HomeMy Public PortalAboutMay 20221673 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631 • (508) 896-2737 • Fax (508) 896-7587
Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm Monday - Thursday, as well as Fridays by appointment.
Denise Rego, Director Andrea Nevins, COA Board Co-Chair Sharon Tennstedt, COA Board Co-Chair
May 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.
May is Older Americans
Month
Older adults play vital, positive roles
in our communities – as family members, friends, mentors,
volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and
more. Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age
and how they choose to do it – and there is no “right” way.
That’s why the theme for Older Americans Month (OAM) 2022
is Age My Way.
Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL)
leads the celebration of OAM. This year’s theme focuses on
how older adults can age in their communities, living inde-
pendently for as long as possible and participating in ways
they choose.
While Age My Way will look different for each person, here are
common things everyone can consider:
● Planning: Think about what you will need and want in
the future, from home and community-based services to
community activities that interest you.
● Engagement: Remain involved and contribute to your
community through work, volunteer, and/or civic
participation opportunities.
● Access: Make home improvements and modifications,
use assistive technologies, and customize supports to
help you better age in place.
● Connection: Maintain social activities and
relationships to combat social isolation and stay
connected to your community.
For more information, visit the official OAM website, follow
ACL on Twitter and Facebook, and join the conversation
using #OlderAmericansMonth
Brewster Health and Wellness Fair
Tuesday, May 17 10:00am to 2:00pm
Brewster Baptist Church 1848 Main Street, Brewster
We invite you to join us for our 1st Health and Wellness Fair
on Tuesday, May 17th. The Brewster COA is sponsoring this
event which will be held at the Brewster Baptist Church from
10:00am to 2:00pm. People of all ages are welcome to attend.
We have approximately 20 agencies and programs that will be
represented, informing us about:
Exercise Programming for Young and Old, Fire Safety &
Emergency Preparedness, Dental Health & Hygiene, Wise &
Well Use of Medications, Nutrition and Nutrition Services,
Complementary Health Care Options, Mental Health &
Coping, Alzheimer's & Dementia, Help At Home, Scams &
Scalawags, Home Fit: Modifications for Health & Safety,
Covid Updates & Testing Help, and Caregiving.
There will be something for everyone. Come learn something
new and help make this first fair a success!
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.
Holiday Closing Notes
The COA will be closed on Monday, May 30 in honor
of Memorial Day. See page 2 for information on a
special ceremony being held here at the COA.
Page 2 Brewster, MA May 2022
Memorial Day Ceremony at the Brewster COA
May 30 10:00am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
We invite you to join us for Brewster’s annual Memorial Day
Ceremony to honor and remember the US Military personnel
who have died while serving in the US armed forces. Please
refer to the town’s website for updated information at:
www.brewster-ma.gov
Town of Brewster Bike Fest Expo
Saturday, May 21 2:00 - 4:00pm
Eddy Elementary School Gym, 2298 Main St., Brewster
On Saturday, May 21, the Brewster Bikeways Committee and
Brewster Recreation will sponsor a Bike Fest Expo. There will
be bike checks, kids rodeo, bike & helmet fittings, bike bus
loading demonstration, free water bottles & bike lights. Bring
or ride your bike to the expo. Participating organizations:
BPD, COA, BWD, DPW, Friends of Cape Cod Rail Trail, Dept.
of Conservation & Recreation, Cape Cod Commission,
Brewster Bikeways Committee, CCRTA and the Rail Trail Bike
Shop. Snacks and drinks for all! This FREE event is open to
all ages. See you there!
Save the Date! Hike Eagle Point Trail
Saturday, June 4 9:00am FREE
At 9am on Saturday, June 4th, we invite you to join staff from
Brewster Recreation and Council on Aging for a trail hike at
Eagle Point. This intermediate trail is about 1 mile and will
take under 1 hour to hike. Come with us for some fresh air and
some beautiful scenery! We will be taking breaks occasionally
so that folks can grab a drink of water and take it all in. For
more information or to sign up, please contact the Brewster
Recreation Department at 508-896-9430.
Annual Town Election Date and
Voter Registration Deadline
The Annual Town Election will be held on May 24, at
Brewster Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall, 1848 Main St.
Polls will be open from 7:00am until 8:00pm. The voter
registration deadline is May 4 – the Town Clerk’s Office will be
open that day until 8pm. As of press time, early voting ballots
are not an option. If the legislative body adopts early voting,
the information will be updated on the Town website.
Absentee ballots will be available and the application can be
accessed at: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/
absentee/English-Absentee-Ballot-Application.pdf
Welcome Back Spring, Welcome Back to Lunch!
Thursday, May 19 11:30am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands is thrilled to
announce the reopening of our lunch program at the Brewster
Council on Aging! Please join us for our reopening event:
Welcome Back Spring, Welcome Back to Lunch! We will be
honoring Spring with a cookout theme and a menu consisting
of several traditional springtime favorites. This event will be
held on Thursday May 19th at 11:30 am in the large main-
floor room of the Brewster COA. Reservations are
required as seating is limited and available on a first come,
first served basis. If you are 60 or older please call
508-896-5070 by Tuesday 5/17 to RSVP. The event is free of
charge, but we kindly request a $3.00 donation to help our
Meals on Wheels and Dining programs.
New Hydration Station at the Brewster COA!
There is a new water station in the main room at the
Brewster COA, in the back corner that faces the Natural
Resources building. We are grateful to the Friends of Brewster
Elders for purchasing the unit, and to the Town of Brewster for
handling the installation. We are now encouraging all patrons
of COA programs and activities to bring their own refillable
water bottles and fill them at the station. The current water
coolers will be removed. The new Hydration Station will:
encourage drinking Brewster’s tap water rather than single-
use bottled water, reduce plastic consumption by offering
residents and visitors a site to refill reusable bottles, remove
plastic from the waste stream, and be aligned with Brewster’s
commitment to environmental leadership.
New State of the Art Technology at
Brewster Recycling Center
The Town of Brewster has installed state of the art license
plate recognition software at the Brewster Recycling Center.
We are now utilizing this technology to verify permit holders in
place of physical Recycling Center stickers.
As of April 11, all Recycling Center permits purchased will
be electronic.
2022-2023 Recycling Center permits will only be available via
the mail-in program or online at www.brewster-ma.gov.
Once your order is processed, your license plate will be
entered into the database and will be valid for use from
July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023. Current resident
Recycling Center permits remain valid until June 30, 2022.
Page 3 Brewster, MA May 2022
Senior Technology Day
Wednesday, May 11
10:00 – 11:00am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Sponsored by AT&T
On May 11, representatives from the
Hyannis and Cape Cod Mall AT&T stores
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.
Mother’s Day Exercise Program!
“Exercise as We Age”
Wednesday, May 18 10:00 – 11:00am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
If you’re a Mom, Mom-in-law, Grand-
mom, Great-grandmom or anyone else
who has been like a Mom to someone,
why not take some time for yourself and
come to a special presentation to learn
how exercise can help you age graceful-
ly. This engaging, hour-long program,
presented by Nikki Courtney, Exercise
Physiologist from the VNA of Cape Cod.,
will include information on the aging pro-
cess, exercise intensity, exercise guide-
lines, and some basic exercises to do at
home. A small Mother’s Day themed
goodie bag will be given to all partici-
pants. This program is sponsored by the
VNA of Cape Cod. Space is limited so
contact the Brewster COA to reserve
your spot at 508-896-2737
Mobile Dental Hygiene
Service
Wednesday, May 25 9:00am - 3:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Mobile Dental Hygiene Services offers
friendly, convenient, and affordable pre-
ventative oral health care at the Brewster
Council on Aging! The following services
are FREE to eligible individuals with
Medicaid/MassHealth: cleanings,
screenings, oral cancer exams, fluoride
treatments, denture care, education, re-
ferrals. 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
Your Brain Health Journey
Begins!
“Brain Longevity” 4 Week Series
Thursdays, June 2 through 23
2:15 – 3:30pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
$75 for the series
Join Brain Longevity Specialist, Janet
Bettey, E-RYT, YACEP, BLS, to learn
the 4 Pillars of Alzheimer’s Prevention
and steps that you can take today to
improve your memory, cognition and
reduce your risk of developing
Alzheimer’s disease by 50%!
This series is based on over 25 years of
groundbreaking work by the Alzheimer’s
Research & Prevention Foundation.
Class size is limited & you must pre-
register. Call the Brewster COA at
508-896-2737 to reserve your spot.
Pedicure
Wednesday, May 11 9:00am - 3:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
$35.00
Autumn Knight, our pedicure nurse, has
a lot of experience in the field and works
for Cape Cod Healthcare in their clinical
education department. In addition to be-
ing a RN, she is also a Certified Foot
Care Nurse/Specialist (CFCN / CFCS).
Usually occurring on the first Friday of
each 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.
Blood Pressure and
Glucose Testing
2nd and 4th Mondays of each month:
May 9 and 23 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 glu-
cose 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, May 19
9:00 – 11:00am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Advanced Audiology Associates
offers FREE screenings here at the
Brewster Council on Aging. Screenings
are by appointment only and last ap-
proximately 15 minutes. These will in-
clude hearing screenings, ear inspec-
tions 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, 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.
Happy Mother’s Day
to all on Sunday, May 8th!
Page 4
The following exercise classes take
place at the Brewster COA unless
otherwise noted.
Intermediate Tai Chi
Mondays & Thursdays
11:15am - 12:15pm $15 per class
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 improve balance, core
strength, flexibility, and provide a mind-
body connection as a source for stress
relief. Classes will incorporate stretching
warm-ups, Qi Gong breathing exercises,
and an exploration of Traditional Chinese
Medicine concepts for healing and vitali-
ty. During better weather we meet out-
doors at the ball field behind the COA.
To register, please email our instruc-
tor 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 &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 in-
cludes basic warm-up exercises, and
focuses on exploring the "meditation-in-
motion" aspect of practicing Tai
Chi. During better weather we meet out-
doors 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 thera-
peutic, involving slow, repetitive move-
ments which incorporate meditation,
deep breathing and visualization. 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 Drum-
mer Boy Park (warmer weather permit-
ting). 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 gradual-
ly, enhancing your body's ability to move
and empowering you both physically and
mentally. This class is for anyone from
beginners to experienced 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.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.
The next session will start May 24 and
run through June 16. Class fee will be
discussed upon registration. Please
email our instructor, Cindy Doutrich,
at cdoutric@ycp.edu to register.
More things to do…
Quilters
Wednesdays 1:00 - 3:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St
The Brewster Baysters Quilting Group
meets Wednesday afternoons through-
out the month. We invite you to join us.
We welcome beginners to advanced
levels of quilters and love to share ideas
and free advice. Bring your Quilting
inspiration, enthusiasm, some hand-
work and don't forget your Show and
Tell! Join our lively group for lots of
laughs and good conversation about
quilting and other topics.
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 inter-
ested please email Carol so that she
can send you the ZOOM link at
drcarolmarcy@gmail.com
For the latest information on town topics, we
encourage you to visit the Town of Brewster
website at: www.brewster-ma.gov
Brewster, MA May 2022
Page 6 May 2022 Brewster, MA
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 computer skills. Sessions are
FREE!
Our knowledgeable and dedicated volun-
teer 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
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 programming. 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
Tuesday, May 17 11:00am
(Facebook Live)
Season Kickoff! – Memorial Day Recipe.
Join Kelli and a special guest to prepare
for the summer season with a surprise
kickoff recipe that is easy-peasy.
Please call the Dennis Center for
Active Living at 508-385-5067 to ask
for the ingredient list ahead of time.
Garden Party
by Roger S. Hart Photography
and “Revelations in Light”
Multi-media Presentations
Thursday, May 19 10:30am
(via Zoom)
Start your Spring with this photo visit to
the beautiful botanical gardens of the
Northeast in this gorgeous flower lover’s
show! This narrated presentation
features stunning floral photography
synchronized to beautiful music.
Please call the Sandwich COA to
register at 508-888-4737. They will
email the link prior to the
presentation.
Channel 18 - Programming
Update
Channel 18 programming is currently
taking a break. Our exercise pro-
grams, Funky Fitness and Chair Yoga,
will still be aired, but the individual
informative presentations will not be
shown in May. We hope to resume
programming at a later date.
Chair Yoga
This class is designed to teach begin-
ners, 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 flexi-
bility. The class is taught by Araci
Gomes, a certified Yoga instructor.
Channel 18 air times/dates:
May 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 at 7:00am
May 2, 9, 23, 30, 31 at 11:00am
Funky Fitness
This workout program addresses four
major categories of fitness: endurance,
strength, balance & flexibility. Music pro-
vides 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:
May 2, 4, 9, 11, 18, 26, 30
Part 1 & 2 - 11:00am
May 12, 17, 19, 24
Part 3 & 4 - 7:00am
May 16, 23, 25, 31
Part 3 & 4 - 11:00a
May 3, 10, 18
COMING IN JUNE! Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group & Activity
Group for People with Cognitive Impairment returns to the Brewster COA!
2nd & 4th Tues. of each month, 2:30 - 3:30pm at Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
The Caregivers support group and the Dementia support group run simultaneous-
ly. Call Alzheimer’s Family Support Center at 508-896-5170 for more information.
Page 7 Brewster, MA May 2022
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
2
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
11:15am Intermediate
Tai Chi
3
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:30pm Bit of Bliss
Yoga
4
9:00am Computer Help
1:00pm Quilters
5
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
11:15am Intermediate
Tai Chi
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:00pm BMCC
6
9
10:00am
Blood Pressure &
Glucose Testing
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
11:15am Intermediate
Tai Chi
10
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:30pm Bit of Bliss
Yoga
11
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am Pedicure
10:00am Senior
Technology Day
11:00am Healthy Meals
In Motion
(Frederick Court)
1:00pm Quilters
12
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
11:15am Intermediate
Tai Chi
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:00pm BMCC
13
16
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
11:15am Intermediate
Tai Chi
17
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am W.O.W.
10:00am
Health & Wellness Fair
at Brewster Baptist
Church
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:30pm Bit of Bliss
Yoga
18
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Mothers Day
Exercise Program:
“Exercise as We Age”
1:00pm Quilters
19 8:00am Pet
Grooming
9:00am Hearing
Screenings
10:00am Adv. Tai Chi
11:15am Int. Tai Chi
11:30am Welcome Back
To Lunch!
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:00pm BMCC
20
23
10:00am
Blood Pressure &
Glucose Testing
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
11:15am Intermediate
Tai Chi
24
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:30pm Bit of Bliss
Yoga
Town Election Day!
25
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am Mobile Dental
Health
1:00pm Quilters
26
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
11:15am Intermediate
Tai Chi
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:00pm BMCC
27
30
The COA is closed
31
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm Keep Movin’!
2:30pm Bit of Bliss
Yoga
Senior Happenings
Page 9 May 2022 Brewster, MA
Welcome back to Senior Dining
at the COA!
Senior Dining at the COA is
back! See the article on page 2 for the
Welcome Back event on May 19!
Remember to reserve your spot early.
Beginning the week of May 24, Senior
Dining will be available every Tuesday
and Thursday. You will need to reserve
your spot 2 business days in ad-
vance. The monthly menu is always
available, just ask, and the requested
meal donation is $3.00. Give Kelly in our
Brewster Nutrition Center a call at 508-
896-5070 to reserve.
Transportation can be arranged. Simply
call the COA at 508-896-2737 to book
your ride. Rides to/from lunch are FREE!
The Senior Dining program is sponsored
by Elder Services of Cape Cod and the
Islands.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels delivers meals to peo-
ple aged 60 and over who are unable to
prepare their own meals. For more infor-
mation 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.
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, May 11.
Please call the COA Outreach Office to
enroll at 508-896-2737.
SHINE Notes: Medicare Savings
Programs:
Do you want to save money on your
Medicare Coverage? Medicare Savings
Programs (also known as “MassHealth
Buy-In” programs) are programs that
help older residents and people living
with disabilities save money on their
Medicare coverage.
If you have limited income and assets,
you may qualify for a Medicare Savings
Program. This program will pay your
monthly Medicare Part B premium. In
some cases, it may also pay your out-of-
pocket Medicare Part A and B costs.
The income and asset limits for the Med-
icare Savings Programs have increased
for 2022.
Got questions? Our Brewster COA
SHINE counselors can be reached at
508-896-2737.
Outreach Notes
Our Outreach staff is available for infor-
mation about: Fuel Assistance, SNAP
Assistance, Emergency Buttons,
Homecare Assistance, Medical Equip-
ment, Elder Services, and referrals of all
types. For help with any of these, please
contact the Outreach Office at
508-896-2737.
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
never expire!
Medical Equipment Loans
Our medical shed is open
Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm,
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.
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, Thank You!
Disclaimer:
The Brewster Senior Center offers many
legal, financial, recreational, medical
screening or other services and/or activi-
ties by volunteer or nominal-cost practi-
tioners. Seniors participating in these
services do so with the understanding
that the Brewster Council on Aging, The
Brewster Senior Center, the Town of
Brewster, or its employees or agents DO
NOT ASSUME ANY LEGAL RESPON-
SIBILITY FOR ANY ADVICE OR SER-
VICES RENDERED BY SUCH VOLUN-
TEER OR NOMINAL COST PRACTI-
TIONER. Any act, advice, or service by
outside providers at the Council on Ag-
ing SHOULD NOT BE PRESUMED TO
BE ENDORSED OR SPONSORED BY
THE BCOA.
Page 10 May 2022 Brewster, MA
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
A Message from Nikki Courtney,
Exercise Physiologist & Activities
Specialist
VNA of Cape Cod - Public Health and
Wellness
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
Combating the Blues
According to a report from the National
Academies of Sciences, Engineering,
and Medicine, more than one third of
adults over 45 years old feel lonely and
almost one fourth of adults over the age
of 65 are considered socially isolated.
Being isolated can significantly
increase the risk of premature death and
other major health concerns. The CDC
reports that social isolation in
older adults is associated with a 50%
increased risk for dementia, 29%
increased risk for heart disease, and
32% increased risk for stroke. Luckily,
there are community resources and life-
style changes that can help.
• Local Community Centers:
Senior Centers and Community
Centers provide services including trans-
portation services, congregate meals,
fitness classes, recreational activities,
day programs, outreach services, and
more. Joining different programs and
resources are a great way to make new
friends in a safe, fun, welcoming environ-
ment.
• Support Groups:
There are many organizations dedicated
to advocacy in areas that affect us.
Whether it’s for a health condition,
bereavement, or making a lifestyle
change, being around others you can
relate with is a great way to combat lone-
liness.
• Learn a new hobby:
It’s never too late to learn something
new! Take a seminar, learn to play a
new game, or learn a new skill. Find a
book club, knitting club, or other activity
you enjoy.
• Physical Activity:
The US Department of Health and
Human Services Physical Activity Guide-
lines for Americans recommend that old-
er adults should do at least
150- 300 minutes of moderate intensity
physical activity a week. Aerobic,
strength, balance, and flexibility training
have proven to boost your mood and
keep you independent.
You Were Off The Charts!
The Brewster Vision
Planning Committee is
pleased to announce that a record-
breaking 25% of eligible Brewster resi-
dents participated in our recent online
and "pop up" survey! Thank You!
We heard your ideas and concerns on
issues like Community Character, Water
Resources, Open Space, Housing,
Economy, and Climate Change. Renters,
second homeowners, year-round resi-
dents -- 2,312 of you participated and
voiced your opinions. We are beyond
grateful for your interest, concern, and
involvement. These survey results will
inform the town's first local comprehen-
sive plan which will align with the goals
and objectives of the Cape Cod
Commission's Cape Cod Regional Policy
Plan.
Stay tuned for the next phase of our
community planning process. Visit the
town website at www.brewster-
ma.gov for more information.
Pet Nail Trimming
Thursday, May 19 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.
Brewster’s Dog Park
Our new Dog Park is almost complete
and opening day is scheduled for
Saturday, May 21. For more information
please refer to the town’s website at
www.brewster-ma.gov
Grocery Shopping Update:
We now offer Grocery Shopping Trips
two days per week! See page 12 for
more info.
Page 11 May 2022 Brewster, MA
Sightings from the Poop Deck
“I have noticed that people who are
late are often so much jollier than
those who have to wait for them.”
Edward Verall Lucas
Yesterday I went for my six-month
carotid artery ultrasound with a new
vascular surgeon, since my regular
doctor recently relocated further away
and I was not willing to travel any further
than Hyannis. It was a 7:30am appoint-
ment in Hyannis so I left the house at
6:25, gassed up at BJ’s and was in the
doctor’s office at 7:00. I have this thing
which exists in my gene pool about
punctuality, probably acquired from a
Lufthansa Airlines slogan that reads,
“Punctuality is the respect for other peo-
ple’s time.” I know, you have heard this
from me in a previous PD, but I really like
it. Further, Vince Lombardi used to say
that if he called a team meeting at eight
o’clock and you showed up at 7:45 you
were late. Perhaps I too am a student of
Vince Lombardi. I really like that too!
So, back to my carotids. The techni-
cian picked me up in the waiting room at
7:20 and the testing took no more than
twenty minutes. After that he typed up
the report for the doctor, which the doc-
tor would have subsequently reviewed
with me. I was led out into an adjacent
waiting room, had my vitals checked by
the nurse, and was told to wait for the
doctor, so I sat down and made myself
comfortable staring at the four walls and
taking inventory. Fifteen minutes passed
and no doctor. I could not imagine what
was causing the delay, since I was the
first patient that morning, so I created
some off-the-wall scenario, had my
imagination run away, thought awful
things and pictured my new doctor
having coffee and a doughnut, or maybe
even rolling over and grabbing another
few minutes of sleep. Fifteen more
minutes passed and I could only imagine
that he was now either on his second
doughnut, or snoring away and blowing
me off. Needless to say both he and my
imagination had pushed me to the limit
and beyond, so I did what I normally
would do…and have done before…I got
up and I left. As the old saying goes,
“Time waits for no one”... and neither do
I! I wasn’t in my car, heading for the
doughnut shop…he made them look
good…more than five minutes when my
cell phone rang. It was the nurse. “Mr.
Scheffer, where are you? You are sup-
posed to be here so the doctor can go
over the results of your ultrasound!”
Sounded like I had done something
wrong. Tsk tsk, naughty boy! My reply
was very terse but respectful. Very calm-
ly I replied, “Please tell the doctor that I
waited thirty minutes for him, which was
longer than I ever waited for any tardy
college professor, and that my time is as
important to me as his time is to him. Tell
him!” I wanted to say that while he was
wolfing down two extra doughnuts and
coffee I was on my third inventory and
patiently waiting, but I did not wish to
perpetuate his apparent disrespect.
I mean, it was not like he had an emer-
gency and had to rush off to the hospital
to deliver a baby. Maybe the poor guy
was having a Torsemide fit and didn’t
have my new booklet.
Coincidentally, I have two doctor
appointments next week, so if you
doctors happen to be reading this, hold
off on those doughnuts until we are fin-
ished, or you too may be giving a report
to an empty room. Besides, doughnuts
are not good for those carotids!
Peter R. Scheffer (“Life is Good!”) -
Tempus Fugit!! Thirty minutes of my life,
which I can ill afford to give up, are gone
forever!
Epilogue: No, I have not heard from the
good doctor, nor do I expect to. More
importantly, he won’t be hearing from me
either…..ever!!
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 ser-
vice is provided by volunteers using their
own private vehicles. Please call the COA
for more information at 508-896-2737.
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.
‘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
BHT - BOSTON HOSPITAL
TRANSPORTATION
Enjoy comfortable and safe transportation from
Cape Cod DIRECT to Boston hospitals on a wheel-
chair-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 Tuesdays and
Thursdays, from 11:00am to 1:00pm. We require a minimum of 2 days notice.
There is 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.
NOTE: This service is not available to those residing at assisted living facilities.
MEDICAL & DENTAL 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 sched-
ule your ride. Please notify the COA if you can’t keep your appointment 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 appoint-
ments 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 May 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: We are pleased to welcome back our on-site Senior Dining program at the
Brewster COA beginning with a special meal on Thursday, May 19. See page 2 for more
information. After the 19th, meals will be served at the COA on Tuesdays and
Thursdays. There is a $3.00 requested donation per meal. For more information,
please contact Kelly Rooney, our Nutrition Site Coordinator at: 508 -896-5070