East Bridgewater

Council on Aging

355 Plymouth Street E. Bridgewater, MA

02333 Phone: 508-378-1610

Fax: 508-378-1611

Hours: Monday

8 am—6 pm Tuesday-Thursday

8 am—4 pm Friday

8 am—12 pm

Council on Aging Staff:

Nancy G. Hill Director

S.H.I.N.E. Counselor (By appointment only)

nhill@eastbridgewaterma.gov

Susan L. Prendergast Activities Coordinator

Newsletter Editor sprendergast@

eastbridgewaterma.gov

Kelley A. Long Client Services Coordinator

S.H.I.N.E. Counselor Certified SMP Counselor (By appointment only)

klong@eastbridgewaterma,gov

Stephanie Williams Coordinator of Volunteers

swilliams@eastbridgewaterma.gov

David Finlay Patricia Fay

Jack Sullivan Van Drivers

Council on Aging Members:

Robert Ringuette Treasurer

Susan Muir Secretary

Helen Bomar

Rosemary Saccocia

Mary Haines

Peter Andrade

Anne Marek

Dee Dee Rogers

Joan Smith

“

The van is available for transportation to this event.

East Bridgewater Council on Aging

August 2020

Rescheduled Events 2

Ice Cream Social/Outside Class Schedule 3

August Office Schedule/COA Van Schedule 4

Monthly Calendar 5

Kelley’s Korner/Safety Assurance Program 6

7

In this issue:

CAR PARADE AT THE CENTER!

Wednesday, August 12th (rain or shine!)

10:00am—11:00am

We would love for you to drive thru and wave hello! It’s been a long few months and we miss seeing all of you!!!

Welcome to the dog days of summer! With the longer, warmer days comes the welcomed opportunity to get out to enjoy some sunshine and fresh air, if you are able. Remember to be mindful of the warm temperatures and hu-midity and make certain to stay well hydrat-ed! Now that the state is slowly reopening, outdoor and limited indoor dining is availa-ble. Please remember that it remains advisa-ble to wear a mask when you are in enclosed

areas, such as stores, or cannot maintain appropriate social distancing when outside. I know we all want to do our part in helping ourselves and others remain healthy!

Although we cannot yet welcome you back inside The Center, we are thrilled to let you know that we are planning some outdoor classes and other activities. Since we realize that not everyone has access to “Zoom”, or may find it difficult to use, we are also working in conjunction with West Bridgewater and Bridgewater along with our three local cable station Directors to establish some programming that will be shown simultaneously in all three towns. We are hopeful that this will be easier for many of you to access and that you can enjoy an exercise or other program via your local cable TV station and then discuss it with your friends in any of the three towns. Please take a look at the newsletter for details! Since this form of programming may be here for a while, we’d like to know what kind of program-ming you would like to see!! We are looking for ideas!

Until we meet again, stay safe, be kind, and enjoy the rest of the summer! ~Nancy

Be sure to check out:

Outdoor classes beginning in August!

Walking Club is starting back up!

Did someone say ice cream..??

See inside for details!!!

East Bridgewater Council on Aging

Mission Statement:

The East Bridgewater Council on Aging serves older persons, disabled persons of all ages and their caregivers, and others in need of services and referrals. Programs that enhance dignity, support independence and encourage general wellness are developed, coordinated and promoted to meet the needs of these individuals.

2 EBCOA Office: 508-378-1610

Reverse Mortgage Workshop

Please join David Tourtillott, CRMP® of Homestead Mort-gage for an educational workshop on Reverse Mortgag-es. David is one of only 155 Certified Professionals nation-wide and will be discussing the pros & cons, how to use a Reverse Mortgage to age in place, how to sell your home and a buy a new home using a Reverse Mortgage to downsize or move closer to children & grandchildren. Other discussion points will include: how to use a Reverse Mortgage to in-crease your monthly cash flow, create an emergency reserve line of credit to help pay for things like, home repairs, home modifications, in-home care, real estate taxes, homeowners insurance, monthly condo fees and many other cost of living expenses .

Diabetic Shoe Presentation

Kris Gidwani from A Plus Home Medical Sup-ply, will talk about diabetic foot care, and why Medicare WANTS you to have diabetic shoes. Many different styles, sizes, and types will be

available. (samples only) for you to see. They take most insurances and do house calls on a case by case basis as well.

Protect Yourself From Medicare Fraud!

Did you know that $60 to $90 billion of our tax dollars are lost to Medicare fraud each year?

Come meet Pat Daly, a representative of the Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (MA SMP) Program and participate in a discussion on how to prevent, detect, and report healthcare errors, fraud and abuse. We all can

have an active role in protecting Medicare for ourselves and future generations.

This free information workshop will provide you with the tools to become a more informed and engaged health care consumer in-cluding information about the new Medicare cards. Although new cards have random numbers and no longer Social Security num-bers, you still need to be vigilant and protect yourself from becom-ing victim to deceptive marketing and medical identity theft.

If you cannot attend this workshop but have questions about your healthcare bills, Medicare Summary Notices, or other health insur-ance explanation of benefits statements, please call the MA SMP Program office at 800-892-0890.

This event is brought to you by the Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program. The MA SMP Program is funded in part by grant number 90-MPPG 0051-01-00 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Liv-ing, Washington, DC.

Understanding Medicare 2020

Are you turning 65, planning to retire or just want to learn more about Medicare?

Join us for a one-hour long informational meeting presented by Fallon Health. You’ll learn about the four parts of Medi-care, how to enroll in Medicare, when you can change plans during the year, how to obtain prescription drug assistance and more.

This presentation is for informational purposes; it is not a sales presentation.

Western Monarch Butterflies at Pismo State Beach

Live from Pismo State Beach Mon-arch Butterfly Grove in CA

Pismo State Beach is located on the Central Coast of California and during the winter months it is home to the largest population of

monarch butterflies on the west coast of the United States. Join State Park Interpreters for an interactive presen-tation live from the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove. You will learn about the life cycle and migration routes of the monarch butterfly, as well as conservation efforts in place to help save this species that has been rapid-ly declining due to climate change, pesticide use, and loss of habitat.

SafetyNet Tracking Systems

Caring for a loved one who wanders is a considerable responsibility. Nothing is more frightening than a loved one with autism, Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairment becoming lost. Proven Safe-tyNet technology helps public safety

agencies quickly find and bring your loved ones home. It provides you additional protection and peace of mind to keep your loved one safe.

Join Ralph Poland of SafetyNet Tracking Systems, to learn the many ways you can keep you loved one safe at home.

COMING IN SEPTEMBER…

As Nancy stated on the cover page, we are currently working in conjunction with West Bridgewater and Bridgewater COA’s along with our three local cable station Directors to establish some programming that will be shown simultaneously in all three towns. Each town is coming up with programs and fitness classes to be aired on our respective cable channels (EB chan-nel 9), simultaneously. We are excited for this new venture! It will take time and some fine tuning, but we’re on the right track! We are planning to have our currently scheduled programs (below) and many more, as part of this collaboration.

Keep your eye on the September newsletter for the details!

3 EBCOA Office: 508-378-1610

The Walking Club is back! The Walking Club will resume meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 am begin-ning Tuesday, August 11th!

Please wear a mask and keep 6ft apart, when able to do so. Walk as much as you want at the pace you are comfortable with. The Walking Club meets @ in the parking lot behind St. John’s Church. If you know of another quiet, safe place to walk, give Kelley at the COA a call. We’d love to try a new route!

Spraying for adult mosquitoes began on June 1st. Residents can call up to eight times per season to be sprayed, barring any spray restrictions in the area. Resi-dents must call, fax, drop off (mail box located by entrance) or mail each request to 272 So. Meadow Road, Plymouth, MA 02360, when they have a mosquito prob-lem. Please include your name, address,

phone #, and email. For the list of streets to be sprayed in your town, please the website at www.plymouthmosquito.org and go to "About Us" and click on the drop down tab that says "Spray Routes for Adult Mosquito Control".

Standing water: We are currently accepting requests to inspect standing water for mosquito larvae (immature mosquitoes). If you have standing water please call us at (781) 585-5450.

Coronavirus update: Please be advised. Our facility is closed to the public until further notice. Our staff is working and we are currently operating normally. If you would like to contact us please call at (781) 585-5450. Thank you for your cooperation during this difficult time.

SOCIAL DISTANCING ICE CREAM SOCIAL!

Thursday, August 20th 1:00 pm—2:30 pm

It’s an ice cream social…. 2020 style!

Ellie’s Treats will be here, fully stocked, so that you can enjoy a delicious ice cream treat, listen to music provid-ed by Tom Madden and socialize with your friends! How awesome does that sound??!!

For the health and safety of all of us, please maintain a 6ft. social distance and wear your mask (unless you’re eating ice cream, of course). Please bring your own chair.

Sign-ups will begin on Thursday, August 6th for East Bridgewater senior residents. Out of town seniors may sign up beginning Thursday, August 14th. Be-cause we must follow social distancing guidelines, space is limited.

Outdoor Class Schedule

Zumba Gold ($4)— Mondays @ 9:00 am (Beginning Monday, August 3rd) Busy Hands— Tuesdays @ 10:00 am (Beginning Tuesday, August 4th) Crocheting— Wednesdays @ 10:00 am (Beginning Wednesday, August 5th) Mat Yoga ($5) — Thursdays @ 10:00 am (Beginning Thursday, August 6th) ABLE Bodies Balance Class ($5)— Fridays (1st & 3rd) @ 10:00 am All classes will be 45 minutes. A new Release of Liabil-ity must be signed by all participants. The Center re-mains closed to the public. Restrooms and water foun-tain cannot be used.

Space is limited for all classes. You must call weekly to reserve your spot. Walk-ons will not be allowed.

Social Distancing guidelines must be followed.

~ All classes are weather permitting ~

Please do not attend any activity at The Center if you are not feeling well, have a fever or cough or

have been around someone who is ill.

We have ordered a Cornhole game ! Cornhole can be played with 2 or 4 players.

Please call the COA, if you would like to reserve a time.

Office Hours

The EBCOA office will be open regular business hours for the month of August. Please remember to schedule all Dial-a-Bat rides by 10:00 a.m. on the preceding business day.

Wednesday Van Trips:

Walmart/Halifax ~ 8/5 ($3) 9am Walmart/Halifax ~ 8/19 ($3) 9am

4 EBCOA Office: 508-378-1610

Roberta Wilbur August 12 Diane Ribeiro August 25 Hank Russo August 14 Jon Tripp August 31 Patricia Herbert August 19 Patricia Tripp August 31

If you would like to be included in our monthly birthday listing, please contact the COA office with your name and birthday.

Visiting Dental Associates of Massachusetts

Dental Cleaning/Hygiene Exams

As soon as we have a date that Cathy Grinham, RDH from Visiting Dental Associates of MA, can return, we will contact everyone with previously scheduled appointments.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Wellness Tips and Resources

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be causing you or your loved ones to feel stress, anxiety, or other strong emotions. Such feelings are understandable and affect many individuals and families. The Department of Public Health continues to offer critical resources to help you and your family during this challenging time.

What Can I Do Every Day to Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety? The following wellness tips are advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Connect with friends and family - Tell them how you are feeling. Practice physical distancing while staying social virtually! Get moving - Take walks, work out at home, and stretch. Try something new! Eat healthy - Get plenty of fruits and vegetables (frozen options are great!) and watch your portion sizes. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Plan time for enjoyable activities - Get creative! Avoid consuming too much media coverage, including social media.

Where Can I Find Resources to Help?

For additional information, please visit www.mass.gov/COVID19 or call 2-1-1.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Resources

Resource Phone Number

Community Support Line (for families with children and youth 1-800-882-1435

Domestic Violence Resources 877-785-2020 or 877-521-2601 (TTY)

MA Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program See website for regional contact information

MA Smokers’ Helpline 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)

Mental Health Emergency/Crisis Services 1-877-382-1609

Nutrition Resources 617-624-6100

Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-426-1234

Rape Crisis Centers See website for regional contact information

Substance Use Helpline 1-800-327-5050

Suicide Prevention Hotline Call or Text: 1-877-870-HOPE (4673)

3 Zumba Gold w/Marlene Outside 9am (limit 10 per class)

Food Pantry @ St. John’s 3:00-6:00pm

4 Errand Van 9am

Busy Hands 1pm - Outside Deck (limit 10 per class)

5 Walmart/Halifax 9am

Crocheting 10am - Outside Deck (limit 10 per class)

6 Walking Club 8am Shopper’s Van Pick-ups begin @ 8:15am

Yoga 10am - Outside (limit 10 per class)

7 Virtual ABLE Bodies Balance Class 10am - Outside (limit 10 per class)

10 Zumba Gold w/Marlene Outside 9am (limit 10 per class)

11 Walking Club 8am Errand Van 9am Busy Hands 1pm - Outside Deck (limit 10 per class)

12 Crocheting 10am - Outside Deck (limit 10 per class)

Car Parade at the Center! 10am

Food Pantry @ Union Cong. 12:30-2pm

13 Walking Club 8am Shopper’s Van Pick-ups begin @ 8:15am

Yoga 10am - Outside (limit 10 per class)

14

17 Zumba Gold w/Marlene Outside 9am (limit 10 per class)

Food Pantry @ St. John’s 3:00-4:30pm

18 Walking Club 8am

Errand Van 9am

Busy Hands 1pm - Outside Deck (limit 10 per class)

19 Walmart/Halifax 9am

Crocheting 10am - Outside Deck (limit 10 per class)

20 Walking Club 8am Shopper’s Van Pick-ups begin @ 8:15am

Yoga 10am - Outside (limit 10 per class)

Social Distancing Ice Cream Social 1pm

21 Virtual ABLE Bodies Balance Class 10am - Outside (limit 10 per class)

24 Zumba Gold w/Marlene Outside 9am (limit 10 per class)

25 Walking Club 8am

Errand Van 9am

Busy Hands 1pm - Outside Deck (limit 10 per class)

26 Crocheting 10am - Outside Deck (limit 10 per class)

27 Walking Club 8am

Shopper’s Van Pick-ups begin @ 8:15am

Yoga 10am - Outside (limit 10 per class)

28

31 Zumba Gold w/Marlene Outside 9am (limit 10 per class)

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

EBCOA Office: 508-378-1610 AUGUST 2020 5

United Methodist Church

54 North Central Street

Community Meals TO GO! Every Wednesday in August @ 5:30pm

Easy no-contact pick up The dinners are free but Donations

are graciously accepted.

All are welcome!

Did you know?....Our newsletter can be viewed online at www.eastbridgewaterma.gov.

Food Pantry @ 29 Union Cong. 9:30-11

Social Distancing guidelines apply for all outdoor classes.

6 EBCOA Office: 508-378-1610

WWW.SHINEMA.ORG Check out the website for information and forms

Kelley’s Korner….

Kelley Long, Client Services Coordinator, S.H.I.N.E. Counselor,

and Certified SMP Counselor

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Throughout the past few months, we have sent out several robo calls to EB residents age 60 and over. We found in doing this, that we do not have updated phone numbers for many. We want to be sure that we have your correct phone number, email address, if you have one, and emergency contact information.

Sometimes you may change your number or emergency contact or get a new email and forget to give us your up-dated info.

You can cut this out and mail it to the address below OR drop it off at the COA, during business hours, in the drop box located on the bench, near the front door.

Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Home #: ______________________________ Cell #: ______________________________ (Please circle preferred #)

Email: ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Emergency contact name & phone number: _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

EBCOA— 355 Plymouth Street, East Bridgewater MA 02333

MASSACHUSETTS FARMERS’ MARKET COUPON PROGRAM 2020

The COA expects to receive the booklets soon. Please call Kelley around the first week of August to see if they are available and what the guidelines are.

7 EBCOA Office: 508-378-1610

Martha Washington became America’s first “first lady” in 1789, but the title wasn’t widely used to refer to

the president’s wife until the late 1800s. We feature the names of five other first ladies in this puzzle.

(Answers on page 8)

East Bridgewater Council on Aging

355 Plymouth Street

East Bridgewater, MA 02333

Phone: 508-378-1610

Fax: 508-378-1611

To the home of:

8 East Bridgewater Council on Aging Newsletter ~ AUGUST 2020

The cost of printing and mailing of

this newsletter is funded by the

Mass. Executive Office of Elder

Affairs .

Presorted Standard

US Postage Paid

Permit No. 1

East Bridgewater, MA

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Disclaimer: References to any person, product, service or information does not constitute an endorsement or recommen-dation by the East Bridgewater Council on Aging or any of its employees. The East Bridgewater Council on Aging nei-ther assumes any liability nor endorses ANY specific products or services provided by public or private organizations.

Be sure to follow us on FACEBOOK! Search for “East Bridgewater Council on Aging” and click “Like” at top of page.

Please contact Dianne Kennedy Warkel, Rental Coordinator for The Center at Sachem Rock, if you are interested in rent-ing the facility. Dianne can be reached by phone at 508-631-1925 or via email at dwarkel@eastbridgewaterma.gov.

** Donate your Cell Phone **

Cell Phones For Soldiers is a national non-profit serving troops and veterans with free communication services and emer-gency funding.

Boxes are located at the COA and Town Hall. Any questions, please contact Chris Buckley, Veteran Service Officer at (508) 378-1603.

Feeling Lonely and Just Want to Say “Hi”?

We’re still here and we still miss all of you!! Feel free to give us a call and let us know how you’re doing! (508) 378-1610.