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HomeMy Public PortalAboutJuly 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 July 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. It’s SUMMERTIME! Did you know that the COA has 2 Beach Wheelchairs available, one of which can actually go right into the water! We loan them out for 2 days at a time and we ask for a donation of $10.00. They can be used at any of the Brewster beaches (either Bay or Pond beaches), and must stay within town lines. For more information, and/or to reserve, please call the COA at: (508) 896-2737 Programs Changed or Ended for the Summer:  No Massages with either Marilou Raposa or Sandra Smith until September.  There are no meetings for Sight Loss until September.  No swimming at Brewster Green until September.  Yoga meets from 8:30 - 10:00am on Tuesdays in July and August. Volunteers of the Year, Meryl and Rob Gartside, were honored at the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon held at the Captains Golf Course in June. State Representative Tim Whelan was on hand to present them with a proclamation from the State House! The Gartsides were honored for their devotion to the Brewster Community Garden and the work they have done to develop the garden into what it is today. Photo courtesy of Regina Egan The Brewster COA will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th in honor of Independence Day. Enjoy your holiday! Page 2 July2018 Brewster, MA In the Good Ol’ Summertime...Exercise your Options! The Brewster Council on Aging offers the following exercise and wellness classes to help you have a healthy, active and enjoyable season! Come check us out! 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, Linda Fraser. Yoga Tuesdays 8:30 am - 10:00 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! Our long-time instructor is Marilou Raposa. PLEASE NOTE: During the months of July and August, Yoga will meet from 8:30am - 10:00am. Line Dancing Wednesdays 8:45 am - 9:30 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! No dancing experience required! $4.00 per class when paid monthly, $6.00 per class for drop-ins. Come at 8:35am for an optional 10-minute warm-up period for students with knowledge of jazz boxes, grapevines, paddle turns, etc. Our instructor, Karen Shackleford, comes to us from ‘Cape Sands Ballroom’. Come dance your cares away! Balancing Act Wednesdays 9:30am - 10:15am Better Balance through Body Awareness and Fun! In this class, we will explore a number of ways to build more awareness of our bodies in order to establish good balance. Some of what we will do will be seated. Some of it will be using our chairs as we learn to create a sense of our bodies balancing while standing. We will also work on having a good posture while standing, as well as walking and moving. There will be some exercises to help build a stronger body core and sense of being centered in our bodies. We might even play some easy movement games to help build confidence physically from the inside out. Come join us for building good balance and having fun with it at the same time! A 5-week session is being offered at a cost of $10.00 for the session. The session begins on July 11th and runs through August 8th. Please give the COA a call at 508-896-2737 to register. Sorry, no drop ins. Our instructor is Carol Marcy. 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! The instructor also incorporates some elements of Tai Chi into each session. $2.00 per class or $10.00 per 5-week session. You’re welcome to come check it out! Our instructor is Ray DiPietro. PLEASE NOTE: If you are new to the program, give the COA a call before dropping by the class. On particularly good-weather days, class sometimes meets at the gazebo in Drummer Boy park. Just give us a call at 508-896-2737 if you’re unsure of where they are meeting. Meditation for Beginners Thursdays 10:00am - 11:00am The Brewster COA is pleased to announce another session of this very popular course. We continue to focus on building internal awareness with an orientation toward the heart and breath. If your summer seems a bit too harried, come to this class and take a time-out for yourself. $2.00 per class or $10.00 per 5-week session. The next session begins on July 12th and runs through August 9th. Our instructor is Carol Marcy. Page 3 July 2018 W.O.W. (Wonderful Older Women!) 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 friendly group. If you have any questions, please call the COA at 508-896-2737. Brewster, MA ‘Brewster Bayside Chatter’ Online: The ‘Brewster Bayside Chatter’ is available online each month and can be found on our website at: www.brewster-ma.gov. Search under ‘Departments’ and select ‘Council on Aging’. Scroll down to where it reads: ‘our newsletters are available online’ and click on the link! Happy Reading! 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! July’s dates are: 5, 12, 19, 26 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 It’s summertime! The Brewster Mens’ Coffee Club will be meeting on the following Thursday afternoons in July: 5, 12, 19, 26 Come enjoy a cup of 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 July, the Computer Users Group will be meeting on the following dates: 5, 12, 19, 26 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! 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, as long as they are needed. Give us a call at 508-896-2737. We may just have what you’re looking for! Would you like to speak with a member of the Select Board? Have you ever watched a Select Board meeting on TV? Here is your chance to meet with Select Board member, Ben deRuyter, in a much less formal setting! Ben is newly elected (but experienced!) and will be hosting office hours each month this summer, right here at the COA. The schedule is as follows: Tuesday, July 17th at 9:00am Tuesday, August 21st at 9:00am No need to phone first, just stop by! First come, first served! Go Cruisin’ this Summer! The COA has senior discount coupons for the Hyline High Speed Ferry service to the Islands, as well as the Hyannisport Harbor Cruise and the Cape Cod Canal Cruise. Please note: these coupons are to be used for individual travel only (not for groups). Just stop in at the COA office to pick one up before you embark on your new adventure! Come Sail Away! Once again, the Brewster COA will be offering a sailing trip on Pleasant Bay, sponsored by Pleasant Bay Community Boating. This trip will be for Brewster residents only, who are also ambulatory. The date will be Friday, August 17th. Look for more information in next month’s ‘Bayside Chatter’! Page 4 July 2018 Brewster, MA July Program Notes Check out the exciting and informative programs and events we’ve got planned for you this month! All programs take place at the Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street. (unless otherwise noted) Exploring Aromatherapy Monday, July 9th 1:00pm - 2:00 pm Here is an opportunity to learn more about Aromatherapy and Essential Oils! This workshop is presented by 2 Certified Medicinal Aromatherapists and will focus on healthy ways to integrate some essential oils into your personal wellness kits. Some of the topics that will be discussed include, but are not limited to: a basic introduction to aromatherapy, what are essential oils, the application of essential oils, some common essential oils, some simple uses for essential oils, etc. This offering is sponsored by the Town of Brewster Board of Health. Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 to sign up! Food to Encourage 2nd & 4th Thursdays: July 12th & 26th 9:45 am to 11:30 am 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! Just stop by at any point during the time period listed above! Chronic Pain: Informational Session Friday, July 13th 1:00pm - 2:00pm Do you or a loved one live with chronic pain? Would you like to learn some helpful tools in managing it? Come meet the session leaders from the VNA of Cape Cod and get your questions answered about a new, upcoming workshop. Light refreshments will be served. If there is enough interest at this Informational Session, there will be a six-week session offered which will explore the topic in a more in-depth manner. To sign up, please call the COA at 508-896-2737. Monthly General Grief Support Group Meets on the following Wednesdays: July 18, August 15 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Have you lost a loved one? It might be difficult on these summer days when it seems that everyone else is happy but you are still grieving. Hope Hospice will be here at our senior center for 2 Support Group meetings during the summer months. All Hope Hospice grief support groups provide a safe, confidential and supportive setting for anyone experiencing a loss. These are mutual support groups led by specially trained facilitators. Registration is required. For more information and to register, please contact Hope Hospice at 508-957-0304. Crafts with Megan! Thursday, July 19th 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. There is a maximum class size of 6. Please contact the COA by Friday, July 19th to let us know you are interested: 508-896-2737 Color Me Creative! Monday, July 30th 1:00pm Free! If you love to color, you’ll LOVE this workshop! First, we view and discuss a painting from the Cape Cod Museum of Art. Next, we grab our colored pencils, markers and a coloring-book version of that same painting and get creative! Come meet new friends and relax while you unlock your own creativity. Light, summer refreshments will be served! Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 to sign up for this fun program! Sea Captains’ Thrift Shop 66 Harwich Road (Route 124) Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Summer has finally arrived! We’re open 6 days a week! Be sure to check out the great deals at the shop! We’ve got everything you need for those warm, sunny days ahead! MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 2 9:45am Keep Movin’! 3 8:30am Yoga 9:30am W.O.W. 1:00pm SHINE 1:00pm Bridge 4 (The COA is closed) 5 9:00am Qi Gong 9:00am Computer Help 1:00pm Computer Users Group 2:00pm BMCC 6 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:30am BINGO 9 9:00am Pedicare 9:45am Keep Movin’! 1:00pm Seminar: Exploring Aromatherapy 10 8:30am Yoga 9:30am W.O.W. 1:00pm SHINE 1:00pm Bridge 11 8:45am Line Dancing 9:30am Balancing Act (first class of a five week session) 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm Quilters 1:00pm SHINE 12 9:00am Qi Gong 9:00am Computer Help 9:45am Food to Encourage 10:00am Meditation 1:00pm Computer Users Group 2:00pm BMCC 13 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm Program: Chronic Pain Information Session 16 9:45am Keep Movin’! 17 8:30am Yoga 9:00am Chat with Select Board Member Ben deRuyter 9:30am W.O.W. 1:00pm SHINE 1:00pm Bridge 18 8:45am Line Dancing 9:30am Balancing Act 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm Quilters 1:00pm Grief Support Group 1:00pm SHINE 19 8:00am Pet Grooming 8:30am Hearing Screenings 9:00am Qi Gong 9:00am Computer Help 10:00am Meditation 10:30am Crafts with Megan 1:00pm Computer Users Group 1:00pm Financial Planning 2:00pm BMCC 20 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:30am BINGO 11:00am Rep. Tim Whelan 23 9:45am Keep Movin’! 24 9:00am Yoga 9:30am W.O.W. 10:00am BP/Glucose Testing & Health/BLL 1:00pm SHINE 1:00pm Bridge 25 8:45am Line Dancing 9:00am Mobile Dental Hygiene Service 9:30am Balancing Act 10:00am Legal Help with Atty. Katie Wibby 10:30am BINGO 1:00pm SHINE 1:00pm Quilters 26 9:00am Qi Gong 9:00am Computer Help 9:45am Food to Encourage 10:00am Meditation 1:00pm Computer Users Group 2:00pm BMCC 27 9:45am Keep Movin’! 10:30am BINGO 30 9:45am Keep Movin’! 1:00pm Color Me Creative! 31 9:00am Yoga 9:30am W.O.W. 1:00pm SHINE 1:00pm Bridge Page 6 Senior Happenings DISCLAIMER: The Brewster Senior Center offers many legal, financial, recreational, medical screening or other services and/or activities by volunteer or nominal-cost practitioners. Seniors participating in these services do so with the understanding that the Brewster Council on Aging, The Brewster Senior Center, the Town of Brewster, Friends of Brewster Elders (aka F.O.B.E.) or its employees or agents DO NOT ASSUME ANY LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ADVICE OR SERVICES RENDERED BY SUCH VOLUNTEER OR NOMINAL COST PRACTITIONER. Any act, advice, or service by outside providers at the Council on Aging SHOULD NOT BE PRESUMED TO BE ENDORSED OR SPONSORED BY THE BCOA. July 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, July 11th. 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 is 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, July 25th. 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… When Can You Enroll in a Medigap (Supplement) Plan? Medigap (supplement) plans provide extra protection beyond Medicare by filling in some of the “gaps” in Medicare coverage. In Massachusetts, the insurance companies allow continuous open enrollment. You must have Medicare A and B to enroll, and cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (HMO, PPO). Anyone who is eligible may enroll or change plans or coverage levels at any time, with changes effective the first of the following month. Certified SHINE volunteers offer free, confidential counseling on all aspects of Medicare and related health insurance programs. Please call the senior center at 508-896-2737 to schedule an appointment with a SHINE counselor to address any/all of your insurance concerns. Come Join us for Lunch! Hot lunches are provided Monday through Friday at the COA. Suggested donation is $3.00 per person. Please call (508) 896-5070 no later than 11:00am the day before to reserve your meal. Come at 10:30am on Wednesdays and Fridays to play BINGO before lunch! Live piano music Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11:30am! See you there! 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. 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: July 5, 12, 19, 26 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 month’s dates: July 5, 12, 19, 26 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 PLEASE NOTE: This month’s date is Wednesday, July 25th 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. 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 - 9:30am 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: No Massages with Marilou Raposa, or Sandra Smith, will be available until September. 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: MEDITATION: Thursdays ~ 10:00am Building internal awareness with an orientation toward the heart and breath. Friendly and calm environ- ment. If your life seems a bit too harried, come to this class and take a time-out for yourself! $2.00 per class or $10.00 per 5-week session. Drop-ins welcome! 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 July 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, and to find out where the class is meeting during the summer months. 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. PLEASE NOTE: No Sight Loss meetings until September 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 until September 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 8:30am - 10:00am. $10 per class. Class uses breathing techniques as a foundation for exploring gentle & safe stretching. Drop-ins welcome! Page 9 July 2018 A Message from Charles Altieri, RN Public Health Wellness Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod Home visits will occur on Mondays. Page 10 July 2018 Brewster, MA Skin Cancer: protect the largest organ of your body! Approximately 20 percent of Americans will develop a skin cancer by age 70. The three most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Actinic keratosis is the most common form of precancerous change, affecting 58 million people in the U.S. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer with an estimated 4.3 million new cases each year. Despite the more than 3,000 deaths it causes annually, if caught early, almost every case can be cured. For this reason, ear ly detection is paramount. If ignored, it may invade surrounding tissue, nerves and bones and may cause significant damage and disfigurement. The second most common type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers tend to develop on skin that is exposed to sun for years. Those fond of tanning beds and booths significantly increase their risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, and will potentially develop it earlier in life. Again, early diagnosis and treatment of this cancer is extremely important, because squamous cell carcinomas may be quite curable. They can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize) if not treated. There are over 15,000 deaths from squamous cell cancer with greater than 1 million cases diagnosed annually. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. Every hour, someone in the United States dies from this cancer (totaling an estimated 9,320 people in 2018). The five-year survival for a patient diagnosed early is about 99 percent, but drops to 15-20 percent if not diagnosed until it has spread to distant organs. Follow this link to the “ABCDE” warning signs of melanoma: h https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/detect/what-to- look-for. The risk of developing melanoma doubles if one has had more than five sunburns. Although people will often focus on looking at existing moles, it’s important to note that 70-80 percent of melanomas arise from what appears to have been “normal” skin. Let’s take a minute to talk about indoor tanning, recognizing that ultraviolet radiation is proven as a human carcinogen. UV tanning devices are classified by the FDA as Class II (moderate to high risk) devices. A research affiliate of the World Health Organization classifies tanning devices in its “Group 1.” Group 1 members also include such cancer causing agents as cigarettes and plutonium. The annual medical cost related to skin cancer secondary to indoor tanning is over $343 million. As summer on the Cape continues please remember the important preventive steps you can take for you and your family:  Seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Cover up with clothing, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.  Find a sunscreen classified as “broad spectrum” (this means it blocks both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF rating of 15 or greater – and use it every day.  If you will be outdoors for an extended period, use a water -resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.  Apply two tablespoons of sunscreen over exposed areas and reapply every two hours for those days you are outdoors.  Babies less than six months should avoid being outdoors. For babies over six months, sunscreen may be used but prudence is still the word.  Don’t use tanning booths or beds. Seeing your physician annually for a skin check is important, but it’s also important for you to learn to examine your skin, and do so on a regular basis. A good guideline available from the American Academy of Dermatology titled “How to Spot Skin Cancer” is available by following this link: https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about- skin-cancer/detect/how-to-spot-skin-cancer. BE WELL! LIVE STRONG! LIVE LONG! Charlie Altieri, RN, Public Health Nurse Ref: Medical staff newsletter - Cape Cod Health July 2018 Page 11 Brewster, MA Sightings from the Poop Deck MONTAUK MANOR “Some days I wish I could go back in life. Not to change anything, but to feel a few things twice.” Author unknown When I was a teenager in Passaic High School, New Jersey, I had the opportunity to spend my summers camping at Hither Hills State Park, Montauk, New York, courtesy of my best friend’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Reilly. What made these summers particularly special was that Mr. Reilly’s close friend was the pro at the Montauk Downs Country Club, a Mr. “Bumps” Leddy, and shortly after our arrival my friend Bob became the caddymaster and I became the caddy for some pretty good paying loops. Caddy fees back then were $1.50 for a single bag for nine holes and $3.00 for a double, so for eighteen the rate was $6.00 plus tip. Sounds kind of chincy today, but we’re talking many many years ago and back then we caddies had no complaints. We earned a lot of money when you consider the buying power of a buck when adjusted for inflation, spent our afternoons at the beach and every Monday was Caddy Day, when we could play for free. What I remember about Montauk mostly was the Montauk Manor, a stately hotel high up on the hill overlooking the little hamlet of Montauk, that I could only imagine was there for the rich. I remember Gurney ’s Inn on the Old Montauk Highway, again, built only for the rich and famous. We would pass these landmarks hitchhiking along the highway on our way to the club and hitchhiking was our only mode of transportation, since we were too young to drive. Times were different then and motorists did not hesitate to pick us up and actually drop us off at the club doorstep. I remember White’s Pharmacy and soda fountain which still exists, although in a new building around the corner and while still a pharmacy, it has also become a department store sans soda fountain and no soda jerk. As I walked into the store I thought I heard someone say, “There’s one!” The original White’s is now a liquor store whose owners were kind enough give us a little history lesson on the soda fountain….”it was right here!” Tuma’s Tackle shop is now gone and I was told that Mr. Tuma passed a few years ago. The Trails End bar also survived. I never realized over the years that I must have told many stories about Montauk to Joanie Carfora, so one day in May she said, “why don’t we go, I’d like to see it.” Truthfully, after so many years I too wanted to see it again. I arranged for a three night stay at The Montauk Manor dispelling the myth that it was built only for the rich. The Cross Island Ferry from New London to Orient Point runs every hour and we were on it. We had a beer at Gurney’s Inn, drove out to Montauk Point Lighthouse, took in the sights along the waterfront, drove past Hither Hills State Park and snickered as I passed by the site of The Blue Marlin, a local watering hole which we could not patronize in the old days since you had to be eighteen to drink. However, I do happen to remember a story told to me by Johnny Voter, a kid from Closter, New Jersey, who was eighteen and did often visit The Blue Marlin. It appears that JV had too much to drink one night, walked out to the parking lot with a pitcher of beer, looked up at the glowing blue neon sign on the roof, which read Blue Marlin and heaved the pitcher right at it. He took out the letters ‘U” and “E’ and from that night and forever more it became known as The BL Marlin. I happen to know that Johnny may still be on-the-run, but at his age he can't be running very fast and could be in the witness protection program. You will know him if you happen to see him….one of his two front teeth is probably still missing. Peter R. Scheffer (“Life is Good!”) - Take the time to smell the roses! P.S. We’re going back next May - we’re old enough to drink! - Happy Fourth of July! 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. Please 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 transport 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 thru Friday) in advance so that we can find a volunteer to pro- vide your ride. Please notify the COA if you can’t keep your appointment so we can notify our drivers. 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. This agency and its programs are funded (in whole or in part) by a contract from Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and the Federal Administration for Community Living. Page 12 July 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 .