May 2015 Newsletter
Transcription
May 2015 Newsletter
The Mashpee Senior Connection May 2015 MASHPEE SENIOR CENTER/COUNCIL ON AGING 26 FRANK E. HICKS DRIVE MASHPEE, MA 02649 Phone: (508) 539-1440 • Fax: (508) 539-2791 www.coamashpeema.gov MASHPEE SENIOR CENTER HOLIDAY SCHEDULE The Mashpee Senior Center will be closed on MONDAY, May 25 for MEMORIAL Day. presentation will give you pointers on the many ways fires begin in the kitchen and home and how to prevent them. The information presented comes from the National Fire Administration and the State of Massachusetts. Join us on Tuesday, May 19, from 10:30 — 11:30 am for this informative talk by members of the Mashpee Fire Department. Please Rsvp to the Senior Center at (508) 539-1440 or stop by the front desk. MAY IS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH SAFETY IN THE SUN PRESENTATION — Tuesday, May 19, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Summer will be here before we know it, and just some of the joys of living on Cape Cod are getting Older Americans Month is a time to acknowledge the contrioutside and enjoying the beautiful weather. butions of past and current older persons to our country, in Join us as Amedisys Health Care presents particular those who defended our country. This year, in hon“Safety in the Sun.” You will learn about skin or of the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act, the protection, eye protection, medication reacfocus is on how older adults are taking charge of their health, tions to direct sunlight, and hydration. Iced getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive tea, lemonade, and water will be provided. impact in the lives of others. This year’s theme is “Get into Rsvp’s appreciated. Please call the Senior Center at (508) 539the Act”, and we hope you will join us in making this a 1440 or stop by the front desk. month – and year – of action! By promoting and engaging in activity, wellness, and inclusivity, more Americans than ever THOMAS TOBEY HOUSE — Join us for a presentation by Tom before can “Get into the Act.” Older Americans Month is an Keyes and David Wheelock of the North Atlantic Archaeologioccasion to highlight how older adults are engaging with and cal Collaborative on Thursday, May 14, from 10:30 — 11:30 am. They will share the fascinating story of the Cape Cod making a difference in those communities. discovery of a buried treasure in downtown Sandwich. The The Mashpee Senior Center has many activities and opportu- Keyes discovered their 1817 home was really pre-1650 during nities for older Americans to stay healthy, make a contribu- renovation. Their presentation will unravel the lost history of tion to their community, and volunteer to support the town one of the original founders of Cape Cod. Rsvp’s appreciated. and its residents. Older Americans Month is sponsored by the Please call the Senior Center at (508) 539-1440 or stop by the Administration for Community Living, a department of the front desk. U .S. Department of Health and Human Services. NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTE MUSIC — On Tuesday, May 5th at HONOR FLIGHT — You are invited to a viewing of the docu- 12:00 noon, Attorney Michael Lavender will be performing a mentary “Honor Flight, One Last Mission” on May 21 from blend of relaxing and meditative Native American Flute songs 10:00 — 11:30 am. Honor Flight is a heartwarming documen- on twelve authentic wooden instruments accompanied by his tary about four living World War II veterans and a Midwest own solo piano pieces. These instruments express a range of community coming together to give them the trip of a life- emotions from haunting and mesmerizing to cheerful and time. Volunteers race against the clock to fly thousands of romantic. Rsvp’s appreciated. Please call the Senior Center at WWII veterans to Washington, DC to see the memorial con- (508) 539-1440 or stop by the front desk. structed for them in 2004, nearly 60 years after their epic struggle. Join us for coffee and doughnuts with a special "To be happy in this world, especially when youth is past, it viewing of this deeply emotional film. Documentary film preis necessary to feel oneself not merely an isolated individusented by SOSTEK Homecare. Please Rsvp to the Senior Cenal whose day will soon be over, but part of the stream of ter at (508) 539-1440 or stop by the front desk. COOKING SAFETY PRESENTATION — One of the more frequent places fires start in the home is in the kitchen. This life flowing on from the first germ to the remote and unknown future."...-- Bertrand Russell Page 2 Activity Spotlights Mashpee Council On Aging SKETCHERS WANTED! — Do you like to sketch? Are you interested in joining a beginning sketching group? We are investigating starting a pilot program of approximately 6 weeks for people to get together to share their sketching talents. Please call Activities Coordinator Christine Foisy at the Mashpee Senior Center, (508) 539-1440, or stop by the front desk if you are interested in this group. BE A STAR AT OUR UPCOMING BIRTHDAY PARTY! If you were born in April, May, or June, celebrate with us and your friends at the Mashpee Senior Center on Tuesday, May 12 at 1:30 pm. Bring a friend to enjoy cake and sing along with us. Please Rsvp to the Mashpee Senior Center, (508) 539-1440, or stop by the front desk to sign up. SPRING TOTE BAG CRAFTING — Thursday, May 21 from 2:30 — 3:30 pm. Find the artist in you and join us for an opportunity to use your creativity to paint a unique and personalized tote bag for your use or perhaps a gift for the upcoming Spring season. Presented by Royal Health Group. Please Rsvp to the Mashpee Senior Center, (508) 539-1440, or stop by the front desk to sign up. GOLF FROM A SPORTS WRITER’S POINT OF VIEW — Golf enthusiast and Cape Cod Times writer, Geoff Converse, will be talking about his favorite pastime of “Golf, From a Sports Writer’s Point of View” on Friday, May 22 at 10:30 am. Come to the Mashpee Senior Center to hear and share your love of golf at 10:30 am. Please Rsvp by calling (508) 539-1440, or stop by the front desk to sign up. Drop-ins are welcome. DINING AROUND — Celebrate “Older Americans Month” by joining us on Tuesday, May 19th at 12:00 noon for our Social Dining Around at Canterbury Cuisine, 331 Cotuit Rd, Sandwich. Come enjoy a delicious meal in a social atmosphere with friends! Rsvp’s required. Please call the Mashpee Senior Center, (508) 539-1440, or stop by the front desk to sign up. 60’S SOCIAL CLUB — If you are in your 60’s (60-69), please join the Mashpee Senior Center’s 60’s Social Club. We meet every 3rd Thursday of the month from 3:00—4:15 pm. This month we will meet Thursday, May 21 — come socialize with us! Couples, singles-doesn’t matter. Connect with people of like interests. Light refreshments served. Rsvp’s appreciated but not necessary. SHE’S A WINNER! — Congratulations to Nancy Smargon for winning the Photography Club competition. Her beautiful sunset over John’s Pond is spectacular! AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASS — On Tuesday, May 12, from 10:00 am — 2:30 pm there will be an AARP Driver Safety Class. Please bring your lunch. Class is $15 for AARP members or $20 for non-members. After taking this course, you may even be eligible for a discount on your car insurance! Please register at the Mashpee Senior Center or call (508)539 -1440, as class space is limited. MOVIES ARE HERE AT THE SENIOR CENTER! On each Friday, May 2015 we will be showing a movie for your viewing pleasure! Premovie socializing at 12:30 pm, movie starts at 1:00 pm. Light movie refreshments will be served. Upcoming movies and their rating: May 1 Meet Joe Black (PG-13) May 8 Fletch Lives (PG) May 15 Mr. & Mrs. Smith (PG-13) May 22 Master and Commander (PG-13) May 29 Saving Private Ryan (R) WOODCARVING — Would you like to try your hand at wood carving? Here’s your chance. We have a wood carving group that meets every Tuesday morning at the Mashpee Senior Center from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. No experience necessary! Questions? Contact Dick Nelson (508) 477-7796. TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY (TOPS) — On every Monday at 10:30 am—12:00 noon there is a TOPS meeting at the Mashpee Senior Center. TOPS is a non-profit weight loss support group that will help provide you with the support and accountability to make you successful. At 10:30 am there is a weigh-in and meeting to follow. Please join us and learn what TOPS is all about. There is a yearly fee. To sign up, please call (508) 539-1440 or stop in any Monday at 10:30 am. AEROBICS FOR THE BRAIN — Like our bodies, we need to keep our minds fit. Join our Aerobics for the Brain program on Tuesday, May 12 and May 26 from 3:00 pm—4:00 pm. Come join this fun, social group to help keep your mind sharp and focused. To sign up, please call (508) 539-1440 or stop by the front desk at the Senior Center. Drop-in’s welcome! SOCIAL CRIBBAGE — The Mashpee Senior Center is excited to offer social cribbage from 10:00 am — 11:30 am every Thursday. Come join this fun group! Rsvp’s appreciated; however, drop-ins are always welcome. To sign up, please call (508) 539-1440 or stop by the front desk at the Senior Center. VETERANS' SERVICES — Veterans’ Services Officers (VSO) in in the Commonwealth help veterans learn about, apply for, and in some cases receive benefits. So if you are a veteran or a spouse of a veteran, make an appointment to meet with one of the representatives here at the Mashpee Senior Center on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month (May 1 and May 15). Please call (508) 539-1440 or stop by the front desk to make an appointment. FALL POTTERY CLASS — Would you like one of your very own Cape Cod coffee mugs? Are you interested in pottery? We have tentatively scheduled a pottery class for September 3 and 17 from 9:30 — 11:30 am. The project will be the making of a beautiful pottery coffee mug similar to this picture. There is a cost for the two-session class. Please let Christine Foisy, activity coordinator know if you are interested. We do need a minimum so don’t delay in letting us know of your interest. Call (508) 539-1440 or stop by the front desk to sign up. MASHPEE MEN’S CLUB — We invite retired or semi-retired men over the age of 50 to join our club formed in 1997. We meet at the Mashpee Senior Center on the first Tuesday of each month starting with coffee at 10:00 am followed by a brief business meeting and a speaker at 10:30 am. Page 3 Mashpee Council On Aging For more information contact Deane Turner at [email protected] or Frank Lord at [email protected]. MASHPEE MEN’S CLUB MAY EVENTS — On May 5th, at 10:30 am, Drew McManus, Mashpee Conservation Agent, will describe his primary role to enforce state wetland laws by assessing any development projects that fall within wetlands jurisdiction in the Town of Mashpee. He is also responsible for managing over 1400 acres of town-owned conservation land and open space parcels. May 18th marks the opening of the Mashpee Men’s Club’s golf season at Holly Ridge. GAME AND CARD DAYS — Join us for game and card days: Monday 12:30 — 4:00 Mah Jongg 1:00 — 4:00 Rummikub 1:00 — 3:00 Pinochle Wednesday 1:00 — 3:00 Canasta Thursday 10:00 — 11:30 Cribbage 1:00 — 4:00 Social Bridge Friday 12:30 — 4:00 Mah Jongg DO YOU LIKE TO DANCE? — The Mashpee Senior Center offers tap dancing (every Thursday from 1:30 — 2:30 pm), line dancing (every Wednesday from 1:00—2:00 pm), and ballroom dancing (every Thursday from 12:15 — 1:15 pm). Drop in and join us to trip the light fantastic! BOOK CLUB — Book Club meets on the third Friday of the month at 2:00 pm at the Mashpee Senior Center. The selection for May 15th is Allison Pataki’s “The Accidental Empress,” the story of young “Sisi,” the Austro-Hungarian wife of Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria. The time is 1853, and the Hapsburgs are Europe’s most powerful ruling family. Join us for a discussion of this engrossing story! FREE GADGETS & PC CLINIC — Have your questions answered on Thursdays from 12:00 noon — 2:00 pm about your gadgets, i.e. cell phones, GPS, or e-mail, Facebook, etc. Bring your devices fully charged, power sources are limited. Call before coming in to confirm session is meeting that day. MASHPEE SINGING SENIORS — Come express your musical soul through singing and join us, the Mashpee Singing Seniors. We welcome men and women to sing with us on Thursday mornings from 9:30 am — 11:00 am at the Mashpee Senior Center. We rehearse a variety of music, including pop and Broadway, from September to June, and we sing to a variety of appreciative audiences in Mashpee, Falmouth and Sandwich. You don’t need to be a Mashpee resident and there are no auditions. Just stop by! We look forward to having you and your joy of singing join us. May 2015 MEDITATION GROUP — On Wednesday, May 6, and the first Wednesday of each month from 1:00 pm—3:00 pm at the Senior Center, the Meditation Group will be held by the Reiki Practitioners. There is no charge for this group and it is open to all interested seniors. Meditation has been found to have mental and physical health benefits. Please come and give it a try. UPCOMING ANNUAL MASHPEE TOWN EVENTS — Get into the act by participating in Mashpee town activities. The Annual Town Meeting will be on Monday, May 4, 2015 at 7:00 pm at the high school. The annual Town election will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2015 from 7:00 am at Quashnet School. FIRST ANNUAL CAPE COD LOW VISION SUMMIT FOR SENIORS — Wednesday, May 20. An educational event to promote awareness of services available to folks on the Cape. Registration and Continental Breakfast at 9:30 am, program from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. The summit is free and open to the public but seating is limited. Please call Thirwood Place at 508-398-8006 to reserve your spot. Each speaker will be discussing resources that many may not know. The speakers are: Dr. Jennifer Salvo, Low Vision Specialist; Cynthia Stead, Executive Director, Sight Loss Services, Inc.; Dr. Miriam Englander, Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston; Shaun Kinsella, Director of MABVI, Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired; and Debby King, Library Outreach Coordinator, Perkins Library. COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS 19TH ANNUAL SENIOR ART EXHIBIT. Sponsored by Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts's office; open to all citizens age 62 or older. The deadline for entries is July 1, 2015. An award ceremony will be held at the Commonwealth Museum at a date to be announced. Please contact the Commonwealth Museum at [email protected] for more information. PARKINSON’S SUPPORT NETWORK OF CAPE COD — Friday, May 8 — Donna Klein-Erdman, OTR/L, will present “Driving Decisions: Balancing Safety and Independence in Parkinson’s Disease” at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Cape Cod, East Sandwich. Seating at 10:00 am; program starts 10:30 am. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion with a physician, social worker, and transportation representative. Free lunch from 12:00 — 1:00 pm. Reservations are required. To Rsvp, contact the American Parkinson’s Disease Association Information & Referral Center (800) 6518466 or email to [email protected]. To learn more about the network, visit www.parkinsoncapecod.org. PLEASE NOTE: If AARP did your taxes at the Mashpee Senior Center and you have additional questions about your taxes or refund, for your Federal return, please go to the IRS web site www.irs.gov or call 1-800-829-1040. For the state of Massachusetts return, please go to their web site www.mass.gov/dor or call 1-800-392-6089. The staff at the Senior Center is not trained to answer your tax return questions. DID YOU KNOW...that Elder Services of Cape Cod and Islands does a luncheon at the Mashpee Senior Center on Monday - Friday at 11:30 am? This is a good way to help keep your food costs down — plus it is fun and social! A voluntary suggested donation is $2.00. Come for an activity in the morning and stay for lunch! Make a day of activity at the Senior Center! You need to call (508) 477-0910 24 hours in advance to reserve a meal. If you have questions, call Annette at the luncheon program at (508) 477-0910. Page 4 Mashpee Council onCouncil Aging Special Events Mashpee On Aging May 2015 Tuesday May 5 Native American Flute Music Performance 12:00 — 1:00 pm Tuesday May 12 Quarterly Birthday Party (for April, May, June birthdays) 1:30 — 2:30 pm Tuesday May 12 AARP Safe Driving Course 10:00 am — 2:30 pm Thursday May 14 Thomas Toby House Dig Site Archeology Talk 10:30 — 11:30 am Tuesday May 19 Dining Around—Canterbury Cuisine 12:00 noon Tuesday May 19 Cooking Safety Presentation by Mashpee Fire Department 10:30 — 11:30 am Tuesday May 19 Safety in the Sun Presentation 2:00 — 3:00 pm Thursday May 21 Honor Flight: Honoring WWII Veterans Video 10:00 — 11:30 am Thursday May 21 Springtime Tote Bag Crafting 2:30 — 3:30 pm Friday May 22 Golf from a Sports Writer’s Point of View Talk 10:30 am — 12:00 pm Mashpee Council on Aging Regular Events 8:30-9:30 9:45-11:00 10:00-11:30 10:30-12:00 10:00-11:30 10:00-1:00 11:00-12:00 12:30-4:00 1:00-3:00 1:00-4:00 MONDAYS Strength Training Gentle Yoga Knit/Crochet/Quilt TOPS Atty Kosman (4th)** Grief Counseling (2nd) Chair Yoga Mah Jongg Pinochle Rummikub THURSDAYS Exercise Mashpee Singing Seniors Cribbage Parkinson’s Support Group(2nd) 11:00-2:00 Sea Mist Swimming 12:00-2:00 Gadgets & PC Clinic 12:15-1:15 Ballroom Dancing 1:00-4:00 Social Bridge 1:30-3:30 Hearing Tests (2nd) 1:30-2:30 Tap Dancing 3:00-4:15 60’s Social Club (3rd) 7:00-9:30 Tai Chi (Beginners please come 1st Thurs) 8:30-9:30 9:30-11:30 10:00-11:30 10:00-11:30 TUESDAYS 8:30-9:30 Exercise 9:00-12 :00 Woodcarving 9:00-11:00 Atty Mello (2nd) 10:00-11:30 Men’s Club (1st&3rd) 11:00-12:00 Zumba Gold 11:00-2:00 Ask-a-Pharmacist (3rd) 11:00-2:00 Sea Mist Swimming 1:00-3:00 Photography Club (4th) 1:00-3:00 Atty Lavender (1st) 3:00-4:00 Ageless Yoga 3:00-4:00 Aerobics for the Brain (2nd & 4th) 8:30-9:30 9:30 10:00-12:00 10:00-12:30 10:30-11:30 11:00-12:00 12:30-4:00 12:30 1:00 1:15- 3:30 2:00-3:00 FRIDAYS Strength Training Bowling Club-Ryan Amusements Sight Loss Services (4th) Reiki Clinic (3rd) Ask-A-Nurse (4th) Zumba Gold Mah Jongg Pre-movie Socializing Movie Veterans Services (1st&3rd) Book Club (3rd) WEDNESDAYS 8:30-9:30 Strength Training 9:00-10:00 Blood Pressure Clinic (3rd) 9:00-3:00 Foot Care Clinic (3rd) 10-Noon & 1:00-3:00 Painting 11:00-12:00 Zumba Gold 11:00-12:30 CARES Support Group (2&4) 1:00-2:00 Line Dancing 1:00-3:00 Canasta 1:00-3:00 Meditation (1st) 1:00-4:00 SHINE (2nd & 4th) 2:00-3:30 CARES Support Group (2nd&4th) 2:30 Tai Chi for Healthy Aging SATURDAYS 8:30-9:30 Exercise Transportation is available for activities, either through our van or Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority at 1-800 -352-7155 *There may be a cost for an instructor, please call Christine Foisy, Activity Director, at 539-1440 ext 3512 for more information on activities ** For May only, Atty Kosman will be here the 3rd Monday, May 18 Save the Dates! More info in the June Newsletter! June 11 Caregiver 101— Taking Care of Yourself while Caring for a Loved One June 16 Home Safety Checklist June 18 Travel Show June 16 Cape Cod Baseball League Presentation June 18 Just for Laughs Breakfast June 23 Wedding Vows Renewal Page 5 Mashpee Council On Aging May 2015 Health, Wellness and Appointments ASK-A-NURSE— KATHY GANEY-RN VNA OF CAPE COD — Kathy will be available at the Senior Center on Friday, May 22, 10:00 am — 11:00 am to answer your questions. SPRING AT LAST! We are all looking forward to the warmer weather where we can finally shed those layers of clothes and enjoy all of the activities that the warmer weather offers. While we are enjoying this season we have to take steps to prevent bites from ticks that share the outdoors. Ticks can infect humans with bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause serious illness. There are several other tick borne diseases in addition to Lyme disease that you can get from a tick bite such as Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia. Ticks live in moist and humid environments, particularly in or near wooded or grassy areas. You may come in contact with ticks during outdoor activities around your home or when walking through leaf litter or nearby shrubs. Always walk in the center of trails in order to avoid contact with ticks. Products containing Permethrin kill ticks. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remains protective through several washings. Use a repellent with DEET on the skin. Repellents containing 20% or more DEET can protect up to several hours. Always follow product instructions. Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Check your clothing for ticks. Any that are found should be removed. Placing clothes into a dryer on high heat for at least a half an hour effectively kills ticks. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been known to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease. It also may help wash off unattached ticks, and it is an opportunity to do a tick check. Conduct a full body check on return from the outdoors. Use a hand-held or full length mirror to view all parts of your body, including under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, back of the knees, in and around the hair, between the legs and around the waist. Remove an attached tick as soon as you notice it by grasping with tweezers, as close to the skin as possible. and pulling it straight out. Clean the area with soap and water. Watch for signs such as rash or fever in the days and weeks following the bite and see a health care provider if these develop. Your risk of acquiring a tick-borne disease depends on many factors, including where you live, what type of tick bit you and how long the tick was attached. If you become ill after a tick bite, see a health care provider. HEARING TESTS — Thursday, April 9, 1:30 — 3:30 pm by appointment. Please call the Mashpee Senior Center at (508) 539-1440 or stop by for more information. FOOT CARE— 3rd Wednesday, May 20, by Appointment. There is a fee. Call the Mashpee Senior Center at (508) 5391440 to make an appointment. CARES PROGRAM—Hope Dementia & Alzheimer’s Services This program is specifically for people with memory impairment and their care partners. CARES provides an opportunity for families affected by memory impairment to participate in two separate support groups-held simultaneously-which provide information, guidance, and respite to Care Partners; and, conversation and socialization for those with memory impairment. There are two sessions available to choose from at the Senior Center. Both are on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month. One is at 11:00 am -12:30 pm and the other is 2:00 pm — 3:30pm. This month the meetings will be on May 13 and May 27. To register or for more information please call Hope Dementia & Alzheimer's Services at (508) 775-5656. BEREAVEMENT COUNSELING — Have you or someone you love experienced a death or loss? Lyn Chafetz, LICSW is a Bereavement Counselor with Hope Health’s Community Care Services and is available to hear your concerns and answer your questions in a confidential and supportive environment on the 2nd Monday of each month (May 11) from 10:00 am — 1:00 pm. Please call the Senior Center at (508) 539-1440 to make an appointment. SIGHT LOSS SERVICES PEER SUPPORT GROUP — This support group meets at the Mashpee Senior Center on the 4th Friday of every month from 10:00 am—12:00 noon (May 22). This group is open to anyone with vision issues from diagnosis to legal blindness and provides access and information on services available. For more information, call Sight Loss Services at 508-394-3904 or visit their website: www.jwen.com/sls/ . LEGAL ASSISTANCE — We are fortunate to have attorneys that visit the Senior Center on a monthly basis. The Attorney and the fields that each would feel most qualified to assist seniors with, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY are: Atty. Thomas Kosman: Monday, May 18 at 10:00 am May Housing problems, government benefits, health law, guardianship, reverse mortgage, and consumer issues. Atty. Michael Lavender: Tuesday, May 5 at 1:00 pm — General legal problems, trusts, wills, estate planning and settlement. Atty. Patricia Mello’s office: Tuesday, May 12 at 9:00 am — Wills, health care choices, nursing home/Medicaid planning, estate planning, asset protection, guardianships. Please try to consider the urgent questions that you have and try to choose the appropriate attorney. PLEASE NOTE: The lawyers do not handle questions regarding criminal matters. There's no such thing as aging, but maturing and knowledge. It's beautiful, I call that beauty ...Celine Dion Page 6 Mashpee Council On Aging Darlene Perkins’ Outreach Corner MASHPEE COA OUTREACH PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT To assist seniors in our community to find the resources they need to help them make the best choices to maintain the highest quality of life possible. SPRING IS HERE! This last winter was tough on everyone, so here are a few resources if you need help: FUEL ASSISTANCE - The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), more commonly known as the Fuel Assistance Program, has been extended to May 15. The program provides low–income households with help in paying heating bills. SSCAC, Inc. provides fuel assistance to residents of 38 communities of the South Shore and Cape and Islands towns. Please call Darlene Perkins if interested (508) 5391440. CUSTOMERS WHO ARE 65 YEARS OR OLDER — If you and everyone living in your home are 65 years of age or older and you have overdue electric or gas bills, your electricity or gas cannot be shut off without an investigation by the Department of Public Utilities. Call 1-800-592-2000 to ensure this protection. EVERSOURCE DISCOUNT RATE — If you currently receive certain means-tested government benefits or fuel assistance, you may qualify for Eversource’s discount rate. Please contact them for or details or visit www.eversource.com. ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS — Cape Light Compact provides a number of energy efficiency programs to help you reduce their electric bills, protect the environment, and defer the need for new power plants. To learn more, please call 1800-797-6699. Let’s not wait until the weather gets too hot or cold before we learn about Energy Efficiency programs . MEDICATION LOCK BOXES AVAILABLE — 70% of people 12 and older who abuse prescription drugs get them from family or friends. To encourage the safe, secure storage of medica- May 2015 tion, Gosnold on Cape Cod recently donated two medication lock boxes to the Mashpee Senior Center. These boxes can be opened using a simple 4-digit code, but act as a deterrent to anyone trying to misuse your pills. They will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact Darlene Perkins if you would like to receive one of the boxes. (508) 539-1440 COME IN FOR YOUR BENEFITS CHECKUP! — Are you struggling to make ends meet? As the cost of living is rising and your income is remaining the same, you may be entitled to some help! Make an appointment to fill out the Benefits Check-up on line. Benefits Checkup is a free online service that helps seniors find and enroll in benefits to help pay for food, medicine, heat and more. Let’s find out if you qualify for benefits! We have a volunteer who will be at the senior center the first and third Tuesdays of the month (May 5 and 19) from 9:00 — 11:00 am to help you fill out the online questionnaire. She will help you fill out any applications that may apply to you. Every little bit helps! Call the Mashpee Senior Center at (508) 539-1440 to make your appointment. MASHPEE LEGACY PROGRAM — Are you over 85 years of age and would like to have your life story written up? We have a lovely volunteer who can help you write up highlights of your life to share with family, friends, and/or the Senior Center in our library. For an interview call Darlene Perkins, Outreach Coordinator at (508) 539-1440. LOOKING FOR A FRIENDLY VISITOR? — Are you feeling isolated? Would you welcome a smiling face and someone new to talk to? Then a Friendly Visitor may be just what the “doctor” ordered! Call Darlene Perkins, Outreach Coordinator at (508) 539-1440 to set up a visit with one of our volunteers. LIBRARY BOOK DELIVERY — If you are homebound and/or have difficulty going to the library, we offer a library book delivery service to you. A volunteer will pick up and return to the library any books, DVDs, tapes, etc. that you would like. Please call Darlene Perkins at (508) 539-1440 if you are interested. Volunteer Coordinator Deborah Converse’s Corner “The value of volunteering is much deeper, much more fulfilling and much more important in contributing to a healthy Added to our ranks this month are: Andre and vibrant community than money can ever measure.” Corbeau, Jocelyn Jones, Beverly Rickson, and Volunteer Recognition Larry DeBower. Excerpt from The Business Times: Value of We at the Mashpee Senior Center look forward to honoring our volunteers on Friday, June 12 at the New Seabury CounVolunteering: Acts small and large priceless. “What is a volunteer? What is the value of volunteering? try Club. Invitations were mailed the end of April. Volunteering is about giving, contributing and helping other Volunteers Needed individuals and the community. Volunteering means working Friendly Visiting is an important part of the Outreach offered with others to make a meaningful contribution to a better through the Center. If you are interested in visiting people in community. One estimated dollar value of volunteer time is their homes or becoming a telephone friend, give Deb Con$21.36 per hour.” verse a call at (508) 439-1440, extension 3508. When applied to the Mashpee Senior Center volunteers, for If you have any special skills, talents or interests you would approximately 190 volunteers, that estimate equals $4,058 like to share with other seniors at Mashpee Senior Center per hour. If each volunteer contributes 5 hours of their time please let me know. each week, that equals $20,290 per week contributed! New Volunteers Page 7 Mashpee Council On Aging May 2015 Volunteers Needed — Mashpee Herring Counters The Mashpee Conservation Department is looking for volunteer herring counters at Mashpee’s 3 herring runs (Mashpee, Santuit and Quashnet Rivers). For details on how to get involved with this volunteer program, please contact Mashpee Conservation Agent, Drew McManus at (508) 539-1400, extension 8539 or email him at: [email protected] SHINE News—Did You Know? Need help with prescription drug costs? Prescription Advantage may be your answer! Prescription Advantage is a staterun program which assists many elders with the costs of their medications. Eligibility is based on income only and there is no asset limit! Who can join? If you are a Massachusetts resident, eligible for Medicare, and are: 65 years or older with an annual income at or less than $58,850 for a single person or $79,650 for a married couple OR Under 65 years and disabled, with an annual income at or less than $22,128 for a single person or $29,948 for a married couple. You may also join… if you are 65 years or older and not eligible for Medicare. There is no income limit. There is no charge for joining Prescription Advantage, if you have an annual income at or less than $35,310 for a single person and $47,790 for a married couple. There is a $200 per person annual enrollment fee for those with higher incomes. Call Prescription Advantage today to enroll on the phone. You can reach Prescription Advantage at 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800243-4636), then press or say 2. You may also apply on line by going to www.prescriptionadvantagema.org . For further assistance with any Medicare issue, contact the SHINE Program at 508-375-6762 or visit their website http://www.mass.gov/ elders/healthcare/shine/serving-the-health-information-needs-of-elders.html. Trained SHINE volunteers offer free, confidential counseling on all aspects of Medicare and related health insurance programs. Please call the Senior Center to schedule a SHINE appointment at (508) 539-1440 or stop by the front desk. Emergency Preparedness EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS - The Mashpee Council on Aging maintains a list of seniors who are homebound, and/or frail to help the town provide assistance to them during a civil defense emergency such as hurricane or blizzard. If you would like to be on the list, please call the Senior Center at (508) 539-1440 and request a simple registration form for you to complete and return. Should you need assistance completing the form, please call Outreach Coordinator, Darlene Perkins. DISABILITY INDICATOR FORM - Are you a disabled elder? Disabilities would include life support system, mobility impaired, blind, deaf and hard of hearing, teletypewriter, speech impaired, cognitive impairment, etc. If you have any of the listed disabilities, Clay Nicholson, Mashpee’s 911 Municipal Coordinator, recommends that a 9-1-1 DISABILITY INDICATOR FORM be completed and forwarded to him so that if an emergency occurs, public safety officials will be alerted that an individual residing at your address communicates over the phone via TTY and/or has a disability that may hinder evacuation or transport. This information is confidential and will only appear at the dispatcher’s location when a 911 call originates from your address. Please contact Clay Nicholson, (508) 539-1400 ext. 8499 with any questions and to pick up a form. You can also pick up this form at the Mashpee Senior Center. REVERSE 911 - Did you know that you could receive automated messages by phone from the Town, helping you with storm preparedness? If you do not already receive important/emergency messages from the Town, or if you want to edit your contact info, please go to the Town website: www.mashpeema.gov, and select “Automated Messages Sign -Up Here” box on the lower left. Select a “resident” button on the left and enter your contact information here so local leadership may contact you with timely, important messages. THE FILE OF LIFE & THE PET FILE OF LIFE The “File of Life®” is a miniature medical history file that is posted on the outside of your refrigerator, and a smaller version which is placed either in your wallet or the glove compartment of your vehicle. In the event of an emergency, E.M.T’s, Firefighters and Police Officers who are dispatched to your home or vehicle will know where to find it. For any questions, please contact Darlene Perkins. The “Pet File of Life” is similar to your own “File of Life”, but for your pet. It will contain such information as: diet, emergency contact, veterinarian, health concerns. Keeping this form with your File of Life will help people to respond appropriately in an emergency. Please pick up a card, courtesy of the Companion Animal Program, at the Front Desk. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.MASS.GOV/MEMA. Or Follow the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee at their Twitter @bcrepc and like their Facebook page at facebook.com/bcrepc. Page 8 Mashpee Council On Aging May 2015 TRAVEL CLUB NEWS Annual Foxwoods "Birthday Bash" w/bonus 5/19, $22; Boston Pops "Film Night" with John Williams, 1st balcony, 5/22, $105; Foxwoods & "Outlet Shops Grand Opening" w/bonus, 6/09, $34; Cirque de la Symphonie" with the Boston Pops, 1st balcony, 6/12, $99; Newport Flower Show 20th Anniversary, 6/19, $55; Carnival Parade "Candy Land" 8/20, $34; Waterfire Festival Providence, RI 8/22, $32; Beautiful The Carole King Musical at PPAC, matinee, orchestra, 9/19, $110; Stop by to learn about A Taste of Ireland and Scotland featuring Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dublin, Killarney, Loch Ness, 10/02/15 and Grand European River Cruise--4 countries, 12 guided tours, 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 4/22/16. Anyone can sign up for one of our trips; there is no membership fee. For a complete listing of all our trips stop by the Mashpee Senior Center or visit www.adventureswithkarynwendell.com. Karyn is here every Thursday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. For more information, please contact Karyn Wendell at (508) 420-5288. Mail payments for travel c/o Karyn Wendell, P. O. Box 161, Centerville, MA 02632 MASHPEE SENIOR CENTER VAN SERVICE Are you getting tired of driving? Reluctant to drive in bad weather? Or just trying to save on gas? Don’t be shy, give us a try; you’re sure to love our van service! We will pick you up and drop you off at your door! Here is our schedule, come join us! MASHPEE — Weekly — Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays (except last Friday of month) PLEASE MAKE MASHPEE medical appointments between 10:00 am and 1:30 pm FALMOUTH — Weekly — Tuesdays PLEASE MAKE FALMOUTH medical appointments between 10:30 am and Noon. HYANNIS — Once a month — 1st Thursday of each month PLEASE MAKE HYANNIS medical appointments between 10:30am and Noon. SAGAMORE — Once a month — 2nd Thursday of each month SPECIAL MONTHLY OUTING — On the last Friday of each month, you can ride the van to our “Day Trip Town of the Month”. When you reserve your spot on the van, let us know where you would like to go in that town. Perhaps you want to shop at a special store that you normally don’t have the chance to visit, or see a physician. Maybe you have a friend who is recuperating in a rehabilitation or assisted living facility in the town who you would like to visit. When you call in to reserve your seat, also be ready to let the receptionist know where you want to go! This month we will be going to WOODS HOLE for our outing! The van will take you wherever you wish to go in each town it serves. To schedule rides, please call our receptionist at (508) 539-1440. Our van cannot guarantee time of pick up or drop off. Van is handicapped-accessible with wheelchair lift. Van rides are free of charge. Donations are gratefully accepted. If we are not able to meet your transportation need, please call the Cape’s public transportation service, the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) at 1-800-352-7155 for a ride. See below for more info on CCRTA. CAPE COD REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY (CCRTA) INFORMATION BOSTON HOSPITAL TRANSPORTATION: Enjoy comfortable, Dial-A-Ride Passenger Procedures and Requirements: wheelchair accessible transportation from Cape Cod directly Reservations can be made Monday—Friday between to 15 Boston-area hospitals Monday-Friday by reservation. 8:00 am—5:00 pm by calling (800) 352-7155. The bus stops in Wellfleet, Eastham, Orleans, Harwich, Barn Reservations must be made by 5:00 pm two days (or stable Commuter Lot and the Sagamore Commuter Lot. RES48 hours) before you intend to travel. ERVATIONS ARE A MUST! Call (800) 352-7155 Monday— Same day reservations and changes are not perFriday, 8:00 am—5:00 pm. Fare: $30 roundtrip/ $15 one mitted. way. Reservations can be made up to one month in adDial-A-Ride Transportation—DART (formerly B-bus): CCRTA vance. provides a daily door-to-door, ride-by-appointment trans Exact fare is required. Drivers cannot make change. portation service available for any purpose. Service is availa Adults and youths: $3.00 per ride ble to 15 Cape towns: Monday—Friday: 7:00 am—7:00 pm; Seniors and people with disabilities: $1.50 per ride Saturdays: 9:00 am—7:00 pm; Sundays: 9:00 am—1:00 pm Children five and younger accompanied by an adult: in most towns. Ride free of charge. Page 9 Mashpee Council On Aging MASHPEE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S TIP OF THE MONTH Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline The Substance Abuse Helpline connects people with services. For tens of thousands of Massachusetts residents struggling with alcohol and other drug related issues, please call 1-800-327-5050 for free confidential information and referrals.. Any questions, please contact Special Officer and Advocate Tara Carline at 508-539-1480 ext 7253 May 2015 MASHPEE POLICE REASSURANCE PROGRAM This is a program managed in conjunction by the Mashpee Police Department and the Mashpee Senior Center that connects seniors of our community with the police department with a daily check-in call by the senior to ensure there have been no emergencies. If you are feeling alone and are concerned about your well being, you can join the program by contacting Outreach Coordinator, Darlene Perkins. THE CAPERS’ DOINGS On Monday, May 11, “The Dixie Diehards” will be here to give much pleasure and toe-tapping experiences. They are a group that play New Orleans-type jazz of the 1930’s to the 1960’s; our type of music. No doubt, if the knees can take it, there will be some improvised dancing too among the audience. Programs at the Senior Center are always free of charge with delicious refreshments, and open to anyone who wishes to attend. Following them there will be two looked-for and most popular trips that will take the group off Cape. Dates and other specifics will be posted on the entrance bulletin board. Don’t forget to check this out. For flyers mailed directly to your home, become a member by calling Mary Draheim at (508) 477-3920. Share your memories of your journeys with other seniors. Do you have travelogues, a photo journey, or other photos you would like to share? Many of you have been to some amazing and beautiful places which others may be thinking of visiting or interested in learning more about. Please contact activity coordinator Christine Foisy if you are interested in presenting your travels. You may reach her at (508) 539-1440, extension 3512. A mother's happiness is like a beacon, lighting up the future but reflected also on the past in the guise of fond memories….Honore de Balzac Page 10 Mashpee Council On Aging May 2015 BROADCAST E-MAIL - When you signed up to receive the Senior Center newsletter, you gave us your email. In an effort to give you the most up-to-date information on Senior Center events, we will be emailing you from time to time regarding last minute schedule changes and/or updated information. Currently, we only have a small percentage of emails that are working. Please give your email to the Mashpee Senior Center so that we may update our information and keep you informed. To get a digital copy of this newsletter, visit www.mashpeema.gov/Pages/MashpeeMP_Aging/index and click the newsletter link at the bottom of the page, which will take you to the most recently published newsletter. If you wish to honor a loved one, the Mashpee Senior Center offers commemorative gold and silver leaves, prominently displayed in the entry foyer, beautifully engraved to memorialize family and/or friends. We also etch permanent patio bricks, preserving names and sentiments, on the patio area outside. For more information, please call the Director, Lynne Waterman at (508) 539-1440. Lynne Waterman, Director ………………………...………………………..……….………..……[email protected] Darlene Perkins, Outreach Coordinator………………………………………………………...…[email protected] Linda Wicks, Principal Clerk …………………………………………………………………………[email protected] Lisbeth Dineen, Office Assistant…………………………………………..…………….……[email protected] Peggy Rose, Receptionist..………………….……………………………………………………………...…[email protected] Deborah Converse, Volunteer Coordinator……………………………………………………[email protected] Christine Foisy, Activity Coordinator…………….…………………………………….…………..……[email protected] Robert Morton, Van Driver………………………….……………………………………..………...…[email protected] Lewis Newell, Van Driver…………………………….………………………………….…………………[email protected] MASHPEE COUNCIL ON AGING MISSION STATEMENT: The Council on Aging is an organized commitment by the population of the Town of Mashpee to coordinate or carry out human service, educational, social and recreational services and programs designed to identify and address opportunities and solutions for the empowerment and betterment of the senior community. Our Core Values RESPECTFUL WELCOMING SUPPORTIVE The cost of mailing this newsletter has been paid by the Friends of the Mashpee Council on Aging. Lynne Waterman, Director Darlene Perkins, Outreach Coordinator Irving Goldberg, Chairperson, Council on Aging PRSRT STD U. S. POSTAGE PAID MASHPEE, MA PERMIT NO. 15 MASHPEE COUNCIL ON AGING 26 FRANK E. HICKS DRIVE Mashpee, MA 02649 DISCLAIMER The Mashpee 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 Mashpee Council on Aging, The Mashpee Senior Center, the Town of Mashpee or its employees do not assume any legal responsibility for any advice or services rendered by such volunteer or nominal practitioner. Any act or advice or service by outside providers at the Council on Aging should not be presumed to be endorsed & sponsored by the Council on Aging.