COA February 2010 Evergreen Newsletter
Council on Aging
75 Reed Road
Westport, Massachusetts 02790-1135
Tel 508-636-1026 fax 508-636-1034
**EVERGREEN**
Special Thanks
Santa wasn’t the only one bringing gifts to the Westport Council on Aging this Christmas. A shiny blue Nissan Quest Minivan arrived just in time for the holidays.
The family of Ginny Haines wanted to honor her memory and chose the Westport Council on Aging as the recipient of the memorial donation on her behalf. Bob Haines and the COA staff discussed the option to purchase a minivan to provide transportation to medical appointments. The minivan would be much more economical to operate and reduce the cost per trip saving the town money.
Within a few days, Mr. Haines had located the 2004 Nissan Quest with low mileage and in great condition. The price of the Quest was several thousand dollars more than the memorial donation, so the Friends of Westport Council on Aging provided the additional funding.
So, the next time you request a ride from the Westport COA, don’t be surprised if the lovely blue Nissan Quest picks you up. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
The gift of the van was not the only generous donation the COA received this year. Many individuals and businesses have given from the heart and it’s always amazing to see our community reaching out to help one another.
Although you will read this in February, I am writing this in the beginning of January, which is always a good time to be thankful! 2009 was a difficult year but we still have so much for which to be thankful for. First we want to thank all of those who made donations of money, time, food for the pantry and/or talent. We wouldn‘t have been able to continue to provide the current level of service without you. I would personally like to thank the staff for the special effort they provided during the long four months that we were without a clerk. Last but certainly not least, thank you to all of you who have so wonderfully supported the WCOA during 2009.
Mary Ellen Gomes, DirectorPlease join us for Soup & Sandwich .....
Tuesday February16th - 11:30 a.m. for the first 60 guests who make reservations--all for the bargain price of $3.00 per person.
Entertainment by: Voices in Time 12:00 - 1:15.
Advanced registration is required--(508) 636-1026.
CREATIVE DRAWING CLASS
Join the multi-media drawing class at the Westport Senior Center. Share the fun and comradely as you learn new ways to express yourself, responding to your surroundings with new awareness of form, perspective, and color learning techniques.
Classes are on Thursdays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a cost of $30.00 for a 5 week session, continuing through the year. Barbara Farnell is the instructor. Please call the Westport Council on Aging - 508-636-1026.
FOOD PANTRY IS OPEN!!:
OUR PANTRY NEEDS CANNED GOODS & BOXED ITEMS!!
Tough times are upon us and with the holidays approaching, please pass the word that we have this great resource available to families in the Westport Community. If you have any questions on who qualifies, please call the center and ask for Andrea or Phyllis at 508-636-1026 in the Outreach Department. Suggested Items Are As Follows: Canned meat such as tuna, ham or chicken; peanut butter, box of cereal, pasta, pasta sauce, rice, Parmalat milk, canned fruit or canned vegetables. Thank you for working with us to help each other during these difficult times! Please drop items off at the WCOA.
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.
Call Karen Urmson-508-222-1399
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, Osteoporosis, Prevention
FITNESS-Prevention, Reiki, T’ai Chi, YogaFit, Zumba
PROGRAMS:Call for space availability and fees-508-636-1026.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP w/ Phyllis
*February 16 1:30 p.m.*
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP w/ Andrea
3rdTuesday- 10:30-11:30
Also, BOOKS ON TAPE--VIDEO MAGNIFIER
Transportation is available for Westport residents.
CHAIR MASSAGE w/ Karen--
* Friday February 5, 2010 12:00 noon to 2:00PM*
CHAIR MASSAGE w/ Heather
Every Wednesday 9:00AM-11:00AM
This is a complimentary service—no charge.
REIKI w/ Deborah--Mondays, 10:00 a.m.-12 noon. Fee schedule.
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC w/Nurse Pauline
Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 10:30 – 11:30 PM
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC w/Nurse Kathy
3rd Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
PODIATRY CLINIC at Dr. Spiri’s office in Somerset,
No clinic for the month of February. Call the COA, 508-636-1026.
Walking - Hiking Group
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?
If you are interested, please call,
508-636-1026, at the Council on Aging.
--Rosemary Lenrow
LEGAL ADVICE
Attorney Jennifer Heald will be meeting individuals for fifteen minute appointments on Wednesday, February 17th 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.
The Senior Center is closed Monday February 15th for Presidents’ Day.
S.N.A.P. - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - helps low income individuals and families buy healthy, nutritious food. Please contact the Outreach department to see if you are eligible!!
My Life My Health
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
Created by: Stanford University
New session Beginning Monday March 1st
Please call to reserve your space for this six-week session. Classes will be held on Mondays from 12:00 - 2:30. Please feel free to call Toni Cormier, LSWA, at the Westport Council on Aging for more details--508-636-1026.
The Westport C.O.A. through the Friends of the WCOA is sponsoring a trip to Charleston, Savannah & Jekyll Island April 18th - 24th, 2010. Hosted by Collette Vacations. Join us for a Slide Show Presentation @ the Westport COA- February 11th at 12:00 Noon. RSVP 508-636-1026. Save over $100 traveling with the WCOA.
FRIENDS OF THE WESTPORT COUNCIL ON AGING, INC
Supporting the Senior Center
P.O. Box N192
Westport, MA 02790
NEW YEAR –NEW TELEPHONE BOOK
As we begin 2010, the Friends of the Westport Council on Aging (FWCOA) are going to begin the process of producing a new Westport Telephone Book- that little book that everyone reaches for several times a day…
Given the state of the economy, we were a bit hesitant but when we checked with our loyal advertisers (the backbone of this book), we got a very warm reception and several said “it’s the best source of business I have”.
But this time we are going to need input from people other than advertisers- so many people now have telephone service “bundled” with other things- and others have no “land line” anymore- in both these cases, you are going to have to inform us of the telephone number you want published in the Westport Telephone Book. This edition is going to be for 3 years, 2010-2013, so if you want your friends and neighbors to be able to look you up easily in the book everyone relies on, you have to tell us your correct telephone number. We get our information from the Verizon Telephone Book that is published in February each year, but, of course, only Verizon customers appear in that book. So, put this on your list of things to do, please.
If you are no longer a Verizon customer, you must send us the telephone number you want in the Westport Telephone Book (please give your full name and address). Send to FWCOA, P.O. Box N-192, Westport, MA 02790.
Thank you,
Claire Kenney
WHY YOU SHOULD RESPOND
The 2010 Census is:
EASY With just 10 questions, it is easy to complete and return.
SAFE By law, the Census Bureau cannot share your answers with anyone.
IMPORTANT Census data are used to determine U.S.Congressional apportionment as well as the distribution of federal funding. Federal, state and local policymakers also use Census data to:
Implement the Supplemental Social Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance Programs. Plan programs for seniors living alone. Apply for grants to help seniors caring for their grand children. Create facilities and services for people with disabilities.
PLEASE FILL OUT AND RETURN YOUR CENSUS FORM WHEN IT IS DELIVERED IN SPRING 2010
Westport COA is offering a FREE Home Energy Seminar at the Senior Center!
Home Energy Savings for Retirees
Fact: Most Massachusetts homes could save 20% or more on their fuel use.
Want to reduce your hour energy costs?
Looking for cheap, do-it-yourself solutions?
Interested in energy savings financing options?
You’ll learn about all this and more by attending a FREE Seminar:
Home Energy Savings for Retirees on Wednesday February 17, 2010 1:00 PM
Westport Council on Aging 75 Reed Rd. Westport, MA
Presenters will illustrate hands-on tips, highlight actions that are most cost effective, and provide free educational materials for attendees.
*Refreshments will be provided*
For more information, please call 508-636-1026 or
e-mail coadirector@westport-ma.gov
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 2009 tax returns. Mr. Clapin will be at the Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays, by appointment only, through April 14, 2010.
Please contact the WCOA, 508-636-1026 and Mr. Clapin will call you for an appointment.
This program is offered by the AARP Foundation in conjunction with the IRS, in co-operation with the COA.
ELDER ABUSE
Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter and his 2nd assistant, Paul J. Machado will bring this important message to the Westport COA on Thursday, February 25, 2010, at 10:30AM. Sam Sutter will speak about his commitment to prevent and prosecute elder abuse and provide an overview of the District Attorney’s Office. The many different forms of elder abuse will be discussed-from physical to financial. Attorney Machado will speak about identity fraud, financial exportation, and scams. He will also speak about physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, how cases are prosecuted, tips to prevent abuse, and victim rights. Elders will learn how to prevent abuse, and victim rights.
This event is free. Registration is encouraged and can be made by contacting the Westport COA at (508) 636-1026
Dr. John Meehan, Ophthalmologist from South Coast Eye Care will be giving an informational on Macular Degeneration on April 20th 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Screenings may be available. Please call 508-636-1026 to sign up for this presentation. Thank You !!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS - WESTPORT SENIOR CENTER
(Programs for elders 60 years of age and over)
SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY 2010 and BEYOND
February 3 11:00 -1:30 Tuesday entertainment by Natalia
February 11 12:00 noon A Slide Show Presentation @ Westport COA will be presented on the Southern Charm, Collette Tour, to Charleston, Savannah & Jekyll Island, April 18-24, 2010.
February 16 11:30 a.m. Wednesday - Soup Sandwich and a Movie - Minestrone Soup, and Meatball Sandwich. For Reservations call 508-636-1026
February 17 1:00 a.m. Westport COA is offering a Free Home Energy Saving for Retirees Seminar at the Center, 75 Reed Rd. *Refreshments will be provided* For more information, please call 508-636-1026 or email coadirector@westport-ma.gov
February 25 10:30 a.m. District Attorney Sam Sutter & Second Assistant, Paul J. Machado will provide elders with preventive information to combat elder abuse. Registration is encouraged and can be made by contacting Westport COA at 508-636-1026.
February Tuesday and Thursday AARP Tax-Aide Program. Jean-Louis Clapin will be at the Westport COA to help residents over 60 years of age prepare their simple 2009 tax returns, by appointment only, through April 14, 2010. Please contact the WCOA, 508-636-1026 and Mr. Clapin will call you for an appointment.
April 20 11:00 a.m. Dr. John Meehan, Ophthalmologist from South Coast Eye Care will be giving an informational on Macular Degeneration. Screenings may be available. Please call 508-636-1026 to sign up for this presentation.
REGULAR DAILY EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY 2010
MONDAYS
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Senior Social Day Program, Monday through Friday.
Supervised program. Fee.
8:45 - 9:30 a.m. Aerobic Exercise, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Fee.
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Pool Tables, Monday through Friday.
Tables available for individual and group games. Walk-ins.
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Games, Mondays. Walk-ins.
9:45 - 11:00 a.m. Osteoporosis Prevention, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Cost of weights and donations. Reservations.
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Reiki, Mondays. Donation.
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon Lunch Program, Monday through Friday.
48-hr. Advanced reservations. Donation.
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. YogaFit Class, Mondays. Fee.
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Zumba Class, Mondays. Fee.
TUESDAYS
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Senior Social Day Program, Monday through Friday.
Supervised program. Fee.
9:00 a.m. Walking / Hiking Group
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Pool Tables, Monday through Friday.
Tables available for individual and group games. Walk-ins.
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Visual Impairment Support Group, 3rd Tuesday. Reservations.
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon Lunch Program, Monday through Friday.
48-hr. Advanced reservations. Donation.
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Knitting Circle, Tuesdays. Walk-ins.
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Bingo, every Tuesday. Walk-ins.
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Blood Pressure Clinic, 3rd Tuesday. Walk-ins. Nurse Kathy
1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Caregiver support group. 3rd Tuesday of the Month
WEDNESDAYS
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Senior Social Day Program, Monday through Friday.
Supervised program. Fee.
8:45 - 9:30 a.m. Aerobic Exercise, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Fee.
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Pool Tables, Monday through Friday.
Tables available for individual and group games. Walk-ins.
9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Chair Massage w/Heather - Donation
9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Watercolor, Wednesdays. Fee. Seasonal.
9:45 - 11:00 a.m. Osteoporosis Prevention, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Cost of weights and donations. Reservations.
10:00 a.m.- 11:30a.m. 3rd Wednesday of the Month, “LEGAL ADVICE” with Jennifer Heald. By Appt.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Blood Pressure Clinic w/ Pauline 1st Wednesday of the month.
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon Lunch Program, Monday through Friday.
48-hr. Advanced reservations. Donation.
1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Poetry-Writing Workshop, Wednesdays. Walk-ins.
THURSDAYS
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Senior Social Day Program, Monday through Friday.
Supervised program. Fee.
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Zumba Class. Fee.
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Pool Tables, Monday through Friday.
Tables available for individual and group games. Walk-ins.
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Food Pantry “Food for Friends” every Thursday
10:00 a.m. - 12 noon Astronomy class, 1st Thursday. Reservations.
48-hr. Advanced reservations. Donation.
12:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. Bingo for prizes. 50 cents per card. Walk-Ins
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Quilting, Thursdays. Fee.
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Drawing, Thursdays. Fee.
FRIDAYS
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Senior Social Day Program, Monday through Friday.
Supervised program. Fee.
8:45 - 9:30 a.m. Aerobic Exercise, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Fee.
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Pool Tables, Monday through Friday.
Tables available for individual and group games. Walk-ins.
9:45 - 11:00 a.m. Osteoporosis Prevention, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Cost of weights and donations. Reservations.
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon Lunch Program, Monday through Friday.
48-hr. Advanced reservations. Donation.
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Tai Chi, Advanced Class, Thursdays. Fee
12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Chair Massage w/ Karen, 1st Friday. Walk-ins.
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Tai Chi, Intermediate Class, Fridays. Fee.
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Tai Chi, Basics Class, Fridays. Fee.
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