COA OCTOBER 2008 EVERGREEN Newsletter
Senior Center Closed for Renovations!!!
The Westport Senior Center will be closed for floor renovations from Monday, September 29th through Friday October 3, 2008. Our Senior Social Day Program “Safe Harbor” will still be operating and transportation will also be available. The Friends of Westport Council on Aging have graciously agreed to fund the cost of the renovations so there will be no cost to the Town. Thank you to the “Friends” Board and to all of the members who have been so generous over the years.
We will be open again on October 6, 2008.
Mary Ellen Gomes, Director
THE SECOND HALF
Sponsored Knitting Class
Thursdays 9:30 - 11:30 am -- Began on September 25, 2008
Pre-requisite: Join The Second Half
For information on Membership and Tuition
call Sydney at 508-677-4694
NEW PROGRAMS
Are you on board? Bring your favorite board game and have fun with your COA friends. Play scrabble, chess, card games, or even join in with a group puzzle, or just stop in and read a book or magazine. Monday is the day to meet in the COA library--9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m..
Are you on board? Bring your favorite board game and have fun with your COA friends. Play scrabble, chess, card games, or even join in with a group puzzle, or just stop in and read a book or magazine. Monday is the day to meet in the COA library--9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m..
BINGO! In addition to the regular 1st and 3rd Tuesday Bingo days, we have started a Friday afternoon session. Come and play for prizes--12:30 - 2:00 p.m.!
LINE DANCING CLASSES-- Line dancing is very popular at weddings and special holiday parties, so it’s the in thing to know. Sign up now for Thursday afternoon classes at the Center--1:00 2:30 p.m.
MEDITATION, REIKI, and YOGA sessions are available to relax the mind and body. Call for more details--pre-registration is required.
WE SERVE LUNCH
A nutritious, balanced meal is served weekdays at 11:30 a.m. in the Senior Center dining room. Everyone over the age of 60 is welcome to join us.
We don’t want to disappoint anyone, so please make reservations at least two days in advance of the days you wish to attend--508-636-1026.
The luncheon is available for a $2.00 donation.
SENIOR CENTER CLOSING POLICY: If the Westport Community Schools announce closings due to weather emergencies, the Senior Center will close for classes, transportation, and other activities--the COA office may operate for routine administrative operations only.
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 Bingo, Drawing, Games, Knitting, Meditation, Quilting
AND Poetry Writing, Watercolor
BODY
FITNESS Aerobics, Billiards, Chair Massage, Line Dancing, Osteoporosis Prevention, Reiki, Strength & Flex, T’ai Chi, YogaFit
PROGRAMS Call for space availability and fees-508-636-1026.
AND Poetry Writing, Watercolor
BODY
FITNESS Aerobics, Billiards, Chair Massage, Line Dancing, Osteoporosis Prevention, Reiki, Strength & Flex, T’ai Chi, YogaFit
PROGRAMS Call for space availability and fees-508-636-1026.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP w/ Phyllis--1st Thursday
Thursday, October 2, 2008, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Transportation is available to Westport residents.
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP w/ Andrea--3rd Tuesday--also, BOOKS ON TAPE--VIDEO MAGNIFIER
Tuesday, October 21, 2008, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Transportation is available to Westport residents.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Transportation is available to Westport residents.
CHAIR MASSAGE w/ Karen--1st Tuesday
Tuesdays, October 7, 2008, 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
This is a complimentary service—no charge.
Tuesdays, October 7, 2008, 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
This is a complimentary service—no charge.
REIKI w/ Deborah--Mondays, 10:00 a.m.-12 noon. Fee schedule.
(There will be no Reiki on November 3, 2008)
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC w/Nurse Kathy--Tuesday, October 21, 2008, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOANS
Many individuals and families who no longer need their collapsible walkers, wheelchairs, canes, etc., donate them to the COA. If you need any of these items, call us at 508-636-1026.
Carbon Monoxide: Massachusetts Law & Protecting You
Changes in the law in 2006 increased awareness about the danger of carbon monoxide--a colorless, odorless gas that has almost the same density as air, but can overwhelm the lungs, cut off oxygen to the body, and cause sickness or death. According to Massachusetts General Law, every home must have appropriately placed detectors throughout the dwelling.
The Law requires a detector
· On each level of a dwelling.
· In habitable* portions of basements, cellars and attics, but not crawl spaces.
· On any level of a dwelling with a sleeping area –no further than 10 feet from the bedroom door.
· Be installed in all homes for sale or being built.
* A habitable space is a room or space where it would be possible for someone to sit or sleep.
Any store that carries smoke detectors will stock carbon monoxide detectors. You can also contact your security company to order units to fit your exact specification, if necessary. Talk to the fire department regarding specific policies and procedures.
For information about this MA Law, log onto www.mass.gov/dfs. --Security Team
SENIOR CENTER CLOSING POLICY:
If the Westport Community Schools announce closings due to weather emergencies, the Senior Center will close for transportation and other activities--
the COA office may operate for routine administrative operations only.
FUEL ASSISTANCE
If you previously had Fuel Assistance this past winter, be sure to complete your re-application to be able to continue with your benefits.
Applications for new enrollees will be available after November 1st 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 for a November appointment—proof of identity, income and utility bills are required. Special provisions are made for those households whose heat is included in their rent and those living in subsidized housing.
Households with incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty level are eligible for the Fuel Assistance Program. Homeowners and renters are both eligible.
ART EXPRESSIONS WORKSHOP
Join us for our first workshop titled “Images of Westport” to be held on Friday October 17th, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Westport Senior Center.
Paints, heavy-duty watercolor paper, and
large brushes will be supplied.
Bring your enthusiuasm and any photos that will inspire you.
Jim Blackledge, Bachelor of Fine Arts,
will be your guide and inspiration in this creative endeavor.
No Experience in Art is Necessary! Call the COA to register, 508-636-1026.
“STRENGTH AND FLEX”
exercise program led by
Larry Bigos
Tuesdays
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
$9 per session
Senior Center
Hand weights included, Floor mats included, Dress comfortably, Men and women welcome, Drop-ins welcome, Instructor will take registration.
YogaFit Seniors
Real Yoga
for Real People
Taught by Kathy Gillet, Certified YogaFit Instructor
Mondays, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Charge: $5.00 per session
Drawing Classes
Mondays, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Under the expert direction of Barbara Farnell, drawing classes will be offered to help you show your creative side.
Bring a drawing/sketch pad, white eraser, assortment of soft pencils.
Registration is $25 per week. Begins October 20, 2008
FLU CLINIC
9:00 - 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 5th, Westport Senior Center
Perfect Touch in co-operation with the Westport Council on Aging announces
a flu shot clinic for Westport residents who are 65 years of age and over; if you are under 65, please have documentation of a chronic medical condition. Please bring your Medicare card at your visit.
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Bill Gifford donated pumpkins and squash to the Senior Center.
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“Sing-a-long with Natalia”
12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 15
“Silver Fox” Performance
12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28
12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28
Newport Playhouse Dinner Theatre Trip
Date: Sunday, November 30, 2008
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Pick-up: Westport Senior Center, 75 Reed Road
Play: “The Cemetery Club”, directed by: Sandy Cerel
Price: $48.00 per person (15 or more people)
Sponsored by: Amy Fragoza Tours and Westport Council on Aging.
For reservations and information call Amy at 508- 636-2786.
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Christmas at Blithewold Mansion
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2008
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Pick-up: Westport Senior Center, 75 Reed Road
Tour: Blithewold Mansion.
Lunch at 11:30 a.m. at a local restaurant (lunch on your own)
Price: $12.00 per person (including transportation)
Sponsored by: Amy Fragoza Tours and Westport Council on Aging.
For reservations and information call Amy at 508- 636-2786.
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