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HomeMy Public PortalAboutFebruary 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 February 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. February Closings The COA will be closed on Monday, February 21 for the Presidents’ Day observance. Enjoy the holiday! Income Tax Preparation with AARP Wednesdays: February 2 to April 13 Brewster Town Hall, 2198 Main Street Income Tax season is here! 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! 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 COA are canceled. If the Brewster Town Hall is closed, the COA will also be closed. Looking for something fun to do this month? How about remembering your school days by making Valentines for family and friends? See the article on page 3 for how to sign up. And, did you know that Go Red Day is Friday, February 4? Though it’s not a national holiday, we encourage you to move more, eat smart and manage your blood pressure as you wear red to raise awareness of heart disease in women. Why not drop by the COA for our bi-monthly Blood Pressure and Glucose monitoring program featured on page 2? We’ve also got a program on Heart Health featured on page 6. Happy Heart Month to all! Beginner Italian Classes Wednesdays: February 9 – March 16 10:00 – 11:30am Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street 6 classes for $60.00 Registration required These classes are taught by Paul Erba, a resident of Brewster. Paul’s first language was Italian as his mom was born and raised in Palermo, Sicily. The emphasis of his class will be on conversation. You will study and practice the sounds of the language, in some cases, syllable by syllable. The goal is to hear the rhythmic flow. You will practice vowels and consonants and basic vocabulary such as numbers, days of the week, months of the year and key idiomatic expressions. Paul’s ultimate goal is to inculcate in you a love for the Italian language and its rich cultural heritage. Class size is limited and you must register by contacting the COA at 508-896-2737. Page 2 Brewster, MA February 2022 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 attitude! Pedicure Friday, February 4 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 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, February17 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: February 14 and 28 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! Hearing Screenings Thursday, February 17 9:00 – 11:00am Brewster COA, 1673 Main St. Advanced Audiology Associates offers FREE screenings here at the Brewster Council on Aging. Screen- ings are by appointment only and last approximately 15 minutes. These will include hearing screen- ings, ear inspections and hearing aid checks. Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 to set an appointment for this valua- ble service. Legal Help Tuesday, February 22 10:00 - 11:30am Brewster COA, 1673 Main St. Need some legal guidance? The Brewster COA is happy to have an attorney from South Coastal Counties Legal Services who holds in person appointments at the COA every other month. These appoint- ments are 1/2 hour and FREE. Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 to reserve yours. Please note: Attorney Adam Dupuy is available for appointments at his office. He can be contacted by calling 508-775-3433. 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! Cape COAST (Councils On Aging Serving Together) has been collaborat- ing to strengthen our partnerships and leverage our collective resources to offer older adults on Cape Cod en- hanced options for virtual program- ming. Join us as we connect visually through Zoom, widen our circles and take advantage of greater opportunities for engage- ment, enrichment and education. Below is a list of virtual programs open to all. In the Kitchen with Kelli Monday, February 7 11am (via Facebook Live) Learn how to make a Valentine’s Day surprise during this Facebook live episode of Aging Well Today Cape Cod, at the Dennis Center for Active Living. For more info call them at 508-385-5067. USSR – Russia: Myths, Mysteries & Spying Thursday, February 10, 11am (via Zoom) Presented by Henry Quinlan A one-hour presentation with Henry Quinlan based on his 30 years’ involvement with the former Soviet Un- ion and Russia including living in Moscow for five years during the demise of the USSR and the rise of the new Russia. The presentation will entertain and educate the audience. Accompanying PowerPoint presentation with 109 panels. For more info or to register, call the Bourne COA at 508-759-0600 ext. 5300. Savvy Caregiver Mondays, February 28 – April 4 10-11:30am (via Zoom) The Savvy Caregiver Program is a FREE six-session training for family and friends who are active caregiv- ers, and caring for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. In person information and Virtual Link to meeting will be sent upon regis- tration. For more information or to register, call 508-862-4765 or send an email to stacey.cullen@town.barnstable.ma.us Page 3 Brewster, MA February 2022 Meditation Thursdays (via ZOOM) 10:00 - 11:00am This ongoing meditation class taught by Carol Marcy meets Thursdays on ZOOM from 10:00 to 11:00am. Meditation 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 Let’s make some Valentines! Tuesday, February 8 1:00pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main St. Registration required As you sit at home, awaiting warmer weather, why not think about surprising your family and friends with a home-made Valentine? Come join Lauren as she shows you how to make some fun cards that you can use to dazzle your loved ones. Unleash your creativity! There’s no judging, no pressure, just a whole lot of fun! To register, contact the COA at 508-896-2737. Class size is limited to 10. Senior Technology Day Wednesday, February 9 10:00am – 12:00pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main St. Sponsored by AT&T On February 9th, 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. Fall Prevention and Brain Health Tuesday, February 15 10:30 – 11:30am Brewster COA, 1673 Main St. Presented by Nikki Courtney, Public Health and Wellness Activities Specialist with the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod In person class; registration is required Join us to learn about balance, fall prevention, and cognitive strategies to decrease your risk of falling. This hour long presentation will be led by Nikki Courtney, Public Health and Wellness Activities Specialist and Exercise Physiologist from the VNA of Cape Cod. Nikki has a background in rehabilitation services and believes in using exercise as medicine, incorporating a holistic approach with therapeutic exercise and education. There will be an open discussion period at the end of the presentation. Attendance is limited. Please contact the Brewster Council on Aging at 508-896-2737 to reserve your seat. Page 4 Need some exercise? All of the following classes take place at the Brewster COA unless otherwise noted. Beginner Tai Chi Tuesdays, 10:30 -11:30am in person and Fridays 10:30 - 11:30am via Zoom $15 per class Come and learn Tai Chi and the many physical and spir- itual benefits. Also known as "moving meditation," Tai Chi can help improve balance, core strength, flexibility, boost immunity, and provide a mind-body connection as a source for stress relief. 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 COA 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 COA. Also, a free Qi Gong class every Wednesday on Zoom is included in bi-weekly Tai Chi class participa- tion. Space is limited. To register, please email our instructor A.Jay Zahn at capecodtaichisociety@gmail.com. Or, phone 607-227-0509. A.Jay is a long-time practitioner of Tai Chi, Qi Gong and related martial arts and meditation. Advanced Tai Chi Thursdays 10:00 – 11:00am $15/class 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 practic- ing 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. To register for the class, please email A.Jay Zahn at capecodtaichisociety@ gmail.com Qi Gong Tuesdays 9:00 – 10:00am FREE Qi Gong is a form of exercise that dates back 3000 years and is not a martial art. The forms used in this class are therapeutic involving slow, repetitive movements which incorporate meditation, deep breathing and visualiza- tion. Many of the movements can be done while sitting. Qi is energy we use and which needs to be replaced with fresh Qi. The movements deal with our meridians to relieve and support various organs. We meet at the Brewster COA and at Drummer Boy Park, warmer weather permitting. Our participants also enjoy the so- cial aspect of these meetings, as well as the physical benefits. Contact our instructor, Ray DiPietro, if you would like to reserve a spot. We currently have a class size limit of 11. We look forward to meeting you! To register for the class, please email Ray at rayvector@hotmail.com or call him at 508-246-4486. Bit of Bliss Yoga Classes Tuesdays 2:30 – 3:30pm $10/class or 5 classes for $45 Join our instructror Janet Bettey, E-RYT, and experi- ence a balance of movement and stillness as you nurture your body, mind and soul. These gentle yoga classes take a holistic approach to stretch and strength- en the body gradually, enhancing your body's ability to move and empowering you both physically and mental- ly. This class is for anyone from beginners to experi- enced practitioners looking for a nourishing experience to restore vitality and find peace within. Participants bring their own yoga mat. Space is limited. Reserve your spot at www.bitofblissyoga.com or call 978-500-2390. Keep Movin’ Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 – 2:00pm This program is primarily strength-training for seniors. The classes are friendly, and a fun way to relieve arthri- tis 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 registration. Please email our instructor Cindy Doutrich at cdoutric@ycp.edu to register for the class. 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 var- ious 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!! Brewster, MA February 2022 Page 6 February 2022 Brewster, MA February Programs on Channel 18 Heart Health for Seniors Presented by Elissa Thompson, MD Cardiologist, Cape Cod Healthcare This presentation will discuss heart health for seniors. Dr. Thompson is a well renowned cardiologist and has a special clinical interest in women’s heart health. A few of the topics included will address nutrition, cholester- ol, high blood pressure and how you can increase your positive results for good heart health. It is imperative that everyone continues to see their physicians/ specialists during this pandemic to maintain healthy hearts and bodies. Channel 18 air times/dates: February 14, 22 11:00am February 5 3:00pm Nutrition for Healthy Aging Presented by Emily Pacetti, Food Service Clinical Manager Cape Cod Hospital Emily Pacetti is a Registered Dietitian who specializes in Geriatric Nutrition. She is also the Clinical Nutrition Manager for Cape Cod Hospital. Emily will discuss how nutrition plays a vital role in healthy aging and will review nutritional strategies on how diet can be used to prevent cognitive and functional decline. For any additional questions please email Emily at ejpacetti@capecodhealth.org Channel 18 air times/dates: February 2, 15, 23 11:00am February 12 3:00pm ejpacetti@capecodhealth.org 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: February 4, 17 11:00am February 26 3:00pm For the latest information on town topics, we encourage you to visit the Town of Brewster website at: www.brewster-ma.gov Critical Financial Conversations with Your Family Presented by Financial Advisor, Bob Mauterstock This presentation will address such critical areas as having a family meeting, long-term care planning and legal planning. People will leave the program with the tools to get their affairs in order and communicate clearly with their children. Channel 18 air times/dates: February 9, 24 11:00am February 19 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: February 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17 & 22 7:00am February 7, 21, 28 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: February 4, 7, 9, 16, 24, 28 Part 1 & 2 - 11:00am February 1 Part 3 & 4 - 7:00am February 2, 14, 21, 23 Part 3 & 4 - 11:00am February 3, 8, 10, 16 Did you know? COA video Presentations may be viewed anywhere, anytime from your computer, laptop, or phone. To watch any video presentation via your device of choice please go to the Brewster MA Council on Aging website. Scroll either across or down to COA Video Program Presentations (in blue ink). Click on COA Video Presentations then click on any vimeo to enjoy a presentation and/or class. Page 7 Brewster, MA February 2022 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 9:00am Qi Gong 9:30am W.O.W. 10:30am Beginner Tai Chi 2:30pm Bit of Bliss Yoga 2 9:00am Computer Help 1:00pm Quilters 3 10:00am Advanced Tai Chi 2:00pm BMCC 4 9:00am Pedicure 7 8 9:00am Qi Gong 9:30am W.O.W. 10:30am Beginner Tai Chi 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 1:00pm Valentine Making Class 2:30pm Bit of Bliss Yoga 9 9:00am Computer Help 10:00am Senior Technology Day 11:00am Healthy Meals In Motion (Frederick Court) 1:00pm Quilters 10 10:00am Advanced Tai Chi 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 2:00pm BMCC 11 14 10:00 to 11:00am Blood Pressure & Glucose Testing 15 9:00am Qi Gong 9:30am W.O.W. 10:30am Beginner Tai Chi 10:30am Seminar: Fall Prevention and Brain Health 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 2:30pm Bit of Bliss Yoga 16 9:00am Computer Help 1:00pm Quilters 17 8:00am Pet Grooming 9:00am Hearing Screenings 10:00am Advanced Tai Chi 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 2:00pm BMCC 18 21 22 9:00am Qi Gong 9:30am W.O.W. 10:00am Legal Help 10:30am Beginner Tai Chi 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 2:30pm Bit of Bliss Yoga 23 9:00am Computer Help 1:00pm Quilters 24 10:00am Advanced Tai Chi 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 2:00pm BMCC 25 28 10:00 to 11:00am Blood Pressure & Glucose Testing Senior Happenings Page 9 February 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 Kelly Rooney 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, February 9. 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 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 counselors can be reached at 508-896-2737. Senior Dining at the COA - Temporarily on hold Senior Dining at the COA has been temporarily paused until further notice. Meals on Wheels will still be offered as they have been. When Senior Dining resumes, we will let you know. Page 10 February 2022 Brewster, MA A Message from Nikki Courtney, Exercise Physiologist & Activities Specialist VNA of Cape Cod - Public Health and Wellness 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 A Note of Thanks to Debra Johnson, Brenda Locke and Mary Rancourt, our Brewster COA SHINE reps! The annual Medicare Open Enrollment, which was from October 15th through December 7th of 2021, is always a very busy time here at our senior center. Our Brewster COA SHINE representatives devoted many hours to help as many folks as possible. Due to their diligence last year, they saved 340 people an estimated $287,988! Our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated SHINE reps! How Much Exercise is Enough? Staying physically active is an important aspect of our health, but how much exercise is actually needed to achieve health benefits? Extensive research has been done and while any exercise is better than no exercise, there are recommended physical activity guidelines for older adults. The US Department of Health and Human Services as well as the American College of Sports Medicine have published guidelines based on available research. Both agencies recommend that older adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. This recommendation is cumulative - even 10 minute bouts of physical activity elicits health benefits. While both moderate and vigorous intensity exercise will increase your heart rate and have you breathing heavier, you should still be able to speak a sentence. Types of exercises should include a combination of aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance. Consistency is key so find physical activity you enjoy! Personal Hygiene Items The COA has some adult disposable incontinence products in various sizes. We still have a large supply of gentle- men’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. 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! Page 11 February 2022 Brewster, MA Sightings from the Poop Deck “Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home.” Charles Dickens It was eleven days before Christ- mas and extremely early in the morning. Rather than start my day with the usual depressing news, I flipped to Channel 541, “The Sounds of the Season'' and was entertained by some very joyful Christmas music. I sat there in the dark absolutely still sipping my coffee and drifted off to the 1950s, Christmas shopping along Lexington Avenue, Passaic, New Jersey. Come along with me as I begin my walk down Lexing- ton Avenue at the corner of Monroe Street past Rutblatt’s Sporting Goods where I bought my first good baseball glove to use in my sophomore year on the Passaic High School varsity base- ball team. The glove was stamped “Richie Ashburn,” a better than average and popular Philadelphia Phillies outfielder. His talent did not come with the glove and if he ever watched me play he would have either scratched his name off or taken it back. I did not bring any fame to Mr. Ashburn's autographed glove . As I continued south I passed Kay’s jewelry store where a few years later I bought Joanie Carfora's engagement ring, which I nervously placed on her ring finger at Christmas midnight mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church in 1957. We were married there in 1958 shortly after my discharge from the United States Air Force. I must admit the ring worked out much better than the glove….well, at least for me it did! Across the street from Kay’s was the Lincoln theater. It always amazed me that for a city the size of Passaic with a population of 57,402, we were blessed with six movie theaters; Lincoln, Central, Capitol, Montauk, Playhouse and The Palace. By the way, don’t be impressed by the fact that I could remember the population of Pas- saic way back then. It was one of the few things I remember from Ms. Bunnel’s high school history class. At the corner of Madison Street if you looked left you would see Sears Roebuck and on the corner was Ben Krones men’s shop. As you cross Madison Street the next significant store was Ginsburg’s which consisted mostly of upscale children's wear. A little further south and pretty much the center of town was Larkey’s, a boys and men's shop where in my younger days around the month of August each year, my mother would take me to shop for my yearly school wardrobe. My mother had good taste. In the ninth grade I was voted “Best Dressed” in our 1951 Thomas Jefferson School Num- ber 1 Yearbook. I can hear you now, saying, “What happened?” Ah, but I digress. In front of Larkey’s at Christmas time was the Salvation Army and Mr. Mar- torano, one of our football coach- es and Mr. Springer, principal at school Number 11, urging you to “Drop a Dime on the Line” for “The March of Dimes.” Across the tracks on Main Avenue you could hear a dog barking out ‘Jingle Bells’ from the speakers at Frank’s TV. Drove everyone cra- zy. Frank’s is where I bought a very classy Andrea TV. Bet you never heard of the Andrea brand. Me neither. They specialized in beautiful cabinets for the TV. Continuing on you would eventu- ally pass McCrory’s Five and Dime and close by, Woolworth’s. Many years later I would treat my kids to a frozen coke in the mid- dle of winter at McCrory’s, which they remember to this day. Lexington Avenue, Passaic had more, much more. Too much to fit on this one page, and was al- ways buzzing around the holidays with neighbors from the sur- rounding towns of Wallington, Garfield, Clifton and East Ruther- ford. The population of Passaic is now at 69,245 (I had to look that up) so they must be doing some- thing right. It’s fun to go back in time occasionally, relive some fond memories and not have to deal with this crazy world’s trou- bles…..but now it was once again time for a dose of reality….the news! Peter R. Scheffer (“Life is Good!”) - Happy Valentine’s Day poop deck, n., a deck above a ship’s main afterdeck Medical Equipment Loans Our medical shed is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for equipment pick- up. Stop by to see what is availa- ble. 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. 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 February 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: There is no on-site Senior Dining available at the Brewster Council on Aging until further notice. This menu is for Meals on Wheels program participants only. For more information, please contact our Brewster Nutrition Site at 508-896-5070.