July 2014 Senior Center Newsletter

July 2014
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Merrimac Council on Aging
100 East Main St., Merrimac, MA 01860
978-346-9549- www.merrimac01860.info
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Member of MCOA "At the Center Of It All"
IIDirector's
VOLUME 34 ISSUE 7
Special
Events
in J
12 noon- Ice Cream Social
sponsor-Amesbury
Village
Notes:
Remember to Hydrate-drink
plenty of water!
8 9:00am- Wii Bowling
Center
for
Health
&Clinic
who
Diabetic
is who!
Shoe
Tournament-Merrimac
vs.picture
sponsored
Who?-Bring
in
aRehab.
baby
by
Country
Bureau
Ireland
Trip
Slide
Show
&
we'll
see
ifPresentation
we
can
guess
until
August
Amesbury
at
Merrimac
16
9:30-12:00-Noon
10:30am-Collette23
Summer
Bash
Lunch
11:OOam-Better
Business
17
6:30pmLGBT
Social
Dinner
14 30
Baby
Picture
Scramble:
Guess
16
12-Noon12:45
Movie
Birthday
ofthe
Month
Lunch.
complain17
11 Dr Connolly -NO office hours
After the long, cold winter I promised myself I wouldn't
about the heat when summer arrived ...that lasted all of one day. I
know that the reason probably goes back to the year I was 9 and
thought I would help my mother out by mowing the lawn with a
push mower in 90 degree weather. I finished mowing the 1/2 acre
but made it only to the front door before I collapsed (actually
passed out) with sunstroke and what I suspect was dehydration. I
have since learned my lesson to hydrate-hydrate-hyd rate. Even
when you may not feel thirsty, in the summer months you must
drink plenty of water!
Merrimac Travel Club
On September 25th we will be having a pizza party for all who have
travelled with us in the past, and any that may be interested in
future trips! Come join us at 10:30-11 :30, followed by pizza, salad
and dessert. All who have travelled with us and any who sign up for
a future trip will receive a special gift (please sign up in advance).
Diabetic
Shoe ClinicWednesday,
July, 16 9:30am
-12:00PM
Attention, Adults with Diabetes! Is Medicare your Primary
Insurance? If so, you are eligible to receive a pair
'
of diabetic shoes and inserts at little or no cost to you!
Wednesday July 16, 9:30am
Sign up for your 10-Minute appointment at
the front desk! You must bring your Medicare
information, your supplemental insurance
information (if you have any), your doctor's name
and phone number, and a completed doctor's form
(available at the front desk) with you to your appointment.
Friends
of the
COA
Plan
Re-organization
Please
join the Friends
of the COA on Thursday,
August
7th at 2 pm to make plans for the coming
year! Your ideas are needed.
ooking
Ahead:
In September we celebrate
National Senior Center Month!
This year the theme is: Sen-
ior Centers: Experts at Living Well...Discover Challenge, Play, Create. We will
be hosting a Health Fair on
Tuesday, September
30th,
Falls Prevention Day, Chiefs
Breakfast resumes at the Fire
Station, September 25 Patriot
Day and much more.
The Centerpiece
Page 2
IIJulY Menu-Page
8
II
All meals: $3.50 Meals include bread and
dessert. You must sign up by
Thursday of preceding week. No refunds.
• NEET is a network of volunteer drivers who fill this need
for the elderly.
r i 0 ts for Am e r i can Vet era ns
II Pat
II
A local organization, Patriots for American
Veterans, wants to provide support to veteran
families in the following ways:
• They give door to door rides to seniors to medical
appointments, essential shopping, and social Interaction.
Drivers
• Use their own vehicles.
• Are reimbursed at $.43 a mile.
Moving help - Errands
Emergency carpentry/painting services.
Contact the Veterans Services Office:
• Are provided with Supplemental Insurance.
Kevin Hunt, Veterans Agent for Merrimac at
978-465-4419, for help with these matters.
Fix -I t
II Mr.
Northern
Essex Elder Transport
(NEET) Volunteer
Drivers Needed
Are given an Emergency Procedures Course instructing
them on what to do "if' an emergency arises.
Want to become a driver?
Just call the Merrimac COA at 978-346-9549 and ask for
Nick Fiorello.
~
•
Do you have SMALL appliances that
need a little work?
•
Do you have SMALL fix-it jobs around
the house?
Assisted Living Center -- Salisbury
Do you have a lamp that needs a
new pull?
• Are your smoke alarm batteries in need
of replacement?
• Call the Senior Center for Mr. Fix-It. You
only pay for the parts if any are needed.
Are you "handy" and interested in becoming
a Mr. or Mrs. Fix-It? Volunteers are needed
to help with the little jobs. Please contact
the Senior Center with your request. If you
would like to join this latest volunteer group,
please call Sandy at 978-346-9549.
An Affordable Solution
to Your Assisted Living Needs
•
IICOA Van and NEET Rides
•
When you are seeking a safe alternative to living at
home alone, turn to the
Assisted Living Center - Salisbury.
•
When you are looking for a socially stimulating
environment, turn to the
Assisted Living Center - Salisbury.
• When you are searching for an all inclusive,
affordable senior residential alternative, with your
own private unit & bath, turn to the
Assisted Living Center - Salisbury.
II
The COA Van is available 5 days a
(Please call 48 hours ahead an
appointment for a ride). Call 978-346-
week.
As~isted Living Center - Salisbury
Where you Can Have it All
Where YQU Can Afford it All
9549. In addition to the van, we have
NEET drivers- volunteers who use their
own vehicles to bring clients to appointments. If you need a ride call the Senior
Center for more info. Donation request varies depending on destination.
Senior News Publications
- PO Box 411 - Hampstea
Ask about our:
Medicaid Programs
Veteran's Programs
19 Beach Rd .• Salisbury, MA 01952
www.assistedlivingcenter.org
9:30-Exercise
12-3-Gift Shop
I
Lunch
6:30LBGT
Social
9:30-Exercise
1-Sal's
Poker
Mon
Wed
Tue
Thu
12-3·Gift
Shop
Food
Sat
5:30-Yoga
VOLUME
34 ISSUE
Neighbors'
72
Food
Table
12:30·Blood
1-45's
1-Sal's
Poker
10:30
1·Sal's
12:30Blood
9:30·Exercise
Pro
1
112:30-Blood
9:30-Exercise
BBB-Scams
Slide
Pro
Show
Table
1210:30
Indoor
Tai
1·45's
Picnic
Chi
9:30-Exercise
99
9:30·Exercise
9:30
9:30·Line
:30·Exercise
Pool·
·Cross
Wii
Stitch
Stitch
12:30-Blood
-45's
10:30
Low
Vision
1-Crochet
&
Knit
9-Pool
9:30·Cross
Our
9:30-Line
:30-Exercise
9-Pool
Dance
11:30-"Lunch
Club"
9:30-Cross
Stitch
Readers
Club
9:30-11
10Creative
:309·12-Rug
Hooking
Center
Closed
I11
10·2·Gift
9-Pool,
9·Pool,
·Fri
Pool,
Wii
6:00-Yoga
6:00·Yoga
10·2·Gift
6:00·Yoga
10·2-Gift
11-lreland
Shop
Shop
Trip
Pantry
6pm-Barre
Merri-Village
1·Bridge
1-Chair
1·Quilting
Yoga
10·2-Gift
Shop
1-Quilting
10-2-Gift
I I 6pm-Barre
1-Bridge
Pressure@
5:30-Yoga
4-Yoga
4·Yoga
10-2·Gift
10-Men's
Merri·Village
9-Bowling
10-Mystery
Group
Book
1-Chair
4-Yoga
5:30·Yoga
Neighbors'
9·Pool,
Cribbage
DIGITAL
HEARING
9-Cribbage
1-Blood
Pressure
@ 9:30·9:3010-2-Gift
12:30-Blood
Pro
2324
26
25
Support
1Movie
Shop
16
19
17
Independence
Day
9:30-Cross
Stitch
5
4
3
22
3031
9
8
10
18
128
29
15
9Pool,
Wii
Merri4-Yoga
5:30·Yoga
1-Bridge
[7
1·Chair
Yoga
Merri-Village
1·Chair Yoga
Yoga
10·2-Gift
Writing
10-2-Gift
Shop
1·Watercolor
Class
114
I 1·Quilting
Lunch
121
Aug
August
2Wii
1
130
s
6
13
12
1
Village
5:30-Yoga
11-45's
Village
9:30-
10:303
10:30
Page
July 2014
The Centerpiece
Page 4
ought
You
Would
Like
to
Know
... that as usual, samething always paps up far me
to. write abaut when it's calumn writing time again.
This time it was in an email that I usually delete
because their praducts are taa castly. But this
time samething in bald print caught my eye and
made me read further. What I saw was this:
"Nearly half of the population
(45%), or' more
than 133 million individuals,
has at least one
chronic disease ... these chronic diseases include
heart disease, asthma, cancer, diabetes and
athers, causes seven aut af 10 deaths in the US
every year, accarding to. the Centers far Disease
Cantral & Preventian."
Naw if that daesn't get yaur attentian, I dan't
knaw what will! I samehaw must categarize
myself into. the "athers" graup with arthritis also.
being a chronic disease that can be very
debilitating. What we do. knaw is that many, if nat
mast af the chranic canditians, are preventable
with sensible lifestyles that include gaad eating
habits, being physically active an a regular basis
and nat smaking.
I knaw, yau may think that it's taa late far yau to.
start but it's never taa late to. make changes for
the better. As examples af what may and can
happen to. aur preciaus badies, we are living
specimens far the yaunger generatians to. view as
role madels far the resultsaf decades af market
and industry driven profit pramatians.
I knaw that same time ago., I wrate abaut the
term "precautianary principle". It's samething that
all decisians impacting human life shauld include
but aften daesn't! Cast generally is what drives all
decisians-Iess
is better regardless af any harm it
cauld cause.
The classic example is when samething less
expensive was used in Washingtan,
DC far
water purificatian. The new product caused the
lead to. leach aut af the aid lead water pipes resulting in a sudden rise in human lead paisaning
cases-even
in the Hauses af Cangress. And this
happened in the middle af the 20th century!!
Far decades much af the faad and eating
guidance fram the United States Department af
Agriculture has been driven by aur faad industry.
Remember haw bad butter was far yau? Naw it's
safer than all the chemically based substitutes
with maderatian still being the key!
There
is a watch-dag
group called the
Enviranmental Warking Group (EWG) that I jained
back when
I was taking
Environmental Health, that is
in the farefrant af making bath
industry
and
aur
faad - -producers
bath transparent
and
hanest
abaut
their
praducts and haw they are
marketed to. the public.
I still get weekly messages
fram them abaut their latest
campaigns to. make aur warld safer. So. when yau
hear samething abaut EWG an the news, pay
attentian and listen. The tapics aften are af
seasanal interest-like
the sun-blackers that are
the mast ar least effective!
Since mast af yau reading this calumn are
probably aver the age af 65, there's an FYI that I
want to. share with yau that I just faund. CMS
atherwise knawn as Medicare has been busy
tightening up requirements
and elements far
reimbursement
far care. Many fall under the
preventative services categary (a gaad thing) and
naw includes a "mini-mental" exam as part af the
annual visit. A cantroversy has arisen as why it is
necessary far sameane having no. symptams at
the time.
The "mini-mental" exam is a screening taal far
early detectian
af the dreaded Alzheimer's
disease. Alzheimer's also. falls under the chronic
disease categary and a part af this manth's tapic.
Alzheimer's is a devastating blaw to. an entire
family structure and deserves
having same
advance warning so. preparatians
and early
treatment
can be put in place.
But the
"mini-mental" can also. raise red flags far ather
cancerns abaut physical issues and/ar passible
adverse reactians to. medicatians. So. dan't be surprised when yau are asked "wha's the president?"
ar "what's yaur date af birth?". That's all part af
the drill!
This wauldn't be camplete if I didn't end up with
samething abaut anather chronic disease. Lyme
disease has finally at last snuck into. being
cansidered a chronic canditian as thase who. have
it will attest. It never tatally gaes away. So.
remember that tick check daily far bath yau and
yaur pets!
Be Well! Stay Safe and Be Wise!!
Charlatte E. Stepanian, MSN, RN-BC
Merrimac Public Health Nurse
VOLUME
34 ISSUE 7
Page 5
Low Vision Support Group
Merrimac Senior Center
The Merrimac Senior Center sponsors a Low Vision Support
Group once a month. This group is open to all who deal
with low vision, no matter the cause.
Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, and
feature topics of interest for low vision attendees. Please join
us for information, sharing, a field trip or two, and guest
speakers.
Next meeting: Tuesday. July 8.2014 10:30 a.m.
Please call the senior center to sign up for this program.
If
you wish to have lunch following the meeting, please call the
senior center one week in advance to reserve your lunch.
Any questions, please call Gerry Morenski at the Senior Center:
(978) 346-9549
Blood Pressure Clinics
Wed. MerriVillage at 1pm
Tues. Senior Center at 12:30 pm
Foot Care with Dr. John Connolly:
First Friday of Month, 10 -12 (by appt)
Medicare Questions Answered
By SHINE Counselor at the Merrimac
Senior Center with
MEDICARE Counselor: Marcia Miller.
Every Wednesday by appointment.
Call: 978-346-9549
Prescription
Advantage
Prescription Advantage is a statesponsored prescription drug insurance plan for Massachusetts seniors & disabled residents who meet
eligibility requirements.
Make an
appt. with our SHINE counselor for
more info.
The Centerpiece
page 6
& Groups
Classes
Health
and
offered
at the
Merrimac
Wellness
Exercise Classes
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM on Monday, Wed. and Thurs.
The cost is $3 per class.
Line Dance Classes
With Gerry Mullen. $3. per class Fri f 9:30-11am
Tai Chi Classes Thursday's at 10:30
With Petra Horgan -An ancient form of Chinese exercise, this class is good for everyone. $3
Classes July 2, 10,24 only
Wii Bowlina-the Game: Merrimac vs. Amesbury
On the second Monday or Tuesday of every month,
Merrimac and Amesbury seniors have Wii
Tournaments. They alternate at each of the Senior
Centers. The Wii Bowling will be in Merrimac on
Tuesday, July 8, at 9:00 AM.
Yoaa
With:
Chair
Floor
Classes
Mary Van Abs
Yoaa classes-Wednesdays
at 1:00 PM. $3
Yoaa: Wed. at 4:00 PM. $5
Zumba-Barre-Yoaa-Summer
Schedule
978-314-1993 [email protected]
Sunday, 6 pm Barre
Monday, 6 pm - Pilates, 7pm-Zumba (Regular)
Tuesday, 5:30 pm-Yoga
($8.00 drop-in, $25.00 punch card - 5 classes)
Thursday 6 pm Barre, 7 pm - Zumba
Friday, 6 pm-Yoga
rts
and
Creativity
Creative Writina
With: Laura Dillingham Mailman
Classes July 18.-10:00 AM
Class will meet on the third Friday
of each month. Free
Drawina and Paintina Classes
With: Beverly Mitchell
Classes will begin again in September. Dates to be
announced.
"Go PotSY with Gina" (No Classes in July or Aug.)
Next Class Thursday, September 18
Come paint a decorative clay pot that can be used
for a centerpiece, plants, holding candy, gift and
many other possibilities! Paint, brushes, pots, and
all supplies will be provided.
Senior
Center:
"Greetina Card Class"
with Marilyn Dutton & Jean Conroy
Monday, July 21 10:00am-11 :30am
Rua Hookina
With: Gail Majauckas
Mon. 9:00 am - 12 pm (no evenings this Summer)
Showcase Crafters
Crafters meet the first Wednesday of the month in
the library at 10:00 AM.
Coordinate the Gift Shop, Showcase, and plan the
Holiday Craft Fair. Volunteers/Crafters are welcome!
Quiltina
Join us for a Quilting afternoon.
Bring your current or old projects.
Wednesdays 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
"You Can Paint This"
With: Bill Duke
July 14 at 1 to 4 PM ($20)
Ten lucky people will learn how to paint a watercolor
scene. No previous painting experience is necessary. Come and join us! Sign up at the office.
Watercolor Instruction by W.E. Duke of W.E. Duke
Art Studio, Newburyport, MA.
Iisocial
45's-
II
Tuesday's 1:00-4:00pm
Binao - Mondays 1-3 PM
1-3 PM, 3-9 cards for $1 or $2. We also have
additional prizes, and light refreshments at no
charge.
Bridae-
Tuesday's 1:00-4:00pm
LGBT Dinner-Social
Dinner on the third Thursday
of every month July 17 at 6:30pm
Luncheon Club
Our next luncheon will be on Friday, July 25,2014
at Michael's Harborside, Newburyport
(Van Transport) Make reservations by Friday, July 23
Pool-Monday
through Friday beginning at 9;00am.
"Sal's Poker" - If you like to play poker, do we have
the game for you! Thursday, 1:00-4:00 PM
Movie- The third Wednesday of each month at
1:OOpm This months movie is on July 16
VOLUME
Travel
34 ISSUE 7
with the Friends
Page 7
of C.O.A.,
"The Merri-Macs"
*Please park in the rear of the parkinq/ot*
Refunds Policv: Refunds are based on emergency
illness & the policy of the company providing trip.
Reservations: Your seat is NOTconfirmed until payment is
made.
Groups, Inc.
A Brandywine Valley
Spectacular Summer Adventure
Friday, July 18-Monday, July 21
Price: $539 DO, $679. SO.-AII
Collette
Classic Christmas Markets
Featuring markets in Munich, Innsbruck, Wurzburg,
Nuremberg & Strasbourg, visit the Black Forest
Neuschwanstein Castle, & more.
November 28 - December 6,2014 Book Now & Save
$250.00 per person: Double $2,799; Single $2,999;
Triple $2,769 Reg. Rate: Double $3,049; Single
$3,249; Triple $3,019(if confirmed by May 28, 2014)
Tours of Distinction
inclusive
(Iv. 7: 15am, est. from Senior Center)
Tour includes: Roundtrip deluxe motor coach, 3 nights
including Breakfast, 2 dinners, 1 lunch,
4 tours including Fountain of Fireworks & Gratuities
Groups, Inc.
Touring to the Boston Harbor Islands
National Park Service Location Visiting George's Island
Saturday, July 26, Price: $79.
(Iv. 9:30 am, est. return 5:30 pm)
Tour includes: Roundtrip deluxe motor coach, Roundtrip boat from Boston Harbor, Long Warf to George's
Island, Deluxe box lunch upon our arrival at George's
Island, time to explore the Island or enjoy a tour of the
Island with the park rangers. Gratuities included
Tours of Distinction
Boston StronQ: Red Sox
September 8, Price: $155
(Iv. 10 a.m. est. return 12 a.m.)
Duck Tour * Sam Adams * Boston Red Sox
Come & enjoy a day filled with Boston & its people a
strong community that comes together & makes
everything work.
Tours of Distinction
NiaQara Falls FinQer Lakes Tour
October 21-24,2014
Pricing: Sgl. $943pp, Dbl. $683pp
Package includes: Round trip motor coach, 4 days 3
nights, Included: All gratuities, Day 1 Finger Lakes,
Trip on Erie Canal & Winery with Wine Tasting, Spend
the night at Turning Stone Casino, Day 2 Travel to Niagara Falls, staying at Marriott Courtyard, Dinner at
Betty's, Day 3 Bus tour of Niagara Falls, Dinner at the
"Skylon" Revolving Tower, Day 4 return home.
Hawaii Cruise Tour
January 22 - February 1, 2015
Starting at $4199.pp Double Occupancy
Package includes: Roundtrip Airport transfer, Roundtrip Airfare, Transfers in Honolulu, 2 Pre-nights at the
Marriott Waikiki Beach, 7shore excursions, 7 night
cruise on NCL's Pride of America, All meals & nightly
Entertainment onboard ship, 2 Cocktail Parties
onboard ship, port charges & taxes, Tours of
Distinction Tour Escort, Gratuities all inclusive
Avalon
Tulips of Northern Holland
April 22-30, 2015, Price: $4603 pp double
Arrive in Amsterdam & transfer to your river cruise in
Haarlem. Visit Edam, discover North Holland where
tulip fields abound. Sail across the Ijsselmerr to
Friesland. Visit Hoorn, Batavia Shipyard in Lelystad.
Choose between fists of the Kroller-Muller Museum or
Museum Hartenstein. Rotterdam visit Keukenhof
Gardens then a cruise around Amsterdam's canals.
Package includes: Airfare & Transfers, land/cruise,
port charges meals & accommodations, sightseeing &
professional Cruise director.
~
, .~~
~\~-#
Upcoming
Collette Tours
Tours in 2015-2016
Shades of Ireland, Apri/16th - 25th for $2949
Slide Show of Ireland Trip-July
31 at 11 am
TRAVEL
CLUB-Seminar-
September
25th beginning
Pizza Party
at 11AM
Ireland, April 16th - 25th
Pacific Northwest, August 16th - August 23rd
Sunny Portugal, October 23rd - November 1st
Discover Scotland, April 11th - April 20th 2016
Israel, September/October 2016
.-----------.
~ MOBILITY & MORE
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Traditions of the past, services of the future, ..
Independent
1.:"
"At The Time and Temperature Sign"
8 West Main 81.,
Merrimac, MA 01860
- Commitment Ceremonies
~ Weddings
~ Funerals
~ Celebration of Life
ii
SPACE FOR SALE
CALL 603-329-8203
www.iourneav.com
(978) 346·8761
978-270-7019
Merrimac
celestia Icerem onies. n et
Email: [email protected]
OR WRITE
Celebrating and
Honoring Life's Milestones
NEWS PUBLICATIONS
~Savings
PO BOX411,
Bank
Traditions of the past, services of the future ..,
978-346·8661
603·382·1311
NH 03841
www.menimacbank.com
TOM/MIKE
Alterations for C,omfort and safety
Ok2
Phone: 978-346-8961
21 BROAD STREET
Fax: 978-346-4430
MElUUMAC MI.. 01860
[email protected]
Yo [J r
_iI'lit
fi r s t
cJtij1
family owned healthcare
has provided premier rehabilitation
services that incorporate
rAmily VA",PC intn riAily ,
practice. For extensive rehabilitation services that
put you first. choose Whittier!
INPATIENT, OUTPATIENT AND
HOME HEALTHCARE SERVICES
Member-Whittier
Heahh Networlc
_WHITTIER
,~
.at
( Rehabilitation ~ Hospital)
@',
(978) 371-8000 • www.wh/ttiemealth.com
145 Ward Hill Avenue, Bradford. MA 01835
Referrals & Admls£ions pleaSE call (100) 442-1717
• Comf»rehenslve
Rehab Services
• PT/OT1T_RJ~cb.
• Complex Wound Care
• Vent Weaning
• Stroke/Brain Injury
Program
• 5 Bed Dlolysis Suite
• Aquatic Therapy
• Day Rehab Pragram
• Memory Clinic
• Pulmonary Progrom
• Orthotics/Prosthetics
• Pet Assisted Therapy
• Pediatric TheroflV
-· Stnirtifts
\vheet Chair
for Seniors
r-.llnp~
-Walkin ~ho\,,-eritub
Safety Grab (l(lfS
Homel1c ·
WW\~'_uk.2H~ealhomc.ctim
r ell!! b j} it ad [) fJ
Since 1982. this
organization
Discount Contracting
A ge
Excellence In Eye Care
617-590-2 t44
-Cataract Surgery
-Glaucoma Management
-Diabetic Retinopathy
n_agement
-Macular Degeneration
Management
-Low Vision Service
www.tallmaneye.com/srnews
Amesbury, Haverhill, Lawrence,
No AndoveJ,t}Salem,NH
1"'
I
I
I
l!:3t~at~n !!,ith..,!hi!.ad.!.,.
JOURNEAYINSURANCE
AGENCY, INC.
Ordained Interfaith Minister
nichols-village. com
978·463·3640
www.mobilityandmore.com
Rev. Nancy McNeely
Nichols Village
One Nichols Way
Groveland, MA 01834
Call: 978-372-3930
HAMPSTEAD,
J""
I J1~.O!.O~
•
SENIOR
01950
I
in Mind
I
Newburyport, MA I
" ~ ..
Designed with
Your Comfort
I
J Ceiling Lifts -Ramps I
65 Parker Street I
I
www.merrimacbankcom
•
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r.
978·346-8661
603·382·1311
Senior Living
-Stairway Lifts
- Vertical Lifts
,-
#
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f'"
MAC
&
CHEESE
Dessert
Thu
Sat
Fri
BAKED
Wed Dessert
Tossed
Salad
19
26
12
15
Dessert
Dessert
Dessert
9
16
11
CHICKEN
CHEFS
32_:=>-~
SALAD
MARSALA
4
FISH
SALMON
Potato
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LA
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ON
Dessert
Dessert
DessertCenter
Dessert
LEMON
24
23
25
Tossed
L1NGUINE
Salad
NOODLES
Roll
Beef
Roll
Chili
Cheese
Caesar
&
Broccoli
Salad
SPAGHETTI
PORK
CHICKEN
CHOP
WI17
18
1
0
SUMMER
SALISBURY
BASH
PARMwPASTA
SWEET
ISEARED
1714
21Vegetable
28
ITALIAN
LOADED
STUFFED
Onions
POTATO
BL
Caesar
TURKEY
CHICKEN
31
30
SAUCE
T
AMERICAN
RAVIOLI
CHOP
STUFFING
SANDWICH
TUNA
on
BAKED
Salad
With
WI
a
CLUB
SUEY
WI
&
MELT
Sub
CENTER
Roll
Roll
Roll
CLOSED
MEATBALLS
Sliced
Wild
Garlic
CHICKEN
BROCCOLI
Tossed
Tossed
Garlic
Caesar
SAUSAGE
Macaroni
Baked
Greens
Tomatoes
Dessert
Bread
Bread
Salad
Salad
Tomato
Salad
Salad
Roll
Salad
OR
Dessert
Tossed
Chicken
on
Oven
Dessert
a
STEAK
Roll
Crescent
Salad
Baked
Fries
HONEY
22
29
MUSTARD
Cucumber
Salad,
Roll,
8
15
Green
Beans,
$5-Choice
of
Lobster
Rice
Pilaf,
Roasted
Vegetable,
Peppers
&I:Merrimac
Beans,
Chips
Mixed
Pilaf,
Vegetable
Corn
Roll,
Potato
Salad,
Roll,
Dessert
Fruit
Salad,
Roll,
Dessert
WI
Ham,
Turkey
Italian
Chips,
Aug
Wedding
1Pickle
Pickle
Soup
Whipped
Fruit
Cup
Potato
Boiled
Soup
Vegetable,
WI
of
Egg
Gravy
the
Day
Salad
Roll,
Cupcakes
Senior
Ju{y
2014
:Menu
ItRice
Tue
Mon~~1
.~'$:
Dessert
The Centerpiece
page 10
Hurry
Back
Nita-We'll
Miss
You!
I came to Merrimac on February 7, 2014 by train from Denver to visit my oldest daughter Tracy Melody and her, husband and two boys Cam and Garrett. Cam is a Senior
at Pentucket High. Garrett a sophomore at Whittier Tech. I have visited Merrimac before and visited the Senior Center on past trips. I was very much interested in coming
to the Senior Center again to make new friends. My daughter Melody's friend gave
me a "Centerpiece" with the list of activities. I saw Crochet and Knit at 1 -3pm on
Tuesdays. I had brought my knitting and crocheting needles with me in hopes of getting with a group of women with yarn to share. My son in law was laid off at the time,
so he was at home with me. I got to know him so much better. He took me to the
Nursery on Valentines Day and bought me an African Violet, candle and candy! We all
had a nice Valentines Day. When he was free he brought me to the Senior Center for the Tuesday group!
Edie was coming in with several boxes of thread to put in the closet upstairs. They let me pick out some yarn
to use!! Happy Day! So I joined Edie, Bea, Pauline, & Jean in the Sunroom! Sandy came and gave me an
application to fill out to get my little card to use each time I come to the center. Such a welcome! Also, Sandy
would pick me up next week and bring me to the center at 9. I could come to cross stitch, stay for lunch and
go to the crochet and knit group ... so I did. That's when I met Barbara and Pauline, who were just arriving at
the Center! Sandy asked Barbara to take me home after group!
Wow-all that friendship in so little time. So I have been coming to the center since February 25th.
Nita Walker, 63454 Vogt Road, Bend OR 97701, Cell 313-521-7823, [email protected]
II
Chi e f' s B rea k f as t -
May 29
II
II
B a a n a II S c h 001 C h 0 r us -
The next Breakfast will be held at the Fire Station on Thursday,
September 25th at 8:30am. We hope to see you there for some
great food, conversation and information.
Carol MacLeod, Laura Dillingham Mailman
J un e 5 t h
VOLUME
~Men's
34 ISSUE 7
Group
The Men's Group has started up again!
The Group will be meeting on the 2nd and
Tuesdays of the month at 10:00 am.
4th
July 9th and 23th For more information call:
Arthur Yarranton at 978-346-4749.
!congratulations
to the
our July Volunteer
of the Month.
Graduate
2014 Graduate with Honors
Northern Essex Community College
Gerry is an active member of the Merrimac Senior Center
and a valued volunteer NEET driver for the COA.
He will be continuing on to earn his Bachelors Degree
from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell.
Merrimac
COA Mystery
Book Readers'
Club
Friday, July 25, 2014
10 a.m. - 11: a.m. in the Library
Book: Alpine For You
Author: Maddy Hunter
The monthly
meeting
of the
Merrimac Senior Center Book Club
will be held on Friday, June 27,
2014 in the Library at the Merrimac
Sen ior Center.
Books
will
be
available
at the
Merrimac Public Library.
Stop by
and mention that you are reading
with the Merrimac Senior Center
Book Club!
The Centerpiece
Page 12
Thanks
to All for the
Donations
to the
& Food
Senior
Center
Pantry
in May
Recipe
SUMMER SQUASH WITH PEPPERS
Ingredients:
2 pounds zucchini or yellow summer squash, bite size chunks
1 green sweet pepper, cut into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1% teaspoons Greek-style seasoning blend
% black pepper
Directions:
In a large shallow roasting pan combine squash pieces and sweet
pepper strips. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with seasoning blend &
pepper; toss to coat. Roast, uncovered, in a 4250 oven about 15
minutes or just until tender, stirring once.
Friends of the Council on Aging,
Sandra Chute, Merrimac Savings
Bank, Mary Alsterlund, Richard Dam,
Marjorie Barry, Robert Lattimore, Dick
and Betty Emery, The New Old Oak,
Claire Labbe, Emma Andrews, Sal's
Poker, Rachel Carey, Norma Labbe,
Richard Coburn, Ruth Lipkind, Louise
Lutts, Dorothy Lumsden, Jack, Cryan,
Muriel Levesque, Gennett McDunphy,
Theresa Cormier, Thelma Gibbs.
Veterans Northeast Outreach Center Inc.
SSVF Fact Sheet
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program
Veterans Northeast Outreach Center will provide supportive services to very low-income Veteran
families in or transitioning to permanent housing within Essex and Middlesex Counties. Funds will
assist very low-income Veteran families by providing a range of supportive services designed to
promote housing stability.
Supportive Services: Through the SSVF Program, VA aims to improve very low-income Veteran
families' housing stability.
VNOC will provide eligible Veteran families with outreach, case
management, and assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits, which may include:
*~*:;,
•
*~~.
*:*r
·
\* ~.
Daily living services
Health care services
Transportation
Personal financial
services
planning services
•
•
•
•
Fiduciary and payee services
Legal service referrals
Child care services
Housing counseling services
In addition, VNOC may also provide time-limited payments to third parties (e.g., landlords, utility
companies, moving companies, and licensed child care providers) if these payments help Veterans'
families stay in or acquire permanent housing on a sustainable basis.
Veteran eligibility Criteria: DD214 "under Honorable conditions"
If unsure of eligibility please contact us at 978-891-4949
Provide one of the following
•
•
documents:
•
DD214 (Department of Defense Discharge certificate)
Veteran Information Solution (VIS) or Hospital Inquiry System (HINQ) from
local VAMC eligibility section
VHA ID Card (ID card issued from VA Health Care Facility)
•
•
VBA letter verifying award of a service connected disability benefit (any percentage)
VISTA Print Outs
If you are homeless or in imminent risk of homelessness
Please call Adam Smith, Case Manager: 978-891-7378 www.northeastveterans.ora
Other Services please call: 978-342-3626
VOLUME
Ilwe
34 ISSUE 7
Want
Page 13
to Better
Serve
You!
II
Is your contact information up to date? Do we have your cell phone and email address Emergency
contact information? Are you new to the center? If you answered yes to any of these questions,
please complete the form below and bring it to the Senior Center Outreach Coordinator, Gerry so
that we may update your information and better serve you. Or email us at:
[email protected]
or call 978 346 9549
CONTACT INFORMATION
NAME
NICKNAME~
DATE OF BIRTH
_
_
----------
-------------ADDRESS --------------------HOME PHONE
EMAIL:
CELL
DO YOU LIVE ALONE?
PLEASE NOTE Health concerns and/or use of mobility aides:
HEARING
VISION __
SPECIAL INTERESTS:
MOBILITY __
ALLERGIES
-----------------------
_
The Centerpiece
Page 14
Birthday
& Anniversary
Calendar
Fundraiser
Many of you have expressed your
desire to have the listing of birthdays
and anniversaries
returned to the
newsletter.
The difficulty for the staff
---------------------------------------,
Senior Center Birthday & Anniversary
Calendar Booklet Fundraiser
Birthday:
1. Name:
birthday listed and who doesn't.
(First)
(Last)
In order to provide this for those who
Month
is
are
in
knowing
interested,
opportunity
who
wants
their
we are offering
to add
your
name
an
Birthday:
or
2. Name:
anniversary to a calendar for a $5.00
donation. The money will be used to
help pay for programs and activities
at the Senior Center.
This
booklet
will
be
available
January 2015.
in participating,
following
and
Merrimac Senior
If you are interested
please fill out the
return
it to the
Center, 100 E Main
St.,
MA.
Merrimac,
your request
than October
Are
You
Please
return
and donation no later
15th. Thank you!
In The
Merrimac
Town
_
_
Day
(First)
(Last)
_
_
_
Month
Day
_
Anniversary:
Names:
--------------Month
Year (optional)
$5 Donation per family
Day
_
_
paid
All requests must be made by October 15th
---------------------------------------~
Telephone
Directory?
Published
by, Merrimacport
United
Methodist
Church
For several years, the Merrimacport
United Methodist
Church has published a Merrimac Town
Telephone Directory, which has been delivered free to every household in town. Many residents have
found this directory to be extremely useful, and it also provides our local merchants with an opportunity
to advertise to a large population at a very low cost.
In the past, the primary source of the telephone
listing information for this book has been the Verizon telephone directory.
In the last few years, a great
many people have changed telephone service providers or converted to using cell phones exclusively.
As a result, only about 20% of the town's residents are now listed in the Verizon directory.
We have found that most of the people who have switched to a different telephone service provider have
not changed their telephone numbers.
For this reason, we have continued to list in our directory
anyone that we do not know for certain is deceased, moved out of town or changed their telephone
number, even though they may no longer be listed by Verizon. Even so, there probably are many listings
in our book that are no longer valid. You can help us to make our directory as accurate as possible, and
to make it easier for people to locate your phone number. Please check your listing in our 2013-2014
directory. (If you don't have one you can get one at the Senior Center) If it is correct, and you still wish
to be listed, you do not need to do anything. If it is incorrect in any way or if you do not want to be listed,
or if you are not listed and you want to be, please let us know. The best way to contact us is by email to
[email protected].
Alternatively, you can call "Len" at 978-346-8419, leaving a very clear
message on the answering machine if nobody answers. Finally, you can also reach us by postal mail
addressed to the church at P.O. Box 214, Merrimac MA 01860, and marked Attn: Len Bachelder.
VOLUME
34 ISSUE 7
mmunity
Page 15
Profile-Mimi
Brile By Thelma Gibbs.
Now here is a lady that has only lived in Merrimac
1% years. In that short time many of you have
crossed paths with Mimi. Read on to learn more.
Let's go back to July 8, 1944 in Abington, PA when
Virginia Dreby gave birth to our Marion, that's right.
Her Father Ed and her mother Virginia thought
Marion sounded too dignified for a baby, thus it
became Mimi. She grew up with one older brother
and 3 younger sisters. She attended Germantown
Friends School in Philadelphia for 12 years,
graduating in 1962 with 62 other graduates. Mimi
loved sports and played Field Hockey, Tennis,
Basketball and Softball. She also belonged to the
Chorus. She traveled with the School Chorus to
England, France, Germany, Holland and Belgium
for one month during her Senior year. (Whoa!). Oh,
but that's not all. When Mimi was 12 she attended
the Children's International Summer Village. She
was one of four from her class chosen to represent
her country, along with 15 other countries in
Sweden to gather without prejudice. She worked at
the YMCA Camp in the Arts and Crafts for the
Senior Camp away from the City. She attended the
University of Rochester NY to study nursing and
graduated in 1966. Then she was off to Boston
Children's Hospital, caring for toddler and infants for
2% years, then she was back in Philadelphia to St
Christopher Hospital for Children. Now in 1972
Mimi was introduce to Christopher Brile through one
of her friends. Bingo! They hit it off and in February
1973 they were married at the Philadelphia
Congregational Church.
They took a 1 day
honeymoon to Wyeth Museum returning to Philadelphia for another year and then to FL. In 1975
Mimi gave birth to a son Matthew and then in 1976
they were welcoming the birth of their daughter
Monica. Then in 1977 another change was to take
place as Chris was transferred to Chicago. After
Matthew and Monica entered kindergarten Mimi
went to work as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner for
home for 12% years and eventually
became Director of Nursing. She
loved working with the Seniors. Six
years later, while singing in a
community chorus, Mimi met Frank
who also had a great interest in
music. They became good friends
and did a lot of traveling, some of it
was overseas with the Elder Hostel
where they learned a lot about the
countries. While all good things eventually come to
an end Frank went his way and Mimi hers. That didn't
slow our Mimi down. It's now 2012 and time to open
some new doors. It seems her Monica was living in
Amesbury so why not move near her so she could
also
be
close
to
her
two
grandchildren
Finnegan and Grayson. Mimi moved into Merrimac
Commons
and joined
the Church
Choir in
Newburyport. Nothing is keeping Mimi down. She
took up volunteering at 10 Thousand Village
on
Congress Street in Portsmouth. Just as she gets
settled into a routine fate threw her another curve.
Her daughter and family move to Washington DC.
Does that slow Mimi down? No Sir-eel She just picks
up and makes another life for herself. Lucky for us
she turned to the Senior Center.
Joined the
wobbling league, plays bridge, comes to the exercise
classes and sometimes joins us for lunch. She is also
a member of the Garden Club.
Friends
"Lynn English High School"
"Class of 1959"
the Health Dept.
Chris went to work in the
Computer Industry ending with solar energy. Then
in 1982 things went from bad to worst. An automobile accident took both Chris and Mathew and to
add insult to injury Chris's mother also died that
same year. Mimi now had a job working in a nursing
Sarah Sweeney O'Connor, Gerry Conway Morenski,
Maryann Connolly Mikson
Leo's Super Bowl-Merrimac
Seniors 90's Club
Senior Center Staff:
Member:
Members:
Dave
Vance,
Muriel
Natalie
Vice
McNair
Christie,
Chairman
David
Dutton,
David
Herb
C.
Sandra
Eileen
Sayers,
Hall,
Stepanian,
Nick
Senior
Fiorello,
Volunteer
Aide,
MSN,
Van
RNC-BC
Coordinator
Drivers
Jones,
Winnie
Ray
Culver,
Ferrari,
Betty
Thelma
Allen
(Staff:
Gibbs,
Nick
Betty
Fiorello)
Laine,
Dot
James
Food
Sue
Geraldine
Bonnie
Spinney,
Ranshaw,
Pantry
Murphy,
JBlanchet,
Kitsakos,
Morenski,
Coordinator
Kitchen
Secretary
Lucy
Food
Outreach
St.
Manager
Pierre,
&
Nutrition
Coordinator
Alternate
Director
(Staff:
Ginny
Douglass
Laura
Betty
Elliott,
Thelma
Gibbs
&
Ann)
Ann
Betty
Eileen
Nancy
Murphy,
Elliott,
Murray,
Bachelder,
Sue
Administrative
Head
Ranshaw,
Food
Cook
Pantry
Dorothy
Assistant
Coordinator
Lumsden,
Editing
&
Contributors:
Nat
Christie,
The
Centerpiece
&
Betty
Shirley
Collating
Colleen
Ranshaw-Fiorello,
Chairwoman
Laura
Dillingham-Mailman,
Exec.
Director
Council
onMailing:
Aging Volunteers:
BoardWaterhouse,
of Directors
"Merrimac Seniors 90's Club" stay active by bowling every Friday
morning at Leo's Super Bowl in Amesbury. Pictured: Jim Murphy;
Mary Alsterlund; Virginia McMahon; Winnie Hill; Bob Eastman.
IlwiSh List for Senior
Center
II
GET WELL CARDS, Soft Scrub, Fantastic, Kleenex,
Dinner Napkins, Scott Bathroom Tissues, hard candy,
Decaf coffee, large and small take-out containers,
Styrofoam coffee cups, small Styrofoam bowls, Zip-lock
sandwich bags, paper towel rolls, liquid cleanser, Mini
Moos (individual) BOOKS (not more than 1-year old).
Cash or check donations are always welcome-Merrimac
COA Gift Account.
ekend Meals for Residents of MerriVillage
The 2nd & 4th weekend we will be serving meals at
MerriVillage. Sign-up clipboard will be in the Common
Room. Please sign up by Tuesday prior to weekend meals.
Cost $3.00.
July Dates: Sat. & Sun., July 12 & 13 and July 26 & 27.
THE CENTERPIECE
Merrimac Senior Center
Published Monthly Mailing made
possible in part through a grant from the
Executive Office of Elder Affairs
Iisenior
Discount
Charlie
Cards
Attention Seniors: Take advantage of
the reduced fare benefit by getting your
Senior CharlieCard. You can pick yours
up at the' MVTA at the Washington
Square Transit Station, 12 Washington
Sq., Haverhill, Ma. For more information
call 978 469 6878 or 978 521 3900.
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT NO.3
II