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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-00-COA-newsletterLexington Senior Center & Social Services Newsletter PAID Return Service Requested I January 2008 1475 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 Phone: 781 - 861 -0194 I Issue 322 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 Barbara Deveau bdeveau @ci.lexington.ma.us SOCIAL SERVICES NURSE Charlotte Rodgers crodgers @ci.lexington.ma.us PROGRAM CLERK Cara Shapiro cshapiro @ci.lexington.ma.us NUTRITION SITE MANAGER Despina Maradianos SUPPORTIVE DAY CARE DIRECTOR Carolyn Griffith cgriffith @ci.lexington.ma.us 781 - 259 -1807 VETERANS'AGENT Bob Martin 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 Jane Pagett Nicholas Santosuosso Jane Trudeau FRIENDS OF THE COUNCIL ON AGING Mary Ellen Goodwin Marie Hill Julie Miller Susan O'Keefe Eleanor Smith SELECTMAN LIAISON Hank Marz NON - PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE BOSTON, MA 59348 Join us for lunch at the Senior Center! The daily lunch program has a new caterer! Come, bring a friend(s), and enjoy a delicious three course meal prepared by Youville Place in collaboration with Lexington Minuteman Senior Services. Reservations can be made by noon the day before you would like to join us by calling Despina Maradianos, Nutrition Coordinator, at 781- 861 -0194. The voluntary contribution is $3.00. Weekly menus can be found in the Lexington Minuteman or by calling the Senior Center. Knowledge is Power! Your Estate and The FHA - Reverse Mortgage Program Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Help Preparing Your Income Taxes Sponsored by AARP /IRS. For those over 60 with low to moderate incomes, trained Tax -Aide volunteers will again be available to help prepare your Fed- eral and State income taxes. Sessions will start February 11, 2008 and end on April 4, 2008. Appointments are required and may be scheduled lNrERNAL p pp q y beginning January 28, 2008. Call the receptionist at 781 - 861 -0194 to REVENUE schedule an appointment. = , 2 LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER NEWS JANUARY 2008 Computer &Technology Groin - ( No meet- ing January 2, 2008) Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 10 a.m. CEO of Computer Help Co. and administrator for the Lexington Computer Group on the Ya- hoo Internet Website Portal, Paul Lewis will discuss "Computer Security." Tuesday, January 15th, 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Judy Moore, RE /MAX Realty will speak on current market conditions and issues of "Historic Homes" in Lexington, mortgage availability and alternatives. Card Making Iris Paper Folding Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Would you like a valentine for that special someone? Join us and have fun creating your own card. We'll offer both iris paper folding and embossing techniques. You will need small sharp scissors. If you have a heat gun and /or a small paper cutter, bring them with you to class. All other supplies will be provided. Register with the receptionist. Space is limited. $4.00 Roundtable - Thursday, January 31St, 2008 at 9:00a.m. Join Rep. Kaufman and Michael Festa, Secretary of Elder Affairs, to discuss Medicaid, the new drug program, policy, raise ques- tions, address concerns or simply chat. Lexington Veterans Association - Monday, January 14, 2008, at 1:15 PM, at Cary Memorial Library (Meeting Room), 1874 Massachusetts Avenue. The Invasion of Iwo Jima: The First Marine Brigade and the International Police Force Iwo Jima was a strategically important air base for fighters escorting long range bombing missions against mainland Japan and as an emer- gency landing strip for crippled B29 bombers. Presented by Harry Wildasin, CPT, USMC, a decorated platoon leader in the invasion of Iwo Jima. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served. Coffee is generously provided by Starbucks (Lexington Center). Advanced Quilting: Thursdays, January 10 through Febru- ary 28, 2008 at 9 a.m. — Students will continue to explore advanced machine quilting techniques. We will design sampler type quilts using varied block shapes and sizes. Register with the receptionist. $42/8 classes. World Affairs Stud Groin - Tuesdays, 2:00 Beginner Quilting: Thursdays, January 10 through Febru- p.m. Led by Dr. Rathore, this group meets to ary 28, 2008 at 1 p.m. Students will learn the basics of discuss world affairs. New members are al- quilting, including both hand and machine piecing. Register ways welcome. with the receptionist. $42/8 classes. GET WISE... ADVERTISE HERE Call Senior Citizen Publishing at 617- 254 -4545 or visit us at www.seniornubs.com Pine Knoll Nursing Center. "Still family owned and operated. " 30 Watertown Street 781m862m8151 Lexington, MA www.pineknollnursingcenter.com SENIOR CITIZEN PUBLISHING • 1505 COMMONWEALTH AVENUE BOSTON, MA 02135 (617) 254 -4545 • www.seniorpubs.com 275 Mass Ave., Lexington Oil Sales and Service MO I LE FULL LINE GERIATRIC HEALTH CARE ITEMS FREE = DELIVERY Fuel Assistance Program 2007 -2008 The Fuel Assistance program will run from November 1, 2007 through April 30, 2008. Appointments can be scheduled for new clients by calling the Social Services Department at (781) 861 -0194. Fuel assistance appointments will oc- cur 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 accommodations may be available to accommodate persons who are homebound or have other extenuating circumstances. Please call Barbara Deveau for special accommodations or questions and concerns. "Beat The Winter Blahs"' f Tools for Coping with the long, cold winter!! Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Join Jean DeThomas, RN, the Director of Health and Wellness at Country Club Heights for this fun and relaxing presentation that will help you cope with some of the stresses that come along with the longer, colder days of winter! Jean blends relaxation and stress reduction techniques with humor while giving you real life examples of how to make these strategies work. Take some time out for yourself, bring a friend, and spend some time with Jean! Light refreshments will be served. There is no charge for this class, and all are welcome. Please sign up with the receptionist so we will have a space for you! Call 781- 861 -0194. What is Assisted Living? Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. Did you know that not all assisted living facilities are the same? When is it a good time to move to assisted living? What questions should you ask when considering a move to assisted living? Carolyn Shea, Community Outreach Director, from Atria Longmeadow Place in Burlington will do a presentation at the Senior Center. Please Register with the receptionist. Free 4 LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER NEWS JANUARY 2008 Program Highlights continued.... Afternoon Movie Start time 1:15 p.m. in the Muzzey Room Ratatouille — Tuesday, January 15, 2008 This animated feature is pure entertainment. In one of the finest restaurants in Paris, Remy, a determined young rat, dreams of becoming a renowned French chef. Torn between his family's wishes and his true calling, Remy and his pal Linguini set in motion a hilarious chain of events that turns the City of Lights upside down. (PG -13) Hairspray — Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with a bigger heart, has only one passion, to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program and is transformed from an outsider to a teen celebrity. Can the trendsetting Tracy win the heart of teen - dream, Link Larkin and stand up for what she believes in despite the scheming TV stage manager? (PG) DVD's provided courtesy of Lexington VIDEOSMITH Property Tax Relief Application Assistance Appointment Appointments are now being scheduled to assist residents who need help filling out the paperwork associated with real estate tax exemptions and /or deferral programs. Volunteers have been trained by the Town of Lex- ington Assessor's Office. Volunteers will hold office hours by appointment only at the Senior Center Monday afternoons. Call the receptionist at 781 - 861 -0194 to schedule an appointment. "Talking with Your Doctor"' Senior Center Snow Policy 0 0 o° ° ° If the Lexington Schools are closed due to snow, all COA programming and lunches (includ- ° G ° ° ° ° ° ing Meals on Wheels) will also be cancelled. Senior Center Staff will make every effort to 0 ° ° °° be at the center during the day to answer any questions. Please use your judgment about .o,, 0 venturing out on snowy days because your safety is important to us. o ° 0 0 ° ALSO o° It's time for the SNOWBIRDS to take flight again!! If you will be away for more that one month, would you please call the Senior Center and let us know how long you will be gone. With that one phone call we can stop the mailing of your newsletter while you are away, and resume mailing when you return. The Post Office does not forward the newsletter and thus we have to cover the cost of mailing it out plus another charge to return to us. JANUARY 2008 LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER NEWS 5 For Your Information... 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. "ONE HOUR" - Volunteer Opportunities at Use Senior Center Do you know how much you can do in just one hour? One hour per month can mean that an otherwise homebound senior could attend a special luncheon at the senior center. One hour every two weeks might be an opportunity for a cup of coffee and a chat. One hour per week could help a senior with vision impairment, pick up some groceries, a prescription or get a haircut! The Friend to Friend Program is looking for volunteers who can donate a few hours a month to help isolated seniors keep in touch with everyday activities. We carefully match people according to the time they have available and what you would like to do. Currently, there are several seniors looking for a friendly volunteer. Call Barbara Deveau at 781-861-0194 for more information Library Lines: Please do not leave donations on the "Free Table." Please notify the Librarian that you are dropping off books and /or magazines for the Library. Also check to make sure that the magazines you are donating are of current issue and that they and any books that you are donating are clean and in good condition. Thank you to all who have donated books and magazines. Senior Center Library Hours - Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. FISH NEEDS VOLUNTEERS! FISH needs volunteers to drive locally. If you want to hear more about volunteering call 781 - 862 -3293. 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. PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE OUR SPONSORS The Barron Center for Men's Health Clinic • Urinary and Sexual Health • Second Opinions • Prostate Exams 4 1 • Testicular Exams MOUNT AusuxN • Primary Care Referrals HOSPITAL • Education and Support Services Open to all men regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Where Every Patient is the Only Patient. Call for a FREE appointment today. 617 -499 -5722 330 Mount Auburn Street Cambridge, MA 02138 SENIOR CITIZEN PUBLISHING, INC. 1505 • COMMONWEALTH AVENUE BOSTON, MA 02135 (617) 254 -4545 WWW.SENIORPUBS.COM Y r ' L r � a S r r r •� �• f r _ T. 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X 0 (1) 0 X o 0 X L- > 0 .......... it oW CL e�j C.� Cc :3 LO 0 Z C: L.0 CD z a ■ a) z 0 op C 0 0- @ x x . co F- F- r 0 cz >, CL L- Co 0 > 0 Co CY) Q > o 0 Lu 0 6 5 LL 0 0.- = Cl) Cia m cu >% , .zw LL — 0 IL o 13- F— > tv4 LLJ a 0 is 0 Z LO Ld C/) LO Lij LU > D 1: w* Lo C4 Ld MEN= LLJ =) 0 C/) MoIS 8 LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER NEWS DECEMBER 2007 JANUARY 2008 LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER NEWS 9 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 dona- tions 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 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 of the music and exercise programs that we help to support. How can you help? Did you know that you can 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. IIAA1[E AN APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR IFI tE E r , � of fi - r �'7 MGT !� Hewing sorming or Hearing Aid Cimning Rsniw $1 a Q!'tlo purcham of a hsdring aid. 10 LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER NEWS JANUARY 2008 From the Health Corner: COPING WITH THE "WINTER BLAHS" Charlotte Rodgers, RN, Social Services Nurse As "New Englanders ", we are used to long, cold winters. In fact, cold and cloudy days sometimes have us wondering if winter will ever end! During the winter season, many people notice changes in their mood, their ability to concentrate, and their energy levels. Some may experience difficulty waking in the morning. This phenomenon is known as "the winter blues" or "the winter blahs ". While not as severe as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or depression, it can still have a negative effect on everyday life, especially for seniors who are not able to be out and about. With a little effort and imagination, you can remedy the "winter blahs ". Perhaps one of the following tips will help you, or you can think of one on your own that will help you in conquering these seasonal "blahs ". • Take advantage of daylight and sunlight. Spend some time near a light or sunny window. Leave your blinds open in the bedroom to allow natural light to wake you in the morning. • Get some exercise- take a walk outdoors if you can. Exercise will increase the natural levels of serotonin in your brain, making your mood lighter. • Read a good book - find one that will take your mind off the dreariness of the day. • Plan something /create something to look forward to- it can be a future visit with a friend or family member or a sewing or woodworking project (how about trying lunch at the senior center with a friend ?) • Learn a new skill or language - Lexington offers many courses, and some are right here at the senior center! Try yoga, painting, bridge, or volunteering- just to name a few! • Stay optimistic! - Don't allow yourself to sink into a funk. Remember, winter won't last forever, and by taking charge of your own mood, you will emerge in the spring like one of the flowers in your garden! r-S ^� a The Power of Laugh-ter � DID YOU KNOW that ... L aughter could improve blood circulation, stimulate digestion, lower blood pressure and cause the brain to emit hormones that alleviate pain? Don't be shocked if one day your doctor says, "Take two aspirin, and by the way, did you hear the one about... "You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing." Michael Pritchard PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE OUR SPONSORS Learning how to send & receive a -mails and photos Choosing & using a computer, digital camera or cell phone Organizing & storing family records, pictures, artifacts Call Bill Lytle at 781 - 259 -9859 Help for the Asking (references available) SENIOR CITIZEN PUBLISHING • 1505 COMMONWEALTH AVENUE BOSTON, MA 02135 (617) 254 -4545 JANUARY 2008 LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER NEWS 11 Blood Pressure Clinics: Thursday mornings from 10 to 11 AM at the following locations: 1St Thursday of the month - Lexington Senior Center, 1475 Massachusetts Avenue. 2nd Thursday of the month - Countryside Village, off Woburn St.- in Lexington Housing Authority Office Building /Meeting Room. 3rd Thursday of the month - at Greeley Village, off Bedford St., turn in on Tewksbury St. or Shirley St.- in the center building/ meeting and laundry facilities. 4th Thursday of the month - at Vynebrooke Village, off Waltham St.- in the center building/ meeting and laun- dry facilities. 5t Thursday of the month — no BP clinic. FIX IT SHOP Open Thursdays - 9:00 a.m. to noon A great place to get those small items repaired. Drop off and pick up during these times only. Labor -free, repair parts at cost. Windowpane Shop Hours 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Weekdays Selling like -new winter clothing, accessories, jewelry, scarves, & pocketbooks. Accepting donations of clothing and small household items, Mon. through Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.. Supportive Day Care Due to the factors that include increasing nurs- ing home costs and decreases in Medicare and Medicaid coverage, aging is 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 individuals 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 of- fers relief for family members who are caring for an elder who needs support and supervi- sion in order to remain at home. In addition to providing a safe place to spend the day, we offer two meals, recreational program- ming, exercise, social opportunities, intellec- tual stimulation and round trip transportation. Supportive Day Care can be a key support in assisting families who are coping with in- creasing 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 Monthly Newcomer's Coffees Wednesday, January 16t" 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Join us at the Senior Center for an informal coffee and tour of our facility. This is a great opportunity to learn what we do and how you can become part of our community. No Registration required. 12 LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER NEWS JANUARY 2008 Yoga for Health and Fitness, with Lisa Groves Fridays, 9:30 -10:35 a.m. Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 $24.00 Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 $30.00 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 - Please be aware that this program will no longer run at the senior center, due to the fact that Laura has moved away from the Area. We encourage anyone with interest in leading a class or information on where we might find an instructor to contact Cara Shapiro at 781- 861 -0194. • Stretch & Bend. Large, popular stretching and limbering group offers support and instruction. The group meets Mondays through Fridays from 9:00- 9:30 a.m. Free. • 60+ Fitness. Led by enthusiastic group members, this workout focuses on both upper and lower body muscle strengthening, using free weights and bands. Meets Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays from 9:35- 10:30 a.m. All welcome. Free. • Kripalu Yoga with Don Weikert. Move gently from a centering meditation, to stretching and warm -ups, to learning physical postures (asanas) to relaxation. Mondays 8:30 -9:45 a.m. $5 /session. Pay instructor. • Ping Pong. All welcome to j oin a game on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 1 -4 p.m. All levels. Free. • Line Dancing with Sam O' Clair. Dancing is a great way to exercise! Come join the group for great music, fun dances and a group of people having a great time. Classes will be every Thursday from 1:3 0 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Cost is $3.00 per session, pay the receptionist. The Evergreen Group - (Chinese Senior Sup- port) 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. Parkinson's Support Group. Led by Art Sotak. The Parkinson's Disease support group will meet 4th Monday of each month at 1:00 pm at the Senior Center in the Muzzey Room. Bereavement & Friendship Group. Meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. All are welcome, and no registration is neces- sary. 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 - 2:30 pm. Caregivers Group: Group meets 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 1:00 –2:30 pm. A sup- port 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 -8630 or Susan Moor at 781- 861 -9863 for an initial telephone intake. SHINE. Counselors Rose Lerner or Rhoda Neidorf are available to help you with any as- pect 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 appointment. Podiatry Clinic. With Dr. Gimbal. Wednesday, January 16, 2008. Call 781- 861 -0194 to sched- ule an appointment $30. Please pay the Podia- trist 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. Supportive Day Care. Provides a safe daytime environment for seniors who are having diffi- culty living independently, and respite for caregivers. Call Carolyn for further information at 781- 259 -1807.