HomeMy Public PortalAboutAugust 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
August 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.
Beach Wheelchairs available!
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
What We Learned from the Community Forum
On May 30, the COA Staff and COA Board held a Community Forum to present the 5 Year Age-Friendly Action
Plan that will guide the planning and implementation of programs and services. This Action Plan will be
implemented starting in July 2018. The Plan is based on the findings of the needs assessment study, “The Future
of Aging in the Town of Brewster”, commissioned by the Town and COA and conducted by the Center for Social
and Demographic Research on Aging in the UMASS-Boston Gerontology Institute. The Plan is also in line with
the Age-Friendly Town Initiative currently undertaken by more than 100 agencies and organizations across
Massachusetts, including Cape Cod. Check the COA page of the Town website for links to the Plan and the full
report about the Forum.
The Plan includes programs and services in a range of areas. Close to 70 attendees provided feedback about the
Plan, indicating areas of high interest and offering other suggestions. Attendees also ranked their interest in each
program area from 1 (least) to 5 (most). Results of the rankings are shown in the table on page 2, indicating
highest levels of interest in fitness/exercise, social or group activities, lifelong learning, and housing.
(article cont’d on page 2)
Introduction to Sailing
Sponsored by
Pleasant Bay Community Boating
1:30—4:00pm Friday, August 17th
Once again, PBCB has graciously offered us an
opportunity to introduce sailing to seniors who
have never had the opportunity to sail. We will
be taking a small group over to beautiful
Pleasant Bay for a couple of hours on the water
with their instructors. If you have never
explored our Cape Cod waters this way, consider
taking advantage of this amazing offering.
Due to boat accessibility, all participants must
be ambulatory and able to walk without any
cane, walker or human assistance.
This program is for Brewster residents only.
All participants will be required to sign a
liability waiver. Transportation to the site can
be provided. Space is limited.
Pre-Registration is required.
Call the COA at (508) 896-2737 to sign up!
Color Me Creative!
Monday, August 20th 1:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
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!
Page 2 August 2018 Brewster, MA
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. You may
observe the class, but may not participate unless signed up by the instructor.
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.
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!
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 COA’s Qi Gong program, be sure to 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.
PROGRAM AREA
AVERAGE
SCORE
Exercise and Fitness Programs 4.1
Social and Group Activities 4.0
Education and Life Long Learning 3.8
Housing Options, Maintenance, Aging in Place 3.6
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Programs 3.3
Intergenerational Programs 3.2
Caregiver Education and Support 3.2
Long Term Care Options and Planning 3.1
Education and Support Programs for Chronic Illness 3.0
Nutrition Education and Support; Meals on Wheels 2.9
What We Learned from the
Community Forum
(cont’d from page 1)
There was strong interest in a community
center, with note of its advantages for
socialization, interactions with others,
and friendship. In particular, it was noted
that, in order to attract more people,
the center name should not be the
Senior Center or COA. Many participants
preferred programs at a central accessible
building rather than spread across various
venues, although it was recognized that
this might be necessary in the immediate
future.
The COA Staff and Board are now
identifying and planning those programs
of greatest interest, especially in the areas of fitness / exercise and social activities, which can be implemented in
the coming year. A Program Coordinator is being hired to help with new programs. Watch for more news in
upcoming newsletters!
Page 3 August 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 - 2:00pm
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! August’s dates are: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
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
August:
2, 9, 16, 23, 30
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
PLEASE NOTE: The Computer Users Group
will not be meeting in August.
We’ll see everyone again next month!
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
August.
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! He will be
hosting office hours right here at the COA on:
Tuesday, August 21st at 9:00am
No need to phone first; just stop by! First come, first
served!
A BIG Thank-you to the members of the
Anglican Church of the Resurrection
in Brewster!
Over the years, the ACR has continuously supported the
COA by regularly donating toilet paper, paper towels
and personal care items for us to distribute to our
seniors who need them! Thank you from all of us!!
Help your COA
This newsletter is prepared for mailing each month by a
wonderful group of volunteers. Beginning with our
September issue, the COA is pleased to announce that
we will be doubling the number of folks who receive it.
This means that we are desperately in need of more
volunteers who could help us by putting on the mailing
labels, and/or folding and taping the newsletter.
We’d like to build a list of those who would consider
giving a little bit of their spare time each month to this
project. Days/times will vary each month. You don’t
have to come every month either! If you’d like to help
us, please give the COA a call at 508-896-2737 to get
your name added to the list. Then, when we need some
help, you’ll definitely hear from us!
PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO Pet Grooming available in August. The service will return again in
September. Please mark you calendars.
August 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 St.
(unless otherwise noted)
Food to Encourage
2nd & 4th Thursdays: August 9th & 23rd
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. 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!
Monthly General Grief Support Group
Wednesday, August 15th
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
hosting a support group here at our senior center. 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, August 16th
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. This month’s project is a
Seashell Paperweight. There is a maximum
class size of 6. Please contact the COA by
Friday, August 10th to let us know you are
interested: 508-896-2737
Meditation for Beginners
Thursdays: August 2nd and 9th
10:00am - 11:00am
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? In this beginner’s
meditation class, we are focusing 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.
Our instructor, Carol Marcy 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!
$2.00 per class. Drop-ins welcome!
Page 4 August 2018 Brewster, MA
Friends of Brewster Elders
Sea Captain’s Thrift Shop
66 Harwich Road (Route 124)
Monday - Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Looking for some summer deals? Be sure to check
out the great values at the shop! We’ve got everything
you need for those warm, sunny days!
We’re open 6 days a week, so come stop in!
More Thank-you’s!
This newsletter is made possible each month through
the support of the advertisers found within these
pages. Without them, the Brewster COA would not be
able to continue producing this publication. With that
in mind, the COA would like to thank the following
services/agencies/offices for their kindness in
supporting the seniors of our community:
ADT Home Security
Advanced Audiology
Cape Cod Memorials
Cape Cod Home Safety
Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home
Herbert L. Gumpright, Jr., D.D.S.
Hart Farm Nursery & Garden Center
Morris, O’Connor & Blute Funeral Home
Nickerson Funeral Homes
Paulo’s Painting
Wingate Residences of Brewster and Harwich
24Seven Medical Alert System
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
1
8:45am Line Dancing
9:30am Balancing Act
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
2
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
10:00am Meditation
2:00pm BMCC
3
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
6
9:45am Keep Movin’!
7
8:30am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Bridge
8
8:45am Line Dancing
9:30am Balancing Act
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
9
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
9:45am Food to
Encourage
10:00am Meditation
2:00pm BMCC
10
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
13
9:00am Pedicare
9:45am Keep Movin’!
14
8:30am Yoga
9:00am Pedicare
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Bridge
15
8:45am Line Dancing
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm Grief Support
Group
1:00pm SHINE
16
8:30am Hearing
Screenings
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
10:30am Crafts with
Megan
1:00pm Financial
Planning
2:00pm BMCC
17
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
11:00am
Rep. Tim Whelan
1:30pm Trip:
Sailing on Pleasant
Bay
20
9:45am Keep Movin’!
1:00pm Color Me
Creative!
21
8:30am Yoga
9:00am Chat with
Select Board Member
Ben deRuyter
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Bridge
22
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
23
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
9:45am Food to
Encourage
2:00pm BMCC
24
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
27
9:45am Keep Movin’!
28
8:30am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
10:00am BP/Glucose
Testing & Health/BLL
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Bridge
29
8:45am Line Dancing
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
30
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
2:00pm BMCC
31
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
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.
August 2018 Page 7
Mobile Pantry - “Healthy Food to Go”
We are pleased to bring 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 at the Family Pantry and kept in a refrigerated truck until
you pick it up. This takes place on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, from 11:00am to
12:00pm at Frederick Court. Our next date is Wednesday, August 8th.
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
SHINE NEWS…
Hospital Observation Stays and Original Medicare
Hospitals often admit patients under observation status. Patients under “observation” are
considered outpatients even though they may stay in a hospital bed for many days.
For those with Original Medicare, outpatient stays at a hospital could result in increased
costs. For instance, Medicare requires a three-day inpatient stay at a hospital before it will
pay for any stay in a skilled nursing facility and time spent under “observation” in a hospital
will not count toward that three-day minimum.
In addition, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) will not cover any of the costs of the skilled
nursing care if Medicare has not paid first. So patients with Original Medicare who have
been under observation status, whether they have a Medigap or not, must decide whether to
pay out-of-pocket for the medically necessary rehab/skilled nursing care, or cut care short
and return home, because they are unable to cover the costs.
Medicare Advantage plans (HMOs, PPOs) will cover costs of skilled nursing facility care, if it
is medically necessary, because they do not have a three-day minimum in a hospital stay
requirement. However, in a Medicare Advantage plan, skilled nursing facility services are
subject to co-payments, which can be substantial.
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone …on Medicare) volunteers
offer free, confidential counseling on all aspects of health insurance to anyone on Medicare.
Please call the Senior Center at 508-896-2737 to schedule a SHINE appointment.
Go Cruisin’ this Summer!
The COA still 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!
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 – 2:00pm
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: August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
COMPUTER USERS GROUP:
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no meetings of the Computer Users
Group until September. See next month’s ‘Bayside Chatter’ for
more information.
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, August 22
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 are 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, August 2 & 9 ~ 10:00am Building internal
awareness with an orientation toward the heart and breath. Friendly and
calm environment. If your life seems a bit too harried, come to this class
and take a time-out for yourself! $2.00 per class. 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.
PLEASE NOTE: Pedicare is available on August 13 and 14.
PET GROOMING: Buttons & Bows ~
PLEASE NOTE: No Pet Grooming available in August.
PICKLEBALL: Courts are available at 384 Underpass Road. Contact
the Brewster Recreation Dept. at (508) 896-9430 for more information.
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 NOTE: 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 - 4:00pm 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). Tennis courts are at 384 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 August 2018
A Message from Charles Altieri, RN
Public Health Wellness Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
Page 10 August 2018 Brewster, MA
Mobile Dental Hygiene Service
Mobile Dental Hygiene Services is offering friendly, convenient, and affordable preventative oral health care at
the Brewster Council on Aging! The following services are FREE to eligible individuals with 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’s date is Wednesday, August 22nd.
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
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!
Eating Leafy Greens May Help Preserve Memory
Popeye and his cans of spinach aside, most leafy greens aren’t commonly thought of as “super foods.” However,
new research suggests that salad staples such as spinach, kale, collard greens and other types of lettuce may be
super foods when it comes to preserving memory and brain function.
The study published in Neurology on Jan. 16, 2018, involved 960 adults with an average age of 81. At the study
onset, all participants were free of any form of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and had detailed
nutritional assessments. Participants took part in periodic cognitive assessments over about five years to
determine thinking or memory changes.
When the data were analyzed, those who ate mostly leafy greens were equivalent to about 11 years younger in
terms of age-related cognitive decline than were those who rarely or never ate leafy greens. This finding adds to
other studies that have suggested a similar link.
Those who ate mostly leafy greens were consuming one to two servings of leafy greens daily. In the study, a
serving equaled one cup of raw, shredded greens or a half-cup of cooked greens. The study was inconclusive
regarding which specific nutrients in leafy greens were associated with the greater benefit. Rather, it appeared
that it’s possible that it’s the mix of nutrients found in greens working synergistically that has beneficial effects
on the brain.
It’s always difficult to prove cause and effect with nutrition studies. However, there’s overwhelming evidence
that consuming daily servings of a wide variety of vegetables – including leafy greens – is part of an optimal
dietary foundation for good overall health and weight maintenance.
(Mayo Clinic July, 2018)
Happy and Healthy Summer Days!
Charlie Altieri, RN, Public Health Nurse
If your vision of a leafy green is a wedge of iceberg lettuce, take another look. Leafy greens are very versatile
and easy to mix into various recipes including soups, stews, stir-fries and casseroles.
August 2018 Page 11
Brewster, MA
Sightings from the Poop Deck
“A man’s home is his castle”
17th Century English jurist Sir Edward Coke
Our first trip to Cape Cod took us to the Seashore Park Motor Lodge in Orleans in 1974. The three kids had a
great time, especially taking advantage of the indoor pool on rainy days, and in 1975 we came back again, which
was a first, since we were used to travelling to different places year after year. In 1976 we bought the second
house we looked at and knew that eventually we would settle down and retire here in Brewster. So, for the next
twenty years we commuted from Clifton, New Jersey, every other weekend to be able to spend some time here
even though it was a grueling 280 mile trip. Joanie Carfora and I managed to cover the Cape from one end to the
other on those weekends, since there is always excitement in not knowing what is just around the corner.
Eventually the gunkholing tapered off and we had to get down to making some serious decisions about what
improvements we would consider making if, after all, this was going to be our final destination in our retirement
years.
So we added a family room, a bathroom, a shed, a two-car garage, a gazebo and a very large brick patio for outside
summer cookouts. We had been doing very nicely keeping up with the basic house maintenance on our weekend
forays, the painting inside and out, the grounds and various plantings to spruce the place up. In 1996 we said
goodbye to New Jersey, packed up those things I could not part with and wound up with two of everything from
lawn mowers, snow blowers, rakes, shovels, you get the picture. Our two car garage could now barely
accommodate one car.
In the old days we could usually get through our chores in a day, maybe sometimes a weekend. Here it is the
second hottest day of the season and I am now proudly proclaiming that I have swept off the patio and my work
for the day is done. The lawn, or at least half of it, will have to wait until tomorrow. The shed, with its beautifully
stenciled floor, will also wait to be scrubbed from top to bottom. By the way, my shed is for members only.
During the winter months when the snow is waist high, we shovel a path from the house to the shed and imitate
Thoreau…“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately”... light the portable heater, break out the
Gran Marnier and wish that the gazebo, garage, patio, and additional add-ons would all disappear just to make
our lives easier and simpler - my age is showing. I want to be lazy again!
Peter R. Scheffer (“Life is Good!”) - “Lazy Again?” Nah, still!!
poop deck, n., a deck above a ship’s main afterdeck
COME JOIN US FOR LUNCH!
Simply call Kelly in our Brewster COA Nutrition Center at (508) 896-5070 by 11:00am the day before and she
will make sure your delicious, hot meal will be ready for you when you come the following day.
Join us at 10:30am on Wednesdays and Fridays to play BINGO before lunch!
Or, join us for some lively piano music on Wednesdays (after Bingo) and Thursdays,
provided by our wonderful volunteer pianists!
This program is sponsored by Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands.
Requested meal donation is $3.00. Transportation can be arranged.
You might enjoy the new friendships that you can make at the Senior Center!
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: 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.
Please contact the COA at (508) 896-2737 to schedule your ride.
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
provide 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. Donations are
accepted for this service. Call the COA 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 August 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
.