COA November 2010 Evergreen
TOWN OF WESTPORT
Council on Aging
75 Reed Road
Tel 508-636-1026 fax 508-636-1034
**Holiday Fair** Westport Senior Center
Monday through Friday, November - 15th - 19th, 8:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Knitted Goods, quilted items, Specialty table-holiday baskets.
BAKE SALE - WEDNESDAY November 17th
Come in and join the fun!!!
Sponsored by the Friends of the Westport COA, Inc.
Veterans Breakfast . Calling all Westport Veterans to a breakfast at the Westport COA on November 4, 2010 at 8:30AM. Please call to sign –up and reserve your spot!!!.
FOOD DRIVEHoly Ghost Club on 171 Sodom Rd. Westport, Ma. is having a Non-Perishable Food Drive. Saturday November 20, 2010, 11:00 AM thru 11:00 PM. Coffee & refreshments will be served.
All donations will be given to the Westport COA Food Pantry. Call Wayne Nunes for further info 774-930-2342.
FOOD PANTRY NOTICE FOR NOVEMBER
The food pantry will be open in November on the 4th and the 18th only. Please schedule accordingly.
ATTENTION MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES!
STOP! READ YOUR Medicare, Part D and Health Insurance Information for 2011. Most preventive benefits are free and there is a new benefit: an annual wellness exam at no charge to you. Insurance plan costs are changing. There are fewer drug choices and some plans are discontinued. The time to change plans is during Open Enrollment, November 15- December 31, for coverage beginning January 1, 2011. The time to review your insurance plan choices is NOW! There are significant differences between plans. Starting in 2011, different Part D Plans in our area will have monthly premiums from as low as $14.80 up to as high as $120.10. However, monthly premiums are not the only things to consider. Plans have different deductibles, co-pays, covered drugs and restrictions. Plan information and cost estimates can be found by entering a drug list into the Medicare Plan Finder on www.medicare.gov If you elect a Medicare Advantage plan for 2011 and are unhappy with it, you will be able to disenroll from the plan from January 1st - February 14th and return to Original Medicare. Do you have questions or need help comparing the plans? Please call the COA to make a free appointment with SHINE counselor or 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636 AND PRESS OR SAY “3”).
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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.
Call Karen Urmson 508-222-1399.
TRANSPORTATION appointments for Westport elders, and handicapped persons of all ages will be taken: Monday – Wednesday beginning July 1, 2010, to area appointments scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Appointments to Stop & Shop are taken the 1st Friday of the month between 10:00 & 1:00 and Wal-Mart the 3rd Friday of the month. When you make your doctor’s appointment, call us for a ride. Rides must be scheduled one week in advance. 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
FITNESS Prevention, T’ai Chi, YogaFit, Zumba
PROGRAMS: Call for space availability and fees-508-636-1026.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP w/ Phyllis
Meeting on Tuesday, November 16 at 1:30PM
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP w. Phyllis
Meeting on Tuesday, November 16 at 1:30P.M. Free Massages for Attendees! Laurie Roderick-Hadfield, CLMT, is offering complementary chair massages to the Care Giver Support Group Members who attend this meeting. A brochure that explains the importance of gentle intentional massage for the seriously ill and dying will also be provided. Laurie will give a brief presentation at the beginning of the meeting, and will be there for questions at the end.
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP w/ Andrea
Cancelled until furthur notice. Will still have a quest speaker periodically. Thank you for your past support.
WATER COLOR CLASSES will not be starting up in September. We will keep you posted when we find out more information. Thank you
CHAIR MASSAGE w/ Karen--
**The first Friday in November 5- 12:00-2:00PM
CHAIR MASSAGE w/ Heather
Every Wednesday 9:00AM-11:00AM- Donation Accepted
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC w/Nurse Pauline
Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC w/Nurse Kathy
3rd Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
PODIATRY CLINIC at Dr. Spiri’s office in Somerset,
Thursday, January 6, 2011 For an appointment
call the WCOA, 508-636-1026.
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CREATIVE DRAWING CLASS Join the multi-media drawing class at the Westport Senior Center. Share the fun and comradery 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 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 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 - 508-636-1026MBA NEWS Local Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyers to Offer Free Legal Advice Exclusively to Veterans on Nov.17. The Massachusetts Bar Association is now offering a toll free number as part of its Veterans Dial-A-Lawyer program, a bi-annual event that will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 5:30 -7:30 PM. The free program is part of the MBA’s Serving Our Veterans in the Law initiative, and a supplement to its Dial-A-lawyer programming. I’m delighted the MBA can now pair this critical program with a toll free number; further helping veterans who may not otherwise have the resources to contact a lawyer,” said MBA President Denise Squillante. “The MBA is honored we can give back to veterans across the Commonwealth who have already given so much.” The Nov. 17 Veterans Dial-A-Lawyer marks the first time the MBA will offer a free toll free number. That phone number is (877) 686-0711. If callers get a busy signal, they are asked to hang up and try again. They can also call the local number, (617) 338-0610. The Veterans Dial-A-Lawyer is provided at no charge as a public service of the MBA with the financial support of the Massachusetts Bar Foundation, the philanthropic partner of the MBA. The MBA acknowledges its partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services and thanks them for their important role in its success of the program. During the two-hour event, volunteer MBA attorneys man the phone lines and answer veterans’ questions regarding benefits, divorce, child support, employment and landlord/ tenant issues. The MBA’s Serving Our Veterans in the Law initiative also includes a weekly call-in service for veterans struggling with state & federal appeals. Qualified veterans will be matched up with attorneys who agree to represent their case free of charge. The Department of Veterans’ Services is honored to work with the Massachusetts Bar Association and I applaud them for their continued support to veterans in the commonwealth,” said Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary Thomas Kelly. “The continued success of the Dial-A-Lawyer program has proven that there is a need within the veterans’ community for access to legal services.”
Thanksgiving Lunch Wednesday November 17, 2010
We will serve at the Westport Senior Center. Lunch will be served at 11:30 A.M. and a movie at 12:00 PM 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
Reminder: The Senior Center is closed Wednesday Nov. 11th in observance of Veterans Day. Also Nov. 25 & 26 for Thanksgiving.
P.C. & INTERNET CLASSES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
I want you to excel in how you use your PC, be it Internet, surfing, e-mailing, word processing, or just as simple as using the mouse. I hope this training will help break down the “Typical Barriers” and “Obstacles” which are responsible for stopping the majority of senior citizens learning the value in owning a PC and getting online. Keep in mind, “You Cannot Break the Computer”. So let’s have some fun and learn together. Classes Begin in October - Call Joan at the COA at 508-636-1026 Monday thru Wednesday to set up a training time!
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DOR has just released the rules and regulations for the program in tax year 2010. To quality, an owner or renter’s total income cannot exceed $51,000 for a single individual; $64,000 for a head of household; and $77,000 for a married couple filing a joint return. The property’s assessed valuation cannot exceed $764,000.
As you can see from these limits, a great number of senior homeowners and renters may quality for this refundable tax credit against personal income taxes.
I would urge local officials to take a moment to make sure that staffs in treasures, collectors and assessors offices are able to point potential taxpayer beneficiaries to it. The program is also retroactive for three years, so taxpayers who find themselves eligible in tax year 2010 may also be in line for credits for previous tax years. This credit last year delivered nearly $60 million in tax credits to more than 77 thousand eligible taxpayers.
While we are on the subject of property taxes, I would like to point out the recent guidelines DLS has issued for the Municipal Tax Amnesty Program. This program, approved as part of the 2010 Municipal Relief Act, requires enactment of a city or town’s legislative body. The program does not waive payment of unpaid local taxes, but it does provide for the waiver of interest, penalties and collections costs owed on those delinquent taxes.
Attorney Jennifer Heald will be meeting individuals for fifteen minute appointments on Wednesday, November 17th from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. If you would like to make an appointment with me or would like to call me with any legal questions please call 508-636-9090.
ZUMBA!!!
Come and join us here at the WCOA for fun and easy Latin Dance Exercise. All ages are welcome. Only $5.00 per class. Now accepting new students!! Dance your way to fitness!! Mondays 4- 5 PM & Thursdays 8:30AM – 9:30AM
Aerobics Exercise: Class is being led by Wendy Sperdutti-Ray Monday & Wednesday 8:45-9:30
Yoga : Utilize posture and breath to increase flexibility, strength and balance. A great workout for the body, mind and soul! Fall Sessions have begun. Drop-In rates of $7.00 per class. They are held on Mondays 1:00-2:00 PM on, November1st, 15th, 22nd, & 29th, December 6th & 20th. The instructor is Michelle Pacheco.
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? Every Tuesday starting 8:45AM they meet and leave from the Westport COA.
If you are interested, please call, 508-636-1026, at the Council on Aging. Rosemary Lenrow
PARKINSONS SUPPORT GROUP Meeting will be on Thursday, November 11, 2010 @ 1:00PM at the Dartmouth COA on Dartmouth St. So. Dartmouth, Ma. Please join us with Michele Ostiguy’s presentation, “Listening to your craniosacral rhythm & other relaxation techniques”. Call Judy Medeiros for details 508-997-0907
GREETINGS FROM THE FRIENDS -The Friends of the Westport Council on Aging- FWCOA- have recently voted a large sum of money to repave the parking area in back of the Senior Center. As you all know, it could get pretty messy out there, especially on the large area where there was no blacktop. This major improvement of paving was performed in October by a local company and is now complete! Also, we want everyone to know that we are going to have our Holiday Fair the week of Monday, November 15th to Friday, November 19th. On Wednesday there will be a Bake Sale of home baked goodies. The Fair will have tables of all sorts of gift ideas- at very reasonable prices. This can be helpful with your Christmas gift list. So make a note on your calendar to visit the Senior Center the week of November 15 thru the 19th. Best wishes from the Friends of The Westport Council on Aging (FWCOA)
ISLAND TERRACE CHRISTMAS TREE & TEA TOUR
$10.00 per person limited to 10 people. DECEMBER 2, 2010 - Come join us for a wonderful tea and Christmas tree tour at the Island Terrace Nursing home in Lakeville Ma. Transportation will be provided from the COA only. Must arrive at Westport COA by 12:30 to leave by 12:45. Please call at 508-636-1026 to register.
OUTREACH INFORMATION - Are you or anyone you know in need of assistance? Please call our Outreach office and ask for Andrea or Phyllis.
Outreach Provides the following assistance:-Home Visits, Help with applications, Information and referrals, Caregiver Support , Vision Impaired Support, & Medical equipment loaned out.
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!! Please contact with any questions or for any service request at 508-636-1026.
Assistance Program - helps low income individuals and families buy healthy, nutritious food. Please contact the Outreach department to see if you are eligible!! Please contact with any questions or for any service request at 508-636-1026.
Fuel Assistance- Forms & Assistance is now available through the Outreach department. Please call to schedule an appointment with Andrea or Phyllis.CALENDAR OF EVENTS - WESTPORT SENIOR CENTER
(Programs for elders 60 years of age and over)
SPECIAL EVENTS FOR November 2010 and BEYOND
November 4 8:30AM Veterans Breakfast
November 15-19 - 8:30-2:30 Holiday Fair at the Westport Senior Center. Knitted goods, quilted goods, Specialty table-holiday baskets. Also a Bake Sale on Wednesday November 17th. Sponsored by the Friends of the Westport COA.
November17, 2010 -Thanksgiving Lunch
We will serve at the Westport Senior Center. Lunch will be served at 11:30 A.M. and a movie at 12:00 PM 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
November 20 - 11:00AM – 11:00 PM A Non-Perishable Food Drive at the Holy Ghost Club on 171 Sodom Rd. Westport, MA. Coffee and Refreshments will be served. All donations will be given to the Westport COA Food Pantry.
REGULAR DAILY EVENTS FOR November 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.
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Yoga
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon Lunch Program, Monday through Friday. 48-hr. Advanced reservations. Donation.
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Zumba Class, Mondays. Fee.
TUESDAYS
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.
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.
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Blood Pressure Clinic, 3rd Tuesday. Walk-ins. Nurse Kathy
WEDNESDAYS8:30 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
9:45 - 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 Atty: Jennifer Heald. By Appt.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 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.
12:00-12:30 TSH Book Club
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.
9:30 a.m. THS Knitting
10:00 a.m. Caregiver support group. 3rd Tuesday of the Month
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.
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon Lunch Program, Monday through Friday. 48-hr. Advanced reservations. Donation.
1:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Bingo – Cash etc.
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Quilting, Thursdays. Fee.
FRIDAYS
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Senior Social Day Program, Monday through Friday. Supervised program. 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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