HomeMy Public PortalAboutMay 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
May 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.
Holiday Closing Notes
The COA will be closed on Monday,
May 28th in honor of Memorial Day.
Enjoy the holiday!
I Scream... You Scream …
We all Scream for Ice Cream!
Join us for an Ice Cream Social!
Sponsored by the Friends of Brewster Elders and
the Brewster Council on Aging
Friday, May 4th
2:30pm – 5:00 pm
Brewster COA
1673 Main St.
Choose from two flavors of ice cream (vanilla or
Moose Tracks), hot fudge or strawberry topping,
plus many different “add-ons” such as M&Ms,
jimmies, Oreo cookies, cherries and whipped
toppings to make a delicious sundae!
Cost per sundae is only: $2.00 for Adults
$1.00 for children under the age of 12
Come one...come all… young and older alike!
This a fun-filled event for all ages!
See you there!
Reminder: Annual Town Meeting
Monday, May 7th at 7:00pm
Stony Brook Elementary School
384 Underpass Rd.
Happy Mother’s Day to All!
We would like to honor all mothers,
mothers-in-law, grandmothers and
great-grandmothers on their special day,
Sunday, May 13th. Thank you from the rest
of us! May your day be especially happy! Volunteers of the Year
Meryl & Rob Gartside
We are pleased to announce that Meryl & Rob
Gartside are the 2017 Volunteers of the Year!
They became extremely interested in gardening
when they lived in England and visited many of the
famous gardens there. They had a plot in the
Wellesley community garden for a number of years
which is where they learned to love the community
in gardening. In 2006 they moved to Brewster.
They worked on their own gardens here and joined
the Brewster Community Garden in 2010. They
fully retired in 2011 and became the managers of
the BCG. The garden has become a labor of love
for them. Meryl is a Master Gardener and mentors
children 8 to 12 at the Lower Cape Children’s
Garden located adjacent to the BCG. Among their
contributions are: helping with the yearly garden
plot renewals, assisting individual gardeners with
issues, purchasing specific products and services to
enhance the garden, and organizing the annual
garden clean-up. In addition, they oversee a yearly
program of donating extra produce to the food
pantry so that others in the community might
benefit from the garden’s bounty. They have been
instrumental in transitioning the garden to an
organic one, as well as fostering a sense of
community among the gardeners.
Thank you both for making Brewster’s Community
Garden the best it can be!
Page 2 May 2018 Brewster, MA
Sea Captains’ Thrift Shop News
66 Harwich Road (Route 124) Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
The Sea Captains’ Thrift Shop will be hosting a Yard Sale, in conjunction with Brewster in Bloom
weekend, Saturday, May 5th from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Thrift Shop. If you’re looking for a bargain,
please stop by! Also, if you have small furniture, gardening, or household items, or lots of little “what nots”,
please bring them to the Thrift Shop on May 2, 3 or 4 during our regular hours. If you can volunteer a couple of
hours during the sale, please call Donna at (508) 896-8180.
Thank you to our Legal Help Attorney, Tom Kosman!
After many years of helping our seniors with legal advice, Attorney Tom Kosman has entered a new
field: retirement! We are very grateful to him for his excellent help in the past providing legal counsel
to our seniors and wish him the very best as he embarks on the next chapter of his life!
Good luck, Tom! The Brewster COA will miss you!
Introducing Attorney Katie Wibby, our new Legal Help Attorney!
Katie is looking forward to continuing the work of Attorney Kosman. She attended Boston University
for her undergraduate degree and Roger Williams School of Law for her Juris Doctorate. She was
barred in Massachusetts in 2012 and has been employed with South Coastal Counties Legal Services
(SCCLS) since 2015. Her primary practice with SCCLS has been in housing and governmental
benefits, but she has recently expanded her practice into Elder law. Welcome Attorney Wibby!
Legal help appointments will still be held on the fourth Wednesday of every month here at the COA.
The first appointment - 30 minutes - is free! To schedule an appointment, please call the COA at
(508) 896-2737
Hope Health Walk for Alzheimer’s
On Sunday, May 6th, Denise, our director, will be
participating in her 9th walk to support
“Hope Health Walk for Alzheimer’s”.
After her mother’s passing in January of 2010,
she is committed to helping others with the disease.
If you would like to sponsor her for the walk, please
stop by the COA with your donation.
Checks should be made payable to: Hope Health.
With your help, we have donated a total of $5,160
over the past 8 years. This year, we hope to reach our
goal of $5,500, which means we need to raise $340.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Town Elections
Tuesday, May 22nd
Here is your chance to make a difference! If you need
a ride, please call the COA no later than Friday,
May 18th to reserve your spot: (508) 896-2737
RAVE Mobile Safety
Don’t have a landline and wish you did in order
to get emergency information during our
nor’easters and/or power outages?
Our Brewster Police Department has
implemented a new program just for you.
Go to:
https://www.smart911.com/smart911/
registration/registrationLanding.action
to register your cellphone number, which will
allow you to get text messages and information.
Don’t be left in the dark about what is
happening around you!
If you need help registering, please stop in or
call the Brewster COA at (508) 896-2737.
And the Thanks goes to…
The Brewster COA would like to say thank-you to
the Friends of Brewster Elders for allowing us to use
their bulk mail permit to get these informative
newsletters out to our readers!
The COA is grateful, as are our seniors!
Page 3 May 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.
Brewster, MA
Computer Help
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Thursdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Do you need help using your computer?
We have one-on-one sessions available to
help you feel more confident in your computer
skills. Sessions are one hour and FREE!
If you’d like to make an appointment, please
contact the Brewster COA at (508) 896-2737
Brewster Mens’ Coffee Club
Thursdays, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Spring is coming! We will be meeting every
Thursday in May! Come 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
In May, the Computer Users Group will be
meeting on the following dates:
10, 17, 24, 31
Topics are solicited from program attendees at
each meeting and discussed at subsequent
meetings, all within a friendly atmosphere.
Skill level is from beginner to intermediate.
There’s no need to sign up.
Just come and learn something new!
Beach and Transfer Station Stickers
Brewster COA
1673 Main Street
Friday, May 11th
10:00am to 1:00pm
Like last year, Donna, from the Town Hall, will be
selling beach and transfer station stickers for our
seniors at our Senior Center.
The “Sticker Form” was included in your tax bill.
We have extra forms available here at the COA or it
can be printed from the Town’s website.
Just fill it out and bring it in with you, along with
your vehicle registration, and Donna will be able to
sell you your stickers!
Another option is to fill out the form, copy your
registration, include your check and leave it all
with us before Donna comes. When she is here on
May 11th, she will be able to process it and
we can return it to you!
Attention all Volunteers!
Please join us for our Annual Thank You
Luncheon on Thursday, June 7th at the Captain’s
Golf Course!
Volunteers of the Year, Meryl and Rob Gartside,
Community Garden Volunteers, will be recognized
for their many hours of service. Invitations will be
mailed out in mid-May.
Please contact the COA if you volunteered in 2017
but did not receive an invitation: (508) 896-2737
Beginner’s Meditation Class
with Carol Marcy
Thursdays, 5 Sessions: 10:00am -
11:00am May 24 & 31 and June 7, 14 & 28
(no class on June 21)
$10.00 for the five classes
Is your world moving too fast? Do you sometimes wish
you could stop, take a deep breath and stay still for a
short period of time?
We will be offering a beginner’s meditation class that
will focus on building internal awareness with an
orientation toward the heart and breath. Carol will also
talk about the many benefits of meditation, as well as
some of the research, and use a guided meditation
format. Carol has a Master’s degree in
Dance/Movement Therapy, a doctorate in Clinical
Psychology, had a private practice for 26 years in
Maryland, and was the Director of the Office of Stress
Management for the Montgomery County Police
Department for 7 years. She comes with a lot of
knowledge, and you can benefit from it!
Please stop in or call the Brewster COA to sign up at
(508) 896-2737.
Page 4 May 2018 Brewster, MA
May Program Notes
Check out the exciting and informative
programs and events we’ve got planned
for you! All programs take place at the
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street.
(unless otherwise noted)
Red Cross Disaster Preparedness
Wednesday, May 2nd 10:00am
Major snow storms, frigid temperatures, driving rains
and high winds; should we be better prepared?
This 1-hour presentation will cover general disaster
preparedness, as well as home fire preparedness.
Caitlin Rasche and Hannah Vourassa from AmeriCorps
will be giving this presentation.
Please call us at (508) 896-2737 to register.
Chronic Pain Self-Management Program
with Charlie Altieri
Brewster’s Town Wellness Nurse
Fridays: 6 Sessions
May 4th to June 8th 1:00pm - 3:30pm
This workshop meets once a week for six weeks at
2-½ hours per session. Subjects covered include:
1. Techniques to deal with problems such as
frustration, fatigue, isolation, and poor sleep
2. Appropriate exercise for maintaining and
improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
3. Appropriate use of medications
4. Communicating effectively with family, friends,
and health professionals
5. Nutrition
6. Pacing activity and rest
7. How to evaluate new treatments
There’s still time to take charge of your health this
year! Please call (508) 896-2737 to register for
this very important health program!
Crafts with Megan!
Thursday, May 17th
10:30am - 12:30pm
Free! Come join us for another great day!
You’ll be creating an easy, fun new craft each month.
All supplies are included. Meet new friends and
indulge your creative side while our instructor,
Megan, offers guidance in all projects. May’s project
is a painted flowerpot, which you will then
plant a lovely flower in! Please contact
the COA by Monday, May 14th to let us know
you are interested: (508) 896-2737
Food to Encourage
2nd & 4th Thursdays: May 10th & 24th
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.
Shop Smart at the Doctor Mart
Monday, May 21st 1:00pm
This presentation explores various ways to make the
most of each visit to the doctor. Healthcare has
drastically changed over the past decade and knowing
how to prepare for your time with the doctor will help
you meet all of your goals for each appointment.
You will learn about making question lists, medication
updates, and how to be assertive when speaking with
your doctor. Time is money for both you and your
healthcare provider! Make sure you are getting your
money’s worth! Please call us at (508) 896-2737
to reserve your seat. Refreshments will be served.
Save the Date!
COA Night at the Brewster Whitecaps
Friday, June 22nd
5:00pm at Stony Brook Field
The COA is pleased to announce that,
once again, the Brewster Whitecaps
game is recognizing us with a
“Brewster Council on Aging Night at
the Ball Game”.
Special seats will be reserved for our
seniors.
We are also looking for seniors who are willing to lend
their voice to lead the singing of the National Anthem!
Please call the COA to let us know if this is something
you would like to do or if you just want to come to
enjoy the game with us!
Rides can be provided if needed.
Contact us at (508) 896-2737 to let us know your plans
and mark your calendar so you don’t miss a thing!
Page 5 May 2018
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
1
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Bridge
2
8:45am Line Dancing
8:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Seminar:
Disaster Preparedness
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Massages
with Sandra
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
3
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
1:00pm Computer
Users Group
2:00pm BMCC
4
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Program:
Chronic Pain Self-Mgmt.
2:30pm Ice Cream Social!
7
9:45am Keep Movin’!
8
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Bridge
9
8:45am Line Dancing
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
11:30am Sight Loss/BLL
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
10
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Food to
Encourage
1:00pm Computer
Users Group
2:00pm BMCC
11
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Beach &
Transfer Sticker Sales
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Program:
Chronic Pain Self-Mgmt.
14
9:00am Pedicare
9:45am Keep Movin’!
15
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Bridge
16
8:45am Line Dancing
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
17
8:00am Pet Grooming
8:30am Hearing
Screenings
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
10:30am Crafts with
Megan
1:00pm Financial
Planning
1:00pm Computer
Users Group
2:00pm BMCC
18
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:00am
Rep. Tim Whelan
1:00pm Program:
Chronic Pain Self-Mgmt.
21
1:00pm Seminar:
Shop Smart at the
Doctor Mart
22
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
10:00am BP/Glucose
Testing & Health/BLL
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Bridge
23
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am Mobile Dental
Hygiene Service
10:00am Legal Help with
Atty. Katie Wibby
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
24
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Beginner’s
Meditation
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Food to
Encourage
1:00pm Computer
Users Group
2:00pm BMCC
25
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Program:
Chronic Pain Self-Mgmt.
No Swimming at
Brewster Green
28
The COA is closed
29
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm Massages with
Marilou
30
8:45am Line Dancing
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
31
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Beginner’s
Meditation
9:00am Computer Help
1:00pm Computer
Users Group
2:00pm BMCC
Page 6 Senior Happenings
May 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, May 9th.
Participants must register and be income-qualified. For more information, please
call Debra or Brenda at our Outreach Office at (508) 896-2737.
Brewster, MA
Mobile Dental Hygiene Service
Mobile Dental Hygiene Services will now be offering friendly, convenient, and
affordable preventative oral health care at the 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? They offer affordable options! This service will be held on the
4th Wednesday of every month. This month, the date will be
Wednesday, May 23.
Please contact Mobile Dental Hygiene Services if you have any questions or you
would like to make an appointment. Their telephone number is (508) 827-6725 or
check them out at: smiles@mobiledentalhygiene.com
SHINE News
Need help with prescription drug costs?
Prescription Advantage may be your answer.
By now some of you may have reached, or are getting close to, the gap or “donut
hole” with your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). In 2018, you fall into
the Medicare Part D gap when the negotiated retail cost of your medications reach
$3,750. Once in the gap you are now responsible for 35% of the negotiated retail
cost for brand-name medications and 44% for generics.
Prescription Advantage, which is a state pharmaceutical assistance program,
can assist you in this gap and/or put a cap on your out-of-pocket cost for
medications. Eligibility is based on income only and there is no asset limit!
There is no charge for joining Prescription Advantage if you have an annual income
at or less than $36,420 for a single person, or $49,380 for a married couple.
However, there is a $200 per person annual enrollment fee for those with
higher incomes.
You may also join if you are 65 years or older and not eligible for Medicare.
If you are not eligible for Medicare, Prescription Advantage will be your primary
prescription drug plan and there is no income limit.
Please contact the Brewster COA SHINE office for an appointment to find out about
your eligibility for this program: (508) 896-2737
Advertising
Page 8 May 2018
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 ~ 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: This month’s dates: May 10, 17, 24, 31
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. No need to sign up; just drop in!
PLEASE NOTE: This months dates: May 10, 17, 24, 31
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: If you are interested, please stop by
the class and speak with the instructor. Also, Please refer to
calendar on page 6 for dates of classes in May.
LEGAL HELP: 10:00am on the 4th Wednesday with Atty. Katie Wibby.
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 be with
us on Wednesday, May 2nd. 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
CHATTER
WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:
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’!
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 ~ 12:30pm - 3:45pm
PLEASE NOTE: Call the COA at (508) 896-2737 for May game dates
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: This program has been discontinued until
further notice per the Brewster Recreation Dept.
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! PLEASE NOTE: No Swimming on Friday, May 25th.
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 May 2018
A Message from Charles Altieri, RN
Public Health Wellness Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
Page 10 May 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!
Most People Don’t Have an Advanced Directive
An advanced directive is a valuable tool in making your personal health care decisions known,
particularly in the event you’re unable to express them. But a recent study found that many do not have
any advanced directives.
This review of 150 different studies published between 2011 and 2016, was released in a July 2017
issue of Health Affairs. Researchers found that 1 in 3 had advanced directives. Specifically, 29 % had
completed a living will and 33 % had a health care power of attorney, which designates a representative
(proxy) to make decisions on their behalf.
People 65 and older had higher completion rates than did young adults, but the rate was still less than
50%. The highest rates, just 60%, were found in people nearing the end of life in hospice or palliative
care.
An advance directive will not affect the quality of health care you receive. Having a directive on file
allows you to decline consent to future treatments, or gives a person you trust the power to make those
decisions for you. Overall, it gives you a better chance of having your wishes carried out. It can also
prevent your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions.
Your hospital or health care facility may have advanced directive forms available. You also can obtain
the information you need to prepare an advance directive through organizations such as
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. To do so, call 800-658-8898, or visit:
WWW.caringinfo.org/AdvanceDirectives.
Mayo Clinic - April 2018
BE WELL! LIVE STRONG! LIVE LONG!
Charlie Altieri, RN, Public Health Nurse
PLEASE NOTE: In addition to the above information, the Outreach office here at the Brewster
COA has a supply of HCP and HIPPA forms as well! Just give us a call at (508) 896-2737 and we’d be
happy to assist you!
May 2018 Page 11
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
Sightings from the Poop Deck
“Many of us who aren’t farmers or gardeners still have some element of farm nostalgia in our family
past, real or imagined: a secret longing for some connection to a life where a rooster crows in
the yard.” Barbara Kingsolver
I have no idea exactly when he showed up, or where he came from. For the first couple weeks it was
comical to hear him crowing at the crack of dawn and Joanie Carfora went out to feed him as did all our
other neighbors who welcomed him with open arms. He was tame, friendly, and not afraid to approach
you when you showed up with food and water. If he wasn’t satisfied with your daily offering he went
next door to see if the pickings there were more to his liking. He followed people on their daily walks
thinking they were there to serve him only. After all, he was a proud rooster upholding a long standing
tradition.
After two weeks he began to crow at 4:30 in the morning, a little early even for Joan and I. We began to
worry that our neighbors’ tolerance might outweigh the joy he brought, and we soon discovered that if
we turned off our outside light he might even quiet down and crow at a more acceptable time. It worked
like magic. The light went out and he stopped crowing, left our front door and ambled down to the
neighbor where he spends his nights.
The neighbors have named him “Rudy the Rooster.” I, on the other hand, have named him the
neighborhood P.I.T.A., aka, Pain In The A--. Right now he is out there chasing the joggers and walkers,
but not very far when he figures out that they have no gifts. He poses for pictures and I’m sure that if he
could say anything besides cock-a-doodle-do he would be charging a handsome fee for the photos.
There is some chatter about finding him some adoptive parents and truthfully I would be very sad to see
him go. However, I have been assured that all prospective adopters will be carefully screened and
interviewed and we will be given visitation rights. We will also insist that he be given a few girlfriends.
Peter R. Scheffer - (“Life is Good”!) - When the sun comes up!!
P.S. Remember to observe Memorial Day to honor our fallen heroes.
Epilogue: Rudy the PITA was adopted this afternoon by a lady with a five-acre farm. She currently
owns a dozen chickens and no roosters. Knock yourself out Rudy. You’ll be too tired to do much
crowing! I miss him already.
poop deck, n., a deck above a ship’s main afterdeck
BHT - BOSTON HOSPITAL TRANSPORTATION
Enjoy comfortable and safe transportation from Cape
Cod DIRECT to Boston hospitals on a
wheelchair -accessible van.
MONDAY thru FRIDAY SCHEDULE
7:30a.m. Orleans (Shaw’s)
7:45a.m. Harwich (Route 124 Commuter Lot)
8:00a.m. Barnstable (Route 132 Commuter Lot)
8:15a.m. Sagamore (Rotary Commuter Lot)
RESERVATIONS are a MUST!!!
(Reserve no later than 11a.m. the day before)
$30.00 Round Trip/$15.00 One-way
Cash or Checks (Payable to CCRTA) accepted
For reservations call 1-800-352-7155
Monday – Friday: 8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
Schedule your medical appointments between
10am & 2pm. The van will leave Boston by 3pm.
Visit the website for more information:
www.capecodrta.org
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
COA VAN – Scheduled trips include:
Monday–Friday to nutrition site and home after lunch for FREE.
Grocery Shopping in Orleans: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am - 1pm.
Post office, banking & pharmacy trips: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
The suggested donation is $2.00 for these errands.
MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS – Volunteer drivers are available for
transportation to medical appointments in their personal cars. Please call the
COA at (508) 896-2737 as soon as you make an appointment or at least four
business days (Monday through Friday) in advance so that we can find a
volunteer to provide your ride. Please notify the COA if you cannot keep your
appointment so we can notify our drivers. Make sure your house number is
visible from the road. Donations are accepted for this service.
WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE MEDICAL VAN – Transportation to
medical appointments is provided on a volunteer basis, Monday through
Friday. A one-week advanced reservation is required. There is a
graduated donation schedule, depending upon the destination. Call for more
information at (508) 896-2737.
All medical rides are made possible thru Title III funding, Elder Services
of Cape Cod & The Islands, Inc., and the donations of our riders.
Page 12 May 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