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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