COA "Evergreen" January 2008
FAREWELL the Old and WELCOME to the New!!
I hope you all had Happy Holidays! By this time, you have probably heard about my resignation from the position as COA Director. I have enjoyed working at the Westport Council on Aging for the past 7 ½ years now: four as Outreach Worker, and three and one-half as Director. I have met so many of you in various interactions, all of which have enriched me in many ways. I remain in awe of so many of you who have shared your stories with me.
Although my new position will be a “9-to-5-er,” I hope to remain in touch with the COA and volunteer to help with activities whenever possible. I will also continue to volunteer for the Town as a member of the Greater Fall River Medical Reserve Corps. My new position is still in the realm of elderly nursing/social services, so I may again interact with some of you in a different way. A big hug and my best wishes go out to everyone!
Be assured that everyone at the COA will continue to focus on fulfilling our Mission Statement, just with a new leader.
Please join me in welcoming our new Interim Director Ted Lang. Ted has 28 years of experience as a COA Director, and at least 18 years of other types of human service provision. Stop by and meet him – he starts on January 2, 2008!
SENIOR SOCIAL DAY
In Westport, there is a wonderful program to support elders and their families. The Senior Social Day Program, located at the Westport Senior Center, provides a caring environment for participants who need a little supervision and for others who come just for the socialization. All enjoy a variety of activities.
Isolation and loneliness can lead to depression. Being a member of “The Group” stimulates interaction with other people with similar interests. Studies show involvement in this type of program slows the progression of dementia.
Caregivers benefit by knowing their loved one is safe and well-taken care of for six hours a day. Contact the COA for more information, 508-636-1026.
T’AI CHI – BASICS -- Space is available in the Friday afternoon Basics class which starts at 1:30 p.m. Call the Center, or stop in to observe a class!
AEROBIC EXERCISE -- Space is available in the Monday-Wednesday-Friday morning classes which start at 8:45 a.m. Stop in and sign up!
BALANCE AND MOVEMENT -- Space may available in the Thursday, 10:30 a.m. class. Stop in and sign up!
POOL TABLES are available in the lower-level of the Senior Center from 9:00 a.m. -- 3:30 p.m. Gather a few players and enjoy a friendly game.!
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL to the network of services available to Westport residents, 60 years of age and over. 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 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. When you make your doctor’s appointment, call us for a ride. Please have the exact doctor’s name, street address, and telephone number when you call.
MIND Drawing Knitting Quilting
AND Poetry Writing Watercolor
BODY
FITNESS Aerobics, Balance and Movement,
PROGRAMS Osteoporosis Prevention, T’ai Chi
Call for space availability and fee schedule—508-636-1026.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP – “Planning Ahead”
Thursday, January 3, 2008, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
The speaker this month will be a representative from Waring-Sullivan Funeral Homes—“Planning Ahead” for all the right reasons—advance funeral planning. Transportation is available.
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, January 15, 2008, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
BOOKS ON TAPE--Wide selection available.
VIDEO MAGNIFIER--To help read documents more easily.
CHAIR MASSAGE BY KAREN will be Tuesday, January 8th, 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
This is a complimentary service—no charge.
BINGO – TUESDAYS, JANUARY 8 AND 22, 2008
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINICS
Tuesday, January 8th, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
The Essex Group ( formerly Brandon Woods) will conduct a blood pressure clinic.
Tuesday, January 22nd, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Westport Town Nurse blood pressure clinic.
FUEL ASSISTANCE
Applications are available for Westport households who are eligible for the Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (Fuel Assistance). If you would like to apply, please call the Westport Council on Aging, 508-636-1026, for an appointment—proof of identity, income and utility bills are required.
Did you miss the Medicare Part D Open Enrollment?
Enrollment for the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans ended December 31, 2007. Fortunately, Massachusetts’ residents can still join a Medicare Part D plan by enrolling in Prescription Advantage (PA), the state’s pharmacy assistance program. Medicare allows PA members to join a Medicare plan without having to wait until next November.
If you are concerned about added cost, you will be happy to know there is no charge for PA members with an annual income less than $30,630 for a single person, and $41,070 for a married couple. And, depending on your income and the Medicare plan you choose, PA may help pay all or part of your Medicare prescription drug plan’s monthly premium, deductible, and co-payments.
There is no reason not to have coverage for your prescription drugs. Stop by the Westport COA SHINE office for an application, or call for more details—508-636-1026.
Extra Help with Medicare Part D
You may also be eligible for extra help with premiums and co-payments if your gross monthly income is $1,277 or less and your assets are not more than $11,710 for an individual, or $1,722 or less gross monthly income and no more than $23,410 assets for a married couple.
If you are eligible for extra help, you may also join Part D at any time. If you already have extra help, you may also change your Part D at any time.
Stop by the Westport COA SHINE office for an application, or call for more details—508-636-1026.
ANNUAL CREDIT REPORT.COM
You are entitled to obtain one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus—
Equifax, 1-800-685-1111;
Experian, 1-888-397-3742;
TransUnion, 1-877-322-8228,
or visit online at www.annualcreditreport.com.
THANK YOU to the wonderful performers who helped brighten the holidays at the Westport Senior Center -- The Keynotes and Montessori School Students.
ACT NOW, SAVE NOW
15 Things to do NOW to winterize your home.
1. Contact utilities for rebates on items.
2. Caulk or weather strip doors/windows.
3. Install programmable thermostats.
4. Tape aluminum foil behind radiators.
5. Insulate attic, basement, crawl spaces.
6. Install storm doors and windows.
7. Move chairs/beds from exterior walls.
8. Install low-flow showerheads/faucets.
9. Lower water heater temp to 120.
10. Insulate hot and cold water pipes.
11. Drain a quart of water from water tank every three months to remove sediment that impedes heat transfer.
12. Replace furnace filters monthly.
13. Clean heating registers.
14. Keep fireplace damper closed when not in use.
15. Keep draperies/shades open during sunlight hours.
PLANNING AHEAD FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS
Thursday, January 3, 2008, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
You are invited vto attend an informatinal workshop sponsored by the Westport Council on Aging and provided by the Dignity Memorial Providers of Waring-Sullivan Funeral Homes.
Planning ahead for funeral and cemetery arrangement is a subject we all think about from time to time, but few actually do anything about it. The death of a spouse, or family member is considered one of life’s most stressful events that each of us will one day face. Many of us consider regularly the other stresses and concerns of life, like loss of health, property, or job, or an accident, but do little for the people we love the most when a death is involved. A common reaction by a husband and wife might be, “We’re fine. We don’t need to do this right now!”
THE SILVER FOX & FRIENDS
Wednesday January 9, 2008 12:00 noon.
A musical performance for your listening pleasure will take place at the Westport Senior Center featuring local singer George Cataldo and his friends. Join us at the Center!
CARL BISSONNETTE
Country, Bluegrass, Pop
Wednesday, 12:00 noon January 23, 2008
If you are 60 years of age or over and interested in having lunch prior to any of the Center’s programs, please reserve your meal with the kitchen 48-hours in advance-- 508-636-1026.
FRIENDS OF THE WESTPORT COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.
Supporting the Senior Center
P. O. Box N-192
Westport, MA 02790
Greetings for the New Year of 2008!
The Friends will be continuing their efforts to raise funds and enhance the services of the Council on Aging at the Senior Center on Reed Road. We were very pleased with the Holiday Fair that was held in November. Our next event will be in June 2008, when we host the first-ever House Tour of homes in the Historic District of Westport Point. Details will be provided here in the “Evergreen”, as well as “Shorelines” as the time approaches--it is planned for midweek toward the latter part of June when nice, warm, sunny weather will have returned after the cold months we are now having. The Point has a number of lovely and historically significant houses, and it will be great fun to have the chance to walk through these homes. A number of homeowners have graciously agreed to open their homes to the public and we appreciate their interest and willingness to help the FWCOA in this fundraising effort.
So during the cold days of January, just think about the warm days of June. A healthy and happy 2008 to all.
Please join me in welcoming our new Interim Director Ted Lang. Ted has 28 years of experience as a COA Director, and at least 18 years of other types of human service provision. Stop by and meet him – he starts on January 2, 2008!
SENIOR SOCIAL DAY
Isolation and loneliness can lead to depression. Being a member of “The Group” stimulates interaction with other people with similar interests. Studies show involvement in this type of program slows the progression of dementia.
Caregivers benefit by knowing their loved one is safe and well-taken care of for six hours a day. Contact the COA for more information, 508-636-1026.
T’AI CHI – BASICS -- Space is available in the Friday afternoon Basics class which starts at 1:30 p.m. Call the Center, or stop in to observe a class!
AEROBIC EXERCISE -- Space is available in the Monday-Wednesday-Friday morning classes which start at 8:45 a.m. Stop in and sign up!
BALANCE AND MOVEMENT -- Space may available in the Thursday, 10:30 a.m. class. Stop in and sign up!
BALANCE AND MOVEMENT -- Space may available in the Thursday, 10:30 a.m. class. Stop in and sign up!
AND Poetry Writing Watercolor
BODY
FITNESS Aerobics, Balance and Movement,
PROGRAMS Osteoporosis Prevention, T’ai Chi
Call for space availability and fee schedule—508-636-1026.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP – “Planning Ahead”
Thursday, January 3, 2008, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
The speaker this month will be a representative from Waring-Sullivan Funeral Homes—“Planning Ahead” for all the right reasons—advance funeral planning. Transportation is available.
Thursday, January 3, 2008, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
The speaker this month will be a representative from Waring-Sullivan Funeral Homes—“Planning Ahead” for all the right reasons—advance funeral planning. Transportation is available.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
BOOKS ON TAPE--Wide selection available.
VIDEO MAGNIFIER--To help read documents more easily.
CHAIR MASSAGE BY KAREN will be Tuesday, January 8th, 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
This is a complimentary service—no charge.
BINGO – TUESDAYS, JANUARY 8 AND 22, 2008
The Essex Group ( formerly Brandon Woods) will conduct a blood pressure clinic.
Westport Town Nurse blood pressure clinic.
FUEL ASSISTANCE
Did you miss the Medicare Part D Open Enrollment?
Enrollment for the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans ended December 31, 2007. Fortunately, Massachusetts’ residents can still join a Medicare Part D plan by enrolling in Prescription Advantage (PA), the state’s pharmacy assistance program. Medicare allows PA members to join a Medicare plan without having to wait until next November.
If you are concerned about added cost, you will be happy to know there is no charge for PA members with an annual income less than $30,630 for a single person, and $41,070 for a married couple. And, depending on your income and the Medicare plan you choose, PA may help pay all or part of your Medicare prescription drug plan’s monthly premium, deductible, and co-payments.
There is no reason not to have coverage for your prescription drugs. Stop by the Westport COA SHINE office for an application, or call for more details—508-636-1026.
Extra Help with Medicare Part D
You may also be eligible for extra help with premiums and co-payments if your gross monthly income is $1,277 or less and your assets are not more than $11,710 for an individual, or $1,722 or less gross monthly income and no more than $23,410 assets for a married couple.
If you are eligible for extra help, you may also join Part D at any time. If you already have extra help, you may also change your Part D at any time.
Stop by the Westport COA SHINE office for an application, or call for more details—508-636-1026.
ANNUAL CREDIT REPORT.COM
You are entitled to obtain one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus—
Equifax, 1-800-685-1111;
Experian, 1-888-397-3742;
TransUnion, 1-877-322-8228,
or visit online at www.annualcreditreport.com.
THANK YOU to the wonderful performers who helped brighten the holidays at the Westport Senior Center -- The Keynotes and Montessori School Students.
ACT NOW, SAVE NOW
15 Things to do NOW to winterize your home.
1. Contact utilities for rebates on items.
2. Caulk or weather strip doors/windows.
3. Install programmable thermostats.
4. Tape aluminum foil behind radiators.
5. Insulate attic, basement, crawl spaces.
6. Install storm doors and windows.
7. Move chairs/beds from exterior walls.
8. Install low-flow showerheads/faucets.
9. Lower water heater temp to 120.
10. Insulate hot and cold water pipes.
11. Drain a quart of water from water tank every three months to remove sediment that impedes heat transfer.
12. Replace furnace filters monthly.
13. Clean heating registers.
14. Keep fireplace damper closed when not in use.
15. Keep draperies/shades open during sunlight hours.
PLANNING AHEAD FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS
Thursday, January 3, 2008, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
You are invited vto attend an informatinal workshop sponsored by the Westport Council on Aging and provided by the Dignity Memorial Providers of Waring-Sullivan Funeral Homes.
Planning ahead for funeral and cemetery arrangement is a subject we all think about from time to time, but few actually do anything about it. The death of a spouse, or family member is considered one of life’s most stressful events that each of us will one day face. Many of us consider regularly the other stresses and concerns of life, like loss of health, property, or job, or an accident, but do little for the people we love the most when a death is involved. A common reaction by a husband and wife might be, “We’re fine. We don’t need to do this right now!”
THE SILVER FOX & FRIENDS
Wednesday January 9, 2008 12:00 noon.
A musical performance for your listening pleasure will take place at the Westport Senior Center featuring local singer George Cataldo and his friends. Join us at the Center!
CARL BISSONNETTE
Country, Bluegrass, Pop
Wednesday, 12:00 noon January 23, 2008
If you are 60 years of age or over and interested in having lunch prior to any of the Center’s programs, please reserve your meal with the kitchen 48-hours in advance-- 508-636-1026.
FRIENDS OF THE WESTPORT COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.
Supporting the Senior Center
P. O. Box N-192
Westport, MA 02790
Greetings for the New Year of 2008!
The Friends will be continuing their efforts to raise funds and enhance the services of the Council on Aging at the Senior Center on Reed Road. We were very pleased with the Holiday Fair that was held in November. Our next event will be in June 2008, when we host the first-ever House Tour of homes in the Historic District of Westport Point. Details will be provided here in the “Evergreen”, as well as “Shorelines” as the time approaches--it is planned for midweek toward the latter part of June when nice, warm, sunny weather will have returned after the cold months we are now having. The Point has a number of lovely and historically significant houses, and it will be great fun to have the chance to walk through these homes. A number of homeowners have graciously agreed to open their homes to the public and we appreciate their interest and willingness to help the FWCOA in this fundraising effort.
So during the cold days of January, just think about the warm days of June. A healthy and happy 2008 to all.
Thursday, January 3, 2008, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
THE SILVER FOX & FRIENDS
Wednesday January 9, 2008 12:00 noon.
A musical performance for your listening pleasure will take place at the Westport Senior Center featuring local singer George Cataldo and his friends. Join us at the Center!
CARL BISSONNETTE
Country, Bluegrass, Pop
Country, Bluegrass, Pop
Wednesday, 12:00 noon January 23, 2008
If you are 60 years of age or over and interested in having lunch prior to any of the Center’s programs, please reserve your meal with the kitchen 48-hours in advance-- 508-636-1026.
FRIENDS OF THE WESTPORT COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.
Supporting the Senior Center
P. O. Box N-192
Westport, MA 02790
Greetings for the New Year of 2008!
The Friends will be continuing their efforts to raise funds and enhance the services of the Council on Aging at the Senior Center on Reed Road. We were very pleased with the Holiday Fair that was held in November. Our next event will be in June 2008, when we host the first-ever House Tour of homes in the Historic District of Westport Point. Details will be provided here in the “Evergreen”, as well as “Shorelines” as the time approaches--it is planned for midweek toward the latter part of June when nice, warm, sunny weather will have returned after the cold months we are now having. The Point has a number of lovely and historically significant houses, and it will be great fun to have the chance to walk through these homes. A number of homeowners have graciously agreed to open their homes to the public and we appreciate their interest and willingness to help the FWCOA in this fundraising effort.
So during the cold days of January, just think about the warm days of June. A healthy and happy 2008 to all.
FRIENDS OF THE WESTPORT COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.Supporting the Senior Center
P. O. Box N-192
Westport, MA 02790
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