HomeMy Public PortalAboutDecember 20211673 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631 • (508) 896-2737 • Fax (508) 896-7587
Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday (open to the public: Tu, We, Th)
Denise Rego, Director Andrea Nevins, COA Board Co-Chair Sharon Tennstedt, COA Board Co-Chair
December 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.
Let’s Celebrate the Holiday Season by Socializing and Eating a Hot Meal Together!
Beginning Thursday, December 2nd, we will resume serving hot lunches in person at
the Brewster Senior Center building. If you are interested in receiving a December
menu, please call us at 508-896-2737 and we will get one to you. To start off, we will
be serving on Tuesdays and Thursdays ONLY. Space will be limited to 10 people per
sitting. A donation of $3.00 per meal is requested. All you need to do is to call the
day BEFORE by 11:00am to sign up with our Nutrition Site Coordinator,
Maria Emmett. Her number is 508-896-5070.
If you need a ride, please contact the COA at 508-896-2737 to make arrangements.
Nauset Regional High School Honors Chorus Holiday Concert: Shown continuously
throughout the month of December
Although we won’t be having the Honors Chorus in person this year, we
have received permission from the High School to air their Christmas
concert from a past year. Invite your friends and neighbors this holiday
season to hear the wonderful voices of the Nauset Regional High School
Chorus, under the direction of Mr. Tom Faris. These talented young people
have awed us many years with their musical abilities. We are so fortunate to be able to share their talent
with you this year so don’t miss hearing them perform! Just copy and paste the following vimeo link into
your browser and enjoy. https://vimeo.com/622809456/aed3ef764a
Senior Technology Day
Wednesday, December 15 10:00am – 12:00pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Sponsored by AT&T
On December 15, representatives from the Hyannis and Cape Cod Mall AT&T store will be on site at the
Brewster COA to provide assistance and answers to any technology related questions. Please drop by
anytime between the hours of 10:00am and 12:00pm and feel free to bring the device you have a
question about. This includes, but is not limited to: cell phone, Kindle, IPad, laptop, etc.
December Holiday Closings
Friday, December 24- Christmas Eve Friday, December 31 - New Year’s Eve
We wish all of you a very happy holiday season!
Page 2 Brewster, MA December 2021
Brewster Holiday Hope
The Brewster Recreation Department runs a fundraiser called “Holiday Hope” during the
months of November & December. All the proceeds from this fundraiser supports Breakfast
with Santa” and the “Giving Trees” at Town Hall and the Recreation Office for our Brewster
kids. You can donate funds made payable to “Brewster Rec-Holiday Hope” or by picking the
name of an item to purchase for a specific child. For more information, please call Mike Gradone
(508-896-9430) or Denise Rego (508-896-2737). Thank you for your continued support for our
children during this holiday season!
Are You Interested in Becoming a Volunteer Medical Driver for the COA?
We are pleased to announce that this September, the Board of Directors of Elder Services of Cape Cod
and the Islands, Inc. approved a federal fiscal year 2022 grant (October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022)
award to the Brewster COA under the Older Americans Act Title III.
This means that if you are a volunteer driver, you will be reimbursed $.60 per mile when you provide a
ride for a senior to medical appointments no further than Hyannis, between 9am – 2pm, Monday
through Friday. If you are interested in finding out more information about this program, please stop in
to see Regina or call her at 508-896-2737.
Senior Shellfish Licenses
Senior Shellfish Licenses are available at our office, from 8am to 4pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and
Thursdays. Please bring your driver’s license (showing that you are at least 70 years of age). If your
license does not have a Brewster address, please bring a copy of your latest tax bill to show you are a
Brewster resident.
Licenses are a one-time charge of $5.00 (we accept check or cash) and are good for your lifetime!
Medical Equipment Loans
Our medical shed is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for equipment pick-up. Stop by to
see what is available. If we have what you are looking for you are welcome to take it. There is no cost and
no set return date. If you find you no longer need the item, you may return it to us if it is clean and in
good working order.
We also welcome donations of clean, durable medical equipment in good working order.
Please call us to tell us what you would like to donate at 508 -896-2737.
Brewster COA’s Inclement Weather Policy
If the Nauset Public Schools are closed all activities, programs and van transportation at the
COA are cancelled.
If the Brewster Town Hall is closed, the Brewster COA will also be closed.
Personal Hygiene Items
The COA has some adult disposable incontinence products in various sizes. We still have a large supply
of gentlemen’s disposables in sizes L, XL and XXL. If you or someone you know could use them, don’t
hesitate to call us at 508-896-2737 and let us know what size you’re looking for.
Please note that we are running low on women’s disposables, so if you have some that you’d like to
donate to us, we will happily accept them as long as they are unopened. Let us know what you want to
donate at 508-896-2737.
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Check out what’s going on at the Brewster
COA this month!
Computer Help
Wednesdays
9:00 - 11:00am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Do you need help using your computer? We have
one-on-one, one hour sessions available to help
you feel more confident in your computer skills.
Sessions are FREE! Our knowledgeable and
dedicated volunteer instructor Del Borah is here to
help you on Wednesday mornings, throughout the
month. For all appointments, call the COA at
508-896-2737.
Brewster Men’s Coffee Club (BMCC)
Thursdays: 2:00 - 4:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
The Brewster Men’s Coffee Club meets on Thurs-
day afternoons throughout the month. Why not
come in out of the cold and join us for some lively
conversation? We’re always looking for new mem-
bers. We’re also seeking guest speakers, so if you’ve
got a topic of interest that you’d like to present, just
let us know.
W.O.W. (Wonderful Older Women)
Tuesdays: 9:30 - 11:00am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Do you enjoy talking with others and feeling good
about your day? Do you like to discuss books, mov-
ies, local events and issues? Then WOW would love
to welcome you into our weekly discussion group.
Join us whenever you can at the COA. You’ll find us
to be a very friendly group with a positive attitude!
Pedicure
Friday, December 3 $35.00
9:00am - 3:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Come and meet our pedicure nurse at the COA,
Autumn Knight. She has a lot of experience in the
field and works for Cape Cod Healthcare in their
clinical education department. In addition to being
a RN, she is also a Certified Foot Care Nurse/
Specialist (CFCN / CFCS).
Autumn is available for pedicure services the first
Friday of every month. ½-hour appointments are
available from 9am to 3pm with a fee of $35.00.
Call the COA to schedule your appointment at
508-896-2737.
Pet Nail Trimming
Thursday, December 16
8:00 - 8:30am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St. (back parking
lot)
The cost is $3.00 per pet’s nail trim for senior
(60+) pet owners, and is offered on a first come,
first served basis in the COA parking lot behind the
building (look for the van!). For more information,
please text (preferred) or call Karen Duble of
Buttons and Bows at 508-360-2596.
Blood Pressure and Glucose Testing
Second and Fourth Mondays of each month:
December 13 and 27
10:00 - 11:00am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
First come, first served
The Barnstable County Public Health Nursing
program provides services here at the COA on the
2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. A Public
Health nurse will take your blood pressure and
check glucose if needed.
This program is offered on a drop-in basis and
includes the opportunity to speak with the nurse
regarding any health issues. FREE!
Legal Help
Tuesday, December 28 10:00 - 11:30am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Need some legal guidance? The Brewster COA is
happy to have Attorney Katie Wibby, who will hold
appointments every other month. Appointments
are 1/2 hour and FREE. Please call the COA at
508-896-2737 to reserve your appointment.
Please note:
Attorney Adam Dupuy is still available for appoint-
ments at his office. Please contact him at:
508-775-3433
Page 3 Brewster, MA December 2021
For the latest information on town topics,
we encourage you to visit the Town of Brewster
website at: www.brewster-ma.gov
Page 4
Look What’s Back!
Advanced Tai Chi
Thursdays $15/class
10:00 – 11:00am
This class is offered to people
who have learned the 24 Posture
Yang Tai Chi Form (National Bei-
jing Form). Class includes basic
warm-up exercises, and focuses
on exploring the "meditation-in-
motion" aspect of practicing Tai
Chi. Our instructor, A.Jay Zahn,
has been practicing Tai Chi for 40
years and teaching on the Cape
since 2018.
The cost is $15 per class, and
class size is limited to 11 people.
Please email AJay Zahn at
capecodtaichisociety@
gmail.com
to register for the class.
Keep Movin’
Wednesdays and Thursdays
1:00 – 2:00pm
This program is primarily
strength-training for seniors. The
classes are friendly, and a fun
way to relieve arthritis symptoms
while learning important
strengthening exercises. Classes
help to build strength, coordina-
tion and balance each week by
using hand and leg weights, balls
and bands. Class fee will be
discussed upon registration.
Please email Cindy Doutrich
at cdoutric@ycp.edu
to register for the class.
Qi Gong
Tuesdays
9:00 – 9:45am
The practice of Qi Gong dates
back 3000 years and is an an-
cient Chinese method of exercis-
ing, meditation, visualization,
and breathing to manage the Qi
(life force energy) in your body.
Movements are slow and rhyth-
mic, to self-massage acupoints
(meridians) and release blocked
Qi. You will feel refreshed, nour-
ished, energized and relaxed.
Qi Gong can benefit everyone!
Please email Ray DiPietro at
rayvector@hotmail.com
to register for the class.
Meditation
Thursdays on ZOOM
10:00 - 11:00am
Please join us for an ongoing
meditation class taught by Carol
Marcy. We meet once a week on
ZOOM, Thursdays from 10:00 to
11:00am. The class that was start-
ed at the COA pre-pandemic is
now FREE (however you may
donate to the COA). Meditation
has proven to have many im-
portant benefits. Physically, good
health and well-being are pro-
moted. Mentally, peace, calm and
centeredness are created. Spiritu-
ally, we come to see ourselves an
integral part of the living Whole-
ness of all of life.
Carol Marcy has been certified to
teach meditation by the Washing-
ton Center for Consciousness
Studies. She is a long time
meditator who has studied a
variety of spiritual traditions.
Because she is a deep lover of
Nature her images often come
from our magnificent Earth
community. She currently leads
Forest Bathing Walks with the
Cape Cod Museum of Natural
History and Pilgrims Landing of
Chatham.
If you are interested please
email her so that she can
send you the ZOOM link:
drcarolmarcy@gmail.com
Cape COAST (Councils On
Aging Serving Together) has
been collaborating to strength-
en our partnerships and lever-
age our collective resources to offer old-
er 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, enrich-
ment and education. Below is a list of
virtual programs open to all.
CURRENT EVENTS IN THE MIDDLE
EAST
Tuesday, December 7 at 1:30pm
(via Zoom)
Why is the Middle East always in the
headlines? Join Krishna Kulkarni
(Outreach Coordinator, University of
Chicago Center for Middle Eastern
Studies) for a presentation on current
events in this diverse and tumultuous
region of the world. Participants will learn
about how the modern Middle East took
shape through history and the most sig-
nificant developments taking place in the
region today. Krishna will also discuss
the ways news media affects our percep-
tions about the Middle East and its
diverse communities. To register call
the Orleans COA at 507-255-6333.
LIVING WITH WILDLIFE
Thursday, December 9 at 10am
(via Zoom)
We share Massachusetts with a diverse
range of wildlife that you may have come
across exploring your neighborhood or
making headlines in the news. Learn
about commonly encountered wildlife
such as deer, coyote, and raccoons, and
their intersection with the wild and devel-
oped spaces we inhabit. Find out best
practices for maintaining bird feeders
and attracting visitors. From amazing
pollinators to problematic mosquitoes
and ticks, we’ll introduce some incredible
creatures and how we impact each
other. To register call the Harwich
COA at 508-430-7550.
Brewster, MA December 2021
Page 6 December 2021 Brewster, MA
December Programs
Loss, Change and Grief:
Coping with the Holiday Blues
December 7 1:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
COA in person presentation:
Limited to 11 guests
Registration required
The holidays can sometimes bring
an unwanted guest - the holiday
blues. If you’re grieving the loss of a
loved one, have experienced
unwanted changes due to the COVID
pandemic or other significant life
stressors it’s no wonder that cele-
brating the holidays can feel like a
real struggle.
If you’d like to learn more about
what influences the holiday blues
and some helpful strategies for
coping with these feelings please join
us for this presentation. This talk is
offered by Nancy Sorbo, Grief Coach
and Certified Grief Educator. Space
is limited. Please call the COA at
508-896-2737 to register.
Emergency Preparedness
Presented by Chip Reilly,
Emergency Preparedness
Specialist for
Barnstable County
Chip Reilly, the Emergency Prepar-
edness Specialist for the Barnstable
County Department of Health and
the Environment, holds a discussion
about emergency preparedness with
a concentration on senior prepared-
ness. Mr. Reilly talks about the
importance of building a kit, making
a plan, and staying informed as a
means of preparing for emergencies.
Channel 18 air times/dates:
December 14, 23 , 28 11:00am
December 4 3:00pm
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.
Channel 18 air times/dates:
December 20 11:00am
December 11 3:00pm
Home Care Program
Presented by
Andrew Pacheco, Home Care
Program Manager with
Elder Services of Cape Cod and
the Islands
The Home Care Program at Elder
Services of Cape Cod and the Islands
provides eligible elders with the sup-
portive services that they may need
to live safely and independently at
home.
Services may include meal prepara-
tion, grocery shopping, personal
care, medication management as
well as others. There may be a
monthly charge for services based on
an elder’s income.
Channel 18 air times/dates:
December 1, 13 , 29 11:00am
Visiting Nurse of Cape Cod
Presented by Carmen DeRaleau
Director of Provider Relations
The Visiting Nurse of Cape Cod is a
not-for-profit agency committed to
the health and wellness of the com-
munities we serve. We provide
services paid for by most health
insurances. These include in-home
skilled care, hospice and palliative
care and public health and wellness.
We are proud of the work we do to
care for our community and help
them recover and teach them to stay
at home in comfortable and familiar
settings.
Channel 18 air times/dates:
December 8, 22, 30 11:00am
December 18 3:00pm
Chair Yoga
This class is accommodates all lev-
els. The students will learn to adjust
the postures according to their own
body needs, using a chair as support
for the poses. Chair Yoga can be ben-
eficial in terms of minimizing stress
and boosting mental clarity, manag-
ing and coping with pain brought on
by aging or an illness, improving
strength, and enhancing flexibility.
The class is taught by Araci Gomes, a
certified Yoga instructor.
Channel 18 air times/dates:
December 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21,22
and 29 at 7:00am
December 6, 27, 31 11:00am
Funky Fitness
This workout program addresses
four major categories of fitness:
endurance, strength, balance & flexi-
bility. Music provides the backdrop
and inspiration for all exercises in
each 60-minute class.
Frank Callahan will be your
instructor.
Channel 18 air times/dates:
Part 1 & 2 - 7:00am:
December 1, 6, 8, 15, 23 , 27
and 30
Part 1 & 2 - 11:00am
December 16 and 21
Part 3 & 4 - 7:00am
December 13, 20,28, 31
Part 3 & 4 - 11:00a
December 2, 7, 9, 15
Do you have a
‘My Senior Center Card’?
If not, please stop by the front desk
and request one. By obtaining a card
and using it to ‘swipe in’ each time
you visit the COA for a program, you
are helping us track attendance,
which in turn helps the COA qualify
for various grants.
If you’ve lost your card, or don’t
know how easy it is to use it, just
stop by our office. And to all those
who have been using theirs, many
thanks!!
Page 7 Brewster, MA December 2021
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
1
9:00am Computer Help
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
1:00pm Quilters
2
9:00am Open
Enrollment
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:00pm BMCC
3
9:00am Pedicure
6
7
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Open
Enrollment
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm
Loss, Change & Grief:
Coping with the
Holiday Blues
8
9:00am Computer Help
11:00am Healthy Meals
In Motion
(Frederick Court)
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
1:00pm Quilters
9
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:00pm BMCC
10
13
10:00 to 11:00am
Blood Pressure &
Glucose Testing
14
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am W.O.W.
15
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am
Senior Techology Day
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
16
8:00am Pet Grooming
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:00pm BMCC
17
20
21
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am W.O.W.
22
9:00am Computer Help
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
1:00pm Quilters
23
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:00pm BMCC
24
Christmas Eve
(The COA is Closed)
27
10:00 to 11:00am
Blood Pressure &
Glucose Testing
28
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am W.O.W.
10:00am Legal Help
29
9:00am Computer Help
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
1:00pm Quilters
30
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:00pm BMCC
31
New Year’s Eve
(The COA is Closed)
Senior Happenings
Page 9 December 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 RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ADVICE OR SERVICES RENDERED BY
SUCH VOLUNTEER OR NOMINAL COST PRACTITIONER. Any act, advice, or service by outside
providers at the Council on Aging SHOULD NOT BE PRESUMED TO BE ENDORSED OR
SPONSORED BY THE BCOA.
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.
OUTREACH Notes
Our Outreach staff is available for information about: Fuel Assistance, SNAP Assistance, Emergency
Buttons , Homecare Assistance, Medical Equipment , Elder Services, and referrals of all types. For help
with any of these, please contact the Outreach Office at 508-896-2737.
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 at Senior Housing at Frederick Court between
11:00am and 12:00pm.
Brewster’s date is always the second Wednesday of each month, so the next date will be Wednesday,
December 8. Please call the COA Outreach Office to enroll at 508-896-2737.
Property Tax Relief
Applications are now available for the Fiscal Year 2022 tax season to qualifying seniors who meet
certain eligibility requirements. Please call Brenda Locke or Debra Johnson to find out if you qualify for
significant savings at 508-896-2737 or email blocke@brewster-ma.gov.
Fuel Assistance
Do you need some help with your upcoming winter heating bills? Fuel Assistance season has begun, so
please contact the Outreach Office at the COA at 508-896-2737 to see if you are eligible.
The Snow is on its Way
Take control of your life and secure a person to snow-plow or shovel your driveway and
walkway soon! The COA gets many calls each winter asking us to recommend someone
but, legally, we are not allowed to do that. Therefore, call your carpenter or landscaper,
ask your neighbor whom they use, or maybe they are willing to help do the job for you at
an agreed upon price.
Please remember that if you receive services from the Visiting Nurses, Elder Services,
Meals on Wheels, or are using the COA’s Medical Rides program, those individuals really need to have
safe access to your home. In addition, it will make getting in/out of your driveway a whole lot easier for
yourself. By making your snow removal plans early, you can eliminate the worry and secure your
comfort and safety in your own home, which will make for a happier winter season!
Page 10 December 2021 Brewster, MA
A Message from Stephanie Lattanzio, RN-BSN
Public Health and Wellness Town Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
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. It is the result of a collaborative
effort between Lower Cape TV and the Councils on Aging in these communities. 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
Falls Prevention
According to the National Institute on Aging, more than one in three adults over the age of 65 fall each year. Falls
can result in serious injury and even be fatal. Many older adults are aware of this risk and some decrease their
activity due to a fear of falling. Unfortunately, the resulting weakness from inactivity actually increases the risk.
Below are some constructive ways to reduce your likelihood of falling.
● Stay physically active to keep your muscles strong and your joints, tendons and ligaments flexible. Mild
strength training can also help keep your bones strong which may help prevent certain injuries if you were to
suffer a fall.
● Have your hearing and eyes tested. Even small changes to vision and hearing can increase the risk of a fall.
● Educate yourself on the side effects of medications you take and take medications as prescribed. Understand
which medications put you at highest risk for a fall and use caution. Always let your doctor know if you are
experiencing medication side effects, especially dizziness.
● Get plenty of sleep. You are more likely to fall when you are tired.
● Limit the alcohol you drink, it may interact with medications you take and even small amounts of alcohol
could affect your balance and reflexes.
● Stand up slowly, your blood pressure can drop when you stand up too quickly.
● Use an assistive device if you need help feeling steady while walking. A physical or occupational therapist can
tell you which assistive devices might be most helpful, ensure correct sizing and provide education on how to
use them safely.
● Be very cautious when walking on wet or icy surfaces.
● Wear non-skid, rubber soled, and supportive shoes with a low heel. Even inside your home it is important to
avoid walking in socks, shoes or slippers with a smooth sole.
● Always tell your doctor about a fall even if you are not injured. A fall can alert your doctor to a medical or
medication concern. A fall can also indicate the need for physical therapy, a walking aid or other assistance to
help prevent future falls.
● Keep your home free from clutter and throw rugs that can be tripped over. Have railings put on both sides of
stairs and install grab bars outside the tub and next to the toilet.
Always remain diligent when it comes to your health maintenance, prevention is KEY!
https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures
Page 11 December 2021 Brewster, MA
‘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
Sightings from the Poop Deck
“After all, every story has a story.”
Renee Ahdieh
It’s college football season as I write this and since
you will not be reading this until December, we’re
sending you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy
and Healthy New Year from our house to your
house.
On this day in October I am zoned into the Iowa vs
Penn State game, Iowa ranked second in the
country and Penn State fourth and both have 5-0
records. You would think that it doesn’t get any
better than this, but it does and believe it or not,
this story has nothing to do with the final score. I’m
just hoping I can fit all this in on one page, but if
not, I will add a link for you to pursue this story
further on your own.
The University of Iowa play their home games in
Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City. The stadium is named
for Nile Kinnick, the University’s 1939 Heisman
Trophy winner who died in service during World
War II. Adjacent to, and overlooking Kinnick
Stadium is the University of Iowa’s Stead Family
Children’s Hospital, a pediatric acute care academ-
ic children's hospital. The top floor Press Box Cafe
gives the kids in the hospital’s care and their family
members an opportunity to catch the action on
game day which they all excitedly anticipate. The
entire stadium, fans, players, coaches, all know
that the kids are watching and the most moving
gesture is made at the end of the first quarter when
play stops and the entire stadium, fans and players,
all turn to face and focus their attention on the kids
on the top floor and symbolically “wave” while the
kids acknowledge the salute and wave back.
I’m sure there is not a dry eye in the stadium since
everyone is aware of what these little guys and girls
are going through.
So how did this “wave” get started and who was re-
sponsible for such a touching expression? It seems
that a Hawkeye fan posted in an Iowa Facebook
group to suggest the idea. That fan’s name is Krista
Young. "It wasn't a big drawn-out process," said
Young. "I just kept seeing the photos when they
opened up the addition. I just kept seeing sweet
little bald heads staring down. I just thought, 'Hey,
wouldn't this be cool.'"
The tradition, which began in 2017, is probably the
most moving signal that 70,000 fans can use to
include these kids to let them know that they have
not been forgotten and are as important as the
game. It is a very brief respite from their illness
and a well-deserved one.
I have been very impressed and emotionally moved
by “The Iowa Wave” and think it has become one of
the finest traditions in college football - “there’s
more to a football game than football!” Should you
wish to know more about the “Wave” I have includ-
ed a YouTube link below, which you can type into
your address bar on your computer and have it
explained much better than I could ever do. You
will be moved by the enormity of people who care.
Peter R. Scheffer - (“Life is Good!”) - The World
Really Cares!!
P.S. The link: https://bit.ly/30Pg3ty - Scroll down
to “What is the Iowa Wave?” and click on the
YouTube video.
poop deck, n., a deck above a ship’s main
afterdeck
BHT - BOSTON HOSPITAL TRANSPORTATION
Enjoy comfortable and safe transportation from Cape
Cod DIRECT to Boston hospitals on a wheelchair-
accessible bus Service available Mon. thru Thur. only.
MONDAY thru THURSDAY SCHEDULE
7:30am Orleans (Shaw’s Market)
7:40am Fontaine Medical Center (Entrance)
7:45am Harwich (Route 6 & 124 Commuter Lot)
8:00am Barnstable (Route 6 & 132 (Burger King)
8:15am Sagamore (Commuter Lot)
RESERVATIONS are a MUST!!!
(Reserve no later than 9:00am 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: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Schedule your medical appointments between
10am & 2pm. The bus will leave Boston by 3pm.
Please visit the website for more information:
www.capecodrta.org
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
COA VAN - We now offer trips for Grocery Shopping in Orleans on Thursdays,
from 11:00am to 1:00pm. We require two days notice. There will be a maxi-
mum of 4 people per trip. A suggested donation of $2 is accepted for this
service. Please call the COA to schedule your ride at 508-896-2737.
MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS - Volunteer drivers are available for transport to
routine medical appointments in their personal cars. We travel as far as
Hyannis and regret we can not accommodate patients having procedures.
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 appoint-
ment so we can notify our driver. Donations are accepted for this service. All
appointments should be booked for times between 9:00am and 2:00pm.
WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE MEDICAL VAN – Transportation to medical
appointments is provided on a volunteer basis, Monday through Friday.
A one-week advanced reservation is required. Donations are accepted for
this service. Call the COA for more information at (508) 896-2737.
Page 12 December 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: Senior Dining occurs on-site at the Brewster COA on Tuesdays and
Thursdays only, beginning this month.
For more information, please contact Maria at 508-896-5070. Thank you.