Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAboutMarch 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 March 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. Income Tax Preparation with AARP Wednesdays through April 13 Brewster Town Hall, 2198 Main Street ‘Tis the season for Income Tax! 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 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) 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 A Timely Reminder: Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 13. Remember to set all clocks forward one hour, and remember to check the batteries in your smoke detector(s) too. Spring officially begins on Sunday, March 20! Senior Technology Day Wednesday, March 9 10:00am – 12:00pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main St. Sponsored by AT&T On March 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. Farewell to Lisa Donovan, Program Coordinator We are sad to say that Lisa has left us and has returned to her roots, which are in the criminal justice field. She was recruited by the Office of the District Attorney in Barnstable County to rejoin their team working as a Victim Witness Advocate. We wish her the best of luck and will miss her. The Wearin’ of the Green St. Patrick’s Day is on Thursday, March 17. Stop by the COA on that day, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, and show us that you’re wearing your green. The COA will be giving out a St. Patrick’s Day treat! (while supplies last) Page 2 Brewster, MA March 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! Pedicure Friday, March 4 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, March 17 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: March 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, March 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. Mobile Dental Hygiene Service Wednesday, March 23 Brewster COA, 1673 Main St. Mobile Dental Hygiene Services offers friendly, convenient, and affordable preventative oral health care at the Brewster Council on Aging! The following services are FREE to eligible individuals with Medi- caid/MassHealth: cleanings, screen- ings, oral cancer exams, fluoride treatments, denture care, education, referrals. No dental insurance? They offer reduced private-pay options. The price of a cleaning includes an exam and denture care. Please contact Mobile Dental Hygiene Services if you have any questions or you would like to make an appointment. Their telephone number is 508-827-6725 or check them out at: smiles@mobiledentalhygiene.com Senior Shellfish Licenses Senior Shellfish Licenses are availa- ble at our office, 8am to 4pm Tues- days, 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) collaborates to strengthen our partner- ships and leverage our collective resources to offer older adults on Cape Cod enhanced options for virtual programming. Join us as we connect visually through Zoom, widen our circles and take advantage of greater opportunities for engagement, enrichment and education. Below is a list of virtual programs open to all. A MATTER OF BALANCE (MOB) Beginning Wednesday, March 9 8 weeks 10:00am - 12:00pm (via Zoom) Are concerns about falling keeping you from doing the things you enjoy? Every Wednesday for 8 weeks, we come together as a group facilitated by certified trainers Pegg and Brenda. MOB is an evidence-based program proven to build your confidence and give you tools to help you stay active and connected. For more information or to register, call 508-385-5067 or email sjones@town.dennis.ma.us HEALTH TALKS: Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes Wednesday, March 9 10:00am - 11:00am (via Zoom) What you need to know about surgery and rehabilitation with a physical therapist and the experts from Kindred Health. Presenter: Joanne Burbank, RN, Kindred Health To register call the Barnstable Council on Aging at 508-862-4750. BUYING & OWNING (or LEASING) A CAR Wednesday, March 9 1:00pm (via Zoom) Having a car can be an expensive proposition. Find tips on buying vs. leasing, negotiating the best deal, financing, getting the most out of warranties and service contracts, using gas efficiently, and avoiding repossession. Presenter: Marie C. Clougher, Esq., Executive Director, Consumer Assistance Council. To register call the Barnstable Council on Aging at 508-862-4750. THE UNUSUAL BOOK CLUB Wednesday, March 16 10:00am (via Zoom) Love books but feel stressed if you have to read one by a cer- tain date? This book club is different! Rather than reading one book, we will gather to recommend books on a selected theme. March theme: Fantasy & Science Fiction. Join us! To register call the Provincetown Senior Center at 508-487-7080. MEN IN RETIREMENT: Henry Quinlan Wednesday, March 16 10:30am - 11:30am (via Zoom) So, you’ve retired….what now? Learn about how retirement can bring new relationship issues, and for men who do not find new meaningful activities to replace work, there is the risk of boredom and a sense of purposelessness that can be stressful and lead to depression, marital issues, and health problems. For more information or to register, call the Bourne Council on Aging: 508-759-0600 ext. 5300 A VIRTUAL DOCK TOUR OF WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION Wednesday, March 16 1:30pm (via Zoom) Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is the world's leading, independent non-profit organization dedicated to ocean research, exploration, and education. It is committed to ad- vancing knowledge of the ocean and its connection with the Earth system. Presented by Paul Daigle, docent at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. To register call the Orleans Council on Aging at 508-255-6333 beginning March 1. LIGHT HOUSES OF NEW ENGLAND Tuesday, March 22 1:30pm (via Zoom) Presented by Jeremy D’Entremont Jeremy D'Entremont is a historian for the US Lighthouse Soci- ety, president and historian of the American Lighthouse Foun- dation, and the founder of Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Light- houses. An author and producer, he has appeared many times on national TV and radio speaking about lighthouse his- tory. Jeremy will share stories of the many lighthouses that dot the shorelines of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantuck- et. To register call the Orleans Council on Aging at 508-255-6333 beginning March 1st. GARDEN TALK-POLLINATION ECOLOGY – HOW CAN WE HELP BEES? Tuesday, March 22 11:00am - 12:00pm (via Zoom) Honeybees, both locally and nationally have been suffering catastrophic losses. This program will review honeybee biolo- gy and the factors responsible for this problem. Many of the fruits and vegetables we eat require pollination. Presenter: Larry Dapsis, Etymologist, Cape Cod County Extension. To register call the Barnstable Council on Aging at 508-862-4750. NEW PATH TO POSITIVE CAREGIVING Wednesday, March 23 10:00am - 11:00am (via Zoom) This program is an overview of the Savvy Caregiver program offered at the Barnstable COA. The series provides the care- giver with skills, knowledge and techniques needed to provide care to a person (most often a friend, or family member) who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (or a progres- sive dementia). Presenter: Stacey Cullen. To register call the Barnstable Council on Aging at 508-862-4750. Page 3 Brewster, MA March 2022 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 learn Tai Chi and the many physical and spiritual 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 reducing stress. Participants will learn the easy Tai Chi Eight Form (Yang style), a basic sequence of movements open to all ages and abilities. No special equip- ment or previous experience is nec- essary. Classes incorporate stretch- ing warm-ups, Qi Gong breathing exercises, and an introduction to tra- ditional Chinese medicine concepts of energy flow through the body for healing and vitality. We 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 ball field be- hind the COA. Also, a free Qi Gong class every Wednesday on Zoom is included in bi-weekly Tai Chi class participation. 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 exer- cises, and focuses on exploring the "meditation-in-motion" aspect of practicing Tai Chi. Our instructor, A.Jay Zahn, has been practicing Tai Chi for 40 years and teaching on the Cape since 2018. The cost is $15 per class, and class size is limited to 11 people. 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 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 me- ridians to relieve and support vari- ous organs. We meet at the Brewster COA and at Drummer Boy Park, warmer weather permitting. Our participants also 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 cur- rently 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 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.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 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 for the class. Brewster, MA March 2022 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 us- ing theirs, many thanks!! Page 6 March 2022 Brewster, MA March Programs on Channel 18 Please note: Times and dates may change. If the Town of Brewster needs to televise a live program, any program featured below could be pre-empted. Nutrition for Healthy Aging Presented by Emily Pacetti, Food Service Clinical Manager at 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: March 2, 15, 23 11:00am March 12 3:00pm What You Need to Know About Geriatric Care Management Presented by Jill Beardsley, MA, CAGS of Case Management Professionals in Hyannis This presentation will discuss the role of a Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) and their areas of expertise. It reviews when you may need the help of a GCM, what to expect, and how to go about hiring a GCM who is right for you and your needs. For further information, please contact Jill at 508-771-1075 or jill@csacapecod.com. Channel 18 air times/dates: March 4, 17, 30 11:00am March 26 3:00pm Home Improvement Contractors Presented by Robin Putnam, Research and Special Projects Manager from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation This presentation includes information about the Home Improve- ment contractor programs, including registration of contractors, how to file a complaint, and how to apply to arbitration and the guaranty fund. Channel 18 air times/dates: March 14, 22 11:00am March 5 3:00pm Home Safety and Modification Presented by Dave Karas, Certified Aging in Place Specialist Along with good health and economic security, planning for appro- priate housing that meets one’s needs over time is essential and should not wait for a health crisis to begin. Evaluate your home’s suitability for “aging in place” and learn from a Certified Aging in Place specialist a number of free and affordable modifications that can make your home safer and age-ready. Valuable resources will be shared for making wise and informed decisions for the best safety and home modification solutions. Channel 18 air times/dates: March 10, 31 11:00am March 19 3:00pm Critical Financial Conversations with Your Family Presented by Bob Mauterstock, Financial Advisor 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 to communicate clearly with their children. Channel 18 air times/dates: March 9, 24 11:00am 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 mini- mizing 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: March 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 30 7:00am March 7, 21, 28, 29 11:00am Funky Fitness This workout program addresses four major categories of fitness: endurance, strength, balance & flexibility. Music provides the back- drop 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: March 4, 7, 9, 16, 24, 28, 31 Part 1 & 2 - 11:00am March 1 Part 3 & 4 - 7:00am March 2, 14, 21, 23, 29 Part 3 & 4 - 11:00am March 3, 8, 16 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 March 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 9:00am Income Tax/TH 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’! 2:30pm Bit of Bliss Yoga 9 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 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 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 2:30pm Bit of Bliss Yoga 16 9:00am Computer Help 9:00am Income Tax/TH 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. 10:30am Beginner Tai Chi 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 2:30pm Bit of Bliss Yoga 23 9:00am Computer Help 9:00am Mobile Dental Health 9:00am Income Tax/TH 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 29 9:00am Qi Gong 9:30am W.O.W. 10:30am Beginner Tai Chi 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 2:30pm Bit of Bliss Yoga 30 9:00am Computer Help 9:00am Income Tax/TH 1:00pm Quilters 31 10:00am Advanced Tai Chi 1:00pm Keep Movin’! 2:00pm BMCC Senior Happenings Page 9 March 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, March 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 is here, 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 March 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. Medical Equipment Loans: Our medical shed is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for equip- ment 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 planning on bringing. Vaccination/Booster Information If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccination and don’t know who to call, please see the list of helpful resources below. It is always best to call your doctor FIRST, as they would understand your complete medical history and can therefore properly advise you. Visit the town’s website at https://www.brewster-ma.gov/ Call the Brewster Health Department at 508-896-3701 X1120 Call the Brewster COA at 508-896-2737 COVID-19 hotline: 774-330-3001 Dial 211 which connects you to information about critical health and human services programs. As of 1/19/22, every home in the US is eligible to order 4 FREE at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government. The tests usually ship in 7-12 days. To order, go to http://www.covidtests.gov/ Exercise to Support Your Immune System Your immune system is your body’s defense to fighting off infection and disease. This intricate combination of cells, tissues, and organs works together to identify threats and neutralize them. Every body is different, but did you know regular exercise can actually help to boost your immune system? The American College of Sports Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. “Every exercise session that meets the above requirements activates the army of immune cells to seek and defend against invaders. Cardiorespiratory exercise is particularly effective at deploying this defense, which increases the rate at which the army of cells can search for invaders (DeSimone, 2021).” But how exactly does exercise help boost your immune system? “The total leukocyte count can increase two- or threefold after even brief dynamic exercise… this translates to literally billions of immune cells being redeployed between the blood and tissues in response to every single bout of exercise we perform (Baker and Simpson, 2021).” Research has shown that regular exercise not only helps support your immune response, it can also improve your body’s response to vaccinations. “Regular exercise has been shown to improve immune responses to vaccination, lower chronic inflammation, and improve various centers, HIV, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive impairment (DeSimone, 2021).” While physical activity is important for all, there are contraindications for exercise. Speak with your healthcare team about what kind of physical activities are safe for you. References: Baker, Forrest L. Ph.D.; Simpson, Richard J. Ph.D., FACSM Exercise to Support Optimal Immune Function, ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal: 1/2 2021 - Volume 25 - Issue 1 - p 5-8 doi: 10.1249/FIT.0000000000000628 DeSimone, Grace T. B.A., ACSM-CPT, ACSM-GEI SHAREABLE RESOURCE, ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal: 3/4 2021 - Volume 25 - Issue 2 - p 3 doi: 10.1249/FIT.0000000000000656 Page 11 March 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 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 Sightings from the Poop Deck “All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and re- pairs the evil. The only crime is pride.” Sophocles We were living at 362 Monroe Street, a tough neigh- borhood in Passaic, New Jersey in 1943. It was extreme- ly hot, we were on summer break and the kids on the block were just hanging out. It was late in the afternoon and we were actually brainstorming trying to come up with some productive and mischievous idea. When I think of it now it was kind of like the Ernest Borgnine movie “Marty,” “What do you want to do today, Marty? I don’t know, what do you want to do?” Since I was the youngest of this bunch of hooligans, no one paid any attention to my suggestions, like “How about a movie?” What we settled on was to be my introduction into my life of crime. We were going to go into “Mr. Toma- toes’” tomato garden and help ourselves to his yield. I said I wasn’t going; that would be stealing. This gang convinced me that Mr. Tomatoes said it was perfectly okay to help ourselves. Hey, I’m six years old and these guys were ten or eleven, so I’m easy prey. So off we go around the corner to Martha Place. It seemed odd that if these tomatoes were free for the taking, why the six foot fence? So the big guys jump up and over and some- one gives me a boost, since I can’t reach the top rail, then over I go. We were in the garden about five minutes when I happen to notice Mr. Tomatoes looking out his kitchen window, but he wasn’t waving and he wasn’t smiling. As a matter of fact his face was beet red (maybe tomato red) and he was heading for the door. My “friends” made a beeline to the fence and were over it like they were world-class hurdlers. I jumped for the top rail and couldn’t quite reach after three tries. On my fourth try I was assisted by Mr. Tomatoe’s size 10 L.L.Bean boot attached to his right foot and accompa- nied by some well-known Italian profanity that I actual- ly understood. I was airborne but did not holler out “Geronimo”, only “Ow!” It would not surprise me if Mr. Tomatoes turned out to be Adam Vinatieri’s grandfa- ther. As I limped around the corner massaging my sore bum, I was greeted by a bunch of my ex friends who were doubled over and rolling on the ground laughing. “Not funny,” I said. The tomatoes in my pockets had been crushed so badly that I could not even offer them to my mother for tomato sauce. As fate would have it, our apartment was scheduled to be razed the following year which meant we had to move, and my life of crime would thankfully be over. We moved to Number 60 Sixth Avenue, also in Passaic (where else?). Little did I know that waiting just for me at Number 44, was Joanie Carfora. She didn’t know I was a potential jailbird on parole, yet here we are 77 years later still living the dream. Okay, okay, I’ll admit, I got the better of this deal! Peter R. Scheffer - (“Life is Good!”) - Crime does not pay…and can be a pain in the A - -! poop deck, n., a deck above a ship’s main afterdeck BHT - BOSTON HOSPITAL TRANSPORTATION Enjoy comfortable and safe transportation from Cape Cod DIRECT to Boston hospitals on a wheelchair- accessible bus Service available Mon. thru Thur. only. MONDAY thru THURSDAY SCHEDULE 7:30am Orleans (Shaw’s Market) 7:40am Fontaine Medical Center (Entrance) 7:45am Harwich (Route 6 & 124 Commuter Lot) 8:00am Barnstable (Route 6 & 132 (Burger King) 8:15am Sagamore (Commuter Lot) RESERVATIONS are a MUST!!! (Reserve no later than 9:00am the day before) $30.00 Round Trip/$15.00 One-way Cash or Checks (Payable to CCRTA) accepted For reservations call 1-800-352-7155 Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm Schedule your medical appointments between 10am & 2pm. The bus will leave Boston by 3pm. Please visit the website for more information: www.capecodrta.org TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION COA VAN - We 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 March 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.