HomeMy Public PortalAboutApril 2017
1673 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631 • (508) 896-2737 • Fax (508) 896-7587
Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday
Denise Rego, Director Robert Deloye, COA Board Chairperson Marilyn Dearborn, FOBE Chairperson
April 2017
MISSION STATEMENT: To support and advocate for older adults and their families by providing
programs, services and resources that promote individual living and quality of life.
HOLIDAY CLOSING NOTES:
The COA will be closed on Monday, April 17th,
in honor of Patriot’s Day. Enjoy the holiday!
I SCREAM ... YOU SCREAM …
WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!
JOIN US FOR AN ICE CREAM SOCIAL!
Sponsored by
the Friends of Brewster Elders
and the Brewster Council on Aging
FRIDAY, MAY 5th
2:30pm – 5:00 pm
Change of Location:
Cape Cod Bible Alliance Church
3600 Main Street (Route 6A)
Brewster
Choose from two flavors of ice cream
(vanilla or Moose Tracks), hot fudge or strawberry
topping, plus many different “add-ons” such as
M&Ms, jimmies, Oreo cookies, cherries and whipped
toppings to make a delicious sundae!
Cost per sundae is only…
$2.00 for Adults
$1.00 for children under the age of 12
COME ONE...COME ALL… YOUNG & “OLDER” ALIKE!
A FUN-FILLED EVENT FOR ALL AGES!!
Demystifying Dementia I and II
Presented by Patricia Collins, Director of Outreach
for Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of
Cape Cod
Brewster Council on Aging, 1673 Main Street
Session I
Wednesday, April 26
1:00pm — 2:30pm
Session II
Wednesday, May 24
1:00pm — 2:30pm
Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of Cape Cod,
in partnership with the Brewster Council on Aging,
is proud to announce the first dementia-friendly
education series. There are two, 90-minute sessions,
designed to provide a baseline of information about
dementia-related illnesses.
Session I provides a summary of dementia -related
diseases, stages and symptoms, as well as some basic
communication strategies.
Session II goes into more depth in discussing the
different stages of cognitive decline and associated
behaviors, along with current research and what the
future holds for our community.
Participants do not need to have taken Session I in
order to attend Session II.
To register and/or for more information, please call
the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center at:
(508) 896-5170
Page 2 April 2017 Brewster, MA
Frauds & Scams
We are currently looking for someone to pick up writing this article, or perhaps come up with
something even more interesting. If you are interested in writing this column, or a new series of
articles of interest to our seniors, please send an e-mail to our Friends of Brewster Elders account at:
friends1673@comcast.net
Meanwhile, please see page 4 for an upcoming seminar, presented by the Better Business Bureau, on
common scams currently circulating through the community along with ways you can protect yourself.
Don’t get scammed!
The Friends of Brewster Elders and the Council on Aging would like to thank everyone who has given
their time to volunteer for us in any capacity. During 2016, if you gave of your time to drive our
seniors to medical appointments, deliver Meals on Wheels, work at the thrift shop, help with a
program or in any other way assist our seniors, you are invited to join us for two events.
Come enjoy a cup of coffee and a treat at the COA on Thursday, April 27th from
9:30am – 10:30am as we celebrate National Volunteer Week!
VOLUNTEER NEWS
CELEBRATE NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK:
APRIL 23RD - 29TH
AS WE SAY “THANKS”
TO OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS!
ANNOUNCING OUR “CO-VOLUNTEERS” OF THE YEAR!
It is that time of the year when we announce our choice for Volunteer of the Year 2017.
This year we have chosen two (2) equally worthy recipients: Meals on Wheels drivers
Joe Fitzpatrick and Chester Robinson. For as far back as 1994, both of these gentlemen
have given freely of their time delivering meals to those people in our community who cannot
get out. Joe also volunteered as a medical driver for the COA for several years, taking seniors
to their appointments. Joe & Chester were the faces our many seniors looked forward to
seeing on a weekly basis as they visited them on their routes. Both did so in a quiet,
unassuming manner and were well-liked and received by those they visited. We cannot thank
them enough for the hours and years of service they have provided to our Brewster seniors.
Thank you both! Joe & Chester will be jointly recognized at our Volunteer Luncheon in June.
Congratulations & “Thank you” to Joe & Chester for their years of service!
VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON
In early June all of our volunteers will be invited to our Annual Volunteer Luncheon sponsored by the
Friends of Brewster Elders, so keep an eye out around mid-May for your personal invitation! If you do
not receive an invite, but feel you should be on the list, please call Marilyn Dearborn at 508 -896-2737.
This is our way to say THANK YOU and we don’t want to miss ANYONE!
Page 3 April 2017
W.O.W.
Tuesdays: 10:00am - 11:30am
Wells Court
141 Brewster Road, Brewster
The W.O.W. (Wonderful Older Women) meets
across the street from the Brewster COA at
Wells Court. Meetings are held on Tuesdays,
from 10:00am - 11:30am.
The W.O.W. is a friendly group of women which
reviews current events, talks about movies &
books, provides support, and enjoys great
conversation.
We invite you to drop by and join us!
Brewster, MA
Computer Users Group
Thursdays, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
APRIL DATES: 20, 27
Topics are solicited from program attendees
at each meeting and discussed at subsequent
meetings. Skill level is from beginner to
intermediate. No need to sign up, just come
and learn something new!
Brewster Men’s Coffee Club
Thursdays: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Happy Spring! The Brewster Men’s Coffee Club
will be meeting on the following Thursdays in
April at the Brewster COA:
6, 13, 20, 27
Please join us for a special presentation on
Thursday, April 20th at 2:00pm:
“Who are the Cape Verdeans?”
presented by guest speaker, Barbara Burgo
Everyone is welcome to attend this very
interesting presentation!
Refreshments will be served.
BEAUTIFY BREWSTER DAY 2017
The Town of Brewster will conduct its 5th
annual “Beautify Brewster Day” on
Saturday, April 30th with a rain date of
Sunday, May 1st. This event helps our
community work together to honor Earth
Day and prepare Brewster for the summer.
The event time schedule is:
9:30-11:30am: Clean-up of your designated
area
12-2:00pm: Appreciation Luncheon at the
Brewster Baptist Church
If you are interested in learning more about
this event and/or want to sign up, please call
the COA at (508) 896-2737 or Ryan Burch at
(508) 896-4546.
Attention Swimmers:
The Senior Swim program has been on-hold
while Brewster Green Resort has been busy
remodeling their club-house.
The program is due to resume some time in
mid-April, but as of the printing of this
newsletter, a specific date was not available.
Please contact the COA office after April 19th,
and a date should be available at that time.
Hope Health Walk for Alzheimer’s
On Sunday, May 7th, Denise, our director, will be
participating in her 8th walk to support
“HopeHealth Walk for Alzheimer’s”.
After her mother’s passing in January of 2010, she is
committed to helping others with the disease.
If you would like to sponsor her for the walk, please
stop by the COA with your donation.
Checks should be made payable to: “HopeHealth”
With your help, we have donated a total of $4,670
over the past 7 years. We hope to reach our goal of
$5,000, which means she needs to raise $330.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Page 4 April 2017 Brewster, MA
BBB SCAMS & FRAUDS PROGRAM
Monday, April 24th 1:00pm
The Better Business Bureau will be here to present a program on the most common scams currently circulating
through the community, the major Red Flags to watch out for and the steps you can take to protect yourself from
falling victim. We want to be sure that everyone is aware of what to watch out for and who to contact if you feel
you have been approached by a “scammer”. Pre-registration is required so call today to sign up:
508-896-2737. This should be a most helpful program! Refreshments will be served.
QI GONG IS COMING BACK!
5 week session begins on April 13th at 9:00am
We will again be offering this ancient Chinese health care system as one of our exercise programs. Not sure just
what this is? Here is a brief explanation: Qi Gong is a 45-minute program that integrates physical postures and
breathing techniques, and focuses on helping reduce stress, building stamina, increasing vitality and enhancing the
immune system. Sounds confusing? Why not stop in and see this class in action! The class runs on a 5-week
basis and the cost is $10 for a full 5-week session thru May 11th. Payment is required prior to your first class.
Registration forms are available at the COA office prior to the 1st class, and they will also be available that
day. If you have any questions, please contact us at 508-896-2737.
LINE DANCING CONTINUES at the COA…
Wednesdays, 8:45am - 9:30am, warm-up from 8:35am - 8:45am
Our wonderful line dancing class continues on Wednesday mornings from 8:45am – 9:30am, with an optional
10-minute warm-up from 8:35am - 8:45am. Jazz boxes, grapevines and paddle turns are just a few of the moves
you will learn (if you don’t know them already). Cost is $4.00 per class when paid by the month, or $6.00 per
class for anyone attending less than a full month. Drop in and check it out! Class is taught by a wonderful
instructor from Cape Sands Ballroom. This is a great way to get your day started with music and movement!
SEA CAPTAIN’S THRIFT SHOP NEWS - Stop by and see us!
We had our grand “Spring” reopening in early March so the Shop is now open for business,
6-days a week, Monday thru Saturday from 10:00am – 3:00pm. The shop is fully stocked
with a gorgeous array of current, quality spring fashions for both men and women at amazing
prices. Our accessories, jewelry, books, household goods and small-furniture Annex have all been
refreshed and restocked, and are ready for your shopping pleasure. We are accepting donations of
up-to-date, excellent condition spring and summer clothing and accessories to keep our racks and
shelves fully stocked. Donations are accepted Monday-Saturday, 10:00am-2:00pm only.
If you have not seen our new “digs” at 66 Harwich Road, this is a perfect time to stop by and see
what we have to offer. Good quality items at reasonable prices…can’t beat it!
We are always in need of volunteers to work at the shop.
If you have any free time that you are willing to share with us while working with
some wonderful people, please contact Marilyn Dearborn at the Council on Aging Office,
1673 Main Street, 508-896-2737.
Looking forward to seeing you at the shop!
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
3
9:45am Keep Movin’!
4
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W. at
Wells Court
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
5
8:45am Line Dancing
9:45am Keep Movin’!
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am SHINE
9:30am Legal Help with
Atty. Adam Dupuy
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
6
2:00pm BMCC
7
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
10
9:00am Pedicare
9:45am Keep Movin’!
11
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W. at
Wells Court
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
12
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am SHINE
10:30am BINGO
11:30am Sight Loss/BLL
1:00pm Quilters
13
9:00am Qi Gong
2:00pm BMCC
14
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
17
PATRIOT’S DAY
(The COA is closed)
18
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W. at
Wells Court
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
19
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am SHINE
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Massages
with Sandra
1:00pm Quilters
20
8:00am Pet Grooming
8:30am Hearing Scrgs.
9:00am Qi Gong
11:00am Massages
w/Sandra at Maplewood
1:00pm Financial
Planning
1:00pm Computer
Users Group
2:00pm BMCC
21
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
24
9:45am Keep Movin’!
1:00pm Seminar:
BBB Scams & Frauds
Program
25
9:00am Yoga
10:00am BP/Glucose
Testing & Health/BLL
10:00am W.O.W. at
Wells Court
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Massages with
Marilou
26
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am SHINE
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Legal Help with
Atty. Tom Kosman
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Seminar:
Demystifying Dementia I
27
9:00am Qi Gong
9:30am
Volunteer
Appreciation Breakfast
1:00pm Computer
Users Group
2:00pm BMCC
28
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
Page 6 Senior Happenings
‘Brewster Bayside Chatter’ Online:
The ‘Brewster Bayside Chatter’ is available online each month and can be found on
our website at: www.brewster-ma.gov. Search under ‘Departments’ and select
‘Council on Aging’. Scroll down to where it reads: ‘our newsletters are available
online’ and click on the link! Happy Reading!
April 2017 Page 7
MOBILE PANTRY “Health Food to Go”
We are pleased to bring to you this program in cooperation with
The Family Pantry of Cape Cod. Food selection is done in
advance, utilizing a program shopping list, which includes
standard non-perishable foods, along with special non-perishable foods, fresh
produce, bread products, dairy and meats. Your shopping order is pre-bagged on
the morning that you will be picking it up. All participants will have to take part in
a registration and qualification process.
Our next delivery date is Wednesday, April 12th. For more information, please call
Debra or Brenda at our Outreach Office at (508) 896-2737.
TAX EXEMPTION INFORMATION
You may qualify for a substantial Real Estate Tax Exemption. Please contact the
Outreach office at the Brewster COA at (508) 896-2737.
Applications are available now!
LOCATION CHANGE: The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group &
Activity Group for People with Cognitive Impairment is now meeting at
Maplewood of Brewster, 820 Harwich Road (Route 124) on the 1st Tuesday of each
month, 1:00pm - 2:30pm. The Caregivers support group and the Dementia support
group run simultaneously. Dr. Molly Perdue, facilitator. Drop-ins welcome.
Call (508) 896-5170 for more information.
COME JOIN US FOR LUNCH!
Simply call Cindy in our Brewster COA Nutrition Center at (508) 896-5070 by
11:00am the day before and she will make sure your delicious, hot meal will be
ready for you when you come the following day. Join us at 10:30am on Wednesdays
and Fridays to play BINGO before lunch!
And, we feature piano tunes at 11:30am on Wednesdays and Thursdays by our
talented volunteer pianists!
Requested meal donation is $3.00. Transportation can be arranged.
You might enjoy the new friendships that you can make at the Senior Center!
BAYSIDE
WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:
ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP & ACTIVITY
GROUP for PEOPLE WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT:
1st Tues. of each month ~ 1:00-2:30pm at Maplewood of Brewster,
820 Harwich Road (Route 124). The Caregivers support group and the
Dementia support group run simultaneously. Dr. Molly Perdue, facilitator.
Drop-ins welcome. Call (508) 896-5170 for more information.
ANGELCARE: Please call the COA for information: (508) 896-2737
BANKING ASSISTANCE: For help balancing seniors’ checkbooks. By
appointment only. Please call the COA at (508) 896-2737 to reserve.
BINGO: Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 - 11:30am.
BLOOD PRESSURE & GLUCOSE TESTING/HEALTH COUNSELING:
4th Tuesday of the month at the Brewster Ladies Library, lower level.
10:00am – 2:00pm - On a drop-in basis. Provided by VNA of Cape Cod.
BREWSTER MEN’S COFFEE CLUB: Thursdays ~ 2:00pm.
BRIDGE (men’s and women’s groups): Tuesdays ~ 1:00pm.
BRIDGE LESSONS: DISCONTINUED at Brewster COA.
For more info, please see: http://midcape.capefinesse.com/
COMPUTER HELP: Wednesdays ~ 9:00am – 12:00pm
By appointment only. 1-hour sessions are hands-on, one-on-one,
and participants choose their own pace and area of interest.
Call (508) 896-2737
COMPUTER USERS GROUP: Thursdays ~ 1:00pm. The first hour will
be for questions and answers, followed by instructions on topics solicited
from program participants that day. Skill level is from beginner to
intermediate. Just drop in! April dates: 20, 27
DUPLICATE BRIDGE: DISCONTINUED at Brewster COA.
For any questions, please call Judy Murray at (508) 432-7097.
FINANCIAL PLANNING: 3rd Thursday ~ 1:00pm.
By appointment only. A knowledgeable volunteer answers questions
and provides information concerning Long Term Care and Financial
Planning. Call (508) 896-2737
HEARING SCREENINGS: 3rd Thursday ~ 8:30am By appointment
only. FREE. Includes ear inspections and hearing-aid checks if needed.
Appointments are 15 minutes each. Call (508) 896-2737.
KEEP MOVIN’!: Mondays and Fridays ~ 9:45 -10:45 am. 10-week
session/20 classes, for the cost of $50.00. Strength training for seniors.
Classes help to relieve arthritis symptoms using adjustable weights and
stretch bands. PLEASE NOTE: call the COA at (508) 896-2737 for
more information.
LEGAL HELP: 9:30am on the 1st Wednesday with Atty. Adam Dupuy
and 10:00am on the 4th Wednesday with Atty. Tom Kosman.
1/2-hour appointments. By appointment only: (508) 896-2737
The attorney will answer your legal questions. Free for initial appointment.
LINE DANCING: Wednesdays ~ 8:45am No dance experience required.
$4.00/class when paid monthly, or $6.00/class for drop ins. Cash or
checks payable to “Cape Sands Ballroom”. No need to call first; just come
and join us!
MASSAGE: Sandra Smith’s schedule is the 3rd Wednesday of the
month beginning at 11:00am at the COA AND the Thursday immediately
following at 11:00am at Maplewood of Brewster. Marilou Raposa’s
schedule is the last Tuesday of the month beginning at 1:00pm.
Massages last 30 minutes and are $15.00. By appointment only:
(508) 896-2737
MEALS ON WHEELS: Provided to each homebound elder who is unable
to prepare nutritionally balanced meals.
Call Cindy Thatcher at (508) 896-5070.
CHATTER
WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:
OLD FASHIONED QUILTING BEE: Wednesdays ~ 1:00pm.
Fellow quilters bring in their quilting projects and enjoy the camaraderie of
other quilters. Come join in with the ‘Brewster Basters’!
PLEASE NOTE: No meeting on April 27th
OUTREACH ASSISTANCE: The Outreach Workers will answer any
questions you have about resources and programs you may be entitled to,
assist with assessing needs, file-of-life, fuel assistance applications, etc.
Please call (508) 896-2737 to make an appointment.
PEDICARE: 2nd Monday of the month ~ 9:00am - 2:30pm
(Diabetics must see a MD/Podiatrist). ½ hr. appointments - $29.00
Home Visit - $50.00 Please call (508) 896-2737 for appointment.
PET GROOMING: Buttons & Bows ~ 3rd Thursday of the month, nail
clipping will take place for animals in a grooming van at the back of the COA,
from 8:00am – 8:30am for $3.00, normally $10.00. Stop by!
POKER: DISCONTINUED until further notice
QI GONG: Thursdays ~ 9:00am - 9:45am. $10.00 for 5 sessions.
Next session begins April 13th. Chinese method for enhancing the
immune system; utilizing posture and breathing exercises, along with
focused intentions. Gentle and calming. Please call the Brewster COA at
(508) 896-2737 for more information.
REP. TIM WHELAN: 3rd Friday of the month ~ 11:00am - 12:00 pm
Offered on a drop-in, first-come-first served basis.
PLEASE NOTE: No drop-in with Tim in April
SENIOR DINING: Hot lunches are provided Monday through Friday
at the COA Suggested donation is $3.00 per meal. 24-hour notice
required. Please call 508-896-5070 no later than 11:00am the day
before. Come at 10:30am on Wednesdays and Fridays to play BINGO
before lunch! Live piano music Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11:30am.
SENIOR STRIDERS: Mondays through Fridays throughout the school
year: 6:30am - 7:15am AND 3:00pm - 5:00pm at Stony Brook Elementary
School. Walking for Seniors! Please visit the Brewster Rec. Dept. at
the Eddy Elementary School for more information and/or to sign up.
SHINE: Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone
Tuesdays ~ 1:00pm to 4:00pm with Debra Johnson, and Wednesdays
~ 9:00am to 12:00pm with Brenda Locke and Mary Rancourt.
By appointment only. Volunteer counselors help all Medicare
beneficiaries understand their rights and benefits.
FREE! Call (508) 896-2737
SIGHT LOSS GROUP: September - June on the 2nd Wednesday of
each month at the Brewster Ladies Library ~ 11:30am -1:00pm ~
Call Sight Loss at (508) 394-3904 for more information.
SWIMMING: Brewster Green Pool ~ Fridays: 10:00am - 12:00pm.
This is ONLY available for Brewster’s senior (60+) residents. You
ALSO need to have your current-year (2017) F.O.B.E. Membership
Card for admittance. A donation of $1.00 per swim is recommended and
this is done by an Honor system. Stop by the COA on a monthly or
quarterly basis to support this activity! PLEASE NOTE: No Swimming
until mid-April. Please call the COA after April 19th for swim dates.
TENNIS: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays ~ 9:00am – 11:00am
(Open play during winter months). Playing at the tennis courts off
Underpass Road. Please call the Brewster Recreation Department
at (508) 896-9430 for more information.
W.O.W.: (Wonderful Older Women): Tuesdays ~ 10:00am.
Now meeting at Wells Court, 141 Brewster Road.
This friendly group of women review current events, talk about movies &
books, give each other support & enjoy conversation. Stop by!
YOGA: Tuesday mornings from 9:00am - 10:30am. $10 per class.
Class uses breathing techniques as a foundation for exploring gentle &
safe stretching.
Page 9 April 2017
A MESSAGE FROM CHARLES ALTIERI, RN
PUBLIC HEALTH WELLNESS NURSE, VNA of CAPE COD
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
Page 10 April 2017 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 F.O.B.E.) 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.
HANDWASHING DONE RIGHT
Mayo Clinic Health letter, March 2017
One of the best ways to prevent illness is to wash your hands often and well.
Washing your hands removes germs that are picked up throughout the day from:
• preparing food
• taking out the garbage
• using the toilet
This can prevent germs from being transmitted to your mouth, eyes or nose, or to other people.
To get the most protection, follow these tips:
• Wet your hands with clean running water. It can be warm or cold; evidence says that
temperature doesn’t really matter.
• Lather well with liquid, bar or powder soap. Soap is better than water alone because elements in
the soap help lift the dirt and germs away from your skin.
• Rub vigorously for at least 20 seconds—or hum the happy birthday song through twice!
Remember to scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers
and under your fingernails.
• Rinse well with clean, running water.
• Wet hands are more germ-friendly than dry ones. Dry your hands with a dry disposable towel or
air dryer. Some evidence suggests that disposable towels are more hygienic than air dryers.
It’s also a good idea to open bathroom doors using a paper towel; you never know who washed
their hands prior to you and who didn’t!
If soap and water aren’t available - or in settings where hand washing is frequent, such as a doctor’s
office or a hospital - an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 % alcohol is an acceptable
substitute for disinfecting your hands.
Charles Altieri, RN Public Health and Wellness
April 2017 Page 11
Sightings from the Poop Deck
“You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time,
but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” Abraham Lincoln
Have you ever wondered about the origin of April Fool’s Day? Me neither, but here goes
anyway!
“On this day in 1700, English pranksters begin popularizing the annual tradition of April Fool’s Day by
playing practical jokes on each other. Although the day, also called All Fool’s Day, has been celebrated
for several centuries by different cultures, its exact origins remain a mystery. Some historians speculate
that April Fool’s Day dates back to 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the
Gregorian calendar, as called for by the Council of Trent in 1563. People who were slow to get the news,
or failed to recognize that the start of the new year had moved to January 1 and continued to celebrate it
during the last week of March through April 1, became the butt of jokes and hoaxes. These included
having paper fish placed on their backs and being referred to as “poisson d’avril” (April fish), said to
symbolize a young, easily caught fish and a gullible person.
Historians have also linked April Fool’s Day to ancient festivals such as Hilaria, which was celebrated in
Rome at the end of March and involved people dressing up in disguises. There’s also speculation that
April Fool’s Day was tied to the vernal equinox, or first day of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, when
Mother Nature fooled people with changing, unpredictable weather.
April Fool’s Day spread throughout Britain during the 18th century. In Scotland, the tradition became a
two-day event, starting with “hunting the gowk”, in which people were sent on phony errands (gowk is a
word for cuckoo bird, a symbol for fool) and followed by Tailie Day, which involved pranks played on
people’s derrieres, such as pinning fake tails or “kick me” signs on them. In modern times, people have
gone to great lengths to create elaborate April Fool’s Day hoaxes. Newspapers, radio and TV stations
and Web sites have participated in the April 1 tradition of reporting outrageous fictional claims that
have fooled their audiences. In 1957, the BBC reported that Swiss farmers were experiencing a record
spaghetti crop and showed footage of people harvesting noodles from trees; numerous viewers were
fooled. In 1985, Sports Illustrated tricked many of its readers when it ran a made-up article about a
rookie pitcher named Sidd Finch who could throw a fastball over 168 miles per hour. In 1996,
Taco Bell, the fast-food restaurant chain, duped people when it announced it had agreed to purchase
Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell and intended to rename it the Taco Liberty Bell. In 1998, after Burger King
advertised a “Left-Handed Whopper”, scores of clueless customers requested the fake sandwich.”
So there you have it, straight from the horse’s mouth. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Note: Above taken from the web; “This Day in History”
Peter R. Scheffer (“Life is Good”) - You don’t have to file your income taxes this year!
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 van.
MONDAY thru FRIDAY SCHEDULE
7:30a.m. Orleans (Shaw’s)
7:45a.m. Harwich (Route 124 Commuter Lot)
8:00a.m. Barnstable (Route 132 Commuter Lot)
8:15a.m. Sagamore (Rotary Commuter Lot)
RESERVATIONS are a MUST!!!
(Reserve no later than 11a.m. 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: 8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
Schedule your medical appointments between
10am & 2pm. The van will leave Boston by 3pm.
Visit the website for more information:
www.capecodrta.org
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
COA VAN – Scheduled trips include:
Monday–Friday to nutrition site and home after lunch for FREE.
Grocery Shopping in Orleans: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am - 1pm.
Post office, banking & pharmacy trips: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
The suggested donation is $2.00 for these errands.
MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS – Volunteer drivers are available for
transportation to medical appointments in their personal cars. Please call the
COA at (508) 896-2737 as soon as you make an appointment or at least four
business days (Monday through Friday) in advance so that we can find a
volunteer to provide your ride. Please notify the COA if you cannot keep your
appointment so we can notify our drivers. Make sure your house number is
visible from the road. Donations are accepted for this service.
WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE MEDICAL VAN – Transportation to
medical appointments is provided on a volunteer basis, Monday through
Friday. A one-week advanced reservation is required. There is a
graduated donation schedule, depending upon the destination. Call for more
information at (508) 896-2737.
All medical rides are made possible thru Title III funding, Elder Services
of Cape Cod & The Islands, Inc., and the donations of our riders.
Page 12 April 2017 Brewster, MA Non-Profit Org US Postage PAID Permit #25 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. 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 FRIENDS OF BREWSTER ELDERS 1673 MAIN STREET BREWSTER, MA 02631
(508) 896-5070