HomeMy Public PortalAboutMay 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
May 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 .
Brewster is in Bloom at the COA…
I SCREAM ... YOU SCREAM …
WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!!
Friends of Brewster Elders
Annual Ice Cream Social
Brewster Council on Aging
1673 Main Street, Brewster
FRIDAY, MAY 6th 2:30 – 5:00 pm
Choose from two flavors of ice cream, hot
fudge or strawberry topping, plus many different add-ons to
help you make a delicious sundae!!!
Cost per sundae is only…
$2.00 for Adults
$1.00 for children under the age of 12
Old & Young alike - come join us for this fun event!
For more information, please contact the Council on Aging,
(508) 896-2737.
We can provide rides if necessary!
SEE YOU THERE!
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Monday, May 2nd
7:00pm
Stony Brook Elementary School
See you there!
Holiday Closing Notes
The COA will be closed on
Monday, May 30th in honor of
Memorial Day.
Enjoy the holiday!
Town Elections are on
Tuesday, May 17th
Here’s your chance to make a difference!
If you need a ride, a volunteer from the COA will be available
to bring people to the polls. Please call the COA no later
than Friday, May 13th to reserve a space: (508) 896-2737
Additionally, there is a Candidates Night planned for
Thursday, May 5th at the Brewster Ladies Library from
6:15 - 8:30pm. It is co-sponsored by the Brewster
Community Network, the Ladies Library & the League of
Women voters. You are invited to come and meet the
candidates running for seats on the Board of Selectmen
and The Planning Board. Your questions will be
welcomed.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL!
We would like to honor all
mothers, mothers-in-law,
grandmothers and great-
grandmothers on their special
day, Sunday, May 8th.
Thank you from the rest of us,
and may your day be especially happy!
Page 2 May 2016 Brewster, MA
We got through April and all those IRS scams. Here are some suggestions from the FBI about
avoiding another very common problem, identity theft.
Identity theft occurs when someone assumes your identity to perform a fraud or other criminal act. Criminals
can get the information they need to assume your identity from a variety of sources, including by stealing your
wallet, rifling through your trash, or by compromising your credit or bank information. They may approach you
in person, by telephone, or on the Internet and ask you for the information.
The sources of information about you are so numerous that you cannot prevent the theft of your identity.
Minimize your risk by using a few simple hints:
►Never throw away ATM receipts, credit statements, credit cards, or bank statements in a usable form.
►Never give your credit card number over the telephone unless you make the call.
►Reconcile your bank account monthly, and notify your bank of discrepancies immediately.
►Keep a list of telephone numbers to call to report the loss or theft of your wallet, credit cards, etc.
►Report unauthorized financial transactions to your bank, credit card company, and the police as soon as you
detect them.
►Review your credit report at least once each year. Notify the credit bureau in writing of any questionable
entries and follow through until they are explained or removed.
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.
SEA CAPTAIN’S THRIFT SHOP
Be sure to visit the
Sea Captain’s Thrift
Shop to see all the
great merchandise we have
available for Spring and Summer!
We are also currently accepting
donations of good-quality spring or
summer clothing, along with shoes,
books, jewelry and linens.
We are located at 1671 Main
Street, behind the Brewster COA
and Fire Station.
Hours: Tues - Sat 10am - 2pm
HOPE HEALTH WALK FOR ALZHEIMER’S
On Sunday, May 15th, Denise, our director, will be
participating in her 7th walk to support the “Hope Health
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 $4,082 over the past 6 years.
We hope to reach our goal of
$5,000, which means Denise needs
to raise $918.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Page 3 May 2016 Brewster, MA
COMPUTER USERS GROUP
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Thursdays 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
May dates: 19th and 26th
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
May at the Brewster COA: 5, 12, 19, 26
We are always looking for new members, as well as
Guest Speakers! We welcome you to join us!
Coming next month: The Brewster Whitecaps!
Turn to page 4 in this newsletter for more
information. Don’t miss this special event!
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, & enjoys great conversation.
You’re invited to join them!
Council on Aging Board Members needed!
As a COA Board member, you will be given the stewardship of
assessing the needs of the elders in this community,
developing and carrying out the programs and services that
meet those needs, supporting the Director of the Brewster
COA and working towards a possible move
to a more senior-friendly building.
The Board meets every 3rd Tuesday at 12:30pm at the
Brewster Senior Center, 1673 Main St.
For more information on how to volunteer,
please call (508) 896-2737.
Monopoly Game Update
Are you playing the Shaw’s Monopoly Game?
The COA has ticket D517C which is very hard
to find. If you have D515A, let’s share the
$20,000 prize! Call us at the COA at
(508) 896-2737!
Meanwhile, we are still accepting UNOPENED
playing pieces. Just drop them off at the
COA office. Thank you for helping out!
BEACH & TRANSFER STATION STICKERS
BREWSTER COA
1673 MAIN STREET
THURSDAY, MAY 19th
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Like last year, Donna, from the Town Hall, will be
selling beach and transfer station stickers for our
seniors at our Senior Center.
The “Sticker Form” was included in your tax bill. We
have extra forms available here at the COA or it can
be printed from the Town’s website. Just fill it out
and bring it in with you, along with your vehicle
registration, and Donna will be able to sell you
your stickers!
Another option is to fill out the form, copy your
registration, include your check and leave it all with
us before Donna comes. When she is here on
May 19th, she will be able to process it and we can
return it to you!
Page 4 May 2016 Brewster, MA
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers,
mothers-in-law and anyone else who is a “mother” figure!
Be sure to call (508) 896-2737 to sign up for these programs.
CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY AT THE COA!
Wednesday, May 4th 12:00pm
Join us as we celebrate this special day with a Luncheon Tea.
Tickets are $5.00 each for the luncheon and entertainment.
Stop by the office today to purchase your ticket – (the deadline is Friday, April 29th.)
Following the luncheon you will be entertained by a musical performer, Liz Saunders. Liz is a talented
vocalist who will present an energetic and interactive cabaret performance of some of your favorite
classics from the 1930’s and beyond.
JUNE EVENTS – don’t miss them…
Monday, June 6th – “For the Love of Tap” - 1:00 PM
Learn the history and cultural heritage of tap as well as other aspects of tap
dancing. Tap dancing steps will be demonstrated. Audience participation with
musical accompaniment on kazoos.
A fun and educational program. Refreshments will be served. Call to sign up
today: (508) 896-2737.
Tuesday, June 7th - ATTENTION ALL VOLUNTEERS – MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the Captain’s Golf Course!!! Our Volunteer of the
Year, Donna Bowie from the Thrift Shop, will be recognized for her many hours of
service. Invitations will be mailed out in mid-May.
Thursday, June 9th – Brewster Men’s Coffee Club – 2:00 pm
The Brewster Whitecaps will be giving a presentation on the history of the
Whitecaps. The coach and some of the players will also be on hand to meet and
greet and answer any questions.
Please feel free to join them that afternoon.
Friday, June 24th – COA Night at the Whitecaps vs Harwich – 5:00pm
Again this year, the COA will be honored at this Brewster Whitecaps game night,
along with our veterans and troops. We will be looking for singers, especially
veterans, to join in the singing of the National Anthem, along with a young woman
who is a veteran of Afghanistan. Please call (508) 896-2737 and let us know if you
are interested in singing. We will also be throwing out the 1st pitch. Mark your
calendar – more information will follow in the June newsletter. Come and join us for this fun evening!!!
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
2
8:30am Tai Chi
9:45am Keep Movin’!
3
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W.
1:00pm Alzheimer’s
Caregivers Support
Group
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
4
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
5
2:00pm BMCC
5:00pm Evening Yoga
6
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Bridge Lessons
1:00pm Duplicate Bridge
1:00pm Poker
2:30pm Ice Cream Social
9
8:30am Tai Chi
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
11
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
7:00pm Duplicate Bridge
12
2:00pm BMCC
5:00pm Evening Yoga
13
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Bridge Lessons
1:00pm Duplicate Bridge
1:00pm Poker
16
8:30am Tai Chi
8:30an Hearing
Screenings
9:45am Keep Movin’!
17
9:00am Yoga
9:00am BP/Glucose
Testing & Health
Counseling
10:00am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
18
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am SHINE
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Banking Asst.
10:30am BINGO
10:45am Angelcare
1:00pm Quilters
7:00pm Duplicate Bridge
19
8:00am Pet Grooming
1:00pm Computer
Users Group
1:00pm Financial
Planning
2:00pm BMCC
5:00pm Evening Yoga
20
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
23
8:30am Tai Chi
9:45am Keep Movin’!
24
9:00am Yoga
10:00am BP/Glucose
Testing & Health/BLL
10:00am W.O.W
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
25
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am SHINE
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Legal Help
with Tom Kosman
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
7:00pm Duplicate Bridge
26
9:00am Pedicare
1:00pm Computer
Users Group
2:00pm BMCC
5:00pm Evening Yoga
27
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Bridge Lessons
1:00pm Duplicate Bridge
1:00pm Poker
30
MEMORIAL
DAY
(The COA is Closed)
31
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Massages
with Marilou
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 out-
side 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 web-
site 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!
May 2016
Need help with prescription drug costs?
Prescription Advantage may be your answer!
Prescription Advantage is a state-run program which assists many
elders with the costs of their medications. Eligibility is based on income only and
there is no asset limit!
Who can join?
If you are a Massachusetts resident, eligible for Medicare, and are:
● 65 years or older with an annual income at or less than $59,400 for a
single person or $80,100 for a married couple
OR
● Under 65 years and disabled, with an annual income at or less than
$22,334 for a single person or $30,118 for a married couple.
There is no charge for joining Prescription Advantage, if you have an annual
income at or less than $35,640 for a single person and $48,060 for a married
couple. There is a $200 per person annual enrollment fee for those with higher
incomes.
You may call Prescription Advantage today to enroll on the phone. You can reach
Prescription Advantage at 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636), then press or say
2. You may also apply on line by going to www.prescriptionadvantagema.org.
Or, you may make an appointment with one of our SHINE counselors here at the
Brewster COA by calling (508) 896-2737.
Page 7
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: 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 NOTE: No Class on May 4th
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! May dates: 19, 26
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.
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: 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. Sandra Smith’s schedule is the
3rd Wednesday of the month. (30 minutes - $15.00)
By appointment only: (508) 896-2737
PLEASE NOTE: Sandra’s date this month is Wednesday, May 4th.
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.
PLEASE NOTE: No Pedicare on Tuesday, May 3rd.
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.
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!
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 May 2016
A MESSAGE FROM DEE YEATER, R.N.
PUBLIC HEALTH and WELLNESS NURSE OF VNA CAPE COD
A VNA nurse will take blood pressures on Tuesday, May 17th 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.
MUSIC MAY HELP WITH RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY
Researchers report that music may be a convenient, safe, and inexpensive way to help recover
after an operation.
Quite a few studies have sought to evaluate the soothing power of music in the surgical arena.
To get a broader look at the evidence, investigators from the United Kingdom reviewed more
than 70 randomized controlled trials – these are generally the most rigorous type of studies – in
which music was played before, during or after a surgical procedure.
The overall results show that music played at any time ---but particularly before a procedure—
can lessen the pain and anxiety people often feel after the procedure. It can also reduce the
need for pain relievers and improve a person’s satisfaction level. Music was effective even for
people who were asleep (under general anesthesia) during surgery. One thing music didn’t do
was make a difference in the length of the hospital stay.
The collection of studies reviewed was fairly heterogeneous, meaning that the parameters used
for individual studies varied quite a bit from one to the next. In other words, it’s hard to be sure
if the benefits of music apply equally to every procedural scenario. Overall, the authors conclud-
ed that there was enough research to recommend that music be an option for anyone undergo-
ing surgery.
The next time you need to have a medical procedure done, consider asking your doctor or sur-
geon whether you can bring headphones and your favorite music. It just might help make the
experience all the more bearable.
Note: I had to have a test recently and they offered headphones and a choice of music. It helped
me, maybe it will help you.
Dee Yeater RN BA. Public Health Nurse.
Page 10 May 2016 Brewster, MA
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.
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.
Requested meal donation is $2.00.
Transportation can be arranged.
You might enjoy the new friendships that you
can make at the Senior Center!
May 2016 Page 11 Brewster, MA
Sightings from the Poop Deck
The Book Club
I have never been a member of a book club, but a few months ago I noticed a posting on the
clubhouse bulletin board that the book club would be meeting on March 14 at 11:15am. The book
they would be reviewing would be “The Boys in the Boat” written by Daniel James Brown. How lucky I
thought. Joan had just recently finished reading it and coincidentally suggested that it was a book that
I would probably enjoy. It was already installed on our iPad so why not read it, take it to the book club
and then do whatever a book club does. Besides, I had enough time to get through it so I would not
be pressed for time, that is, if I practiced what I always preached to my grandkids: “Read ten pages of
a book every night and at the end of the month you will have completed a good-sized book.”
Ah, but whoever practices whatever we preach? The time I had shrunk from two weeks to four days.
I could still do this, but I needed to retire to my favorite reading room free from all distractions and
obviously you would need two reading rooms with one always unoccupied and available for
emergencies. Fortunately we had two, so off I went.
My “ten pages per day” rule was now out the window, since this book was 468 pages, but I was
determined and would not to be denied. However, if you divide 468 by 4 it means reading 117 pages
each day, a fair commitment, but consider where I was reading this! What it means is that when you
are finished reading for the day and you try to stand, a couple of things happen. The seat comes with
you because it’s stuck to you and from your waist down your body is asleep (go ahead, have some fun
with that one). When you try to stand you’re apt to fall back crashing from whence you came because
you have no control of your legs for a couple of minutes and I could hear Joanie Carfora in the other
room asking, “Are you okay?” This scenario was repeated four straight days, but I did manage to
finish the book on time.
On March 14 at 11:15am I walked into the room where the book club was scheduled to meet, proud
of my accomplishment and prepared to discuss “The Boys in the Boat” without once thinking of having
to refer to my Cliff Notes. This was not high school, this was the real thing and I was ready. I sat
there waiting patiently for the book club members to arrive, and I waited, and waited and waited,
…..but those SOBs never showed.
Since that fateful day I approach my “reading room” somewhat differently. I no longer bring books
in there with me and its use is for what it was originally intended only, but when I use it I think of all
those book club members who stood me up and never showed, sit down.….and feel relieved.
Peter R. Scheffer - (“Life is Good!”) -
“Sit down-sit down-sit down-sit down-sit down you’re rockin’ the boat!”
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 May 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