Wareham Senior Beacon –October 2008
Front Page
Earth Thought:
“ The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value.”
Theodore Roosevelt
Pictures of the Carnival Crowd, Custodians, Kevin & Carl, Clowning Around and Tom Monaghan of the Sing-Along Singers in costume
Join us Wednesday, October 1st at 12:15pm in the Community Room to say, “Thank you!” to Carl Weatherspoon for his years of dedicated service to the town of Wareham. His quick smile, friendly spirit, sense of pride in his work and never failing willingness to assist seniors and staff in the Multi-Service Center as custodian have been appreciated. We are sad to lose Carl to the town’s latest budget cuts. He will be deeply missed.
September Highlights:
Farewell to Carl Weatherspoon
Halloween Party, Penny Sale & Christmas Fair
Prescription Advantage Presentation
Fall Fashion Show
Men’s Lunch
Whole Wheat Bread Baking
Page two
Need Help with Prescriptions? Are you reaching the donut hole?
Karen Campbell from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs will present an informational program on PRESCRIPTION ADVANTAGE Monday, October 20th at 10:00am in Room # 228.
Already in Massachusetts, thousands of seniors have reached the gap in their Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) that is often referred to as the ?donut hole.? They reached this gap when their total prescription drug costs reached $2,510. Keep in mind, this isn?t the amount they spent, this is the total or retail cost of their prescriptions. But now they have reached this gap, they will have to pay the full cost of their prescriptions ?up to $3,200?before their Medicare coverage will begin paying again!
Don?t let this happen to you! Prescription Advantage can help.
Prescription Advantage, the state?s pharmacy assistance program can help to pay for your prescription drugs if you reach that donut hole. Call Prescription Advantage today at 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636), speak to your local SHINE counselor for assistance or plan now to attend the informational program at the Multi-Service Center. The program is free. Please register in Room #218.
Living More With Less
“ To live more simply is to live more purposefully and with a minimum of needless distraction, “ wrote author Duane Elgin. A lively group recently gathered in the Café for conversation about how to live more fully with less – wasting, eating, spending, and consumption of energy. The collective wisdom provided an outpouring of helpful tips and encouragement for living with more joy and using fewer resources. The group decided to create “Senior Wisdom” tips for the monthly Beacon and to hold a second conversation before the holidays on Tuesday, November 4 to focus on alternative gift giving and celebrations that honor the earth.
The first of “Senior Wisdom Tips”
Keep one of everything, not five or ten
When you break something, replace it
When you get something new, get rid of the old item or give it away
Try using less of things; shampoo, detergent, toothpaste
(Do you have additional tips to share? Please jot them down and give them to Jan in Room #208)
Sharing the Harvest for Seniors has been underway this growing season at the Multi-Service Center and expects to extend into mid-October. South Shore Community Action Council partnered with local growers (some organic) to provide healthy, perishable fruits and vegetables during this growing season. The weekly delivery date, time and kind of produce vary due to weather and growing conditions. Persons interested in being notified of the free food delivery may leave their name and phone number in the office or check in Room 218 for weekly updates. This program has been funded by the state of Massachusetts.
Fall Fashion Show
Tremont Rehabilitation & Skilled Care Center and Gallery Consignment Shoppe present a Fall Fashion Show on Monday, October 20th at 10:00am at The Tremont, 605 Main Street, Wareham. The program will be interactive and fun. All items are moderately priced and will be available for purchase after the show. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited; Reserve your place by contacting Sandee Fleet or Michelle Barroso by October 13th at 508-295-1040.
We’re Going GREEN!
Bring your own mug to use for coffee/tea/water and save as many as 500 disposable paper or plastic cups a year.
* Paper cups will no longer be provided in the Café or at the congregate meal site. It’s good for the environment and saves money.
Men’s Luncheon
Wareham men will gather for lunch at 11:30am on Tuesday, October 14th in the Cranberry Café, Room 208 in the Multi-Service Center. Reservations for lunch must be made in advance with the nutrition program and will be served in the Cafe. The suggested donation is $2.00.
Whole Wheat Bread Baking with Leo will be held on Tuesday, October 28th
at 12:30pm in the Cranberry Café. Come and learn techniques for making whole grain, healthy bread. Recipes, samples and wisdom will be provided. Make reservations in room #218.
Low Vision Support Group meets on Monday, October 27th from 1:30-2:30pm.in the Cranberry Café Room 208. Visually impaired persons with glaucoma, diabetes, strokes, macular degeneration or other vision problems resulting in some loss of vision will benefit from this opportunity to receive information and support group. Non-sighted persons are also welcome to attend. Please sign up in Room #218.
The CCTV (closed circuit TV or reading machine) assists persons with low vision and is available for use in the Cranberry Café.
Rays of Sunshine group will meets Mondays from 9:30am-11:30am in the Cranberry Café to create seasonal remembrances for homebound seniors.
The Friend’s of Wareham’s Elderly meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21st at 10am in the Community Room. A Halloween Party, Penny Sale and Christmas Fair will be held at 12:30pm. Everyone is welcome to join the fun. Raffles, prizes and refreshments will be included. The Friend’s Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7th at noon. Contact Paula Hatch at 508-295-0291 to send Sunshine cards to seniors needing get-well wishes, sympathy or other messages of encouragement.
Cup of the Bay Coffee is now being served daily in the Cranberry Cafe
Love the aroma of fresh ground coffee and the taste of coffee shop coffee? We grind and brew our very own Cup of the Bay coffee thanks to Cup of the Bay owner, Cathy Leary. Coffee (iced coffee too) and tea is available Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, beginning at 8:45am, Thursday at 9am and Friday at 9:30am in the Café. Please drop in and enjoy. A small donation will help cover costs.
Mug ‘N Muffin
9:00am - 10:00am
Drop in Thursdays for conversation and coffee or tea and the homemade muffin/scone, fruit, and crackers /cheese in the Cranberry Café. This is made possible by our wonderful team of faithful bakers. Thanks bakers!
Thank you to COA Board Members who have given wonderful service to seniors in Wareham and have recently stepped down:
Dennis Allen, Chair and Men’s Luncheon Coordinator
Barbara Zoia, Secretary
GATRA Dial-A-Ride provides curb-to-curb transportation service for seniors and persons who qualify for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Call us at 508-291-3130 for questions, information or to schedule transportation. Please reserve transportation by noon the day before. Please be mindful of holidays. Free van passes are still available for persons who qualify.
Out of Town Transportation for Medical Appointments is now available until December 31st for eligible seniors needing emergency transportation assistance. Call Dial-A-Ride at 508-291-3130 for an application or for additional information.
Shopping Trips
Friday morning and afternoon shopping trips travel to Shaw’s or Stop and Shop. The cost is $1.25 each way or $10 for 10 ride passes. Please have exact change, as van drivers cannot make change.
Social Security assistance will be available on the third Wednesday of the month on the fifth level of the Multi-Service Center.
Transitional Assistance is available each Wednesday on the third level. Walk-ins are welcome.
Fuel Assistance begins on November 1, 2008 and continues through April 30, 2009. All applications are done by appointment only. Details will be in the November Beacon.
S.H.I.N.E. (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) Counselor is available Friday mornings from 9am-noon by appointment only. We are pleased to welcome Jean Purrier as our S.H.I.N.E. counselor for Wareham. Please call (508) 291-3130 to schedule an appointment.
Foot Care appointments are being scheduled for Wednesday, October 22nd in the Health Clinic on the fifth level. The cost is $27 ($45 for in home visit.) Pedi-care cannot accept Medicare payments.
Immunizations (Pneumococcal, Tetanus, and Hepatitis B and Hepatitis D) are now available at the Health Clinic each week at the Multi-Service Center now on Thursdays from 9-10am. The Health Clinic is located on level 5. Blood pressure checks and “Ask A Nurse” are available free of charge each week. Adult immunizations are now available for a fee by appointment only by calling 508-274-6259 X 7423.
Meals are served Monday through Friday at 11:30am (Thursday at 11:00am) in the Community Room for a suggested donation of $2.00. Come and try the new caterers, Lindley Food Services, and taste the new menu selections. Cheryl Johannessen is the Nutrition Manager. Please call her at 508-291-3100 X 6514 for a reservation. Volunteer route drivers are needed for Home Delivered Meals. Please contact Old Colony Elder Services or on-site nutrition program to volunteer.
Outreach Hours
Deborah Ramos, Outreach Coordinator, is available on Fridays. Please leave messages on her voice mail by calling 508-291-3100 X6534.
SERVE, the smart alternative to supermarket shopping, is at the Multi-Service Center each month. The next distribution day is Friday, October 24th from 2:00pm-4:30pm. Persons may sign up on Tuesday October 7 from, 4:00pm-4:30pm or Thursday, October 2nd from9:30am-1:30pm in Room 218. . The family package is available for $25 (plus $1 for transportation). Participants volunteer 2 hours per month in the community or at the distribution site itself. Food stamp cards (EBT) will also be honored. Credit or debit cards may be used when placing an order on line by phoning SERVE. Stop in Room #218 for details.
ACTIVITIES and CLASSES
Reservations, tickets and payment for activities or events may be in Room # 218.* Please note room change. (508-291-3100 X 3159)
Senior Boot Camp- M-F at 8:30- 9:15am. Fee: $2.00 per class
Aerobics – M,W,F at 9:30-10:45am. Fee: $3.00 per class
Senior Tai Chi –Fridays from 11am-11:45am. Fee $20/ 4 weeks
Line Dancing will be held on the first and fourth Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 9:30am-11:00am in Room 227. Starting in October the cost for all line dancing classes will be $4.00 per class, payable at each class. Newcomers are welcome. Intermediate line dancing is now happening on Tuesdays from 9:30am-11:00am.
Square and Round Dance Classes- learn to square or round dance Fridays from 9:30am-11:30am. The first class is free. Additional classes cost $3.00 per week. Contact Betty at 508-295-1395 or Paul at 508-998-5937 for more information.
Sign up now for new classes/events beginning in October:
Computer Classes – will not be held in October. Classes will resume with Mike in November.
Cribbage Players meet in Room 228 Mondays at 10:30am. Newcomers are welcome.
Watercolor Painting - The 5 week class will meet Thursdays in October from 10:00am-noon. Kate Furler will teach the basics of painting with watercolor. Techniques are taught in the first hour of each session. Students do their own painting, with supervision, during the second hour of class. Participants are free to work on their own projects or to use the subjects provided for each painting session. Cost is $50 and must be paid for in advance. Class size is limited to 12 persons. Newcomers are welcome.
(Pictures of the Day Center enjoying breakfast at the Cup of the Bay Café in Onset)
The Day Center
at Wareham Senior and Social Services
This adult supportive day program keeps seniors on the go; offering friends, activities and respite for caregivers Monday through Thursday at the Multi-Service Center. The program provides therapeutic and structured activities for persons with mild to moderate memory loss, medical issues needing support, depression, loss or isolation. Some of the activities include restaurant trips, picnics, pool, gentle yoga, life reminiscence workshops, baking, movies, travelogues, sing-a-longs, gardening, field trips and more. Continental breakfast, exercise, current events, conversation, creative activities, and healthy snacks are provided each day. Lunch and transportation (in Wareham) are included. Financial aid may be available for those who are eligible. Please call Day Center Director, Janet Smith-Rushton, at (508) 291-3100
X 6533 for more information about the program or to schedule a home visit.
Subscriptions to the Wareham Senior Beacon are available for $6.00 per year. Please send check made payable to the “Town of Wareham” to the Wareham Senior and Social Services, 48 Marion Road with your name, address, and phone number to receive your copy of the Beacon in the mail each month.
Coming Next Month:
Living More With Less:
Alternative Holiday/Gift Giving
Men’s Luncheon
SHINE
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