Council On Aging March 2011 Evergreen Newsletter
Representative Paul Schmid will be at the Westport Senior Center, 75 Reed Road, Westport, MA on Friday, March 4th from 11:00 to 11:45 for an informational session. This is your opportunity to meet with Rep. Schmid and bring him your concerns or to tell him what you appreciate about the workings of the Commonwealth.
Tuesday April 12th
Get out and vote so your voice is heard!
Please Call (508) 636-1026
by April 5th
to schedule transportation
to the voting poles
The SHINE Program
Ken Costa our Shine representative will be at the Westport Council on Aging the second and fourth Friday of the month to answer you insurance questions about Medicare, supplements & Mass Health. call to schedule an appointment.
Call for space availability and fees-508-636-1026.
Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2011 1:30 –3:00
**The first Friday March 4, 2011- 12:00-2:00 PM
CHAIR MASSAGE with Heather
Every Wednesday 9:00AM-11:00AM-Donations Accepted.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC w/Nurse Kathy
3rd Tuesday, March15, 2011, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Thursday March 10th at 10:30. For an appointment call the WCOA,
508-636-1026.
SOUP & SANDWICH LUNCHEON
We will serving Corn Beef Sandwiches and Leek Soup 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. Lunch will be followed by an informative presentation on Hospice Care
Advance registration is required (508) 636-1026
REGULAR DAILY EVENTS FOR MARCH 2011
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.
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.8:45 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
1:30pm – 3:00 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
9:45 - 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. - 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.
1:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Creative Drawing – Fee.
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.
* * * * * * * * * *
ENTERTAINMENT
March 15, 2011 12:00-2:00PM
Gold, Silver & Bronze
May 18, 2011 12:00
A tribute to Neil Diamond
by Victor Sologaistoa, Jr.
May 25, 2011 12:00 Key Notes
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. Class is led by Serena Honeycutt
Are you interested in walking / hiking with others who love the outdoors? 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. Group is led by Rosemary Lenrow.
Class is being led by Wendy Sperduti-Ray
Monday, Wednesday & Friday. 8:45AM-9:30AM
Join the multi-media drawing class at the Westport Council on Aging. Share the fun and comradery as you learn new ways to express yourself, responding to your surroundings with new awareness of form, perspective, and learning color techniques. Classes are on Thursdays 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Cost is $30.00 for a 5 week session, continuing through the year. Barbara Farnell is the instructor. Please call the Westport Council on Aging.
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 from learning the value of owning a PC and getting online. Keep in mind, “You Cannot Break the Computer”. So let’s have some fun and learn together. Call Instructor Joan at the COA Wednesday thru Friday to set up a time.
Utilize posture and breath to increase flexibility, strength and balance. A great workout for the body, mind and soul! Yoga will be meeting February 7th through March 28th. Drop-In rate is $7.00 per class. They are held on Mondays 1:00-2:00 PM. The instructor is Michelle Pacheco.
Chinese system of slow meditative physical exercise designed for relaxation and balance and health. The fee is $2.50 per session or $20.00 for 10 weeks. The instructor is Nikolas Ukleja. Classes are on Fridays, Advanced from 11:30-12:30, Intermediate from 12:30-1:30 & Basic from 1:30 - 2:30.
An exercise for people with or at risk for osteoporosis. Participants will learn about osteoporosis and everyday activities that will improve their day to day lives. A physician form filled out by the doctor that states this would be beneficial is required. Sessions are held on Mon, Wed and Fri for a donation of $10.00 three times per year. The instructor is Florence Wypych.
Seasons of the sky, a journey through the universe on space station earth. 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? The cost is $30.00 per session, next one begins in May. Class meets the first Thursday of each month 10:00-12:00. The instructor is Greg Stone.
Members bring a new poem they have written to the weekly Wednesday meeting and constructively critique one another's work. Class size is limited. Please call for information. Convener is Barbara Wicks.
If you're new to knitting or chrocheting, it's a great way to pick up new tricks & always have someone at the ready to help you through difficult parts of patterns or explain a new-to-you technique. For knitters & crocheters of all skill levels committing to a group is a way of making time for it that hopefully you will stick with.
The class is led by Gertrude Vigeant.
Preserve the art of quilting by gathering together to share quilting ideas and techniques. We create group quilts and assist one another with personal quilts & share ideas. The group meets Thursdays at 1:00 and is led by Valerie Schofield.
FRIENDS OF THE WESTPORT
COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.
Supporting the Senior Center
P. O. Box N-192
Westport, MA 02790
Spring Greetings from the FWCOA
By the time you read this, we should be seeing Forsythia in bloom and the Friends of the Westport COA will be working on new ideas for raising funds to help the Senior Center make the center even more responsive to the needs and wishes of Westport’s seniors. As you all know, the Senior Center has a great many programs and is always open to new ideas.
The enrollment in the Senior Day Care program has increased dramatically in the last year and is a very important part of the Senior Center. It is so vital for caregivers to have some respite and this program gives that- one or two days a week can make such a difference.
The friends are very please that our membership continues to grow- there are several categories and all are very affordable.
The food Pantry- which receives its financial support from the Friends of Westport council on Aging- has also greatly increased the number of families it serves.
Happy Spring!
“Food for Friends”
The WCOA Food Pantry, Food for Friends, has never felt so healthy, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of so many of you throughout the community. All our shelves of canned goods and tubs of packaged foods are full to overflowing.
However, with numbers of clients increasing every month, we always welcome donations, especially peanut butter, baked and other beans, rice, fruit and healthy, cold cereal.
Thank you for your continued support!
Food for Friends Committee and Volunteers
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.
Healthcare Reform Improves Medicare Benefits
Medicare coverage has been improved because of the Healthcare Reform, now called the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It is important to understand the changes, so you will be able to take advantage of them. Remember there are SHINE counselors, who volunteer at Senior Centers to help you understand your Medicare plans and to assist you in getting your Medicare services.
If you have prescription drug coverage through a Medicare Part D Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO or PPO), during the coverage gap (donut hole) your drug costs increase significantly. In 2010, as part of the ACA, individuals in the donut hole were eligible to receive a $250 rebate on drug costs. If you were in the donut hole in 2010 and have not received your rebate check, contact SHINE.
The ACA will over time close the prescription drug coverage gap. This year, in the donut hole there will be a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs and a 7 percent discount on generic drugs. If you get into the donut hole and you are not receiving these discounts, contact SHINE.
New this year, due to the ACA, Medicare now covers many preventive services at no cost. These free services include an annual wellness exam, mammograms, colonoscopies and osteoporosis screenings.
Also this year, the Affordable Care Act will provide qualifying doctors and other health care professionals providing primary care to people on Medicare a 10-percent bonus for primary care services. This will help ensure that those primary care providers can continue to be there for Medicare patients.
To learn more about your Medicare benefits, you can go to www.medicare.gov or the Medicare & You 2011 Handbook. For a free, confidential SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) appointment, call The Westport Council on Aging at (508) 636-1026.
Memory Training
by Lindsey from Compassionate Care
April 4th at 10:00am
Call the Westport Council on Aging to reserve your spot
(508) 636-1026
Memory Training
by Lindsey from Compassionate Care
April 4th at 10:00am
Call the Westport Council on Aging to reserve your spot
(508) 636-1026
& Support Meeting
Presented By:
“Community Nurse and Hospice Care”
6:00 P.M. to 7:30 PM
Acushnet Council on Aging
59 ½ South Main Street Acushnet
The purpose of the Educational Program is to assist individuals who care for a friend or relative with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Care giving can cause stress, chronic fatigue, feelings of isolation and a host of conflicting emotions.
This is a Free program!
Meeting Dates are: March 23rd, April 27th, May 25th, June 22nd, July 27th, August 24th, September 28th, October, 26th, November 30th, December 28th.
of Southeastern Massachusetts
will be providing an educational presentation on Hospice care. The presentation will include who is eligible, how to refer people to Compassionate Care Hospice, their services and their Veterans Outreach Program. The presentation will be given on March 16, 2011 at 11:30-12:30 at the Westport Council on Aging.
For Westport elders and handicapped persons of all ages by appointment only
The cost is $3 one way $5 round trip.
Medical Appointments:
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00am-2:00pm
When you make your doctor’s appointment, call us immediately to schedule a ride. Have the exact doctor’s name, street address, telephone number and approximate duration of your appointment (pick up time) when you call.
Please plan at least two weeks in advance due to limited availability.
Stop & Shop: 1st Friday of the month between 10:00am - 1:00pm
Wal-Mart: 3rd Friday of the month between 10:00am - 1:00pm
WISH LIST
The Westport Council on Aging has a need for lap-top computers to use in their P.C & Internet training classes. If you have a retired a lap-top with wireless capabilities you would like to donate please call and ask for Joan.
We no longer need clothing donations.
Thank you for your generosity!
**Announcement**
The Second Half Knitting Class – Spring 2011*
TSH- Knitting class spring semester will begin on Feb.22, 2011 and end on June 10th, 2011.
“You need to be a member and pay a tuition fee. Interested people should contact TSH and they will be happy to send you a catalog of their spring courses. You may register by going to our web site www.umassd.edu/secondhalf.” or call (508) 677-4694.
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 2010 tax returns. Mr. Clapin will be at the Center on Wednesdays, by appointment only, through April 14, 2011.
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.
Attorney Jennifer Heald will be meeting individuals for fifteen minute appointments on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. If you would like to make an appointment with her or would like to ask her any legal questions please call 508-636-9090.
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