COA November 2008 "Evergreen" Newsletter
HOME HEATING CRISIS
“Fuel assistance is once again available for homeowners and renters needing help in paying high winter heating costs in Massachusetts. The federal government annually determines allocation of fuel subsidies to states.
In Massachusetts, the Department of Housing and Community Development oversees and distributes this fuel assistance to over 25 local non-profit administering agencies--Citizens for Citizens, Inc. (CFC) serves the town of Westport. CFC will then make payments toward the heating bills to the primary heat source vendor (oil, propane, wood or coal dealer, gas or electric utility). Eligibility is based on annualized household income and the number of members in the household. If you are a Westport resident, you may call the Council on Aging, 508-636-1026, for an appointment.
Consumer complaints about home heating problems can be reported to the Attorney General’s office, Public Inquiry and Assistance Center at 617-727-8400.”
UTILITY SHUT-OFF INFORMATION
“If you have a Financial Hardship
You are protected from having your electric or gas service shut off if you have a financial hardship AND
1. You, or someone in our home, is seriously ill; or
2. You have an infant in the home under 12 months; or
3. It is between November 15 and March 15 and you need the service to heat your home.
If you are age 65 or older:
Utility companies may not shut off service to households where all residents are 65 years or older without written approval from the Department of Telecommunications and Energy.”
“For limited-income households not eligible, contact the Good Neighbor Fund through your local Salvation Army at 617- 542-5420.” --Secretary of State
Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans – Open Enrollment
The annual open enrollment for Medicare
Part D and Medicare Advantage plans begins November 15 and ends December 31, 2008.
Any changes or choices made during this time
will become effective on January 1, 2009.
During the Open Enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries may change their Part D plan, if they choose.
Medicare beneficiaries that have a Medicare Advantage plan (HMO, PPO, or PFFS), may also make changes during this time. They may switch
to another Medicare Advantage Plan, or change to
a Medicare Supplement (Medigap), or return to original Medicare. All changes will take effect on January 1, 2009.
You may qualify for Extra Help
If you meet the following income and resource limits:
Your yearly income is less than $15,600 for an individual, or $21,000 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may qualify if you meet one of the following conditions:
1. You or your spouse supports other family members who live with you.
2. You or your spouse has earnings from work.
3. You or your spouse live in Alaska or Hawaii.
Your resources must be limited--resources include your savings and stocks, but not your home or car.
For more information and assistance, you may call your Westport SHINE Counselor, 508-636-1026.
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 Bingo Drawing Games Knitting Meditation Quilting
AND Poetry Writing Watercolor
BODY
FITNESS Aerobics, Billiards, Chair Massage, Line Dancing, Osteoporosis Prevention, Reiki, Strength & Flex, T’ai Chi, YogaFit
PROGRAMS Call for space availability and fees-508-636-1026.
AND Poetry Writing Watercolor
BODY
FITNESS Aerobics, Billiards, Chair Massage, Line Dancing, Osteoporosis Prevention, Reiki, Strength & Flex, T’ai Chi, YogaFit
PROGRAMS Call for space availability and fees-508-636-1026.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP w/ Phyllis --1st Thursday, November 6, 2008, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Transportation is available to Westport residents.
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP w/ Andrea --3rd Tuesday--
also, BOOKS ON TAPE--VIDEO MAGNIFIER
Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Transportation is available to Westport residents.
also, BOOKS ON TAPE--VIDEO MAGNIFIER
Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Transportation is available to Westport residents.
CHAIR MASSAGE w/ Karen--1st Tuesday
Tuesdays, November 4, 2008, 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.
(There will be no Reiki on November 3, 2008)
PODIATRY CLINIC--Thursday, November 13, 2008, at
Dr. Spiri’s in Somerset. Call the COA for an appointment.
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC w/Nurse Kathy
Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
THE SECOND HALF Sponsored Knitting Class
Thursdays 9:30 - 11:30 am
Pre-requisite: Join The Second Half
For information on Membership and Tuition
call Beverly at 508-677-4694
FRIENDS OF THE WESTPORT COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.
Supporting the Senior Center
P. O. Box N-192, Westport, MA 02790
.
HOLIDAY FAIR
Westport Senior Center, 75 Reed Road
Monday through Friday
November 3rd to 7th, 2008
8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Knitted goods, quilted items, specialty table—holiday baskets
BAKE SALE is Wednesday, November 5th
Sponsored by the Friends of the Westport COA, Inc.
FUEL ASSISTANCE
Applications for new enrollees will be available after November 1st for Westport households who are eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (Fuel Assistance). If you would like to apply, please call the Westport Council on Aging for an appointment—proof of identity, income and utility bills are required. Special provisions are made for those households whose heat is included in their rent and those living in subsidized housing.
Households with incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty level are eligible for the Fuel Assistance Program. Homeowners and renters are both eligible.
ART EXPRESSIONS WORKSHOP
Join our workshop titled “Images of Westport” on Friday mornings from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Westport Senior Center. New participants welcome!
Paints, heavy-duty watercolor paper, and
large brushes will be supplied.
Bring your enthusiasm and any photos that will inspire you.
Jim Blackledge, Bachelor of Fine Arts,
will be your guide and inspiration in this creative endeavor.
No Experience in Art is Necessary!! Register by calling the COA, 508-636-1026.
“STRENGTH AND FLEX”
exercise program led by Larry Bigos
Tuesdays, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
$9 per session, Senior Center
Hand weights included, Floor mats included, Dress comfortably, Men and women welcome, Drop-ins welcome. The instructor will take registration
YogaFit Seniors
Real Yoga for Real People
Taught by Kathy Gillet, Certified YogaFit Instructor
Mondays, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., Charge: $5.00 per session
Drawing Class
Mondays, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Under the expert direction of Barbara Farnell, drawing classes will be offered to help you show your creative side.
Bring a drawing/sketch pad, white eraser, assortment of soft pencils.
Registration is $25 for 5 weeks.
FLU CLINIC
9:00 - 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 5th, Westport Senior Center
Personal Touch in co-operation with the Westport Council on Aging announces
a flu shot clinic for Westport residents who are 65 years of age and over; if you are under 65, please have documentation of a chronic medical condition. Please bring your Medicare card at your visit.
9:00 - 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 5th, Westport Senior Center
Personal Touch in co-operation with the Westport Council on Aging announces
a flu shot clinic for Westport residents who are 65 years of age and over; if you are under 65, please have documentation of a chronic medical condition. Please bring your Medicare card at your visit.
SOUP & SANDWICH and a MOVIE
Wednesday, November 19th, will be our second Soup, Sandwich, and Entertainment Day at the Westport Senior Center. Homemade kale soup, a chourico and peppers sandwich, and a special dessert will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by a movie at 12:00 noon--all for the bargain price of $3.00 per person. It is necessary to register in advance by calling (508) 636-1026.
VETERANS BREAKFAST
November 13th, 2008, Thursday, 9:00 a.m.
Westport Senior Center
Calling all Westport veterans – Come for a SOS breakfast. Call and reserve your spot, 508-636-1026, by November 7th.
Newport Playhouse Dinner Theatre Trip
Date: Sunday, November 30, 2008
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Pick-up: Westport Senior Center, 75 Reed Road
Play: “The Cemetery Club”, directed by: Sandy Cerel
Price: $48.00 per person (15 or more people)
Sponsored by: Amy Fragoza Tours and Westport Council on Aging.
For reservations and information call Amy at 508- 636-2786.
Date: Sunday, November 30, 2008
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Pick-up: Westport Senior Center, 75 Reed Road
Play: “The Cemetery Club”, directed by: Sandy Cerel
Price: $48.00 per person (15 or more people)
Sponsored by: Amy Fragoza Tours and Westport Council on Aging.
For reservations and information call Amy at 508- 636-2786.
Christmas at Blithewold Mansion
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2008
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Pick-up: Westport Senior Center, 75 Reed Road
Tour: Blithewold Mansion. Lunch at 11:30 a.m. at a local restaurant (lunch on your own)
Price: $12.00 per person (including transportation)
Sponsored by: Amy Fragoza Tours and Westport Council on Aging.
For reservations and information call Amy at 508- 636-2786.
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