Westport News

TRANSPORTATION CORNER - UPDATES & REMINDERS
FROM THE WCOA TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

Appointments for transportation must be made in advance to provide quality transportation for our clients. Appointments can be taken between 10:00 A.M. & 2:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. Beginning March 1^st 2010, appointments cannot be made for the following day. Please call at least 1 week prior to your appointment. For example, if you need an appointment for a Wednesday, you must call to schedule it with us no later than the Wednesday before your appointment. This gives us time to prepare our schedules in a more effective manner. Please keep this in mind when scheduling you’re appointments. Donations- During these tough economic times your support is more important than ever to help keep the transportation service that the WCOA provides going. A $5 donation is suggested a round-trip ride, and $3 for a one-way transport. Also donations may be made to the Town of Westport. Thank You Again for your continued support for such a great service!

 

“FOOD FOR FRIENDS”
FOOD PANTRY IS OPEN!!:

  This great resource is 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.

 

 Thank you to everyone who has generously contributed to the Food Pantry.  We are doing well, serving nearly 30 Westport households. “Food for Friends” depends on the community support and you and the community-at-large have been wonderful.       

                       

We always welcome whatever you can donate, whether it be canned and prepackage foods, toiletries, volunteering to work at the Pantry, or making a donation. We are now posting on the “erasable” board in the COA main hallway a list of items that are particular needed.  Small sizes are more manageable than larger for our recipients.

 

Specifically, we can use the following foods and toiletries. Please drop items off at the WCOA.

 

Food: Cold & hot healthy Cereal, Peanut butter, Jelly, Fruit, Baked beans, Ravioli, Spaghetti, Stews & Chili, sweet & white Potatoes, Protein beans (kidney, chickpea, pinto), Hams.

 

Toiletries: Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Paper Towels, Kleenex and disposable Razors.

 

Thank You for all your support. Individually and together we are making a difference.
                                                Heather Heath Reed
                                                COA Board Chair

FOOD PANTRY IS OPEN EVERY THURSDAY
10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
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.
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
*Tuesday, March 16 1:30 p.m.*

 

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP w/ Andrea
3^rdTuesday- 10:30-11:30
Also, BOOKS ON TAPE--VIDEO MAGNIFIER
 Transportation is available for Westport residents.

  CHAIR MASSAGE w/ Karen--
 * Friday March 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, March 3, 2010, 10:30 – 11:30 PM
 BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC w/Nurse Kathy
3^rd Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 1:30 – 2:30 PM

PODIATRY CLINIC at Dr. Spiri’s office in Somerset,
Thursday, March 25, 2010.  Call the WCOA, 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? Every Tuesday at 8:45A.M there is a group that begins at the Westport COA.
 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, March 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.

  
 PC & INTERNET CLASSES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

 

Hi and welcome to Computer Classes at Westport COA. My name is Joan Hale, and I am here to help you get the most out of your PC. I want you to excel in how you use your PC, be it Internet, surfing, emailing, 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. Call me at the COA at 508-636-1026 Monday thru Wednesday to set up a training time.

 

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 3:00 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.

 

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  Mr. Clapin at 508-672-5683 for an appointment. 

This program is offered by the AARP Foundation in conjunction with the IRS, in co-operation with the COA.

 

 

Healing from Grief and Loss Sponsored by Community Nurse & Hospice Care Jennifer Marszalek will be presenting a 4 week group on coping with Grief & Loss at the Westport COA. Starting on Thursday March 4^th and continuing on March 11^th, 18^th, and 25^th  @ 9:00AM-10:30AM.   For more information, please call 508-636-1026

 

Dr. John Meehan, Ophthalmologist from South Coast Eye Care will be giving an informational on Macular Degeneration on April 20^th 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 !!

 

 

Fuel Assistance- Forms & Assistance is now available through the Outreach department. Please call to schedule an appointment with Andrea or Phyllis.
 
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 8, 2010
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.

Southern Charm
The Westport C.O.A. through the Friends of the WCOA is sponsoring a trip to Charleston, Savannah & Jekyll Island April 18^th - 24^th, 2010. Hosted by Collette Vacations.  Join us for a Slide Show Presentation @ the Westport COA- February 11^th at 12:00 Noon. RSVP 508-636-1026. Save over $100 traveling with the WCOA.

     For more information, contact Mary Ellen Gomes at the Westport Council on Aging, 508-636-1026.

 

 Parkinson’s Support Group - is having a meeting on Thursday, March11th @ 1:00PM at the Dartmouth COA on Dartmouth St. So. Dartmouth, Ma. Suzanne J. Sequin, Atty. Will be discussing “Elder Law Essentials and Medicaid for Long Term Care” Call Judy Medeiros for details 508-997-0907.

 

 

WESTPORT TELEPHONE BOOK

As you know, a new Westport Phone Book is being published this year.

1.      If you are not in the New Bedford Verizon directory (delivered since February 1^st) you will not be in our Telephone Book, unless you contact us in writing giving us your name, address, and the telephone number that you want in the book.  Send to: FWCOA, P.O. BoxN192, Westport, Mass. 02790

2.      If you get your mail at a Post Office Box and you want that information shown in the new Telephone Book, you must call Claire at 508-636-3535 or e-mail cvkenny@yahoo.com.  We will include the Post Office Box numbers but only if you notify us as shown above.
3.      We are willing to show your cell phone number in the Telephone Book if you are no longer using a “land line”.  But you must notify us in writing of this-send to: FWCOA, P.O. Box N192, Westport, MA 02790

 

The FWCOA publishes this Telephone Book as a service to the town and a fundraiser for the senior center.  It is distributed free to every household and if you have a business or service, it is the best possible place to advertise-our rates have not been raised.  If you have not received the forms and rates for an ad-call Lillian at 508-675-7635. and they will sent to you. All ads must be submitted promptly in order to make our deadline.

 

 

CENSUS 2010
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

 

 

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - WESTPORT SENIOR CENTER
(Programs for elders 60 years of age and over)

 

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR MARCH 2010 and BEYOND

 

March 3                11:00 -1:30 Tuesday entertainment by Natalia

 

March 4, 11, 18, & 25^th -Healing From Grief & Loss Sponsored by the Community
                             Nurse and Hospice Care - Presented by Jennifer Marszalek - 9:00
                             a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

 

March 8                A six- week session starts on My Life My Health at 12:00-2:30PM. 
         
March 17               11:30 a.m. Wednesday – Corned Beef & Cabbage -   For $3.00 Entertainment by guitarist/vocalist Susan Lainey at 12:00PM.  Reservations call 508-636-1026

 

March                   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  Mr. Clapin at 508-672-5683 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 MARCH 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, 3^rd 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, 3^rd 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.     3^rd Wednesday of the Month, “LEGAL ADVICE” with Atty:                                    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, 1^st Thursday.  Reservations.

 

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon   Lunch Program, Monday through Friday.
                                      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, 1^st 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.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

If you get your mail at a Post Office Box and you want that information shown in the new Telephone Book, you must call Claire at 508-636-3535 or e-mail .We will include the Post Office Box numbers but only if you notify us as shown above.We are willing to show your cell phone number in the Telephone Book if you are no longer using a “land line”.But you must notify us in writing of this-send to: FWCOA, P.O. Box N192, Westport, MA 02790The FWCOA publishes this Telephone Book as a service to the town and a fundraiser for the senior center.It is distributed free to every household and if you have a business or service, it is the best possible place to advertise-our rates have not been raised.If you have not received the forms and rates for an ad-call Lillian at 508-675-7635. and they will sent to you. All ads must be submitted promptly in order to make our deadline.If you get your mail at a Post Office Box and you want that information shown in the new Telephone Book, you must call Claire at 508-636-3535 or e-mail .We will include the Post Office Box numbers but only if you notify us as shown above.We are willing to show your cell phone number in the Telephone Book if you are no longer using a “land line”.But you must notify us in writing of this-send to: FWCOA, P.O. Box N192, Westport, MA 02790The FWCOA publishes this Telephone Book as a service to the town and a fundraiser for the senior center.It is distributed free to every household and if you have a business or service, it is the best possible place to advertise-our rates have not been raised.If you have not received the forms and rates for an ad-call Lillian at 508-675-7635. and they will sent to you. All ads must be submitted promptly in order to make our deadline.

If you get your mail at a Post Office Box and you want that information shown in the new Telephone Book, you must call Claire at 508-636-3535 or e-mail .We will include the Post Office Box numbers but only if you notify us as shown above.We are willing to show your cell phone number in the Telephone Book if you are no longer using a “land line”.But you must notify us in writing of this-send to: FWCOA, P.O. Box N192, Westport, MA 02790The FWCOA publishes this Telephone Book as a service to the town and a fundraiser for the senior center.It is distributed free to every household and if you have a business or service, it is the best possible place to advertise-our rates have not been raised.If you have not received the forms and rates for an ad-call Lillian at 508-675-7635. and they will sent to you. All ads must be submitted promptly in order to make our deadline.

If you get your mail at a Post Office Box and you want that information shown in the new Telephone Book, you must call Claire at 508-636-3535 or e-mail .We will include the Post Office Box numbers but only if you notify us as shown above.We are willing to show your cell phone number in the Telephone Book if you are no longer using a “land line”.But you must notify us in writing of this-send to: FWCOA, P.O. Box N192, Westport, MA 02790The FWCOA publishes this Telephone Book as a service to the town and a fundraiser for the senior center.It is distributed free to every household and if you have a business or service, it is the best possible place to advertise-our rates have not been raised.If you have not received the forms and rates for an ad-call Lillian at 508-675-7635. and they will sent to you. All ads must be submitted promptly in order to make our deadline.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.If you get your mail at a Post Office Box and you want that information shown in the new Telephone Book, you must call Claire at 508-636-3535 or e-mail .We will include the Post Office Box numbers but only if you notify us as shown above.We are willing to show your cell phone number in the Telephone Book if you are no longer using a “land line”.But you must notify us in writing of this-send to: FWCOA, P.O. Box N192, Westport, MA 02790The FWCOA publishes this Telephone Book as a service to the town and a fundraiser for the senior center.It is distributed free to every household and if you have a business or service, it is the best possible place to advertise-our rates have not been raised.If you have not received the forms and rates for an ad-call Lillian at 508-675-7635. and they will sent to you. All ads must be submitted promptly in order to make our deadline.