May 2015 Newsletter

The Mashpee
Senior Connection
May 2015
MASHPEE SENIOR CENTER/COUNCIL ON AGING
26 FRANK E. HICKS DRIVE
MASHPEE, MA 02649
Phone: (508) 539-1440 • Fax: (508) 539-2791
www.coamashpeema.gov
MASHPEE SENIOR CENTER
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
The Mashpee Senior Center will
be closed on MONDAY, May 25
for MEMORIAL Day.
presentation will give you pointers on the many ways fires
begin in the kitchen and home and how to
prevent them. The information presented
comes from the National Fire Administration
and the State of Massachusetts. Join us on
Tuesday, May 19, from 10:30 — 11:30 am
for this informative talk by members of the
Mashpee Fire Department. Please Rsvp to
the Senior Center at (508) 539-1440 or stop by the front desk.
MAY IS OLDER
AMERICANS MONTH SAFETY IN THE SUN PRESENTATION — Tuesday, May 19,
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Summer will be here before we know it,
and just some of the joys of living on Cape Cod are getting
Older Americans Month is a time to acknowledge the contrioutside and enjoying the beautiful weather.
butions of past and current older persons to our country, in
Join us as Amedisys Health Care presents
particular those who defended our country. This year, in hon“Safety in the Sun.” You will learn about skin
or of the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act, the
protection, eye protection, medication reacfocus is on how older adults are taking charge of their health,
tions to direct sunlight, and hydration. Iced
getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive
tea, lemonade, and water will be provided.
impact in the lives of others. This year’s theme is “Get into Rsvp’s appreciated. Please call the Senior Center at (508) 539the Act”, and we hope you will join us in making this a 1440 or stop by the front desk.
month – and year – of action! By promoting and engaging in
activity, wellness, and inclusivity, more Americans than ever THOMAS TOBEY HOUSE — Join us for a presentation by Tom
before can “Get into the Act.” Older Americans Month is an Keyes and David Wheelock of the North Atlantic Archaeologioccasion to highlight how older adults are engaging with and cal Collaborative on Thursday, May 14, from 10:30 — 11:30
am. They will share the fascinating story of the Cape Cod
making a difference in those communities.
discovery of a buried treasure in downtown Sandwich. The
The Mashpee Senior Center has many activities and opportu- Keyes discovered their 1817 home was really pre-1650 during
nities for older Americans to stay healthy, make a contribu- renovation. Their presentation will unravel the lost history of
tion to their community, and volunteer to support the town one of the original founders of Cape Cod. Rsvp’s appreciated.
and its residents. Older Americans Month is sponsored by the Please call the Senior Center at (508) 539-1440 or stop by the
Administration for Community Living, a department of the front desk.
U .S. Department of Health and Human Services.
NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTE MUSIC — On Tuesday, May 5th at
HONOR FLIGHT — You are invited to a viewing of the docu- 12:00 noon, Attorney Michael Lavender will be performing a
mentary “Honor Flight, One Last Mission” on May 21 from blend of relaxing and meditative Native American Flute songs
10:00 — 11:30 am. Honor Flight is a heartwarming documen- on twelve authentic wooden instruments accompanied by his
tary about four living World War II veterans and a Midwest own solo piano pieces. These instruments express a range of
community coming together to give them the trip of a life- emotions from haunting and mesmerizing to cheerful and
time. Volunteers race against the clock to fly thousands of romantic. Rsvp’s appreciated. Please call the Senior Center at
WWII veterans to Washington, DC to see the memorial con- (508) 539-1440 or stop by the front desk.
structed for them in 2004, nearly 60 years after their epic
struggle. Join us for coffee and doughnuts with a special
"To be happy in this world, especially when youth is past, it
viewing of this deeply emotional film. Documentary film preis necessary to feel oneself not merely an isolated individusented by SOSTEK Homecare. Please Rsvp to the Senior Cenal whose day will soon be over, but part of the stream of
ter at (508) 539-1440 or stop by the front desk.
COOKING SAFETY PRESENTATION — One of the more frequent places fires start in the home is in the kitchen. This
life flowing on from the first germ to the remote and unknown future."...-- Bertrand Russell
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Activity
Spotlights
Mashpee
Council On Aging
SKETCHERS WANTED! — Do you like to
sketch? Are you interested in joining a
beginning sketching group? We are investigating starting a pilot program of approximately 6 weeks for people to get together
to share their sketching talents. Please
call Activities Coordinator Christine Foisy at the Mashpee
Senior Center, (508) 539-1440, or stop by the front desk if
you are interested in this group.
BE A STAR AT OUR UPCOMING BIRTHDAY PARTY! If you
were born in April, May, or June, celebrate with
us and your friends at the Mashpee Senior Center
on Tuesday, May 12 at 1:30 pm. Bring a friend to
enjoy cake and sing along with us. Please Rsvp to
the Mashpee Senior Center, (508) 539-1440, or
stop by the front desk to sign up.
SPRING TOTE BAG CRAFTING — Thursday, May 21 from 2:30
— 3:30 pm. Find the artist in you and join us for an opportunity to use your creativity to paint a unique and personalized tote bag for your use or perhaps a gift for the upcoming
Spring season. Presented by Royal Health Group. Please
Rsvp to the Mashpee Senior Center, (508) 539-1440, or stop
by the front desk to sign up.
GOLF FROM A SPORTS WRITER’S POINT OF VIEW — Golf
enthusiast and Cape Cod Times writer, Geoff
Converse, will be talking about his favorite
pastime of “Golf, From a Sports Writer’s Point
of View” on Friday, May 22 at 10:30 am. Come
to the Mashpee Senior Center to hear and
share your love of golf at 10:30 am. Please
Rsvp by calling (508) 539-1440, or stop by the
front desk to sign up. Drop-ins are welcome.
DINING AROUND — Celebrate “Older Americans Month” by
joining us on Tuesday, May 19th at 12:00 noon for our Social
Dining Around at Canterbury Cuisine, 331 Cotuit Rd, Sandwich. Come enjoy a delicious meal in a social atmosphere
with friends! Rsvp’s required. Please call the Mashpee Senior
Center, (508) 539-1440, or stop by the front desk to sign up.
60’S SOCIAL CLUB — If you are in your 60’s (60-69), please
join the Mashpee Senior Center’s 60’s Social Club. We meet
every 3rd Thursday of the month from 3:00—4:15 pm. This
month we will meet Thursday, May 21 — come socialize with
us! Couples, singles-doesn’t matter. Connect with people of
like interests. Light refreshments served. Rsvp’s appreciated
but not necessary.
SHE’S A WINNER! — Congratulations
to Nancy Smargon for winning the
Photography Club competition. Her
beautiful sunset over John’s Pond is
spectacular!
AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASS — On Tuesday, May 12, from
10:00 am — 2:30 pm there will be an AARP Driver Safety
Class. Please bring your lunch. Class is $15 for AARP members or $20 for non-members. After taking this course, you
may even be eligible for a discount on your car insurance!
Please register at the Mashpee Senior Center or call (508)539
-1440, as class space is limited.
MOVIES ARE HERE AT THE SENIOR CENTER! On each Friday,
May 2015
we will be showing a movie for your viewing pleasure! Premovie socializing at 12:30 pm, movie starts at 1:00 pm. Light
movie refreshments will be served. Upcoming movies and
their rating:
May 1
Meet Joe Black (PG-13)
May 8
Fletch Lives (PG)
May 15
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (PG-13)
May 22
Master and Commander (PG-13)
May 29
Saving Private Ryan (R)
WOODCARVING — Would you like to try your hand at
wood carving? Here’s your chance. We have a wood carving
group that meets every Tuesday morning at the Mashpee
Senior Center from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. No experience
necessary! Questions? Contact Dick Nelson (508) 477-7796.
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY (TOPS) — On every Monday at
10:30 am—12:00 noon there is a TOPS meeting at the Mashpee Senior Center. TOPS is a non-profit weight loss support
group that will help provide you with the support and accountability to make you successful. At 10:30 am there is a
weigh-in and meeting to follow. Please join us and learn what
TOPS is all about. There is a yearly fee. To sign up, please call
(508) 539-1440 or stop in any Monday at 10:30 am.
AEROBICS FOR THE BRAIN — Like our bodies, we need to
keep our minds fit. Join our Aerobics for the Brain program
on Tuesday, May 12 and May 26 from 3:00 pm—4:00 pm.
Come join this fun, social group to help keep your mind sharp
and focused. To sign up, please call (508) 539-1440 or stop by
the front desk at the Senior Center. Drop-in’s welcome!
SOCIAL CRIBBAGE — The Mashpee Senior Center is excited
to offer social cribbage from 10:00 am — 11:30 am every
Thursday. Come join this fun group! Rsvp’s appreciated;
however, drop-ins are always welcome. To sign up, please
call (508) 539-1440 or stop by the front desk at the Senior
Center.
VETERANS' SERVICES — Veterans’ Services Officers (VSO) in
in the Commonwealth help veterans learn about, apply for,
and in some cases receive benefits. So if you are a veteran or
a spouse of a veteran, make an appointment to meet with
one of the representatives here at the Mashpee Senior Center on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month (May 1 and May
15). Please call (508) 539-1440 or stop by the front desk to
make an appointment.
FALL POTTERY CLASS — Would you like one
of your very own
Cape Cod coffee
mugs? Are you interested in pottery? We
have tentatively scheduled a pottery class for
September 3 and 17 from 9:30 — 11:30 am.
The project will be the making of a beautiful
pottery coffee mug similar to this picture. There is a cost for
the two-session class. Please let Christine Foisy, activity coordinator know if you are interested. We do need a minimum
so don’t delay in letting us know of your interest. Call (508)
539-1440 or stop by the front desk to sign up.
MASHPEE MEN’S CLUB — We invite retired or semi-retired
men over the age of 50 to join our club formed in 1997. We
meet at the Mashpee Senior Center on the first Tuesday of
each month starting with coffee at 10:00 am followed by a
brief business meeting and a speaker at 10:30 am.
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Mashpee Council On Aging
For more information contact Deane Turner at
deane_turner@msn.com or Frank Lord at fjlord@msn.com.
MASHPEE MEN’S CLUB MAY EVENTS — On May 5th, at
10:30 am, Drew McManus, Mashpee Conservation Agent,
will describe his primary role to enforce state wetland laws
by assessing any development projects that fall within wetlands jurisdiction in the Town of Mashpee. He is also responsible for managing over 1400 acres of town-owned conservation land and open space parcels. May 18th marks the opening of the Mashpee Men’s Club’s golf season at Holly Ridge.
GAME AND CARD DAYS — Join us for game and card days:
Monday
12:30 — 4:00 Mah Jongg
1:00 — 4:00
Rummikub
1:00 — 3:00
Pinochle
Wednesday
1:00 — 3:00
Canasta
Thursday
10:00 — 11:30 Cribbage
1:00 — 4:00
Social Bridge
Friday
12:30 — 4:00 Mah Jongg
DO YOU LIKE TO DANCE? — The Mashpee Senior Center
offers tap dancing (every Thursday from 1:30 — 2:30 pm),
line dancing (every Wednesday from 1:00—2:00 pm), and
ballroom dancing (every Thursday from 12:15 — 1:15 pm).
Drop in and join us to trip the light fantastic!
BOOK CLUB — Book Club meets on the third Friday of the
month at 2:00 pm at the Mashpee Senior Center. The selection for May 15th is Allison Pataki’s “The Accidental Empress,” the story of young “Sisi,” the Austro-Hungarian wife
of Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria. The time is 1853, and
the Hapsburgs are Europe’s most powerful ruling family. Join
us for a discussion of this engrossing story!
FREE GADGETS & PC CLINIC — Have your questions answered on Thursdays from 12:00 noon — 2:00 pm about your
gadgets, i.e. cell phones, GPS, or e-mail, Facebook, etc. Bring
your devices fully charged, power sources are limited. Call
before coming in to confirm session is meeting that day.
MASHPEE SINGING SENIORS — Come express your musical
soul through singing and join us, the Mashpee Singing Seniors. We welcome men and women to sing with us on Thursday mornings from 9:30 am — 11:00 am at the Mashpee Senior Center. We rehearse a variety of music, including pop and
Broadway, from September to June, and we sing to a variety
of appreciative audiences in Mashpee, Falmouth and Sandwich. You don’t need to be a Mashpee resident and there are
no auditions. Just stop by! We look forward to having you
and your joy of singing join us.
May 2015
MEDITATION GROUP — On Wednesday, May 6, and the first
Wednesday of each month from 1:00 pm—3:00 pm at the
Senior Center, the Meditation Group will be held by the Reiki
Practitioners. There is no charge for this group and it is open
to all interested seniors. Meditation has been found to have
mental and physical health benefits. Please come and give it
a try.
UPCOMING ANNUAL MASHPEE TOWN EVENTS — Get into
the act by participating in Mashpee town activities. The Annual Town Meeting will be on Monday, May 4, 2015 at
7:00 pm at the high school. The annual Town election will be
held on Saturday, May 16, 2015 from 7:00 am at Quashnet
School.
FIRST ANNUAL CAPE COD LOW VISION SUMMIT FOR SENIORS — Wednesday, May 20. An educational event to promote awareness of services available to folks on the Cape.
Registration and Continental Breakfast at 9:30 am, program
from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. The summit is free and open
to the public but seating is limited. Please call Thirwood
Place at 508-398-8006 to reserve your spot. Each speaker
will be discussing resources that many may not know. The
speakers are: Dr. Jennifer Salvo, Low Vision Specialist; Cynthia Stead, Executive Director, Sight Loss Services, Inc.; Dr.
Miriam Englander, Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston; Shaun
Kinsella, Director of MABVI, Massachusetts Association for
the Blind and Visually Impaired; and Debby King, Library Outreach Coordinator, Perkins Library.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS 19TH ANNUAL SENIOR ART EXHIBIT. Sponsored by Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts's office; open to all citizens age 62
or older. The deadline for entries is July 1, 2015. An award
ceremony will be held at the Commonwealth Museum at a
date to be announced. Please contact the Commonwealth
Museum at commonwealthmuseum@sec.state.ma.us for
more information.
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT NETWORK OF CAPE COD — Friday,
May 8 — Donna Klein-Erdman, OTR/L, will present “Driving
Decisions: Balancing Safety and Independence in Parkinson’s
Disease” at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Cape Cod,
East Sandwich. Seating at 10:00 am; program starts 10:30
am. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion
with a physician, social worker, and transportation representative. Free lunch from 12:00 — 1:00 pm. Reservations
are required. To Rsvp, contact the American Parkinson’s Disease Association Information & Referral Center (800) 6518466 or email to information@apdama.org. To learn more
about the network, visit www.parkinsoncapecod.org.
PLEASE NOTE: If AARP did your taxes at the Mashpee Senior Center and you have additional questions about
your taxes or refund, for your Federal return, please go to the IRS web site www.irs.gov or call 1-800-829-1040.
For the state of Massachusetts return, please go to their web site www.mass.gov/dor or call 1-800-392-6089.
The staff at the Senior Center is not trained to answer your tax return questions.
DID YOU KNOW...that Elder Services of Cape Cod and Islands does a luncheon at the Mashpee Senior
Center on Monday - Friday at 11:30 am? This is a good way to help keep your food costs down — plus it
is fun and social! A voluntary suggested donation is $2.00. Come for an activity in the morning and stay
for lunch! Make a day of activity at the Senior Center! You need to call (508) 477-0910 24 hours in advance to reserve a meal. If you have questions, call Annette at the luncheon program at (508) 477-0910.
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Mashpee Council
onCouncil
Aging
Special Events
Mashpee
On Aging
May 2015
Tuesday
May 5
Native American Flute Music Performance
12:00 — 1:00 pm
Tuesday
May 12
Quarterly Birthday Party (for April, May, June birthdays)
1:30 — 2:30 pm
Tuesday
May 12
AARP Safe Driving Course
10:00 am — 2:30 pm
Thursday
May 14
Thomas Toby House Dig Site Archeology Talk
10:30 — 11:30 am
Tuesday
May 19
Dining Around—Canterbury Cuisine
12:00 noon
Tuesday
May 19
Cooking Safety Presentation by Mashpee Fire Department
10:30 — 11:30 am
Tuesday
May 19
Safety in the Sun Presentation
2:00 — 3:00 pm
Thursday
May 21
Honor Flight: Honoring WWII Veterans Video
10:00 — 11:30 am
Thursday
May 21
Springtime Tote Bag Crafting
2:30 — 3:30 pm
Friday
May 22
Golf from a Sports Writer’s Point of View Talk
10:30 am — 12:00 pm
Mashpee Council on Aging Regular Events
8:30-9:30
9:45-11:00
10:00-11:30
10:30-12:00
10:00-11:30
10:00-1:00
11:00-12:00
12:30-4:00
1:00-3:00
1:00-4:00
MONDAYS
Strength Training
Gentle Yoga
Knit/Crochet/Quilt
TOPS
Atty Kosman (4th)**
Grief Counseling (2nd)
Chair Yoga
Mah Jongg
Pinochle
Rummikub
THURSDAYS
Exercise
Mashpee Singing Seniors
Cribbage
Parkinson’s Support
Group(2nd)
11:00-2:00 Sea Mist Swimming
12:00-2:00 Gadgets & PC Clinic
12:15-1:15 Ballroom Dancing
1:00-4:00
Social Bridge
1:30-3:30
Hearing Tests (2nd)
1:30-2:30
Tap Dancing
3:00-4:15
60’s Social Club (3rd)
7:00-9:30 Tai Chi (Beginners
please come 1st Thurs)
8:30-9:30
9:30-11:30
10:00-11:30
10:00-11:30
TUESDAYS
8:30-9:30
Exercise
9:00-12 :00 Woodcarving
9:00-11:00
Atty Mello (2nd)
10:00-11:30 Men’s Club (1st&3rd)
11:00-12:00 Zumba Gold
11:00-2:00
Ask-a-Pharmacist (3rd)
11:00-2:00
Sea Mist Swimming
1:00-3:00
Photography Club (4th)
1:00-3:00
Atty Lavender (1st)
3:00-4:00
Ageless Yoga
3:00-4:00
Aerobics for the Brain
(2nd & 4th)
8:30-9:30
9:30
10:00-12:00
10:00-12:30
10:30-11:30
11:00-12:00
12:30-4:00
12:30
1:00
1:15- 3:30
2:00-3:00
FRIDAYS
Strength Training
Bowling Club-Ryan
Amusements
Sight Loss Services (4th)
Reiki Clinic (3rd)
Ask-A-Nurse (4th)
Zumba Gold
Mah Jongg
Pre-movie Socializing
Movie
Veterans Services
(1st&3rd)
Book Club (3rd)
WEDNESDAYS
8:30-9:30 Strength Training
9:00-10:00 Blood Pressure Clinic (3rd)
9:00-3:00 Foot Care Clinic (3rd)
10-Noon & 1:00-3:00 Painting
11:00-12:00 Zumba Gold
11:00-12:30 CARES Support Group
(2&4)
1:00-2:00
Line Dancing
1:00-3:00
Canasta
1:00-3:00
Meditation (1st)
1:00-4:00 SHINE (2nd & 4th)
2:00-3:30
CARES Support Group
(2nd&4th)
2:30
Tai Chi for Healthy Aging
SATURDAYS
8:30-9:30 Exercise
Transportation is available for activities, either through our van or Cape
Cod Regional Transit Authority at 1-800
-352-7155
*There may be a cost for an instructor,
please call Christine Foisy, Activity Director, at 539-1440 ext 3512 for more information on activities
** For May only, Atty Kosman will be
here the 3rd Monday, May 18
Save the Dates! More info in the June Newsletter!
June 11 Caregiver 101— Taking Care of Yourself while Caring for a Loved One
June 16
Home Safety Checklist
June 18 Travel Show
June 16 Cape Cod Baseball League Presentation
June 18
Just for Laughs Breakfast
June 23 Wedding Vows
Renewal
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Mashpee Council On Aging
May 2015
Health, Wellness and Appointments
ASK-A-NURSE— KATHY GANEY-RN VNA OF CAPE COD —
Kathy will be available at the Senior Center on Friday, May
22, 10:00 am — 11:00 am to answer your questions.
SPRING AT LAST! We are all looking forward to the warmer
weather where we can finally shed those layers of clothes
and enjoy all of the activities that the warmer weather offers.
While we are enjoying this season we have to take steps to
prevent bites from ticks that share the outdoors.
Ticks can infect humans with bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause serious illness. There are several other
tick borne diseases in addition to Lyme disease that you can
get from a tick bite such as Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia.
Ticks live in moist and humid environments, particularly in
or near wooded or grassy areas. You may come in contact
with ticks during outdoor activities around your home or
when walking through leaf litter or nearby shrubs. Always
walk in the center of trails in order to avoid contact with
ticks. Products containing Permethrin kill ticks. Permethrin
can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and
remains protective through several washings. Use a repellent with DEET on the skin. Repellents containing 20% or
more DEET can protect up to several hours. Always follow
product instructions.
Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Check your
clothing for ticks. Any that are found should be removed.
Placing clothes into a dryer on high heat for at least a half an
hour effectively kills ticks. Showering within two hours of
coming indoors has been known to reduce your risk of
getting Lyme disease. It also may help wash off unattached
ticks, and it is an opportunity to do a tick check. Conduct a
full body check on return from the outdoors. Use a hand-held
or full length mirror to view all parts of your body, including
under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly
button, back of the knees, in and around the hair, between
the legs and around the waist.
Remove an attached tick as soon as you notice it by grasping with tweezers, as close to the skin as possible. and pulling
it straight out. Clean the area with soap and water. Watch for
signs such as rash or fever in the days and weeks following
the bite and see a health care provider if these develop. Your
risk of acquiring a tick-borne disease depends on many factors, including where you live, what type of tick bit you and
how long the tick was attached. If you become ill after a tick
bite, see a health care provider.
HEARING TESTS — Thursday, April 9, 1:30 — 3:30 pm by appointment. Please call the Mashpee Senior Center at (508)
539-1440 or stop by for more information.
FOOT CARE— 3rd Wednesday, May 20, by Appointment.
There is a fee. Call the Mashpee Senior Center at (508) 5391440 to make an appointment.
CARES PROGRAM—Hope Dementia & Alzheimer’s Services
This program is specifically for people with memory impairment and their care partners.
CARES provides an opportunity for families affected
by memory impairment to participate in two separate support groups-held simultaneously-which provide information, guidance, and respite to Care Partners; and, conversation and socialization for those with
memory impairment. There are two sessions available to
choose from at the Senior Center. Both are on the 2nd and
4th Wednesday each month. One is at 11:00 am -12:30 pm
and the other is 2:00 pm — 3:30pm. This month the
meetings will be on May 13 and May 27. To register or for
more information please call Hope Dementia & Alzheimer's
Services at (508) 775-5656.
BEREAVEMENT COUNSELING — Have you or someone you
love experienced a death or loss? Lyn Chafetz, LICSW is a
Bereavement Counselor with Hope Health’s Community Care
Services and is available to hear your concerns and answer
your questions in a confidential and supportive environment
on the 2nd Monday of each month (May 11) from 10:00 am
— 1:00 pm. Please call the Senior Center at (508) 539-1440
to make an appointment.
SIGHT LOSS SERVICES PEER SUPPORT GROUP — This support group meets at the Mashpee Senior Center on the 4th
Friday of every month from 10:00 am—12:00 noon (May 22).
This group is open to anyone with vision issues from diagnosis to legal blindness and provides access and information on
services available. For more information, call Sight Loss Services at 508-394-3904 or visit their website:
www.jwen.com/sls/ .
LEGAL ASSISTANCE — We are fortunate to have attorneys
that visit the Senior Center on a monthly basis. The Attorney
and the fields that each would feel most qualified to assist
seniors with, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY are:
Atty. Thomas Kosman: Monday, May 18 at 10:00 am May Housing problems, government benefits, health law,
guardianship, reverse mortgage, and consumer issues.
Atty. Michael Lavender: Tuesday, May 5 at 1:00 pm —
General legal problems, trusts, wills, estate planning and
settlement.
Atty. Patricia Mello’s office: Tuesday, May 12 at 9:00 am
— Wills, health care choices, nursing home/Medicaid
planning, estate planning, asset protection, guardianships.
Please try to consider the urgent questions that you have and
try to choose the appropriate attorney.
PLEASE NOTE: The lawyers do not handle questions regarding criminal matters.
There's no such thing as aging, but maturing and knowledge. It's beautiful, I call that beauty
...Celine Dion
Page 6
Mashpee Council
On Aging
Darlene Perkins’
Outreach
Corner
MASHPEE COA OUTREACH PROGRAM
MISSION STATEMENT
To assist seniors in our community to find
the resources they need to help them
make the best choices to maintain the
highest quality of life possible.
SPRING IS HERE! This last winter was tough on everyone, so
here are a few resources if you need help:
FUEL ASSISTANCE - The Low Income Home Energy Assistance
Program (LIHEAP), more commonly known as the Fuel Assistance Program, has been extended to May 15. The program
provides low–income households with help in paying heating
bills. SSCAC, Inc. provides fuel assistance to residents of 38
communities of the South Shore and Cape and Islands
towns. Please call Darlene Perkins if interested (508) 5391440.
CUSTOMERS WHO ARE 65 YEARS OR OLDER — If you and
everyone living in your home are 65 years of age or older and
you have overdue electric or gas bills, your electricity or gas
cannot be shut off without an investigation by the Department of Public Utilities. Call 1-800-592-2000 to ensure this
protection.
EVERSOURCE DISCOUNT RATE — If you currently receive
certain means-tested government benefits or fuel assistance,
you may qualify for Eversource’s discount rate. Please contact them for or details or visit www.eversource.com.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS — Cape Light Compact provides a number of energy efficiency programs to help you
reduce their electric bills, protect the environment, and defer
the need for new power plants. To learn more, please call 1800-797-6699.
Let’s not wait until the weather gets too hot or cold before
we learn about Energy Efficiency programs .
MEDICATION LOCK BOXES AVAILABLE — 70% of people 12
and older who abuse prescription drugs get them from family
or friends. To encourage the safe, secure storage of medica-
May 2015
tion, Gosnold on Cape Cod recently donated two medication
lock boxes to the Mashpee Senior Center. These boxes can be
opened using a simple 4-digit code, but act as a deterrent to
anyone trying to misuse your pills. They will be available on a
first-come, first-served basis. Please contact Darlene Perkins
if you would like to receive one of the boxes. (508) 539-1440
COME IN FOR YOUR BENEFITS CHECKUP! — Are you struggling to make ends meet? As the cost of living is rising and
your income is remaining the same, you may be entitled to
some help! Make an appointment to fill out the Benefits
Check-up on line. Benefits Checkup is a free online service
that helps seniors find and enroll in benefits to help pay for
food, medicine, heat and more. Let’s find out if you qualify
for benefits! We have a volunteer who will be at the senior
center the first and third Tuesdays of the month (May 5 and
19) from 9:00 — 11:00 am to help you fill out the online
questionnaire. She will help you fill out any applications that
may apply to you. Every little bit helps! Call the Mashpee
Senior Center at (508) 539-1440 to make your appointment.
MASHPEE LEGACY PROGRAM — Are you over 85 years of age
and would like to have your life story written up? We have a
lovely volunteer who can help you write up highlights of your
life to share with family, friends, and/or the Senior Center in
our library. For an interview call Darlene Perkins, Outreach
Coordinator at (508) 539-1440.
LOOKING FOR A FRIENDLY VISITOR? — Are you feeling isolated? Would you welcome a smiling face and someone new
to talk to? Then a Friendly Visitor may be just what the
“doctor” ordered! Call Darlene Perkins, Outreach Coordinator at (508) 539-1440 to set up a visit with one of our volunteers.
LIBRARY BOOK DELIVERY — If you are homebound and/or
have difficulty going to the library, we offer a library book
delivery service to you. A volunteer will pick up and return to
the library any books, DVDs, tapes, etc. that you would like.
Please call Darlene Perkins at (508) 539-1440 if you are interested.
Volunteer Coordinator Deborah Converse’s Corner
“The value of volunteering is much deeper, much more fulfilling and much more important in contributing to a healthy
Added to our ranks this month are: Andre and vibrant community than money can ever measure.”
Corbeau, Jocelyn Jones, Beverly Rickson, and
Volunteer Recognition
Larry DeBower.
Excerpt from The Business Times: Value of We at the Mashpee Senior Center look forward to honoring
our volunteers on Friday, June 12 at the New Seabury CounVolunteering: Acts small and large priceless.
“What is a volunteer? What is the value of volunteering? try Club. Invitations were mailed the end of April.
Volunteering is about giving, contributing and helping other
Volunteers Needed
individuals and the community. Volunteering means working Friendly Visiting is an important part of the Outreach offered
with others to make a meaningful contribution to a better through the Center. If you are interested in visiting people in
community. One estimated dollar value of volunteer time is their homes or becoming a telephone friend, give Deb Con$21.36 per hour.”
verse a call at (508) 439-1440, extension 3508.
When applied to the Mashpee Senior Center volunteers, for If you have any special skills, talents or interests you would
approximately 190 volunteers, that estimate equals $4,058 like to share with other seniors at Mashpee Senior Center
per hour. If each volunteer contributes 5 hours of their time please let me know.
each week, that equals $20,290 per week contributed!
New Volunteers
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Mashpee Council On Aging
May 2015
Volunteers Needed — Mashpee Herring Counters
The Mashpee Conservation Department is looking for volunteer herring counters at
Mashpee’s 3 herring runs (Mashpee, Santuit and Quashnet Rivers). For details on how to
get involved with this volunteer program, please contact Mashpee Conservation Agent,
Drew McManus at (508) 539-1400, extension 8539 or email him at: amcmanus@mashpeema.gov
SHINE News—Did You Know?
Need help with prescription drug costs? Prescription Advantage may be your answer! Prescription Advantage is a staterun program which assists many elders with the costs of their medications. Eligibility is based on income only and there is
no asset limit! Who can join? If you are a Massachusetts resident, eligible for Medicare, and are:
 65 years or older with an annual income at or less than $58,850 for a single person or $79,650 for a married couple OR
 Under 65 years and disabled, with an annual income at or less than $22,128 for a single person or $29,948 for a married
couple.
 You may also join… if you are 65 years or older and not eligible for Medicare. There is no income limit.
There is no charge for joining Prescription Advantage, if you have an annual income at or less than $35,310 for a single person and $47,790 for a married couple. There is a $200 per person annual enrollment fee for those with higher incomes.
Call Prescription Advantage today to enroll on the phone. You can reach Prescription Advantage at 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800243-4636), then press or say 2. You may also apply on line by going to www.prescriptionadvantagema.org . For further assistance with any Medicare issue, contact the SHINE Program at 508-375-6762 or visit their website http://www.mass.gov/
elders/healthcare/shine/serving-the-health-information-needs-of-elders.html.
Trained SHINE volunteers offer free, confidential counseling on all aspects of Medicare and related health insurance programs. Please call the Senior Center to schedule a SHINE appointment at (508) 539-1440 or stop by the front desk.
Emergency Preparedness
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS - The Mashpee Council on Aging maintains a list of seniors who are homebound, and/or
frail to help the town provide assistance to them during a
civil defense emergency such as hurricane or blizzard. If you
would like to be on the list, please call the Senior Center at
(508) 539-1440 and request a simple registration form for you to complete and return. Should you need assistance completing the form, please call Outreach Coordinator, Darlene Perkins.
DISABILITY INDICATOR FORM - Are you a
disabled elder? Disabilities would include
life support system, mobility impaired, blind, deaf and hard
of hearing, teletypewriter, speech impaired, cognitive impairment, etc.
If you have any of the listed disabilities, Clay Nicholson,
Mashpee’s 911 Municipal Coordinator, recommends that a
9-1-1 DISABILITY INDICATOR FORM be completed and forwarded to him so that if an emergency occurs, public safety
officials will be alerted that an individual residing at your address communicates over the phone via TTY and/or has a
disability that may hinder evacuation or transport. This information is confidential and will only appear at the dispatcher’s
location when a 911 call originates from your address. Please
contact Clay Nicholson, (508) 539-1400 ext. 8499 with any
questions and to pick up a form. You can also pick up this
form at the Mashpee Senior Center.
REVERSE 911 - Did you know that you could receive automated messages by phone from the Town, helping you with
storm preparedness? If you do not already receive important/emergency messages from the Town, or if you want
to edit your contact info, please go to the Town website:
www.mashpeema.gov, and select “Automated Messages Sign
-Up Here” box on the lower left. Select a “resident” button
on the left and enter your contact information here so local
leadership may contact you with timely, important messages.
THE FILE OF LIFE & THE PET FILE OF LIFE
The “File of Life®” is a miniature medical history file that is
posted on the outside of your refrigerator, and a smaller version which is placed either in your wallet or the glove compartment of your vehicle. In the event of an emergency,
E.M.T’s, Firefighters and Police Officers who are dispatched
to your home or vehicle will know where to find it. For any
questions, please contact Darlene Perkins.
The “Pet File of Life” is similar to your own “File of Life”, but
for your pet. It will contain such information as: diet, emergency contact, veterinarian, health concerns. Keeping this
form with your File of Life will help people to respond appropriately in an emergency. Please pick up a card, courtesy of
the Companion Animal Program, at the Front Desk.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.MASS.GOV/MEMA.
Or
Follow the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning
Committee at their Twitter @bcrepc and like their Facebook
page at facebook.com/bcrepc.
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Mashpee Council On Aging
May 2015
TRAVEL CLUB NEWS
Annual Foxwoods "Birthday Bash" w/bonus 5/19, $22; Boston Pops "Film Night" with John Williams, 1st balcony, 5/22,
$105; Foxwoods & "Outlet Shops Grand Opening" w/bonus, 6/09, $34; Cirque de la Symphonie" with the Boston Pops, 1st
balcony, 6/12, $99; Newport Flower Show 20th Anniversary, 6/19, $55; Carnival Parade "Candy Land" 8/20, $34; Waterfire
Festival Providence, RI 8/22, $32; Beautiful The Carole King Musical at PPAC, matinee, orchestra, 9/19, $110; Stop by to
learn about A Taste of Ireland and Scotland featuring Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dublin, Killarney, Loch Ness, 10/02/15 and
Grand European River Cruise--4 countries, 12 guided tours, 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 4/22/16. Anyone can sign up
for one of our trips; there is no membership fee. For a complete listing of all our trips stop by the Mashpee Senior Center
or visit www.adventureswithkarynwendell.com. Karyn is here every Thursday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. For more information, please contact Karyn Wendell at (508) 420-5288. Mail payments for travel c/o Karyn Wendell, P. O. Box 161, Centerville, MA 02632
MASHPEE SENIOR CENTER VAN SERVICE
Are you getting tired of driving? Reluctant to drive in bad weather? Or just trying to save on gas? Don’t be shy, give us a try;
you’re sure to love our van service! We will pick you up and drop you off at your door! Here
is our schedule, come join us!
 MASHPEE — Weekly — Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays (except last Friday
of month) PLEASE MAKE MASHPEE medical appointments between 10:00 am and
1:30 pm
 FALMOUTH — Weekly — Tuesdays PLEASE MAKE FALMOUTH medical appointments
between 10:30 am and Noon.
 HYANNIS — Once a month — 1st Thursday of each month PLEASE MAKE HYANNIS medical appointments between
10:30am and Noon.
 SAGAMORE — Once a month — 2nd Thursday of each month
 SPECIAL MONTHLY OUTING — On the last Friday of each month, you can ride the van to our “Day Trip Town of the
Month”. When you reserve your spot on the van, let us know where you would like to go in that town. Perhaps you
want to shop at a special store that you normally don’t have the chance to visit, or see a physician. Maybe you have
a friend who is recuperating in a rehabilitation or assisted living facility in the town who you would like to visit. When
you call in to reserve your seat, also be ready to let the receptionist know where you want to go! This month we will
be going to WOODS HOLE for our outing!
The van will take you wherever you wish to go in each town it serves.
To schedule rides, please call our receptionist at (508) 539-1440. Our van cannot guarantee time of pick up or drop off.
Van is handicapped-accessible with wheelchair lift. Van rides are free of charge. Donations are gratefully accepted. If we are
not able to meet your transportation need, please call the Cape’s public transportation service, the Cape Cod Regional
Transit Authority (CCRTA) at 1-800-352-7155 for a ride. See below for more info on CCRTA.
CAPE COD REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY (CCRTA) INFORMATION
BOSTON HOSPITAL TRANSPORTATION: Enjoy comfortable, Dial-A-Ride Passenger Procedures and Requirements:
wheelchair accessible transportation from Cape Cod directly  Reservations can be made Monday—Friday between
to 15 Boston-area hospitals Monday-Friday by reservation.
8:00 am—5:00 pm by calling (800) 352-7155.
The bus stops in Wellfleet, Eastham, Orleans, Harwich, Barn Reservations must be made by 5:00 pm two days (or
stable Commuter Lot and the Sagamore Commuter Lot. RES48 hours) before you intend to travel.
ERVATIONS ARE A MUST! Call (800) 352-7155 Monday—
 Same day reservations and changes are not perFriday, 8:00 am—5:00 pm. Fare: $30 roundtrip/ $15 one
mitted.
way.
 Reservations can be made up to one month in adDial-A-Ride Transportation—DART (formerly B-bus): CCRTA
vance.
provides a daily door-to-door, ride-by-appointment trans Exact fare is required. Drivers cannot make change.
portation service available for any purpose. Service is availa Adults and youths: $3.00 per ride
ble to 15 Cape towns: Monday—Friday: 7:00 am—7:00 pm;
 Seniors and people with disabilities: $1.50 per ride
Saturdays: 9:00 am—7:00 pm; Sundays: 9:00 am—1:00 pm
 Children five and younger accompanied by an adult:
in most towns.
Ride free of charge.
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Mashpee Council On Aging
MASHPEE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S
TIP OF THE MONTH
Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline
The Substance Abuse Helpline connects people with services. For tens of thousands of Massachusetts residents
struggling with alcohol and other drug related issues, please
call 1-800-327-5050 for free confidential information and
referrals.. Any questions, please contact Special Officer and
Advocate Tara Carline at 508-539-1480 ext 7253
May 2015
MASHPEE POLICE REASSURANCE PROGRAM
This is a program managed in conjunction by the Mashpee
Police Department and the Mashpee Senior Center that connects seniors of our community with the police department
with a daily check-in call by the senior to ensure there have
been no emergencies. If you are feeling alone and are concerned about your well being, you can join the program by
contacting Outreach Coordinator, Darlene Perkins.
THE CAPERS’ DOINGS
On Monday, May 11, “The Dixie Diehards” will be here to give much pleasure and toe-tapping experiences. They are a
group that play New Orleans-type jazz of the 1930’s to the 1960’s; our type of music. No doubt, if the knees can take it,
there will be some improvised dancing too among the audience. Programs at the Senior Center are always free of charge
with delicious refreshments, and open to anyone who wishes to attend. Following them there will be two looked-for and
most popular trips that will take the group off Cape. Dates and other specifics will be posted on the entrance bulletin board.
Don’t forget to check this out. For flyers mailed directly to your home, become a member by calling Mary Draheim at (508)
477-3920.
Share your memories of your journeys with other seniors. Do you have travelogues, a photo journey, or
other photos you would like to share? Many of you have been to some amazing and beautiful places which
others may be thinking of visiting or interested in learning more about. Please contact activity coordinator
Christine Foisy if you are interested in presenting your travels. You may reach her at (508) 539-1440, extension 3512.
A mother's happiness is like a beacon, lighting up the future but reflected also on the past in the
guise of fond memories….Honore de Balzac
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Mashpee Council On Aging
May 2015
BROADCAST E-MAIL - When you signed up to receive the Senior Center newsletter, you gave us your email. In an effort to
give you the most up-to-date information on Senior Center events, we will be emailing you from time to time regarding last
minute schedule changes and/or updated information. Currently, we only have a small percentage of emails that are working. Please give your email to the Mashpee Senior Center so that we may update our information and keep you informed.
To get a digital copy of this newsletter, visit www.mashpeema.gov/Pages/MashpeeMP_Aging/index and click the newsletter
link at the bottom of the page, which will take you to the most recently published newsletter.
If you wish to honor a loved one, the Mashpee Senior Center offers commemorative gold and silver leaves, prominently
displayed in the entry foyer, beautifully engraved to memorialize family and/or friends. We also etch permanent patio
bricks, preserving names and sentiments, on the patio area outside. For more information, please call the Director, Lynne
Waterman at (508) 539-1440.
Lynne Waterman, Director ………………………...………………………..……….………..…….lwaterman@mashpeema.gov
Darlene Perkins, Outreach Coordinator………………………………………………………...…..dperkins@mashpeema.gov
Linda Wicks, Principal Clerk …………………………………………………………………………..........lwicks@mashpeema.gov
Lisbeth Dineen, Office Assistant…………………………………………..…………….……cofficeassistant@mashpeema.gov
Peggy Rose, Receptionist..………………….……………………………………………………………...….prose@mashpeema.gov
Deborah Converse, Volunteer Coordinator……………………………………………………..dconverse@mashpeema.gov
Christine Foisy, Activity Coordinator…………….…………………………………….…………..……..cfoisy@mashpeema.gov
Robert Morton, Van Driver………………………….……………………………………..………...…..rmorton@mashpeema.gov
Lewis Newell, Van Driver…………………………….………………………………….…………………...lnewell@mashpeema.gov
MASHPEE COUNCIL ON AGING MISSION STATEMENT:
The Council on Aging is an organized commitment by the population of the Town of Mashpee to coordinate
or carry out human service, educational, social and recreational services and programs designed to identify
and address opportunities and solutions for the empowerment and betterment of the senior community.
Our Core Values
RESPECTFUL
WELCOMING
SUPPORTIVE
The cost of mailing this newsletter has been paid
by the Friends of the Mashpee Council on Aging.
Lynne Waterman, Director
Darlene Perkins, Outreach Coordinator
Irving Goldberg, Chairperson, Council on Aging
PRSRT STD
U. S. POSTAGE
PAID
MASHPEE, MA
PERMIT NO. 15
MASHPEE COUNCIL ON AGING
26 FRANK E. HICKS DRIVE
Mashpee, MA 02649
DISCLAIMER
The Mashpee Senior Center offers many legal, financial, recreational, medical screening or other services and\/or activities
by volunteer or nominal-cost practitioners. Seniors participating in these services do so with the understanding that the
Mashpee Council on Aging, The Mashpee Senior Center, the Town of Mashpee or its employees do not assume any legal responsibility for any advice or services rendered by such volunteer or nominal practitioner. Any act or advice or service by outside providers at the Council on Aging should not be presumed to be endorsed & sponsored by the Council on Aging.