever” grab a friend (canine or otherwise)
and try out this new, scenic exercise venue. Dogs must
be on a leash. Once you have visited, we’d love to hear
your thoughts about other ways the park can be made a
better destination for exercise and socializing.
Send your suggestions to drego@brewster-ma.gov.
Denise, our COA Director, is on the Drummer Boy Park
Planning Committee.
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. We regret
that we cannot accommodate riders who are having procedures.
There will be 1 ride per day, with 1 client getting the ride to/from 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 February 2021 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. Rides must be scheduled by no later than noon on the day prior to a ride. Rides can be scheduled up to 30 days in
advance. The DART 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 COA. 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.