HomeMy Public PortalAboutMay 2017
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 Chairperson
May 2017
MISSION STATEMENT: To support and advocate for older adults and their families by providing
programs, services and resources that promote individual living and quality of life.
HOLIDAY CLOSING NOTES:
The COA will be closed on
Monday, May 29th in honor of
Memorial Day.
Enjoy the holiday!
Celebrate Brewster in Bloom at this fun event!!
I SCREAM ... YOU SCREAM …
WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!
Please join us for
FRIENDS of BREWSTER ELDERS
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
NEW Location:
Cape Cod Bible Alliance Church
3600 Main Street (Route 6A)
Brewster
FRIDAY, MAY 5th
2:30pm – 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
For any questions, please contact the Council on
Aging: (508) 896-2737
SEE YOU THERE!!
Demystifying Dementia II
Presented by Patricia Collins,
Director of Outreach for
Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of
Cape Cod
Brewster Council on Aging
1673 Main Street
Session II : Wednesday, May 24th
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of Cape Cod, in
partnership with the Brewster Council on Aging,
is proud to announce the first dementia-friendly
education series.
Session II goes into more depth in discussing the
different stages of cognitive decline and associated
behaviors, along with current research and what the
future holds for our community.
Participants do not need to have taken Session I in
order to attend Session II.
To register and/or for more information, please call
the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center at:
(508) 896-5170
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 14th.
Thank you from the rest of us, and
may your day be especially happy!
Page 2 May 2017 Brewster, MA
Hope Health Walk for Alzheimer’s
On Sunday, May 7th, Denise, our director, will be
participating in her 8th walk to support “HopeHealth
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 $4,670
over the past 7 years. We hope to reach our goal of
$5,000, which means she needs to raise $330.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Monday, May 1st at 7:00pm
Stony Brook Elementary School
384 Underpass Road, Brewster
See you there!
TOWN ELECTIONS
TUESDAY, MAY 16th
Here is your chance to make a difference!
If you need a ride, please call the COA no later
than Friday, May 12th to reserve a space:
508-896-2737
SEA CAPTAIN’S THRIFT SHOP NEWS
Come visit the Sea Captain’s Thrift Shop to see all the great merchandise we have available for Spring
and Summer. We have everything you need to step into the season in style: Women’s and
Men’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, linens, housewares and books!
Stop in and say ‘Hi!’ and check out all the lovely items we have!
We are located at 66 Harwich Road (Route 124) and open Monday through Saturday,
from 10:00am—3:00pm. See you there!
Viewpoints on Life
Hi, usually in this space you would find an article by Bill about scams. We've decided to try something
else. Let me start by introducing myself; I'm Alice Plouchard Stelzer. Among other things, I have been
a writer, editor, publisher, and an author.
Having worked in the field of words, for more years then I'm going to mention, I thought I could use
this background to communicate with you. I hope to give you something to think about and maybe
along the way we can have a laugh.
One of the places I've lived was on a lake. I loved to sit by the edge and watch the boats and was
fascinated that by the time the ripples finally washed over my feet, the boat would be out of sight.
The boat pilot would never know that my feet had been cooled by the ripples caused by that boat.
Another analogy is throwing a pebble in the lake and watching the ripples get ever wider.
That's how I visualize the effect of doing a good deed. If you do even the smallest helpful thing for
another person, such as, letting another driver pull out into traffic in front of you. You will never see
the ripple you caused but it just might be the only good thing to happen to that person all day.
You will never know but it is possible that that person's mood was so improved that he or she felt like
doing a kindness for someone else. So even if you can't see the impact of your actions, the ripple
may be widening in someone else's life.
Now, if there is anything you would like discussed here, or you would like to see more about scams,
please email me at aliceplouchardstelzer@gmail.com or leave a message at the COA.
Page 3 May 2017
W.O.W.
Tuesdays: 10:00am - 11:30am
Wells Court
141 Brewster Road, Brewster
The W.O.W. (Wonderful Older Women) meets
across the street from the Brewster COA at
Wells Court. Meetings are held on Tuesdays,
from 10:00am - 11:30am.
The W.O.W. is a friendly group of women which
reviews current events, talks about movies & books,
provides support, and enjoys great conversation.
We invite you to drop by and join us!
Brewster, MA
Computer Users Group
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Please call the COA at (508) 896-2737 for the
May meeting dates, which were not available at the
time of the printing of this newsletter.
The group normally meets on Thursdays, from
1:00pm - 3:00pm.
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.
Warmer weather has arrived! The Brewster Men’s
Coffee Club will be meeting on the following
Thursdays in May at the Brewster COA:
4, 11, 18, 25
We are always looking for new members, as well as
Guest Speakers! We welcome you to join us!
BEACH & TRANSFER STATION
STICKERS
BREWSTER COA
1673 Main Street
Thursday, May 25th
9:00am to 12:00pm
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 25th, she will be able to process it and
we can return it to you!
Thank you to all of you who attended
FOBE’s St. Patrick’s Day event at the
Captain’s Golf Course, and purchased
raffle tickets.
We hope you had a great time!
Here are the winners of the
raffle:
Brewster Bookstore $25.: Sheila Anderson
Brewster Bookstore $25.: Joann Keuch
Café Alfresco $25.: Barbara Carr
Dunkin Donuts $25.: Barbara Mullane
Ferretti’s $25.: Bob Deloye
Illusions $25.: Olga Sherry
Luke’s Liquors $25.: Arlene Keegan
Mia’s Nails $25.: Olwen Saint
Mobil $25.: Marilyn Dearborn
True Value $25.: Greta West
Bramble Inn $50.: Sophie Collins
Brewster Fish House $50.: Alice Stelzer
CVS $50.: Frank Salamone
Stop & Shop $50.: Mary Ann Sutherland
Stove L’Oven $50.: Olwen Saint
ATTENTION SWIMMERS!
There will be no swimming at Brewster
Green Resort on Friday, May 26th. The
resort thanks you in advance for your cooperation!
Page 4 May 2017 Brewster, MA
Do you have difficulty reading or holding books and newspapers?
The Talking Information Center Network (TIC) is a radio reading service that provides around the
clock programming for the blind, visually impaired or otherwise disabled. Tune in to volunteers as they
read state and local newspapers, magazines, periodicals and other information about state programs
and events.
** HOW TO LISTEN
Call TIC at 781-834-4400 to order a radio receiver.
Listen by telephone: call 712-832-7025
Listen via website: www.ticnetwork.org
Download our free app on your phone.
** For more information go to, www.ticnetwork.org or call 781-834-4400
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers , grandmothers,
great-grandmothers, mothers-in-law and anyone else
who is a “mother” figure!!
JUNE EVENTS
ATTENTION ALL VOLUNTEERS - Join us for our Annual Thank You Luncheon
on Tuesday, June 6th at the Captain’s Golf Course.
Volunteers of the Year, Chester Robinson and Joe Fitzpatrick, Meals on Wheels drivers,
will be recognized for their many hours of service. Invitations will be mailed out in mid -May.
Please contact Marilyn Dearborn if you volunteered in 2016 but do not receive an invitation.
POSSIBLE UPCOMING EVENTS in JUNE -
Check next month’s newsletter for more details.
“Taking Control of Your Future - A Legal Checkup” (date to be determined)
“COA Night at the Brewster Whitecaps” game - Friday, June 23rd
LINE DANCING at the COA
Wednesdays, 8:45am - 9:30am, warm-up from 8:35am - 8:45am
Our wonderful line dancing class continues on Wednesday mornings from 8:45am – 9:30am, with an
optional 10-minute warm-up from 8:35am - 8:45am. Jazz boxes, grapevines and paddle turns are
just a few of the moves you will learn (if you don’t know them already). Cost is $4.00 per class when
paid by the month, or $6.00 per class for anyone attending less than a full month. Drop in and check
it out! Class is taught by a wonderful instructor from Cape Sands Ballroom. This is a great way to get
your day started with music and movement!
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
1
9:45am Keep Movin’!
2
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W. at
Wells Court
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
3
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am Computer Help
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
4
9:00am Qi Gong
2:00pm BMCC
5
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming
at Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
8
9:00am Pedicare
9:45am Keep Movin’!
9
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W. at
Wells Court
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
10
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am Computer Help
10:30am BINGO
11:30am Sight Loss/BLL
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
11
9:00am Qi Gong
2:00pm BMCC
12
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming
at Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
15
9:45am Keep Movin’!
16
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W. at
Wells Court
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
17
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am Computer Help
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Massages
with Sandra
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
18
8:00am Pet Grooming
8:30am Hearing Scrgs.
9:00am Qi Gong
11:00am Massages
w/Sandra at Maplewood
1:00pm Financial
Planning
2:00pm BMCC
19
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming
at Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:00am
Rep. Tim Whelan
and Rep. Sarah Peake
22
9:45am Keep Movin’!
23
9:00am Yoga
10:00am BP/Glucose
Testing & Health/BLL
10:00am W.O.W. at
Wells Court
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
24
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Legal Help with
Atty. Tom Kosman
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Seminar:
Demystifying Dementia II
25
9:00am Qi Gong
2:00pm BMCC
26
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
29
MEMORIAL DAY
(The COA is closed)
30
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W. at
Wells Court
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Massages with
Marilou
31
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am Computer Help
10:30am BINGO
11:30am Sight Loss/BLL
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
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.
May 2017 Page 7
MOBILE PANTRY “Health Food to Go”
We are pleased to bring you this program in cooperation with
The Family Pantry of Cape Cod. Food selection is done in
advance, utilizing a program shopping list, which includes
standard non-perishable foods, along with special non-perishable foods, fresh
produce, bread products, dairy and meats. Your shopping order is pre-bagged on
the morning that you will be picking it up. All participants will have to take part in
a registration and qualification process.
Our next delivery date is Wednesday, May 10th. For more information, please call
Debra or Brenda at our Outreach Office at (508) 896-2737.
LOCATION CHANGE: The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group &
Activity Group for People with Cognitive Impairment is now meeting at
Maplewood of Brewster, 820 Harwich Road (Route 124) on the 1st Tuesday of each
month, 1:00pm - 2:30pm. The Caregivers support group and the Dementia support
group run simultaneously. Dr. Molly Perdue, facilitator. Drop-ins welcome.
Call (508) 896-5170 for more information.
COME JOIN US FOR LUNCH!
Simply call our Brewster COA Nutrition Center at (508) 896-5070 by 11:00am
the day before and we 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!
And, we feature piano tunes at 11:30am on Wednesdays and Thursdays by our
talented volunteer pianists!
Requested meal donation is $3.00. Transportation can be arranged.
You might enjoy the new friendships that you can make at the Senior Center!
NEED ANY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT?
The COA often has an assortment of wheelchairs, crutches, canes, commodes and
other equipment which we lend out free of charge. If there’s something you need,
give us a call at 508-896-2737. We might just have what you’re looking for!
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 at Maplewood of Brewster,
820 Harwich Road (Route 124). The Caregivers support group and the
Dementia support group run simultaneously. Dr. Molly Perdue, facilitator.
Drop-ins welcome. Call (508) 896-5170 for more information.
ANGELCARE: Please call the COA for information: (508) 896-2737
BANKING ASSISTANCE: For help balancing seniors’ checkbooks. 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: DISCONTINUED at Brewster COA.
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 USERS GROUP: Thursdays ~ 1:00pm. The first hour will
be for questions and answers, followed by instructions on topics solicited
from program participants that day. Skill level is from beginner to
intermediate. Just drop in!
PLEASE NOTE: Please contact the COA for the May meeting dates.
DUPLICATE BRIDGE: DISCONTINUED at Brewster COA.
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 Thursday ~ 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.
Atty. Adam Dupuy will still offer legal advice, but does not have scheduled
dates at the COA. The attorneys will answer your legal questions.
All appointments are 1/2 hour. Please call the COA at (508) 896-2737
for your appointment. FREE for first half-hour.
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”. No need to call first; just come
and join us!
MASSAGE: Sandra Smith’s schedule is the 3rd Wednesday of the
month beginning at 11:00am at the COA AND the Thursday immediately
following at 11:00am at Maplewood of Brewster. Marilou Raposa’s
schedule is the last Tuesday of the month beginning at 1:00pm.
Massages last 30 minutes and are $15.00. By appointment only:
(508) 896-2737
MEALS ON WHEELS: Provided to each homebound elder who is unable
to prepare nutritionally balanced meals.
Call our Brewster Nutrition Site at (508) 896-5070.
CHATTER
WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:
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’!
PLEASE NOTE: No meeting on May 24th
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: 2nd Monday of the month ~ 9:00am - 2:30pm
(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: DISCONTINUED until further notice
QI GONG: Thursdays ~ 9:00am - 9:45am. $10.00 for 5 sessions.
Chinese method for enhancing the immune system; utilizing posture and
breathing exercises, along with focused intentions. Gentle and calming.
Please call the Brewster COA at (508) 896-2737 for more information.
REP. TIM WHELAN & REP. SARAH PEAKE: 3rd Friday of the month ~
11:00am - 12:00 pm Offered on a drop-in, first-come-first served basis.
SENIOR DINING: Hot lunches are provided Monday through Friday
at the COA Suggested donation is $3.00 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! Live piano music Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11:30am.
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 4:00pm with Debra Johnson,
and Wednesdays ~ 1:00pm to 4:00pm with Brenda Locke and Mary
Rancourt. By appointment only. Volunteer counselors help all 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.
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 (2017) 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, May 26th.
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.
Meets at Wells Court, 141 Brewster Road (across from the COA)
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. $10 per class.
Class uses breathing techniques as a foundation for exploring gentle &
safe stretching.
Page 9 May 2017
A MESSAGE FROM CHARLES ALTIERI, RN
PUBLIC HEALTH WELLNESS NURSE, VNA of CAPE COD
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
Page 10 May 2017 Brewster, MA
‘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!
Dramatic Rise in Skin Cancer in More Mature Adults
Mayo Clinic, April 2017
Skin cancer risk might seem like a concern for younger sunbathers on the beach or in a tanning booth.
However, older adults are one of the most likely age groups to develop, and die of, skin cancer.
This includes melanoma, which can be a deadly type of skin cancer, especially if not caught early.
Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in men, the 6th in women.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers indicates that melanoma rates in older adults have risen
dramatically in the past 40 years. In men age 61 and older, melanoma rates were 11 times higher in
2009 as in 1970. In women aged 61 and older, rates were 4 times as high over that same time period.
Most people in this study were white, located in the same county from Minnesota.
Results may not apply to non-whites, as fair skin is a risk factor for skin cancer, and there are more new
cases of skin cancer are among white people in the general population than any other ethnic group.
Important steps you can take to prevent skin cancer development or to reduce your risk of becoming
seriously ill or dying of skin cancer include:
Minimizing sun exposure - Sun exposure throughout life, even as an older adult, can lead to damage
of skin cell DNA, which can lead to mutation of genes that can turn a normal cell into a cancerous
one. Take steps to reduce sun exposure: Avoid mid-day sun, wear protective clothing such as
shirts, hats and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen SPF 30 when going outdoors and avoid tanning
beds. If you are concerned about not getting enough vitamin D from sunlight, oral supplements
are an equally effective, inexpensive and widely available alternative.
Checking skin - Examine your skin often for new skin growths or changes in existing moles, freckles,
bumps and birthmarks. Ask your doctor to perform a skin check, and ask how often you should
have your skin checked by a doctor. Catching skin cancer early increases the odds of successful
treatment. One piece of good news from the study is that melanoma survival rate is better than
the past. In the 1970’s, the melanoma survival rate at five years after diagnosis was 73%, in the
2000’s, survival rate is 95%.
BE WELL! LIVE STRONG! LIVE LONG!
Charles Altieri RN, Public Health Nurse
May 2017 Page 11
Sightings from the Poop Deck
What is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day, a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving their country.
Obviously, I would much rather be writing this Poop Deck about something tongue-in-cheek and not so
somber as Memorial Day, but I am obligated to that “Band of Brothers” on this day and also on
Veterans’ Day. Sure, I too will probably be firing-up the gas grill, but not before remembering and
honoring those who gave their all, thus allowing me to enjoy that cookout. I am grateful and I am sure
you are too.
If you would like to see what Memorial Day is really about, drive down to the National Cemetery in
Bourne and volunteer to put a few flags in the ground on those graves. Listen to the speeches, look over
those veterans who attend, some will be in wheelchairs, and engage them in a conversation. Their only
regret is that they are now too old to serve, or they would be on the next troop ship to the front, any
front. I don’t know where we find these guys and gals, but they are a special breed.
Let me give you an inside tip about the National Cemetery in Bourne. Your heart might be in the right
place if/when you make the trip, but be aware that you won’t be able to get nearer than a mile to the
entrance. Plan on a forced march, you will not be disappointed. You see, there will be real patriots all
around you who will also be attending and remembering the war dead, probably someone near and dear
to them. Perhaps even one of your friends or relatives. Go anyway! Bring lots of tissues, you’re going
to need them. It’s a moving experience.
The Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts will be there. The VFWs, the American Legions, and many other
civic organizations will also be there. Don’t be surprised if you run into one of your neighbors.
The Harley Davidsons will be there. You will think differently about those Harleys forever after.
Just do it! Then come home, light up that gas grill and feel good about yourself. I promise you, your
hot dogs and hamburgers will taste better than ever…... and so will your beer!
Peter R. Scheffer (“Life is Good!”) - God Bless America
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 for FREE.
Grocery Shopping in Orleans: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am - 1pm.
Post office, banking & pharmacy trips: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
The suggested donation is $2.00 for these errands.
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. Donations are accepted for this service.
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 donation 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 2017 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
(508) 896-5070