May,2009 SCITUATE, MA. SENIOR HAPPENINGS
SCITUATE COUNCIL ON AGING 781-545-8722
September, 2008
MISSION
STAFF Director Florence Choate Outreach Coordinator Nancy LaFauce Administrative Asst Jill Johnston Transportation Coord Quincie-Ann Cutler Outreach Worker Patricia Gorman Programmer Carolyn Sachs
The purpose of the Council on Aging is to identify needs Mission Statement and implement programs that will enhance the quality of life and independence of the seniors of Scituate and to educate the community to the needs of its seniors.
AGING WELL WITH PEACE OF MIND: On May 7th @ 4:30PM the Scituate Council on Aging will present a panel who will present an in-depth seminar that deals with estate planning and advance planning to create options for seniors to remain in their homes. An Elder Law Attorney and a Reverse Mortgage Specialist will be presenting a myriad of topics designed to answer all those unasked questions. Light refreshments will be served. Please call and reserve your spot (781)545-8722. SENIOR ART SHOW: Saturday, May 23rd 12:30 to 4:30PM at the Scituate GAR Hall. Seniors have lots of unrecognized talent that we would like to show to the Scituate community. We have artists, knitters and quilters who are involved in programs at the Council on Aging; they produce wonderful arts and crafts. We would like to invite the Scituate community to stop by and see these wonderful products. We have a limited amount of space but we would like to invite a few seniors who might be so inclined to display their art. We are also looking for volunteers to help us on this special day. Some of the senior’s work will be available to purchase. For more information or to call and offer your services, please call Florence or Carolyn @ (781)545-8722.
BOARD Pamela Davis, Chairperson Jim Harmon Vice Chair Brendan Lynch Treasurer Rocky Carrabes Gerard Fierimonte Joan Paley Joan Powers Meg Stillman Shawn Harris Selectman Liaison
LAND HO! Sail away to Martha’s Vineyard aboard the Island Queen on June 4th. Call Carolyn Sachs for reservations (781)545-8722.
Newsletter 1
LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS Mid-Stage Alzheimer’s Group Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 10:30 AM to 12:00PM at the Norwell VNA, 91 Longwater Drive Call: (781) 659-2342. COA Caregivers Support Group (day) We meet the 3rd Wednesday of the month @ the Scituate Senior Center. This program is open to any person (s) who is caring for a loved one at home because of illness, or incapacitation. The meetings are held to provide support and offer resources to those of you who are struggling to provide care to a loved one. Call (781)545-8722. COA Caregivers Support Group (evenings) The group meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7:00 to8:00PM at the Hingham Elder Services 224 Central Street. Call (781)545-8722 for further information. Vision Support Group @ Hingham Elder Services on the 3rd Monday of the month. Scituate COA will provide transportation to and from this event. Please call (781) 545-8722 for additional information. Will be available on the 3rd Thursday of the month at the Scituate Senior Center. The screening will be done by the town’s nurse, Eileen Scotti. Call (781) 545-8722. She will also be holding BP clinics at: Wheeler Park 1st Wednesday of the month Central Park 2nd Wednesday of the month Lincoln Park 4th Wednesday of the month
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING
PLEASE TAKE NOTE! We are looking for a few good men and/or women to help with the following:
Volunteer drivers to transport seniors to their medical appointments (mileage reimbursed). Volunteers to help with the Senior Art Show. Volunteers to help with the Scituate Senior Association’s yearly solicitation. Volunteers to form a garden committee; the goal is to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear and beautify the grounds at the Senior Center. THANK YOU! Chris Bowker and Norma Morgan for the great job you did with Tax prep.
Newsletter 2
May-09
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
9:00 9:15
FRIDAY
1.
Harbor Trip Country& Western Dancing
4
8:59 9:00 11:00 1:00 Men's Breakfast Aquarium Arthritis Exercise Bridge 9:00 9:00 10:30 Shaws Cardio Bridge Class
5
9:00 6:00 7:30 Yoga
6
9:00 10:30 1:30 4:30 6:30 Tai Chi Badminton@ Jenkins School Nia Exercise
7
9:00 9:15 Harbor Trip Arthritis Exercise Knitting Aging in Place Art Class
8
Country& Western Dancing
11
10:30 1:00 Arthritis Exercise Bridge 9:00 9:00 9:00 10:30 1:00 Shaws Walmart Cardio Bridge Class
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9:00 1:00 1:00 5:00 6:00 6:00 7:30 Yoga Jewelry Making Memoir Writing SSA Board Mtg SCOA Board Mtg
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9:00 10:30 1:30 6:30 Tai Chi
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9:00 9:00 9:15 Arthritis Exercise Knitting Art Class
15
Harbor Trip Ask A Lawyer Country& Western Dancing
Allerton House Presentation
Badminton@ Jenkins School Nia Exercise
18
9:00 10:30 1:00 Vision Support Arthritis Exercise Bridge 6:30 9:00 9:00 10:30 Shaws Cardio Bridge Class
19
Vermont Bus Trip 9:00 12:30 6:00 7:30 Yoga Care Givers Support Group
20
9:00 10:00 10:30 1:30 6:30 Tai Chi
21
9:00 9:15 Harbor Trip BP Screening Arthritis Exercise Knitting Art Class
22
Country& Western Dancing
Badminton@ Jenkins School Nia Exercise
25
Memorial Day Center Closed 9:00 9:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 Shaws Kohls Cardio Rep Cantwell Bridge Class
26
9:00 6:00 7:30 Yoga
27
9:00 10:30 1:30 6:30 Tai Chi Badminton@ Jenkins School Nia Exercise
28
9:00 9:15 Harbor Trip Arthritis Exercise knitting Art Class
29
Country& Western Dancing
Newsletter 3
SENIOR PAGE SUBMIT A SHORT PIECE, A POEM, OR A THOUGHT YOU WANT TO SHARE Senior Spotlight
George Trafton is the senior we have chosen for this month’s spotlight. George was born in Boston in 1942 and raised there. In 1970 he moved to Scituate. George was married and had three children. The family enjoyed living in Scituate, and George has seen many changes in the town over the years. He was able to retire at age 64. He decided at that point that it was important to contribute to the community in which he lived. He became a volunteer at the Council on Aging and volunteers to drive seniors to medical appointments. George is a member of the Housing Board and is committed to helping to promote more affordable housing in the Town of Scituate. He is also a member of the Preservation Committee. George enjoys gardening, restoring furniture and has always had a knack for repairing things. He enjoys golf and loves to travel. When he is asked about accomplishments, he points to a successful and happy marriage and raising three great children. He loves spending time with his grandchildren. George is an example of a retiree who is giving back to his community in a meaningful way . This article was written by our Student Intern Kurt Ohrenberger. Kurt is a senior at Scituate High School who has chosen Journalism for a Career. Well Done Kurt! SENIORS DID YOU KNOW? South Shore Elder Services serves a healthy luncheon meal at the Harbor Methodist Church every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon. The cost is only $2.00. Some come for the food, others for the company, and some come for both. The only thing missing is you! If you would like to join us, please call Julie at the meal site (781)545-5885. Please give us 24 hour notice. If you need transportation, please call Q at the Council on Aging (781)545-8722.
Just a Reminder: remember this is your Center. With the exception of Wednesdays, please feel free to come and visit, share a cup of coffee or tea. Florence and the staff
Newsletter 4
FYI
MEN’S BREAKFAST: May 4th’s 8:59 breakfast will feature as guest speaker, Dr. David Nellis . Dr. Nellis is a geologist who teaches at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Dr. Nellis is working along with other scientists on a “meteorite discovery” on Martha’s Vineyard . Come and learn about this interesting discovery. Must reserve a seat to attend. Call (781)545-8722. AGING WELL IN PLACE WITH PEACE OF MIND: Your Home for Life, a local member of the National Aging in Place Council, is pleased to announce a seminar at the Scituate Council on Aging, located at 27 Brook Street on Thursday, May 7th at 4:30PM. Aging in Place seminars stress the importance of estate planning and advance planning to create options for seniors to remain in their homes. An Elder Law Attorney and a Reverse Mortgage Specialist will be presenting a myriad of topics designed to answer all those unasked questions. .Light refreshments will be served. Please call and reserve your spot by calling the Scituate Council on Aging @ (781)545-8722. ONE DAY JEWELRY WORKSHOP: May 13, 2009- 1:00 to 3:00PM. Design and create a one-of-a-kind spring necklace or bracelet for yourself or a friend. All supplies, tools and materials are provided. Some exotic hand-made beads and real crystals equal a stunning piece of bling. Limited to 15 students. $10.00 person pays for the materials and the instructor. Came take a class with the lovely and talented Rita Rozen. Call 781-545-8722 to sign up. THE THURSDAY AFTERNOON KNITTING CLUB is seeking donations of new skeins of yarn (all sorts and colors) The group is knitting for needy Americans in Appalachia. Please drop off at the Center or Call Rita @ 781-545-2099. Thank You! ALLERTON HOUSE PRESENTS May 12th at 1:00PM. Presentation on what is new in Assisted Living. What to look for if you are considering it for yourself or a loved one. Yummy desserts will be served. Call Florence @ (781)545-8722 to reserve a seat. MEMOIR WRITING EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY: Beginning May 13th @ 1:00PM Catherine Goldhammer, a local author, will be offering a class in memoir writing. Catherine has written two books which are based on her life experiences. She will be helping you with the planning of your project. You will be working on writing skills such as descriptive writing and dialogue. You will engage in writing exercises in each class. Classes are an hour in length and there will be a $5.00 cost, payable to the instructor. We expect that this will be a popular offering, so call early to reserve a seat. Class size is limited to (10). Call (781)545-8722 for further information. TRIPS TO BE CONSIDERED: Martha’s Vineyard : June 9th Leaves Falmouth MA and sail away on the Island Queen . Relax and enjoy a 35 minute cruise on the Vineyard Sound. You will arrive in Edgartown and board your coach for a 3 ½ hour tour of the 6 towns on the Island. You will enjoy lunch on your own in Edgartown or historic Oak Bluffs. Soak up the local ambience while visiting the myriad of interesting shops. Price is $72.00 with driver’s trip included. Call: (781)545-8722 and ask for Carolyn. Sign up before May 9th.
Newsletter 5
EXERCISE PROGRAMS
ARTHRITIS EXERCISE: Monday and Thursday mornings 10:30 to 11:15. Mary Morin, PTA of the Norwell VNA, will be your instructor. Call: (781)545-8722 for more information. CARDIO WITH CHRIS: Join Chris and her group every Tuesday morning @ 9:00AM. $3.00 fee paid to the Instructor. Call (781545-8722) for more information. TAI-CHI: Join Tony McAleer, a master of Tai Chi, who leads a class every Thursday morning at 9:00AM. Call (781)545-8722. The class is $5.00 payable to the instructor. COUNTRY LINE DANCING: What a great way to exercise! Join the group led by Richard Jewald on Friday mornings @ PLEASE TAKE NOTE. Postage is going up again and we are struggling to keep up with the cost of mailing the newsletter. Anyone who can receive their newsletter by e-mail is encouraged to do so. If this is possible for you would you complete the following form and mail it back to us. NAME:_______________________________________________ ADDRESS:______________________________________________ ________________________________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS_______________________________________ E-Mail your e-mail address to us @ Scituatecoa@yahoo.com 9:00am. Classes are $3.00, payable to the instructor. Call (781)545-8722. NIA EXERCISE: Instructed by Jan Yeh, the class is a form of fusion fitness that blends dance and martial arts. The fee is $45.00 for five classes. It is held at the Senior Center every Wednesday evening @ 7:30 PM. Call and learn all about it (781) 545-8722. BADMINTON: At Jenkins School every Wednesday evening @ 6:00PM. This program is free. If interested, call (781)545-8722.
THIS PUBLICATION WILL ALSO BE ON THE TOWN’S WEB SITE AND IS AVAILABLE AT LOCATIONS AROUND THE TOWN.
Newsletter 6
From the Desk of the Director
A SEASON OF HOPE “These are times that try one’s soul”. The world is often a sad and frightening place these days. One can hardly pick up a paper or watch the news without discovering that somewhere in the world there is another tragedy, another crisis. If you are a senior and part of a vulnerable population this is LOCATIONS AROUND TOWN. AVAILABLE AT SEVERALespecially concerning to you. Yet, you have been there before! I had the pleasure of watching a wonderful group of Middle School students put on a terrific performance on Sunday afternoon. The name of the play was “Kilroy was Here”. It took place in a USO club during the 2nd World War. It was an extraodinary performance; these young people somehow managed to capture those times perfectly. What made this event even more special was the presence of seniors who had served during those times; they had been members of the Army, Navy, Marines and the Army Air Corps. They all stood and saluted NAME:_______________________________________________ as the band played their anthems. This play had a message for young and old alike; it was a testimony to those who had stood together and survived one of the greatest threats to our ADDRESS;______________________________________________ Nation. ________________________________________________ Certainly, we are all aware that these are difficult times. However, they are times that can be overcome with our sense of community. We are already starting to see that sense of E-MAIL ADDRESS_______________________________________ caring and sharing. Our churches are heading up special programs to help those who are struggling. Our knitting group has begun a knitting project that will supply sweaters, hats, and blankets to those less fortunate in Appalachia; each church will send a group of teens THIS to that area to help to WILL ALSO BE ON chores to improve living conditions. These PUBLICATION repair homes and perform THE TOWN’S WEB SITE AND IS youngsters will be carrying many things to these families, and among them AVAILABLE AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS AROUND TOWN. will be those knitted goods which were made by Scituate seniors.
Thanks so much for your help.
In times like these, it is especially difficult to identify an act that will make a difference to someone in need. Sometimes it is just a smile, or a kind word; five minutes spent just listening that can make all the difference to someone who is feeling frightened or sad. Sometimes it is a prayer or a message sent to your “Higher Power” that can help us identify what WE SHOULD DO! This is a special season for many of us. A time of renewal and promise. A time when all things are possible!
ASK NANCY
All adults can benefit from thinking about what their healthcare choices would be if they are unable to speak for themselves. These decisions can be written down in an advance directive so that others know their wishes. Advance directives come in two forms: “A healthcare power of attorney” documents the person you select to be your voice for your healthcare decisions, if you can not speak for yourself. A living will documents what kinds of medical treatments you would or would not want at the end of life. This document is something we hope we never have to use but we should all have, “just in case”. It is so important that we have someone we love and trust putting our wishes into place if we are unable to do so. I encourage anyone who does not have a health care proxy to complete one as soon as possible; no attorney is needed just two witnesses.
Newsletter 7
Catherine McGowan Senior Center
Scituate Council on Aging 27 Brook Street Scituate, MA. 02066
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #81 Scituate, MA
VANS TRANSPORTATION: CALL (781) 545-8722
72 hours notice is MANDATORY for all ride requests!
Daily Van runs: Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. & Friday: 8:30a.m. to 12:00noon. Please Note: Scituate/Cohasset medical trips take priority in the scheduling of the daily COA Van and may bump other ride requests if necessary.
OUT OF TOWN MEDICAL RIDES: CALL (781) 545-8722
Senior Happenings is published by the Council on Aging and supported in part by a grant from the Office of Elder Affairs and Scituate Senior Association (SSA).
Newsletter 8