COA June 2008 "Evergreen" newsletter
Monday, June 9, 5:00 p.m.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BANQUET
The Council on Aging will host its Annual Volunteer Banquet.
“This affair is our way of thanking all those people who have given so generously of their time and effort.”
If you are an active, registered volunteer and did not receive your invitation, please call--508-636-1026.
SHIFTING GEARS
Tuesday, 12:15 p.m., June 10, 2008
A free workshop on safe driving for elders presented by the RMV for drivers age 55 and older.
· How to encourage a loved one to stop driving
· Frequent causes of collisions for elder drivers
· How to obtain a disability plate or placard
· How age affects one’s driving ability
· Adaptive equipment for drivers.
FRIENDS OF THE WESTPORT COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.
Supporting the Senior Center
P. O. Box N-192
Westport, MA 02790
The FWCOA will sponsor a House Tour in the Historic District at Westport Point on Wednesday, June 25th. For the first time ever, a number of lovely and historically significant homes will be open to the public. In addition to the eight (8) homes, there will be a special Art Exhibit of Westport scenes at the Westport Art Group, Inc. on 1740 Main Road.
The cost of the Tour and Art Exhibit is $25.00 with prior reservations. The cost is $30.00 if purchased on the day of the tour.
A delicious lunch will be available at the Westport Methodist Church for an additional $7.00.
Participants may tour the houses between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. They may pick up or purchase their Guide Book/ticket at the Methodist Church, 1912 Main Road, on the day of the tour.
For more information, please call: Selena, 508-636-2205, or Linda, 508-636-3809.
AEROBIC EXERCISE -- Monday-Wednesday-Friday morning classes starting at 8:45 a.m. Stop in and sign up!
BINGO--1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
POOL TABLES are available in the lower-level from 9:00 a.m. -- 3:30 p.m. Gather a few players and enjoy a friendly game!
FOOD PANTRY--Donations of canned food items are needed to replenish the food pantry at the Senior Center. Many requests have come in, and our shelves are almost empty. If you can contribute a can of stew, soup, meats, etc., please drop off your items during regular office hours--8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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.
MIND Knitting Quilting
AND Poetry Writing Watercolor
BODY
FITNESS Aerobics, Osteoporosis Prevention, T’ai Chi
PROGRAMS Call for space availability and fees-508-636-1026.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP w/ Phyllis
--1st Thursday, Thursday, June 5, 2008, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP w/ Andrea
--3rd Tuesday-- BOOKS ON TAPE--VIDEO MAGNIFIER
Tuesday, June 17, 2008, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Transportation is available to Westport residents.
CHAIR MASSAGE BY KAREN--1st Tuesday
Tuesday, June 3, 2008, 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
This is a complimentary service—no charge.
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC with KATHY
Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Westport Town Nurse blood pressure clinic.
CARL BISSONNETTE
Country, Bluegrass, Pop
Appearing at the
Westport Senior Center
Wednesday, June 11, 12:00 noon
Sing-a-long with Natalia
12:00 to 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 18
LONG-DISTANCE MEDICAL TRANSPORT
“The Wheels Programs”, provided by Foxfield Taxi Corporation, is a long-distance medical transportation program offered to elders 60 years of age and older who live in Westport and the surrounding area.
This program is funded in part by a grant from Bristol Elders Services, Inc. through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
Transportation is provided to appointments in Boston, Providence, Norwood/Southwood and Lahey Clinic for a suggested, voluntary donation. There are restrictions as to the days and times for which transportation is available. Reserve a ride by calling 1-800-585-8294.
SUMMER FUN
Beach Stickers for Westport Residents
The town of Westport offers beach stickers to Westport residents who are 65 years of age or over for a charge of $10 per vehicle. You should bring proof of residency and car registration to the Town Clerk’s office. The Clerk will issue you a sticker for your car. Only that car may be used, as the number on the sticker will match your license plate. Westport beaches opened on Memorial Day weekend.
If you are under 65 years of age, the cost of a sticker is $20 per vehicle, per year. For more information, contact the Town Clerk, 508-636-1000, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
State Beaches and Parks
Residents of the state of Massachusetts who are 62 years of age and older are eligible for a free Senior Citizens’ pass to State beaches and parks. These passes allow you to take your car and passengers into most state-operated parking facilities. The pass does not cover site entry.
To obtain a pass, go to Horseneck Beach. Bring proof of Massachusetts residency, your driver’s license and car registration. Only the owner of the vehicle in whose name the registration was issued can drive the car in order to use the pass.
Some of the parks open later than Memorial Day, so check before you drive too far to see that your favorite wilderness spot is not yet open for the season. For more information, call Horseneck Beach Reservation, 508-636-8816.
PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM SKIN CANCER
“For years, people believed that a suntan was good for you, because a deep tan made us look healthy. We now understand that it can lead to skin damage that shows up as wrinkles and/or skin cancer.
What are the signs of skin cancer?
Skin cancers can have different appearances depending on the type of growth. Basal cell carcinomas are the most common type of skin cancer. They can appear as a pearly or translucent pink or red bump on the skin or as a non-healing sore. Squamous cell carcinomas are the second most common and can take the form of a persistent, scaly red patch that crusts or bleeds. Melanomas are less common, but they are the most serious. They occur as brown or black patches on the skin and can have other colors within them such as red, white, or blue. They are usually asymmetric and have irregular borders.
What can be done to prevent skin cancer?
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to minimize your sun exposure.
· Decrease your sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when solar radiation is most intense.
· Wear protective clothing such as a wide-brim hat and long sleeves and pants.
· Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater on any sun-exposed areas. Apply it about a half-hour before going outside, and reapply it every two hours when working or playing outside.
· Avoid tanning salons.
· Teach your children about sun protection. Damage from the sun accumulates over a lifetime and most of a person’s lifetime sun exposure occurs by age 20.”
--Nina Blumental, MD
TAKE CARE OF YOUR BONES:
It is Never Too Early or Too Late!
“Strong and healthy bones are essential for staying active and independent throughout life. Unfortunately for many, any move-ment can result in painful or disabling fractures. These people suffer from the potentially crippling disease osteoporosis. People who develop this disease have bones that become so thin and brittle, that they break easily. Many elderly who have hip fractures as a result of osteoporosis never regain their independence or quality of life. Even worse, many individuals die from fracture-related complications. The good news is that osteoporosis and bone fractures can be prevented, no matter what age you are.
Are you at risk?
Anyone can develop osteoporosis. Your risk of getting this disease is even higher if you have one or more of these traits:
· You are a woman,
· You have a family history of osteo.
· You have reached menopause.
· You are of Caucasian or Asian heritage.
· You have a small-bones frame.
Calcium is the key--Calcium is the major nutrient needed for bones to grow and stay strong.
Strength Training--Learn proper bone-strengthening exercises, including the use of weights.
--Food and Nutrition
Father and Son
Be more than his dad,
Be a chum to the lad;
Be a part of his life
Find time to talk with him,
Take time to walk with him,
Share in his studies
And share in his play;
Take him to places,
To ball games and races,
Teach him the things
That you want him to know;
Don’t live apart from him,
Don’t keep your heart from him,
Be his best comrade,
He’s needing you so!
--Edgar A. Guest
I’m having a hell of a time functioning.
My hands, my body and my mind
Are no longer nimble, quick and reliable.
My will and my body became weakened
By cancer and a storm of anger
Directed at my illness, myself
And my chauvinistic oncologist.
Someday soon my anger will soften
Into the warmth of healing strength.
But not today!
--Flo F. Raposa
Workmanship
We approach a time of life
When it becomes necessary
To see that any work done
Is sufficient for the day.
To remaining time
Is for the workings
of the soul.
--George Salvadore
Tuesday, 12:15 p.m., June 10, 2008
A free workshop on safe driving for elders presented by the RMV for drivers age 55 and older.
· How to encourage a loved one to stop driving
· Frequent causes of collisions for elder drivers
· How to obtain a disability plate or placard
· How age affects one’s driving ability
· Adaptive equipment for drivers.
Supporting the Senior Center
P. O. Box N-192
Westport, MA 02790
The cost of the Tour and Art Exhibit is $25.00 with prior reservations. The cost is $30.00 if purchased on the day of the tour.
A delicious lunch will be available at the Westport Methodist Church for an additional $7.00.
Participants may tour the houses between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. They may pick up or purchase their Guide Book/ticket at the Methodist Church, 1912 Main Road, on the day of the tour.
For more information, please call: Selena, 508-636-2205, or Linda, 508-636-3809.
BINGO--1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
AND Poetry Writing Watercolor
BODY
FITNESS Aerobics, Osteoporosis Prevention, T’ai Chi
PROGRAMS Call for space availability and fees-508-636-1026.
--1st Thursday, Thursday, June 5, 2008, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
--3rd Tuesday-- BOOKS ON TAPE--VIDEO MAGNIFIER
Tuesday, June 17, 2008, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Transportation is available to Westport residents.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008, 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
This is a complimentary service—no charge.
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC with KATHY
Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Westport Town Nurse blood pressure clinic.
CARL BISSONNETTE
Country, Bluegrass, Pop
Westport Senior Center
Sing-a-long with Natalia
LONG-DISTANCE MEDICAL TRANSPORT
“The Wheels Programs”, provided by Foxfield Taxi Corporation, is a long-distance medical transportation program offered to elders 60 years of age and older who live in Westport and the surrounding area.
This program is funded in part by a grant from Bristol Elders Services, Inc. through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
Transportation is provided to appointments in Boston, Providence, Norwood/Southwood and Lahey Clinic for a suggested, voluntary donation. There are restrictions as to the days and times for which transportation is available. Reserve a ride by calling 1-800-585-8294.
“The Wheels Programs”, provided by Foxfield Taxi Corporation, is a long-distance medical transportation program offered to elders 60 years of age and older who live in Westport and the surrounding area.
This program is funded in part by a grant from Bristol Elders Services, Inc. through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
Transportation is provided to appointments in Boston, Providence, Norwood/Southwood and Lahey Clinic for a suggested, voluntary donation. There are restrictions as to the days and times for which transportation is available. Reserve a ride by calling 1-800-585-8294.
SUMMER FUN
Beach Stickers for Westport Residents
The town of Westport offers beach stickers to Westport residents who are 65 years of age or over for a charge of $10 per vehicle. You should bring proof of residency and car registration to the Town Clerk’s office. The Clerk will issue you a sticker for your car. Only that car may be used, as the number on the sticker will match your license plate. Westport beaches opened on Memorial Day weekend.
If you are under 65 years of age, the cost of a sticker is $20 per vehicle, per year. For more information, contact the Town Clerk, 508-636-1000, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
State Beaches and Parks
Residents of the state of Massachusetts who are 62 years of age and older are eligible for a free Senior Citizens’ pass to State beaches and parks. These passes allow you to take your car and passengers into most state-operated parking facilities. The pass does not cover site entry.
To obtain a pass, go to Horseneck Beach. Bring proof of Massachusetts residency, your driver’s license and car registration. Only the owner of the vehicle in whose name the registration was issued can drive the car in order to use the pass.
Some of the parks open later than Memorial Day, so check before you drive too far to see that your favorite wilderness spot is not yet open for the season. For more information, call Horseneck Beach Reservation, 508-636-8816.
PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM SKIN CANCER
“For years, people believed that a suntan was good for you, because a deep tan made us look healthy. We now understand that it can lead to skin damage that shows up as wrinkles and/or skin cancer.
What are the signs of skin cancer?
Skin cancers can have different appearances depending on the type of growth. Basal cell carcinomas are the most common type of skin cancer. They can appear as a pearly or translucent pink or red bump on the skin or as a non-healing sore. Squamous cell carcinomas are the second most common and can take the form of a persistent, scaly red patch that crusts or bleeds. Melanomas are less common, but they are the most serious. They occur as brown or black patches on the skin and can have other colors within them such as red, white, or blue. They are usually asymmetric and have irregular borders.
What can be done to prevent skin cancer?
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to minimize your sun exposure.
· Decrease your sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when solar radiation is most intense.
· Wear protective clothing such as a wide-brim hat and long sleeves and pants.
· Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater on any sun-exposed areas. Apply it about a half-hour before going outside, and reapply it every two hours when working or playing outside.
· Avoid tanning salons.
· Teach your children about sun protection. Damage from the sun accumulates over a lifetime and most of a person’s lifetime sun exposure occurs by age 20.”
--Nina Blumental, MD
TAKE CARE OF YOUR BONES:
It is Never Too Early or Too Late!
“Strong and healthy bones are essential for staying active and independent throughout life. Unfortunately for many, any move-ment can result in painful or disabling fractures. These people suffer from the potentially crippling disease osteoporosis. People who develop this disease have bones that become so thin and brittle, that they break easily. Many elderly who have hip fractures as a result of osteoporosis never regain their independence or quality of life. Even worse, many individuals die from fracture-related complications. The good news is that osteoporosis and bone fractures can be prevented, no matter what age you are.
Are you at risk?
Anyone can develop osteoporosis. Your risk of getting this disease is even higher if you have one or more of these traits:
· You are a woman,
· You have a family history of osteo.
· You have reached menopause.
· You are of Caucasian or Asian heritage.
· You have a small-bones frame.
Calcium is the key--Calcium is the major nutrient needed for bones to grow and stay strong.
Strength Training--Learn proper bone-strengthening exercises, including the use of weights.
--Food and Nutrition
Father and Son
Be more than his dad,
Be a chum to the lad;
Be a part of his life
Find time to talk with him,
Take time to walk with him,
Share in his studies
And share in his play;
Take him to places,
To ball games and races,
Teach him the things
That you want him to know;
Don’t live apart from him,
Don’t keep your heart from him,
Be his best comrade,
He’s needing you so!
--Edgar A. Guest
I’m having a hell of a time functioning.
My hands, my body and my mind
Are no longer nimble, quick and reliable.
My will and my body became weakened
By cancer and a storm of anger
Directed at my illness, myself
And my chauvinistic oncologist.
Someday soon my anger will soften
Into the warmth of healing strength.
But not today!
--Flo F. Raposa
Workmanship
We approach a time of life
When it becomes necessary
To see that any work done
Is sufficient for the day.
To remaining time
Is for the workings
of the soul.
--George Salvadore
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