HomeMy Public PortalAboutMarch 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
March 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.
NEW Registration Process for
COVID-19 Vaccinations
This newsletter went to
press on February 11th.
Things may have changed
by March.
There has been much confusion on
how to get a vaccination appointment,
because the supply of vaccine is
limited. If you gave the COA your name
to be on our “Wait List”, which means
that you (or one of your family mem-
bers/friends/neighbors) are unable to
register using a computer, we will assist
you with this process. However, we
cannot assist you until appointments
open up in our area.
For those 75+ with NO access to a com-
puter, you may call ‘2-1-1’ to reach the
state’s helpline for phone assistance in
setting up an appointment. Calls are
answered Monday-Friday, 8:30am -
5:00pm.
Other options are to call your local
pharmacy:
CVS Hotline: 1-800-746-7287
Stop & Shop – Orleans:
1-508-255-3851
Walgreens – South Yarmouth:
1-508-394-1325
If you are over age 75 and a patient
with a Cape Cod Health Care Prima-
ry Care physician, a patient with a Beth
Israel Deaconess Lahey Health
Primary Care physician or at Outer
Cape Health Services, contact your
primary care physician’s offices for
more information about COVID-19
vaccine availability or upcoming
appointments.
If you DO NOT have a ride to a vaccine
appointment, or DO NOT have access to
a computer, please call the Barnstable
County Helpline at 774-330-3001,
Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.
The CCRTA is offering free rides to and
from COVID-19 vaccination sites for
older adults who have a vaccine
appointment. Reservations can be made
by calling CCRTA's Dial-A-Ride line at
800-352-7155.
Remember that the vaccine is FREE
to you. If someone says they can get
you a vaccine quicker and all they
need is your credit card or Medicare
number, it is a SCAM. Hang up and
report the call to the Brewster Police
Department at 508-896-7011.
For more information please check the
Town of Brewster website at:
www.brewster-ma.gov
or the state website at:
www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine
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 immedi-
ately 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 Commit-
tee 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
Happy Retirement to
PETER PETTENGILL
Brewster COA’S Full-Time
Bus Driver
After 8 years of transporting our seniors
to the Orleans Senior Center, Stop &
Shop and Shaw’s, CVS and Rite-Aid,
our local hairdressers, barbershops,
post office, banks, lunch at the COA
as well as some local medical rides,
Peter has decided to retire. We
congratulate him on a job well done.
If you would like to send him a card
with your well wishes, please mail to:
Peter Pettengill, c/o Brewster COA,
1673 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631
Page 2 Brewster, MA March 2021
Senior Fitness Hour
“Senior Fitness Hour” is found 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. The pandemic has created an
extended period of isolation which has been hard for seniors, and everyone is desperately missing their
routines. Every weekday there will be fitness classes featuring instructors from various senior centers. From
10:00 - 10:30am, there will be regular senior fitness classes, and from 10:30 - 11:00am 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
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, March 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: call 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 which is 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.
Senior & Veteran Volunteer Tax Abatement
Programs
At their January 19, 2021 meeting, the Select Board
voted to suspend the Senior and Veteran Volunteer Tax
Abatement Programs for the 2021 calendar year. With
the recent increase in COVID-19 cases and the
reduction in allowed office staffing capacity, the Town
does not feel that it is prudent to operate these
programs for this year.
We look forward to offering them for the 2022 calendar
year and hope we can all be together soon.
‘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/Browse.aspx?dbid=0&startid=75664&
row=1&cr=1
Page 3 Brewster, MA March 2021
RMV Senior Days in March
The Registry of Motor Vehicles
(RMV) is offering designated
Wednesday appointment hours for
customers 75 years of age or older
through March. Individuals in this
age group are required by state law
to renew their Massachusetts
driver’s license in-person. The RMV
also offers these customers
registration and title services and
transactions.
Below are the options for seniors to
schedule in-person appointments
during designated service hours:
If you are a AAA member, you may
make a reservation now to renew
your driver’s license/ID or conduct
certain other transactions at a AAA
location.
Visit aaa.com/appointments to
schedule your visit.
If you are not a AAA member,
visit Mass.Gov/RMV to make a
reservation to renew or conduct
most other transactions at an RMV
Service Center.
Visit the Make/Cancel a Reservation
transaction tab in the MyRMV
Service Center and select “Senior
Transaction” for all available RMV
transactions. Reservations can be
booked two weeks in advance.
Email the RMV for assistance:
MassDOTRMVSeniors@
dot.state.ma.us
Call the RMV at 857-368-8005.
A Message from Alzheimer’s
Family Support Center of
Cape Cod
The Alzheimer's Family Support
Center of Cape Cod currently offers
47 FREE virtual support groups
for caregivers, as well as for people
experiencing memory loss. Please
call 508-896-5170 for more info and
to register for the group that best
meets your needs and schedule.
They also provide step-by-step
phone support on how to access
these groups through Zoom. We en-
courage you to visit their website at
www.alzheimerscapecod.org
March Election
The Nauset Regional School District
Committee is looking to hold a Spe-
cial District Wide Election on March
30th for the Construction/Renova-
tion of the Nauset Regional High
School. The Select Board will hold a
Special Election at the same date
and time as the District’s Election, to
vote on the authority, for the bor-
rowing, to cover the costs associated
with Brewster’s share of the debt, if
the District question passes.
All eligible voters in Brewster will be
mailed a postcard with a vote by
mail option for both ballots, if they
choose, or as always you may opt to
vote at the polls on election day,
March 30th at Brewster Baptist
Church, 1848 Main Street,
from 11:00am to 7:00pm.
AARP Tax Aid:
Program Update
As we go to print with this newslet-
ter, we are very sorry to say that
Brewster will not be involved with
the AARP Tax Aid Program. As you
know, we are still not open to the
public. After much discussion, we
cannot find a venue to host the 5 tax
aides to do the paperwork.
Millstone Village
Food Collection Drive -
Mark Martino
A BIG THANK YOU for the coordi-
nation efforts of Mark Martino, one
of our volunteer drivers, for putting
together a highly successful food
drive in the Millstone Village
neighborhood. Three cars of
non-perishable food were delivered
to the COA on January 11th for
distribution to Brewster residents in
need. There were 53 bags, which
totaled 689 pounds of food!
Residents who helped with this drive
include (from left to right): Karyn
Frey, Keith Erhardt, Mark Martino,
Sharon Tennstedt and Cal Mutti.
See page 6 for an upcoming Food
Distribution event which will be
held curbside at the COA.
Introducing Cape COAST
Cape COAST (Councils on Aging Serving Together) is a
collective partnership of COAs here on Cape Cod.
Working together, the goal of COAST during the
pandemic has been to use their combined resources to
help improve the lives of the senior population through
the development of programming that is accessible to
individuals right in their own homes. Last month’s ‘Peter, Paul and Mary’
concert featured on Channel 99 was just one example of the COA’s part-
nering to provide entertainment for all seniors on the Cape. The exercise
programs listed on page 2 of this newsletter are another example.
On the next page, you’ll find an amazing list of upcoming Zoom programs
that are available to anyone with a computer or other smart-device. Do you
need help getting connected to Zoom? If so, call the Brewster COA at
508-896-2737 and we’ll pass your name and contact information on to one
of our two wonderful Computer Help instructors: Del Borah and Pete
Scheffer. They’ll have you expanding your world through Zoom in no time!
A Reminder to Spring Forward:
Daylight Saving time begins on Sunday, March 14. Remember to set all
clocks forward one hour, and remember to check the batteries in your
smoke-detector(s) too. Spring officially begins on Saturday, March 20!
Page 4 Brewster, MA March 2021
COASTAL CONNECTIONS
Cape COAST (Councils On Aging Serving Together) has been
collaborating to strengthen our partnerships and leverage our
collective resources to offer older adults on Cape Cod enhanced
options for virtual programming. Join us as we connect visually
through Zoom, widen our circles and take advantage of greater
opportunities for engagement, enrichment and education. Below
is a list of FREE virtual programs open to you in March!
Registration for these programs will begin immediately.
“SONGBIRDS OF THE NORTHEAST” with JOHN ROOT
Wednesday, March 3, at 1pm (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Bourne COA at
508-759-0600 ext. 5300.
“BURIALS AT SEA” with CAPTAIN BRAD WHITE
Wednesday, March 3, at 6:30pm (via Zoom)
For more information and to register, call Susan at the Barnstable
COA at 508-862-4761 or email:
susan.griffin@town.barnstable.ma.us
“COOKING WITH ALLY”
Tuesday, March 9, at 11am (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Dennis Senior Center
at 508-385-5067.
FALMOUTH COA BOOK CLUB…All Are Welcome!
“The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett
Tuesday, March 9, at 1:30pm (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Falmouth COA at
508-540-0196.
“WILL THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY RECOVER FROM COVID-19?”
MARIE C. CLOUGHER, Esq.
Thursday, March 11, at 1pm (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Yarmouth Senior
Center at 508-394-7606 x 1333.
“BUILDING OUR CONNECTIONS WITH PLANTS” with
ALYSSA DOOLITTLE, MS
Monday, March 15, at 1pm (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Truro COA at
508-487-2462 or email cmicks@truro-ma.gov
“VOYAGE OF THE PILGRIMS” with RICHARD NICHOLS
Tuesday, March 16, at 10am (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Bourne COA at
508-759-0600 ext. 5300.
“CELEBRATION OF SONG” with JOHN ROOT
Tuesday, March 16, at 1pm (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Chatham Senior
Center at 508-945-5190.
“CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY” with DAVE HICKEY
and SEAN BRENNAN
Wednesday, March 17, at 1pm (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Yarmouth Senior
Center at (508)394-7606 x 1333.
“DIVERSITY, EQUITY & PROTECTION OF COMMUNITY” with
ROBERT BARROWS
Thursday, March 18, at 1pm (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Orleans Senior Center
at 508-255-6333.
“COGNITIVE HEALTH” with DR. MOLLY PERDUE,
ALZHEIMER’S FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER OF CAPE COD
Monday, March 22, at 11am (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Provincetown Senior
Center at 508-487-7080.
“BIRDS, BEES, BUTTERFLIES & POLLINATORS” with
FRAN RALEIGH
Tuesday, March 23, at 1pm (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Orleans Senior Center
at 508-255-6333.
“CAPE COD VET CENTER AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS”
Wednesday, March 24, at 1pm (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Chatham Senior Center
at 508-945-5190.
“MARITIME GHOSTS AND SEAFARING SPIRITS” with
ROXIE ZWICKER
Wednesday, March 24, at 1pm (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Sandwich COA at
508-888-4737.
“TICK TALK” with LARRY DAPSIS, ENTOMOLOGIST,
CAPE COD COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
Wednesday, March 24, at 1:30pm (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Provincetown Senior
Center at 508-487-7080.
“AWARENESS INSPIRES CONSERVATION” with
JOHN DRISTEN KIBBLEHOUSE
Wednesday, March 24, 2pm (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Harwich COA at
508-430-7550.
“LEARN THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SEPSIS”
with GERRY BEDARD, SEPSIS AWARENESS ALLIANCE
Tuesday, March 30, at 10am (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Dennis Senior Center
at 508-385-5067.
“BASICS OF ESTATE PLANNING” with
ATTORNEY MICHAEL L. LAVENDER
Tuesday, March 30, 10am (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Yarmouth Senior
Center at 508-394-7606 x 1333.
“EXOTIC TURNEFFE ATOLL, BELIZE” with
JOY MARZOLF, NATURALIST
Wednesday, March 31st, at 10:30am (via Zoom)
For more information and to register call the Sandwich Council on
Aging at (508) 888-4737
Page 6 March 2021 Brewster, MA
Upcoming March Programs
Saint Patrick’s Day Curbside Event
March 17th from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.,
in the back parking lot
Join us on St. Patrick's Day, as the Brewster COA
hosts a Food Distribution Curbside event for ANY
Brewster resident. We are fortunate to have a large
and varied array of food that was collected by the
Millstone Village group (see their article on
page 3). Don some green and wear a shamrock
because regular rocks are too heavy!
In addition, our monthly Senior Curbside Event
will also take place; same day, same time.
In case of inclement weather, this event will be
held on Thursday, March 18, at the same time.
Covid Survival Tool Kit for Seniors
Presented by Debbie Francis,
Educator and Advocator for
NAMI Cape Cod and the Islands
This presentation will discuss the subject of A
COVID Survival Tool Kit for Seniors. NAMI Cape
Cod &The Islands is producing an Eight-Part
COVID-19 Survival Kit. This presentation will
address the first 3 parts in the series; Structure,
Kinship (Connectedness), and Socialization.
NAMI is the acronym for the National Alliance on
Mental Health.
Please refer to the Channel 18 schedule for air
times.
Heart Health for Seniors
Presented by Elissa Thompson, MD,
Cardiologist, Cape Cod Healthcare
This presentation will discuss heart health for
seniors. Dr. Thompson is a well renowned cardiol-
ogist and has a special clinical interest in women’s
heart health. A few of the topics included will
address nutrition, cholesterol, high blood pressure
and how you can increase your positive results for
good heart health. It is imperative that everyone
continues to see their physicians/specialists during
this pandemic to maintain healthy hearts and
bodies.
Please refer to the Channel 18 schedule for air
times.
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.
Mass 211
Mass 211 is an easy -to-remember telephone
number that connects callers to information about
critical health and human services available in
their community. It serves as a resource for finding
government benefits and services, nonprofit organ-
izations, support groups, volunteer opportunities,
donation programs, elder care and other local
resources.
The Master Gardener Spring Symposium
Join the Cape Cod Extension for the first webinar
of the Spring Symposium hosted by the Master
Gardener Association of Cape Cod and the Cape
Cod Cooperative Extension. The title for this year’s
symposium is “The Art of Growing Food” with
guest speaker Ellen Ecker Ogden. Ellen’s story is
about the love affair between a gardener and cook,
a small farm in Vermont and the discovery of
European heirloom seeds. She co-founded a seed
catalog called ‘The Cooks Garden’ dedicated to
offering the best tasting European heirlooms for
cooks who love to garden. Food gardens are more
important than ever. Whether it’s a one-square foot
plot or a wilderness waiting to be tamed, planting a
garden is an opportunity to dig deeper into the
plant kingdom.
The date for this event is currently scheduled for
Saturday, March 20, 2021 from
10:00 - 11:30am. Cost of this event will be
$15. Contact the extension for registration details
at: extad@barnstablecounty.org
or call at 508-375-6690.
Emergency Preparedness Series
Over the past few months, we have included
informative articles about preparedness in our
newsletter. In January, we talked about “Winter
Storm Preparation” and in February, it was
“Recognize and Prevent Hypothermia”. We have
one more article for you, “Electrical Power
Outages”, but due to lack of space, we are offering
it to you by email or by calling us for a copy.
Please email drego@brewster-ma.gov or call us
at 508-896-2737 and we will make sure you get it.
Page 7 Brewster, MA March 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
March 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 –
Covid Tool Kit for
Seniors
with Debbie Francis
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 –
Heart Health
with
Dr. Elissa
Thompson
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
3pm –
Winter Music
Series
7am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
11am - Covid Tool
Kit for Seniors with
Debbie Francis
7am –
Chair Yoga
11am –
Heart Health with
Dr. Elissa Thompson
7am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 3 & 4
11am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
7am –
Chair Yoga
11am –
Geriatric Care
with Jill Beardsley
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 –
Heart Health with
Dr. Elissa
Thompson
7am –
Chair Yoga
11am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
7am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
11 am –
Eat Well, Stay
Well with
Kim Concra
7am –
Chair Yoga
11am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 3 & 4
7pm –
Book TV
3pm –
Covid Tool Kit
for Seniors
with
Debbie Francis
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
3pm –
Winter Music
Series
7am –
Funky Fitness Parts
3 & 4
11am –
Geriatric Care
with Jill Beardsley
7am –
Chair Yoga
11 am –
Eat Well, Stay Well
with Kim Concra
7am –
Chair Yoga
11am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
7am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
11am –
Covid Tool Kit for
Seniors with
Debbie Francis
7pm –
Book TV
3pm –
Heart Health
with
Dr. Elissa
Thompson
28 29 30 31
3pm –
Winter Music
Series
7am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
11am –
Chair Yoga
7am –
Funky Fitness Parts
3 & 4
11am –
Heart Health with
Dr. Elissa Thompson
7am –
Chair Yoga
11am - Covid
Tool Kit for
Seniors with
Debbie Francis
Personal Hygiene Items - Update:
The COA still has some disposable incontinence products available but our supply is dwindling. To either request
or donate, please give us a call at 508-896-2737.
Page 9 March 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 date is always the second Wednesday of each month, so
the next date will be Wednesday, March 10. Please call the COA Outreach Office to enroll 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
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.
You are also welcome to call Fuel Assistance directly at 508-746-6707 or toll-free at 877-833-4243.
Page 10 March 2021 Brewster, MA
OUTREACH Notes
We have some food resources in place for our seniors who cannot drive:
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 • Referrals of all types
• Homecare Assistance • Medical Equipment • Elder Services
For help with any of these, please contact the Outreach Office at 508-896-2737.
Heart Health
Heart disease remains a leading
cause of death in the United States
and it is very important to prioritize
your heart health as early as possi-
ble. The American Heart Association
recommends following a heart
healthy diet, getting regular physical
exercise and making lifestyle changes
to protect your heart.
Exercise regularly: Aim for 150
minutes of moderate activity or 75
minutes of higher intensity physical
activity weekly.
Do not smoke: If you smoke or
use tobacco or nicotine containing
products, you should quit. It is also
important to avoid second-hand
smoke whenever possible.
Consume alcohol in modera-
tion: No more than one drink
per day for a female and two drinks
per day for a male. Speak with your
doctor about your conditions and
medications to ensure moderate
alcohol consumption is acceptable.
Take medications as
prescribed: All medications,
especially those prescribed for your
heart, should always be taken as
directed by your physician.
Follow a heart healthy diet:
Limit sodium, replace saturated fats
with healthier fats and aim to eat as
many nutritious foods as possible.
Heart Healthy Diet
1. Limit saturated fats to 5-6% of
your daily calories. This amounts to
approximately 13 grams of saturated
fat in a 2000 calorie a day diet.
Some foods high in saturated fats
include fatty beef, lamb, pork, poul-
try with skin, lard, cream, butter,
cheese, high-fat dairy products.
2. Trans fats raise your bad (LDL)
cholesterol levels, lower your good
(HDL) cholesterol levels and should
be avoided. The primary dietary
source for trans fats in processed
food is “partially hydrogenated oils.”
3. Replace saturated and trans fats
with monounsaturated fats and
polyunsaturated fats which can have
a positive effect on your health when
eaten in moderation. Some sources
of healthier fats include olive oil,
canola oil, peanut oil, safflower oil,
sesame oil, corn oil and sunflower
oil.
4. Limit sodium (salt) to 2000
milligrams (mg) or 2 grams (g) or
less daily.
5. Eat more whole grains which
contain many vital nutrients and are
rich in fiber.
6. Eat fresh and frozen vegetables
and fruits whenever possible.
When consuming canned fruits and
vegetables be aware of what they are
packed in. They may contain high
amounts of salt or sugar.
7. Choose lean cuts of meats and
poultry without skin.
8. Aim to eat a variety of fish twice
weekly, especially those with the
highest amounts of omega fatty
acids.
9. Select fat free (skim) and low-fat
(1%) dairy products.
As you get acclimat-
ed to following a
more heart healthy
diet, it is helpful to
keep a daily log of
what you eat and
drink. Reading
labels and adding up
the amount of
calories, sodium and
saturated fats can help you identify
areas of your diet that could be
improved upon. Adding more herbs
and spices when cooking can help
add flavor to your low salt meals.
Opt for heart healthy foods whenever
possible and enjoy less healthy
options in moderation.
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-
living/healthy-eating/eat-smart
A Message from Stephanie Lattanzio, RN-BSN
Public Health and Wellness Town Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
Page 11 March 2021 Brewster, MA
Sightings from the Poop Deck
“Invented in the 8th century, the hourglass was
used to measure time. This device, often depict-
ed as a symbol, evokes the concept that human
existence is fleeting, and that the ‘sands of time’
will run out for every source of life on earth.”
Marilyn Seidl Sobwick - “Eternal Xchange”
What a terrible quote to begin this month’s
writing and if you’re bummed out already, go no
further, shred this and wait until next month when
I may have had a better glass of wine and be in a
better mood. Much of what I put down on paper is
really designed to make you chuckle, but once in a
while I do manage to P.O. someone, my phone will
begin to ring and on the other end will be someone
accusing me of “fake news.” BTW, you will find my
phone number in the February PD. Let me know
how your conversation goes ;)
Isn’t it amazing how the mind works? Dur-
ing a stroll along the riverwalk this morning in Pal-
metto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina, while soak-
ing in the sun, enjoying the beautiful blue Cape
Cod sky, Joanie Carfora asked me, after a few
steps, “What’s that noise?” I pretended not to hear
her until the noise got louder and she once again
asked, “What is that?” I confessed that it was my
right knee talking to me, and promised to have it
fixed when we returned home. She insisted that
when we passed by the house I should retire to my
rocking chair so that she could finish her walk
unencumbered, and without me as a handicap. So
for a day which started out very pleasantly, here I
was now contemplating my aches and pains, trig-
gered very innocently by a couple of noisy knees.
Let me bore you with how my physical
breakdowns have occurred. In my younger days I
have played baseball, basketball, football, (never
soccer!), run in the New York City Marathon, the
Johnny Kelly Half Marathons, numerous 5K and
10K races, trained with the Clifton, New Jersey and
the Cape Cod Road Runners Clubs, skied the
mountains of Canada, Vermont and New York, so
it comes as no surprise to me today that this old
body (and brain too) is breaking down even as I
write this piece. I haven’t had any problems with
my rotator cuff yet, so I can still throw a pretty
good fastball, but won’t because I may trigger
rotator cuff surgery, which would then interfere
with my knee surgery.
It makes me laugh when I have to go down
into the basement or up to the 2nd floor at home
because stairs have become a chore as I negotiate
each step and I’m usually thinking, “Is there any-
thing else I need up or down before I finally com-
mit to making the trip?” because I don’t want to
duplicate the effort. Oh, by the way, did I mention
that aside from all the pounding listed above I am
a “few” pounds overweight, which probably is con-
tributing to my maladies? I will, however, admit to
patronizing the local restaurants frequently.
It was never my intention to bum you out
with my version of General Hospital in this
month’s PD and in fact I will still sign off with
“LIG!” because it really is, but if you by chance
happen to see me in the Shaw’s or Stop n’ Shop
parking lot carrying my groceries back to my car
I would appreciate a helping hand. I need to get
home post haste to check that the last grain of sand
in my hourglass is still above the choke point. I
need to be ready.
Peter R. Scheffer - (“Life is Good!”) - Honestly!!
P.S. Happy St. Patrick’s Day and let us not forget
Buon San Giuseppe on the 19th!
poop deck, n., a deck above a ship’s main
afterdeck
Look Who’s 100!!
For those who know
her, Jannette Caley
celebrated her 100th
birthday on January
15th! Despite the cold
weather and a pan-
demic which cancelled
an in-person party,
COA staff was able to
stand out on the curb
behind our building
and wish Jannette a
happy birthday as she
was driven past! We
wish her a great year
ahead and look for-
ward to the day when we can welcome Jannette
and everyone else back under the COA’s roof!
For the latest information on town topics,
we encourage you to consult the Town of
Brewster website at www.brewster-ma.gov
Face Masks Available:
If you need a face mask, just call the COA at
508-896-2737. We still have a selection of handmade,
washable masks available, and we’ll make sure you get
one!
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 driver. Donations are accepted for this service.
Our van is wheelchair-accessible.
Page 12 March 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.