HomeMy Public PortalAboutMarch 2018
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
March 2018
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.
A Timely Reminder:
Daylight Saving time begins on Sunday, March 11. Remember to set all clocks forward
one hour, and remember to check the batteries in your smoke-detector(s) too!
Spring officially begins on Tuesday, March 20. Warmer days will be here soon!
COA Board THANK YOU
I want to give a BIG THANK YOU to all of the COA Board Members for all the hard work they have done
to help me develop a 5-Year Age-Friendly Action Plan, Goals and Objectives, and our PowerPoint
presentation that was presented at the Select Board (1/29) and Finance Committee’s (2/7) meeting,
which can be watched on the Town of Brewster’s website. I couldn’t have done it without you!
Also, we are in need of 2 new members. We meet the 3rd Thursday of every month at 1:00 pm.
If you think you might be interested, please call Denise at (508) 896-2737.
Mobile Dental Hygiene Service
Mobile Dental Hygiene Services will now be offering friendly, convenient, and affordable
preventative oral health care at Brewster Council on Aging! The following services are FREE to
eligible individuals with Medicaid/MassHealth: cleanings, screenings, oral cancer exams,
fluoride treatments, denture care, education, referrals.
No dental insurance? We offer affordable options!
This service will be held the 4th Wednesday of every month, beginning on Wednesday, March 28th.
Please contact Mobile Dental Hygiene Services if you have any questions or you would like to
make an appointment. Our telephone number is (508) 827-6725 or check us out at:
smiles@mobiledentalhygiene.com
Friends of Brewster Elders Office Move
Due to the ever growing need for space in this 1880’s building, the Friends group have agreed to move
their office into the Wellness Room. Since they don’t use their current office on a full-time basis,
the Wellness Room would give them adequate time and space for their needs.
The current FOBE office will be transformed into a 2nd Outreach Office, to accommodate the needs of
our growing senior population.
Page 2 March 2018 Brewster, MA
Sea Captain’s Thrift Shop News
66 Harwich Road (Route 124)
The Friends of Brewster Elders Sea Captains Thrift Shop offers these bright and
cheerful tops as a sampling of spring fashions on sale starting March 1st, when
we go back to our six-day schedule.
We are also adding an extra hour! Come and find spring attire for a
fresh look! We’re open Monday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Citizens Police Academy
Tuesdays: March 13 through May 15 (ten weeks) 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Brewster Police Department, 631 Harwich Road
The Brewster Police Department announces its upcoming Citizens Police Academy,
beginning on Tuesday, March 13. This is your opportunity to get an insider’s look at the
functions of the Department and its officers. The class is FREE and open to the public.
You will learn a great deal and meet those who serve our community.
To sign up, applications are available at the Brewster COA and the Police Department.
If you have any questions, please contact Lt. George Bausch at the
Brewster Police Department: (508) 896-7011.
Exercise your Options!
The Brewster Council on Aging offers the following exercise classes to keep you happy,
healthy and active:
Keep Movin’ Mondays and Fridays 9:45 am - 10:45 am
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 cost is $50 for the
10-weeks (20 classes per session). To sign up, stop in any Monday or Friday and speak to the
instructor.
Yoga Tuesdays 9:00 am - 10:30 am
This class uses breathing techniques as a foundation for exploring gentle and safe stretching.
It is appropriate for all fitness levels, and helps with relaxation and focus.
$10.00 per class. No need to sign up in advance. Feel free to check out a class to see if it’s right for you!
Line Dancing Wednesdays 8:45 am - 9:45 am
A fun, new way to get light exercise and meet new friends. This is NOT your usual Country-Western line
dance class. We dance to all styles of music! Each week, there’s something new! No dancing
experience required! $4.00 per class when paid monthly, $6.00 per class for drop-ins.
Our instructor comes to us from ‘Cape Sands Ballroom’. Come join us for this exciting class!
Qi Gong Thursdays 9:00 am - 9:45 am
Qi Gong is an integration of physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intentions.
The gentle, rhythmic movements help to reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality and enhance the
immune system. Qi gong’s greatest appeal is that everyone can benefit!
$2.00 per class or $10.00 per 5-week session. You’re welcome to come check it out!
Page 3 March 2018
W.O.W.
Tuesdays: 9:30am - 11:00am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Are you sitting at home talking to yourself?
Do you like to discuss books, movies, current
events and issues, or whatever?
Then WOW would love to welcome you into our
weekly discussion group. You don’t have to come
every week.
Just join us when you can at the COA!
You’ll find us to be a very welcoming group.
If you have any questions, please call the COA at
(508) 896-2737.
Income Tax Preparation
Brewster Town Hall
2198 Main Street
Meeting Room B
It’s income tax season!
Make it easy on yourself and call the Brewster COA
soon at (508) 896-2737 to schedule your
appointment with a knowledgeable tax
representative from AARP.
Appointments are available on Wednesdays
through April 11th on a first-come, first-served
basis. The representatives will make the job of
filing your taxes much easier!
***Although the program is free, donations to the
Brewster COA are appreciated!
Please note: This service is for basic,
uncomplicated tax filing ONLY!
(Form 1040 or Form 1040-EZ)
Brewster, MA
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.
Just give us a call at (508) 896-2737.
Computer Help
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Thursdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Please note:
There will be no Computer Help sessions until
April. Check the April ‘Bayside Chatter’ for the
schedule!
Brewster Men’s Coffee Club
Thursdays, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Spring is coming! We will be meeting on the
following Thursdays in March at the Brewster COA:
1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Enjoy a cup of hot coffee and some lively
conversation. 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
Please note:
There will be no meetings of the Computer Users
Group until April. Check the April ‘Bayside
Chatter’ for the schedule!
“NEW to MEDICARE” Seminar
Wednesday, April 11th
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 your Medicare options.
Our SHINE counselors will introduce you to the
confusing 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.
Sandwiches, chips, beverages and desserts will be
provided.
Page 4 March 2018 Brewster, MA
March Program Notes
Check out the exciting programs and
events we’ve got planned for you!
All programs take place at the
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Basic Watercolor Painting Classes
Mondays: March 12th through April 23
1:00 - 2:30 pm
We will be offering a 6-week watercolor painting class
beginning on Monday, March 12th through April 23rd
from 1-2:30pm (no class on Monday, April 16th).
There will be a fee of $45 for the 6-week session.
We will give you a list of materials you need to bring
when you sign up. This will be a fun class exploring
watercolors. Being able to draw is NOT necessary!
Please stop by the COA soon to register and
pay the program fee in advance.
Crafts with Megan!
Thursday, March 15th
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Free! Come join us for a happy day!
You’ll be creating an easy, fun new craft each month.
March’s project is a colorful spring wreath!
All supplies are included. Meet new friends and
indulge your creative side while our instructor,
Megan, offers guidance in all projects.
Please contact the COA by Monday, March 12th
to let us know you are interested: (508) 896-2737
Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration
Friday, March 16th
12:00 pm
Come join us for an afternoon of Irish
celebration!
Our program will begin with the
Kanaley School of Dance.
These students will perform lively
Irish step dances. The dancing will
be followed by an interactive
performance of Irish music by
Denya Levine, fiddler and singer. You’ll be invited to
sing-a-long to some of your old favorites!
A light lunch will be provided.
Please wear your smile and, if you can, GREEN too!
$5.00 per person includes performances and lunch!
Please stop by the COA to sign up!
Coming in April
Food to Encourage
Start-up: Thursday April 12th
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Participants Needed!
Lower Cape Outreach Council in partnership with the
Barnstable county Public Health Nurses, and
The Brewster COA are looking to explore the impact of
Nutrition & Healthy eating on Diabetes &
Hypertension.
This program is open to everyone, and there will be
complete confidentiality for every participant. Health
monitoring by a nurse, involving Blood Pressure and
Glucose checks, will be provided. Each participant will
receive a bag of fresh fruits/veggies every other week,
along with free recipes!
Call the COA at (508) 896-2737 to reserve your spot.
Who’s Your Agent?
Friday, April 20th 11:00 am
This is a public education engagement to help adults
open the door to healthcare planning. You can start to
make your own Health Care Plan or help a competent
family member create theirs. One-hour presentation
with facilitator: Julie Tooher from VNA
Demonstration and Tour of Scargo Pottery
Thursday, April 26th 11:00am
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of a
pottery studio?
Please join us for a Demonstration and Tour of Scargo
Pottery in Dennis. Afterward, we will either be
stopping for lunch or a box-lunch will be provided at
minimal cost (to be determined).
More info will be coming up in next month’s ‘Bayside
Chatter’!
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
1
9:00am Qi Gong
2:00pm BMCC
2
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
5
9:45am Keep Movin’!
6
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Bridge
7
8:45am Line Dancing
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
8
9:00am Qi Gong
2:00pm BMCC
9
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
12
9:00am Pedicare
9:45am Keep Movin’!
1:00pm
Basic Watercolor
Painting Class
13
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Bridge
14
8:45am Line Dancing
10:30am BINGO
11:30am Sight Loss/BLL
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
15
8:00am Pet Grooming
8:30am Hearing
Screenings
9:00am Qi Gong
10:30am Crafts with
Megan
1:00pm Financial
Planning
2:00pm BMCC
16
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
11:00am
Rep. Tim Whelan
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
12:00pm
St. Patrick’s Day
Celebration
19
9:45am Keep Movin’!
1:00pm
Basic Watercolor
Painting Class
20
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
11:00am Massages
with Sandra
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Bridge
21
8:45am Line Dancing
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Massages
with Sandra
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
22
9:00am Qi Gong
2:00pm BMCC
23
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
26
9:45am Keep Movin’!
1:00pm
Basic Watercolor
Painting Class
27
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
10:00am BP/Glucose
Testing & Health/BLL
1:00pm Massages with
Marilou
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Bridge
28
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am Mobile Dental
Hygiene Service
10:00am Legal Help with
Atty. Tom Kosman
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
29
9:00am Qi Gong
2:00pm BMCC
30
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
Page 6 Senior Happenings
March 2018 Page 7
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, March 14.
Participants must register and be income-qualified. For more information, please
call Debra or Brenda at our Outreach Office at (508) 896-2737.
Tax Exemption Information
You may qualify for a substantial Real Estate Tax Exemption. Please contact the
Outreach office at the Brewster COA at (508) 896-2737 to check income/asset
guidelines. Applications are available now!
Brewster, MA
Fuel Assistance
Need some help with your heating bills? You may be eligible for fuel assistance.
Please contact the Outreach Department at the Brewster COA at
(508) 896-2737 for more information.
Social Security Appointments
Residents of the Lower Cape can communicate with a live Social Security
Representative using special Social Security video service at the Harwich Community
Center. You can conference live with a Social Security staff member without waiting
in line or driving to Hyannis! Available services include applying for benefits,
reporting changes, asking questions, and more. Appointments are the 3rd Monday of
each month. Call (508) 430-7550 to schedule your Social Security appointment!
Disposable Adult Undergarments
The COA has a large supply of disposable adult undergarments. If you know of
someone that could use some, please stop by the COA during our working hours:
8:00am—4:00pm Monday—Friday
Just a Reminder…
If you are in need of a medical ride to the doctor, etc., please be sure to contact us
as soon as you make your appointment. The earlier you can call us, the
more time it gives us to locate a driver.
We ask for a minimum of 4 business days (weekends and holidays do not count as
we are not open), but are always happiest when you give us a longer time period to
enlist a driver. Thank you for your understanding!
SHINE News – Are you happy with your 2018 Medicare Health
Insurance plan?
If you have questions concerning your Medicare prescription drug plan, Medicare
Advantage plan, or Medicare Supplement, call and make a SHINE appointment.
We're here year-round---not just during open enrollment!
Call (508) 896-2737 and make an appointment with Brenda or Debra.
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.
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
PLEASE NOTE: No Computer Help until April
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: No Computer Users Group until April
DENTAL HYGIENE SERVICE: 4th Wednesday ~ 9:00am
Mobile Dental Hygiene Service offers friendly, convenient and affordable
preventative oral health care at the COA! To make an appointment,
please call Mobile Dental Hygiene Svc. at (508) 827-6725 or visit their
website at smiles@mobiledentalhygiene.com
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 still offers 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!
MASSAGE: Sandra Smith’s schedule is the 3rd Wednesday of the
month beginning at 11:00am at the COA. This month, Sandra will also be
with us on Tuesday, March 20th! 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.
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’!
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: No poker until April .
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: 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 & Wednesdays - 1:00pm - 3:15pm Highly-trained volunteer
counselors help seniors and Medicare beneficiaries understand their rights
and benefits. Please contact the COA for an appointment at:
508-896-2737. Appointments are FREE!
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 Brewster COA Swipe 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 ~ 9:30am - 11:00am
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.
$10 per class. Class uses breathing techniques as a foundation for
exploring gentle & safe stretching. Drop-ins welcome!
Page 9 March 2018
A Message from Charles Altieri, RN
Public Health Wellness Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
Page 10 March 2018 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.
‘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!
Activity is the best for those with chronic conditions
When you are limited by a chronic health condition, exercise may be challenging.
However, a recent study emphasizes that the benefits of physical activity may be
greatest for those with chronic disease.
The study, published in the March 2017 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, looked at
the self-reported activity habits of almost 4000 people 60 and older. It was noted at
the start of the study whether the participants had chronic or limiting health
conditions including asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, arthritis,
diabetes and hip fracture.
After an average follow-up of nine years, researchers found that inactive participants
with the highest number of chronic conditions had the highest risk of death.
Meanwhile, those with the highest number of chronic conditions experienced the greatest
life-prolonging benefit from physical activity. The risk of death over the study decreased by 33 percent
for exercisers with one chronic condition, 35 percent in exercisers with two chronic conditions, and 47
percent in exercisers with three or more. The risk reduction occurred not just in people who said they
exercised several times a week but also in those who reported their activity level as several times a
month and occasional.
Your activity level and types of activity may depend on the conditions you have, but any movement is
better than none; discuss with your doctor what activities are safe and any precautions you may need to
take. Check with your local Council of Aging to see what programs they have available!
Mayo Clinic - Feb 2018
BE WELL! LIVE STRONG! LIVE LONG!
Charlie Altieri, RN, Public Health Nurse
March 2018 Page 11
Brewster, MA
Sightings from the Poop Deck
“Nothing is more responsible for the good old days than a bad memory.”
Franklin Pierce Adams
Writer Ella Winter, in a conversation with Thomas Wolfe, once remarked to Wolfe: “Don’t you know
you can’t go home again? You can’t go back to your family, back home to your childhood...back home
to a young man’s dreams of glory and fame...back home to places in the country, back home to the old
forms and systems of things which once seemed everlasting but which are changing all the time - back
home to the escapes of Time and Memory.”
Probably all very true, but if you were born in the 30’s or early 40’s and prior to a TV in every room,
you will remember huddling around the radio listening to what is now referred to as Olde Tyme Radio
on an old tabletop Philco. Programs with names like Dragnet, The Whistler, The Green Hornet,
Ozzie and Harriet, The Jack Benny Show, Gunsmoke, Have Gun Will Travel, Boston
Blackie and a host of many others. Joanie Carfora’s favorite? - Johnny Dollar. Imagine having to
focus and call on your imagination to try to visualize and understand what was going on behind
the dial.
We are fortunate today to have access to streaming SiriusXM Radio in our autos and also online…for a
fee, of course. Once in a while it’s nice to return to the 40’s and 50’s, especially on those long,
sometimes boring, road trips, hypnotized by the clap-clap of the pavement’s expansion joints.
Listening to those programs often triggers many fond memories of days gone by and while we can never
return to those good old days, some of those memories will often bring a smile...or a tear.
Strangely enough, while Joan and I claim the 50’s as our growing-up era, we find that we often prefer
the big band music of the 40’s, e.g., Harry James, Glenn Miller, Ralph Flanagan, Tommy and Jimmy
Dorsey, etc. Vocalists with those big bands often featured Frank Sinatra, Helen Forrest, Billie Holiday,
Tony Bennett, Doris Day, Jo Stafford and so it goes. It could be that while we are listening to the 50’s
station, the selections are not always our favorites so back to the 40’s we go with the mere flick of the
dial. Hopefully they will eventually get around to Patty Page and Olde Cape Cod. As I write this I am
listening to J. Carrol Naish on Radio Classics and an episode of “Life With Luigi.” Luigi is still being
badgered by Rosa’s father to marry Rosa, but Luigi is holding his ground and continues to refuse the
offer, so you see, nothing changes!
So perhaps Ella Winter was right when she made that statement to Thomas Wolfe, but SiriusXM will
bring you pretty close to home even it’s only for a little while.
Peter R. Scheffer (“Life is Good!”) - When the streetlights come on it’s time for dinner!!
Note: Ella Winter’s quotation taken from Wikipedia online.
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 March 2018 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