October 2009 COA Newsletter

Written by Administrator Monday, 14 September 2009 18:18

FLU SHOT CLINIC

The Brewster Board of Health and the Visiting Nurses’ Association will be conducting the clinic at Our Lady of the Cape Parish Center on Wednesday, October 21st.

Brewster seniors, 60+ and high-risk residents, with chronic diseases are eligible to get flu shots this year. Clinics will run from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and it will be a first-come, first-served basis.

OUR FRIENDS WITH SALVATION ARMY

The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a collaborative effort among sponsoring Massachusetts energy companies, caring neighbors, and the Salvation Army of MA and its many dedicated volunteers throughout the state.  Last year alone, the fund helped some 2,977 families pay a gas, electric, or oil bill statewide.  It is distributed with a maximum benefit of $300. per heating season for applicants whose gross annual income falls between 60 and 80 % of the state’s median income levels.

 

Household Size Total GROSS ANNUAL Income

Minimum Maximum

1                           $27,876.     to      $37,168.

2                           $36,453.     to      $48,605.

3                           $45,031.      to      $60,041.

4                           $53,608.     to      $71,478.

 

Emergency Grant Applications will be accepted starting December 1, 2009.

For more information, please visit www.magoodneighbor.org.

 

TOYS FOR TOTS

Yes, we know it is only October, but before you know it, we will be in the holiday season.  We will be a drop-off sight for the Toys for Tots Program.  Just keep us in mind when you are planning your holiday list and want to help out a small child.  Thank you.

 

PRESCRIPTION ADVANTAGE

More information coming in November’s newsletter regarding Open Enrollment for Part D.

 

MESSAGES FROM MARILYN

Please note that the programs we offer here at the Brewster Council on Aging are simply for the information of those attending and in no way endorse or sponsor any provider or service.  Those in attendance should understand that we do not assume any legal responsibility for the advice or services rendered by program providers.

 

Be sure to call to reserve your seat for any or all of these

Programs – 508-896-2737

OCTOBER’S PROGRAMS

ANTIQUE APPRAISALS

Monday, October 5^th 1:00 PM

We are again offering you the opportunity to bring up to three (3) items to be appraised by Keith Klinger of Klinger & Co. Appraisers in Harwich.  These appraisals will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, but you do need to sign up in advance so that we know how many people will be coming.  This is always a well attended program – remember to reserve your space.   Deadline to sign up is Wednesday, September 30^th.

CHANGING BEHAVIORS TO PREVENT FALLS &

THE BENEFIT OF A MEDICAL ALARM SYSTEM

Wednesday, October 14^th 1:00 PM

Falls are a common event for older adults.  While not all falls result in injury, at least 50% of those not injured still need assistance in getting up.  Since it is impossible to prevent all falls, taking steps to make you feel safer is very important.  Ask yourself these questions – if I were to fall today, how will I get up?  If I can’t get up, how will I get help?  Hear how a medical alert service could be of benefit to you while giving you family peace of mind about your safety.  Reserve your seat today – deadline for signing up is Wednesday, October 7^th.

 

 

 

 

HEALTH PLANNING FOR PEACE OF MIND – EVERYTHING                       YOU WOULD BE SMART TO KNOW ABOUT HOSPICE

Monday, October 19^th 1:00 PM

We plan ahead for trips, holidays and family events.  But how many of us actually plan –or even talk about- the one journey we are all sure to take sooner or later?

Healthy aging means knowing the facts and the resources available so you and your family can be assured the care you are entitled to is received.

Did you know…

*Hospice provides expert care to patients for months or even years.

regardless of the complexity of care or other treatments being

received

*Hospice provides services and support to the entire family, not just

the patient

*It has actually been shown that Hospice can improve the quality of

life and even increase life expectancy

*Care, service, medications and medical equipment related to the

diagnosis are covered IN FULL by Medicare and all insurances

These are facts best learned before a crisis.  Come hear Anne Geagan, Hospice Coordinator of Bereavement for the Grief Support Center, and Melissa Weidman, Director of Communication & Community Outreach, explain how Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod can be a resource for you and your family.  Reserve your seat today – 508-896-2737.  Deadline for signing up is Wednesday, October 14^th.

 

AARP SENIOR DRIVING SAFETY COURSE

This is the 2^nd time we have offered this course

Monday, October 26^th 9:00AM – 1:00PM

Cost - $12.00 for AARP members and $14.00 for non-members

During this refresher course designed for drivers age 50 and older, you will learn defensive driving techniques; new traffic laws and rules of the road; how to deal with aggressive drivers; how to adjust to age-related changes in your vision, hearing and reaction time, along with other important information.

 

While it is a four hours course, there will be breaks for you to move about.  There is no final test to pass, but you will receive a Certificate of Completion that may help you get a discount on your automobile insurance.  Pre-registration is mandatory and payment is due prior to the course date.  Checks should be made out to AARP, not the Council on Aging.  Call 508-896-2737 today… deadline for signing us is October 19^th.

A NEW OFFERING HERE AT THE COA!!

Learn ballroom dancing  - Friday afternoons, 2-3:30PM- October 16^th thru November 20^th

Are you tired of being a wallflower?  Why not gain confidence and poise to dance at the next wedding or other function you attend?  Sign up for our ballroom dancing class!!

 

We are offering beginner level Ballroom dance.  No experience is necessary – if you can count and walk to class, you too can learn to dance.  In just a few weeks you will learn the basics of Swing dancing.  Single and Triple Swing basis steps with arch and loop turns will be covered.  Are you ready for more? You will then progress thru the beginner steps while gaining confidence and proficiency in just a short 6 week course.  Classes are Friday afternoons from 2:00 – 3:00PM here at the COA.  Classes begin on Oct. 16 and are completed on November 20^th.  Cost is $5.00 per person per class and you will be asked to pay for the entire course at the first session.  Sign up today by calling 508-896-2737.  Don’t miss all the fun…learn to dance while having a good time!

 

COMPUTER USER’S GROUP with Pete Scheffer

Thursdays, October 8, 15 22 & 29 - 1:00pm

All classes will be an open forum setting.

 

The 1^st hour will be for questions & answers, followed by instructions of the published topic of the day.  Skill level will be from beginner to intermediate and beyond.  No need to sign up, just come & join the fun!!

 

MAH JONGG LESSONS

Fall would be a great time to learn to play the exciting oriental game of Mah Jongg.  Dot Fleischer will be giving 5 – 2 hour sessions, starting on October 9^th to November 6th at 9:30am.  The cost is $40.00 + the cost of the cards.  Please call Dot at 508-385-5749 or the COA at 508-896-2737 to register.

 

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

We are pleased to welcome the following new members:

Ann & Fred Beloff, Virginia Zurlinden, Alan Hall, Joel Lamb, Adrian & Roberta Reddy, Marie Knight and Norma McElhenny.

SEA CAPTAIN’S THRIFT SHOP

½ price sale

Summer is coming to a close – come in to the Sea Captain’s Thrift Shop.

All our summer clothes are on sale!  Come in and say Hi!

We still have a good selection of shorts and summer shirts.

Our fall hours are back to 10-3pm (4 days a week) Tuesday – Friday.

We are now accepting clean and resalable winter clothes and coats.  We can also use glassware, dishes and bric-a-brac.

Volunteers are needed.  If you are interested, please call Pat Stanley at 508-896-9933 or come in and say Hi!

Location:  Off 6A behind the Brewster Town Hall

 

“DAY TRIPS AND OVERNIGHT EXCURSIONS”

For more information on any of these trips, please call toll-free

866-518-6877 or come into the COA to pick up a flyer.

 

10/3        Mel Brooks “Young Frankenstein”                    $109.00

10/3        Crawford Notch Foliage Train                         $85.00

10/5        Billings Farm & Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller

National Historical Park & Mansion         $69.00

10/9        Lake Winnepesaukee Cruise                        $89.00

10/10              White River Flyer                                   $90.00

10/11              Hobo Train                                           $90.00

10/15              Fruitlands of Massachusetts $85.00

10/17              Taste of Vermont $99.00

11/28              “Rain, A Tribute to the Beatles”                  $90.00

1/9          “Wicked”                                             $120.00

MESSAGE FROM KATHY GANEY R.N.

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE VNA OF CAPE COD

Kathy will take blood pressures on October 6 and 20 from 8-10am.  In addition to blood pressures, glucose testing will be done on September 15.  Please take advantage of this opportunity to discuss any health concerns.

 

Last month, I spoke about general eye conditions and possible preventive measures.  As we age, there are many conditions that may cause changes in our eyesight, but for now, we will discuss two common causes of vision loss.

 

We will discuss cataracts first.  A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye that can impair vision.  Cataracts occur when there is a buildup of protein in the lens that makes it cloudy.  This prevents light from passing through, causing loss of vision.  There are four types of cataracts but we will talk about the two that affect the elderly.  Age related cataracts develop as a result of aging.  Secondary cataracts develop as result of diabetes, certain medications, ultraviolet lights and radiation.  Cataracts can also be the result of cigarette smoking, air pollution and heavy alcohol consumption.

 

An eye exam is necessary to diagnose cataracts.  Eyeglasses and contacts may improve eyesight for a while but when the vision impairs your daily life, cataract surgery will be necessary.  Surgery is usually an outpatient procedure where the surgeon removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a clear plastic one.  Tylenol is usually all that is needed to alleviate the post op discomfort, and in a few weeks post op patients can usually be fitted for new prescription lenses, if necessary.

 

Glaucoma is the name of the group of eye diseases that attack the optic nerve.  This nerve is in the back of your eye and it carries the information from the eye to the brain.  This happens when increased pressure from fluid, build up in the eye, causing pressure on the optic nerve.  Although there are three types of Glaucoma, I’ll concentrate on the most common type, which is Open Angle Glaucoma.  The optic nerve is damaged a little at a time, slowly leading to loss of eyesight.  At first, people lose side or peripheral vision, and if not treated vision loss can get worse possibly leading to blindness.

 

An ophthalmologist is needed to make a diagnosis of glaucoma.  Early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma is important in preventing blindness.  Specific eye drops are used to lower the pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure), sometimes paired with oral medications and painless laser treatments.  Lastly, surgery may be needed to open an outflow channel to release the build up of fluid.

 

While this is a brief synopsis of some eye conditions, it is apparent that regular eye exams are very important.

 

P.S. DON’T FORGET TO GET YOUR FLU SHOT!

BHT - BOSTON HOSPITAL TRANSPORTATION

Enjoy comfortable and safe transportation from Cape Cod DIRECT to Boston

Hospitals on a wheelchair accessible van.

MONDAY thru FRIDAY (NO THURSDAYS) SCHEDULE

7:30a.m. Orleans (Star Market)

7:45a.m. Harwich (Route 124 Commuter Lot)

8:00a.m. Barnstable (Route 132 Commuter Lot)

8:15a.m. Sagamore (Rotary Commuter Lot)

RESERVATIONS A MUST!!!

(Reserve by 11am the day before)

$30.00 suggested donation – Round Trip

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.

 

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

COA VAN – Scheduled trips include:  Monday–Friday to nutrition site and home after lunch at NO COST.

Grocery Shopping: Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. Last Monday of the month is a trip to Hyannis for shopping from 11am to 2pm (reserved seats only).  Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – post office, banking & pharmacy trips. We need a two day advance reservation and the round trip fare is $2.00 for this wheelchair accessible bus.

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 fee schedule, depending upon the destination.  Call for more information at 896-2737.

MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS – Volunteer drivers are available for transportation to medical appointments in their personal cars.  Please call the COA as soon as you make an appointment or at least four business days in advance so that we can find a volunteer to provide your ride.  Please notify the COA if you cannot keep your appointment so we can notify our drivers.  Make sure your house number is visible from the road.  Thank you for your cooperation.

 

911 CELLPHONES

In conjunction with the Police Department, we recycle used cellphones and re-program them as “911 only cellphones”.

So, if you think you could use one, please stop by.

And don’t forget to give us your old cellphones so we can continue to have the cellphones in case of an emergency.

 

 

 

BAYSIDE CHATTER –October 2009

WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:

WWW.TOWN.BREWSTER.MA.US

 

ANGELCARE: 1^st & 3rd  Wednesday of the month from 10:45am – 11:45am.    A Support Program For Caregivers – If you’re caring for someone who is chronically ill, aged or disabled…and would like some support…we’re here for you.

BANK ASSISTANCE: A representative from Cape Cod 5 will come on Wednesdays starting at 10am to help seniors balance their checking accounts.  Appointment only.

BINGO:  Played every Wednesday and Friday from 10:30-11:30am.

BLOOD PRESSURE/Health Counseling Clinic: Tuesdays ~ 8:00am – 10:00am - 1^st and 3rd Tuesday of the month on a first-come, first-served basis.  In addition to taking blood pressure, any health related questions can be asked at this time.  Due to health reasons, home visits can be accommodated for those who are unable to get to the Senior Center.

BLOOD PRESSURE & GLUCOSE TESTING: 3rd Tues. ~ 8:00am – 10:00am

BREWSTER MEN’S COFFEE CLUB: Meets on Thursdays – 2:00pm. 

BRIDGE (men’s and women’s): Tuesdays ~ 1:00pm.

BRIDGE LESSONS: Fridays from 11:00am – 1:00pm $3.00 per activity per person– For those who want to improve their game – bidding, play of the hand, and defense is stressed.  It is truly an “interactive” bridge session each week. For more information contact www.acblemba.org/judy’games/

CHESS: Mondays ~ 12:00 p.m. Tuesday at 12, if Monday was a holiday.

COMPUTER HELP: Meets for 1 hour appointments – Wednesdays ~ 9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m. These one-hour sessions are hands-on, one-on-one, and participants choose their own pace and area of interest.

COMPUTER USER’S GROUP:  Meets Thursdays from 1-3pm - The first hour will be for questions & answers, followed by instructions of the published topic of the day.  Skill level will be from beginner to intermediate.

DANCERCISE:  Thursdays at 9-10am $5.00 per class

DUPLICATE BRIDGE: Wednesdays and Thursdays ~ 7:00 p.m.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE: Fridays at 1:00p.m. – $3.00 per activity per person - any questions call Judy Murray at 508-432-7097

FINANCIAL PLANNING: 3^rd Thursday ~ 10:00am.  Appointment only. A volunteer that answers questions and provides information concerning Long Term Care and Financial Planning.

LEGAL HELP: 9:30am the 1^st Wednesday with Charles Ardito and 10:00am on the 4^th Wednesday with Tom Kosman.  Call to make your appointment. The attorney will answer your legal questions.  No fee for the initial appointment.  

MAH JONGG: Please consider bringing your friends to play Mah Jongg here at our COA on Tuesdays at 1pm.

MASSAGE: Marylou Raposa schedules appointments on the last Tuesday of the month from 1:00pm to 2:30pm. Sandra Smith’s schedule continues to be the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesdays of the month from 1:00pm to 2:30pm (30 minutes - $10.00) Massage increases metabolism, hastens healing and improves the detoxifying functions of the lymphatic system.  (Call to schedule appointments)

MEALS ON WHEELS: Provided to each homebound elder who is unable to prepare nutritionally balanced meals.  Call Cindy at 508-896-5070.

OLD FASHION QUILTING BEE: Wednesdays ~ 1:00pm. Fellow quilters bring in their quilting projects and enjoy the camaraderie of other quilters.

OUTREACH ASSISTANCE: The Outreach Worker will answer any questions you have about resources and programs you may be entitled to, assists with assessing needs, file-of-life, fuel assistance applications, etc.  (Call to set up an appointment)

PEDI-CARE: 1^ST Thursday & 4^th Friday of the month ~ 9:00am – 3:00pm (Diabetics must see a MD/Podiatrist) ½ hr. appointments - $28.00 – home visit - $45.00 (Call to set up appointment.)

PET GROOMING: Buttons & Bows ~ every 3^rd 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.

POKER: Tuesdays and Fridays ~ 1:00pm.

REP. CLEON TURNER: 3^rd Friday of every month from 11-12noon.

REIKI: Meets 1^st Thursday of the month between 9:00am – 11:00am - $10.00 per person   A healing system that uses light hand placements to transfer healing energies to the client.  It relaxes and eases tension and helps to expel body toxins.

SENIOR DINING: Hot lunches are provided Monday through Friday at the C.O.A.  Suggested donation is $2.00 per meal.  24-hour notice required call 508-896-5070.  Come at 10:00am on Wednesdays and Fridays to play BINGO before lunch.

SENIOR FIT: September 21^st to November 2nd session: Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30-9:30am.  This program is through the Brewster Recreation Department.  For more information, please call 896-9430.

S.H.I.N.E.:  Serving Health Information Needs of the Elderly

Every Tuesday from 1pm to 3:15pm with Debra Johnson, every Wednesday from 11am to 2pm with Susan Favreau, and 12noon to 3pm with Nancy Tuchinsky.  By appointment only. Highly trained volunteer counselors help seniors and Medicare beneficiaries understand their rights and benefits under Medicare and all other health insurance coverage.  Private appointments are free of charge.

SIGHT LOSS GROUP:  September to June on the 2^nd Wednesday of the month from 11-1pm at the Ladies Library.

SWIMMING: Meets Monday - 10:30 to 11:30am at Fletcher Pool (Ocean Edge) & Friday – 10 to 12 noon at Brewster Green. You need to have your F.O.B.E. Membership Card for admittance.

A donation of $1.00 per swim is recommended and this is done by an HONOR system.  Stop in on a monthly or quarterly basis to support this wonderful activity.

TENNIS: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays ~ 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. (Open play during winter months)

WALKING GROUP:  CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A NEW LEADER.

WOMEN’S FORUM: Tuesdays ~ 10:00am. This is a wonderful group of women that review current events, talk about movies & books, give each other support & enjoy conversation.

YOGA: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30–10 am & Thursdays evenings at 5-6:30pm - $10. per class.  This class uses breathing techniques as a foundation for exploring gentle & safe stretching. 

YOUNG AT HEART: Mondays and Fridays 9:45-10:45 a.m. 10-week session/ 20 classes, beginning September 11^th thru November 20^th for the cost of $50.00.  Strength training for seniors.  PACE classes are friendly and a fun way to relieve arthritis symptoms and learn important strengthening exercises.  Classes start out easy and help to build strength and coordination each week by using adjustable weights and stretch bands.  This is a cape-wide non-profit senior exercise program administered by the VNA of Cape Cod. Call toll-free 1-877-267-7700 to register.

Sightings from the Poop Deck

I Felt Good

 

My father-in-law had an uncanny and enviable knack for telling a good story, probably because all his stories were often told half in English and half in Italian. You know the old saying: "Some things are lost in the translation." He arrived Ellis Island in the good ole U.S.A. from Italy with his mother and brother in 1924 and settled in Newburgh, New York where his father had preceded them and set up a home in anticipation of their arrival. Many times whenever I, or someone else would recommend what we thought to be beneficial to him, he would often reply: "Stave bene" which, loosely translated from the Italian to English, had many meanings such as  "leave well enough alone," or, "I feel good."

 

After being subjected to this "Stave Bene" response for years, I finally asked him the meaning (phonetically sta-va ben-ay) since surely it had to originate in the old country. He told me a story, one of many, of a particular peasant farmer probably from his home town of Santa Maria a Vico in the Province of Caserta not too far from Napoli. As the story goes, the farmer had a modest farm and as the years passed, and with some luck and hard work, he became very successful and was able to expand his farm many times over. His workers approached him one day and suggested that now that he was rich and successful he should perhaps think about acting the part and take on a new personna. Puzzled, he asked how that should be and they said rich people could afford doctors and now that he had the means for better medical care he should consider an annual physical to head off any potential health problems. The farmer laughed and replied: "Stave Bene. I feel good", he said. "Why should I go looking for trouble?"

 

Genuinely concerned the workers persisted, he relented and off to the doctor he went for a complete physical. In a few weeks the results were returned and the doctor called the farmer in to go over the reports with him. The doctor explained that the tests indicated he had many things that needed immediate attention and prescribed a multitude of changes to his lifestyle as well as some drugs to combat his ailments. The farmer, who until then had never been overly concerned about his health, was now so consumed with worry that six months later he died.

 

My father-in-law continued. The farmer anticipating the end was near went out and had his cemetery plot and headstone prepared. I sense that this story is nearing its end because he hesitates, just to drag it out further, and to keep me in suspense. He tries to subdue his laughter, but his shoulders are shaking uncontrollably. I'm anxious now and waiting for the punch line. "C'mon" I say, "let's wrap this thing up!"

 

Chiseled into the white marble headstone was the following epitaph: "STAVE BENE. PU FA QU MEGLIO, CA ME TROVA"... "I felt good. To feel better, here I lie."

 

 

Peter R. Scheffer - ("Life is Good!") - Stave Bene!!

 

P.S  Apologies to my Italian language purist friends. I realize some liberties have been taken, but this is true Neapolitan dialect,  and drawing on the memories of Joan and her sister Marie, this is how we rremember it.

 

poop deck: noun, a partial deck above a ship's main after deck

< Prev		Next >