HomeMy Public PortalAboutJanuary 2016
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
January 2016
‘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!
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 .
Is your New Year’s resolution to get fit?
If so, you’re in luck! We have some programs here at the COA that can help you out. In addition to
helping you get in shape, you just might make some new, fitness-minded friends for 2016!
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 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.
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. We dance to many different styles of
music! No dance experience required! No partner required!! New steps are taught in each
class. $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,
and bring a water bottle and a small towel! Stop in any Wednesday for a fun-filled morning of dancing to great
music!
HOLIDAY CLOSING NOTES:
The COA will be closed on Friday, January 1
for the New Year’s Day observance.
We will also be closed on
Monday, January 18th in honor of
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Page 2 January 2016 Brewster, MA
This month’s article comes from the AARP. Remember to be on
guard for scammers trying to steal more than your New Year’s
cheer. The AARP has a Fraud Watch Network that can provide the
following information about:
►Fake delivery notifications, e-cards. If you don’t recognize the
sender, don’t open it.
►Compromised gift cards. Cons can steal the code underneath the
card’s scratch-off strip and find out the card’s worth.
►Spoof retail sites. They promise great deals, but often sell
counterfeit or subpar quality merchandise.
Simply log onto AARP.org and search for their Fraud Watch Network.
Have a safe and wonderful New Year!
We remind folks that 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
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.
...and the
‘Thank You’
goes to:
Debra Johnson
Brenda Locke
Mary Rancourt
The annual Medicare Open
Enrollment, which was from
October 15 through
December 7th of 2015, is
always a very busy time here
at our senior center.
Our Brewster COA volunteer
SHINE representatives
devoted many hours of their
time to help as many folks as
possible. Due to their
diligence, a great many
seniors this year were able to
save thousands of dollars.
Our heartfelt thanks to our
dedicated SHINE volunteers!
JUST A REMINDER…
If you are in need of a medical ride to the
doctors, etc., please be sure to contact us AS
SOON AS YOU MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT.
During the winter months, many of our volunteer drivers become
“snow birds” heading south to warmer climates, so we are limited in
the number of rides we can do.
The earlier you can call us, the more time it gives us to locate a
driver. We ask for a minimum of 4 BUSINESS DAYS (weekends do
not count as we are not open), but are always happiest when you
give us a longer time period to enlist a driver.
Also, with snow-season already upon us, we want to remind you to
be wary of icy walkways as well as roadways. If you get services
from Visiting Nurses, Elder Services, Meals on Wheels, or our using
our Medical Ride program, 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!
Thank you for your understanding.
Page 3 January 2016 Brewster, MA
COMPUTER USERS GROUP
Thursdays 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
January dates: 7, 14, 21, 28
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
January at the Brewster COA: 7, 14, 21 & 28
We are always looking for new members, as well as
Guest Speakers! We welcome you to join us!
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!
ATTENTION SWIMMERS
There will be no swimming
on Friday, January 1
(New Year’s Day).
The resort thanks you in
advance for your cooperation!
If one of your goals for this year is to keep yourself healthy, let the COA help you out!
We have several programs aimed at keeping you in tip-top condition for the year ahead.
Blood Pressure and Glucose Testing: 3rd Tuesday of every month. 9:00am - 10:00am.
Our wonderful VNA nurse is available to check your blood pressure and glucose. Also, any
health-related questions can be asked at this time. This service, provided by the VNA of Cape Cod, is
available on a drop-in basis. No need to sign up! Confidential and FREE!
Hearing Screenings: 3rd Monday of every month. beginning at 8:30am. Appointments are 15
minutes each and include ear inspections and hearing aid checks, if needed. This great service is
provided by Advanced Audiology. Simply call the COA at (508) 896 -2737 to sign up! FREE!
PLEASE NOTE: No Screenings in January due to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Pedicare: 1st Tuesday and 4th Thursday of every month. 9:00am - 3:00pm. Treat your feet!
1/2-hour appointments. Visit includes nail trimming and foot care provided by a registered nurse.
Any foot-related questions can be asked at this time. $29.00. Home visits can also be accommodated
at a cost of $50.00. To sign up, please call the COA at (508) 896-2737.
Senior Striders: Mondays and Fridays throughout the school year (except for school holidays).
6:30am - 7:15am at the Stony Brook Elementary School. Walking for Seniors. Come walk in a safe,
secure, indoor environment and get in shape for the coming Spring!
To sign up, please visit the Brewster Recreation Department at the Eddy Elementary School for
more information and/or to sign up. FREE!
Page 4 January 2016 Brewster, MA
Due to the unknown weather conditions during January, we are not planning any
programs at this time. We will be having a special Valentine’s luncheon next month –
see details below!!
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH 12:00 pm
Valentine’s Day at the COA
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with us as we are hosting a special luncheon here
at the COA. The luncheon will consist of Caesar salad, pasta and meatballs,
garlic bread, dessert and beverages.
Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, January 20th at a cost of $5.00 each.
Space is limited so purchase early!
Call Marilyn at (508) 896-2737 if you have any questions.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITY HERE AT THE COA!
Did your family give you a new “electronic device” for Christmas to make your
life easier? Would you like to text your grandchildren, see them on “face time”
on your tablet or computer, download a new book to your Kindle or any other
technical functions; we might just have the solution for you! Beginning in
February, we will have some students from Nauset Regional High School here to
offer you technical help on an individual basis.
Students will be here, by appointment only, to instruct you, answer any questions or just support
you in your “venture into the technology world”.
Look for details in the February newsletter with days and times. Feel free to call Marilyn at
(508) 896-2737 with any questions.
HEADED SOUTH FOR THE WINTER?
If you are currently receiving the “Bayside
Chatter” and about to depart for a warmer
climate this winter, please give us a call at
(508) 896-2737 to let us know your plans. We will
stop delivery of your newsletter and start it up
again when you return!
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
.
1
(The COA is closed)
4
9:45am Keep Movin’!
5
9:00am Pedicare
10:00am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge
2:00pm Alzheimer’s
Caregivers Support
Group
6
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am Computer Help
10:30am BINGO
10:45am Angelcare
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm Cribbage
7
1:00pm Computer
User’s Group
2:00pm BMCC
8
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Bridge
Lessons
1:00pm Duplicate Bridge
1:00pm Poker
11
9:45am Keep Movin’!
12
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
13
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am SHINE
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Banking Asst.
10:30am BINGO
11:30am Sight Loss/BLL
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm Cribbage
14
1:00pm Computer
User’s Group
2:00pm BMCC
5:00pm Evening Yoga
15
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
18
Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day
(The COA is closed)
19
9:00am Yoga
9:00am BP/Glucose
Testing & Health
Counseling
10:00am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
20
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am SHINE
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Banking Asst.
10:30am BINGO
10:45am Angelcare
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm Cribbage
21
8:00am Pet Grooming
1:00pm Computer
User’s Group
1:00pm Financial
Planning
2:00pm BMCC
5:00pm Evening Yoga
22
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Bridge
Lessons
1:00pm Duplicate Bridge
1:00pm Poker
25
9:45am Keep Movin’!
26
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W.
10:00am BP/Glucose
Testing & Health/BLL
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Massages with
Marilou
27
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am SHINE
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Legal Help
with Tom Kosman
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm Cribbage
28
9:00am Pedicare
1:00pm Computer
User’s Group
2:00pm BMCC
5:00pm Evening Yoga
29
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Bridge
Lessons
1:00pm Duplicate Bridge
1:00pm Poker
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.
HARWICH FAMILY PANTRY TRIPS
Come shop at the Harwich Family Pantry
with the Brewster COA. Trips occur on the
fourth 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.
January 2016
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!
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.
If you are caring for someone with
Alzheimer’s or other memory-impairment
issues (or know of someone who is), this
program could help!
Alzheimer’s Caregivers
Support Group
and Activity Group for People with
Cognitive Impairment
1st Tuesday of every month
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Facilitator: Dr. Molly Perdue, MS, Ph.D,
Executive Director of Alzheimer’s Family
Support Center of Cape Cod.
Please call (508) 896-5170
for more information.
BANKING ASSISTANCE
2nd and 3rd Wednesday of each month
Appointments beginning at 10:00am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Do you need help sorting out your checking account? A representative
from the Cape Cod 5 will meet with you to help get everything back in
order! Call the COA for an appointment at: (508) 896-2737
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://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 USER’S GROUP: Thursdays ~ 1:00pm. The first hour will
be Q & A, followed by instructions on topics solicited from program
participants of the day. All skill levels welcome. January: 7, 14, 21 & 28
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.
PLEASE NOTE: No screenings in January due to holiday.
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”. Come join us!
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 (except 1st Tuesday of the month) 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 Wednesdays
~ 9:00am to 12:00pm with Brenda Locke. By appointment only.
Highly-trained volunteer counselors help seniors and Medicare beneficiar-
ies 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 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 FRIDAY, JANUARY 1.
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.
PLEASE NOTE: NO YOGA (morning or evening) during first week
of January. Yoga will resume January 12th.
Page 9 January 2016
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, January 19th 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.
Problems with Smell
Our sense of smell helps us enjoy life. We delight in the aromas of our favorite foods or the fragrance of flowers.
Our sense of smell is also a warning system, alerting us to danger signals such as a gas leak, spoiled food, or a
fire. Any loss in our sense of smell can have a negative effect on our quality of life. It also can be a sign of more
serious health problems.
Aging and Smell Loss
Problems with smell increase as people get older, and they are more common in men than women. In one study,
nearly one-quarter of men ages 60–69 had a smell disorder, while about 11 percent of women in that age range
reported a problem. Many older people are not even aware that they have a problem with their sense of smell
because the changes occur gradually over several years. They may not even notice that they are experiencing a
loss of smell until there is an incident in which they don't detect food that has spoiled or the presence of dangerous
smoke.
Types of Smell Disorders
People who experience smell disorders either have a decrease in their ability to smell, or changes in the way they
perceive odors. Total smell loss is relatively rare, but a decrease in the sense of smell occurs more often,
especially in older adults. A decreased sense of smell may be temporary and treatable with medication.
Smell Loss May Signal Other Conditions
Problems with our chemical senses may be a sign of other serious health conditions. A smell disorder can be an
early sign of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or multiple sclerosis. It can also be related to other
medical conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and malnutrition. Getting a diagnosis early will help
an individual deal better with the underlying condition or disease.
Smell Loss and Eating Habits
When smell is impaired, people usually have problems appreciating the subtle flavors of food, and say that food is
less enjoyable. Some people change their eating habits. Some may eat too little and lose weight while others
may eat too much and gain weight. Either way, there may be a long -term impact on one's overall health. Loss of
smell may also cause us to eat too much sugar or salt to make our food taste better. This can be a problem for
people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. In severe cases, loss of smell
can lead to depression.
Hazards of Smell Loss
Research shows that people with a total or partial loss of smell are almost twice as likely as people with normal
smell to have certain kinds of accidents.
The most common types of accidents in order of frequency involve
cooking
eating or drinking spoiled foods or toxic substances
failing to detect gas leaks or fires
If you think you have a problem with your sense of smell, see your doctor.
(article condensed from NIH Senior Health)
Page 10 January 2016 Brewster, MA
January 2016 Page 11 Brewster, MA
Sightings from the Poop Deck
“The Hammer”
If I close my eyes, I’m listening to Jimmy Roselli singing Neapolitan songs on the front porch of my in -law’s home
on a Sunday afternoon, any Sunday afternoon. Sunday’s were special to our family. You see, if you are Italian,
Sundays are spent with family, eating, laughing, talking loudly over one -another and of course, having a cordial...or
two!
The dining room was set for a special occasion, after all, it was Sunday and everyone had already been to mass.
Beginning with macaroni (spaghetti) and meatballs, sausage and braciole and a couple loaves of warm Italian bread
from Lazarra’s bakery. For any normal person that would have been enough; “Basta!” For Italians, we were just
warming up. Next came the ham and sometimes a turkey and to digest everything, the fruit; oranges, apples, figs,
and of course, finocchio, just in case you had a little agita. This was not Christmas or New Year, although it could
have been. This was Sunday afternoon dinner with “La Famiglia.”
The large basketed Chianti bottle, beer, Strega, Amaretto, Sambuca, and Anisette were always on the credenza
within arm’s reach. Nothing like a little cup of Medaglia D’oro Cafe’ espresso with a touch of Sambuca or Anisette
splashed into it. We laughed, we playfully argued, we bantered, we teased, who was a democrat, who was a
republican, who was a sfatcheem (PITA) and when the chianti kicked in we could expect more than a few stanzas of
“Torna a Surriento” (Come Back to Sorrento) sung off-key by “The Singing Brothers from Santa Maria a Vico, Uncle
Jim and my father-in-law, Salvatore Carfora. If you are a Neapolitan, you are expected to be born either a singer or a
priest, or ideally, a singing priest. Unfortunately, Uncle Jim and my father -in-law were neither. We begged them to
please go back to Sorrento already, or to stop singing because even Tuffy, the Wire-Haired Fox Terrier, was
covering up his ears and threatening to run away, and we laughed uncontrollably.
Uncle Jim was usually the first one down closely followed by my father -in-law. My brother-in-law Sal, who I loved
dearly, probably because we Sicilians have this inbred bond, and I, went to work when these two Neapolitans went
down. When they crashed we took pictures, usually with a hammer placed gingerly over their heads being careful not
to awaken them. Those were the days of the Polaroid Land Camera, so we had hard evidence immediately to taunt
them with the following week, well aware that the following Sunday we could be the victims. Today’s iPads and
iPhones would have served us well, but the technology had not yet arrived.
If you are wondering where Joanie Carfora, her sister Marie, Aunt Millie and my mother -in-law Assunta (aka Sue)
were during all of this hoopla, well they were on the sidelines laughing and participating too, while doing double duty
with the dishes, preparing the next course and laughing at us making fools of ourselves. At the end of the day, Joan
and I would cut through the Breslin’s backyard, cross Luddington Avenue and we were home. Today’s kids don’t
cross streets to get home anymore….they cross oceans!
My mother-in-law, father-in-law, Aunt Millie, Uncle Jim and my brother -in-law Sal are all gone now. I think of them
often when some faraway thought triggers a flashback and causes me to smile and to tear up. Oh how I miss all of
them and all those wonderful family times together, and would give anything for just…. “One More Sunday!”
Happy New Year!
Peter R. Scheffer (“Life is Good!”) - But it has been better!
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 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 January 2016 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