COA September Evergreen Newsletter
TOWN OF WESTPORT
Council on Aging
75 Reed Road
Tel 508-636-1026 fax 508-636-1034
WESTPORT WEALTH &
HEALTH EXPO–2010!
Friday September 24th 2010
12 oon – 4:00 p.m.
The FWCOA is hosting the “Westport Wealth & Health Expo” at the Westport Council on Aging. EXHIBITS INCLUDE:
Free Chair Massage or Reiki session
Meet Doctors including a Podiatrist, an Opthamologist, a Dentist & more!
Get your flu shot at the Flu Clinic Offered by CVS Pharmacy –Medicare B or $29.95 Fee if not covered by Insurance Carrier
View the Art & Quilt Exhibit
Visit the Blood Pressure clinic
Try your luck at the Chinese Auction
Clam Chowder and goodies will be available for purchase at the snack bar
INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Social Security Administration
Diabetes Association Healthy Popcorn Toppings
Estate Planning by Jane Sullivan
Astronomy for Leisure by Greg Stone
Fall Floral Designs by Riquinha Garden Center Pottery
Presentation by Stick, Stones and Stars.
And much more!! Free Admission!!
VOLUNTEER BREAKFAST
To be held September 30th from 8:00 – 10:00. Invitations will be going out very soon. Please call with any questions and ask for Jen 508-636-1026 x111
** A Matter of Balance ** Managing Concerns about Falls -Every Monday for 8 weeks. Sept. 13th thru Nov. 8, 2010 12:30-2:30PM at the Westport Council on Aging. Materials fee $10.00 - Scholarships are also available - Call Louise Dahlborg at 774-627-1404 or Barbara Whales at 774-627-1449 for more information or to register.
My Life My Health - Chronic Disease Self-Management Program -Created by Stanford University -My Life My Health is scheduled to begin on Sept. 20, 2010. We have available slots for the next six-week session which will run on Mondays from 12:00 to 2:30 from Sept. 20th through Oct. 25th. 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 Sept. 20th 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!!
“FOOD FOR FRIENDS”
We are approaching our 1st anniversary in September. We began with 2 households and now help support 50. We welcome monetary as well as food donations and toiletries. We are 100% community supported. We urgently need everything, especially: fruit, tuna, peanut butter, kidney/black or baked beans, rice, spaghetti sauce, soup (not broth), canned ham, canned potatoes and individually wrapped toilet paper rolls.
The food pantry is open every Thursday -10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Please drop items off at the Westport COA. Thank You for all your support! Individually and together we are making a difference! - Heather Reed- COA Board Chair.
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 appointments for Westport elders, and handicapped persons of all ages will be taken: Monday – Wednesday beginning July 1, 2010, to area appointments scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Appointments to Stop & Shop are taken the 1st Friday of the month between 10:00 & 1:00 and Wal-Mart the 3rd Friday of the month. 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
FITNESS Prevention, T’ai Chi, YogaFit, Zumba
PROGRAMS: Call for space availability and fees-508-636-1026.
Meeting onTuesday, September 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 September. 9/3/2010- 12:00-2:00PM
CHAIR MASSAGE w/ Heather
Every Wednesday 9:00AM-11:00AM
- -Donations Accepted.
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC w/Nurse Pauline
Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC w/Nurse Kathy
3rd Tuesday, Sept.21, 2010, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
PODIATRY CLINIC at Dr. Spiri’s office in Somerset,
Thursday October 21st. For an appointment
call the WCOA, 508-636-1026.
NEWS FROM THE SHINE PROGRAM -MEDICARE PART D AND MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS ANNUAL OPEN ENROLLMENT
Annual open enrollment for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plan is November 15 to December 31. Each year at this time, beneficiaries can make changes in their Part D coverage. Any change made during this open enrollment will be effective on January 1. The Part D and Medicare Advantage programs offer special enrollment periods during the year to people who become newly eligible. While this is a voluntary (Part D) program, people who did not join during the initial open enrollment or when they became newly eligible will face a penalty for late enrollment. Part D is an insurance program that provides help with prescription cost and protection from catastrophic costs. The standard plan requires members to pay a monthly premium, deductible, co-insurance, and direct-pay, out-of-pocket costs during the period of time there is a gap in coverage or what is often referred to as the “donut hole.” The program establishes limit, however, on the out-of-pocket costs to enrollees by providing comprehensive coverage when an enrollee’s drug costs hit a certain amount each year. Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in a stand alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) offered by companies under contract with Medicare CMS. While the companies must offer plans that provide coverage at least as good as the standard plan, they can provide additional options and coverage. Beneficiaries may also enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO, PPO, & PFFS), which provides health coverage and Part D Coverage. Beneficiaries should explore the plans available to ensure that they choose a plan that provides the most comprehensive coverage. Information about the plans is available on the Medicare website www.Medicare.gov. For assistance with enrolling in a Medicare Part D, please call the Shine program at 508-222-1399.
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
Preparing for the Unexpected
September 16th 10:30AM at the WCOA
The American Red Cross is reaching out local communities with “Preparing for the Unexpected” presentations. This 45 minute presentation is offered at free of charge. Your local American Red Cross will always be ready to respond with lifesaving relief and emotional support. But the best way to protect tour family is to be ready for the unexpected before it happens. Here’s what you can do to prepare. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Include a first aid kit, essential medications, canned food, can opener, water (3 gallons per person), protective clothing, bedding, radio, flashlight, extra batteries and any special needs items.Create an emergency response plan. Establish a family contact person outside your area, and decide in advance where your family should go in the event of an emergency. Be informed. Know the disasters that can happen in your area and how you can help. To learn more about preparing for the unexpected, or to find out what to do if disaster strikes, please cantact the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay at (617) 274-5200 or visit www.bostonredcross.org.
Dementia and Family Life ProgramOffers free of charge dementia coaching in your home.This program is funded in part by a Title III E Old Americans Act grant through Bristol Elder Services of Fall River. It is available in the towns of Attleboro, Berkley, Dighton, Fall River, Freetown, Mansfield, North Attleboro, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, and Westport.There is no income or age restriction for this service. The program provides in home coaching visits. Dementia Coaching helps you: Understand the disease or condition causing dementia. Understand the behaviors caused by the disease/condition. Learn how to respond to behaviors in a way that values the person and restores meaning and purpose to life. Each family will receive a written personalize care plan. Learn how to maintain and enrich family relationships throughout the disease. Learn about resources to ease care partnering.For information & referrals call direct: Beverly Moore, Program Manager @ 617-233-1145 or visit www.alzheimercoachingservices.com
“Sing-a-long with Natalia at 12:00 noon on Wednesday September 1, 2010.
Soup & Sandwich- Wednesday Sept. 15, 2010
We will serve Squash Soup & Meatball Sandwich 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!
Top Ten Reasons to Get a Last Will & Testament
Many individuals, young and old, are afraid of going to an attorney to discuss their last will and testament and have that document finalized. For many, the idea of going to attorney to obtain a will is terrifying due to thoughts of the inevitable or dread about the legal process. However surprising, most people find that once they finally discuss their wishes regarding a will and officially document them with an attorney, find peace of mind that their affairs are now in order. In addition to peace of mind, there are many good legal reasons to go to an attorney to get your last will and testament.
List of My Top Ten Reasons:
1. Choice: by discussing your last will and testament with a lawyer while you are in good health and in a clear state of mind you can make careful informed decisions.
2. To legally and formally designate the beneficiaries of your estate.
3. To legally and formally designate portions of your estate: personal property, real property or the rest and residue ( the remainder of your estate after taxes and outstanding debts are paid) that you wish to bequeath, either separately or together, and to whom.
4. To appoint the individual that you wish to administer your estate and handle the probate process after you become deceased.
5. To designate special bequeaths to specific beneficiaries.
6. To specifically designate gifts to charitable organizations or non-profits.
7. To designate a guardian for your children.
8. To leave formal and specific instructions regarding your burial or funeral arrangements.
9. To designate your intention to donate any or all of your organs after you become deceased.
10. Cost: Drafting a will while you area alive and well saves money. If you die without a will your heirs must go to court, where the court will determine the proper heirs and the proper division of your property according to the estate statue, all of which is costly.
So see an estate attorney and put your affairs in order.
Attorney Jennifer Heald will be meeting individuals for fifteen minute appointments on Wednesday, Sept.15 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.
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
FRIENDS OF THE WESTPORT
COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.
Supporting the Senior Center
P. O. Box N-192
Westport, MA 02790
GREETINGS FROM THE FRIENDS
From the Friends of the COA:
After a Summer that will go down in the books for its abundant sunshine and its more than abundant temperatures, we are once again greeting September and the beautiful season it begins……..and the lovely months we can enjoy before Winter sets in. The Summer was also a time of seeing the completion of the Westport Telephone Book and thanks to all our loyal advertisers and marvelous volunteers, the Book was once again a great success – not only in terms of its usefulness but also as a means of raising money that we can use to improve the Senior Center for all our older Westport people. The Friends have several projects in mind for this year, including paving of the parking lot to provide more usable spaces with an attractive and comfortable surface. In August, the Friends (FWCOA) also sponsored, once again, the evening of fun with Magnolia, followed by the Annual Picnic – both events well attended and enjoyed by all. Thanks again to our advertisers – please call those who support our Telephone Book; and enjoy the lovely Fall season! Friends of the Westport Council on Aging
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?
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 August 2010 and BEYOND
WESTPORT WEALTH &HEALTH EXPO–2010!
Friday September 24th 2010 – 12 noon – 4:00 p.m.
The FWCOA is hosting the “Westport Wealth & Health Expo” at the Westport Council on Aging. EXHIBITS INCLUDE:
Free Chair Massage or Reiki session
Meet Doctors including a Podiatrist, an Opthamologist, a Dentist & more!
Get your flu shot at the Flu Clinic Offered by CVS Pharmacy –Medicare B or $29.95 Fee if not covered by Insurance Carrier
View the Art & Quilt Exhibit
Visit the Blood Pressure clinic
Try your luck at the Chinese Auction
Clam Chowder and goodies will be available for purchase at the snack bar
INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Social Security Administration
Diabetes Association Healthy Popcorn Toppings
Estate Planning by Jane Sullivan
Astronomy for Leisure by Greg Stone
Fall Floral Designs by Riquinha Garden Center Pottery
Presentation by Stick, Stones and Stars.
And much more!! Free Admission!!
Soup & Sandwich- Wednesday Sept. 15, 2010
We will serve Squash Soup & Meatball Sandwich 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 August 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
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.
10:00 a.m. Caregiver support group. 3rd Tuesday of the Month
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.
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, 1st Thursday. Reservations.
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Visual Impairment Support Group, 3rd Tuesday.
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.
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, 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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