HomeMy Public PortalAboutDecember 2015
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 President
MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Brewster Council on Aging is to enhance the dignity and well-being of Brewster Elders.
The staff of the Council on Aging is always available to link our seniors to our services and give support .
December 2015
‘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!
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS!
...and a Happy Hanukkah, AND a very Happy New Year!
The Brewster COA will be closing at noon on Thursday, December 24th,
and all day on Friday, December 25th for the Christmas holiday observance.
We will also be closed on Friday, January 1st, 2016 for the New Year’s Day holiday observance.
From all of us here at the Brewster Council on Aging, we wish you a warm, wonderful Holiday season
and a bright New Year filled with much happiness.
Council on Aging
Board Members
Robert Deloye, Chairperson
Denise Rego, Council on Aging Director
Karen Thurber, Secretary
Ben deRuyter, Selectman’s Liaison
Dennis Hanson, Finance Committee Liaison
Jackie deRuyter
Cynthia O’Leary
Diane Richards
Loretta Ruchinskas
Andrea Nevins
Brenda Vazquez
Tim Whelan
NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY
Didn’t get one? Still want to give us your ideas
about the needs and wants for senior services?
Well, you’re in luck!
Just stop by your Brewster Senior Center to get a modified
version of the survey and please answer these questions
honestly by representing your ideas for your town.
So, don’t delay; you have until December 11th
to mail back your comments. Thank you for your input!
Friends of Brewster Elders
Board Members
Marilyn Dearborn, Chairperson
Jacqueline Hanson, Vice Chairperson
William Wheeler, Treasurer
Sally Cash, Recording Secretary
June Gallant
Donna Bowie
Robert Williams
Olive Weaver
Fred Weaver
Roberta Wheeler
Alice Stelzer
Suzanne Dean
HOLIDAY PROGRAM LINE-UP
Come join us for our holiday
programs! We’ve got everything
from “Cookies and a Movie”, to BOTH choruses
from Nauset Regional High School (the Honors
chorus AND the Treble Chorus), and our
charming Kindergarten performers from Stony
Brook Elementary School.
Turn to page 4 for the full schedule of events!
Page 2 December 2015 Brewster, MA
SEA CAPTAIN’S THRIFT SHOP NEWS!!
At our Sea Captain’s Thrift Shop recently, a Brewster senior donated
two gorgeous, knitted vests which she made in gratitude for the
support the shop gives to the COA. Her generous gift of time and
talent is a shining example of “paying it forward”.
Perhaps there are others out there who enjoy the
programs and resources of the Senior Center, who would
like to donate new, handmade scarves, hats, mittens,
quilts or small afghans. The Sea Captains Thrift Shop, run by the
Friends of Brewster Elders, will gladly accept these items for sale.
All proceeds directly benefit the seniors of Brewster through the
COA. What a wonderful way to “close the circle”!!
December is “clearance” time at Sea Captain’s. All winter
clothing is ½-price and our Christmas / Holiday offerings are ready
for sale. Fabulous holiday clothing is available in our “Glitz & Glam”
section. Please note: No more winter clothing donations will be
accepted.
The Thrift Shop will be closing for the season at 3:00pm on Friday,
December 9th and reopening on the first Tuesday of March 2016.
Hours are: Tuesday thru Saturday 10:00am – 3:00pm
We are located at 1671 Main Street, behind the Brewster COA and
the Fire Station. Our telephone number is: (508) 896-8180
This month’s article comes from the top ten frauds posted on
ConsumerFraudReporting.org.:
Medical Alert Scam - This is a telemarketing scam that promises a
'free' medical alert system. That scam targeted seniors and
caretakers. The robo-calls claimed to be offering the medical alert
devices and system free of charge because a family member or
friend had already paid for it. In many cases, seniors were asked to
provide their bank account or credit information to 'verify' their
identity and, as a result, were charged the monthly $35 service fee.
The system, of course, never arrived and the seniors were left with a
charge they had trouble getting refunded.
Easy rule of thumb - be wary of 'free' offers that require your
personal information up front and always verify with the supposed
friend or family member that the caller says paid for the service.
If you have a personal experience by internet or telephone that
others should know about, please send a brief summary to our
FOBE account: friends1673@comcast.net
DO YOU THINK IT’S
GOING TO SNOW
THIS WINTER?
TAKE CONTROL of your
life and secure a person to
snow-plow your driveway now!
The COA gets numerous calls
asking us to recommend someone,
but legally we are not allowed to do
that. Therefore, call your carpenter,
landscaper, ask your neighbor who
they use, or maybe they are willing
to help do the job for you at an
agreed upon price.
Planning ahead will secure
your comfort and safety in
your own home, which will
make for a happier winter season.
FLYING SOUTH
FOR THE WINTER?
If you are currently
receiving the ‘Bayside Chatter’ and
you will be away this winter, please
call the office at (508) 896-2737 to
tell us of your plans.
We will stop delivery of your
newsletter and start it up again
when you return!
BREWSTER COA’S
INCLEMENT WEATHER
POLICY
If the Nauset
Public Schools are
closed, all
activities/programs
and van transportation at the
Senior Center are cancelled.
If the Brewster
Town Hall is closed,
the Brewster Senior
Center will also be closed.
Page 3 December 2015 Brewster, MA
COMPUTER USERS GROUP
Thursdays 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
December dates: 3rd and 10th
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.
The Brewster Men’s Coffee Club will be
meeting on the following Thursday afternoons in
December at the Brewster COA: 3, 10, 17 & 31
Please join us for a special event at 2:00pm on
Thursday, December 17th. Our guest-speaker,
Joshua Larson, will be giving a presentation on
"Living and Working in Russia". Mr. Larson will be
sharing his experiences during his seventeen years
spent in various job positions throughout Russia.
The Brewster Men’s Coffee Club would like to invite
all members of the community to attend this
very interesting talk!
Tuesdays: 10:00 - 11:30am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
W.O.W. (Wonderful Older Women) is a friendly
group of women that review current events, talk about
movies & books, give each other support & enjoy
great conversation. Come and join them!
EXERCISING AT THE COA!
We are offering a couple wonderful exercise programs
here and remember, you can always just drop in
to check them out!
LINE DANCING FOR FUN & FITNESS
Wednesday mornings – 8:45 – 9:45am downstairs –
offered thru Cape Sands Ballroom
A fun way to get light exercise and meet new friends.
No dance experience required! $4.00 per class when
paid monthly, drop-ins are $6.00 per class. Cash or
checks payable to ‘Cape Sands Ballroom’. Wear casual
layered clothing and shoes that slide well – bring a
water bottle and a small towel!
KEEP MOVIN’!
Monday and Friday mornings – 9:45 – 10:45am
upstairs
Formerly known as “Young at Heart”, this program is
primarily strength-training for seniors. The classes are
friendly and a fun way to relieve arthritis symptoms and
learn important strengthening exercises. Classes start
easy and help to build strength and coordination each
week by using hand & leg weights and bands. There are
20 classes per session and the cost is $50 for the session.
To sign up, stop in any Monday or Friday and speak to
the instructor, Linda Fraser.
FOBE’s NEW INITIATIVE:
“NEIGHBORS HELPING SENIORS”
With the holiday season upon us, we are asking
that you think of those less fortunate than
yourselves when you are out doing your shopping.
“Neighbors Helping Seniors” is a new project we are undertaking.
When you are grocery shopping, if you are purchasing cat or dog
food and supplies, please add an extra bag or a few cans to your
cart. Some seniors find it hard to take care of their pets on their
limited income. Also products like body wash, shampoo, detergent,
toothpaste/toothbrushes, dental floss, soap, cleaning products, and
body powder are some of the items they also needed. Most of
these items are considered “a luxury” and cannot be purchased with
food stamps or other forms of assistance. Just drop off your
donations to FOBE in the COA office and we will see that those in
need are able to avail themselves of them now at the holiday
season and then beyond.
Thank you for your generosity
to your fellow Brewster seniors!!
Attention Swimmers:
There will be no swimming on
Friday, December 25th, 2015 (Christmas), and
Friday, January 1st, 2016 (New Year’s Day).
Brewster Green Resort thanks you in advance
for your cooperation.
Page 4 December 2015 Brewster, MA
“HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AT THE C.O.A.”
Please be sure to call (508) 896-2737 to reserve your seat so you don’t miss any of these special
events! Transportation to any of these events can be provided,
just let us know when you sign up!
“WHITE CHRISTMAS” AND COOKIES
Monday, December 7th 1:00 PM
Get in the spirit of the holidays by watching Irving Berlin’s classic movie “White Christmas” starring Bing
Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen while munching on holiday cookies and
sipping coffee, tea or cocoa. Do you like to bake? Have a favorite holiday cookie? How about bringing
a batch for everyone to enjoy. Call to reserve your seat (508) 896-2737 and if you will be bringing a
favorite cookie, please let Marilyn know by Wednesday, December 2nd.
A HOLIDAY CONCERT!!
Monday, December 14th 1:00 p.m.
Join your friends and neighbors here at the Brewster COA to hear the wonderful voices of the
Nauset Regional Honor Chorus and Treble Chorus, under the direction of Mr. Tom Faris.
This talented group of young men and women awe us each year with their musical abilities. We are so
lucky to be able to get on their very full schedule so don’t miss hearing them perform. Call to reserve
your seat at (508) 896-2737 today. Refreshments will be served. What a lovely way to spend an
afternoon during the holiday season!
ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS THROUGH THE EYES OF CHILDREN!
Monday, December 21st 12:30 PM
Christmas is for children so join us as we celebrate with the Kindergarten students from Stony Brook
Elementary. They will be here to sing some holiday songs, enjoy a treat and most importantly have a
visit from Santa. Bring your friends, neighbors, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or just come by
yourself. Hearing the children sing and sharing their joy at seeing Santa will add to your holiday
season. Refreshments will be served. Call today to reserve your seat, 508-896-2737.
Coming in 2016!!!
Due to the unknown weather during January, we are not planning any programs at this time. We are
hoping to schedule something around Valentine’s Day so look for more info in January’s newsletter.
We are planning a variety of programs for the spring so be sure to keep “your eye” on the ‘Bayside
Chatter’ for all the details.
**********
SNOW SEASON IS COMING! As much as we don’t like to focus on it, the winter snow season will soon
be here. We want to remind you to be wary of icy walkways as well as roadways. If you get services from
Visiting Nurses, Elder Services or Meals on Wheels, those individuals really need to have safe access to
your home. Be sure to arrange for someone to plow your driveway and/or shovel your walkway BEFORE a
storm arrives. We want everyone to stay safe this winter!
Page 5 December 2015
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
1
9:00am Pedicare
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
2:00pm Alzheimer’s
Caregivers Support
Group
2
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am Computer Help
10:30am BINGO
10:45am Angelcare
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm Cribbage
3
10:00am SHINE
1:00pm Computer
User’s Group
2:00pm BMCC
5:00pm Evening Yoga
4
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Bridge
Lessons
1:00pm Duplicate Bridge
1:00pm Poker
7
9:45am Keep Movin’!
1:00pm:
HOLIDAY COOKIES
& A MOVIE:
“White Christmas”
8
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
9
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Banking Asst.
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm Cribbage
10
10:00am SHINE
1:00pm Computer
User’s Group
2:00pm BMCC
5:00pm Evening Yoga
11
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Bridge
Lessons
1:00pm Duplicate Bridge
1:00pm Poker
14
9:45am Keep Movin’!
1:00pm
CONCERT:
NRHS Honors &
Treble Choruses
15
9:00am Yoga
9:00am BP/Glucose
Testing & Health
Counseling
10:00am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
16
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Banking Asst.
10:30am BINGO
10:45am Angelcare
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm Cribbage
17
8:00am Pet Grooming
10:00am SHINE
1:00pm Financial
Planning
2:00pm BMCC
Special Presentation:
“Living & Working
In Russia”
5:00pm Evening Yoga
18
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Bridge Lessons
11:00am Representative
Tim Whelan
1:00pm Duplicate Bridge
1:00pm Poker
21
9:00am Hearing
Screenings
9:45am Keep Movin’!
12:30pm
CONCERT:
Kindergarten
Students from
Stony Brook
Elementary School
22
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W.
10:00am BP/Glucose
Testing & Health/BLL
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
23
8:45am Line Dancing
10:00am Legal Help
with Tom Kosman
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm Cribbage
24
(The COA closes at
noon today)
25
(The COA is closed)
28
9:45am Keep Movin’!
29
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm Massages with
Marilou
30
8:45am Line Dancing
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm Cribbage
31
2:00pm BMCC
Page 6 Senior Happenings
.
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 RE-
SPONSIBILITY 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.
TAX EXEMPTION INFORMATION
You may qualify for a substantial
Real Estate Tax Exemption
Please call the Outreach office at the
Brewster COA at (508) 896-2737 for more
information.
The application deadline is January 1, 2016.
HARWICH FAMILY PANTRY TRIPS
Come shop at the Harwich Family Pantry
with the Brewster COA. Trips occur on the
last Thursday of each month. Please call
the COA at (508) 896-2737 to reserve a
space on our van. Passenger pick-up time
begins at 4:30pm.
December 2015 Page 7
“Fast away the old year passes….”
Another year is quickly approaching! We are currently renewing
FOBE memberships for 2016. Please see page 11 of this
newsletter for the renewal form. Don’t miss out!
We thank you for your support!
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!
Requested meal donation
is $2.00.
Transportation can be
arranged. You might
enjoy the new friendships that you can
make at the Senior Center!
Need a ride to a December
event at the COA?
Don’t let the need for a ride keep you from
coming to any of our December programs.
When you call us to reserve your spot at an
event, simply mention that you’d like a ride
and we’ll do our very best to accommodate
you! Don’t miss out for lack of
transportation!
For more transportation options, please see
the last page of this newsletter.
FUEL ASSISTANCE
Need some help with your winter heating bills?
You may be eligible for fuel assistance. Please
contact the Outreach Department at the Brewster
COA at (508) 896-2737 for more information.
Advertising
Page 8 December 2015
BAYSIDE
WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:
ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP & ACTIVITY
GROUP for PEOPLE WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT:
1st Tues. of each month ~ 2:00-3:30pm. Dr. Molly Perdue, facilitator.
Drop-ins welcome. Call (508) 896-5170 for more information.
ANGELCARE: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays ~ 10:45am - 11:45am. A Support
Program For Caregivers – If you’re caring for someone who is chronically
ill, aged or disabled…and would like some support…we’re here for you.
BANKING ASSISTANCE: By appointment only. A representative from
Cape Cod 5 will come on the 2nd & 3rd Weds. starting at 10:00am to help
seniors balance their checking accounts. Call (508) 896-2737 to reserve.
BINGO: Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 - 11:30am.
BLOOD PRESSURE & GLUCOSE TESTING: 3rd Tues. of the month ~
9:00 – 10:00am - On a drop-in basis. Any health-related questions can
be asked at this time. Home visits available for those unable to get to the
Senior Center due to health reasons. Provided by VNA of Cape Cod.
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): Tuesdays ~ 1:00pm.
BRIDGE LESSONS: Fridays ~ 11:00am – 12:30pm ~ $5.00 /activity per
person – For those who want to improve their game : bidding, play of the
hand, and defense is stressed. It’s truly an “interactive” bridge session
each week.
For more info, please see: http://home.comcast.net/~judysgames/
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 USER’S GROUP: Thursdays ~ 1:00pm. The first hour will
be Q & A, followed by instructions on topics solicited from program partici-
pants of the day. All skill levels welcome. December: 3rd and 10th
CRIBBAGE: Wednesdays ~ 1:00pm NOTE: Please call Letitia no
later than the day before at (508) 896-5119 if you will be coming.
DUPLICATE BRIDGE: Wednesdays Will resume in May 2016
DUPLICATE BRIDGE: Fridays ~ 1:00p.m. – $5.00/activity per
person - 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 Monday ~ 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. Sign up with instructor in any Monday or Friday class.
LEGAL HELP: 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”.
MASSAGE: Marilou Raposa’s schedule is the last Tuesday of the
month beginning at 1:00pm. (30 minutes—$15.00)
By appointment only: (508) 896-2737
CHATTER
WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:
MEALS ON WHEELS: Provided to each homebound elder who is unable
to prepare nutritionally balanced meals.
Call Cindy Thatcher at (508) 896-5070.
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’!
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: 1st Tuesday & 4th Thursday of the month ~ 9:00am -
3:00pm (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: Tuesdays and Fridays ~ 12:30pm - 3:45pm.
REP. TIM WHELAN: 3rd Friday of the month ~ 11:00am - 12:00 pm
Offered on a drop-in basis.
SENIOR DINING: Hot lunches are provided Monday through Friday
at the COA Suggested donation is $2.00 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!
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 3:15pm with Debra Johnson, and Thursdays with
Brenda Locke and Mary Rancourt. By appointment only. Highly-trained
volunteer counselors help seniors and Medicare beneficiaries understand
their rights and benefits. FREE appointments. Call (508) 896-2737
SIGHT LOSS GROUP: September - June on the 2nd Wednesday of
each month ~ 11:30am -1:00pm off-site ~ 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 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 ON DECEMBER 25, 2015 or on
JANUARY 1, 2016.
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.
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. Also Thursday
evenings from 5:00 - 6:30pm - $10 per class. Class uses breathing
techniques as a foundation for exploring gentle & safe stretching.
Page 9 December 2015
A MESSAGE FROM DEE YEATER, R.N.
PUBLIC HEALTH and WELLNESS NURSE OF VNA CAPE COD
Betty Hart, R.N. will take blood pressures on Tuesday, December 15th from 9:00am - 10:00am
here at the Senior Center. In addition, glucose testing will be available.
Dee Yeater, R.N. will do home visits on Mondays.
Holiday Health – Tips to stay healthy during the holidays
(from: www.care.com)
Make Healthy Choices - From rich meals to tempting and tasty homemade snacks, the
holidays are a time for many to overindulge in food. Try to plan with other events in
mind. For example, if a big dinner is planned for New Year’s Eve, consider serving a
lighter lunch of salad or soup.
Stay hydrated – Drinking water is one way you can stay healthy during the holidays. Not
drinking enough water could cause an unnecessary trip to the doctor or hospital. Keep
water accessible at home and keep bottled water in a purse or bag when visiting or
running errands.
Follow your dietary restrictions – It is so easy to overeat, especially when healthy options
are not available. The holidays can be stressful so keep healthy options like fruit or
fresh-cut vegetables available.
Drink in moderation – Consider offering fun, alcohol-free drinks so everyone can celebrate
the holidays. Drinking alcohol with certain medications can have adverse side effects.
Think before you drink: is this safe?
Keep Active – Remember you can drive to an indoor shopping mall or other open
easy-access buildings to walk. If you’re in Brewster, consider contacting the Brewster
Recreation Department to sign up for ’Senior Striders’ held at the Stony Brook
Elementary School. You can walk the halls there during non-school hours and keep fit
out of the wintry weather! Keep up with already scheduled exercise or gentle yoga
classes. It is fun to keep up your socializing. For more exercise options, see page 3 of
this newsletter!
Rest after traveling - Whether you travel by car, bus, plane or train, build in rest time after
traveling.
Take Breaks – the holidays can be a busy time especially if you have family visiting. Build
your nap or quiet time into your day.
Shake Up Traditions – Between cleaning the house and cooking for a crowd, hosting a big
meal can be stressful. Recruit younger family members to clean up or help prepare
meals. Pass a tradition on to other family members!
Stay involved – Phone, write and reach out during the holidays. Or offer to make a favorite
dish for a holiday party.
Decrease gifts - For many senior citizens, especially those on fixed incomes, the holidays
can be a financial challenge. To reduce stress from paying for gifts, consider grab bags
or a gift that several people contribute to one gift, or do something nice for someone
else. Offer to help with shopping or write greeting cards for someone that may need
that little extra help.
May all of your Holidays be happy and healthy!
Page 10 December 2015 Brewster, MA
December 2015
JOIN OR RENEW NOW
FOR 2016
Page 11 Brewster, MA
2016
FRIENDS OF BREWSTER ELDERS
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
BREWSTER RESIDENTS 60+
CELEBRATIONS HOLIDAY
MEMBERSHIP IN THE FRIENDS OF BREWSTER ELDERS (FOBE) – 2016
Annual membership/$10.00 per person- Single ____Joint ____New Membership ____Renewal___
Please make check payable to FOBE – if mailing form, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed
envelope for return of your membership card(s).
Name ______________________________________________ Date of Birth___________________
Spouses’ name ______________________________________ Date of Birth __________________
Residential Address ______________________________ Town__________State____Zip________
Mailing Address__________________________________ Town__________State____Zip________
Phone #________________________________ Cell Phone # _______________________________
Email Address ___________________________________________
Emergency Contact Name _______________________ Relationship ________________________
Phone # __________________________ File of Life Card Needed: Yes _____ No _____
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY – Amount Paid _______ Cash ______ Check #_______ Date ________
Card Given _____ Card Sent _____ Date of Data Input _______ By _______ Swipe Card _______ VOLUNTEERING
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 at NO COST.
Grocery Shopping in Orleans: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11a.m. - 1pm.
Post office, banking & pharmacy trips: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Last Monday of the month is a trip to Hyannis for shopping from 11am to 2pm
(reserved seats only - - - 2-person minimum). No Hyannis trips in summer.
We need a three-day advance reservation and the round-trip suggested
fare is $2.00 for this wheelchair-accessible bus.
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. Thank you for your cooperation.
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 fee 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 December 2015 Brewster, MA Non-Profit Org US Postage PAID Permit #25 Orleans, MA 02653 DART - DIAL-A-RIDE Service:
CCRTA provides daily (demand response) service that is wheelchair accessible, door-to-door, ride by appointment, transportation service. This service
is available to all Cape Cod residents for any purpose. DART service is available Monday through Friday in all towns from 7am to 7pm, and on
Saturdays from 9am to 7pm as well as on Sundays from 9am to 1pm in most towns. To schedule a ride, please call: (800) 352-7155. OR CURRENT RESIDENT FRIENDS OF BREWSTER ELDERS 1673 MAIN STREET BREWSTER, MA 02631