COA September 2007 "Evergreen" newsletter
ANNUAL COA PICNIC
“Under the Tent”
Our Annual COA Picnic was held on Wednesday,
August 22—a pleasant summer’s afternoon. Approximately 160 guests, staff, and volunteers attended the noon-time luncheon of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, and drinks of coffee and punch to go along with the food. The food and condiments were provided by Lees Supermarket, and the drinks provided by The Kozy Nook. The Friends of the Westport COA, Inc. picked up the tab for the tent, tables and chairs. THANK YOU from the COA and the community.
What Families Need to Do to Prepare for the Hurricane Season
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is offering personal preparedness tips for all of the citizens of the Commonwealth.
“Every home and business should have a basic supply kit that could be used for any emergency. Everyone should keep certain items around the house in the event of a hurricane or other severe weather. A portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries, and extra non-perishable food and water are all essential to help your family weather the storm.”
Every household should have a supply of canned goods and other non-perishable foods that do not need cooking, along with bottled water, extra prescription medication, and extra food and supplies for infants and pets. A manual can opener and a basic first aid kit are also essential.
“Every family should develop a “Family Communication Plan” to help ensure everyone is safe. You should call your local authorities to learn about potential evacuation routes and the location of emergency shelters in your community. It is important to familiarize yourself with the Community’s Emergency Plans before an emergency situation occurs.”
MEMA is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made. For additional information about MEMA and Hurricane Preparedness, go to ww.mass.gov/mema.
Tuesday, September 18th, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Guest Speaker: Steve Moniz
BOOKS ON TAPE--Wide selection available.
VIDEO MAGNIFIER--To help read documents more easily.
T’ai Chi—all geared to people over 60 years of age.
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.
HAVE YOU READ A GOOD BOOK TODAY?
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.
Osteoporosis participants are reminded that the regular weekly schedule will resume in September 2007. Classes are Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays,
from 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. See you there!
Music for the Ages
--old standards, pop tunes, and
sing-a-longs for seniors.
September 13, 2007
Mr. Tebbetts, a singer/songwriter, has been entertaining full time at senior centers, fairs, festivals, etc., performing a large repertoire of Celtic music, love ballads, humorous songs, etc.
Continuous Open Enrollment
Prescription Advantage, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ pharmacy program, now allows seniors to apply for coverage at anytime. Seniors do not have to wait for a scheduled enrollment period.
Are you reaching the “donut hole”?
If you reach that gap in your Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) that is often called the “donut hole”, you will have to pay up to $3,051.25 out-of-pocket for your prescription drugs before your Part D plan will start paying again.
It’s time to see how
Prescription Advantage can help.
If you are single and your income is less than $30,630, or, if you are married and your combined income is less than $41,070, Prescription Advantage can help to pay for the drugs covered by your Part D plan when you reach the donut hole. You will only pay a Prescription Advantage co-payment. If your income is higher, you may be eligible for benefits that would put a cap on the amount you would have to pay.
With Prescription Advantage there is no need to worry about the donut hole.
You no longer have to wait for an open enrollment to apply for Prescription Advantage. You can apply at any time, so call today for an application form.
1-877-610-0241—you can also contact your Westport SHINE counselor.
COUNCIL ON AGING
Supporting the Senior Center
P. O. Box N-192
Westport, MA 02790
If you would like to purchase additional copies for $5.00 each, please stop by the Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall, or at the Senior Center—open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Friends will resume its monthly meetings on Monday, September 15 (3rd Monday of the month). Ideas for fundraisers to support the Senior Center are most welcome.
- Request that a fraud alert be placed in your file as well as a victim statement asking that creditors call you before opening or making any changes to your existing accounts.
- Immediately order copies of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus (1-877-322-8228 for all three reports) and review them to make sure no additional fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or un-authorized changes made to your existing accounts.
- Contact your creditors to find out about any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. This would include credit card companies, phone companies, utilities, and others that you do business with.
- Immediately close any bank, checking accounts, and request a new account and pin number.
- File a police report with your local police department.
- Call the Social Security office to see if your number was used fraudulently.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
October 20, 2007
C E L E B R A T E T H E G E N E R A T I O N S
Come by with your extended family and visit the Senior Center,
the “Remembrance Garden”, and enjoy activities for the young
and the young at heart.
SMILE FOR YOU
Smiling is infectious; you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin
When he smiled I realized I’d passed it on to him.
I thought about that smile then I realized its worth,
A single smile, just like mine could travel round the earth.
So, if you feel a smile begin, don’t leave it undetected
Let’s start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected!
Keep the smile going by sending this on to a friend.
Everyone needs a smile!
9. Prescription Advantage helps to lower co-payments
8. You may qualify to have Prescription Advantage help pay your Part D premium
7. Prescription Advantage will pay for benzodiazepines. (These are drugs not covered by Part D plans)
6. As a Prescription Advantage member, you can change your Part D plan without waiting for Medicare’s open enrollment.
5. Real people answer the phone when you call Prescription Advantage customer service.
4. Prescription Advantage will cover a 72-hour emergency supply of medication if the pharmacy is unable to bill your Part D plan.
3. Prescription Advantage puts a limit on what you will spend each year for your prescription drugs
2. With Prescription Advantage there is no need to worry about the “donut hole”
And, the # 1 reason to join Prescription Advantage……….
1. There is no reason not to join!
“Under the Tent”
Thanks to the support and loyalty of our volunteers and sponsors who continue to make this annual gathering a pleasant experience for the elders in our community.
The Council and Staff appreciate the confidence you have in us to continue on our journey to provide meaningful programs and activities for the well-being of persons 60 years of age and older living in Westport.
Our Annual COA Picnic was held on Wednesday,
August 22—a pleasant summer’s afternoon. Approximately 160 guests, staff, and volunteers attended the noon-time luncheon of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, and drinks of coffee and punch to go along with the food. The food and condiments were provided by Lees Supermarket, and the drinks provided by The Kozy Nook. The Friends of the Westport COA, Inc. picked up the tab for the tent, tables and chairs. THANK YOU from the COA and the community.
We will do our best to give you the best programs available. Call us with your ideas for setting up programs, activities, and how you can contribute to making them a success! We truly value your suggestions and participation. We have the best feeling of a job well done when we see smiling faces visiting the Senior Center, and we are always happy to refer you to other agencies that may best serve you. Thank you all!
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS TIPS
What Families Need to Do to Prepare for the Hurricane Season
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is offering personal preparedness tips for all of the citizens of the Commonwealth.
“Every home and business should have a basic supply kit that could be used for any emergency. Everyone should keep certain items around the house in the event of a hurricane or other severe weather. A portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries, and extra non-perishable food and water are all essential to help your family weather the storm.”
Every household should have a supply of canned goods and other non-perishable foods that do not need cooking, along with bottled water, extra prescription medication, and extra food and supplies for infants and pets. A manual can opener and a basic first aid kit are also essential.
“Every family should develop a “Family Communication Plan” to help ensure everyone is safe. You should call your local authorities to learn about potential evacuation routes and the location of emergency shelters in your community. It is important to familiarize yourself with the Community’s Emergency Plans before an emergency situation occurs.”
MEMA is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made. For additional information about MEMA and Hurricane Preparedness, go to ww.mass.gov/mema.
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, September 18th, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Guest Speaker: Steve Moniz
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.
OSTEOPOROSIS CLASSES
Osteoporosis participants are reminded that the regular weekly schedule will resume in September 2007. Classes are Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays,
from 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. See you there!
ART TEBBETTS
Music for the Ages
--old standards, pop tunes, and
sing-a-longs for seniors.
Thursday, 12:00 noon
September 13, 2007
Mr. Tebbetts, a singer/songwriter, has been entertaining full time at senior centers, fairs, festivals, etc., performing a large repertoire of Celtic music, love ballads, humorous songs, etc.
If you are 60 years of age and interested in having lunch prior to the performance, please reserve your meal with the kitchen no later than September 10th, 508-636-1026.
PRESCRIPTION ADVANTAGE
Continuous Open Enrollment
Prescription Advantage, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ pharmacy program, now allows seniors to apply for coverage at anytime. Seniors do not have to wait for a scheduled enrollment period.
Are you reaching the “donut hole”?
If you reach that gap in your Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) that is often called the “donut hole”, you will have to pay up to $3,051.25 out-of-pocket for your prescription drugs before your Part D plan will start paying again.
It’s time to see how
Prescription Advantage can help.
If you are single and your income is less than $30,630, or, if you are married and your combined income is less than $41,070, Prescription Advantage can help to pay for the drugs covered by your Part D plan when you reach the donut hole. You will only pay a Prescription Advantage co-payment. If your income is higher, you may be eligible for benefits that would put a cap on the amount you would have to pay.
With Prescription Advantage there is no need to worry about the donut hole.
You no longer have to wait for an open enrollment to apply for Prescription Advantage. You can apply at any time, so call today for an application form.
You can reach Prescription Advantage Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636) or TTY for the deaf and hard of hearing at
1-877-610-0241—you can also contact your Westport SHINE counselor.
FRIENDS OF THE WESTPORT
COUNCIL ON AGING
Supporting the Senior Center
P. O. Box N-192
Westport, MA 02790
The Friends beautiful new Westport Telephone Book was delivered to each household and box holder in Westport in August. We hope you enjoy our gift to the community.
If you would like to purchase additional copies for $5.00 each, please stop by the Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall, or at the Senior Center—open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Friends will resume its monthly meetings on Monday, September 15 (3rd Monday of the month). Ideas for fundraisers to support the Senior Center are most welcome.
RESOLVING IDENTITY THEFT
- Contact the Fraud Department of each of the three major credit bureaus and explain that you are a victim of identity theft and request F.A.C.T. Act Protection.
- Request that a fraud alert be placed in your file as well as a victim statement asking that creditors call you before opening or making any changes to your existing accounts.
- Immediately order copies of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus (1-877-322-8228 for all three reports) and review them to make sure no additional fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or un-authorized changes made to your existing accounts.
- Contact your creditors to find out about any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. This would include credit card companies, phone companies, utilities, and others that you do business with.
- Immediately close any bank, checking accounts, and request a new account and pin number.
- File a police report with your local police department.
- Call the Social Security office to see if your number was used fraudulently.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
SATURDAY
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
October 20, 2007
C E L E B R A T E T H E G E N E R A T I O N S
Come by with your extended family and visit the Senior Center,
the “Remembrance Garden”, and enjoy activities for the young
and the young at heart.
SMILE FOR YOU
Smiling is infectious; you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin
When he smiled I realized I’d passed it on to him.
I thought about that smile then I realized its worth,
A single smile, just like mine could travel round the earth.
So, if you feel a smile begin, don’t leave it undetected
Let’s start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected!
Keep the smile going by sending this on to a friend.
Everyone needs a smile!
The Top 10 Reasons to Join Prescription Advantage
Even without David Letterman’s help, we can easily think of 10 reasons why you should join Prescription Advantage:
10. There is no monthly premium
9. Prescription Advantage helps to lower co-payments
8. You may qualify to have Prescription Advantage help pay your Part D premium
7. Prescription Advantage will pay for benzodiazepines. (These are drugs not covered by Part D plans)
6. As a Prescription Advantage member, you can change your Part D plan without waiting for Medicare’s open enrollment.
5. Real people answer the phone when you call Prescription Advantage customer service.
4. Prescription Advantage will cover a 72-hour emergency supply of medication if the pharmacy is unable to bill your Part D plan.
3. Prescription Advantage puts a limit on what you will spend each year for your prescription drugs
2. With Prescription Advantage there is no need to worry about the “donut hole”
And, the # 1 reason to join Prescription Advantage……….
1. There is no reason not to join!
You no longer have to wait for an open enrollment to apply for Prescription Advantage. You can apply at any time, so call today for an application form.
Applications are available through the SHINE counselor at the Senior Center.
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