COA February 2008 Evergreen newsletter
SENIOR SOCIAL DAY PROGRAM
Got the winter blues? Our “Club” is just the place where you can chase them away. You will be with a caring staff in a safe environment where you can socialize and laugh with your own peers. You can participate in our various activities, such as arts and crafts, table and word games, reminiscence, current events, and exercise with your newfound friends. You can join us in our various special events—sing-alongs, entertainment, movies, and special luncheon outings.
If you are 60 years of age or older, can take care of your personal needs, and are able to administer your own medication, we would love to have you join our friendly group. You will have a morning snack and a nutritious lunch. Contact the Senior Social Day Program office for details, such as fees and transportation—
508-636-1026.
Presidential Primary
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
If you will not be in-town on voting day, stop by the
Town Clerk’s office to vote an Absentee Ballot--
—Deadline is 12:00 noon on Monday, February 4, 2008.
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!
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 be available in the one-hour, Thursday morning class which starts at 10:30 a.m. Stop in and sign up!
DRAWING CLASS--Space is available in the Thursday morning class which starts at 9:30 a.m. Stop in and see some of the works of art in progress.
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.!
FRIENDS OF THE WESTPORT COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.
Supporting the Senior Center
P. O. Box N-192
Westport, MA 02790
WESTPORT POINT HOUSE TOUR
The FWCOA is planning a house tour on Wednesday, June 25, 2008.
Volunteers are needed to staff ten (10) houses for the tour. Tickets for the tour will be half price for those willing to give some time as guides. The tour will benefit the Westport Senior Center. If you can help, please call Rosemary Lenrow at 508-636-4494, or Linda Olsen at 508-636-3809.
CENTER CLOSING POLICY—When Westport Community Schools close because of unsafe weather conditions or emergencies, it is the policy of the COA to cancel all scheduled classes, programs, meals, and transportation. The COA office usually remains open. Listen to your local radio or TV station for school closing information—such as, Channel 10 TV.
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 Aerobics, Balance and Movement, Osteoporosis Prevention, T’ai Chi
FITNESS PROGRAMS -- Call for space availability and fee schedule—508-636-1026.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP – “Planning Ahead”
Thursday, February 7, 2008, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Transportation is available to Westport residents.
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, February 12, 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,
February 5, 2008, 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
This is a complimentary service—no charge.
BINGO -- Tuesdays, February 5 and 19, 2008, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINICS
Tuesday, February 5th, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.-- The Essex Group ( formerly Brandon Woods) will conduct a blood pressure clinic.
Tuesday, February 19th, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. -- Westport Town Nurse blood pressure clinic.
FUEL ASSISTANCE
Applications are available for Westport households (all ages) who are eligible for the Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (Fuel Assistance). Please call the Westport Council on Aging, 508-636-1026, for an appointment.
CONSUMER NEED-TO-KNOW LIST:
· A heating utility is not allowed to shut off the heat, even for non-payment, if everyone in the household is over 65, or if the consumer can demonstrate to the company that he/she is unable to pay the bill, and that someone who lives in the home is seriously ill or is a child under the age of one.
· To qualify, contact the utility company and explain your situation, and provide supporting documentation.
· There is an annual, winter moratorium in place from November 15 - March 15, during which gas and electric companies cannot shut off service because of non-payment.
· Consumers may seek help from the local fuel assistance office (for Citizens for Citizens, Inc. apply at the COA), or contact Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program (Joe For Oil) by calling 1-877-563-4645, if you are having trouble paying utility bills.
· You do not have to be unemployed to get help.
· In addition, utility companies can work out discount, budget and payment plans.
· Before entering into a contract with a home heating oil company, ask questions. Know what the start and end dates for the contract are and what the cost per gallon is. Make sure to get all the details in writing and carefully read all of the terms before signing.
· Keep a copy of the contract and any other related paperwork, including any advertisements the company placed at the time of purchase.
--Attorney General’s office, 508-990-9700
105 William Street, 1st Floor, New Bedford, MA
AARP TAX-AIDE PROGRAM
Again this year, a volunteer tax-aide, Jean-Louis Clapin, will be at the Westport Senior Center to help Westport residents over 60 years of age prepare their simple 2007 tax returns. Mr. Clapin will be at the Center on Thursday mornings, by appointment only, beginning February 7 and ending April 10, 2008.
Please contact Mr. Clapin at 508-672-5683. This program is offered by the AARP Foundation in conjunction with the IRS, in co-operation with the COA.
HOME FORECLOSURES
There has been a lot of focus on the housing market recently, and Westport residents are negatively impacted as much as anyone else.
Please don’t ignore the problem!
The further behind you become, the harder it will be to re-instate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your home. Lenders do not want your home. They have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times. It is important to review and prioritize your spending. Determine where expenses can be reduced and/or eliminated. Above all, ACT. Do not let a difficult situation paralyze you. Help is available, but it is your responsibility to reach out for it.
(1) Do not ignore the letters from your lender.
(2) Contact your lender immediately.
(3) Contact a HUD-APPROVED Housing Counseling Agency—1-800-569-4287, www.HUD.gov.
PODIATRY CLINIC -- Routine toenail cutting clinic is scheduled for Thursday, February 21, at the office of Dr. Spiri in Somerset. If you need routine nail cutting, call the COA for an appointment and a van ride, if needed.
APPEALS: An Important Right for Medicare Beneficiaries
Sometimes, Medicare beneficiaries feel they have been released from the hospital, nursing home, home health agency, or hospice care before they are ready to leave. All Medicare beneficiaries, whether covered under Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan, have appeal rights. This means that a trained medical professional will review the beneficiary’s medical record and decide whether the beneficiary has been released too soon or whether the timing of the release was correct.
Some steps to follow if you feel you are being released from a facility too soon:
· Talk to your doctor about continuing your care.
· Ask your case manager or social worker for an official (written) Medicare notice.
· Follow the instructions on the notice. MassPro’s help-line telephone number will be listed on the notice.
· For the best protection, and a fast decision, call MassPro right away after receiving the notice.
· MassPro will ask you for your views and review your medical record.
· You will be informed of MassPro’s decision first by phone, and then by mail. At that time, you will also receive information about other appeal rights.
· You have the right to a fast appeal decision (also called “an expedited determination”) when you receive a Medicare notice that your services will be ending. For the best protection, and a fast decision, call MassPro right away.
Call MassPro’s help-line at 1-800-252-5533. You can call or someone can call for you—LEAVE A MESSAGE if the office is closed.
“VALENTINE PARTY” WITH ROGER CHARTIER
--a real professional entertainer (string, guitar banjo, ukulele, vocals, humor) will perform at the Westport Senior Center -- Thursday, February 14, 12:15 p.m.CARL BISSONNETTE -- Country, Bluegrass, Pop
Appearing at the Westport Senior Center, Wednesday, February 20, 12:00 noon
LUNCHES --If you are 60 years of age or over and interested in having lunch before or after any of the Center’s programs, please reserve your meal with the kitchen at least 48-hours in advance-- 508-636-1026.
UPCOMING! GARDENING WORKSHOP
Horticultural therapist, Mary Beth Miller, will conduct a two-day spring workshop for professionals to learn about horticultural therapy methods and garden design for this type or programming. Mary Beth is the founder of a non-profit organization--“Gardening for Good”.
APRIL 18 & 19, FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Lunch will be provided. The price will be discussed upon registration.
To register for the workshops, please contact Mary Beth at 508-801-8473, and visit her website at www.gardening4good.org.
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 Aerobics, Balance and Movement, Osteoporosis Prevention, T’ai Chi
FITNESS PROGRAMS -- Call for space availability and fee schedule—508-636-1026.
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 Aerobics, Balance and Movement, Osteoporosis Prevention, T’ai Chi
FITNESS PROGRAMS -- Call for space availability and fee schedule—508-636-1026.
AND Poetry Writing Watercolor
BODY Aerobics, Balance and Movement, Osteoporosis Prevention, T’ai Chi
FITNESS PROGRAMS -- Call for space availability and fee schedule—508-636-1026.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP – “Planning Ahead”
Thursday, February 7, 2008, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Transportation is available to Westport residents.
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, February 12, 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,
February 5, 2008, 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
This is a complimentary service—no charge.
BINGO -- Tuesdays, February 5 and 19, 2008, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINICS
Tuesday, February 5th, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.-- The Essex Group ( formerly Brandon Woods) will conduct a blood pressure clinic.
Tuesday, February 19th, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. -- Westport Town Nurse blood pressure clinic.
FUEL ASSISTANCE
Applications are available for Westport households (all ages) who are eligible for the Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (Fuel Assistance). Please call the Westport Council on Aging, 508-636-1026, for an appointment.
Tuesday, February 5th, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.-- The Essex Group ( formerly Brandon Woods) will conduct a blood pressure clinic.
Tuesday, February 19th, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. -- Westport Town Nurse blood pressure clinic.
FUEL ASSISTANCE
Applications are available for Westport households (all ages) who are eligible for the Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (Fuel Assistance). Please call the Westport Council on Aging, 508-636-1026, for an appointment.
CONSUMER NEED-TO-KNOW LIST:
· A heating utility is not allowed to shut off the heat, even for non-payment, if everyone in the household is over 65, or if the consumer can demonstrate to the company that he/she is unable to pay the bill, and that someone who lives in the home is seriously ill or is a child under the age of one.
· To qualify, contact the utility company and explain your situation, and provide supporting documentation.
· There is an annual, winter moratorium in place from November 15 - March 15, during which gas and electric companies cannot shut off service because of non-payment.
· Consumers may seek help from the local fuel assistance office (for Citizens for Citizens, Inc. apply at the COA), or contact Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program (Joe For Oil) by calling 1-877-563-4645, if you are having trouble paying utility bills.
· You do not have to be unemployed to get help.
· In addition, utility companies can work out discount, budget and payment plans.
· Before entering into a contract with a home heating oil company, ask questions. Know what the start and end dates for the contract are and what the cost per gallon is. Make sure to get all the details in writing and carefully read all of the terms before signing.
· Keep a copy of the contract and any other related paperwork, including any advertisements the company placed at the time of purchase.
--Attorney General’s office, 508-990-9700
105 William Street, 1st Floor, New Bedford, MA
AARP TAX-AIDE PROGRAM
Again this year, a volunteer tax-aide, Jean-Louis Clapin, will be at the Westport Senior Center to help Westport residents over 60 years of age prepare their simple 2007 tax returns. Mr. Clapin will be at the Center on Thursday mornings, by appointment only, beginning February 7 and ending April 10, 2008.
Please contact Mr. Clapin at 508-672-5683. This program is offered by the AARP Foundation in conjunction with the IRS, in co-operation with the COA.
HOME FORECLOSURES
There has been a lot of focus on the housing market recently, and Westport residents are negatively impacted as much as anyone else.
Please don’t ignore the problem!
The further behind you become, the harder it will be to re-instate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your home. Lenders do not want your home. They have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times. It is important to review and prioritize your spending. Determine where expenses can be reduced and/or eliminated. Above all, ACT. Do not let a difficult situation paralyze you. Help is available, but it is your responsibility to reach out for it.
(1) Do not ignore the letters from your lender.
(2) Contact your lender immediately.
(3) Contact a HUD-APPROVED Housing Counseling Agency—1-800-569-4287, www.HUD.gov.
PODIATRY CLINIC -- Routine toenail cutting clinic is scheduled for Thursday, February 21, at the office of Dr. Spiri in Somerset. If you need routine nail cutting, call the COA for an appointment and a van ride, if needed.
APPEALS: An Important Right for Medicare Beneficiaries
Sometimes, Medicare beneficiaries feel they have been released from the hospital, nursing home, home health agency, or hospice care before they are ready to leave. All Medicare beneficiaries, whether covered under Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan, have appeal rights. This means that a trained medical professional will review the beneficiary’s medical record and decide whether the beneficiary has been released too soon or whether the timing of the release was correct.
Some steps to follow if you feel you are being released from a facility too soon:
· Talk to your doctor about continuing your care.
· Ask your case manager or social worker for an official (written) Medicare notice.
· Follow the instructions on the notice. MassPro’s help-line telephone number will be listed on the notice.
· For the best protection, and a fast decision, call MassPro right away after receiving the notice.
· MassPro will ask you for your views and review your medical record.
· You will be informed of MassPro’s decision first by phone, and then by mail. At that time, you will also receive information about other appeal rights.
· You have the right to a fast appeal decision (also called “an expedited determination”) when you receive a Medicare notice that your services will be ending. For the best protection, and a fast decision, call MassPro right away.
Call MassPro’s help-line at 1-800-252-5533. You can call or someone can call for you—LEAVE A MESSAGE if the office is closed.
|
“VALENTINE PARTY” WITH ROGER CHARTIER
--a real professional entertainer (string, guitar banjo, ukulele, vocals, humor) will perform at the Westport Senior Center -- Thursday, February 14, 12:15 p.m.CARL BISSONNETTE -- Country, Bluegrass, Pop
Appearing at the Westport Senior Center, Wednesday, February 20, 12:00 noon
LUNCHES --If you are 60 years of age or over and interested in having lunch before or after any of the Center’s programs, please reserve your meal with the kitchen at least 48-hours in advance-- 508-636-1026.
UPCOMING! GARDENING WORKSHOP
Horticultural therapist, Mary Beth Miller, will conduct a two-day spring workshop for professionals to learn about horticultural therapy methods and garden design for this type or programming. Mary Beth is the founder of a non-profit organization--“Gardening for Good”.
APRIL 18 & 19, FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Lunch will be provided. The price will be discussed upon registration.
To register for the workshops, please contact Mary Beth at 508-801-8473, and visit her website at www.gardening4good.org.
CARL BISSONNETTE -- Country, Bluegrass, Pop
Appearing at the Westport Senior Center, Wednesday, February 20, 12:00 noon
UPCOMING! GARDENING WORKSHOP
Horticultural therapist, Mary Beth Miller, will conduct a two-day spring workshop for professionals to learn about horticultural therapy methods and garden design for this type or programming. Mary Beth is the founder of a non-profit organization--“Gardening for Good”.
APRIL 18 & 19, FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Lunch will be provided. The price will be discussed upon registration.
To register for the workshops, please contact Mary Beth at 508-801-8473, and visit her website at www.gardening4good.org.
To register for the workshops, please contact Mary Beth at 508-801-8473, and visit her website at www.gardening4good.org.
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