JavaScript Menu, DHTML Menu Powered By Milonic


« COA February 2008 Evergreen newsletter | Main News Page | Home Page | March Westport Public Access Newsletter »

March 2008 COA Evergreen newsletter

  TOWN OF WESTPORT, MA

COUNCIL ON AGING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 

 

Executive Director – Provide leadership and staff supervision to busy Council on Aging in sub-rural Massachusetts town.  Experience with grant writing, budget preparation and excellent organizational skills required.  Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and be flexible in a fast paced environment also necessary.  Minimum BA/BS in human services, psychology, social work or gerontology, plus three years working with senior population.  Salary negotiable.  Send resume and letter of interest to Executive Director Search, Board of Selectmen, Westport Town Hall, 816 Main Road, Westport, MA by March 20, 2008 or until filled.

Friends in Deed... Friends in Need
The Friends of the Westport Council on Aging has set up a Social Day Matching Fund to enable eligible Westport seniors to take advantage of the wonderful Senior Social Day Program at the Senior Center.  This fund was developed to allow the eligible Westport seniors who sign up for one-day per week to receive an extra free day per week for one year compliments of the FWCOA Matching Fund.
Senior Social Day, “The Club”, is an excellent program run by the COA that enables isolated seniors to enjoy a day of companionship and activities at the Senior Center.  Some of the activities include craft projects, exercise program, nutritious lunch, field trips, gardening, and mainly the enjoyment of new friendships.   It allows families and caregivers to have the peace of mind that their elder is well-cared for and happy in a safe and nurturing environment.  The staff at Senior Social Day gives support and advice to caregivers and families.

Names Can Be Confusing!
          Every once in a while we mention to our readers the difference between the Town of Westport Council on Aging and the private, non-profit fund-raising group, Friends of the Westport Council on Aging, Inc. (FWCOA).
          The Council on Aging (COA) is a department of the town supported by the town budget and grants from the state and other organizations.  The COA operates the Westport Senior Center and makes available to elders (60 years of age and over) programs, classes, services, counseling, etc.
          The Friends (FWCOA) is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization that raises funds to provide for capital items and improvements for the COA and the Senior Center.  The FWCOA is listing all the contributors to its organization in this issue.  Please check it out!
          

From the COA to the FWCOA contributors, THANKS!

Meet the Candidates-- TOWN ELECTIONS—Tuesday, April 8, 2008    
          Join the Friends of the Westport Council on Aging (FWCOA) and other area sponsors, in welcoming candidates for Town-elected offices for a “Meet the Candidates” session on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, 7:00 p.m., at Westport Middle School.
Also, the Council on Aging (COA) will sponsor a Candidates Coffee Hour to be held at the Westport Senior Center on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at 12:30 p.m.  All persons who are campaigning for election or re-election are being invited to briefly speak and mingle with those in attendance. 
Please stop by to personally meet the candidates.

AEROBIC EXERCISE -- Space is available in the Monday-Wednesday-Friday morning classes which starts 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!

BINGO -- 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Tuesdays, March 4 and 18, 2008, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

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!

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!

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.

The SHINE Program (SERVING THE HEALTH INFORMATION NEEDS OF ELDERS) -- information about Medicare, supplements, MassHealth.  Phone consultations and office 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.  Transportation is available to Westport residents.

MIND    Drawing                     Knitting        Quilting
AND      Poetry Writing     Watercolor
BODY        Aerobics, Balance and Movement,
FITNESS   Osteoporosis Prevention, T’ai Chi     
PROGRAMS      Call for space availability and fees—508-636-1026.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP -- 1st Thursday, Thursday, March 6, 2008, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

WHAT DOES THE COA MEAN TO YOU?
In recognizing the work that staff and volunteers do at Councils on Aging, we list some quotes from individuals and families.  Some of these comments were obtained from other COAs, but still reflect the feelings of people served at the Westport Senior Center!

"When my spouse died I was desolate and depressed.  I don't know what I would have done if I did not find this place."                                        (Winchester)

 “What ?!, Volunteer at the senior center!   Why would I want to be there with more old people? That's what I said 10 years ago- BIG MISTAKE!  Let me tell you about the most gratifying volunteer job I have ever had". (Newton)

One younger elderly woman who comes to our center has an anxiety problem and recently told me that, “coming to the Senior Center lessens her symptoms and increases her well-being”.                     (Sterling)

"It keeps me busy and involved in conversations so I don't mind the quiet when I go home." (South Hadley)

“For me, the Senior Center is the center of everything.   That’s what gets me up in the morning.”  (Andover)

"Thank you for such a wonderful program. 
My mother loves coming."     (Bourne)


 

Please be aware of the following new, cyber crime warning from FBI.  Vishing is short for voice phishing.  It occurs when you receive a voice mail, email or text message telling you to call your bank and resolve some sort of dispute.  There's a phone number in the message.  You call it and the auto-prompts tell you to enter your account number.  BINGO!  You've been vished.   (Boston Globe)


 

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP -- 3rd Tuesday, Tuesday, March 18, 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--1st Tuesday
Tuesday, March 4, 2008, 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. 
This is a complimentary service—no charge.

BLOOD PRESSURE CLINICS

Tuesday, March 4th, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., The Essex Group (formerly Brandon Woods) will conduct a blood pressure clinic.

Tuesday, March 18th, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., Westport Town Nurse blood pressure clinic.

AARP TAX-AIDE PROGRAM
Volunteer tax-aide, Jean-Louis Clapin, will be at the Westport Senior Center on Thursday mornings, by appointment only, to help Westport residents over 60 years of age prepare their simple, tax returns.  Please contact Mr. Clapin at 508-672-5683.

Friends in Deed... Friends in Need
The Friends of the Westport Council on Aging has set up a Social Day Matching Fund to enable eligible Westport seniors to take advantage of the wonderful Senior Social Day Program at the Senior Center.  This fund was developed to allow the eligible Westport seniors who sign up for one-day per week to receive an extra free day per week for one year compliments of the FWCOA Matching Fund.
Senior Social Day, “The Club”, is an excellent program run by the COA that enables isolated seniors to enjoy a day of companionship and activities at the Senior Center.  Some of the activities include craft projects, exercise program, nutritious lunch, field trips, gardening, and mainly the enjoyment of new friendships.   It allows families and caregivers to have the peace of mind that their elder is well-cared for and happy in a safe and nurturing environment.  The staff at Senior Social Day gives support and advice to caregivers and families.

HAPPY SPRING
Daylight Savings Time
begins on Sunday
March 9, 2008

NOTICE  --  SENIOR AIDES PROGRAM -- Coastline Elderly Services is eager to assist the older residents in our communities to overcome barriers and secure employment in the Senior Aides Program.  People who are 55 years of age or older will be offered an opportunity to be trained while working at one or more non-profit or public agencies.  During their enrollment, skills will be updated or sharpened and work experience will be gained.  Qualifying guidelines and benefits for the Program will be discussed when you contact Rita Boudria, Benefits Specialist, at Coastline--508-999-6400, ext. 138.
If you are interested in training at the Westport Council on Aging, you may contact the WCOA at 508-636-1026.  Specifically, the Westport COA is looking to help seniors maintain their independence through assisting in our Senior Social Day Program.

?? Do you have an hour a week to make a difference
in the life of someone who needs a friend??

 Friendly Visitor Program
·        Volunteers help share meaningful experiences.
·        Provide companionship to home-bound elders through a weekly visit.
·        Provide companionship to address individual needs, with information and referral to foster independent living.

Contact the WCOA at 508-636-1026.

MEAL SITE -- If you are at least 60 years of age and interested in having lunch before or after any of the Center’s programs, please reserve your meal at least  two days in advance-- 508-636-1026.

REVERSE MORTGAGE INFORMATIONAL SEMINAR
12:15 p.m., Thursday, March 6 -- WHAT EVERY SENIOR HOMEOWNER NEEDS TO KNOW TODAY!
Chris Rose, representing Reverse Mortgage of New England, will be hosting an information seminar on reverse mortgages at the Westport Senior Center.  The seminar is open to anyone who would like to learn how seniors, 62 years of age or older can access tax-free cash from their home to pay off an existing mortgage, purchase long-term health care, establish a fund for children or grandchildren, travel, make donations to their favorite charities/ organizations or anything else that you choose.

St. Patrick’s Day GALA with Marc Deschenes -- Get out your “green” and visit the Senior Center on Monday, 12:15 noon, March 17, 2008.  Enjoy some Irish songs.

CARL  BISSONNETTE -- Country, Bluegrass, Pop
Appearing at the Westport Senior Center, Wednesday,
March 26, 2008, 12:00 noon.

UPCOMING!

GARDENING WORKSHOP -- 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 Miller at 508-801-8473, or visit her website at www.gardening4good.org.

SHAKESPEARE -- The historical character of William Shakespeare will be brought to life in a performance by Mr. Richard Clark on Friday, May 2, 2008, 12:30 p.m. at the Westport Senior Center. 
“Come and share some of the most memorable moments in dramatic literature.  Laugh with the fools, cry with the afflicted, dream with the poets.  Don’t miss the essence of the world’s greatest wordsmith.”
Call the COA in advance for seating reservations--
508-636-1026
.
 

  

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.

« COA February 2008 Evergreen newsletter | Main News Page | Westport Home Page | March Westport Public Access Newsletter »