HomeMy Public PortalAboutJuly 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
July 2016
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 .
Welcome to our newest
attorney volunteer, Adam Dupuy!
Adam Dupuy is a second generation Cape
Codder. He is a graduate of the Isenberg School
of Management at the University of
Massachusetts Amherst and was admitted to
practicing law in Massachusetts following
graduation from the New England School of Law
in Boston. Mr. Dupuy is a member of the
Massachusetts Bar Association and the
Barnstable County Bar Association, and sits on
the Board of Directors of the Yarmouth Chamber
of Commerce. His primary areas of practice are
in estate planning, real estate conveyancing,
and general civil litigation. In addition, he can
provide help with wills.
Mr. Dupuy joins our other attorney, Mr. Kosman,
in offering free legal consultation here at the
Brewster COA. Mr. Dupuy’s hours will be from
9:30am to 11:30am, the first Wednesday of
every month. This month’s date is Wednesday,
July 6th. Appointments are necessary, and
last 30 minutes each. Please call the COA to
reserve your appointment at: (508) 896-2737
The
Brewster COA
will be closed
on Monday,
July 4th
in honor of independence day.
enjoy your holiday!
COA BOARD NEWS
As we come to a close for this fiscal year (June 30th)
and begin a new fiscal year (July 1st), I want to take this time to
thank Jackie deRuyter, Diane Richards, Loretta Ruchinskas
and Tim Whelan for giving of their time and knowledge to assess
the needs, help develop and carry out programs and services, and
support me with the needs and wants of our mature population.
At the same time, I want to welcome Russ McGown,
Sharon Tennstedt and Brenda Vazquez as new members.
Also on our board are Bob Deloye, Chairperson, Karen Thurber,
Secretary, Andrea Nevins and Cindy O’Leary, along with
Cynthia Bingham, Selectmen Liaison and Dennis Hanson,
Finance Committee Liaison. The COA Board, which is made up
of 7 members, acts as an advisory group and I am
so grateful for their input and support.
Denise Rego, Brewster COA Director
2016 FOBE Volunteer of the Year, Donna Bowie, receiving her
proclamation from State Rep. Tim Whelan during the annual Volunteer
Luncheon, held
on June 7 at the
Captain’s Golf
Course.
Donna is the
Manager of the
Sea Captain’s
Thrift Shop in
Brewster.
Photo courtesy
of Denise Rego
Page 2 July 2016 Brewster, MA
This month’s article is about some actual progress in stopping the phony IRS scam
targeting seniors that some of our readers, including me, have experienced.
Scams against seniors and retirees are still rampant. Financial fraud against seniors is estimated
to cost about $3 billion a year, according to a MetLife study. One of the biggest scams this past year
has been the IRS impersonation scam.
The Senate Committee on Aging estimates that nearly 1 million people have been targeted and
5,000 people lost $26 million last year.
The chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, a leader in the fight against senior fraud, said a tip
from the committee’s Fraud Hotline has resulted in five big arrests in the IRS scam. After tracing a
money transfer in an actual crime, Treasury agents arrested five suspects in Miami on May 23 for wire
fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Court documents say the suspects are responsible for
nearly $2 million in schemes that defrauded more than 1,500 victims.
The IRS scam was listed at No. 1.
Scams can be reported to the Senate Aging Committee Fraud Hotline: (1-855-303-9470)
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.
We look forward to receiving your personal experiences and spreading the word through this column!
DRIVING TIPS
When we had our driver-training for Medical and Meals on Wheels drivers, a few
questions came up that we needed to research for answers. In the next couple of
months, I will be printing a question along with the answer we received from
either the Police Department or the Registry of Motor Vehicles. This month we
will deal with bicycles/bicyclists. In August, I will answer some questions relative to emergency vehicles.
Question #1 – According to Brewster Police, people on bikes may ride on sidewalks. The only exception would be
in designated business districts and, as we have no such districts, they may use any sidewalk in town.
People on bikes must yield to walkers.
Bicycles are considered by law to be vehicles and in some cases it is OK and safer for them to ride in the middle of
the lane. Use extreme caution if you need to pass a person on a bike. If the lane is too narrow to pass at a safe
distance, BE PATIENT until you can safely use an adjacent lane.
When passing a bicyclist on your right, do not return to the right lane until you have safely overtaken the bicycle.
Use your turn signal when returning to the right lane.
Do not make an abrupt right turn after passing a bicycle near an intersection or driveway. Think before you pass if
you are looking to make a right turn and be sure you will have plenty of room before you need to turn.
“Look before you leap”!! – Check for approaching bicycles before opening your car door on either side of your
vehicles or risk a fine of $100.
I hope this information helps as our roads get more and more crowded with bicyclists!
Marilyn Dearborn, Volunteer Coordinator
Page 3 July 2016 Brewster, MA
COMPUTER USERS GROUP
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Thursdays 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
July dates: 7 & 14
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
July 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.
The W.O.W. group (Wonderful Older Women)
is a friendly group of women which reviews current
events, talks about movies & books, provides support,
and enjoys great conversation.
You’re invited to join them!
SEA CAPTAIN’S THRIFT SHOP NEWS
The Grand Opening for our new location -
66 Harwich Road, Route 124 next to Satucket
Farms - will be on Friday, July 1st at 10:00am.
We have a great new look and can’t wait
to ‘show it off’!
Hours: Tues - Sat 10am - 3pm
THINK SUMMER!
Summer is finally here! Did you know that the COA has 2
Beach Wheelchairs available, one of which can actually go
right into the water!
We loan them out for 2 days at a time and we ask for a
donation of $10.00. They can be used at any of the
Brewster beaches (either Bay or Pond beaches), and must
stay within town lines.
For more information, and/or to reserve one, please call the
COA at: (508) 896-2737
Programs changed or ended
for Summer:
No Massages with Marilou until September
No Computer Help sessions until September
No Senior Striders until September.
No Senior Swim program at Brewster Green
until later this fall.
No Sight Loss meetings until September.
Friends of Brewster Elders News...
S-A-V-E T-H-E D-A-T-E!
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH:
FOBE ANNUAL PICNIC at the CROSBY MANSION
Tickets will be on sale for a two-week period – Monday,
August 15th thru Friday, August 26th. Tickets are $7.00
each. Get your ticket early – we usually sell out!
FOBE BOARD NEEDS YOU!!
We are looking for 2-3 people to be part of our FOBE Board.
We would especially like to add a couple more men to the
board so we can balance the numbers between men and
women. We only meet once every other month on the
2nd Tuesday, usually for about 1-1 ½ hours. You will be asked
to help with one of our luncheons/programs during the course
of a year. If you think you can make this commitment or
would just like some more information, please contact
Chairperson, Marilyn Dearborn at (508) 385 -2881.
We look forward to adding some new faces with new ideas to
our board.
Page 4 July 2016 Brewster, MA
We will be having very few programs during the summer months as everyone seems to be busy with
family and “beaching”.
If you have any suggestions for programs you would like to have here in the Fall, please feel free to
contact me at (508) 896-2737. I am more than willing to research any suggestions
and see if we can offer programs you would be interested in.
REMINDER – BOOKS FOR THE BEACH & BEYOND!!
If you are looking for some good summer reading, be sure to check out our Lending Library upstairs.
We have a wide range of authors and genres including many large-print books. Just stop by and
borrow as many as you want and return them when you are finished. HAPPY READING!!
POSSIBLE NEW OFFERING...
“QIGONG”– an ancient Chinese health care system
Introduction session: Thursday, July 28th @ 9:00am
Have you ever heard of “Qigong”? ‘QI’ (chi) means life force or vital energy that
flows through all things in the universe. Gong (kung) means accomplishment through steady practice.
Together this means cultivating energy and is practiced for health maintenance, healing and
increasing vitality.
It is an integration of physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intentions.
The gentle, rhythmic movements help to reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality and enhance
the immune system. Qigong’s greatest appeal is that everyone can benefit and the most important
aspect of practicing Qigong is “just do it”.
We encourage you to come to this intro session to see what this is all about. Call us at
(508) 896-2737 to put your name on the list. We are also referring you to YouTube where you
can actually see the various aspects of this form of exercise demonstrated.
Go to www.youtube.com and search for ‘8 brocades Qigong practice with Mimi Kuo-Deemer’.
We think you will find this quite interesting and relaxing!
LINE DANCING FOR FUN AND FITNESS!
Wednesdays: 8:45 - 9:45am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
A fun, new way to get light exercise and meet new friends. This is not your
usual Country-Western line dance class. We dance to all styles of music!
Each week, there’s something new! No dancing experience required!
$4.00 per class when paid monthly, $6.00 per class for drop-ins.
Our instructor comes to us from ‘Cape Sands Ballroom’.
Come join us for this exciting class!
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
1
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Bridge Lessons
1:00pm Duplicate Bridge
1:00pm Poker
4
(The COA is closed)
5
8:30am Yoga
9:00am Pedicare
10:00am W.O.W.
1:00pm Alzheimer’s
Caregivers Support
Group
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
6
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am SHINE
9:30am Legal Help
with Adam Dupuy
10:30am BINGO
10:45am Angelcare
1:00pm Quilters
7:00pm Duplicate Bridge
7
1:00pm Computer
Users Group
2:00pm BMCC
5:00pm Evening Yoga
8
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Bridge Lessons
1:00pm Duplicate Bridge
1:00pm Poker
11
8:30am Tai Chi
9:45am Keep Movin’!
12
8:30am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
13
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am SHINE
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
7:00pm Duplicate Bridge
14
1:00pm Computer
Users Group
2:00pm BMCC
5:00pm Evening Yoga
15
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Bridge Lessons
11:00am Representative
Tim Whelan
1:00pm Duplicate Bridge
1:00pm Poker
18
8:30am Tai Chi
8:30an Hearing
Screenings
9:45am Keep Movin’!
19
8:30am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
20
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am SHINE
10:30am BINGO
10:45am Angelcare
11:00am Massages
with Sandra
1:00pm Quilters
7:00pm Duplicate Bridge
21
8:00am Pet Grooming
1:00pm Financial
Planning
2:00pm BMCC
5:00pm Evening Yoga
22
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Bridge Lessons
1:00pm Duplicate Bridge
1:00pm Poker
25
8:30am Tai Chi
9:45am Keep Movin’!
26
8:30am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W.
10:00am BP/Glucose
Testing & Health/BLL
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
27
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am SHINE
10:00am Legal Help
with Tom Kosman
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
7:00pm Duplicate Bridge
28
9:00am Intro to
Chigong
2:00pm BMCC
5:00pm Evening Yoga
29
9:45am Keep Movin’!
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 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.
‘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!
July 2016
HEARING SCREENINGS
Monday, July 18th
8:30am - 10:30am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Advanced Audiology Associates is
offering FREE screenings at the
Brewster COA. These screenings
are by appointment only, and last
approximately 15 minutes. They 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!
Page 7
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!
SENIOR PEDICARE
Tuesday, July 5
9:00am - 2:30pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Pedicare appointments are offered on the
1st Tuesday of every month. Each
appointment is 1/2 hour at a cost of $29.00.
Home visits are also available at
$50.00 per visit.
To schedule your appointment, please call
the Brewster COA at (508) 896-2737
Please note:
Diabetics must see an MD/Podiatrist
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. 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: For help balancing seniors’ checkbooks.
Available 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: 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
PLEASE NOTE: No sessions until September.
COMPUTER USER’S GROUP: Thursdays 1:00pm. The first hour will be
for questions & answers, followed by instructions on topics solicited from
program participants of that day. Skill level: beginner to intermediate.
Just drop in! July dates: 7 & 14
DUPLICATE BRIDGE: Wednesdays ~ 7:00pm
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.
This month’s date: Monday, July 18
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”. Come join us!
MASSAGE: Sandra Smith’s schedule is the 3rd Wednesday of the
month. (30 minutes - $15.00) By appointment only: (508) 896-2737
PLEASE NOTE: No massages with Marilou until September.
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 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 & Fridays ~ 1:00pm.
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 Elemen-
tary School. Walking for Seniors! Please visit the Brewster Rec. Dept.
at the Eddy Elementary School for more information and/or to sign
up. PLEASE NOTE: Last Day for program is Monday, June 20th.
Program will resume in September.
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 and Mary Rancourt.
By appointment only. Highly-trained volunteer counselors help seniors
and 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.
PLEASE NOTE: NO MEETINGS UNTIL SEPTEMBER
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 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 THIS FALL
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 8:30am - 10:00am. 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 June 2016
A MESSAGE FROM DEE YEATER, R.N.
PUBLIC HEALTH and WELLNESS NURSE OF VNA CAPE COD
Dee will do home visits on Mondays.
The monthly blood pressure monitoring program at the COA has been discontinued.
Stopping a Nose Bleed
Most people experience a nosebleed at one time or another. Bleeding often results from a cold,
a sinus infection, dry air, a scab being dislodged or use of certain medications, such as nasal steroids.
Most nosebleeds are easily treated with these steps:
►Sit up – This decreases the pressure in the veins of your nose, which slows the flow of blood.
Leaning slightly forward will help you avoid swallowing blood.
►Blow - Very gently blow your nose once or twice to remove any clotted blood.
►Pinch — Pinch the front, soft part of your nose with your thumb and index finger and breathe
through your mouth. Do this for about 5 minutes. The pressure should stop the flow of blood.
Repeat for 10 minutes if needed.
►To keep the bleeding from starting again, don’t pick or blow your nose for a few days and don’t
strain or bend down for several hours. Seek prompt medical care if the bleeding resulted from a
head injury or if it doesn’t stop after 30 minutes.
To help prevent future nosebleeds, keep the interior lining of your nose moist. Regularly apply
petroleum jelly inside your nose and use a humidifier to moisten the air in your home.
If you have recurring nosebleeds, talk to your doctor about steps you can take to avoid them. Your
doctor may want to take a closer look at your nasal passages or refer you to an ear, nose and throat
specialist. If you’re on a blood thinner, your doctor may recommend adjusting the dose.
Dee Yeater RN, Public Health nurse
Mayo Clinic Health Letter May 2016
Page 10 July 2016 Brewster, MA
HOPE HEALTH
“WALK FOR ALZHEIMER’S”
UPDATE
This year, you have helped me raise $588, bringing
our 7-year total to $4,670. Once again, you have
been so generous towards this very important
cause. It is always so rewarding to be part of such
an important mission,
and I thank you all for your support!
Denise
HYLINE CRUISES
Looking for something to do
this summer? The COA has
senior discount coupons for the
Hyline Cruises to Nantucket,
Martha’s Vineyard, Hyannisport’s Harbor and
Cape Cod Canal.
Just stop in at the COA office to pick one up
before you embark on a new adventure!!
July 2016 Page 11 Brewster, MA
Sightings from the Poop Deck
Short-Sheeted
What follows here is my recent letter to Mr. Scott after becoming aware of a severe injustice
foisted upon users of his product, which has gone from 115.2 sq. ft., to 104.8 sq. ft.
Dear Mr. Scott,
I have recently become aware that your company has changed the size of your product without
giving its users any warning, and having been a faithful consumer/user, I find this highly offensive
and very sneaky, to say the least. I’m sure your company has done a thorough market analysis and
concluded that we would never notice the difference, nor would it cause any severe backlash.
Well, you guessed wrong! Your company’s Global Business Plan states that you are positioning your
company to lead the world in essentials for a better life. Quite honestly, any clue that this was
coming should have triggered a run on smaller commodes being installed by local plumbers, but
that did not happen. Your explanation of our population now consisting of people with smaller
butts was a really lame reason for reducing the size of your product and just untrue. Go out and
look at the man in the street, or for that matter, the women as well. As Yogi used to say, “You
can observe a lot by just watching.” It seems to me your product should have grown to the size of
a roll of paper towels rather than becoming smaller. Very honestly, my toilet tissue fixture, with
its added space, can now probably accommodate a roll of Scotch tape as well as your product
which would seem appropriate since you started scrimping. If this trend continues, which I
suspect it will, I can probably expect to put up a second roll on the same fixture just to make use
of the added space. Of course that could be beneficial if it does come to that. Two rolls on one
device may reduce the number of disagreements in our house as to who always leaves the
dispenser empty and who put up the last roll.
Needless to say I am very disappointed in you and in the size of your product and will now be sure
to consult with Consumer Reports for a suitable replacement. Please be advised that I will not
take this sitting down.
Respectfully,
Peter R. Scheffer (“Life is Good”!) - Happy Fourth of July
P.S. And now you know why it’s called the “Poop Deck.”
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 July 2016 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