HomeMy Public PortalAboutSeptember 2017
1673 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631 • (508) 896-2737 • Fax (508) 896-7587
Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday
Denise Rego, Director Andrea Nevins, COA Board Co-Chair Alice Stelzer, FOBE President
Sharon Tennstedt, COA Board Co-Chair
September 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.
LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
The Senior Center will be closed on Monday,
September 4th in honor of Labor Day.
Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
GRANDPARENTS DAY
Sunday, September 10th is Grandparents Day!
We wish all of you a very happy day in celebration of
all that you do!
FOBE ANNUAL PICNIC
AT THE CROSBY MANSION
Wednesday, September 27th
Doors open at 11:30am and the meal served at 12 noon.
Tickets are $7.00 per person.
There will be a drawing for door prizes!!!
Did you know there is a homestead located within the
mansion? Self-guided tours of the first and second
floors will be available. A docent will be on hand to
answer all your ‘historic’ questions!
Menu includes:
Hamburgers and hot dogs, potato salad, coleslaw, baked
beans, and dessert. Non-alcoholic beer and lemonade
will also be served.
Ticket sales are Mondays thru Fridays, beginning on
Monday, September 11th to Friday, September 20th:
9:00 - 11:00am at the Brewster COA.
There is a limit of 100 tickets.
Buy early – don’t be left out!! Hope to see you there!
Transportation can be provided!
September is National Senior Center Month.
Stop in for a tour, meet our dedicated staff and
learn all the great programs and events that we
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Monday, October 16th 1:30pm
Join us at the COA as we remember our friend
and former employee, Henry Sears.
We are placing a bench outside to make a lovely
area to sit and reflect, wait for a ride or just enjoy
the sun! The bench will be dedicated to Henry as
a way to remember all that he has done for
Brewster seniors. We will also be placing a “fish”
on our memorial wall in Henry’s name.
Henry’s family will be joining us for this special
remembrance. We encourage all whose lives
were touched by Henry to join us that day.
Refreshments will be served.
Please call the COA at (508) 896-2737 to let us
know you are coming!
SAVE THE DATE!
Newport Playhouse Trip: “The Crazy Time”
Wednesday, November 8, 2017 $70 per person
Come join us for a laugh-filled look at the joys and perils of
May/December romances! Cost includes transportation, admis-
sion to play, lunch, and cabaret show afterward. Look for more
information in the October issue of the ‘Bayside Chatter’.
Page 2 September 2017 Brewster, MA
Writing for Your Health
While I was at UMass, I also took a course with the Center for Journal Therapy and became a Certified
Journal Therapy Instructor. I added what I learned in that course to the studies of Dr. Ira Progoff,
who developed the Intensive Journal Program and American social psychologist James W. Pennebaker,
a pioneer of writing therapy.
Dr. Progoff said, “The Journal is an instrument with techniques by which persons can discover within
themselves the resources they did not know they possessed.”
After I moved to Connecticut, I developed writing workshops built around what I had learned and the
continuing studies of these two men. I taught these workshops at community colleges, libraries and
anywhere else I could. For many years I did these workshops at The Spa at Grand Lakes in
Lebanon, CT, for their ten-week summer session. Women came there every summer from all around
the country. Because these workshops were small, intimate groupings, I could share how I had
personally used writing to survive. I thoroughly enjoyed these sessions because some women came
every year and I could see how this course had helped them
These types of writing are often called expressive writing, which literally comes from our core. It is
personal and can be emotional but it is done without regard to form or writing conventions such as
spelling and punctuation.
Journaling is so much more than most people realize. Yes, even just doing “stream of consciousness”
writing every day will help you be a clearer thinker. And what do I mean by that; you just sit down with
paper and pen (or pencil) and write whatever comes out.
But there are many different ways to write depending on the outcome you are seeking. Next month I’m
going to talk about a couple of writing concepts that can make you a happier and healthier person.
Alice Plouchard Stelzer
Friends of Brewster Elders Annual Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 12th 1:00pm at the Brewster COA
The Friends are the support system for the COA when needs arise that are not covered through their
Town Budget. This organization is only as good as it members so this is your opportunity to take part in
the future of FOBE. Join us and learn more about what we have done and will continue to do for the
seniors of Brewster!
Everyone is invited to attend, whether you are currently a member or simply want to
learn more about the group and how you could become an active participant in its future.
The agenda will include:
● Welcome by President Alice Stelzer
● Introduction of Board Members
● Mission Statement
● Reports: Treasurer – Jane Hester
Thrift Shop – Donna Bowie
● Accomplishments of the past year
● Member suggestions / comments
● Re-election of Board Members whose terms are expiring
Refreshments will be served – See you all there!!!
Page 3 September 2017
W.O.W.
Tuesdays: 10:00am - 11:30am
Wells Court, 141 Brewster Road
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
“NEW to MEDICARE” Seminar
Wednesday, September 20th at 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. Our SHINE counselors 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. A light supper will be provided.
THANK YOU, PAUL ALT!
The COA would like to take the opportunity to
thank our Computer Help guru, Paul Alt, for the
15+ years of volunteer work he has given to the
seniors of our community. Through his patience
and dedication, many seniors have learned the
wonders of technological devices, whether it be a
personal computer, laptop, iPhone or anything else!
Paul has chosen to ‘retire’ from his volunteer ser-
vice here at the COA and we will miss him, but wish
him well!
COMPUTER HELP UPDATE:
Thursdays, 9:00am—12:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Our new instructor, Pete Scheffer, is happy to help
solve your technology issues! Pete has been the
instructor of our Computer Users Group for many
years, and is well-versed in technological snafus!
Call the COA at (508) 896-2737 to schedule your
FREE one-hour appointment!
A MESSAGE FROM THE
PRESIDENT (of FOBE):
Hi, I want to introduce myself as I am now the
president of FOBE. I’m Alice Stelzer and I have
big shoes to fill as I follow Marilyn Dearborn into
this position.
My main goal is to keep FOBE as a strong
volunteer organization that is here to support all
Brewster seniors. Of course, I and the Board of
Directors cannot do this without your help.
I need to hear from you what you think we do right
and where you would like to see changes, along
with what you can do to help. Always remember
this is a volunteer organization and we need to
work in partnership to continue as a vibrant
support of Brewster seniors. Please feel free to
communicate with me at:
aliceplouchardstelzer@gmail.com
BREWSTER MEN’S COFFEE CLUB
Thursdays, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Cooler days are here! The BMCC will be meeting
on the following Thursdays in September at the
Brewster COA:
7, 14, 21, 28
We’re always looking for new members as well as
Guest Speakers! We welcome you to join us!
COMPUTER USERS GROUP
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Thursdays: 1:00pm—3:00pm
Topics are solicited from program attendees at
each meeting and discussed at subsequent meet-
ings. Skill level is from beginner to intermediate.
No need to sign up! Just come join us!
BE SURE TO ADD FOBE TO YOUR
FACEBOOK FRIENDS!
Use Facebook to keep up on what’s happening at
the Thrift Shop—sales or specials, pictures of
featured items, etc.—and also to see what’s been
going on with FOBE. This new technology is
wonderful!
Page 4 September 2017 Brewster, MA
SEA CAPTAIN’S THRIFT SHOP NEWS
The summer flew by but the Sea Captains Thrift Shop is ready for your fall shopping. After Labor Day
you will find totally refreshed, up-to-date men’s and women’s clothes in all the fall colors, as well as
great home and decorating items in the annex!
Hours: Monday —Saturday, 10:00am to 3:00pm. Our address is: 66 Harwich Road (Rt. 124)
As always, we need more volunteers to help at Sea Captains. Please call Barbara at (508) 896-8180 if
you can give a couple of hours!
COA PROGRAMS FOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER….
Just a reminder – the reason we ask you call to reserve a seat for these programs is…
Many of our presenters travel a distance to our Council on Aging. If you do not call to reserve a seat, it
appears that there is little or no interest in the program so we cancel it rather than have someone drive
here for only a couple of people.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO CALL IF THERE IS A PROGRAM YOU ARE
INTERESTED IN ATTENDING!
Also - please note that the programs we offer here at the Brewster Council on Aging are simply for the
information or enjoyment of those attending and in no way endorse or sponsor any provider or service.
Those in attendance should understand that we do not assume any legal responsibility for the advice or
services rendered by program providers.
QI GONG IS BACK – classes begin again on Thursday, September 14th
Qi Gong is a Chinese method of exercise that enhances the immune system – utilizing posture and
breathing exercises along with focused intentions. This is both gentle and calming and is offered here at
the COA on Thursday morning from 9:00 – 9:45. The cost is $10.00 for 5 sessions. There is a set of
forms that need to be completed if you participate in this class. Either call the COA for more
information or stop in and see the class for yourself. PLEASE NOTE: Classes will meet at the gazebo at
Drummer Boy Park in Brewster throughout September. If raining or windy, they will
meet at the Brewster COA.
COMING IN OCTOBER….
SKIMMING DEVICES
Monday, October 2nd 1:00 PM
What are “Skimming Devices” and how can they affect you? Robin Putnam, Research and Special
Project Manager from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations, will be here at the COA
with a presentation on credit card skimming devices. The presentation will include information on how
to spot skimming devices found at gas stations and ATMs and what you can do to protect yourself
against them. She will also have information to hand out on “shopping rights”. Please call 508-896-
2737 to reserve your seat for this informative program. Refreshments will be served.
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK – OCTOBER 8-14
This is the perfect time to check your fire and carbon monoxide alarms. If they are battery
operated, now is the when you should change the batteries. Also, be sure that your alarms
are current – they do have an expiration date. If you are unsure whether your unit is
expired, contact the Fire Department at (508) 896-7018 and they will be able to assist you.
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
1
9:45am Keep Movin’!
(Brewster Baptist Church)
4
(The COA is closed)
5
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W. at
Wells Court
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
6
8:00am Line Dancing
(Dennis COA)
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
7
2:00pm BMCC
8
9:45am Keep Movin’!
(Brewster Baptist Church)
10:30am BINGO
11
9:00am Pedicare
9:45am Keep Movin’!
(Brewster Baptist
Church)
12
9:00am Yoga
11:00am W.O.W. at
Brewster COA
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Friends of
Brewster Elders Annual
Meeting
13
8:45am Line Dancing
(Back at Brewster COA)
10:30am BINGO
11:30am Sight Loss/BLL
12:30pm Poker
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
14
9:00am Qi Gong
(see page 4 for where
to meet)
2:00pm BMCC
15
9:45am Keep Movin’!
(Brewster Baptist Church)
10:30am BINGO
11:00am
Rep. Tim Whelan
12:30pm Poker
18
9:45am Keep Movin’!
(Back at the COA!)
19
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W. at
Brewster COA
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
20
8:45am Line Dancing
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Massages with
Sandra
12:30pm Poker
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
6:00pm “New to
Medicare” Seminar
21
8:00am Pet Grooming
8:30am Hearing
Screenings
9:00am Qi Gong
(see page 4 for where
to meet)
11:00am Massages
w/Sandra at Maplewood
1:00pm Financial
Planning
2:00pm BMCC
22
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
12:30pm Poker
25
9:45am Keep Movin’!
26
9:00am Yoga
10:00am W.O.W. at
Brewster COA
10:00am BP/Glucose
Testing & Health/BLL
1:00pm Massages with
Marilou
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
27
8:45am Line Dancing
10:00am Legal Help with
Atty. Tom Kosman
10:30am BINGO
11:30am FOBE Picnic
at the Crosby Mansion
12:30pm Poker
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
28
9:00am Qi Gong
(see page 4 for where
to meet)
2:00pm BMCC
29
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
12:30pm Poker
Page 6 Senior Happenings
‘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!
September 2017 Page 7
Class is back in session!
MASSAGES WITH MARILOU RAPOSA
Resumes the last Tuesday of the month. $15.00 per 1/2-hour session
Please call the COA at (508) 896-2737 for an appointment.
SENIOR STRIDERS
Call the Recreation Department at (508) 896-9430 for the current schedule
SIGHT LOSS GROUP
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month at the Brewster Ladies Library from
11:30am to 1:00pm, September-June. This month’s meeting will be on Sept. 13th.
TUESDAY YOGA WITH MARILOU RAPOSA
After Labor Day, Tuesday morning yoga classes will be from 9:00am-10:00am.
$10.00 per class.
SWIMMING
Will begin the first week of October. See the October newsletter for more
information.
MOBILE PANTRY “Healthy Food to Go”
We are pleased to bring to you this program in cooperation with The Family Pantry
of Cape Cod. Participants select their food in advance using the provided 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 pick it up. Pick -up is
the 2nd Wednesday of each month, from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Frederick Court.
Our next date is Wednesday, September 13th.
Participants must register and be income-qualified. For more information, please
call Debra or Brenda at our Outreach Office at (508) 896-2737.
DON’T IGNORE YOUR MEDICARE MAIL!
It’s that time of year! If you have a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare
Advantage Plan (HMO, PPO), you will receive information from your
plan by the end of September. Please understand and save this information
regarding changes in your plan for 2018.
During Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15—December 7) you may change
your insurance plan for next year. SHINE counselors can help you understand your
plan changes, as well as other options you may have.
Trained SHINE counselors offer free, confidential counseling on all aspects of
Medicare and related health insurance programs. To schedule a SHINE
appointment, call the Brewster Council on Aging at (508) 896-2737.
BAYSIDE
WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:
ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP & ACTIVITY
GROUP for PEOPLE WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT:
1st & 3rd 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.
PLEASE NOTE: Resumes at Brewster COA beginning Sept. 6th
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 (BMCC): Thursdays ~ 2:00pm.
BRIDGE (men’s and women’s groups): Tuesdays ~ 1:00pm.
COMPUTER HELP: Thursdays ~ 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: Call the COA at
(508) 896-2737 to be put on the email list for dates of meetings.
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, and refer to calendar on page 6 for locations prior
to September 18th.
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. 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”. No need to call first; just come
and join us! PLEASE NOTE: September 6th class meets at 8:00am
at the Dennis COA. See calendar on page 6.
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. Massages with Marilou
are held the last Tuesday of every 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 Kelly Kirby 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’!
CHATTER
WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:
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: Wednesdays and Fridays ~ 12:30pm - 3:45pm
PLEASE NOTE: Resumes at COA beginning on September 6th
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Resumes at COA beginning September 14th
REP. TIM WHELAN: 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. PLEASE NOTE: Resumes at Brewster COA September 6th.
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 and Wednesdays ~ 1:00pm to 4:00pm
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 until October. Look for more
information in next month’s issue of the ‘Bayside Chatter’.
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.
Now meeting at Wells Court, 141 Brewster Road.
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 September2017
A MESSAGE FROM CHARLES ALTIERI, RN
PUBLIC HEALTH WELLNESS NURSE, VNA of CAPE COD
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
Page 10 September 2017 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 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.
Looking for Medical Equipment?
If you are currently looking for Medical Equipment, either for yourself or for someone you know, please
contact the COA to find out if we have anything that you could use. We often receive donations of
crutches, walkers, canes, shower/tub benches, commodes and wheelchairs that we lend out, free of
charge, for indefinite periods of time. Simply give us a call at (508) 896-2737. We may just have what
you’re looking for!
Removing a tick
●If you find a tick on your skin, remove it as quickly as possible using these tips:
●Grasp the tick as close to your skin’s surface as possible, using tweezers if available.
●Pull upward with a steady, continuous motion. To make sure the whole tick is removed, try not to
twist it or jerk it. If mouth parts do remain in the skin, leave the area alone and let the skin heal.
Your body will expel the mouth parts over time.
●After removal, clean the area with an antiseptic such as rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
●Place the tick in a plastic bag in case you develop any of the symptoms like fever, chills, headache, joint
pain, gastrointestinal upset, and a characteristic rash shaped like a bulls eye. Bring the tick with you
when you see your doctor.
●If you live in an area where Lyme disease is highly prevalent, and the tick that you’ve removed is very
swollen and engorged with your blood, discuss with your doctor whether an antibiotic such as
Doxycycline (Monodox, Vibramycin, and others) should be prescribed to prevent Lyme disease. Prevent
ticks from getting to your skin by wearing light-colored long sleeves and pants, shoes and socks. Try to
avoid areas where ticks are found, such as tall grasses, shrubs and leaf litter. If you think you may come
in contact with ticks, protect yourself further by spraying exposed skin with a repellent containing DEET
or picaridin. You can also apply permethrin to your clothing. Remember to check yourself, family
members and your pets after being outdoors. Using repellents on your pets will not only protect your
pet, but will protect you as well. The weather is warm and the living is easy, and with global warming
our winters are milder and making the tick season longer.
BE WELL! LIVE STRONG! LIVE LONG!
Charles Altieri RN, Public Health Nurse article from Mayo Clinic Newsletter, June 2017
September 2017 Page 11
Sightings from the Poop Deck
“Some people ask the secret of our long marriage. We take time to go to a restaurant two
times a week. A little candlelight, dinner, soft music and dancing. She goes Tuesdays, I go
Fridays.”
Henny Youngman
We grew up together in Passaic, New Jersey, living on the same block. I lived at Number 60 Sixth
Avenue and Joanie Carfora lived seven houses down at Number 34. She was a natural beauty even way
back then and irresistible with her bruised and scraped knees and missing front teeth. The year was
1945, we were eight years old and living in two-family housing built for returning war veterans. She was
probably a “tomboy” before she came into the neighborhood, but if she had not been, she would have
become one because the only other little girl around was Peggy Briggs and Peggy had “cooties,” so no
one could play with her. I can still remember my mother combing through my hair everyday with that
little black comb and warning me to stay away from Peggy. I think our whole Memorial School Number
11 was on the alert.
When the vets came home everyone had to move and give up their apartments. My parents moved to
Third Ward in Passaic and I had to change schools to Thomas Jefferson Number 1. Joanie Carfora
moved too, but stayed in the Second Ward and Number 11 School. Sadly we said our goodbyes, but not
for too long. After finishing grammar school we met again when we got to Passaic High School, dated,
went to the senior prom together and graduated in the Passaic High School Class of 1954 together.
We were married after my four year enlistment in the United States Air Force in 1958. Of course I
checked to be sure that her knees had healed and that she now had her two front teeth and had not
acquired any cooties from Peggy before I finally said “yes.”
By the time you read this we will have celebrated our fifty-ninth wedding anniversary, which is really the
point of this writing. You see, after so many years together, each year it becomes more difficult to pick
out an original, appropriate and meaningful anniversary gift. For example, Joanie Carfora may offer up
some things like, “How about a little bypass surgery?” to which I will reply, “No thanks, you already gave
that to me eleven years ago!” “Then how about a stent, you haven’t had one of those yet?” “Hmmm,
now there’s an idea, but I think I will hold off a while before I spring for that.” (Oooo, did I really write
that?) Her offers are relentless - “How about a colonoscopy?” “No thanks, the doctor said the one I had
last year would be The End!” (Oooo, not another one!l)
So, we’ve settled on The Ocean House in Dennis Port, courtesy of Peter Jr. As we are sipping our glasses
of Cabernet Sauvignon and reminiscing over where all the many happy years have gone, and so quickly
might I add, I may make a special presentation and award Joanie Carfora with the equivalent of
The Distinguished Service Cross for still putting up with my nonsense for so long. May all of you be at
least as equally blessed.
Peter R. Scheffer - (“Life is Good!”) - Happy Anniversary Joanie Carfora
P.S. To Peggy Briggs. If you are in the area and happen to read this, please don’t look me up and show
up at my door unless you have a piece of paper signed by a doctor from Cape Cod Healthcare that states
that you are cootie-free…..although it would be nice to see you - from a distance!!
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 September 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