HomeMy Public PortalAboutJanuary 20221673 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
January 2022
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.
January Closings
The Brewster COA will be closed on Monday, January 17 in honor of
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Income Tax Preparation with AARP is Back!
Wednesdays: February 2 to April 13 Brewster Town Hall, 2198 Main Street
Income Tax season is coming! Make it easy on yourself and call the Brewster COA soon at 508-896-2737 to
schedule an appointment with a knowledgeable tax representative from AARP. Appointments are available on
Wednesdays, from February 2nd through April 13th, on a first-come, first-served basis and will be held at the
Brewster Town Hall. The representatives will make the job of filing your taxes much easier!
***Although the program is free, donations to the Brewster COA are appreciated!
Please note: This service is for basic, uncomplicated tax filing ONLY!
(Form 1040 or Form 1040-EZ)
Brewster COA’s Inclement Weather Policy
If the Nauset Public Schools are closed, all activities, programs
and van transportation at the Senior Center are cancelled.
If the Brewster Town Hall is closed, the Brewster Senior Center will also
be closed.
Welcome our New Bus Driver, Brian Locke!
We are excited to announce that Brian Locke is our new full-time bus driver.
His official start date was Monday, December 13th. Brian was the Property
Manager for the Crosby Mansion for many years. He is excited to be able to
help our seniors get around. We are happy to be providing rides to the Rock
Harbor Respite Program at the Orleans COA, grocery shopping trips, rides to
hot lunch here in our Senior Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as
rides to other destinations in the future!
Adopt-A-Family/Holiday Hope Program: Update
Thanks to the generosity of those who purchased a turkey meal from the COA in November, we were able to
donate $615 towards our Brewster Recreation Department’s “Adopt-A-Family’ program. Your donations
certainly put a smile on many Brewster children this past Christmas season. Thank you.
Looking for something
NEW in ‘22?
Check out our brand new exercise
classes, Bit of Bliss Yoga and
Beginner Tai Chi, featured on page 4.
Cape COAST is back with a variety of
virtual programs on page 3.
On site Senior Dining has returned,
too! See page 7 for more information.
Page 2 Brewster, MA January 2022
What’s the difference
between the COA and FOBE?
The Council on Aging (COA) is a
department of the Town of Brewster
and is funded through the town
budget, which is voted on annually
at Town Meeting. Anyone in the
town who is 60 or older is consid-
ered a member of the COA at no
cost. All employees of the COA are
town employees.
Our mission is “to support and
advocate for older adults and their
families by providing programs,
services, and resources that promote
independent living and quality of
life.” As such, we offer health and
wellness classes, social activities,
support services, and special events.
We provide transportation for local
shopping and activities, as well as
coordinating volunteer drivers for
medical appointments for our sen-
iors. Our outreach staff is available
to assist with heating assistance,
property tax exemptions, various
food programs, Medicare issues, as
well as many other community re-
sources to all seniors to remain in
their homes safely and healthfully.
In contrast, the Friends of Brewster
Elders (FOBE) is an incorporated
501 (c) (3) non-profit organization
whose mission is “providing pro-
grams, entertainment, and financial
help where needed to keep the sen-
ior community of Brewster healthy
and happy.” FOBE is a membership
organization which relies on
member dues ($10 per calendar
year) and donations. It is a volunteer
organization, and always welcomes
new members! The FOBE runs the
Sea Captains’ Thrift Shop and sched-
ules events for seniors such as holi-
day luncheons and special trips. It
also provides funding for COA ]
purchases not covered by the town
budget.
If you have a question about the
FOBE, you can contact the
President, Marilyn Dearborn at
508-385-2881.
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 com-
puter? We have one-on-one, one
hour sessions available to help you
feel more confident in your comput-
er skills. Sessions are FREE!
Our knowledgeable and dedicated
volunteer instructor Del Borah is
here to help you on Wednesday
mornings. 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 Thursday 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 members.
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, movies, 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 atti-
tude!
Pedicure
Friday, January 7
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 depart-
ment. In addition to being a RN, she
is also a Certified Foot Care Nurse/
Specialist (CFCN / CFCS).
Autumn is available for pedicure ser-
vices 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, January 20
8:00 - 8:30am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
(in the 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:
January 10 and 24
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!
Cape COAST (Councils On Aging Serving
Together) has been collaborating to strength-
en our partnerships and leverage our collec-
tive resources to offer older adults on Cape
Cod enhanced options for virtual program-
ming. 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 virtual programs open to all.
Winter Consumer Protection with Office of
the Attorney General
Monday, January 10, 12 - 1pm (via Zoom)
With electric and natural gas rates set to rise this winter
season, Attorney General Maura Healey launched a
campaign to educate customers about new and expand-
ed programs available to assist them in paying energy
bills. Due to COVID-19 economic uncertainty and
volatility in global fossil fuel prices, customers in New
England will see a spike in energy prices this winter.
Customers who use gas to heat their homes should
expect an increase on their monthly bill, and those who
use oil could see an even bigger rise. Some customers
also will see an increase in their electric bills. To regis-
ter for class email Susan at the Barnstable COA
at susan.griffin@town.barnstable.ma.us
In the Kitchen with Kelli
Tuesday, January 11, 11am (via Facebook Live)
Learn how to make a warm winter treat during this
Facebook live episode of Aging Well Today Cape Cod, at
the Dennis Center for Active Living. For more infor-
mation call the Dennis COA at 508-385-5067.
Health Talk: Nutrition for a Healthy Winter
Wednesday, January 12, 10 - 11am
(via Zoom)
You are what you eat! What we put in our bodies can
result in how healthy we are. The experts from Kindred
Health will discuss how to stave off illness through
changes in your diet. To register for class email
Susan at the Barnstable COA at
susan.griffin@town.barnstable.ma.us
Winter Birds of Cape Cod
Tuesday, January 25, 1:30 - 2:30pm
(via Zoom)
Do you enjoy the variety of birds seen in your neighbor-
hood and can you distinguish one from another? Join
Chris Waltz, the property manager and a naturalist at
Mass Audubon's Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, for
an informative interactive session on the Cape’s winter
birds. Chris has been birding for over 20 years and has
taught many birding classes for birders of all back-
grounds and abilities. Join us and find out more about
the birds amongst us. To register call the Orleans
COA at 508-255-6333.
Forensic Etomology: Who Dunnit?
Wednesday, January 26, 9:30-10:30am
(via Zoom)
Insects are now used to investigate a number of prob-
lems ranging from contamination of foods, apartment
problems, to violent crimes. Learn about the key bug
players and how they have helped solve crimes that
conventional investigation techniques could not.
Presented by Larry Dapsis, Entomologist, Cape Cod
Cooperative Extension. To register call the
Chatham COA at 508-945-5190.
Let’s Talk about Tomorrow
Monday, January 31, 10-11am (via Zoom)
This info session, presented by the Homeless Preven-
tion Council (HPC), is designed to create awareness
about senior housing on the Lower Cape, to encourage
attendees to work with case managers to apply as soon
as possible, and to connect residents to the many local
resources available. This information is crucial for older
adults who are considering either applying for afforda-
ble senior housing or aging in place. To register
call the Chatham COA at 508-945-5190.
Page 3 Brewster, MA January 2022
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!!
Hearing Screenings
Thursday, January 20
9:00 – 11:00am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Advanced Audiology Associates offers FREE screenings here at the
Brewster Council on Aging. Screenings are by appointment only
and last approximately 15 minutes. These will include hearing
screenings, ear inspections and hearing aid checks.
Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 to set an appointment for this
valuable service.
Page 4
Need some exercise? All of the following
classes take place at the Brewster COA
unless otherwise noted.
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 Beijing
Form). Class includes basic warm-up exercises,
and focuses on exploring the "meditation-in-
motion" aspect of practicing Tai Chi. Our instruc-
tor, 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.
Qi Gong
Tuesdays
9:00 – 9:45am
The practice of Qi Gong dates back 3000 years and
is an ancient Chinese method of exercising, medi-
tation, visualization, and breathing to manage the
Qi (life force energy) in your body. Movements are
slow and rhythmic, to self-massage acupoints
(meridians) and release blocked Qi. You will feel
refreshed, nourished, energized and relaxed.
Qi Gong can benefit everyone!
Please email Ray DiPietro at
rayvector@hotmail.com to register for the
class.
Bit of Bliss Yoga Classes
Tuesdays
2:30 – 3:30
$10/class or 5 classes for $45
Experience a balance of movement and stillness as
you nurture your body, mind and soul. These gen-
tle yoga classes take a holistic approach to stretch
and strengthen the body gradually, enhancing your
body's ability to move and empowering you both
physically and mentally. This class is for beginners
to experienced practitioners looking for a nourish-
ing experience to restore vitality and find peace
within. Join Janet Bettey, E-RYT, beginning
January 4th. Space is limited and you must reserve
your space at: www.bitofblissyoga.com or call
978-500-2390. Please bring a yoga mat.
Keep Movin’
Tuesdays and Thursdays
New Sessions start January 11
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, coordination and balance each
week by using hand and leg weights, balls and
bands. Class fee will be discussed upon registra-
tion.
Please email Cindy Doutrich at
cdoutric@ycp.edu to register for the class.
Beginner Tai Chi Class
Tuesdays 10:30 -11:30 in person
and Fridays 10:30 - 11:30 via Zoom
$15 per class
Come and learn Tai Chi and the many physical and
spiritual benefits. Also known as "moving medita-
tion," Tai Chi can help improve balance, core
strength, flexibility, boost immunity, and provide a
mind-body connection as a source for stress re-
lief. Participants will learn the easy Tai Chi Eight
Form (Yang style), a basic sequence of movements
open to all ages and abilities. No special equipment
or previous experience is necessary. Classes will
incorporate stretching warm-ups, Qi Gong breath-
ing exercises, and an introduction to traditional
Chinese medicine concepts of energy flow through
the body for healing and vitality. We will meet at
the Brewster Council on Aging on Tuesdays and on
Zoom on Fridays (or until the COA reopens on
Fridays). When the weather warms up, both classes
will be held outdoors at the ballfield behind the
Council on Aging. Also, a free Qi Gong class every
Wednesday on Zoom is included in bi-weekly Tai
Chi class participation. Space is limited.
To register for the class please email:
capecodtaichisociety@gmail.com. Or, call
our instructor A.Jay Zahn (607-227-0509).
A.Jay is a long-time practitioner of Tai Chi,
Qi Gong and related martial arts and meditation.
Brewster, MA January 2022
Page 6 January 2022 Brewster, MA
January Programs on Channel 18
Skimming Devices
Presented by Robin Putnam
Research and Special Projects Manager from
the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business
Regulation
The presentation includes information about credit and
debit card skimming devices as well as tips on how to
spot skimming devices found at gas stations, ATMs, and
elsewhere.
Channel 18 air times/dates:
January 17 11:00am
January 8, 29 3:00pm
Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
Presented by Robin Putnam
Research and Special Projects Manager from
the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business
Regulation
The presentation includes information about how to
spot and avoid scams, how to prevent identity theft and
what to do if your identity is compromised.
Channel 18 air times/dates:
January 11, 19, 25 11:00am
January 1 3:00pm
Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod
Presented by Carmen DeRaleau
Director of Provider Relations
The Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod is a not-for-
profit agency committed to the health and wellness of
the communities we serve. They provide services paid
for by most health insurances. These include in-home
skilled care, hospice and palliative care, and public
health and wellness. They are proud of the work they do
to care for our community and help them recover as
well as teaching them to remain at home in comfortable
and familiar settings.
Channel 18 air times/dates:
January 5, 20, 27 11:00am
January 15 3:00pm
Emergency Preparedness
Presented by Chip Reilly, Emergency Prepared-
ness Specialist for Barnstable County
Chip Reilly, the Emergency Preparedness 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:
January 10, 26 11:00am
January 22 3:00pm
Chair Yoga
This class accommodates all levels. The students will
learn to adjust the postures according to their own body
needs, using a chair as support for the poses. Chair Yoga
can be beneficial in terms of minimizing stress and
boosting mental clarity, managing and coping with pain
brought on by aging or an illness, improving strength,
and enhancing flexibility. The class is taught by Araci
Gomes, a certified Yoga instructor.
Channel 18 air times/dates:
January 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 19, and 26 at 7:00am
January 3, 24 11:00am
Funky Fitness
This workout program addresses four major categories
of fitness: endurance, strength, balance & flexibility.
Music provides the backdrop and inspiration for all
exercises in each 60-minute class. Frank Callahan is
your instructor.
Channel 18 air times/dates:
Part 1 & 2 - 7:00am:
January 3, 5, 12, 20, 24, 27
Part 1 & 2 - 11:00am
January 13 and 18
Part 3 & 4 - 7:00am
January 10, 17, 25
Part 3 & 4 - 11:00am
January 4, 6, 12
Meditation
Thursdays on ZOOM 10:00 - 11:00am
This ongoing meditation class taught by Carol Marcy meets Thursdays on ZOOM from 10:00 to 11:00am. Medita-
tion has proven to have many important benefits. Carol Marcy has been certified to teach meditation by the
Washington Center for Consciousness Studies. She is a long time meditator who has studied a variety of spiritual
traditions. If you are interested please email her so that she can send you the ZOOM link at
drcarolmarcy@gmail.com
Page 7 Brewster, MA January 2022
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
3 4
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am W.O.W.
10:30am Beginner
Tai Chi
2:30pm Bit of Bliss
Yoga
5
9:00am Computer Help
1:00pm Quilters
6
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
2:00pm BMCC
7
9:00am Pedicure
10
10:00 to 11:00am
Blood Pressure &
Glucose Testing
11
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am W.O.W.
10:30am Beginner
Tai Chi
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:30pm Bit of Bliss
Yoga
12
9:00am Computer Help
11:00am Healthy Meals
In Motion
(Frederick Court)
1:00pm Quilters
13
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:00pm BMCC
14
17
The COA is closed
18
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am W.O.W.
10:30am Beginner
Tai Chi
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:30pm Bit of Bliss
Yoga
19
9:00am Computer Help
1:00pm Quilters
20
8:00am Pet Grooming
9:00am Hearing
Screenings
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:00pm BMCC
21
24
10:00 to 11:00am
Blood Pressure &
Glucose Testing
25
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am W.O.W.
10:30am Beginner
Tai Chi
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:30pm Bit of Bliss
Yoga
26
9:00am Computer Help
1:00pm Quilters
27
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:00pm BMCC
28
31
Senior Happenings
Page 9 January 2022 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 call 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 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, January 12. 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 eligibil-
ity 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 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.
SHINE Notes
Medicare’s Open Enrollment (October 15 - December 7 every year) has ended and now you find you’re not happy
with your drug plan or Medicare Insurance. What to do? Call your SHINE counselors at your local COA. We’re
not just here for Open Enrollment. We can help you all year with issues you may have with Medicare. SHINE
counselors are state certified and offer their unbiased services free of charge. Our Brewster COA SHINE counse-
lors can be reached at 508-896-2737.
Senior Dining at the COA!
We are now serving hot lunches in person at the Brewster Senior Center building on Tuesdays and Thursdays
ONLY. If you are interested in receiving a January menu, please call us at 508-896-2737 and we will get one to
you. Space will be limited to 10 people per sitting. A donation of $3.00 per meal is requested. All you need to do
is call the day BEFORE no later than 11:00am to sign up with our Brewster Nutrition Site Coordinator at
508-896-5070.
If you need a ride to lunch, please contact the COA at 508-896-2737 to make arrangements.
Page 10 January 2022 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.
‘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
Senior Fitness Hour
“Senior Fitness Hour” is found on Channel 99 of Lower Cape Community Access TV for older adults in the com-
munities 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 fea-
turing 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
Cognitive Strategies for Memory with Aging
As we get older our memory can be affected. While some types of memory remain stable with age, others decline.
We all have “off” days when we don’t remember as we usually do, but luckily there are cognitive strategies that
can help.
Use a daily timer. Sometimes we all need a reminder to do something like taking medications, so using a
timer that goes off daily at the same time can help.
Make daily or weekly “to do” lists. This is a great way to prioritize your time and get everything
accomplished that needs to be done.
Have a ‘go to’ daily call. Have family or friends that call around the same time every day. This is important
not only for your social health, but can be a key safety plan if you live alone.
Speak with your physician about any changes in your health. Your doctor can help you decide if you
may need a checkup, change in medication, or other services for a cognitive assessment.
This month’s newsletter article was supplied by Nikki Courtney, Exercise Physiologist and Activities Specialist for
the VNA of Cape Cod, Public Health and Wellness Department.
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, please return it to us in clean, 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.
Page 11 January 2022 Brewster, MA
For the latest information on town
topics, we encourage you to visit
the Town of Brewster
website at:
www.brewster-ma.gov
Sightings from the Poop Deck
“They say the seeds of what we will do are
in all of us, but it always seemed to me that
in those who make jokes in life the seeds
are covered with better soil and with a
higher grade of manure.”
Ernest Hemingway - “A Moveable Feast”
Tuesdays are MahJongg Days in Joanie Carfora’s
group. Things have rolled along very smoothly for
years and suddenly your MahJongg table collapses
unexpectedly and your Tuesday is coming up in
four days. This is worse than the October 2021
nor’easter, Wanda. “No problem” I say, “You can
play on the floor until I have had an opportunity to
search on Amazon.” For some strange reason this
idea does not go over well with JC and although no
words were exchanged, her look said, “Don’t mess
with me, this is serious.”
As I am searching Amazon I am made aware very
early on, that this is not going to be resolved very
quickly. You see, every table you settle on in
Amazon is “out of stock and not expected until
March 2022.” No worries, Plan 2; we have a great
selection of stores such as Home Depot, Target,
Bed Bath & Beyond and if you want to travel a little
there’s always Walmart and Lowes. Home Depot
and Bed Bath & Beyond conveniently sit side by
side in Hyannis, problem solved. Except Home
Depot is going through an enormous expansion
and you have to be sure to steer clear of the obsta-
cle course, aka, parking lot, but we don’t discour-
age easily, after all, it’s MahJongg!
We strike out at Home Depot and Bed Bath &
Beyond no longer stocks these tables, but you can
order one and it will be delivered long after your
due date. “Hey, we don’t have forever, we’re talking
next Tuesday.” Obviously he is not a MahJongg
player. We make our way out through the demoli-
tion derby parking lot and decide that since I very
conveniently have a doctor’s appointment in
Sandwich the very next day, we can continue on to
Wareham Crossing where we will have an abun-
dance of stores to choose from and surely will find
what we are looking for at either Target, Walmart,
or Lowes, and we can then live happily ever after.
We choose Walmart first, and sure enough we
strike gold. Problem solved! The only downside to
Walmart (which happens to be my favorite store -
Thanks Sam) is that since you are there you may as
well take advantage of your off-Cape trip and do a
“little extra” shopping. After all, we don’t get down
here very often. Let’s celebrate our successful find,
go all out and fill up our basket with stuff we really
don’t need! I now have one more reason to look
very unfavorably at China for inventing this game.
Peter R. Scheffer - (“Life is Good!”) - Wishing you a
Happy & Healthy New Year!
poop deck, n., a deck above a ship’s main after-
deck
Personal Hygiene Items
The COA has some adult disposable incontinence
products in various sizes. We still have a large sup-
ply 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!
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!
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 offer trips for Grocery Shopping in Orleans on
Thursdays, from 11:00am to 1:00pm. We require two days notice. There will
be a maximum 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 January 2022 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. For more information, please contact our Brewster Nutrition Site
Coordinator at 508-896-5070.