HomeMy Public PortalAboutApril 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
April 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.
Holiday Closing Notes:
The COA will be closed on Monday,
April 19 in honor of Patriot’s Day.
Enjoy the holiday!
2021 Brewster in Bloom Festival!
April 30, May 1 and May 2
The Brewster Chamber of
Commerce is celebrating new
events for this year’s Brewster
in Bloom festival weekend,
April 30, May 1 and 2, in keeping with
current safety standards. They include
Brewster’s Cultural Trail, the Virtual Arti-
sans Showcase, KidFest Origami Flower
Bouquet Project, the Virtual Cape Cod 5
Bloom Run and the Brewster in Bloom
Lawn Display Contest. Also being worked on
is a Virtual Brewster Band Concert!
Explore Brewster’s history and culture, shop
your favorite artists online, fold a delightful
bouquet of tulips to present to a special
person in your life, run your own 3.1-mile
(5K) course over the 3-day festival weekend
for the Virtual Cape Cod 5 Bloom Run,
and/or participate in the Brewster in Bloom
Lawn Display Contest!!
The Virtual Brewster Band Concert will be
available to hear on the Brewster in Bloom
website (see below) featuring the concert
that was held in 2019 at the Brewster
Baptist Church. The Band members are
hopeful that they will be back at Drummer
Boy Park this summer to entertain everyone
on Sunday evenings!
For more information about Brewster in
Bloom, visit the website at
www.BrewsterBlooms.com or
contact the Brewster Chamber of Commerce
at info@brewster-capecod.com.
Town Meeting Reminder: Saturday, May 15
The Annual Spring Town Meeting is Saturday, May 15 at
the Stony Brook Elementary School. The exact time will be
announced in the May newsletter.
Congratulations to 2020 FOBE/COA
Volunteer of the Year…
Elizabeth “Sam” Gardiner
We are pleased to announce that “Sam” Gardiner has been
chosen as Volunteer of the Year for 2020. Sam has been
an active FOBE member for many years and currently
serves as Secretary to the FOBE Board.
You might have seen Sam behind the counter at the Sea
Captain’s Thrift Shop where she is a valued volunteer,
putting in hundreds of hours during 2020 despite our
Covid shutdowns. She is always willing to pick up an extra
shift for someone else or help in any other way she can.
Sam moved to Brewster from the western part of the state
where she was an elementary school teacher. She is
involved with the Brewster Garden Club (you might have
seen her handiwork around town at Christmas time).
Sam also sings in her church choir and serves on church
boards.
We are lucky to have Sam as part of FOBE and so grateful
for all that she does. Even though we cannot have an
“official” Volunteer Recognition event, we will find a way
to recognize her for all of her efforts!
Page 2 Brewster, MA April 2021
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, April 15, 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 still 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.
SHINE News
Are you concerned about Medicare or health care costs?
You might qualify for help! Income and asset limits
have changed for many federal and/or state programs.
You might now be eligible to substantially reduce your
Medicare and drug related costs.
Call the SHINE office at the Brewster COA to review
your situation and see if you qualify. We are here year
round, a phone call away at 508-896-2737.
SHINE (serving the Health Insurance Needs of Every-
one on Medicare) counselors are state certified and
always provide confidential services at no cost.
AARP Tax Aid: Program Update
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.
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!
In Memoriam...
Jean L. Sears
6/26/41 – 2/24/21
We are sad to announce that our beloved Jean Sears has passed. She was a wonderful, giving person whom
everyone loved. She began her 29 years of work for the Town of Brewster’s Council on Aging first as a bus driver,
then offering social programs and finally, becoming the COA Director for 26 years.
And we can’t forget our love for Henry too, as they were the perfect couple.
In her honor, we would like to have a “Celebration of Jean’s Life” event once we are able to. Meanwhile, donations
in memory of Jean will be accepted at the Brewster COA. We will be placing a “fish” on the Paines Creek Gifting
Mural right next to Henry’s.
Our deepest sympathies to the Sears family.
Page 3 Brewster, MA April 2021
Go for a Walk!
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 destina-
tion for exercise and socializing. Send your suggestions to drego@brewster-ma.gov.
Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams
Telephone and email scammers are pretending to be government employees. Scammers will try to scare you and
trick you into giving them your personal information and money. Don’t be fooled! Social Security will NOT:
● Threaten you.
● Tell you there is a problem with or suspend your Social Security number.
● Demand immediate payment from you.
● Require payment by retail gift card, pre-paid debit card, internet currency, wire transfer, or by mailing
cash.
● If you receive a call or email like this, please report it to the Office of the Inspector General at:
https://oig.ssa.gov
Note: this article taken from SSA’s January 2021 issue of Social Security Connection, Publication No. 05-10528
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 encourage you to
visit their website at www.alzheimerscapecod.org
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
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 4 Brewster, MA April 2021
COASTAL CONNECTIONS
Cape COAST (Councils On Aging Serving
Together) has been collaborating to strength-
en our partnerships and leverage our
collective resources in order 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 April!
Registration for these programs will begin immediately.
“HOW TO HELP YOUR LOVED ONE IN THE HOSPITAL”
Monday, April 12, 2021, at 10am (via Zoom)
Beth Suereth, Certified Caregiving Consultant and Founder and
CEO of Caregiving Pathways, will share what to expect during a
family member's hospital stay. Get practical tips and tricks for
managing the hospital experience, and hear the care-giving story of
a Certified Care-Giving Consultant. To register email Lisa
Donovan, Program Coordinator, at ldonovan@brewster-ma.gov
or call the Brewster COA at 508-896-2737.
“SOUND DUNES SWING COMBO”
Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at 1pm (via Zoom)
Join us for a mix of swing, Dixieland, Country, Latin, Jazz, and
Rock ‘n Roll music for your listening, singing and dancing pleasure!
To register call the Yarmouth Senior Center at
508-394-7606 x 1333.
“EARTH RHYTHMS: SONGS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT”
with ROGER TINCKNELL
Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at 1:30pm (via Zoom)
From rain forests to recycling, conservation to compost, Earth
Rhythms travels from our backyard to around the world celebrating
and teaching environmental awareness and responsibility. Older
adults, school-aged children and everyone in between are welcome!
To register call the Chatham Senior Center at 508-945-5190.
FALMOUTH COA BOOK CLUB…All Are Welcome!
“American Dirt” by Jeanine Owens
Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 1:30pm (via Zoom)
Come join our live book club on Zoom, led by Susan Weliky. In our
live book club conversations, readers will come together to connect
and have some great discussions.
To register call the Falmouth COA at 508-540-0196.
“GET YOUR GARDEN READY"
Friday, April 16, 2021, at 1pm (via Zoom)
Presented by Donelle Denery, Barnstable Master Gardener, this
program will focus on the proper steps to get your garden ready in
anticipation of your planting season.
To register call the Orleans Senior Center at 508-255-6333.
“CREATIVE JOURNALING CLASS” with ALEXANDRIA TYBER
Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 1pm (via Zoom)
Creative Journaling is a way for you to express your thoughts, wish
lists, gratitude and all of your creative ideas using words, pictures or
simple sketches. You will need a hardcover journal (recommended
purchase at Michael’s: hhttps://www.michaels.com/black-hardcover-
dot-journal-by-artists-loft/10532092.html ). You can purchase or use
supplies lying around your house such as: pens, pencils and
colored markers, all-purpose glue, scissors, old magazines/cards/
wrapping paper/napkins/tissue paper or fabric to cut up for collage,
watercolor paint and a brush or can, glitter, stickers, stamps and
ribbon.
To register call the Yarmouth Senior Center at
508-394-7606 x 1333.
“A BIOGRAPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION”
Wednesday, April 21, 2021, 10:30am-12pm (via Zoom)
Join Jane Scarborough for a survey of the United States
Constitution. Amidst our current state of political turbulence, there is
no more important time to examine this defining document and its
articulation of the values and principles we hold in common.
Jane has served in a myriad of private sector and academic
positions, including as a full-time professor of Constitutional Law at
Northeastern University School of Law.
To register call the Harwich COA at 508-430-7550.
“AMAZING ANIMAL AMBASSADORS”
Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 9am (via Zoom)
Bethany Boucher, owner of Amazing Animal Ambassadors , has a
background in Captive Wildlife Care and Education, teaching with
animals for over 15-years. Meet and learn educational details about
some of her most popular animals including: Milo the Fennec Fox,
Buttercup the Skunk, Cali the Cockatoo, Jasper the Red-tailed
Hawk, Shelly the Sulcata Tortoise, and more. Enjoyment for the
entire family! This program is sponsored by Friends of Yarmouth
Council on Aging.
To register call the Yarmouth Senior Center at
508-394-7606 x 1333.
“CBD IS HERE TO STAY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW”
with KAY COONEY, RN, GCNS, APRN
Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at 1pm (via Zoom)
CBD is here to stay and it’s a supplement you might want to learn
more about. The program will discuss the benefits, how to safely
choose a brand and what CBD can do for you! We will address uses
with pain, anxiety, sleep and more.
To register call the Sandwich COA at 508-888-4737.
“PAUL NEWMAN: STAR OF STAGE, SCREEN & SALAD
DRESSING”
Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at 7pm (via Zoom)
Frank Mandosa takes a star-struck look at the life and career of this
screen legend and Hollywood icon that starred in classics such as
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Hustler, Hud, Cool Hand Luke, and
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Paul Newman was a multi-
faceted man and philanthropist who lived a rich life beyond the
screen.
To register, call Susan at the Barnstable COA at 508-862-4761
or email: susan.griffin@town.barnstable.ma.us
Page 6 April 2021 Brewster, MA
Looking for something fun to do?
Some of our instructors are holding their classes via Zoom or YouTube.
If you would like to join ongoing 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
If you would like to join Qi Gong, there is a 45-minute Zoom exercise class held on Tuesdays at 9:00am .
Please contact the instructor, Ray DiPietro at rayvector@hotmail.com to join the class.
Let’s put some Spring in our step!
COA Curbside Event
Wednesday, April 21 12:00 – 1:00pm
Brewster COA, back parking lot
1673 Main Street
Spring is the season of new beginnings. Fresh buds
bloom, animals awaken and the earth seems to come to
life again. Farmers and gardeners plant their seeds and
temperatures slowly rise.
Please join us for our monthly curbside event as we all
anticipate our new beginnings and the hopes of being
together at the COA again soon!
Long Term Care Ombudsman:
Resident Advocacy
Presented by Julianna Santiago
LTC Ombudsman Program Director
The Long Term Care Ombudsman program provides
advocacy to Nursing and Rest Home Residents across
the country, helping to ensure quality of life and care.
Julianna Santiago, Ombudsman Program Director at
Elder Services of Cape Cod & Islands, discusses the pro-
gram, resident rights and what you can do to empower
yourself and loved ones in a long term care facility.
Please see the Channel 18 schedule on the next page for
air times.
Family Caregiver Support Program and
Options Counseling Program
Presented by Sarah Franey, Family Caregiver/
Options Counseling Program Manager
Family Caregiver Support Program: The Family
Caregiver Support Program provides the education,
advocacy and connections to the community resources
that will enable the caregiver to better care for their
loved one as well as themselves.
Options Counseling: The Options Counseling Program
assists individuals to make informed choices about long
term services, supports and settings.
Please see the Channel 18 schedule on the next page for
air times.
NEW Zoom class: Beginner Tai-Chi
Come and learn Tai-Chi and
the many physical and spiritu-
al benefits. Also known as
"moving meditation" Tai-Chi
can help improve balance,
core strength, flexibility, and provide a mind-body
connection as a source for stress relief.
Classes will incorporate stretching warm-ups, Qigong
breathing exercises, and participants will learn the
series of movements culminating in the beautiful
8-posture Yang form.
Our instructor, A.Jay Zahn, is a long-time practitioner
and has studied related martial arts and meditation.
The new class requires no prior experience. The cost is
$10 per class.
Please contact A.Jay Zahn to register at:
capecodtaichisociety@gmail.com
Classes will begin in April.
Plant an Herb Garden
hosted by Hyannis Country Garden
April 11 via Zoom
Learn the basics about growing
herbs successfully. Hear about
ideal growing conditions and
which varieties should be
grown from seeds or plants. Find out about plants for
dedicated herb gardens, container plantings, or for inte-
grating into vegetable, flower or foundation beds. Learn
which herbs live from year to year on Cape Cod, and
which varieties to plant every spring.
With your paid registration you will receive a link for
attendance, a pdf handout and a coupon for a discount
on select items from Country Garden.
The seminar is $10.00 and the link to register for this
class is:
https://zoom.us/webinar/
register/4416136730344/WN_o-
JyA8D6Qfq0VlvJFQSFBw
Page 7 Brewster, MA April 2021
April 2021: COA Programming on Channel 18
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3
7am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
11am -
Ombudsman
Program with
Julianna Santiago
7pm –
Book TV
3pm –
Heart Health
with
Dr. Elissa
Thompson
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
3pm –
Winter Music
Series
7am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
11am -
Covid Tool Kit for
Seniors with
Debbie Francis
7am –
Chair Yoga
11am –
Family Caregiver
Support with
Sarah Franey
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 –
Ombudsman
Program with
Julianna
Santiago
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
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 –
Covid Tool Kit
for Seniors with
Debbie Francis
7am –
Chair Yoga
11am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 3 & 4
7pm –
Book TV
3pm –
Family
Caregiver
Support
with
Sarah Franey
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
3pm –
Winter Music
Series
7am –
Funky Fitness Parts
3 & 4
11am –
Geriatric Care
with Jill Beardsley
7am –
Chair Yoga
11 am –
Ombudsman
Program with
Julianna Santiago
7am –
Chair Yoga
11am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
7am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
11am –
Family Caregiver
Support with
Sarah Franey
7pm –
Book TV
3pm –
Heart Health
with
Dr. Elissa
Thompson
25 26 27 28 29 30
3pm –
Winter Music
Series
7am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
11am –
Ombudsman
Program with
Julianna Santiago
7am –
Funky Fitness Parts
3 & 4
11am –
Chair Yoga
7am –
Chair Yoga
11am -
Covid Tool Kit
for Seniors
with
Debbie Francis
7am –
Chair Yoga
11am –
Funky Fitness
Parts 1 & 2
7am –
Funky
Fitness
Parts 3 & 4
11am -
Heart Health
with
Dr. Elissa
Thompson
‘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 9 April 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 on Tuesdays and Thursdays for those who are unable to drive
(homebound) 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, April 14. 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 508-896-2737. Our Outreach Coordinators will provide information and assist
with your application.
Page 10 April 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.
A Message from Stephanie Lattanzio, RN-BSN
Public Health and Wellness Town Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
Mental Health During Covid-19
Covid-19 has created a variety of challenges for seniors. Many are struggling with social isolation and reporting
symptoms of anxiety and depression. With the overwhelming emphasis currently placed on physical health, it can
be easy to overlook the importance of your mental and emotional wellbeing.
Below are the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations for taking care of your mental health.
◊ Keep informed. Listen to advice and recommendations from your national and local authorities. Follow
trusted news channels.
◊ Minimize newsfeeds. Try to reduce how much you watch, read or listen to news that makes you feel anxious
or distressed. Seek the latest information at specific times of the day, once or twice a day if needed.
◊ Social contact is important. If your movements are restricted, keep in regular contact with people close to
you by telephone and online channels.
◊ Reduce alcohol and drug use. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink or don’t drink alcohol at all. Avoid
using alcohol and drugs as a way of dealing with fear, anxiety, boredom and social isolation.
• Have a routine. Keep up with daily routines as far as possible, or make new ones.
• Get up and go to bed at similar times every day.
• Keep up with personal hygiene.
• Eat healthy meals at regular times.
• Exercise regularly.
• Allocate time for working and time for resting.
• Make time for doing things you enjoy.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as hopelessness or helplessness, sleep changes, loss of interest in normal
activities, excessive worry, persistent sadness, frequent tearfulness, unintentional weight changes and increased
fatigue, it is important to notify your doctor.
https://www.who.int/campaigns/connecting-the-world-to-combat-coronavirus/
healthyathome/healthyathome---mental-health?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI86y-oID-
7gIVAb3ICh34YQAZEAAYASAAEgIDlPD_BwE
Page 11 April 2021 Brewster, MA
Sightings from the Poop Deck
Joey
“When I was a boy of 14, my father was so
ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old
man around. But when I got to be 21, I was
astonished at how much the old man had
learned in seven years.” Mark Twain
Every once in a great while, an ideal
opportunity to bond with one of your grandkids
presents itself. Fortunately for me, Christmas and
New Year 2020 were perfect for myself and my
grandson Joey. He reminds me a little of James
Dean, i.e., “A Rebel Without a Cause” if you think
way back to the movie. Joey has lived in Denver,
Colorado, for the past seven years and while I
don’t get to see him much, we did have four days
together after the new year. He works at Whole
Foods in Denver having moved over from Boulder
to a larger store with greater potential for advance-
ment. Joey is the hardest working 24-year-old I
know, is very proud of his accomplishments and
will work any hours when asked to fill in, even if it
means coming in at two in the morning. We tried
to get caught up and it was obvious that he misses
being around family, especially during the holi-
days. Joey was very intrigued with the fact that
whenever he saw me on this visit, I was usually
reading one of the many books made available to
me by his mother. “What are you reading
pop-pop?” It’s funny, but whenever I am in
South Carolina I am usually looking for something
by Pat Conroy, or Gullah History.
I have a pretty good lecture I give my grand-
kids on the topic of reading, and it goes something
like this: “If you read ten pages of a book
everyday, at the end of the month you will
have read 300 pages, more than the length
of an average book. At the end of the year -
twelve books!” Now, I don't know where I may
have acquired such profound wisdom. Someone
probably laid that same line on me at some point
in my past and it stuck. Regrettably, I was never a
voracious reader neither in my beloved Passaic
High School, nor in college, and always relied on
Cliff Notes, since I always had more important
things to do. You might even think I was lazy - and
you would be right! Just think of how many
classics I could have read had I known about that
“ten-page rule” back then - so much to do, so little
time. Anyway, unbeknownst to me, Joey
was really locked in and listening and thought it
was a great idea. When he got back to Denver he
promised to make a visit to Barnes & Noble and
seek out something to read. I told him to send the
title to me and I would also buy it and then we
could discuss it. The challenge was out there and
now it was time to follow through and keep this
dialogue alive.
Barnes & Noble did neither Joey nor I any
favor and convinced him that “The Sixth Extinc-
tion” authored by Elizabeth Kolbert would be a
good starting point, so he bought it and I went to
Amazon for my copy. I sent him a text yesterday to
let him know that I had finished the book and he
replied, “Wow, I better get going!” I can only imag-
ine that he hasn’t cracked the book yet and I can’t
blame him. The first half of the book reads like a
textbook with scientific terms that I have never
heard of in my long life. However, I did say that if
he stuck with it and made it halfway through it
does get better and begin to make sense.
Truthfully, I almost gave up, but felt compelled to
finish it because we had something and needed to
keep it going. I did however, tell him in my text,
that I would pick the next one and I do have a
plan. Remember in high school when you had to
read J.D. Salinger’s “Catcher in the Rye” or per-
haps later, the Beat Generation’s Jack Kerouac ’s
“On the Road?” Actually, in a way, these books also
remind me of Joey and I think he might even make
the connection as he reads either one, possibly
both. Either way, I am on to something important
with one of my grandsons and who knows, I have
three more grandsons and two granddaughters
out there and soon-to-be seven great grandchil-
dren, so you might say that I have my work cut out
for me. However, what can be more worthy to be
remembered by, than to encourage reading. As I
said, “So much to do, so little time!”
Peter R. Scheffer - (“Life is Good!”) - “The Journey
of a Thousand Miles Begins With the First Step”
poop deck, n., a deck above a ship’s main
afterdeck
For the latest information on town topics,
we encourage you to consult the
Town of Brewster website at
www.brewster-ma.gov
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 April 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.