COA July / August 2007 "Evergreen" Newsletter
VOLUNTEER BANQUET
Volunteering, especially in a social service capacity, is hard work: it requires
1) hours of training and in-services, 2) understanding the volunteer job description and its parameters, as well as the client, 3) reliability, and 4) reporting back to the agency.
Volunteering in a social service agency such as ours is as challenging as working a paid position and takes vast amounts of dedication and perseverance. I have been a volunteer all of my life, as did my parents before me. I have seen the hard work it takes, but also the greater lasting good that can enrich the whole community. I thank every one of you for all the good you do, and encourage others to contribute also.
Here I would like to thank two ladies who “slipped through the cracks”: our volunteer massage therapists, Karen Burns, LMT, and Sheryl Savas, LMT. Since January 2007, these ladies have routinely volunteered to give chair massages to our clients on a monthly basis. Since we had not officially registered them as volunteers, they were not on our master list. I apologize. If we have overlooked someone else, please let us know.
I would also like to give a memorial tribute to the family of Kathleen Malenfant, who worked in the kitchen but also volunteered at all WCOA events. We will all miss her giving spirit.
Best, Susan A. Oliveira, Director
Energy conservation is a mid set... an attitude. Although conservation represents different things to different people, almost all will agree that it can save a “few pennies” on the bottom line.
With summer here, it makes more sense than every to make a contribution to the earth and our pocketbook. Here are a few pointers:
- Use window, ceiling, or whole-house fans rather than air conditioners;
- If you do use an air conditioner, set it at 78 degrees.
- Air conditioners work to remove humidity so save moisture-making jobs like dishwashing, laundry, and bathing for early mornings or nighttime.
- Keep heat-producing appliances, such as lamps and TVs, away from the thermostat.
- Close your blinds, shades, or draperies during the hottest part of the day.
- For cooking, use small appliances like a toaster oven or electric skillet.
- Cook outdoors, use a microwave, or prepare cold meals to avoid heating up the kitchen and adding moisture to the air.
- Don’t peek into the over. Each time the door is opened, the temperature drops 25 to 50 degrees.
- Keep the freezer full by filling plastic milk bottles with water.
Tuesday, July 17th, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
BOOKS ON TAPE--Wide selection available.
VIDEO MAGNIFIER--To help read documents more easily.
AGING SMARTER WITH EXERCISE – A lifelong habit of regular exercise may keep you on your toes mentally.
STRENGTH TRAINING FOR THE ELDERLY –Weight training has worked wonders for residents taking our classes. Before embarking on an exercise program, check with your health care provider. Patients whose initial evaluation reveals no symptoms or illnesses that preclude exercise can work with the doctor to determine what type of program will work best for them.
Contact the Outreach Department for more information.
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.
Thursday, August 2, Podiatry Clinic at the office of Dr. Spiri, Somerset. The COA will take you to the doctor for routine toe nail clipping. Call the COA for an appointment with the doctor and for the van
by July 25th – 508-636-1026.
FARMERS MARKET COUPONS
If you are at least 60 years of age, and a Westport resident, eligible for SSI, Section 8 housing, food stamps, fuel assistance, or if your household income is less than $18,889 for one person and $25,327 for two people, bring proof of eligibility on:
THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2007
9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
WESTPORT SENIOR CENTER
There is a limited supply of coupons worth
$10.00 per person to be used for locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Some of the farmers markets are located in Westport, Fall River, and New Bedford.
How can I protect myself from telephone scams?
Telephone scams can involve phony prize offers or travel deals, and fake charities. The FTC warns seniors to listen for the “buzz words for fraud”: Act “now”; you’ve won a “free” gift or prize, if you pay for “postage and handling”; we need your credit card or bank account number, or our courier will pick up your check; you can’t afford to miss this “high-profit, no-risk” offer.
It is illegal under federal law for a telemarketer to call you if you have asked not to be called. They must tell you it is a sales call, the name of the seller, and what they are selling, before they make their pitch. Callers are not allowed to withdraw money from your checking account without your express, verifiable authorization.
If you get an unwanted all, you can say: “I do not do business with people I don’t know.” “Please put me on your ‘Do not call list’.” “I need written information about your offer.” The simplest response is, “I am not interested. Thank you and good-bye.” It is not rude to hang up on a scam artist.
Poor eyesight or poor hearing can lead to falls, as can a basic illness, which affects your strength and balance. The side effects of some medicines can cause dizziness. Medicines for depression, sleep problems, and high blood pressure often cause falls. Some medicines for diabetes and heart conditions can affect your balance. Have your doctor check all your prescriptions for correct dosage and possible interactions. Get your eyes checked every year, and see your doctor right away if you feel dizzy, weak, or unsteady on your feet; if you feel confused; or if you fall.
To reduce the risk of falls, experts say older people should focus on strength training exercises to keep muscles strong. Exercise programs like yoga and tai chi improve balance.
Because your home can also be a fall hazard, due to poor lighting, scatter rugs, and cluttered furniture, it is a good idea to take stock of any problems area, and correct them.
ANNUAL PICNIC
August 22, 12:00 noon
Reserve your seat for the picnic by 08/15/06.
Transportation is available.
“Bell Ringers” on Wednesday, July 25, 12:00 noon.
Our Annual COA Volunteer Banquet was held on Monday, June 18, 2007. We sent out invitations to 104 individuals who have donated their time to various projects and programs during FY 2007, July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007. Over 100 names were also placed on a plaque honoring to be displayed in the front hall of the Senior Center. A “Sunshine Garden” was also dedicated to the giving spirit of all of our volunteers, past and present, whose kind acts bring warmth and lift the spirits of all they help.
Volunteering, especially in a social service capacity, is hard work: it requires
1) hours of training and in-services, 2) understanding the volunteer job description and its parameters, as well as the client, 3) reliability, and 4) reporting back to the agency.
Volunteering in a social service agency such as ours is as challenging as working a paid position and takes vast amounts of dedication and perseverance. I have been a volunteer all of my life, as did my parents before me. I have seen the hard work it takes, but also the greater lasting good that can enrich the whole community. I thank every one of you for all the good you do, and encourage others to contribute also.
Here I would like to thank two ladies who “slipped through the cracks”: our volunteer massage therapists, Karen Burns, LMT, and Sheryl Savas, LMT. Since January 2007, these ladies have routinely volunteered to give chair massages to our clients on a monthly basis. Since we had not officially registered them as volunteers, they were not on our master list. I apologize. If we have overlooked someone else, please let us know.
I would also like to give a memorial tribute to the family of Kathleen Malenfant, who worked in the kitchen but also volunteered at all WCOA events. We will all miss her giving spirit.
Best, Susan A. Oliveira, Director
ENERGY CONSERVATION TIPS
Energy conservation is a mid set... an attitude. Although conservation represents different things to different people, almost all will agree that it can save a “few pennies” on the bottom line.
With summer here, it makes more sense than every to make a contribution to the earth and our pocketbook. Here are a few pointers:
- Use window, ceiling, or whole-house fans rather than air conditioners;
- If you do use an air conditioner, set it at 78 degrees.
- Air conditioners work to remove humidity so save moisture-making jobs like dishwashing, laundry, and bathing for early mornings or nighttime.
- Keep heat-producing appliances, such as lamps and TVs, away from the thermostat.
- Close your blinds, shades, or draperies during the hottest part of the day.
- For cooking, use small appliances like a toaster oven or electric skillet.
- Cook outdoors, use a microwave, or prepare cold meals to avoid heating up the kitchen and adding moisture to the air.
- Don’t peek into the over. Each time the door is opened, the temperature drops 25 to 50 degrees.
- Keep the freezer full by filling plastic milk bottles with water.
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, July 17th, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
BOOKS ON TAPE--Wide selection available.
VIDEO MAGNIFIER--To help read documents more easily.
FITNESS PROGRAMS—Sign up for Aerobics, Balance and Movement, Osteoporosis Prevention, T’ai Chi—all geared to people over 60 years of age.
AGING SMARTER WITH EXERCISE – A lifelong habit of regular exercise may keep you on your toes mentally.
STRENGTH TRAINING FOR THE ELDERLY –Weight training has worked wonders for residents taking our classes. Before embarking on an exercise program, check with your health care provider. Patients whose initial evaluation reveals no symptoms or illnesses that preclude exercise can work with the doctor to determine what type of program will work best for them.
DON’T FORGET TO EXERCISE YOUR HANDS WITH KNITTING , AND MENTAL STIMULATION WITH POETRY WRITING. HAVE YOU READ A GOOD BOOK TODAY?
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.
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. When you make your doctor’s appointment, call us for a ride.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Contact the Outreach Department for more information.
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.
PODIATRY CLINIC
Thursday, August 2, Podiatry Clinic at the office of Dr. Spiri, Somerset. The COA will take you to the doctor for routine toe nail clipping. Call the COA for an appointment with the doctor and for the van
by July 25th – 508-636-1026.
FARMERS MARKET COUPONS
FARMERS MARKET COUPONS
WESTPORT residents:
If you are at least 60 years of age, and a Westport resident, eligible for SSI, Section 8 housing, food stamps, fuel assistance, or if your household income is less than $18,889 for one person and $25,327 for two people, bring proof of eligibility on:
THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2007
9:00 to 11:00 a.m.WESTPORT SENIOR CENTER
There is a limited supply of coupons worth
$10.00 per person to be used for locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Some of the farmers markets are located in Westport, Fall River, and New Bedford.First-come, first-served, for additional information, call the Westport Council on Aging, 508-636-1026.
Complimentary Chair Massage
Walk-ins are welcome between
12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
Karen Burns, LMT, will continue to offer complementary massages at the Westport Senior Center on first Tuesday of each month; however, for the month of July, Karen will be here on the second Tuesday, July 10.
Walk-ins are welcome between
12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
TELEPHONE SCAMS
How can I protect myself from telephone scams?
According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers lose more than $40 billion a year to telemarketing fraud. People over 50 years of age account for about 56% of all victims. Last year, almost 9 million Americans were robbed of private financial information. A recent phone operation into Massachusetts was the Canadian Lottery scam. A caller, posing as an IRS representative, told elders they had won the lottery, but first they had to pay taxes on the winnings—by Western Union or check.
Telephone scams can involve phony prize offers or travel deals, and fake charities. The FTC warns seniors to listen for the “buzz words for fraud”: Act “now”; you’ve won a “free” gift or prize, if you pay for “postage and handling”; we need your credit card or bank account number, or our courier will pick up your check; you can’t afford to miss this “high-profit, no-risk” offer.
It is illegal under federal law for a telemarketer to call you if you have asked not to be called. They must tell you it is a sales call, the name of the seller, and what they are selling, before they make their pitch. Callers are not allowed to withdraw money from your checking account without your express, verifiable authorization.
If you get an unwanted all, you can say: “I do not do business with people I don’t know.” “Please put me on your ‘Do not call list’.” “I need written information about your offer.” The simplest response is, “I am not interested. Thank you and good-bye.” It is not rude to hang up on a scam artist.
PREVENTING FALLS
Everybody spoofs the old commercial in which an elder says, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” But fall are the top cause of accidents in people over the age of 65, and the main cause of serious injuries and accidental deaths for seniors. The most common injury from falls is a hip fracture. One in four people who have a hip fracture die within a year.
Poor eyesight or poor hearing can lead to falls, as can a basic illness, which affects your strength and balance. The side effects of some medicines can cause dizziness. Medicines for depression, sleep problems, and high blood pressure often cause falls. Some medicines for diabetes and heart conditions can affect your balance. Have your doctor check all your prescriptions for correct dosage and possible interactions. Get your eyes checked every year, and see your doctor right away if you feel dizzy, weak, or unsteady on your feet; if you feel confused; or if you fall.
To reduce the risk of falls, experts say older people should focus on strength training exercises to keep muscles strong. Exercise programs like yoga and tai chi improve balance.
Because your home can also be a fall hazard, due to poor lighting, scatter rugs, and cluttered furniture, it is a good idea to take stock of any problems area, and correct them.
WESTPORT C.O.A.
ANNUAL PICNIC
Wednesday
August 22, 12:00 noon
“Under the tent” at the Westport Senior Center will be our annual resident picnic for 60+ seniors. Enjoy the outdoor entertainment with your scrumptious hot dog and hamburger entrée. This annual event is hosted by the boards of the C.O.A., FWCOA, local merchants, and devoted helpers.
Reserve your seat for the picnic by 08/15/06.
Transportation is available.
SUMMER HEAT – TAKE HEED
During the “dog days” of August, our advice is “stay cool”—A.C. cool if possible. If you have medical problems such as heart disease, respiratory ailments, poor circulation, or diabetes, your body’s system is less able to cope with the stress of prolonged heat, increasing your vulnerability to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The Westport Senior Center is a respite during the summer—join us for a break from the high temperatures—a van will pick you up if needed, at no charge.
“SILVER FOX”
A musical performance for your listening pleasure will take place at the Westport Senior Center featuring local singer George Cataldo. Join us at the Center on Wednesday, July 18, 12:00 noon.
Seniors, 60 years of age and over, are welcome to register for the 11:30 a.m. luncheon served by BES Nutrition Program staff—48-hour is required to reserve lunch at the Westport meal site. For reservations, please call the COA office at the Senior Center, (508) 636-1026.
“Bell Ringers”
You are invited to attend a performance by the Second Half
“Bell Ringers” on Wednesday, July 25, 12:00 noon.
Seniors, 60 years of age and over, are welcome to register for the 11:30 a.m. luncheon served by BES Nutrition Program staff—48-hour is required to reserve lunch at the Westport meal site. For reservations, please call the COA office at the Senior Center, (508) 636-1026.
NOTE: There will be NO Osteoporosis Classes on Wednesdays for the months of July and August.
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