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HomeMy Public PortalAboutApril 20221673 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631 • (508) 896-2737 • Fax (508) 896-7587 Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday (open to the public: Mo, Tu, We, Th) Denise Rego, Director Andrea Nevins, COA Board Co-Chair Sharon Tennstedt, COA Board Co-Chair April 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. Holiday Closing Notes The COA will be closed on Monday, April 18 in honor of Patriots’ Day. Enjoy the holiday! Annual Spring Town Meeting Reminder Saturday, May 14 10:00am Stony Brook ballfield, 384 Underpass Road The annual Spring Town Meeting is Saturday, May 14 at 10:00am on the Stony Brook ballfield (no tent). The rain date will be Sunday, May 15. Join us for an Ice Cream Social! Sponsored by the Brewster Council on Aging Friday, April 29 2:00 – 4:30pm (Brewster in Bloom Weekend) Brewster COA, 1673 Main St. Choose from two flavors of ice cream (vanilla or choco- late), a selection of toppings, plus sprinkles, cherries and whipped cream to make a delicious sundae! Cost per sundae is only: $2.00 for Adults $1.00 for children under the age of 12 Social distancing will be encouraged with seating spread throughout the building as well as outside. This is a fun-filled event for all ages! See you there! National Volunteer Week April 24 - 30 The Brewster Council on Aging would like to give a BIG Thank You to all of our 64 volunteers for giving so much of their time in 2021. We couldn’t do it without you! The COA is planning to honor our volunteers in May. Stay tuned for more information! Beautify Brewster Day - Saturday, April 23 It’s that time of year again where we do a little spring cleaning around our beautiful town! If you are interest- ed in volunteering a few hours of your time to help pick up trash, there will be 2 routes that we (the COA) are responsible for: between the COA and the Brewster Ladies’ Library, and between the COA and the lights at the corners of Routes 137 and 124. Please call Denise at 508-896-2737 if you have any questions or would like to sign up. Thank you for your continued support! Congratulations to Daryl Bladen Our 2021 COA Volunteer of the Year! After a career with the Federal government, Brewster was very lucky to have Daryl move here as she began to volunteer around our town. Daryl has been a medical ride driver for the past 5 years, helping to provide transportation to Brewster seniors who have medical appointments from Brewster to Hyannis. Daryl was also a COA Board member for 3 years, becoming the Chairperson the following 3 years. She has been delivering for Meals on Wheels since 2000 and continues to do so every Friday. Daryl began volunteering at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in 1996, which led her to the paid Volunteer Coordinator’s position. She was later hired as the Volunteer Coordinator at our Brewster Ladies’ Library until retiring in 2017. For several years prior to the pandemic, Daryl also took the COA’s recyclable glass, plastic and aluminum to the transfer station. We think you would agree that she deserves this honor of being our 2021 COA Volunteer of the Year. Thank you, Daryl! New COA Hours: The Brewster COA building is now open 4 days a week, Monday through Thursday. Although our building remains closed to the public on Fridays, we can still be reached at 508-896-2737. Page 2 Brewster, MA April 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 computer? 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 chill 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! Quilters Wednesdays 1:00 - 3:00pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main St The Brewster Baysters Quilting Group meets Wednesday afternoons throughout the month. We invite you to join us. We welcome begin- ners to advanced levels of quilters and love to share ideas and free ad- vice. Bring your Quilting inspiration, enthusiasm, some handwork and don't forget your Show and Tell! Join our lively group for lots of laughs and good conversation about quilting and other topics. Pedicure Friday, April 1 9:00am - 3:00pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main St. Autumn Knight, our pedicure nurse, 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, April 21 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: April 11 and 25 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, April 21 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 valuable service. Legal Help: Update Although our on site Legal Help program has been temporarily paused for now, if you need some legal guidance, the Brewster COA is happy to refer you to attorneys from South Coastal Counties Legal Services. Please contact Rashida Dickerson at 774-487-3251. You must be 60+ to take advantage of this service. In addition, Attorney Adam Dupuy is available for appointments at his office in Yarmouth. He can be contacted by calling 508-775-3433. Save the Date! On Tuesday, May 17, we will be sponsoring a Health & Wellness Fair at the Brewster Baptist Church. There will be many different agencies represented, as well as some of our Town Depart- ments. So, mark your calendar and check the May newsletter for more details! Cape COAST (Councils On Aging Serving Together) collaborates to strengthen our partnerships and leverage our collective 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. Burials at Sea Wednesday, April 6 2:00 - 3:00pm (via Zoom) Thinking of burial at sea? Long time presenter Capt. Brad White, founder of New England Burials at Sea, and Funeral Director Chris Goulet of Hamel-Lydon Chapel & Cremation Service of Massachusetts invite you to this highly informative virtual presentation. Time will be available at the end for Q&A. To register call the Barnstable Council on Aging at 508-862-4750. Get Your Garden Ready Tuesday, April 12 2:00pm (via Zoom) Presented by Master Gardener Donelle Denery, this program will focus on the proper steps to get your garden ready in anticipation of your planting season. Flower, vegetable, and container garden preparation will be discussed. Properly preparing your garden in early spring sets you up for a successful growing season! To register call the Orleans COA at 508-255-6333 In the Kitchen with Kelli Tuesday, April 19 11:00am (via Facebook Live) Join Kelli and her special guests to bake sourdough bread! Learn how to prevent illness through small changes in your lifestyle including the type of bread you eat. For more information or to register, call 508-385-5067 or email kfieldhouse@town.dennis.ma.us Garden Talk: Growing for Birds and Bees Thursday, April 21 1:00 - 2:00pm (via Zoom) This program will focus on why we should care about the birds and the bees and how they share our ecosystem. Learn what threats they face, and how we can support them in our own yards and neighborhoods with beautiful plants. Fran Raleigh is a Master Gardener who has a PhD in Plant Science (Ecology) from the State University of New York College of Environmen- tal Sciences and Forestry in Syracuse. She taught for more than 30 years and retired to Cape Cod in 2018. Her primary focus in gardening is to celebrate native plants and create habitat. To register call the Barnstable Council on Aging at 508-862-4750. WOMEN’S RADICAL AGING GROUP Wednesday, April 27 9:30am (via Zoom) Women’s Radical Aging Gatherings provide us with a confi- dential space to speak of our experiences of aging: to be heard as we talk about the hard things we carry and the daily joys we gather. This is our place to offer support and connec- tion to each other and revitalize our spirits! Facilitated by Mary DeRocco, MA, LMHC, LMFT. To register call the Provincetown COA at 508-487-7080. Page 3 Brewster, MA April 2022 Income Tax Preparation with AARP Wednesdays through April 13 Brewster Town Hall, 2198 Main Street Meeting Room C Income Tax season is almost over. Call the Brewster COA soon at 508-896-2737 for an appointment with a knowl- edgeable tax representative from AARP. Appointments are available on Wednesdays through April 13th and are 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) 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 Carol so that she can send you the ZOOM link at drcarolmarcy@gmail.com Senior Technology Day Wednesday, April 13 10:00am – 12:00pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main St. Sponsored by AT&T On April 13, 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. Page 4 Need some exercise? All of the following classes take place at the Brewster COA unless otherwise noted. Intermediate Tai Chi Mondays and Thursdays 11:15am - 12:15pm $15 per class Class starts on Monday, Apr. 11. (No class on Monday, Apr. 18) This class is geared toward folks who have some experience with Tai Chi and are familiar with the Tai Chi Eight Form. Also known as “moving meditation” Tai Chi can help im- prove balance, core strength, flexibility, and provide a mind-body connection as a source for stress re- lief. Classes will incorporate stretch- ing warm-ups, Qi Gong breathing exercises, and an exploration of Traditional Chinese Medicine con- cepts for healing and vitality. During better weather we meet outdoors at the ball field behind the COA. 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 Mondays and 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 explor- ing the "meditation-in-motion" as- pect of practicing Tai Chi. During better weather we meet outdoors at the ball field behind the COA. Our instructor, A.Jay Zahn, has been practicing Tai Chi for 40 years and teaching on the Cape since 2018. To register for the class, please email A.Jay Zahn at capecodtaichisociety@gmail.com or phone 607-227-0509. 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 incor- porate meditation, deep breathing and visualization. Many of the movements can be done while sit- ting. 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 enjoy the social aspect of these meetings as well as the physical benefits. Contact our instructor, Ray DiPietro, if you would like to reserve a spot. 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 instructor Janet Bettey, E-RYT, and experience 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 strengthen the body gradually, en- hancing your body's ability to move and empowering you both physically and mentally. This class is for any- one from beginners to experienced practitioners looking for a nourish- ing experience to restore vitality and find peace within. Participants bring their own yoga mat. Space is limited. Reserve your spot at www.bitofblissyogaofcapecod.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 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 registration. Please email our instructor, Cindy Doutrich, at cdoutric@ycp.edu to register. Brewster, MA April 2022 Senior Shellfish Licenses Senior Shellfish Licenses are available at our office, 8am to 4pm Mondays thru 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! 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 Presenta- tions (in blue ink). Click on COA Video Presentations then click on any vimeo to enjoy a presentation and/or 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 various grants. If you’ve lost your card, or don’t know how easy it is to use it, just stop by our office. And to all those who have been using theirs, many thanks!! Page 6 April 2022 Brewster, MA April on Channel 18 Please note: Times and dates are subject to change. If the Town of Brewster needs to televise a live program, any program featured below could be pre-empted. Emergency Preparedness Presented by Chip Reilly, Emergency Preparedness Specialist for Barnstable County Chip Reilly, the Emergency Preparedness Specialist for the Barnstable County Department of Health and the Environment, holds a discussion about being prepared for an emergency with a concentration on senior preparedness. 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: April 12 and 20 at 11:00am April 9 at 3:00pm Homeopathy Presented by Casey Hammond, RN Homeopathy is a gentle and natural healing discipline that works with the body’s own capacity to relieve symptoms, restore vitality, and improve overall health. It is recognized worldwide as a form of medicine that is backed by thousands of research studies, papers, and clinical trials and used by millions of Americans, over 200 million people worldwide, and in 70+ countries. Channel 18 air times/dates: April 6, 11, 19 at 11:00am April 2 at 3:00pm Love, Limits and Learning: Container Planting Presented by Dr. Margaret Rappaport, Master Gardener Gardening is love. It is all encompassing. Gardening is a great teacher; your capabilities limit what your imagina- tion suggests. Gardening is learning; the more under- standing you bring to the soil, plants, environments of the garden, the better. Dr. Rappaport is presently inter- ested in container gardening and includes the belief that the generative response one feels when giving help to growing plants is meaningful. Containers allow for ex- perimentation with shapes and sizes and plantings. This activity is innately interesting and the results are rewarding. Exploration of locations for containers, in- side and outside, is a source of play and fun. Channel 18 air times/dates: April 7, 21 at 11:00am April 16 at 3:00pm Pollen Ecology Presented by Larry Dapsis, Cape Cod Entomologist Honeybees, both locally and nationally, have been suf- fering catastrophic losses. This program will review honeybee biology and the factors responsible for the problem. In addition, we will review the state of wild pollinators like bumblebees and the things residents can do to help them. Many of the fruits and vegetables we eat require pollination. Channel 18 air times/dates: April 1, 14, 28 at 11:00am April 23 at 3:00pm Chair Yoga This class is designed to teach beginners, as well as accommodating 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: April 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 27 at 7:00am April 4, 18, 25, 26 at 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 will be your instructor. Channel 18 air times/dates: Part 1 & 2 - 7:00am: April 1, 4, 6, 13, 21, 25, 28 Part 1 & 2 - 11:00am April 27 Part 3 & 4 - 7:00am April 11, 18, 20, 26 Part 3 & 4 - 11:00a April 5, 13 For the latest information on town topics, we encourage you to visit the Town of Brewster website at: www.brewster-ma.gov Page 7 Brewster, MA April 2022 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 9:00am Pedicure 4 5 9:00am Qi Gong 9:30am W.O.W. 10:30am Beginner Tai Chi 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 2:30pm Bit of Bliss Yoga 6 9:00am Computer Help 9:00am Income Tax/TH 1:00pm Quilters 7 10:00am Advanced Tai Chi 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 2:00pm BMCC 8 11 10:00am Blood Pressure & Glucose Testing 10:00am Advanced Tai Chi 11:15am Intermediate Tai Chi 12 9:00am Qi Gong 9:30am W.O.W. 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 2:30pm Bit of Bliss Yoga 13 9:00am Computer Help 9:00am Income Tax/TH 10:00am Senior Technology Day 11:00am Healthy Meals In Motion (Frederick Court) 1:00pm Quilters 14 10:00am Advanced Tai Chi 11:15am Intermediate Tai Chi 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 2:00pm BMCC 15 18 The COA is closed 19 9:00am Qi Gong 9:30am W.O.W. 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 2:30pm Bit of Bliss Yoga 20 9:00am Computer Help 1:00pm Quilters 21 8:00am Pet Grooming 9:00am Hearing Screenings 10:00am Advanced Tai Chi 11:15am Intermediate Tai Chi 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 2:00pm BMCC 22 25 10:00am Blood Pressure & Glucose Testing 10:00am Advanced Tai Chi 11:15am Intermediate Tai Chi 26 9:00am Qi Gong 9:30am W.O.W. 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 2:30pm Bit of Bliss Yoga 27 9:00am Computer Help 1:00pm Quilters 28 10:00am Advanced Tai Chi 11:15am Intermediate Tai Chi 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 2:00pm BMCC 29 2:00pm Ice Cream at the COA! (Brewster in Bloom weekend - 4/29 to 5/1) Senior Happenings Page 9 April 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 pro- duce 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, April 13. 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. SHINE Notes Are you confused about what you’re paying at the pharmacy? Wondering why that one drug is so expensive when it was cheaper last month? Before spending frustrating hours dealing with a person at the other end of the phone at your insurance company, call your SHINE counselors. We may be able to decipher problems and offer solutions quickly and easily. We aren’t just here during open enrollment, we’re here year ‘round. 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 April 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. Senior Fitness Hour “Senior Fitness Hour” is found on Channel 99 of Lower Cape Community Access TV for older adults in the communities of Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, and Truro. It is the result of a collaborative effort between Lower Cape TV and the Councils on Aging in these communities. Every weekday there will be fitness classes featuring instructors from various senior centers. From 10:00 - 10:30am, there will be regular senior fitness classes, and from 10:30 - 11:00am there will be chair fitness classes. See below for the schedule: 10-10:30am: Regular Senior Fitness 10:30-11am: Chair Fitness M Frank’s Funky Fitness M,W,F Life Exercises with Janet Tue, Th Morning Fitness with Becky Tue Chair Fitness with Melissa W Fitness with Melissa Th Sit Fitness with Becky F Gentle Yoga with Debra Medical Equipment Loans: Our medical shed is open Monday - Friday for equipment pick up. 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. If donating, please call the COA first at 508-896-2737 to tell us what you are bringing. Vaccination/Booster Information If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccination and/or booster shots, or if you need to get one, please call the Brewster COA at 508-896-2737. Heart Health The heart is an incredible organ - it beats about 100,000 times a day. According to the World Health Organiza- tion, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, with heart attacks and strokes at the top of the list. Luckily, your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases can be lowered by making lifestyle changes. ● Smoking cessation. Smoking can increase heart rate and blood pressure. This is due to smoke damaging blood vessels, causing them to thicken. The heart has to work harder to pump blood through the narrow passage. Smoking can also cause the formation of blood clots, increasing the risk for a stroke. ● Eating a balanced diet. Research has shown that eating a diet that is high in cholesterol, saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium is linked to cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends a diet emphasizing fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins. Additionally, they recommend minimal processed foods, minimal added sugar, limited alcohol consumption, and low sodium. Speak with your healthcare team about what a healthy, balanced diet looks like for you. ● Regular physical activity. Adults should aim to get at least 150-300 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Regular physical activity lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Any amount of movement is better than none, so speak with your healthcare team about what kinds of physical activity are right for you. ● Medication Adherence. According to the American Heart Association, not adhering to your medication instructions significantly increases the risk for mortality, repeat hospitalizations, and heart failure. Make sure to regularly see your healthcare team to help manage your health and medications. For more information about lifestyle changes you can make to improve heart health, visit //heart.org/en/healthy-living COVID-19 Home Test Kits for Brewster HOMEBOUND residents On Saturday, March 5th, the Town distributed COVID-19 Home Test Kits. If you are a Brewster HOMEBOUND resident and would like to have a kit, please call us at 508-896-2737. Page 11 April 2022 Brewster, MA ‘Brewster Bayside Chatter’ Online: The ‘Brewster Bayside Chatter’ is available online each month and can be found at: https://www.brewster-ma.gov/council-on-aging Scroll down to where it reads: ‘our newsletters are available online’ and click on the link! Or go directly to: http://records.brewster-ma.gov/weblink/Browse.aspx?dbid=0&startid =75664&row =1&cr=1 Sightings from the Poop Deck “Happiness is like peeing in your pants. Everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth.” Jon Foreman Like many of you, I am on a consistent regimen of visiting with my primary care physicians periodically throughout the year. My daily activities rotate around my doctor appointments like the earth revolving in orbit around the sun. These visits come more frequently now and are in direct proportion with my age, e.g., the older I get the more frequent my doctor visits. Before I visit with my cardiologist I need to fast and then run to Fontaine for a blood test which the doctor will subsequently analyze and make adjustments to my medication. I do not ob- ject to his dictates and think he is doing a marvelous job. Afterall I’m still here! On one of my visits a few years ago, the results of the blood test indicated that my kidneys needed to work a little harder, and I was given a new prescription for a diuretic. Many of you are aware of the results when taking a diuretic. The prescription… 20mg Torsemide tablet taken daily. Now I don’t know if any of you are familiar with Torsemide, but if you are, you are well aware of the consequences. Warning - if you plan on shopping on any giv- en day after swallowing a Torsemide tablet, choose a store either surrounded by many trees, or be sure you know where all the restrooms are located. By the way, over the years, post Torsemide, I have put together a handy- dandy booklet of every store on Cape Cod and where its restrooms are located. Big tip…If you happen to be in Home Depot in Hyannis and you get an emergency calling, grab a bucket and hide behind the appliances because you will never find the restroom in time. My illustrated booklet is very complete and up-to-date and should you wish your very own autographed copy of the first edition send me a self-addressed-stamped envelope. Please indi- cate how you would like me to sign it, otherwise it will read, “Running on Empty.” Guys, here is another bit of helpful advice. Those favorite chinos that you can’t live without are no longer suitable in public if you are on a diuretic. They are a no-no. Ditch them forever, or plan on investing in some adult pampers. You may want to dig out those navy and black trousers as an alternative. I have recently completed a very unscientific study and concluded that many dogs may also be on Torse- mide. Why else would they stop at every pole, tree, and fence post? I really envy them, but then again I mimic them when no one is looking. Peter R. Scheffer - (“Life is Good!”) - Now where the hell is that restroom in Home Depot? Bucket please!! poop deck, n., a deck above a ship’s main afterdeck Transportation Notes: Due to demand, we regret that we are unable to accommodate grocery shopping or other errand requests from our friends residing at assisted living facilities. However, we are happy to still offer rides to routine medical appointments as far as Hyannis. Appointments should be booked between the hours of 9:00am and 2:00pm. We do require a 4 business day notice. This service is provided by volunteers using their own private vehicles. Please call the COA for more information 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 at least two days notice. There is a maxi- mum of 4 people per trip. A suggested donation of $2 is accepted for this ser- vice. Please call the COA to schedule your ride at 508-896-2737. NOTE: This service is not available to those residing at assisted living facilities. 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 April 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 Kelly Rooney at our Brewster Nutrition Site at 508-896-5070.