Westport Evergreen Newsletter October 2010
TOWN OF WESTPORT
Council on Aging
75 Reed Road
Tel 508-636-1026 fax 508-636-1034
October is Food Pantry Month. To celebrate the one-year anniversary of “Food for Friends,” we are declaring October as FOOD PANTRY MONTH. Our Pantry now serves over 50 households, providing food and toiletries to Westport residents in need. “Food for Friends” is 100% community-supported, thanks to each of you, as well as local organizations, businesses, churches, schools, and clubs. During the month of October, we hope you’ll donate non-perishable food items and toiletries, as often as you feel able, to help us keep the Pantry well-stocked. Food items and toiletries needed regularly includes: Canned tuna/chicken/ham, peanut butter, soups, spaghetti sauce, canned potatoes, rice, canned fruit, baked beans, canned vegetables, kidney and black beans, healthy cold cereals, sugar-free/low-sugar foods, toothpaste, toothbrushes and soap. Donations can be dropped off at the Senior Center, the Library, and Lees Market. Thank You for all your support and generosity. Heather Heath Reed- Chair, COA Board of Directors
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.Call Karen Urmson 508-222-1399.
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.
Meeting onTuesday, October 21 at 10:00AM
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 October 1- 12:00-2:00PM
CHAIR MASSAGE w/ Heather
Every Wednesday 9:00AM-11:00AM
-Donations Accepted.
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC w/Nurse Pauline
Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC w/Nurse Kathy
3rd Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
PODIATRY CLINIC at Dr. Spiri’s office in Somerset,Thursday October 21st. For an appointmentcall the WCOA, 508-636-1026. Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 10:30 – 11:30 AM3 Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 1:30 – 2:30 PM - PODIATRY CLINIC at Dr. Spiri’s office in Somerset,Thursday October 21st. For an appointmentcall the WCOA, 508-636-1026.
First Annual COA Health & Wealth ExpoWas a Great Success!!
Over 25 exhibitors were present, with information, Seminars and Healthy Food prepared by our local volunteers, Bob & Lorraine Theroux & Thelma Ledoux. We had over 140 visitors who sampled our signature Squash Soup, Clam Chowder and Baked Apples. Free Reiki & Massage were available for people to experience. A wonderful Art show was displayed throughout the building, with paintings and drawings by our local artists. The winner of the $100 gas card was Beverly Baughan! A special thanks to all our Volunteers and Staff who provided above and beyond to make this event a huge success.
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 - 508-636-1026 -
Bristol Elder Services announces Improvments to Local Meals on Wheels Program
Bristol Elder Services’ Nutrition Program is excited to improve the home delivered meal (Meals on Wheels) and congregate meal programs which provide nutritious meals for elders in our area.
Starting October 1st, Lindley Food Services will cater the meals for Bristol Elder Services. Lindley will prepare the meals from a new, high quality kitchen in West Bridgewater, MA. The meals will continue to be prepared daily from scratch for nearly 2,000 elders in Bristol County.
Also in October, the meals will be delivered chilled instead of holding them hot from the time they are prepared until the time that they reach consumers’ homes. Although the meals are fully cooked when they arrive, they will need to be reheated when the consumer is ready to eat. The reheating instructions have not changed. Meals may be heated either in the microwave for about three minutes or in the oven for about 15 minutes. Reheating instructions are on the cover of the meals.
The chilled delivery system has several advantages. Delivering cold and having consumers heat in a microwave or oven will mean that food is cooked by the caterer just right. The cooking process is stopped until the consumer is ready to eat. The meals will be cooked appropriately and will stay moist without gravies or sauces. Karen Cote, Nutrition Program Director says, “We believe our consumers will enjoy the improved appearance and flavor of the meals. Other areas of the state have tested the meals held cold after cooking and found them to taste much better than meals kept hot several hours.”
There will also be a small change to the frozen meals that are delivered to some seniors for weekend use. The containers will be black plastic containers instead of beige cardboard currently used. The heating instructions for these meals will remain the same. They are both oven and microwave safe.
If you have any questions regarding these please contact Bristol Elder Services’ Nutrition Department at 508-324-4619. If you want to receive meals, contact Bristol Elder Services at 508-675-2105.
“Sing-a-long with Natalia at 12:00 noon on Wednesday October 6, 2010.
Soup & Sandwich- Wednesday October 13, 2010
We will serve Kale Soup & Chourico Sub 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
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!
Attorney Jennifer Heald will be meeting individuals for fifteen minute appointments on Wednesday, October 13 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!!
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 October 18th, October 25th, November1st, 15th, 22nd, & 29th, December 6th & 20th. The instructor is Michelle Pacheco.
GREETINGS FROM THE FRIENDS The Friends on the Westport Council on Aging Board met for the first time for the new year of 2010-2011. Our meeting on September 20th covered a lot of topics and plans we hope to implement. A project we are going to explore and hope to complete is the repaving of the parking lot at the Senior Center. It is very much needed and the Friends are, once again, willing to provide funds for improving the Senior Center and the services that are offered there. The staff at the Senior Center is so dedicated and hardworking that the Friends are very happy to step in and provide assistance when we can.The Telephone Book proved, thanks to our wonderful advertisers, to be a very worthwhile project – again. We hope to have events and occasions that will provide more funds for the Senior Center needs. In November, please be looking for our Holiday Fair, to be held before Thanksgiving. We welcome items in good condition and we, of course, will also have a Bake Sale along with the Fair. Keep posted for more detail and dates.The membership in the Friends continues to grow, it is a very affordable membership. Individuals $10.00, Family $25.00, Business $35.00, Supporting $50.00-$99.00, Patron $100.00+. Memorial Gifts are also gratefully received. Just send to FWCOA, P.O. Box N-192, Westport, MA 02790. Enjoy the beautiful season of Fall. Friends of the COA
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? Every Tuesday starting at 8:45 AM they meet from the Westport COA.
If you are interested, please call, 508-636-1026, at the Council on Aging. --Rosemary Lenrow
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 OCTOBER 2010 and BEYOND
October 22 - Volunteer appreciation Brunch - Invitations to be sent out soon!!
Soup & Sandwich- Wednesday October 13, 2010
We will serve Kale Soup & Chourico Sub 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
REGULAR DAILY EVENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2010
MONDAYS
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Senior Social Day Program, Monday through Friday. Supervised program. Fee.
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.Supervised program.
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.
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.
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
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
9:45 - 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
12:00-12:30 TSH Book Club1:30 - 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. - 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.Supervised program.
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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