Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-00-COA-newsletterLexington Senior Center & Social Services Newsletter NON - PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE BOSTON, MA 59348 PAID Return Service Requested I March 2007 1475 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 Phone: 781 - 861 -0194 I Issue 3113 http: / /ci.lexington.ma.us FAX: 781 - 863 -2271 DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES Lauren McSweeney lmcsweeney @ci.lexington.ma.us OFFICE MANAGER Dianne Snell dsnell @ci.lexington.ma.us SOCIAL SERVICES COORDINATOR Kelly Magee kmagee @ci.lexington. ma.us SOCIAL SERVICES NURSE Charlotte Rodgers crodgers @ci.lexington.ma.us PROGRAM CLERK Sue Hayes shayes @ci.lexington.ma.us NUTRITION SITE MANAGER Despina Maradianos SUPPORTIVE DAY CARE DIRECTOR Carolyn Griffith criffith @ci.lexington.ma.us 781 - 259 -1807 VETERANS'AGENT Winston "Pat" Flynn YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES COORDINATOR Becky Kosterman bkosterman @ci.lexington.ma.us 781 - 861 -2742 COUNCIL ON AGING Betty Borghesani Shirley Buck Marian Cohen, Chair Bob Edwards Dan Fenn Paul Lapointe Leo McSweeney Frieda Oliner Nicholas Santosuosso Jane Trudeau FRIENDS OF THE COUNCIL ON AGING Mark Barons Marie Hill Susan O'Keefe Julie Miller Mary Ellen Goodwin SELECTMAN LIAISON Richard Pagett March Luncheons at the Senior Center Hawaiian Luau - Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at 11:30 a Boneless Breast of Chicken with Stuffing, Maraschino SWccL Oaucc, White Rice with Roasted Vegetables. Roll and Butter. Dessert & Beverage. Register with receptionist by February 28th. $4.00 Brim a Friend to Lunch Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. Lasagna, Salad, Dessert and Beverage. Catered by Nicks I Register with receptionist by March 22nd. $4.00 COA Sponsors Candidates Forum Thursday, March 1st at 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Council on Aging will sponsor a Candidate's forum at the nior Center to give seniors and others an opportunity to learn lore about the candidates and local issues. In attendance to xplain their positions and answer questions will be Selectman and School Committee candidates. All are welcome. 2 LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER NEWS MARCH 2007 Finance Matters - Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. - An open discussion group focused on financial issues of interest to seniors. Topics include estate planning (wills and trusts), probate, investing, budgeting and saving, risk management (insurance) and taxes. Special Presentation open to all - How to Build a Diversified Portfolio - Tuesday, March 13th at 9:00 a.m.. Presented by Blair Thaw of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Clarify your goals, discover fundamental investing con- cepts, and put your investment plan into action. You'll leave with specific steps you can take to help make your investment goal a reality. Please call to pre- Register at (781) 861 -0194. This presentation occurs during the regularly scheduled Fi- nance Matters meeting. Please call (781) 861 -0194 to pre - register. Lexington Senior Advocates (LexSA,� - Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. LexSA identifies, develops and promotes actions or ideas that specifically satisfy the needs of Lexington Seniors. All are welcome. World Affairs Studv Group - Tuesdays, 2:00 p.m. The World Affairs Group continues to meet in the Conference room. Dr. Rathore will be leading the group. The format is discussion about world affairs and current issues in the U.S. New members are always welcome. Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. Demo on Memory Sticks, FLash/Jump, other storage devices. Presentation by Dan Brezens i. Lexington Veteran's Association - Monday, March 12, 2007 at 1:15 p.m. at the Cary Memorial Library (Meeting Room) Lexington Center, at 1874 Mas- sachusetts Ave. The topic will be "Women in the Military" and will be presented by CM Seargent Lisa Sirois of the Air Force. Seargent Sirois is presently stationed at Hanscom AFB and has seen duty in Iraq. Join us for this lecture. All are welcome. Coffee is generously provided by Starbucks (Lexing- ton Center) and cookies /cake will be served. Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older Adults - Thursdays, Beginning in April 2007, specific dates to be determined Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older Adults is a highly participative nutrition work- shop that uses behavior modification techniques, self - management strategies, and exercise to edu- cate older adults about how to manage their nutritional health and begin to make healthy choices around food. Sessions will be held on six - consecutive Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Lexington Senior Center. The program is limited to 15 people and par- ticipants need to make a commitment to attend each session. Medicare Advantage Presentation - Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the Muzzey Room Presentation given by Dave Libman. Our infor- mative seminar will show you how a Medicare advantage Private Fee - for - Service plan called First Seniority Freedom allows you to choose the coverage that makes sense to you, including the option to choose the coverage that makes sense to you, including the option of a $0 monthly premium in Massachusetts. Register with receptionist. The ABC's of Diabetes, A Presentation by Visiting Nurse and Community Health - Wednesday March 7, 2007 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. in the Conference Room "The ABC's of Diabetes" is a presentation that outlines contributing factors, indicators and pre- ventative tips for those diagnosed with diabetes. There are 20.8 million people in the U.S. (or roughly 7% of the population) who have diabe- tes. Of these numbers, it is estimated that 6.2 million are unaware that they have the disease. As with most diseases, being aware of the causes and symptoms of diabetes is a crucial first step in combating it. This program includes discus- sion and time for questions and answers. The program is free, but you must sign up. Call the receptionist at 781- 861 -0194 to register. MARCH 2007 LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER NEWS 3 Program Highlights continued... Hearing Screenings with Rogers Hearing Solutions - Monday, March 19th at 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Classroom by Appointment Only. Joe Sarofeen from Rogers Hearing Solutions will be at the Senior Center to test for hearing loss. This service is free .� of charge. Rogers Hearing Solutions is a pro - eider for Audibel Hearing Aids. The company does screenings, sales and service. You must sign up with the receptionist and make an appointment for your hearing screening. Call the Senior Center at 781- 861 -0194 to register. Current Trends in Men's Health - Wednesday, March 21, 2007 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Dining Room Dr. David Ives, MD will speak on the topic of men's health as well as general health issues faced by seniors. Dr. Ives is the Medical Director of Beth Israel Deaconess Lexington Internal Medicine and the Affiliated Physician Group Practice. A graduate of Yale University School of Medicine, Dr. Ives did his residency at Beth Israel and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. He is on the staff at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, and is an Instructor and member of the Harvard Medical Faculty. Dr. Ives practices Internal Medicine with a specialty in Infectious Disease. He has a special interest in computer use and was one of the developers of the Beth Israel Patient Site system. He will speak for about 45 minutes and take time to answer your questions. You must register for this program, space is limited. Please sign up by calling the receptionist at 781- 861 -0194. FREE a -60 re �� 1- 18-56 www.emmbAd The Current Events Group - Meets on Fri- days from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. We would like anyone who would like to j oin us and discuss Current Events to feel free to come to our meetings. We are looking for good lis- teners and good speakers, liberals and conser- vatives. Come one, Come All. Remember those poems you had to memorize in school? Remember joining your classmates and reciting all those verses aloud by heart? As part of its National Library Week and National Poetry Month celebrations in April, Cary Memorial Library plans to host a get - together for residents who still re- member all those verses and still enjoy reciting them aloud by heart. Stay tuned for further details —we're looking for- ward to hearing you!!! TIME TO CONSIDER Advertising in this publication? SENIOR CITIZEN PUBLISHING, INC. 1505 COMMONWEALTH AVENUE BOSTON, MA 02135 (617) 254 -4545 4 LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER NEWS MARCH 2007 Program Highlights continued.... Nominations Sou ht for 2007 Minuteman Cane Award The Lexington Minuteman and the Lexington Council on Aging are seeking nominations for the 2007 Minuteman Cane Award. 2007 is the 20th year this award will be given to honor an active elder Lexingtonian. To be eligible an individual must meet the following criteria. • Must live in Lexington for at least 15 years • Must be at least 80 years of age • Must be actively involved in the community • Must serve as an inspiration to others and be actively beneficial to others Fuel Assistance Program 2006 -2007 The Fuel Assistance program will run from November 1, 2006 through April 3 0, 2007. Appointments can be scheduled for new clients by calling the Social Services Department at (781) 861 -0194. Fuel assis- tance appointments will occur on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate walk -ins, so please be sure to schedule an appointment. Special accom- modations may be available to accommodate persons who are homebound or have other extenuating cir- cumstances. Please call Kelly Magee for special Nomination forms may be picked up at Theatre Phar- accommodations or questions and concerns. For Your Information... Join us for lunch at the LEX CAFE! Nutritious lunches are served daily, for a donation request of $2.00. Call 781- 861 -0194 to speak with Despina Maradianos Nutri- tion Coordinator , by noon the day before you would like to join us. We also celebrate monthly birthdays dur- ing luncheon the Third Wednesday of each month. If you would like to celebrate your birthday with us call the Senior Center! Weekly menus can be found in the Lexington Minute- man. For a monthly calendar of menus, call the Senior Center to have one sent to your home. Volunteer Opportunities The Friend -to- Friend program is seeking volunteers to support home -bound seniors through socialization and assistance with light household management tasks. Share personal stories, play cards, or assist with grocery shopping the two of you decide!! While offering help to a senior at home, you can gain personal fulfillment from volunteering and form a lasting relationship. Call Kelly Magee at 781- 861 -0194 for in- formation. LEXPRESS - Last year, 6,865 rides for Seniors were provided by Lexpress. The Lexpress staff is happy to initiate Seniors to Lexington's in -town bus service by telephone inquires or accompanying a rider on the bus to guide them as they build their comfort level. Call the Lexpress office at (781) 861 -1210 to speak to the staff about schedules, routes or travel training. Hel Preparing your Income Taxes - Sponsored by AARP /IRS, trained Tax -Aide volunteers will again be available to help prepare your Federal and State in- come taxes for those over 60 with incomes under $50,000. Appointments are required. Call the recep- tionist at 781 - 861 -0194 to schedule an appointment. Long Distance Telephone Tax Refund Taxpayers are now eligible to file for refunds of all excise taxes they have paid on long- distance tele- phone service billed to them. The tax was imposed in 1898 and the IRS stopped collecting the tax after Feb. 28, 2003. Interest of 3% will be paid on these refunds. A standard credit is shown in the payment section of the Income Tax Return of $30 for one exemption, $40 for two, $50 for three and $60 for four. Form 1040EZ -T can be filed for this refund if no tax return is otherwise required. MARCH 2007 LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER NEWS 5 For Your Information continued.... Circuit Breaker Tax Break Are you over 65? If your income tax as a single is less than $46,000 or jointly $70,000, your house assessment is under $684,000 and your Real Estate taxes are more than 10% of your income you may qualify for the Massachusetts Circuit Breaker Tax break even if you do not have to file a tax return. Please note If school is cancelled, the Senior center will be closed and appointments need to be rescheduled. Podiatry Clinic Announcement- Wednesday, March 2 Ist 7 to4PM The Podiatry Clinic will now be held on the third Wednes- day of each month, from 1 -4 pm at the Lexington Senior Center. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Joseph B. Gim- bal, DPM. Dr. Gimbal practices podiatry and podiatric surgery in Arlington and Chelsea, and brings many years of experience caring for the podiatry needs of seniors. Dr. Gimbal will perform a complete assessment of foot and lower leg circulation and nail cutting and filing. The cost will be $30, Please pay the Doctor directly. Call 781- 861 -0194 to schedule an appointment. Money Management Program Assistance with Monthly Bill Paying Coping with bills and the mechanics of monthly bill paying can be overwhelming. Could you or someone you know use help keeping up with your monthly bills? The Money Management Program (co- sponsored by AARP, EOEA, and Mass Home Care) can provide a volunteer to assist with bill paying including: making a budget, sorting bills, writing checks (for YOU to sign), and reconciling checkbooks to bank statements. Interested? Call the Money Management Program at Minuteman Senior Services: 781- 272 -7177 or 978- 263 -8720. "Yesterday and Today"' Intergenerational Program Tuesday, March 27t April 3r and April 10' at 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Cary Library. The Lahey Clinic and the Lexington Social Services Department plan to implement the "Yesterday and Today" lntergenerational program with young adults (grades 6 -8) and senior citizens, who grew up in Lexington. The purpose of this program is to bring generations together to discuss, research, and understand the differences and similarities of lifestyle growing up today versus growing up in the early to mid 1900's and to create a bond between the generations through rich stories and personal experiences. A senior citizen will be paired with one or two students who will interview each other, talk about family, lifestyle and community and research topics that arise from the interviews. In the end, a commemorative booklet will be created, which can be used as both an educational tool and a keepsake of this enriching experience. To register for this free program, please contact a receptionist at the Lexington Senior Center (781) 861 -0194. PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE OUR SPONSORS Could you or someone you know use a little help — • Organizing personal documents and one's "stuff' • Finding skilled and reliable tradespeople • Buying and using a home computer, cell phone, digital camera, or HDTV I Call Bill at Help for the Asking: 781 - 259 -9859 1 Library Lines We are pleased for having so many visitors to the library. We do have a special need for more large print books. The ones we have are mostly mysteries and romances. We'd like to have a more varied collection so, if you have any large print books you can spare, we'd appreciate getting them. Our magazine donations would be most welcome. Freebie magazine basket is very popular. Reminder: No tech- nical, religious or old news magazines please. Senior Center Library Hours - Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. SENIOR CITIZEN PUBLISHING • 1505 COMMONWEALTH AVENUE BOSTON, MA 02135 (617) 254 -4545 N"� aj E-1 COT PLq cn pq COT w 1-4 -f� pq pq cn E) LLJ ce LLJ Qn co 0 L) L) CO rra LU 0 C m a) — CO 0 L) a) z C a) > 0 a- a, a) L) — C:) x a5 m LU CO (D L) LU (D C CO L (D 0 C (D zm 0 I m a) C 0 �+- 0 2 C) a- a) > (D -J (D -I-- (D (D (D CD LM x LU D � I .......... .......... . .......... ..................... i ................... - ...................... i ...... Ln .................................................................................................. W CL > C-) 0 m X U) M U) C= 0 0 U) CU < 0 a = 0 U) m D- L- C13 x + W c) cc a) m co 60 -j Lu U) 0- LO LO CD C) C) C) C) m CD CD m CSJ CD co m qtzj- - 0 C11,14 CN 0 m- m U) U) X W (D 0 06 a .. (3) > CU > o o o X U- U- w m w -j m C:) CD CD CD C) C) CD CD C:) co 0 L) L) CO rra LU 0 C m a) — CO 0 L) a) z C a) > 0 a- a, a) L) — C:) x a5 m LU CO (D L) LU (D C CO L (D 0 C (D zm 0 I m a) C 0 �+- 0 2 C) a- a) > (D -J (D -I-- (D (D (D CD LM x LU D � I .......... .......... . .......... ..................... i ................... - ...................... i ...... Ln W CL > C-) 0 m X U) M U) C= 0 0 U) CU < 0 a = 0 U) m D- L- C13 x + W c) cc a) m co 60 -j Lu U) 0- LO LO CD C) C) C) C) m CD CD m CSJ CD co m qtzj- 00 CF) m 0-) C11,14 CN N rom CL 0 m MOO C � 6 =3 < LL. x + cu c) c 00 CV) CF) CF) , --I LW-j co 04 L - Cv*4 oo NO. cm m 0 CM cu U) U) x 06 U) CD U) x 0-00 Cf) cu (L) 0 X > a cl) (D U) > i ui CU > 0) x C-6 E (D LIJ 0 C:) 0 0 LLI LO > 00 m m m m 66 66 CD + a 0 N = 0 U) M co 0 > 0 cu cu 0 W E cn Cf) U) 7 ffi 06 (1) 0 I ZZ CD (L) 0 > (P cn x CD m m m CN 0 0 co LL. co U- d- CL (JL CN co 04 L - CY) oo NO. cm m 0 C:) co U) U) x 06 U) CD U) x 0-00 Cf) cu (L) 0 C/) 0 LLJ CU 0 a U) (D a Va a 0 X 0) CU > 0) x 0 C) (1) cu C:) C) LLI LO > 00 m m m m 66 66 rmm CL 0 N = 0 U) M co 0 > 0 cu cu 0 W E cn Cf) U) 7 ffi 06 (1) 0 I ZZ CD (L) 0 > E 0 a q < a) En x + x 0 U- _j M IL 0 0 co LL. co U- d- CL (JL o A-0 0 0 () CD C) CD C) CD LO CD CD co CD CD CD CD CD m co C:) CF) CF) CF) CN U) U) (D 0 a) 0 w W 0) CU 0 < U) C = < 0 < U) > o 0 > o 0 -j (3) < cn < 06 cu -j tr_ < U) < �zw UL 0 0 CL UL -j -j .... .... .. - z,- -j U) C) 0 ... .... ... .... .... .. .... .... .. .... C) C) C) CD CD CD CD CD CD CD C) C) C) C) C) C) C) C:) CN CD Cn CD N 6-� 66 6i 0 cr) 0 U) U) C U) U) < < cn a Co U) CM x E w 0 L_ 0 a 0 F) 0 D > > cu LL. CU CD LO cn C:) cn C) CO CO m CD CD cp m CD CD Cq co .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 04 04 00 CF) 0) 0-)0 04 CNJ co 4) 0 0 L- (D L- IN L (1) CU 0 U) U) (D (n UL CD E (D L) m U) LL- + x 0 0 C) (1) cu C:) C) LLI LO > U) 4) m C v L) 0 (D L- IN L (1) CU x T .0 0 w m cu U) r 0 cdo CL < Lu U) a) (1) cu CL (1) X 0 0 o 0 UL 0 -c-- C) C) C) C) C) LLI LO > 66 66 LIJ 41 o m_w ff 4) L (.9 z Ak. ■ LO - 0 Cl) LO LU o m_w ff 4) L (.9 z 0 Z op: LO - 0 Cl) LO LU LLI LO > 0 LIJ NMI= C) r-L co 0 > 0 00 cu uj zz INV �o� cn E =) Q < >I o A-0 0 0 () LU C C� x 0 CL cu -4.- w cu U. 122 �zw UL 0 N U. o . :te LO. > o m_w ff LLI (.9 . 0 Z 0 CL LO - L LI Cl) LO LU LLI LO > I LIJ NMI= C) 0 CL uj zz INV �o� 8 LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER NEWS MARCH 2007 Afterniccn Movie Start time 1:15 p.m. in the Muzzey Room The Devil Wears Prada - Monday, March 5th - Small -town girl Andrea Sachs (Anne Hathaway) gets a job working in New York City for Runway fashion magazine, where she has to cope with a high - powered, dictatorial editor, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). Rated PG -13 How To Eat Fried Worms - Monday, March 19th - Eleven - year -old Billy inadvertently challenges the school bully on his first day at a new school. In order to save face and earn the respect of his new classmates, Billy agrees to a bet to eat 10 worms in one day. Rated PG Supportive Day Care Due to the factors that include increasing nursing home costs and decreases in Medicare and Medicaid coverage, aging in place of becoming a reality for many seniors. As more people are realizing a full life span, the numbers of elders with multiple disabilities is increasing, and it can be a burden for spouses and caregivers of these individual to find solutions for their care. As community supporters of these elders, we look for ways to help them maintain their independence and increase quality of life. The Social Services Department Supportive Day Care program is part of our available network to assist. Supportive Day Care offers relief for family members who are caring for an elder who needs support and supervision in order to remain at home. In addition to providing a safe place to spend the day, we offer two meals, recreational programming, exercisers, social opportunities, intellectual stimulation and round trip transportation. Supportive Day Care can be a key support in assisting families who are coping with increasing needs for supervision and care for a loved one during day time hours. For more information about the program contact Carolyn Griffith, 781- 259 -1807. 275 Mass Ave., Lexington Oil Sales and Service TIME TO CONSIDER Advertising in this publication? WE THINK SO. Call Senior Citizen Publishing TODAY! 617 - 254 -4545 A New Concept in Life Care Retirement Living by American Retirement Corporation Accepting Priority Reservations (617) 489 -0008 Your life. Your time. Your place to live well. ftFe- &�= Conunm At 95 Mill Street Belmont, MA 02478 (Information Center on the McLean Hospital Campus) www.freedom- commons.com 825- NEW01- 0406 -1 SENIOR CITIZEN PUBLISHING • 1505 COMMONWEALTH AVENUE BOSTON, MA 02135 (617) 254 -4545 MARCH 2007 LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER NEWS 9 Friends of the Council on Aging Donations Request Form Who are we? The FCOA as we are known maintains the monetary donations raised through both contributions and fundraising activities on behalf of the Lexington Council on Aging to support the Senior Center. What are the funds used for? They are used to support programs and activities, help purchase equipment and services, and to provide improvements at the Lexington Senior Center. What are some examples? Many seniors attend our FCOA sponsored meals each month and enjoy many ofthe music and exercise programs that we help to support. How do we help? Did you know that you could make a tax deductible donation to the FCOA? We area 501(c) 3 and are a non profit organization. Please mail donations to: 1475 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 024200 We appreciate your gifts, thank you. What is the F.C.O.A.? This question has been asked of us recently, therefore, in short, The Friends of the Council on Aging is a separate non profit organi- zation of volunteers dedicated to the support of the Senior Center, now and for the future. The Friends maintains the monetary donations raised through both contributions and fundraising activities on behalf of the Council on Aging, for the benefit of the Senior Center. Our Board members are: Susan O'Keefe .................................... ............................... President Mary Ellen Goodwin ......................... ............................... Treasurer Marie Hill ......................... ............................... Recording Secretary Julie Miller ............... ............................... Corresponding Secretary We currently have a couple of advisory board positions open. If you think you might be interested, please ask at the Senior Center office for our contact information. We will be waiting to hear from you! MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR IF It IE IE Hearing Screening or Hearing Aid Cleaning Raoeive $100 OFF the purchase of a hearing aid. 10 LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER NEWS MARCH 2007 G a e1. Trip reservations can be made by mail or in person at the Senior Center. Reservations cannot be made by phone. Make checks payable to COA Recreation. Due to advance financial commitments, refunds for cancellations made only if the vacancy is filled. Trip itinerary may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Foxwoods Casino $20 Wednesday, March 14, 2007 No one offers more gaming choices than Foxwoods Casino with its six casinos that offer more than 7,400 slot machines, over 350 table games, and the world's largest bingo hall. Keno is offered throughout the casino and in the comfortable Keno lounge. The package includes a $10 food coupon and $15 Keno. Trip Code T07 -17. Depart 7:30 a.m.; return 6:30 p.m. Park at St. Brigid's Church, Worthen Rd. Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant $69 Thursday, March 22, 2007 Join us for a delightful trip to Rhode Island, where the day starts with a sightseeing tour around Newport's Ocean Drive, featuring scenic views and elegant residences. There will be a brief stop at the Historic Brick Market Place, which has over four acres of shops to browse in. Then we're off to the Newport Playhouse and Cabaret Restaurant for a hearty buffet lunch that features a fine selection of entrees, salads, vegetables, and desserts. After lunch, we go into the theatre for the performance of "Murder at the Howard Johnson's ", a light and humorous comedy. Following the play, it's back to the dining room for a Cabaret show. Trip Code T07 -18. Depart 8:00 a.m.; return 5:30 p.m. Park at St. Brigid's Church, Worthen Rd. Lights, Camera, Action!!! $68 Wednesday, April 4, 2007 Experience Boston's movie magic by visiting Boston's locations made famous by popular TV shows and movies. A Hollywood expert will board the motor coach to provide behind - the - scenes tidbits and insider information as we see Boston through Hollywood's Eyes. The tour guide will provide trivia on such set -in Boston TV shows as "Ally McBeal ", "Cheers ", "Boston Legal ", and "The Practice ". The films include "Mystic River ", "The Thomas Crown Affair ", and "Good Will Hunting ". There will be a complete luncheon at the Union Oyster House, Boston's oldest restaurant choice of baked chicken breast or broiled scrod. Trip Code T07 -19. Depart 10:45 a.m.; return 4:30 p.m. Park at St. Brigid's Church, Worthen Rd. La Boheme $30 Thursday, April 19, 2007 Boston's Celebrity Series presents La Boheme by the Boston University Opera Institute, one of the country's leading professional artist training centers. Puccini's classic tragic tale of young artists and lovers in Paris' bohemian Latin Quarter is remarkable for its lush score and passionate characters. Twenty five tickets available. Trip Code T07 -21. Depart 6 p.m.; return 10:30 p.m. Park at St. Brigid's Church, Worthen Rd. Co SAVE THESE DATES FOR FUTURE TRIPS Thursday, May 3 ........................................................... ............................... Museum of Science Wednesday, May 16 ........................................ ............................... Suffolk Downs Race Track Friday, June 29 ........................................... ............................... Tall Ships Cruise, Newport, RI Sun., Mon., July 22, 23 ........................................... ............................... Tanglewood Overnight MARCH 2007 LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER NEWS 11 From the Health Corner: "Thinking about Home Health Care "" Charlotte Rodgers, RN, Social Services Nurse The Lexington Senior Center recently presented an informal discussion group that we called "Senior Solutions 101". The intent of this group was to inform- and open up a discussion about, how seniors can access services they need as they grow older. We discussed housing needs, transportation and home care. The group also focused on understanding the many options available to help people stay at home independently. In this month's Health Corner, I want to give everyone a brief overview of some of the points we talked about regarding home health care. Today people are leading longer and healthier lives. But, as they age, many people will find that they need some kind of supports to help them maintain their independence. Often, family members will provide the support and care needed. But, there are times when assistance from an outside agency may be needed. Home care agencies are in the business of helping people to live at home longer- and better. The term "home care" is used to describe a wide range of health and supportive services designed to maintain or improve well being and quality of life. Some home care can be medical, and some can be supportive. Every plan of care is different, because each person's individual needs vary. Some people will need only a few hours per week of help; others may need daily or 24 hour care. The first step in the process will be deciding which type of home care you or your family member may need. If you are being discharged from a hospital or rehabilitation center, the staff there can help you with this. Resources about home care are also available on the internet and at the library. We have information and consultation available at the Senior Center, including a checklist of what to look for when choosing a provider for home health care. There are two main types of home care provider agencies: Certified Home Health Agencies A Certified home care agency is one that has met federal requirements for patient care and management. This type of care can be paid for by Medicare, Medicaid and other private insurers. These agencies usually provide some type of medical care, but can also provide a wide range of supportive services. In Massachusetts, these agencies are regulated by the Department of Public Health. Non - Certified Home Care Agencies These agencies provide a wide range of home care services- from nursing and therapies to companions, homemakers, transportation and just about anything else people need to help them remain in their homes. Services vary widely from agency to agency. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover these services, but some private and long term care insurers do. What is the next step? Begin early to think about your needs. Have a conversation with your family. Ask a lot of questions! Your doctor or a social worker can be a good source of information. The following resources are a good place to start: Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts - www.thinkhomecare.org < http: / /www.thinkhomecare.org 800 - 332 -3500 • Geriatric Care Managers - www. cmnewen land.org < http: / /www.gcmnewen 1and.org • Aging Service Access Point (ASAP) - 800 - AGE -INFO www.800ageinfo.com /map < http: / /www.800ageinfo.com /mv 12 LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER NEWS MARCH 2007 Yoga for Health and Fitness, with Lisa Groves Fridays, 9:30 -10:35 a.m. March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 $30.00 April 6, 13, 20, 27 $24.00 Develop strength, flexibility, and balance, and improve overall physical and mental well -being using time - honored yoga movements, postures, and breathing exercises. Exercises will be adapted to meet individual needs; all levels welcome. Please bring a blanket or yoga mat. Register with Senior Center receptionist. Class size is limited. Tai Chi, with Laura Coulter -Cook 1:30- 2:30pm Mondays - March 5, 12, 19, 26 $ 16.00 April 2, 9, 23, 30 $ 16.00 Improves balance, breathing and body awareness. Medical studies show benefits towards lower blood pressure, cholesterol and osteoporosis. First 30 minutes of class is chi gong exercises to warm up. In the second 3 0 minutes, beginners learn to breathe, balance and the sequence of Level 1. Register with Senior Center receptionist. • Stretch & Bend. Large, popular stretching and limbering group offers support and instruction. The group meets Mondays through Fridays at 9:00-9:30 a.m. Free. • 60+ Fitness. Lead by enthusiastic group members, this workout focuses on both upper and lower body muscle strengthening, using free weights and bands. Meets Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays at 9:35-10:30 a.m. All welcome. Free. • Ping Pong. All welcome to join a game on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 2 -4 p.m. All levels. Free. Bereavement & Friendship Group. Meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month., facili- tated by staff Social Worker, Kelly Magee. All are welcome, and no registration is necessary. 1:00 -2:30 pm. Prostate Cancer Group. This group is for men who currently have prostate cancer or survivors who wish to share the knowledge they have gained with others. Meets third Wednesday of each month, 1: 00 - 2:3 0 pm. Parkinson's Support Group. Led by Art Sotak. The Parkinson's Disease support group will meet 4th Mon- day of each month at 1:00 pm at the Senior Center in the Muzzey Room. Caregivers Group: Group meets 1 st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 1:30 - 3:00 pm. A support group for caregivers of individuals with memory impairment. The group is ongoing and there is no fee. If interested please call Charlie Zoeller at 781- 861 -8530 or Susan Moore at 781- 861 -9863 for an initial telephone intake. The Evergreen Group - (Chinese Senior Support) We meet to talk about personal and family issues. Meets at the Senior Center the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, 10:00-11:45 a.m. Podiatry Clinic With Dr. Gimbal. Wednesday, March 21St. Call 781- 861 -0194 to schedule an appointment $30. Please pay the Podiatrist directly. Appointments scheduled 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Blood Pressure Clinic. Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. On the first Thursday of the month, the clinic is held at the Senior Center. Clinics are also held at the Senior Villages other Thursdays of the month. Call the Senior Center for directions to the other locations. SHINE. Counselors Rose Lerner or RhodaNeidorf are available to help you with any aspect of your health insurance on Tuesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm. Call the Senior Center at 781- 861 -0194 to make an appoint- ment. Please let us know if you can't make your appointment. Supportive Day Care. Provides a safe daytime envi- ronment for seniors who are having difficulty living independently, and respite for caregivers. Call Carolyn for further information at 781- 259 -1807.