COA June Evergreen Newsletter

TOWN OF WESTPORT
Council on Aging
75 Reed Road
Westport, Massachusetts 02790-1135
Tel 508-636-1026 fax 508-636-1034

***EVERGREEN***

WESTPORT VOTERS
YOUR VOTE, AT TOWN MEETING JUNE 8^TH AT 7:00 P.M. IS VERY IMPORTANT! LET’S KEEP WESTPORT A FAIR AND EQUITABLE COMMUNITY WITH SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR ALL. IF YOU NEED TRANSPORTATION TO ATTEND, PLEASE CONTACT THE COA AT 508 636-1026.

“Walk for Westport’s Food Pantry” Big Success - Despite giving people only one week’s notice about our first “Walk for Westport’s Food Pantry”, 10 enthusiastic people, all ages, showed up at the main gate of Horseneck Beach, across the causeway to Gooseberry Island, and back. Walkers and generous donors, made this 1^st annual walk to support our pantry, “Food for Friend’s” a success. Walkers included Mary Ellen Gomes and her daughter Nancy and granddaughter Morgan, Heather & Bill Reed, Sally Hand, Naoko Kugler, Carol Guay, Carol Munger, Sharon Andrade and Kathy Cardin. Everyone had a wonderful time, enjoying the sunshine and good conversation. Next year we’ll give lots of advanced notice to join in the fun in support of this vital service provided by the WCOA. On behalf of “Food for Friends”, The WCOA would like to thank everyone who made a donation and to all who continue to show your support by dropping off food or helping with the pantry. Your generosity is helping us to provide food and basic toiletries to individuals and families in Westport on a regular basis. “Food for Friends” is open to anyone in need who lives in Westport and is at least 18 years old. For more information please call 508-636-1026 or speak with any of the staff at the WCOA.

GREETINGS FROM THE FRIENDS Soon you will be receiving FWCOA’s annual membership mailing. Particulary in the light of the Town’s tight budget restraints, we hope that you will all continue to support this volunteer effort to promote the vital work of the COA. And we look to those of you who have not yet become members to join in keeping the COA an important resource for so many. As you know, this year FWCOA contributions have helped to fund the Senior Day Scholarship Program in order to benefit a wider range of elders. The Senior Day Program is a happy, caring place essential both to the elders who attend and their families. As you complete your membership renewal this year, we ask that you consider the additional request for a contribution to the scholarship fund that is found on the envelope. Thanks - The Board of the FWCOA - Rosemary Lenrow - “Annual Meeting of the FWCOA will be held on June 14^th at 10:30”

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!

Please join us for Soup & Sandwich .....Wednesday June 16, 2010 We will serve Vegetable Beef Soup & Italian Subs at the Westport Senior Center - 11:30 A.M. for the first 60 guests who make reservations--all for the bargain price of $3.00 per person. Entertainment is a movie at 12:00
Advance registration is required--(508) 636-1026.
“FOOD FOR FRIENDS”
FOOD PANTRY IS OPEN!!:
Food Pantry Update for June: The Pantry is growing weekly and we always welcome donations of food, toiletries, and even monetary donations. We’ve recently had two generous donations from Curves in North Dartmouth and the Westport Elementary School children, families, and staff to whom we are very grateful. Currently, we can still use the following items in small/ medium sizes:Food: Mac and Cheese, canned fruit, sugar-free items for diabetics, peanut butter, jelly, baked beans, desserts (puddings, mixes, jello, cookies), rice, packaged soups (not canned, we have plenty), hams, stew, chili, all-in-one meals or side dishes. We are currently well-stocked with pasta (except mac and cheese) or canned soups. Please drop items off at the WCOA. 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. 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, Prevention
FITNESS-Prevention, Reiki, T’ai Chi, YogaFit, Zumba
PROGRAMS:Call for space availability and fees-508-636-1026.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP w/ Phyllis
Meeting on the 3^rd Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 1:30 p.m.

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP w/ Andrea3^rdTuesday- June 17, 2010, 10:30-11:30AM
Also, BOOKS ON TAPE--VIDEO MAGNIFIER
Transportation is available for Westport residents.

CHAIR MASSAGE w/ Karen—1^st Friday
Friday, June 4, 2010 12:00-2:00PM

CHAIR MASSAGE w/ Heather
Every Wednesday 9:00AM-11:00AM
Donations Accepted

BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC w/Nurse Pauline
Wednesday, June 2, 2010, 10:30 – 11:30 PM
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC w/Nurse Kathy
3^rd Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 1:30 – 2:30 PM

PODIATRY CLINIC at Dr. Spiri’s office in Somerset,
Thursday June 3, 2010. For an appointment
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

“Sing-a-long with Natalia at 12:00 noon on Wednesday June 2, 2010

LEGAL ADVICE -
Attorney Jennifer Heald will be meeting individuals for fifteen minute appointments on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 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.
**Legal Tips**Landlords: A Few Tips for Summer Rentals**
*Landlords should screen potential tenants & request references. *Determine the type of lease to use; Oral Lease, Written Lease and the length of the lease period.* Perform a walk-through of the property with the tenant together and write up a “Statement of Conditions Form”. 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. *Landlords should screen potential tenants & request references. *Determine the type of lease to use; Oral Lease, Written Lease and the length of the lease period.* Perform a walk-through of the property with the tenant together and write up a “Statement of Conditions Form”.

Bulletin regarding Prescription Advantage - Blue Cross and Blue Shield discovered an error with their 2009 Part D premium billing. This error affected Prescription Advantage members in the S1, S2 and S3 categories who were enrolled in the Blue Cross stand-alone Part D plans during 2009. This error resulted in both over billing and under billing members. Adjustments have been made to member accounts and will be reflected in the April 2010 premium invoice to be mailed by May 7^th. Although a letter of explanation will accompany the bills and refund checks, members may call Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA. Blue Medicare RX Customer Service at 1-888-543-4917 for a more detailed explanation.

PC & INTERNET CLASSES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
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 Joan 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.

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

My Life My Health Chronic Disease Self-Management Program- Created by Stanford University My Life My Health is scheduled to begin on June 14^th!!! We have available slots for the next six week session which will run on Mondays from 12:00 to 2:30 from June 16^th through July 19^th. Please note the July 5th class will be held at the same time and place on Tuesday July 6^th due to the holiday observance.Westport Council on Aging has been awarded a partnership with the Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Council on Aging Association to implement My Life, My Health, Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. If you have a chronic condition such as High Blood Pressure, Arthritis, Heart Problems, Diabetes or any other chronic illness or condition, this program is for you. This is an evidence based program that promotes the empowerment of people with chronic conditions and their loved ones, to take control of their health and to improve the quality of their lives. The program is a series of workshops given for two and a half hours, once a week, for six weeks, here at the Westport Council on Aging. This workshop focuses on problem solving and action planning. Participants who successfully complete the program may be eligible for a small stipend. Classes will begin Monday June 14^th and will be held for two and a half hours with a twenty minute break (12:00 – 2:30). If you are interested in signing up for this program, please call Debra Novo at 508-636-0463 or Jennifer Wagner at the Westport Council on Aging at 508-636-1026 to sign up for the class.
Thank You!!

“Volunteer Corner” Volunteers needed.: Friendly visiters to visit elders in the community.
Brown Bag deliveries. We need volunteers for once a month to help deliver bags on a Tuesday with a COA driver from 10:00AM to 3:00 PM. Please call Jennifer C. Wagner, our Volunteer Coordinator at the Westport Council on Aging if you are interested in volunteering or have any questions.

WCOA “Me Book” Chronicles
If you enjoy scrapbooking or researching
WE NEED YOU! The WCOA is looking for volunteers to compile a new publication that will chronicle past and present activities and services. We will be gathering photos and articles from the past and assembling them into an organized collection such as a photo album or scrapbook. The purpose of this publication is to create a memoir that will also bring a greater awareness of the contributions to the community by the WCOA through its many services and activities. If you are interested in contributing to this valuable project that will be enjoyed by many for years to come. Please call the WCOA at 508-636-1026 to sign up for our initial brainstorming meeting on Monday June 14^th at 10:00AM.

“Volunteer Spotlight”
Deborah Novo
   Deborah Novo has been volunteering here at the Westport Council On Aging since February 2008. As a registered nurse her passion is to reach out and help others. Deborah found herself missing being able to help others when it became necessary for her to take an extended leave from her professional nursing career to focus on her own personal health challenges.
   Her first days as a volunteer were spent assisting in the Social Day program. She then moved onto being a Friendly Visitor. As a Friendly Visitor she takes the time to make weekly social visits to members of the Westport Community who are unable to get out of the house regularly.
    At the current time her most notable contribution to the center is as the volunteer instructor for the My Life My Health program. This program is a six week interactive course designed to empower the participants to find creative, positive ways to live with chronic health challenges. The group members support and encourage each other to actively engage in activities that create new positive tools and positive thinking regarding their health challenges. In addition to the two and a half hour weekly sessions she spends a great deal of time planning and preparing for each session. Her dedication and commitment to this program is directly
responsible for its tremendous success.
Facilitating this course has been as rewarding for Deborah as it has been for the course participants. While helping others by making this course possible here at the Westport Council On Aging this experience has had unexpected rewards by helping her to find creative, positive tools to living a fulfilled life with her own chronic medical challenges. Thank you Deborah for making a difference in the lives of others by volunteering at the Westport Council On Aging.

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.Congressionalapportionment 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 JUNE 2010 and BEYOND
June 2 12:00 Wednesday entertainment by Natalia

June 16 11:30 a.m. Wednesday –Vegetable Beef soup & Italian Sub - For $3.00 A movie will follow at 12:00PM. Reservations call 508-636-1026

REGULAR DAILY EVENTS FOR June 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.

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.

1:00 - 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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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COA June Evergreen Newsletter