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.