WHAT WILL MARCH BRING US?
      New things are sprouting up at the COA on a daily basis.  After 2 years of expectation, we have finally received our new 2006 mini-bus, awarded to us in August 2005.  The 12-passenger “transport coach” is the result of a competitive Massachusetts state grant from the Executive Office of Transportation [supplying 80% of the funding], with the Town’s 20% portion of the funding graciously supplied by the Friends of the WCOA.  The Friends also paid for some needed extra features on this new bus: an automatic passenger door opener, and a step for the rear exit.

      Thanks to other grants from an anonymous source, we have been able to bring some new people on board to try out the Outreach, Elder Visitor, and Volunteer Coordinator positions.  I hope to give you more information next month.  These extra positions will help to extend the social services we provide to the Westport community.  We have also made some connections with some Westport congregations to volunteer to do minor home repairs and odd jobs for our clients.  Please call the Center if you need this type of help.  The COA is assisting with a Housing rehab grant, and has access to other resources for larger home repairs.

We have some additional entertainment scheduled for March – including a March 13th “Mark Twain” performance provided by a Westport Arts Council grant, and a March 15th St. Pat’s Party.

      Also, we have a new class starting!  “Balance and Movement” on Tuesdays from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. will encompass gentle stretching, balance exercises, a little T’ai Chi, and nutritional approaches to improve agility and balance, and general health.

COME & JOIN US!  PLEASE SIGN UP IN ADVANCE TO GUARANTEE A SPACE.

HAPPY SPRING!!

PLAY READING --The group meets on Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

CHAIR MASSAGE -- Free chair massages two days this month, compliments of  Karen and Sheryl. 
     Karen – Tuesday, March 6, 1–3 p.m.
Sheryl – Monday, March 19, 9-11 a.m.

AARP Tax Assistance Program
Jean-Louis Clapin, 508-672-5683, an AARP Tax-Aide, will be at the WCOA on Friday mornings through April 13 to assist Westport residents 60 years of age and over prepare their simple, tax returns—no investments.

OSTEOPOROSIS PREVENTION

10TH ANNIVERSARY BREAKFAST

Please mark your calendar on Friday, April 27.  The 10th Anniversary Celebration Breakfast of the Osteo Program will take place at the Westport Senior Center beginning at 9:30 a.m.  More information to follow.

 

PREPARING  FOR  EMERGENCIES

·        One of the best ways to combat any emergency is to prepare beforehand.

·        In case of medical emergencies, a “File of Life” packet is helpful to family and emergency responders.

·        Work with your family and friends to prepare to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours when any emergency hits—be prepared for shortages.

  

 

“And now…Mark Twain!”
      A delightful look at the life and work of America’s foremost humorist.  This one-person play is full of wit and wisdom and the special brand of storytelling that made him a legend in his time.

A solo performance by Richard Clark.

Tuesday, 12:00 noon

March 13, 2007

Westport Senior Center

Call 508-636-1026 to reserve a seat.

"This program is sponsored in part by a grant from the Westport Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

St. Patrick’s Day GALA

Get out your “green” and visit the Senior Center on

Thursday, 12:30 p.m.

March 15, 2007

Enjoy some Irish songs

with Mark Deschenes!

Refreshments will be served.

Call for seating, 508-636-1026.

To enjoy a wonderful

Cheese Lasagna luncheon, call by 10:30 a.m. on the 12th to order a meal from the kitchen.

 

INFORMATION AND REFERRAL for Westport residents, 60 years of age and over to the network of services available to elders.  WCOA is open Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

 

SERVING  HEALTH  INFORMATION  NEEDS  OF  ELDERS (S.H.I.N.E.)--information about Medicare, supplements, MassHealth.  Phone consultations and one-on-one appointments can be arranged for Westport residents, 508-636-1026.  Attention Medicare Beneficiaries—In 2007, new Medicare Advantage plans may now be available in Bristol County.  Because of these new options, Medicare beneficiaries may be receiving phone calls and post cards from these companies and independent insurance agents.  When and if a Medicare beneficiary meets with an insurance agent, he or she should have a list of prepared questions.  Having a friend or family member with you may also be of assistance.  Thoroughly review all information given to you, and take time to make your decision.  If you have any questions, do not sign any forms until you are confident in your decision.  Keep copies of all signed paperwork.  If you have any questions concerning the new Medicare Advantage plans in your area or have questions after meeting with an agent, please contact your local SHINE Counselor, in Westport at the WCOA, or the Regional SHINE Office at 1-508-222-1399.

W.C.O.A.  CANCELLATION  POLICY

Westport COA will cancel all activities and programs at the Senior Center, if the Westport Community Schools are closed due to bad weather or other local emergency.

TRANSPORTATION for Westport’s elders, and handicapped persons of all ages, Monday - Friday,      to area appointments scheduled between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.  Minimum 48-hour notice required.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, March 1st, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Join us each month as we share information on understanding and coping with behavioral problems and learn about accessing local resources for caregivers.  Transportation is available.

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, March 13th, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

BOOKS ON TAPE--Wide selection available.

VIDEO MAGNIFIER--To help read documents more easily.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOANS--Foldable walkers, wheelchairs, canes, etc., are available at the COA.

 

FITNESS PROGRAMS—Sign up for Aerobics, Balance and Movement, Osteoporosis Prevention Weight-Training, T’ai Chi—all geared to people 60 years of age and over.

 

S T R O K E 
Remember the First Three Letters...S T R

      During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall—saying she had tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.  She then assured everyone she was fine and there was no need to call the paramedics.  Her friend got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food.  While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.  Ingrid’s husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital—at 6:00 p.m., Ingrid passed away.  She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ.  Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.  Some don’t die.  They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours, he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke ...totally.  He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify.  Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.  The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

      S *     Ask the individual to SMILE.

      T *    Ask the person to TALK, to speak a simple sentence (coherently) (i.e. ...It is sunny out today.)

      R *    Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

NOTE:  Another “sign” of a stroke is this:  
Ask the person to “stick” out their tongue.  If the tongue is “crooked”, if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.  If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call “9-1-1” immediately!!   Then describe the symptoms to the “911” dispatcher.                        --The Power of E-mail

Donating Do’s and Don’ts
A Guide to Charitable Giving

Most charities are reputable and worthy of your financial support.  Charitable fund raising is a big business these days.  However, and just like any big business, it has its share of questionable operators.  Follow the tips outline here before making a donation.

Do know your charity.  Never give to a charity you know nothing about.  Ask for printed materials which clearly and specifically state:

·        The name, address, and telephone number of the charity;

·        A specific description of how and where the charitable funds will be used;

·        Whether your donation is tax deductible as a charitable contribution; and

·        The name, address, and telephone number of the professional fund raiser, if any.

Do find out where your money goes. 

·        Ask how much of the money goes to the charity; a paid fund raiser may be involved.

·        Beware of statements such as “all proceeds go to charity”; the “proceeds” may not be very much after expenses are deducted.

·        Ask for financial statements which tell you how much of your charity dollar goes to fund raising or administrative and general expenses, and how much is left for the program you want to support.

DO NOT be fooled by a name.  Some phony charities, including for-profit companies, have sympathetic sounding names, or names that closely resemble those of respected, legitimate charities.

DO NOT fall for a “Sob Story”.  The hard luck tale is a favorite play of the phony operator.  A legitimate charity will tell you how it is using your money to make a difference for the better.

DO NOT succumb to pressure.  Take time to decide.  The need is always there; make sure the organization will be there, too.

DO NOT pay by cash.  Pay by check, and make it out to the charity (use its full name; do not use initials), not the fund raiser.  Never give your credit card number to a fund raiser over the telephone.  If the fund raiser comes to your door, always ask to see identification.  Better yet, mail your check directly to the charity.

DO NOT be lured by “Goodies”.  Household products and tickets to shows can be legitimate fund-raising tools, but they do add extra costs.  If you receive unordered items in the mail, do not feel obligated to make a donation.

DO verify the information given.  Call your local police department.  Call the beneficiaries of the charitable funds.  Call the local Attorney General’s office (508-990-9700). 

DO keep records, especially receipts and canceled checks, in case you have a complaint later.  They also come in handy when you file your income tax returns.

--Office of the Attorney General -- ww.ago.state.ma.us

FRIENDS OF THE WESTPORT
COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.

Supporting the Senior Center
P. O. Box N-192
Westport, MA  02790

         The FWCOA is finishing the preliminary work on the Westport Telephone Book.  Many board members have worked on the project, and the publication is expected in June.  The Friends are indeed fortunate that noted Westport artist and Senior Center watercolor instructor, Ruth Edwards, is allowing the use of one of her paintings for the cover of the book.  Thank you, Ruth, for this generous gift to the FWCOA. As always the phone book will be distributed to every box holder in Westport.

         The Friends will miss long-time Board member, Martha Farrar, who has resigned because she has moved to Bay View in Fall River.  A vote of thanks was given to Martha for her many years of service.  Margie Zeller, who has been volunteering at the Westport Senior Center, has joined our Board, and she is a most welcome addition.

         If you have not renewed your membership in the FWCOA, please do so.  We count on your membership dues for the many things that we are able to do for the COA.  Dues ($10 individual, $25 family) may be sent to the FWCOA, Box N-192, Westport, MA 0279