HomeMy Public PortalAboutAugust 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
August 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.
“Fun Fridays” in August
It’s the last month of Fun Fridays! Since the COA building remains closed to the public on Fridays while we
are here working inside, we have planned an outdoor event each Friday of the summer. Unless it is a trip, we
meet at the tables by the Bocce court at the COA. Here is the August schedule:
August 5 11:00am -1:00pm Ice Cream Treats and Watermelon with Cindy Bingham, Brewster Select Board Member
August 12 10:00-11:30am Floating Classroom at Pleasant Bay Boating (Trip full)
August 19 1:00 - 3:00pm National Soft Serve Ice Cream Day - Trip to Cobie’s with Brian and Annie
August 26 11:00am - 1:00pm Tour of the Crosby Mansion with Brian
Group sizes are limited and you’ll need to sign up for the program that you are interested in by calling us at 508 -896-2737 to
make sure we can accommodate you. The registration deadline is the Friday of the week BEFORE each event. All events are
FREE and weather-permitting!
White Shark Conservancy talk
Wednesday, August 24 1:00 - 2:30pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
You’re invited to join us for a talk with Kristen Kibblehouse, Community Engagement Manager for the
Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC). AWSC strives to increase knowledge of Atlantic white sharks to change public
perception and conserve the species as well as ensure biologically diverse marine ecosystems. Kristen’s presentation will
provide us with an understanding of the ongoing white shark research projects being conducted and funded by the AWSC;
how that research is impacting conservation and public safety efforts, and up to date information on what that research has
taught us. We will have an opportunity to view videos and photographs during the research season and develop our
knowledge of what a shark is and what it takes to conduct white shark research. At the end of the program, there will be an
opportunity to ask questions and learn how one can get involved in shark and ocean conservation. FREE and open to all.
Please reserve your seat no later than Monday, August 22 by calling the COA at 508 -896-2737.
The Friends of Brewster Elders are having a party and you’re
invited to attend! Wine, beer and plenty of appetizers will be fea-
tured on Sunday, September 18th between 3:00 - 5:00pm. More
details and registration can be found in the August FOBE newslet-
ter. Don’t get the newsletter? A small, $10 annual membership
donation can open doors to all kinds of subsidized events. Why not try out the Friends by attending “A Taste of Crosby
Mansion?” For more information, contact the Friends of Brewster Elders at www.friendsofbrewsterelders.org or find us on
Facebook! You can also call us at 508-385-2881! See more messages from the Friends of Brewster Elders on page 9.
Save The Date!
Page 2 Brewster, MA August 2022
Announcing: Adventures with Annie
Annie Rapaport, our new Program Coordinator, has been
busy planning activities, events and adventures for our
patrons. All classes/programs/events are held at the
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street, unless otherwise noted.
Here’s what’s coming up in August:
National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day!
Thursday, August 4 8:30am to 3:30pm
To help celebrate National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, we
will be giving out delicious, freshly baked chocolate chip cook-
ies from 8:30am until 3:30pm. So, come on by and say ‘hi’ to
Annie and pick up your cookie! One cookie per person.
Knitting/Crocheting
Thursday, August 4 9:30am to 12noon
Welcome all knitters and crocheters! We are starting an
informal knitting/crocheting circle outside on the front
porch/front lawn area. All levels are welcome with assistance
available to any beginners interested in joining. Our first gath-
ering will be on Thursday, August 4 from 9:30am to 12noon.
Bring a lawn chair for overflow sitting on the front lawn, as well
as any projects you are working on, or need help with!
*Please note, this will be weather-permitting. If it is raining,
there will be no group. All interested, sign up with
Annie at 508-896-2737.
Calling all Walkers!
Wednesday, August 11 9:30am
Anyone interested in in starting a weekly walking group?
Please join Annie on Wednesday, August 11 at 9:30 in the
main room to discuss all the possibilities! If unable to attend,
but interested, let Annie know and she will make sure you get
all the information. To sign up please call the COA at
508-896-2737 by Tuesday, August 10.
Crafts with Lucille is back!
Monday, August 15 10:00 - 11:00am
After a long break, Lucille Pooler is restarting her crafts group.
Come join her on the third Monday of each month from 10:00
to 11:00am for a fun hour of crafting, and make some new
friends while you’re at it! No experience necessary; Lucille will
guide you through each project. Materials are provided FREE!
Please call the COA to reserve your seat at 508-896-2737.
Chatham Marconi Maritime Center
Wednesday, August 17
9:45am to 12:00noon
$7.50 per person
Join us on Wednesday, August 17, for a field trip to the
Chatham Marconi Maritime Center. Explore wireless commu-
nication technology and its Chatham history in the Marconi/
RCA-Wireless Museum. The original building constructed by
Guglielmo Marconi in 1914, was dubbed “The World’s Great-
est Coastal Station” and was once home to the largest ship-to-
shore radiotelegraph station in the United States. Established
in 1921 by the Radio Corporation of America it was known to
mariners worldwide as Chatham Radio, WCC. Now you can
learn Morse Code or listen to the distress call from the sinking
SS Marine Electric in the building where WWII Navy personnel
once monitored messages from German U-boats prowling the
Atlantic. Cost of entrance is $7.50 and limited to 10 people.
Please register by calling the COA at 508-896-2737 by
noontime, Monday, August 15. We will meet by the COA
bus at 9:45am and return by approximately 12:00noon.
Senior Technology Day
Wednesday, August 10 11:00am to 12:00noon
Representatives from the Hyannis and Cape Cod Mall AT&T
stores will be on site at the Brewster COA to provide assis-
tance and answers to any technology-related questions.
Please drop by the COA anytime between 11:00am and
12:00noon and feel free to bring the device you have a ques-
tion about. This includes, but is not limited to: cell phone,
Kindle, iPad, laptop, etc. First come, first served.
Do you have a ‘My Senior Center’ Card?
If not, please stop by the front desk and request one. By ob-
taining a card and using it to ‘swipe in’ each time you visit the
COA for a program, you are helping us track program attend-
ance, which in turn helps the COA qualify for various grants.
If you’ve lost your card, or don’t know how simple it is to use it,
just stop by our office. And to all those who have been using
theirs, Thank You!
Pedicure
Friday, August 12 9:00am - 2:30pm
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 being a RN, she is also a
Certified Foot Care Nurse/Specialist (CFCN / CFCS). Usually
occurring on the first Friday of each month, ½-hour appoint-
ments 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:
August 8 and 22 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, August 18 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 appoint-
ment only and last approximately 30 minutes. These will
include hearing screenings, ear inspections and hearing aid
checks. Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 to set an
appointment for this valuable service.
Legal Help
Tuesday, August 23 10:00am to 11:30am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
We are pleased to announce the return of one -on-one
appointments with Attorney Andrew Bardetti of South Coastal
Counties Legal Services. 1/2-hour FREE appointments will
occur the 4th Tuesday of every other month. Please contact
the COA at 508-896-2737 to schedule your appointment. You
must be 60+ to take advantage of this service. In addition,
Attorney Adam Dupuy is available for appointments at his of-
fice in Yarmouth. He can be reached by calling 508-775-3433.
Pet Nail Trimming
Thursday, August 18 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.
Quilters
Wednesdays 1:00 - 3:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
The Brewster Baysters Quilting Group meets Wednesday
afternoons throughout the month and 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 handwork and don't forget your Show and
Tell! Join our lively group for lots of laughs and good conver-
sation about quilting and other topics.
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group & Activity
Group for People with Cognitive Impairment
Tuesdays: August 9 and 30
2:00 - 3:30pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
These groups are being offered by Alzheimer’s Family
Support Center for both Caregivers and those they care for.
The Caregivers support group and the Cognitive Impairment
support group run simultaneously. Please call Alzheimer’s
Family Support Center at 508-896-5170 for more information.
Cape COAST (Councils On Aging Serving
Together) collaborates to strengthen our part-
nerships 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 ad-
vantage of greater opportunities for engagement, enrich-
ment and education.
Travel to Barcelona Spain with JoinPro Tours
Thursday, August 4 10:00am (via Zoom)
Join us for a live tour through the streets of Barcelona, Spain
from the comfort of your own home via Zoom.
Please call the Bourne Council on Aging to register at
508-759-0600 ext. 5300
Page 3 Brewster, MA August 2022
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
includes 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’
Mondays and Wednesdays
8:45 - 9:45am
Session runs from July 6 to August 31
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.
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
Brewster, MA August 2022
Senior Shellfish Licenses
Senior Shellfish Licenses are available
at the COA 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 Brew-
ster 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!
Page 6 August 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 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.
Channel 18 Exercise Programs
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, im-
proving strength, and enhancing flexibil-
ity. The class is taught by Araci Gomes,
a certified Yoga instructor.
Channel 18 air times/dates:
7:00am: August 2, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23
11:00am:
August 1, 8, 10, 15, 22, 24, 29, 31
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:
August 1, 3, 8, 10, 17, 25, 29, 31
Part 1 & 2 - 11:00am:
August 4, 11, 16, 18, 23
Part 3 & 4 - 7:00am:
August 4, 15, 22, 24, 30
Part 3 & 4 - 11:00am:
August 2, 3, 9, 17, 25
For the latest information on town
topics, we encourage you to visit the
Town of Brewster website at:
www.brewster-ma.gov
Free Personal Hygiene Items!
The COA has a large quantity of adult disposable incontinence products in various
sizes. If you know someone who could use them, don’t hesitate to give us a call at
508-896-2737, or just stop by. Let us know what size you’re looking for. If we’ve got
them we will be happy to give them to you!
Changes are coming to the
Bayside Chatter Newsletter!
This is the last monthly version of the
Bayside Chatter. Our informational
newsletter has been beautifully pub-
lished by Liturgical Publishing for over a
dozen years. We have renewed our con-
tract with them and beginning with our
September newsletter, it will be issued
every other month and cover 2 months,
i.e. September/October. Therefore, we
will be distributing 6 newsletters per
year. We’ll also be moving from 12
pages to 16 pages and are excited for
this change as it means we’ll be able to
include more information!
Also, perhaps you are already inundated
with paper and would prefer not to re-
ceive a paper version of our newsletter.
We are now collecting the names and
email addresses of those patrons who
would like to receive the newsletter elec-
tronically. You will not receive anything
other than the newsletter. This will most
likely begin at some point this fall as we’ll
need a bit of time to build our database.
If you would like to have our newsletter
emailed to you, the process is simple.
Just send an email with your name to:
coanewsletter@brewster-ma.gov. In
the subject line, please put ‘email news-
letter’. If the email address you’d like us
to use is different from the one that we
received it from, please give us the new
address. We will then remove your name
from our paper mailing list, and add it to
the virtual version.
We are not discontinuing the paper
version. We’re merely offering another
way for folks to receive it!
Page 7 Brewster, MA July 2022
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
1
8:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
11:15am Intermediate
Tai Chi
2
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am W.O.W.
11:30am Senior Dining
2:30pm Bit of Bliss
Yoga
3
8:45am Keep Movin’!
9:00am Computer Help
1:00pm Quilters
4 National
Chocolate Chip
Cookie Day!
9:30am Knit/Crochet
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
11:15am Int. Tai Chi
11:30am Senior Dining
2:00pm BMCC
5
11:00am - 1:00pm
Ice Cream Treats and
Watermelon
with Cindy Bingham
Brewster Selectboard
Member
8
8:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am
Blood Pressure &
Glucose Testing
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
11:15am Intermediate
Tai Chi
9
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am W.O.W.
11:30am Senior Dining
2:00pm Caregiver
Support Group
2:30pm Bit of Bliss
Yoga
10
8:45am Keep Movin’!
9:00am Computer Help
11:00am Healthy Meals
In Motion
(Frederick Court)
11:00am Senior Tech Day
1:00pm Quilters
11
9:30am ‘Calling all
Walkers’ meeting
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
11:15am Int. Tai Chi
11:30am Senior Dining
2:00pm BMCC
12
9:00am Pedicure
10:00am - 11:30am
Floating Classroom
trip at
Pleasant Bay
Community Boating
(Trip full)
15
8:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Crafts with
Lucille
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
11:15am Intermediate
Tai Chi
16
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am W.O.W.
11:30am Senior Dining
2:30pm Bit of Bliss
Yoga
17
8:45am Keep Movin’!
9:00am Computer Help
9:45am Trip to Chatham
Marconi Maritime Center
1:00pm Quilters
18
8:00am Pet Nail Trim
9:00am Hearing
Screenings
10:00am Adv. Tai Chi
11:15am Int. Tai Chi
11:30am Senior Dining
2:00pm BMCC
19
1:00 - 3:00pm
National Soft Serve
Ice Cream Day:
Trip to Cobie’s with
Brian and Annie
22
8:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am
Blood Pressure &
Glucose Testing
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
11:15am Intermediate
Tai Chi
23
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am W.O.W.
10:00am Legal Help
11:30am Senior Dining
2:30pm Bit of Bliss
Yoga
24
8:45am Keep Movin’!
9:00am Computer Help
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm
White Shark
Conservancy talk
25
10:00am Adv. Tai Chi
11:15am Int. Tai Chi
11:30am Senior Dining
2:00pm BMCC
26
11:00am - 1:00pm
Trip to Crosby
Mansion with Brian
and Annie
29
8:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Advanced
Tai Chi
11:15am Intermediate
Tai Chi
30
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am W.O.W.
11:30am Senior Dining
2:00pm Caregiver
Support Group
2:30pm Bit of Bliss
Yoga
31
8:45am Keep Movin’!
9:00am Computer Help
1:00pm Quilters
Senior Happenings
Page 9 August 2022 Brewster, MA
Senior Dining at the COA!
Senior Dining is available every Tuesday and
Thursday at the Brewster COA. You will need to
reserve your spot 2 business days in advance. The
monthly menu is always available, just ask. The requested
meal donation is $3.00. Simply give our Brewster Nutrition
Center a call at 508-896-5070 to reserve.
Transportation can be arranged. Just 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 people 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.
Outreach Notes
Outreach is available for help with a variety of
subjects: 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.
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, August 10.
Please call the COA Outreach Office to enroll at
508-896-2737.
The Value of the Friends of Brewster Elders & Why We
Deserve your Help and Support
As you may have heard before, the Friends and the Council on Aging
are not one in the same. Rather, the Friends, a separate 501c3 non -profit,
support the Council on Aging when they or their clients need some financial
assistance. Since our inception, the Friends of Brewster Elders (FOBE)
have supplied supplemental funding to the Brewster Council on Aging, Elder Services of Cape Cod, and Lower Cape
Outreach. We’ve made donations to local charities whose work we believe impacts many of our seniors, such as the
Alzheimer’s Association. We’ve routinely organized and subsidized trips and unique events to provide socialization with
transportation opportunities for both older and younger seniors. Most importantly, we have financially helped our own
Brewster Seniors with emergency funding for unanticipated events in their lives that weren’t covered by any other organiza-
tion. Recent examples include dental work and auto repairs, to name just a few.
We can only continue our work with YOUR HELP. By becoming a member, or encouraging your friends and neighbors
to become members, our collective $10 will help us to continue providing support for Brewster’s more challenged older resi-
dents. Everyone can and should be a member of the Friends of Brewster Elders. Please join us and ask your friends and
neighbors to join too!
Are you a People Person?
Besides the $10 membership, FOBE earns its way by operating
the Sea Captains’ Thrift Shop at 66 Harwich Road (Rte 124). Not
only do we accept donations and then resell the mer-
chandise at bargain prices, but we also provide a safe
atmosphere for people to stop, shop and socialize.
Our current volunteers tell us how rewarding their
3 hour shifts are and often relate humorous stories which custom-
ers have shared with them. It’s a great opportunity to use your
people skills to get to know...more people. We could use you!
BOCCE ANYONE?
Even if you missed the Monday evening
practices and the tournament (July 16th), we’ve
developed a core group of players who are
loving the game and the comradery. The Bocce
Court was primarily funded by the FOBE with
installation by the Brewster DPW. Come play!
www.friendsofbrewsterelders.org or find us on
Facebook! You can call us at 508-385-2881!
News
Page 10 August 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
‘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
A Message from Nikki Courtney, Exercise Physiologist & Activities Specialist
VNA of Cape Cod - Public Health and Wellness
Therapeutic Benefits of Water
Did you know that water has a number of therapeutic properties? Aquatic Therapy has been around since as early as 400 BC,
where water was used on patients with spasticity and fevers in ancient Greece. In the 1700s, cold water was used to comfort
smallpox patients. In 1992, the American Physical Therapy Association recognized aquatic therapy as its own subcategory of
therapy, not just a modality. But what makes water so therapeutic?
There are several properties that give water its therapeutic effects:
Buoyancy
Buoyancy is essentially the opposite of gravity- when you’re in the water, buoyancy is always pushing up. This takes
the effect of gravity off our bodies and can make us feel weightless, depending on how deep in the water you are. It
provides natural traction, helping to strengthen postural muscles and improve lumbar stabilization. Buoyancy can
also assist in improving range of motion.
Hydrostatic Pressure
The pressure of water helps facilitate exhalation and challenges inhalation, helping to strengthen respiratory
muscles. This same pressure can help decrease swelling and fluid buildup in the extremities, and even alleviate
some nerve pain. Hydrostatic pressure also helps blood travel back to the heart.
Viscosity
The viscosity of water provides equal resistance in any plane, but this equal resistance changes with force.
The faster you move in the water the more resistant the water becomes, similar to kinetic sand. This provides
support while also allowing to build strength, endurance, and provide neuromuscular feedback.
Next time you’re looking for some physical activity, consider exercising in the water. Speak with your healthcare team to fin d
out if aquatic exercise is right for you.
Transportation Notes from the Brewster COA:
Due to demand, the Brewster COA regrets 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 (we cannot supply rides for any procedures).
All rides are free of charge although we do request a donation to offset the cost
of gas. 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. Our volunteers will not accompany
you at your actual appointment, however we welcome caregivers to ride along.
Please call the COA for more information at 508-896-2737.
If you are wheel-chair bound, we require a 7 business day notice in order to find
a van driver for you.
Page 11 August 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, 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.
Medical Equipment Loans
Our medical shed is open
Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm, 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 bringing.
August Events at the Sea Camps
Here’s what’s coming up at the Sea Camps this month:
Friday, August 5 8pm Family Movie Night
Thursday, August 18 6pm Brewster Band concert
Friday, August 26 5pm Touch a Truck
All events are at the Sea Camps property located at 3057 Main St.
(6A) No registration is required for any of these events and all are
welcome. For more information, please consult the town website at:
https://brewster-ma.gov/376-news-a-announcements/3444-save-
the-dates-brewster-to-host-summer-2022-events-at-sea-camps
Where’s the ‘Poopdeck’?
Don’t worry, ‘Sightings from the Poopdeck’ is taking the month
off and will return in next month’s September/October issue of
the Bayside Chatter. Happy Summer!
FY23 Elderly Real Estate Tax Exemptions
Just a reminder that if you have previously received or have requested
information about Elderly Real Estate Tax Exemptions with the
Assessor’s Department, you MUST make an appointment with the
Council on Aging by calling 508-896-2737 or by contacting us by email at outreach@brewster-ma.gov. We will review the
required documents and assist you in completing the application. If the application is submitted and reviewed prior to
August 31, 2022, the exemption can be included on the first half tax bills in October. Applications will continue to be accepted
until April 1, 2023 but the exemption would only be reflected on the second half tax bill.
Receive a free copy of Robert Finch’s ‘A Cape
Cod Notebook 2’ just for registering! Log books
for a chance to win one of three $50.00 gift cards
to Brewster businesses: The Brewster Book
Store, Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters, and Stone
L’Oven Pizza. Register any time this summer!
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 Mondays and
Wednesdays, from 11:00am to 1:00pm. We require a minimum of 2 days no-
tice. There is a maximum of 4 people per trip. A suggested donation of $2 is ac-
cepted 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 cannot 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 August 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: Our on-site Senior Dining program is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays only. If you would like to join us at the Brewster Council on Aging, please contact our Nutrition Site Coordinator at 508 -896-5070 to reserve a spot at our table. There is a 2-business day advance notice required. Transportation can be arranged, just ask!