COA April 2009 Evergreen Newsletter
MEET THE CANDIDATES
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, April 1, 7:00 p.m., at Westport Middle School.
My Life My Health
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
Created by Stanford University
Westport Council on Aging has been awarded a partnership with the Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Councils on Aging Association to implement “My Life, My Health”, Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. If you have a chronic disease such as High Blood Pressure, Arthritis, Heart Problems, Diabetes, or any other chronic illness, this program is for you. This is an evidence-based program that promotes the empowerment of people with chronic conditions and their loved ones to take control of their health and to improve the quality of their lives. The program is a series of workshops given for two and a half hours, once a week, for six weeks, here at the Senior Center. People who successfully complete the program are eligible for a small stipend.
Classes will begin sometime in April. If you are interested in signing up for this program, please call Toni Cormier, Volunteer Coordinator, or the office at Westport Council on Aging at 508-636-1026. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible to schedule you for a class.
TOWN ELECTION
Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The deadline for obtaining absentee ballots is 12 noon on the day before election (Monday, April 13, 2009). Absentee ballots must be mailed or hand-delivered back to the Clerk's Office and received by the close of polls (8 p.m.) on Election Day in order to be counted. If anyone has any questions, please call the Town Clerk's office at 508-636-1000, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
SOS: SEASONS OF THE SKY
A Year-Long Journey through the Universe on Space Station Earth.
· Begins Thursday, April 2, from 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon, at the Senior Center.
· Buy a ticket on Space Station Earth and open the door to the entire Universe! Just $30 covers one session a month for 12 months.
· Take advantage of free, related, observing sessions at Driftway Observatory and other local locations as weather permits. Sign up now. Space is unlimited, but seats on this trip are! We’ll be off and rolling at 66,000 miles an hour on April 2 - sorry, no waiting for stragglers!
WALKING / HIKING GROUP
Ah, it’s spring! Are you interested in walking/hiking with others who love the out-of-doors? Have you wanted to walk some of the wonderful trails in our area but have some reservations about heading out alone?
We are sending up a trial balloon to see if there is interest in forming a walking/hiking group. The times, dates, and sites will be selected by the group, and of course the out-of-doors is free. If you are interested in this initiative, please call, 508-636-1026, at the Council on Aging. Please include your phone number or e-mail address so we can be in touch to set up a brief meeting to explore this idea together.--Rosemary Lenrow
Alzheimer’s / Dementia Training
For all Interested Parties
For all Interested Parties
Managing Behavior
“How to Avoid Catastrophic Situations”
Wednesday April 29, 2009
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Please sign up at the Westport Council on Aging, 75 Reed Road, 508-636-1026.
Presented by: Terrie Arruda - Community Liaison & Alzheimer Specialist, Masterpiece Home Care
If you have any questions please call Toni Cormier, Volunteer Coordinator, or the office at 508-636-1026.
HEALTH CARE PROXY
April 15, 12:00 noon, Wednesday
Mary Anne Monte, LSW, from New Bedford Health Care Center will be at the Westport Senior Center to talk about Health Care Proxy--What is it? What does it mean to you?
Please join us for an informative informal discussion on this topic.
Refreshments will be served.
“Silver and Gold” Revue
Ray and Susan will perform at Westport Senior Center.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 12:30 p.m.
“This program is supported by the Westport Cultural Council through a grant from the
Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust administered by Bank of America.”
United States CENSUS 2010
Why do we take the Census?
The U. S. Constitution (Article I, Section 2) mandates a headcount every 10 years, of everyone residing in the United States: in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens, and non-citizens. The first census was conducted in 1790 and has been carried out every 10 years since then.
The totals affect funding in your community, and data collected in the census help inform decision makers how your community is changing. Approximately $300 billion in federal funding is distributed to communities each year.
Why do we take the Census?
The U. S. Constitution (Article I, Section 2) mandates a headcount every 10 years, of everyone residing in the United States: in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens, and non-citizens. The first census was conducted in 1790 and has been carried out every 10 years since then.
The totals affect funding in your community, and data collected in the census help inform decision makers how your community is changing. Approximately $300 billion in federal funding is distributed to communities each year.
LEGAL ADVICE
Attorney Jennifer Heald will be meeting individuals for fifteen minute appointments on Tuesday, April 21 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. The first six individuals to sign up will meet with Attorney Heald who will help to answer your questions at the Senior Center. Please write down your questions so you can make good use of your brief time with her.
Attorney Heald established her general civil practice in Westport handling civil matters including estate planning and landlord/tenant cases. As an Estate Planning attorney, she is able to give advice on Last Wills and Testaments, Durable Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxies, Living Will Declarations, HIPAA Authorizations, and Declarations of Homesteads for clients. She can also provide legal assistance in probate administration.
Digital TV Converter Box
Coastline Elderly Services has a grant to help people with the converter boxes. Joan Straton from coastline will be available to help people with questions and problems about their conversions. Joan has coupons and is available to go out to your home and help you install the unit. Call the Westport Council on Aging,
508-636-1026, and leave a message.
SOUP & SANDWICH and A MOVIE
On Wednesday, April 8, 2009, we will serve chicken soup, and an egg salad or ham sandwich at the Westport Senior Center. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. for the first 60 guests who make reservations--all for the bargain price of $3.00 per person.
Advance registration is required--(508) 636-1026.
On Wednesday, April 8, 2009, we will serve chicken soup, and an egg salad or ham sandwich at the Westport Senior Center. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. for the first 60 guests who make reservations--all for the bargain price of $3.00 per person.
Advance registration is required--(508) 636-1026.
Following your meal, a movie will be show for your entertainment pleasure, “MAMA MIA” with Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan.
Homestead Declaration--ALERT
“Scam artists are at it again. Companies are trying to take advantage of people during these difficult times by offering a homestead form for $15.00. This is a form that can be obtained from the registry of deeds at NO COST.
Filing for homestead is something you should consider if you have not already done so. The actual filing will cost around $35 or so and can be done at any county courthouse.
“Scam artists are at it again. Companies are trying to take advantage of people during these difficult times by offering a homestead form for $15.00. This is a form that can be obtained from the registry of deeds at NO COST.
Filing for homestead is something you should consider if you have not already done so. The actual filing will cost around $35 or so and can be done at any county courthouse.
DAFFODILS
Heed the determination
of those early harbingers of spring
that push their buds
through sleeping gardens
to burst into blossom
of warmest yellow
on an early, gentle day.
--J. Fradley
Discover Tuscany--November 3 - 12, 2009
The Westport Council on Aging through the Friends of the WCOA are sponsoring a trip to Italy. Included in this 10-day excursion hosted by Collette Vacations, will be visits to Rome, Assisi, Basilica of Sts. Francis, Montecatini Terme, Florence, Tuscan Feast, San Gimignano, Siena, and a Winery Tour.
The price includes hometown pick up with 10 or more passengers, air taxes, fees/surcharges of $490 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers, Round-Trip air from Logan International Airport.
Not included in the price: Cancellation waiver and insurance of $200 per person.
For more information, contact Mary Ellen Gomes at the Westport Council on Aging, 508-636-1026.
W I S H L I S T
THANK YOU, DR. CALLEN for the generous gift of a Wii system.
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 Art Bingo Drawing Games Knitting Quilting Poetry Writing Watercolor
AND BODY Aerobics, Billiards, Chair Massage,
FITNESS Osteoporosis Prevention, Reiki, T’ai Chi, YogaFit, Zumba
PROGRAMS: Call for space availability and fees-508-636-1026.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP w/ Phyllis --1st Thursday
NO Thursday session in April 2009.
Transportation is available for Westport residents.
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP w/ Andrea --3rd Tuesday
also, BOOKS ON TAPE--VIDEO MAGNIFIER
Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Transportation is available for Westport residents.
CHAIR MASSAGE w/ Karen--1st Tuesday
Tuesday, April 7, 2009, 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.
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC w/Nurse Kathy
Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
PODIATRY CLINIC at Dr. Spiri’s office in Somerset,
Thursday, April 16. Call the COA, 508-636-1026.
Social Security's Economic Recovery One-Time Payments Information
President Obama recently signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This act provides for a one-time payment of $250 to individuals who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security benefits. All adults, including disabled adult children (but not minor children--unless they receive SSI) are eligible.
The legislation also provides for a one-time payment to recipients of VA and Railroad Retirement Board benefits.
Social Security expects everyone who is entitled to a payment to receive it by late May 2009. No action is required on your part.
The payments will be distributed in the same way regular monthly payments are made. People with direct deposit will receive their payments electronically. Those who receive paper checks will receive their payments in the mail. People who receive regular payments through Direct Express debit card will receive their one-time payments through the card. --Social Security Administration
PRESIDENTIAL GREETINGS
Birthday greetings for those 80 years of age or older, and greetings for wedding anniversaries of 50 years or more from the President of the United States for U.S. are available by submitting your request in writing six weeks in advance. Please provide information:
Name of Honoree(s), Address of Honoree(s),
(Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss), Date of Birth or Anniversary (Month, Day, Year), and Requestor’s name and daytime phone number.
Mail your requested greeting to:
The White House
Attn: Greetings Office
Room 39
Washington, D. C. 20502-0039
Tuesday, April 7, 2009, 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
This is a complimentary service—no charge.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 16. Call the COA, 508-636-1026.
The legislation also provides for a one-time payment to recipients of VA and Railroad Retirement Board benefits.
Social Security expects everyone who is entitled to a payment to receive it by late May 2009. No action is required on your part.
The payments will be distributed in the same way regular monthly payments are made. People with direct deposit will receive their payments electronically. Those who receive paper checks will receive their payments in the mail. People who receive regular payments through Direct Express debit card will receive their one-time payments through the card. --Social Security Administration
Birthday greetings for those 80 years of age or older, and greetings for wedding anniversaries of 50 years or more from the President of the United States for U.S. are available by submitting your request in writing six weeks in advance. Please provide information:
Name of Honoree(s), Address of Honoree(s),
(Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss), Date of Birth or Anniversary (Month, Day, Year), and Requestor’s name and daytime phone number.
Mail your requested greeting to:
The White House
Attn: Greetings Office
Room 39
Washington, D. C. 20502-0039
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