HomeMy Public PortalAboutDecember 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
December 2018
MISSION STATEMENT: To support and advocate for older adults and their families by
providing programs, services and resources that promote independent living and quality of life.
Pre-Holiday Line Dance Showcase!
Monday, December 3rd 1:00pm - 1:30pm Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
You’re invited to join us at Brewster COA for a festive, upbeat line dance showcase by students of Cape Sands
Ballroom. The dancers will share their love of dance with you as they move and groove to tunes from the 50’s
through today including a few holiday selections. At the end of the showcase, if you’d like to try out a few steps
yourself, Karen Shackleford of Cape Sands Ballroom will offer a free, no obligation mini-lesson in line dancing so
you can give it a whirl!
We’ll be serving some light refreshments as well. Perhaps you might want to come for lunch that day (11:30am)
and stay for the show! Seating is limited and we will NOT be able to accommodate drop-ins. Please be sure to
give the COA a call at 508-896-2737 to reserve your seat and let us know your lunch plans. Hope to see you there!
Holiday Program Line-Up
Come join us for our upcoming holiday programs!
We’ve got our charming Kindergarten performers from
Stony Brook Elementary School, and the Honors Chorus
from Nauset Regional High School!
Turn to page 4 for more information!
Closings
The Brewster COA will be closed on
Monday, December 24th and Tuesday,
December 25th for the Christmas holiday.
We will also be closed on Tuesday, January 1, 2019
for the New Year’s Day holiday observance.
It’s hard to believe that 2018 is almost finished and we will soon be ringing in the New Year!
Over the past year, the COA Board and I worked hard to develop a 5-year Action Plan from the information
residents provided on the Needs Assessment Survey that was done 2 years ago. We have begun to implement
some of these ideas, and we will continue to develop new programs. We are also collaborating with other Town
Departments and groups to co-sponsor programs and events at other venues in Town.
Look for these NEW programs in 2019:
The Silvering Screen – A monthly film series that looks at how older adults are portrayed in cinema.
Home for A Lifetime – A 4-part Seminar Series on housing planning for later years.
Healthwise For Life Seminars – Knowledge, skills and resources on important health topics.
Funky Fitness – Advanced 12-session fitness and agility exercise program.
I hope you are as excited as I am about new programs in the New Year. Happy Holidays!
Denise Rego, Director
Page 2 December 2018 Brewster, MA
Exercise your Options!
The Brewster Council on Aging offers
these Exercise and Wellness classes to
help you have a healthy, active and
enjoyable life! All classes are at the
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street,
unless otherwise noted. Check us out!
Keep Movin’
9:45 - 10:45 am
Mondays and Fridays
This program is primarily strength-
training for seniors. The classes are
friendly, and a fun way to relieve
arthritis symptoms while learning
important strengthening exercises.
Classes help to build strength,
coordination and balance each week by
using hand and leg weights, balls 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.
Gentle Flow Yoga Class
2:30 - 3:45pm Mondays
Eddy School
2298 Main Street
In collaboration with the Brewster
Recreation Dept., we are offering a
Gentle Flow Yoga Class. Join this
Hatha-based yoga class suitable for all
levels; classes will be geared to
attendees. Variety from week to week
and season to season ensures a
sustainable practice – one that nourishes
all aspects of being: mental, emotional
and spiritual, as well as physical.
Come learn “tools you can use” in daily
life to calm and energize the mind while
strengthening and lengthening the body
and renewing the spirit.
Our instructor, Karen Corcoran, is
certified in Hatha, Kundalini and Yin
and has been teaching on Cape Cod for
over 2 years. This is an ongoing class
and the Recreation Department will sell
a 5-class card at $10/class.
Drop-in rate is $12.00 per class.
Please bring a mat. Call the Recreation
Department at 508-896-9430 to sign up!
Yoga
9:00 - 10:30 am Tuesdays
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 - Beginner (I)
8:oo - 8:45 am Wednesdays
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!
Prerequisites: Good balance, good
spatial orientation and ability to
memorize 32-count patterns.
$4.00 per class when paid monthly,
$6.00 per class for drop-ins.
Our instructor, Karen Shackleford,
comes to us from ‘Cape Sands
Ballroom’. Meet new friends and dance
your cares away!
Note: No class on December 26.
Line Dancing -
Beyond the Basics (II)
8:45 - 9:30am
Wednesdays
Carry your dance
experience forward! This intermediate
class is for those with knowledge of
jazz squares, grapevines, Charlestons,
diagonal travel, box steps,
and mambo steps.
Prerequisite: Good balance, good
spatial orientation and ability to
memorize 32-count patterns.
$4.00 per class when paid monthly,
$6.00 per class for drop-ins.
Discount offered for those enrolled in
both classes - $3.50 per class!
Come learn fun, mini dance routines to
your favorite pop, rock and Latin music!
Karen Shackleford from ‘Cape Sands
Ballroom’ will be your instructor.
Note: No class on December 26.
Balancing Act
9:30 - 10:15am Wednesdays
Better Balance through Body
Awareness and Fun!
This class explores a number of ways to
build more awareness of our bodies in
order to establish good balance. There
is a combination of seated and standing
exercises, utilizing our chairs. Good
posture while standing, as well as
walking and moving, is emphasized.
There will be some exercises to help
build a stronger body core and sense of
being centered in our bodies. Easy
movement games help you build
confidence physically from the inside
out. Come join us for building good
balance and having fun with it at the
same time! No need to call the COA to
register. Cost is $2.00 per class and
drop-ins are welcome!
Our instructor is Carol Marcy.
Why not give it a try!
Qi Gong
9:00 - 9:45 am Thursdays
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.
Our instructor is Ray DiPietro.
You’re welcome to come check it out!
Meditation
10:00 - 11:00am Thursdays
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? This meditation class
focuses on building internal awareness
with an orientation toward the heart and
breath. Our instructor, Carol Marcy,
will also talk about the many benefits of
meditation, and will use a guided
meditation format. Cost is $2.00 per
class and drop-ins are welcome!
Come and relax!
Page 3 December 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? Would you
enjoy talking with others and feeling good about your
day? Do you like to discuss books, movies, local events
and issues?
Then WOW would love to welcome you into our weekly
discussion group. Join us whenever you can at the
COA! You’ll find us to be a very friendly group with a
positive attitude.
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, December 6 and 13
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 completely 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
The Brewster Mens’ Coffee Club will be meeting on
the following Thursday afternoons in December:
6, 13, 20, 27
Come join us for a hot cup of coffee and some lively
conversation on these cold, winter days. We’re always
looking for new members. We’re also looking for Guest
Speakers, so if you’ve got a topic of interest that you’d
like to present, just let us know!
Computer Users Group
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Thursdays: 1:00pm - 2:30pm, December 6 and 13
Are you interested in computer technology? Then you
are invited to join this friendly group to learn about all
things tech! Each week’s topics are solicited from
program attendees, and covered in subsequent
meetings. The skill level is from beginner to
intermediate. All questions are welcome and there’s no
need to sign up. Just come and learn something new!
Mobile Dental Hygiene Service
Please note: There will be no Mobile Dental
Hygiene Services at the Brewster COA this month.
However, they are still available for questions or to
make an appointment at a different location.
Their telephone number is 508-827-6725 or check
them out at: smiles@mobiledentalhygiene.com
The program will resume at the Brewster COA in
January 2019. Look for more information in next
month’s newsletter.
Hearing Screenings
8:30am – 10:30am
Thursday, December 20
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Advanced Audiology Associates offers FREE screenings
here at the Brewster Council on Aging.
These screenings are by appointment only and last
around 15 minutes. They will include hearing
screenings, ear inspections and hearing aid checks.
Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 to set an
appointment for this valuable service.
THANK YOU to the FRIENDS!
The Brewster COA would like to take this
opportunity to thank the Friends of Brewster
Elders for their gift of two brand-new water
coolers!
Not only did they replace the one on the lower
level, but they also bought the COA a second one for the
large upstairs room. Hopefully those in our exercise classes
appreciate the addition! They’re energy efficient and easy to
refill. Many thanks to the Friends for their generosity!
Do you think it’s going to Snow this winter?
Take control of your life and secure a person to
snow-plow your driveway now! The COA gets
numerous calls asking us to recommend
someone but, legally, we are not allowed to do that.
Therefore, call your carpenter, landscaper, ask your
neighbor whom they use, or maybe they are willing to
help do the job for you at an agreed upon price.
Planning ahead will secure your comfort and safety in
your own home, which will make for a happier winter
season!
Brewster COA’s Inclement Weather Policy
If the Nauset Public Schools are closed,
all activties/programs and van transportation
at the Senior Center are cancelled.
If the Brewster Town Hall is closed, the Brewster
Senior Center will also be closed.
December Program Notes
Check out the exciting and informative pro-
grams and events we’ve got planned for you
this month! All programs take place at the
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street,
unless otherwise noted.
Enjoy the Holidays
through the Eyes of Children
Friday, December 7
12:00 pm
Christmas is for children so join us as we celebrate with
the Kindergarten students from Stony Brook
Elementary. They will be singing some holiday songs,
enjoy a treat and, most importantly, have a visit from
Santa. Bring your friends, neighbors, grandchildren,
great-grandchildren, or just come by yourself.
Hearing the children sing and sharing their joy at seeing
Santa will add to your holiday season.
Call today to reserve your seat: 508-896-2737
Refreshments will be served.
A Holiday Concert at
Maplewood of Brewster
Wednesday, December 12 12:00 pm
Join your friends and neighbors to hear the wonderful
voices of the Nauset Regional High School Honors
Chorus, under the direction of Mr. Tom Faris.
The program will be held at Maplewood of Brewster,
820 Harwich Road (route 124), Brewster.
These talented young people awe us each year with their
musical abilities. We are so fortunate to be able to get
on their very busy schedule every year so don’t miss
hearing them perform!
Call today reserve your seat: 508-896-2737
Refreshments will be served. What a lovely way to
spend an afternoon during the holiday season!
Food to Encourage
2nd & 4th Thursdays: December 13 and 27
9:45 am to 11:45 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, is available. 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!
Color Me Creative!
Monday, December 17 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 refreshments will be served!
Call the COA at 508-896-2737 to sign up!
Monthly General Grief Support Group
Wednesday, December 19 2:30 - 3:45 pm
Have you lost a loved one? It might be difficult
when it seems that everyone else is happy but you are
still grieving. Hope Hospice hosts a support group
here at our senior center every month.
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, December 20
10:30am - 12:30pm
Free! 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.
Please contact the COA by Friday, December 14
to let us know you are interested: 508-896-2737
Toys for Tots
The primary goal of the “Toys for Tots” program is to
deliver a shiny new toy at Christmas as a message of
hope to needy local children in our community.
If you would like to donate a NEW, UNWRAPPED TOY,
please bring them to the COA or the new Fire Station
from Monday, December 3rd to Friday,
December 21st.
Also, the Fire Department will be hosting “Homeless for
the Holidays” from December 9th – 13th.
Thank you for your generous support!
Page 4 December 2018 Brewster, MA
Town Meeting is on Monday, December 3 7:00pm at the Stony Brook School
The COA is offering rides! Just give us a
call at 508-896-2737. We’ll see you there!
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
3
9:45am Keep Movin’!
1:00pm Pre-Holiday
Line Dance Showcase!
4
9:00am Yoga
9:00am Open Enrollment
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
2:30pm Gentle Flow
Yoga/Eddy School
5
8:45am Line Dancing I
9:30am Line Dancing II
9:30am Balancing Act
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
6
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
9:00am Open Enrollment
10:00am Meditation
1:00pm Computer Users
Group
2:00pm BMCC
7
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming
at Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
12:00pm Holidays
through the Eyes of
Children
10
9:45am Keep Movin’!
9:00am Pedicare
11
9:00am Yoga
9:00am Pedicare
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
2:30pm Gentle Flow
Yoga/Eddy School
12
8:45am Line Dancing I
9:30am Line Dancing II
9:30am Balancing Act
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Sight Loss/BLL
11:00am Mobile Pantry
(Frederick Ct.)
12:00pm NRHS Concert
at Maplewood of Brewster
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
13
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
9:45am Food to
Encourage
10:00am Meditation
1:00pm Computer Users
2:00pm BMCC
14
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming
at Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
17
9:45am Keep Movin’!
1:00pm Color Me
Creative!
18
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
10:00am Legal Help
11:00am Massage with
Sandra
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm SHINE
2:30pm Gentle Flow
Yoga/Eddy School
19
8:45am Line Dancing I
9:30am Line Dancing II
9:30am Balancing Act
10:30am BINGO
10:30am Massage with
Sandra
1:00pm Quilters
1:00pm SHINE
2:30pm Grief Support
Group
20
8:00am Pet Grooming
8:30am Hearing
Screenings
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Meditation
10:30am Crafts with
Megan
1:00pm Financial
Planning
2:00pm BMCC
21
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming
at Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
11:00am
Rep. Tim Whelan
24
CHRISTMAS EVE
(The COA is closed)
25
CHRISTMAS DAY
(The COA is closed)
26
9:30am Balancing Act
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
27
9:00am Qi Gong
9:45am Food to
Encourage
10:00am Meditation
2:00pm BMCC
28
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:00am Swimming
at Brewster Green
10:30am BINGO
31
9:45am Keep Movin’!
NEW YEAR’S EVE
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.
December 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, December 12th.
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
Senior Real Estate Tax Abatement Program
This program matches municipal volunteer opportunities in the Town of Brewster with eligible
citizens who are qualified and able to volunteer their services in exchange for a reduction in their
real estate property tax bill. Program participants may work in a variety of jobs for the Town.
In exchange for volunteer services, the Town will rebate your annual real estate property tax bill in
the amount of $500.00* (* minus mandatory deductions).
You need to be sixty (60) years old or older and complete the hours of volunteer service by
September 1, 2019. For the 2019 program, the Town has twenty (20) available positions and priority
will be given to those residents whose income is less than $50,201 if single, or $57,381 if married.
Applications for the 2019 program are available at Town Hall and the Council on Aging , and
are due on December 15, 2018.
Tax Season Reminder:
Income Tax Season is coming up! Like last year, AARP will be offering appointments at the
Brewster Town Hall on Wednesdays from February 6 through April 10. The COA will begin taking
appointments in mid-January. Be sure to check out next month’s issue of the ‘Bayside Chatter’ for
more information.
SHINE News…Medicare Part D and Pharmacies
For MOST Medicare drug plans, the pharmacy you use could make a big difference in the cost
of your medications!
All Medicare drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans (HMOs, PPOs) have network pharmacies.
Most pharmacies accept most plans. However, if you go to a pharmacy that is not in your plan’s
network, your medications will not be covered, and you will pay full retail price.
For 2019, the majority of the Medicare drug plans have preferred pharmacies. By using a preferred
pharmacy, you can save money! Some plans have changed their preferred pharmacies for 2019 so
please check to make sure the pharmacy you currently use will still be the best come January 1st.
There is a big difference between preferred pharmacy co-payments and non-preferred pharmacy
co-payments.
Most plans have a mail-order program that allows you to get a 90-day supply of your covered
prescription drugs sent directly to your home. Some mail order programs may have a cost savings,
but there are times when using a preferred, local pharmacy could end up costing you less than mail
order. Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7th.
If you want to change your Medicare Plan, DON’T WAIT! Call the Brewster COA now
at 508-896-2737 to make your appointment!
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.
BALANCING ACT: Wednesdays ~ 9:30am - 10:15am
Creating better balance through body-awareness, while having fun.
Gentle exercises help build stability. $2.00 per class. Drop-ins welcome.
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: December dates: 6 and 13
COMPUTER USERS GROUP: Thursdays ~ 1:00pm - 2:30pm
The first part of the meeting is usually for questions and answers, followed
by instructions on topics solicited from program participants. Skill level
Is from beginner to intermediate. Just drop in!
PLEASE NOTE: December dates: 6 and 13
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: No Mobile Dental at the Brewster COA this month.
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. PLEASE NOTE: During December, Legal Help will
be available on Tuesday, December 18.
LINE DANCING (I): 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! NO CLASS 12/26
LINE DANCING (II): Wednesdays ~ 9:30am - 10:15am Some dance
experience required. Fees same as LINE DANCING I. NO CLASS 12/26
MASSAGE with Sandra: 3rd Tuesday, beginning at 11:00am, and 3rd
Wednesday, beginning at 10:30am. Massages last 30 minutes and are
offered for $15.00. By appointment only. Call (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.
MEDITATION: Thursdays ~ 10:00am - 11:00am
Class focused on building internal awareness with an orientation toward
the heart and breath. Guided meditation format used. $2.00 per session.
Drop-ins welcome! Come and relax!
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 ~
8:00am - 8:30am Nail clipping for animals will take place in a mobile van
at the back of the COA. First-come, first-served. The charge is $3.00
(normally $10.00). Stop by!
PICKLEBALL: Courts are available at 384 Underpass Road, by
Stony Brook School. Contact Brewster Rec. Dept.: 508-896-9430
POKER: On-hold until late Spring 2019
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.
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: Monday - Friday (during school session)
6:30am - 7:15am and 3:00pm - 5:00pm. Visit the Brewster Rec. Office at
Eddy Elementary School to register! Program is at Stony Brook Elem.
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.
SWIMMING: Brewster Green Pool ~ Fridays: 10:00am - 12:00pm.
This is ONLY available for Brewster’s senior (60+) residents. You
ALSO need to have your Brewster COA Swipe Card for admittance.
A donation of $1.00 per swim is recommended and this is done by an
Honor system. Stop by the COA on a monthly or quarterly basis to support
this activity!
TENNIS: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays ~ 9:00am – 11:00am
(Open play during winter months). 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 9:00am - 10:30am.
$10 per class. Class uses breathing techniques as a foundation for
exploring gentle & safe stretching. Drop-ins welcome!
Page 9 December 2018
A Message from Charles Altieri, RN
Public Health Wellness Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
Page 10 December 2018 Brewster, MA
Senior Striders
The Senior Striders Walking Program continues throughout the school year! Seniors are able to walk laps at the
Stony Brook Elementary School, both before and after school. Due to new security measures, all participants will
need to be CORI-checked and have a name badge that they will wear while walking. This program is FREE, but
you must register with the Brewster Recreation Department.
Walking hours are 6:30am - 7:15am and 3:00pm - 5:00pm (during school session).
Walk in comfort at Stony Brook! To register for this great program, please visit the Brewster Recreation
Department office in-person, located at the Eddy Elementary School, 2298 Main Street.
Go4Life Program Channel 18 7:00am
Go4Life, a simple in-home 60-minute exercise program developed by the National Council on Aging, will air on
local TV Channel 18 at 7:00am each morning. Free resources, including a CD and Exercise Guide, can be ordered
online at: go4life.nia.nih.gov. Exercise and remain active this winter by tuning in!
Christmas Ornaments
Can you think of 1 or 2 words that best describes your interest in our Brewster Senior Center?
Would you help us decorate the Senior Center by coloring an ornament and writing that word(s) on
the ornament? We have set up a small Christmas tree in the 1st floor large room for you to do just
that. We hope you enjoy this activity, and thanks for helping us decorate our tree!
Curbing Your Appetite
It’s all too easy to overeat or give into food cravings. Enjoy the most satisfying parts of eating with
these tips:
Recognize a craving versus hunger. True hunger usually occurs when it’s been a few hours since the
last time you ate. A craving is more of an urge or vague longing to consume something, often as a result
of habit, boredom or increased stress.
Eat healthy; a nutritious meal with a balance of healthy fats, protein and plant foods can keep you
full until your next meal.
Avoid distraction; don’t eat while you’re watching TV or browsing on your computer. Doing so can
make it easy to eat more than you intended.
Pay attention to your food. Serve a single, modest plate of food for a meal and really taste each
bite. Avoid second servings by keeping food away from the table or storing it before you eat.
Keep healthy snacks on hand. Fruits, vegetables, small portions of raw or dry roasted nuts, or low
fat or fat-free dairy products make good snacks. If you can’t stop eating a less healthy or high calorie
food, then don’t keep it in the house.
Satisfy cravings wisely. If you’re out for dessert, get one and split it with your companions. Break off
a small square of dark chocolate, have a small scoop of ice cream or a small handful of chips and
really enjoy them. Fulfill cravings with low or no calorie items such as chewing gum, sugar free mints,
carbonated water, tea or black coffee.
Mayo Clinic, Nov 2018
BE WELL! LIVE STRONG! LIVE LONG!
Charlie Altieri, RN, Public Health Nurse
December 2018 Page 11
‘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!
Brewster, MA
Sightings from the Poop Deck
"The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”
Fanny Fern (1811-1872)
I thought I was dreaming this morning when I awoke. I recognized the familiar smell of sausage,
peppers and onions wafting throughout the house, but it was 4:30 in the morning so I must have been
mistaken. I looked over to the other side of the bed and Joanie Carfora was MIA, so I thought I had
better go looking for her. Found her!! She was in one of her favorite places...the kitchen preparing - you
guessed it - sausage, peppers and onions for dinner, and dinner, for me, couldn’t come soon enough!
When you sit down for sausage, peppers and onions, dinner would not be complete without an authentic
loaf of Italian bread, but here on Cape Cod trying to find an Italian bakery that bakes real loaves is no
easy chore and I was not about to drive to the “North End.” I know, I’ve been here before and looked
high and low. So I did the next best thing. I went to Jareds…..oh wait, that was last month! I went to
Shaw’s, picked out the one that looked most like a real Italian loaf, brought it home and had a real feast.
Mangia, mangia! I really was all over that dinner. Yes, we did have our Cabernet Sauvignon, after all,
what is dinner without a good glass of red wine, or white if you prefer. We don’t follow those rules in
our house.
There is, however, one problem I have yet to overcome when sitting down to this type of a dinner.
I knew it would eventually surface and in spite of finishing off with some fruit, finocchio and perhaps an
aperitif to settle my overbearing stomach, I did not manage to escape….you guessed it….agita!
What’s that old saying, “Your eyes are bigger than your stomach,” but I would challenge that.
Happens all the time!
Now, at this point, here’s where a little finesse can be very helpful. The last thing your wife wants to
hear after she has worked so hard preparing dinner, any dinner, is that you have agita, so you very
diplomatically (lie) offer up, “That was the best sausage, peppers and onions you have ever made and I
can’t wait to finish off the leftovers.” So you, being a good doobie, help with the dishes and when she
has settled in front of the TV for the evening news, you quietly sneak away and fill your extra large glass
with very cold water and listen to that wonderful “fizzing” sound of two capfuls from that beautiful blue
bottle of Brioschi!
In my next life the ideal custom-built home I will provide for Joanie Carfora will have only one very
large room...a kitchen, because whenever I go looking for her that’s where I always find her. Can’t wait
for dinner tonight. After she reads this I’m sure it’s going to be something very special….Domino’s
pizza!
Peter R. Scheffer - (“Life is Good!”) - Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!!
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: 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.
Page 12 December2018 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 This agency and its programs are funded (in whole or in part) by the MA
Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Federal Administration for Community
Living by a contract from Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands.