HomeMy Public PortalAboutNovember 2015
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
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 .
November 2015 Published Monthly
NOVEMBER HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
The Senior Center will be closed on Wednesday, November 11th in honor of Veterans Day. Our thanks to
all who have served, and to all of those who are still in the service.
We will also be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 26th and 27th for the Thanksgiving holiday.
We wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving!
F.O.B.E. CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
OLD YARMOUTH INN
223 ROUTE 6A, YARMOUTHPORT
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9TH
12:00pm Arrival time
(please, no early birds)
12:30pm Luncheon served
Tickets are $14.00 for FOBE members,
$28.00 for non-members
The menu will include: Fruit & Cheese tray,
Caesar Salad, Choice of Coastal Haddock with
crumb topping, Rice Pilaf and Vegetables OR
Boneless Sliced Short Ribs, Beans,
and Mashed Potatoes.
Dessert is Cheesecake with strawberries
Tickets go on sale Monday, Nov. 2nd –
there is a limit of 100 tickets.
Deadline to purchase is
Wednesday, December 2nd.
Stop by the COA to purchase your ticket. Don’t
miss out! Sorry, but we cannot hold tickets that
are not paid for, so purchase your ticket soon!
FLU CLINIC
Thursday, November 5th, 10:00am to 12:00pm
Our Lady of the Cape Parish Center
482 Stony Brook Road
This clinic is for any Brewster resident 18 or older. Pre-registration is
available at the Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street. Just stop by our
office. To register by phone, please have your insurance card ready
and contact the Brewster COA at (508) 896-2737.
Transportation can be provided, just ask the COA!
For other questions, please contact the Brewster Health
Department: (508) 896-3701 X1120
Please do not contact the Parish Center.
NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY
Did you get a survey in the mail asking your opinions on the
needs and wants for senior services?
If you did, you are one of the 3,000 town citizens over the
age of 45 selected randomly to answer important questions
about the present and future needs of our
Brewster Senior Center.
Please take some time to answer these questions honestly by
representing your ideas for our town. Thank you!
Page 2 November 2015 Brewster, MA
SEA CAPTAIN’S THRIFT SHOP
Sea Captain’s Thrift Shop will be having a ½ price sale on all
winter clothes until we close for the winter. Come in and say
‘Hi!’ Enjoy the bargains - winter coats and sweaters and more –
also early Christmas presents and decorations! We have it all!
We are located at 1671 Main Street, behind the Brewster COA and the Fire
Station. Hours are 10AM to 3PM Tuesday thru Saturday.
Our telephone number is: (508) 896-8180
TAKE A TRIP
WITH JUNE!
Wednesday, November 4th
NEWPORT PLAYHOUSE &
CABARET RESTAURANT
“THE ODD COUPLE”
This classic comedy opens with a group
of guys assembled for cards in the
apartment of divorced Oscar Madison.
And if the mess is any indication, it's no
wonder that his wife left him. Late to
arrive is Felix Unger, who has just been
separated from his wife. Fastidious,
depressed and none too tense, Felix
seems suicidal, but as the action
unfolds Oscar becomes the one with
murder on his mind when the
clean-freak and the slob ultimately
decide to room together with hilarious
results as The Odd Couple is born.
$69.00 per person
Bus pick-up at 8:45am
at the Harwich Commuter Parking Lot
For more information and/or to sign
up, please contact June at:
(508) 896-2737
DO YOU THINK IT’S
GOING TO SNOW
THIS WINTER??
TAKE CONTROL of your life and
secure a person to snow-plow your
driveway now! The COA gets
numerous calls asking us to
recommend someone, but, legally
we are not allowed to do that.
Therefore, call your carpenter,
landscaper, ask your neighbor who
they use, or maybe they are willing
to help do the job for you at an
agreed upon price.
Planning ahead will secure your
comfort and safety in your own
home, which will make for a
happier winter season.
SHINE NEWS: IMPORTANT REMINDER
The Medicare Open Enrollment ends on December 7th!
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late! Make a SHINE Appointment Now!
The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period is the time to review your
Medicare plan choices. During this time, you can enroll in a plan or change
your Medicare coverage for 2016. Plans change each year, so you just
might save some money if you make your appointment soon!
For more information, please call the Brewster COA at (508) 896-2737 and
ask for an appointment with a SHINE representative!
This month’s article comes from a reader who received phony phone calls
from someone claiming she represented Eversource (formerly NStar). In her
own words she said:
“Her phone number was 413-318-0191. She has phoned several times,
sometimes claiming she is from Eversource, sometimes, the State of Mass.
She says she wants to lower my electric bill, asks for my account number, then
goes on with a lot of questions. She turns you over to an operator who asks
you to "verify". She has been phoning me for about a month. This could be
dangerous. I phoned Eversource, and they have no information on this.”
I then reported this to the Brewster Police Department who responded with the
following advice:
“Thanks for letting me know. I will be sure to look into it. Report phishing
scams. If you receive a fake phone call, take down the caller's information and
report it to your local authorities. In the United States, use the
FTC Complaint Assistant form at: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/
#crnt&panel1-1
… report it immediately to the local police, as well as Eversource at
1-800-286-2000 if you receive a phone call. This should help. Have her and
anyone else follow through with the FTC and Eversource.”
We thank this reader and remind folks that if you have a personal experience by
internet or telephone that others should know about, please send a brief summary
to our FOBE account at: friends1673@comcast.net
Page 3 November 2015 Brewster, MA
COMPUTER USERS GROUP
Thursdays 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
November dates: 5, 12, 19
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 November at the
Brewster COA: 5, 12 & 19
We’re always looking for new members as well as
Guest Speakers. We welcome you to join us!
Tuesdays: 10:00 - 11:30am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
W.O.W. (Wonderful Older Women) is a friendly
group of women that review current events, talk about
movies & books, give each other support & enjoy
great conversation. Come and join them!
EXERCISING AT THE COA!
We are offering some wonderful exercise
programs here and remember, you can always
just drop in to check them out!
LINE DANCING FOR FUN & FITNESS
Wednesday mornings – 8:45 – 9:45am
downstairs – offered thru Cape Sands Ballroom
A fun way to get light exercise and meet new
friends. No dance experience required! $4.00
per class when paid monthly, drop-ins are $6.00
per class. Cash or checks payable to ‘Cape
Sands Ballroom’. Wear casual layered clothing
and shoes that slide well – bring a water bottle
and a small towel!
KEEP MOVIN’!
Monday and Friday mornings –
9:45 – 10:45am upstairs
Formerly known as “Young at Heart”, this
program is primarily strength-training for
seniors. The classes are friendly and a fun way
to relieve arthritis symptoms and learn
important strengthening exercises. Classes start
easy and help to build strength and coordination
each week by using hand & leg weights and
bands. The next session begins on Monday,
October 16th and runs for
10/weeks (20 classes). The cost is $50 for the
session. To sign up, stop in any Monday or
Friday and speak to the instructor, Linda Fraser.
FOBE IS STARTING A NEW INITIATIVE…
“SENIORS HELPING SENIORS”
With the holiday season approaching, we are asking
that you think of those less fortunate than yourselves
when you are out doing your shopping.
“Seniors Helping Seniors” is a new project we are undertaking.
When you are grocery shopping, if you are purchasing cat or dog
food and supplies, please add an extra bag or a few cans to your
cart. Some seniors find it hard to take care of their pets on their
limited income. Also products like body wash, shampoo,
detergent, toothpaste/toothbrushes, dental floss, soap, cleaning
products, and body powder are some of the items they also
needed. Most of these items are considered “a luxury” and
cannot be purchased with food stamps or other forms of
assistance. Just drop off your donations to FOBE in the COA
office and we will see that those in need are able to avail
themselves of them now at the holiday season and then beyond.
Thank you for your generosity
to your fellow Brewster seniors!!
TOYS for TOTS
It’s not too early to think about helping someone out
for the holidays. The COA will be collecting NEW,
UNWRAPPED children’s toys to be distributed to
the children of our Cape Cod families. Please shop early
as the toys will be picked up the first week of December.
Page 4 November 2015 Brewster, MA
NOVEMBER PROGRAMS
Be sure to call (508) 896-2737 to reserve your seat for any or all of these very informative/entertaining programs.
Transportation can be provided, just let us know when you call to sign up!
VETERAN’S BENEFITS EXPLAINED
Monday, November 2nd 1:00 pm
Do you currently receive a VA pension? Come hear from a representative of the Department of Veteran’s Services explain
benefits that might be available to you and/or your spouse. Not sure if this applies to you…this is the time and place to find
out. Don’t lose out on any benefits that you or your spouse might be entitled to.
Call today to reserve your seat, (508) 896-2737.
CELEBRATE VETERAN’S DAY AT THE COA WITH A LUNCHEON & MUSICAL PROGRAM
Monday, November 9th Lunch at 12:00 pm Program at 1:00 pm
The show will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII. Singer, Ruth Harcovitz, will perform
such well known songs as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”, “Accentuate the Positive”, “White Cliffs of Dover”, and many more
in celebration of Veteran’s Day. A luncheon of soup, salad and quiche will be served at 12:00 pm, followed by the program at
1:00 pm. This program is supported in part by the Council on Aging, but also in large part by the Brewster and Massachusetts Cultural
Councils. Tickets for the luncheon/show are $5.00 and need to be purchased ahead of time. They are available in the COA office.
For any questions, please call Marilyn at (508) 896-2737.
“THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING”
PLAN TO JOIN US FOR THESE WONDERFUL PROGRAMS!
HOLIDAY COOKIES & A MOVIE – “White Christmas”
Monday, December 7th 1:00 pm
ATTENTION COOKIE BAKERS and MOVIE LOVERS!! How about baking (or buying) a batch or two of your favorite holiday
cookies and bringing them along to enjoy while watching a wonderful holiday movie. We hope to have a wide variety of
holiday cookies to sample along with a cup of tea, coffee or cocoa. If you want to share your favorite cookies, please let
Marilyn know by Wednesday, December 2nd. Bring your friends or neighbors, simply call (508) 896-2737 and sign up!
Remember we have a new screen and sound system to make movie watching more enjoyable!
MUSIC FILLS THE AIR
Monday, December 14th 1:00 pm
The Nauset Regional High School Honors and Treble Choruses, under the direction of Tom Faris, will be
here to perform. Every year our COA is one of the facilities fortunate enough to have them come to perform..
Don’t miss hearing these phenomenal high school students! Bring your friends and neighbors, but be sure
you call ahead and reserve your seat (508) 896-2737. Refreshments will be served. What a lovely way to
spend an afternoon during the holiday season!
ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS THROUGH THE EYES OF CHILDREN
Monday, December 21st 12:30 pm
We all know Christmas is for children so join us as we celebrate with the Kindergarten students from
Stony Brook Elementary. They will be here to sing some holiday songs, enjoy a treat and most
importantly, have a visit from Santa. Bring your friends, neighbors, grandchildren, great -grandchildren, or just come by
yourself. What a fun afternoon! Hear these children sing and share their joy at seeing Santa!! Refreshments will be served .
Be sure to call ahead today to reserve your seat, (508) 896 -2737.
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
2
9:45am Keep Movin’!
1:00pm Seminar:
Veteran’s Benefits
Explained
3
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
2:00pm Alzheimer’s
Caregivers Support
Group
4
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am Computer Help
10:30am BINGO
10:45am Angelcare
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm Cribbage
5
10:00am SHINE
1:00pm Computer
User’s Group
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
9
9:45am Keep Movin’!
1:00pm
Celebrate
Veterans Day
Lunch & Musical
Program
10
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
11
(The COA is closed)
12
10:00am SHINE
1:00pm Computer
User’s Group
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
9:00am 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 Computer Help
10:00am Banking Asst.
10:30am BINGO
10:45am Angelcare
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm Cribbage
19
8:00am Pet Grooming
10:00am SHINE
1:00pm Financial
Planning
1:00pm Computer
User’s Group
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
9:45am Keep Movin’!
24
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W.
10:00am BP/Glucose
Testing & Health/BLL
1:00pm Bridge/Poker
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Massages with
Marilou
25
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Legal Help
with Tom Kosman
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm Cribbage
26
(The COA is closed)
27
(The COA is closed)
30
9:45am Keep Movin’!
Page 6 Senior Happenings
Space Reserved For Advertisers
TAX EXEMPTION INFORMATION
You may qualify for a substantial
Real Estate Tax Exemption.
Please call the Outreach office at the
Brewster COA at (508) 896-2737.
Applications are available now!
HARWICH FAMILY PANTRY TRIPS
Come shop at the Harwich Family Pantry
with the Brewster COA. Trips occur on the
last 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.
October 2015 Page 7
“NEW to MEDICARE” Seminar
Thursday, November 19th 6:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Congratulations on turning 65 and becoming eligible for
Medicare! What,exactly does that mean? Come and get
the straight story from our SHINE counselors. There are
some important things you should know about signing up for Medicare and about
your options once you’re enrolled. Debra Johnson will introduce you to the
wonderful world of Medicare A, B, C, and D, enrollment periods, medigaps,
Medicare Advantage plans, and when you should sign up for coverage.
Please call us at (508) 896-2737 to reserve your seat.
Refreshments will be served.
Sightings from the Poop Deck
is taking a break for the months
of November and December,
while FOBE conducts their
annual membership drive
(see page 11).
The Poop Deck will return in its
entirety beginning in January of
2016.
In the meantime, the
Poop Deck’s author, Peter
Scheffer, sent along the following
quote from Winston Churchill for
our readers’ contemplation:
“Never in the field of
human conflict has so
much been owed by so
many to so few”.
Thank you to our veterans.
BAYSIDE
WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:
ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP & ACTIVITY
GROUP for PEOPLE WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
1st Tues. of each month ~ 2:00-3:30pm. Dr. Molly Perdue, facilitator.
Drop-ins welcome. Call (508) 896-5170 for more information.
ANGELCARE: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays ~ 10:45am - 11:45am. A Support
Program For Caregivers – If you’re caring for someone who is chronically
ill, aged or disabled…and would like some support…we’re here for you.
BANKING ASSISTANCE: By appointment only: A representative from
Cape Cod 5 will come on the 2nd & 3rd Weds. starting at 10:00am to help
seniors balance their checking accounts. Call (508) 896-2737 to reserve.
BINGO: Played every 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://home.comcast.net/~judysgames/
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.
COMPUTER USER’S GROUP: Thursdays ~ 1:00pm. The first hour will
be Q & A, followed by instructions on topics solicited from program partici-
pants of the day. All skill levels welcome. November: 5, 12, & 19
CRIBBAGE: Wednesdays ~ 1:00pm NOTE: Please call Letitia no
later than the day before at (508) 896-5119 if you will be coming.
DUPLICATE BRIDGE:
PLEASE NOTE: Currently not playing. Will resume in June 2016.
DUPLICATE BRIDGE: Fridays ~ 1:00p.m. – $5.00/activity per person -
For any questions, please call Judy Murray at (508) 432-7097.
FINANCIAL PLANNING: 3rd Thursday ~ 1:00pm. By appointment only.
A knowledgeable volunteer answers questions and provides information
concerning Long Term Care and Financial Planning. Call (508) 896-2737
HEARING SCREENINGS: 3rd Monday ~ 8:30am By appointment
only. FREE. Includes ear inspections and hearing-aid checks if needed.
Appointments are 15 minutes each. Call (508) 896-2737.
This month: Monday, November 16th
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 are friendly and a fun way to relieve arthritis symptoms and learn
important strengthening exercises. Classes start out easy and help to
build strength and coordination each week by using adjustable weights and
stretch bands. Sign up with instructor in any Monday or Friday class.
LEGAL HELP: 10:00am on the 4th Wednesday with Atty. Tom Kosman.
1/2-hour appointments. By appointment only: (508) 896-2737
The attorney will answer your legal questions. Free for initial appointment.
LINE DANCING: Wednesdays ~ 8:45am No dance experience required.
$4.00/class when paid monthly, or $6.00/class for drop ins. Cash or
checks payable to “Cape Sands Ballroom”.
MASSAGE: Marilou Raposa’s schedule is the last Tuesday of the
month beginning at 1:00pm. (30 minutes—$15.00)
By appointment only: (508) 896-2737
CHATTER
WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:
MEALS ON WHEELS: Provided to each homebound elder who is unable
to prepare nutritionally balanced meals.
Call Cindy Thatcher at (508) 896-5070.
OLD FASHIONED QUILTING BEE: Wednesdays ~ 1:00pm. Fellow
quilters bring in their quilting projects and enjoy the camaraderie of other
quilters. Come join in with the ‘Brewster Basters’!
OUTREACH ASSISTANCE: The Outreach Workers will answer any
questions you have about resources and programs you may be entitled to,
assist with assessing needs, file-of-life, fuel assistance applications, etc.
Please call (508) 896-2737 to make an appointment.
PEDICARE: 1st Tuesday & 4th Thursday of the month ~ 9:00am – 3:00pm
(Diabetics must see a MD/Podiatrist). ½ hr. appointments - $29.00
home visit - $50.00 Please call (508) 896-2737 for appointment.
PLEASE NOTE: No Pedicare in November.
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 and Fridays ~ 12:30pm - 3:45pm.
REP. TIM WHELAN: 3rd Friday of the month from 11:00am - 12:00 noon
Offered on a drop-in basis.
SENIOR DINING: Hot lunches are provided Monday through Friday at
the COA Suggested donation is $2.00 per meal. 24-hour notice
required. Please call 508-896-5070 no later than 11:00am the day
before. Come at 10:30am on Wednesdays and Fridays to play BINGO
before lunch!
SENIOR STRIDERS: Mondays through Fridays throughout the school year.
6:30am - 7:15am AND 3:00pm - 5:00pm at Stony Brook Elementary School.
Walking for Seniors! Please visit the Brewster Rec. Dept. at the Eddy
Elementary School for more information and/or to sign up.
SHINE: Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone
Tuesdays ~ 1:00pm to 3:15pm with Debra Johnson, and Thursdays with
Brenda Locke and Mary Rancourt. By appointment only. Highly-trained
volunteer counselors help seniors and Medicare beneficiaries understand
their rights and benefits. FREE appointments. Call (508) 896-2737
SIGHT LOSS GROUP: September - June on the 2nd Wednesday of
each month ~ 11:30am -1:00pm off-site ~ Call Sight Loss at
(508) 394-3904 for more information.
SWIMMING: Brewster Green Pool ~ Fridays: 10:00am - 12:00pm.
Because this is so popular, this is ONLY available for Brewster’s
senior (60+) residents. You ALSO need to have your current F.O.B.E.
Membership Card for admittance. A donation of $1.00 per swim is
recommended and this is done by an Honor system. Stop by the COA on
a monthly or quarterly basis to support this activity!
PLEASE NOTE: NO SWIMMING ON NOVEMBER 27.
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 November 2015
A MESSAGE FROM DEE YEATER, R.N.
PUBLIC HEALTH and WELLNESS NURSE OF VNA CAPE COD
Betty Hart, R.N. will take blood pressures on Tuesday, November 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.
TRIGGER FINGER
Like bundles of cable cord, a network of tendons runs from your
forearm muscles into your hand, moving to and fro in slick tendon
sheaths.
Trigger finger or trigger thumb occurs when the sheath, or pulley,
through which your tendon moves becomes inflamed and constricts your tendon, making it hard for it
to slide back and forth. Friction can cause your tendon to develop nodes, further impeding the pulley.
Because of the increased resistance, you may feel pain, popping or a catching sensation. Some-
times your finger becomes locked and is hard to straighten.
Treatment for trigger finger focuses on reducing swelling in the tendon sheath to allow the tendon
to glide freely once again. Immobilizing the affected finger with tape or a splint, combined with taking
anti-inflammatory medication, may resolve the problem. For persistent symptoms a cortisone
injection may be considered. If symptoms don’t improve, your doctor may recommend repeating the
injection or trying surgery. Surgically opening the sheath allows the tendon to glide more easily. Two
types of outpatient surgery, percutaneous or open surgical release, are equally effective for treating
trigger finger, with only a 3 percent recurrence rate.
Dee Yeater, RN
from TENDON TROUBLE – Mayo Clinic Special Report, August 2014
Page 10 November 2015 Brewster, MA
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 o n 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!
FLYING SOUTH FOR THE WINTER?
If you are currently receiving the ‘Bayside Chatter’ and you will be away this winter, please
call the office at (508) 896-2737 to tell us of your plans. We will stop delivery of your
newsletter and start it up again when you return!
November 2015
JOIN OR RENEW NOW
FOR 2016
Page 11 Brewster, MA
2016
FRIENDS OF BREWSTER ELDERS
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
BREWSTER RESIDENTS 60+
CELEBRATIONS HOLIDAY
MEMBERSHIP IN THE FRIENDS OF BREWSTER ELDERS (FOBE) – 2016
Annual membership/$10.00 per person- Single ____Joint ____New Membership ____Renewal___
Please make check payable to FOBE – if mailing form, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed
envelope for return of your membership card(s).
Name ______________________________________________ Date of Birth___________________
Spouses’ name ______________________________________ Date of Birth __________________
Residential Address ______________________________ Town__________State____Zip________
Mailing Address__________________________________ Town__________State____Zip________
Phone #________________________________ Cell Phone # _______________________________
Email Address ___________________________________________
Emergency Contact Name _______________________ Relationship ________________________
Phone # __________________________ File of Life Card Needed: Yes _____ No _____
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY – Amount Paid _______ Cash ______ Check #_______ Date ________
Card Given _____ Card Sent _____ Date of Data Input _______ By _______ Swipe Card _______ VOLUNTEERING
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)
$35.00 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 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 October 2015 Brewster, MA Non-Profit Org US Postage PAID Permit #25 Orleans, MA 02653 DART - DIAL-A-RIDE Service:
CCRTA provides daily (demand response) service that is wheelchair accessible, door-to-door, ride by appointment, transportation service. This service
is available to all Cape Cod residents for any purpose. DART service is available Monday through Friday in all towns from 7am to 7pm, and on
Saturdays from 9am to 7pm as well as on Sundays from 9am to 1pm in most towns. To schedule a ride, please call: (800) 352-7155. OR CURRENT RESIDENT FRIENDS OF BREWSTER ELDERS 1673 MAIN STREET BREWSTER, MA 02631