Top of the Hill

T HE BRIDGEWATER OFFICE OF ELDER AFFAIRS COLE-YEATON SENIOR CENTER 10 WALLY KRUEGER WAY, BRIDGEWATER, MA 02324 December 2013 PHONE: 508-697-0929 FAX: 508-697-0945 [email protected]

Director’s Notes: HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!! HATS OFF !! We would like to give a huge Thanks to I would like to wish everyone a wonderful Holiday! It seems The Bridgewater Police Department and to creep up on us quicker each year. With 3 small grandchil- all of their volunteers. dren and another one on the way in February (a little girl), the For their wonderful generosity hosting Holidays are so very special to me. It is also a great time to The Annual Thanksgiving Dinner reconnect with family and friends. I do not have a Facebook For Our Seniors. It was great time for all! page so yes I am a Dinosaur but I love to still send out ―handwritten‖ cards with updated photos! Thanks to all of our special volunteers and my wonderful and outstanding staff. They are the greatest! Sincerely, Lorraine Carrozza

Please Note:

All Town Offices will be closed: Wednesday, December 25th & Wednesday, January 1st

--BRIDGEWATER FAMILY DANCE SERIES-- AN EVENT FOR ALL AGES*

SUNDAY AFTERNOONS—2:00-4:00 p.m. JANUARY 26 FEBRUARY 23 MARCH 23

Enjoy circle dances, mixers, dances from other countries, New England square and contra dances. All dances instructed, suitable for all ages, and appropriate for adults and children dancing together!

Bridgewater Senior Center Admission: $3 per child, $5 per adult, $10 per family (three or more)

Join us for: MILES OF SMILES, FAMILY FUN, THE JOY OF RHYTHMIC MOVEMENT.

Dance leader: Sam Baumgarten . Sam is a professor emeritus at Bridgewater State University, has over 40 years of teaching experience with all ages, and continues to teach classes at BSU in folk, square, and contra dance.)

For more information please call Sam : 508-697-6848 or email [email protected] DECEMBER 2013 Page 2

HEALTH & ASSISTANCE Where to find your Self Help Fuel Assistance copy of Top of the Hill The Fuel Assistance program runs from November 1st through April 30th. It provides assistance in paying for heating costs to over 10,000 house- Bridgewater Housing Authority holds annually in the Self Help service area. Eligibility for the program is High Pond Estates Clubhouse based on household’s gross income. Stone Meadow Clubhouse Bridgewater Public Library Please take note of the documents needed to apply: The Town Hall Picture ID for the head of household, Roche Bros. Supermarket Proof of Income (last 4 weeks) for everyone 18 and older, Harbor One Credit Union Social Security cards for everyone in the household, Priscos Market Proof of housing costs : If you rent, Landlord’s name, address and phone The Bridgewater Senior Center number. If you own, Mortgage statement, property taxes and www.bridgewaterma.org homeowner’s insurance Heating and Electric bills TRANSPORTATION To apply Call Kathy Hayes, Outreach Coordinator 508-697-Please make TO sure you have all documents when you call to schedule an appointment. MARKET BASKET Every Tuesday And Wednesday

Trip to Walmart Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period Wednesday, October 15 – December 7 December 18th Space is limited Medicare plans change every year! Please call 508-697-0929 This is the time to decide on your coverage for 2013. To reserve your seat SHINE Can Help!

SHINE counselors provide free Medicare counseling.

10. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Tom of Adventures The 10. You can call 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636), then

left hand. hand. left press or say 3.

9. A piece of the banister came off in his his in off came banister the of piece A 9. Once you get the SHINE answering machine, leave your fingers. his around string Tied 8.

7. Four: Pete, Janie, Zuzu and Tommy. and Zuzu Janie, Pete, Four: 7. name and number.

6. Bailey Park Bailey 6. A volunteer will call you back as soon as possible.

5. Uncle Billy Bailey Billy Uncle 5. ~ Or ~ Charleston The 4.

3. Hot dog Hot 3. For assistance from a Medicare customer service

2. Violet 2. representative

Falls Bedford 1. 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, call 1-800-MEDICARE

Trivia to Answers

Z UMBA Basic Fitness Class with Instructor Lori Hunter Tuesdays @ 8:45am and Thursdays @ 9am $5.00 per class

Arthritis Foundation Exercise class by Wendy moore

Wednesdays & Fridays 9:00 ~ 10am For more information call: 1-774-222-5936 Page 3 TOP OF THE HILL

Are there rules about a Medicare salesman in my home?

Yes. Medicare allows private insurance companies to sell you Medicare Advantage plans and Part D drug plans, but there are rules these plans have to follow about marketing their products to you.

A Medicare Advantage Plan is a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medi- care to provide you with all your Part A hospital and Part B medical benefits. If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advan- tage Plan, Medicare services are covered through the plan and aren't paid for under Original Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage Plans also offer prescription drug coverage.

Medicare plans aren't allowed to call you to enroll you in a plan, unless you specifically ask to be called. Also, plan representatives should never ask you over the phone for financial information, including credit card or bank account numbers. No one should call you without your permission, or come to your home uninvited to sell Medicare products. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to report a plan that does this.

Door-to-door calls (cold calls) are prohibited by federal Marketing Guidelines. Sales representatives may not obtain permission from one resident to call on others who live in a housing development, apartment building, or other residen- tial setting in order to market a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.

BEFORE you meet with a sales rep — The agent must get your permission to meet in person and must document the plan options you wish to discuss The agent cannot come to your home without an appointment

DURING the meeting, the agent is allowed to — Give you plan materials Tell you how to get more plan information Tell you about the plan options you agreed to discuss Give you an enrollment form Collect your completed enrollment form Leave business cards for you to give to friends and family The agent SHOULD NOT — Tell you about other plan options you have not agreed to discuss, unless you specifically ask about them — you will need to complete a separate appointment form to discuss these options Sell you any products not related to health care, like life insurance Offer you cash (or gifts worth more than $15) Ask for your credit card or banking information Pressure you to join their plan by saying things like, ―you have to join this plan or you won’t have coverage next year‖ Ask you to give names and phone numbers or addresses so that the agent can sell to your friends or family Ask you to sign the enrollment form before you are ready to join — you should only sign the form when you are ready to join

AFTER your meeting with an agent (if you joined the plan) — The plan will contact you to make sure that you wanted to join and that you understand the plan’s coverage and rules The agent who helped you join the plan can call you to talk about other plan options

If your agent does not follow these rules you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report any problems. Page 4 TOP OF THE HILL ….Listen Up ! Brief news of interest to Bridgewater veterans and their families. Battle of the Bulge….Christmas 1944 On 16 December 1944, the Germans launched the last major offensive of the war, Operation Mist, also known as the Ardennes Offensive and the Battle of the Bulge, an attempt to push the Allied front line west from northern France to northwestern Belgium. The Battle of the Bulge, so-called because the Germans created a "bulge" around the area of the Ardennes forest in pushing through the American defensive line, was the largest fought on the Western front. The Germans threw 250,000 soldiers into the initial assault, 14 German infantry divisions guarded by five panzer divi- sions against a mere 80,000 Americans. Their assault came in early morning at the weakest part of the Allied line, an 80-mile poorly protected stretch of hilly, woody forest (the Allies simply believed the Ardennes too difficult to traverse, and therefore an unlikely location for a German offensive). Between the vulnerability of the thin, isolated American units and the thick fog that prevented Allied air cover from discovering German movement, the Germans were able to push the Americans into retreat. One particularly effective German trick was the use of English-speaking German commandos who infiltrated American lines and, using captured U.S. uniforms, trucks, and jeeps, impersonated U.S. military and sabotaged communica- tions. The ploy caused widespread chaos and suspicion among the American troops as to the identity of fellow sol- diers--even after the ruse was discovered. Even General Omar Bradley himself had to prove his identity three times-- by answering questions about football and Betty Grable--before being allowed to pass a sentry point. The battle raged for three weeks, resulting in a massive loss of American and civilian life. Nazi atrocities abounded, including the murder of 72 American soldiers by SS soldiers in the Ardennes town of Malmedy. Historian Stephen Ambrose estimated that by war's end, "Of the 600,000 GIs involved, almost 20,000 were killed, another 20,000 were captured, and 40,000 were wounded." The United States also suffered its second-largest surrender of troops of the war: More than 7,500 members of the 106th Infantry Division capitulated at one time at Schnee Eifel. The devastating ferocity of the conflict also made desertion an issue for the American troops; General Eisenhower was forced to make an example of Private Eddie Slovik, the first American executed for desertion since the Civil War. The war would not end until better weather enabled American aircraft to bomb and strafe German positions. Many residents from Bridgewater participated in this epic and decisive battle. Many have passed but they are not forgotten. I contune with this monthly column so that those that come after us will remember what those who came before us have done for our great and noble nation. God Bless America! We enjoy our Holidays because of the sacrifices of the men and women of our armed forces – past, present and fu- ture. May you and your families have a Happy and Joyous Holiday Season. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah!

RODERICK K. WALSH Director, Veterans’ Services BRIDGEWATER GOLDEN AGERS WE MEET EVERY FOURTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH AT THE COLE/YEATON SENIOR CENTER @ 1:30 pm Dessert, Coffee and Punch are served at the meetings. Come and Join Us!! THURSDAY , DECEMBER 12th - Christmas Party @ Meadowbrook Restaurant Rt 27 Hanson With Entertainment and Dancing – Members $18 / Guests $23 Menu: Choice of Cranberry Walnut Chicken, Boston Baked Scrod or Sirloin Steak Tips For more information call ~ 508-697-6710 Tickets must be purchased by 12/1

**** CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP w/ Kathy Hayes **** At The Senior Center ~ Thursdays, December 12TH & 26TH 10:00~ 11:30 am All are welcome to attend Page 5 Outreach Notes... From Kathy Hayes Top of the Hill

USING TECHNOLOGY DURING A STORM

“Through technology, individuals, families, responders and organizations can successfully prepare for, adapt to and recover from disruptions brought about by emergencies and disasters like hurricanes,” states Massa- chusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Kurt Schwartz. “With effective planning it is possible to take advantage of technology before, during and after a crisis.”

· Keep your contacts updated across all channels including phone, email and social media. Consider creating a group list serve of your top contacts. Also, as part of your Family Communications Plan, keep a family contact sheet of key contacts in case your phone is dead, damaged, or lost. · Keep extra batteries for your cell phone in your Emergency Kit or purchase a solar-powered, crank charger, car charger or other backup charging device. Have a car phone charger for times you lose power. If running your car to charge your phone, make sure your car is in a well-ventilated location. · Keep your cell phone dry. Water can damage your phone, so keep it safe from the elements by stor- ing it in a waterproof bag or case. · Program „In Case of Emergency’ (ICE) contacts into your cell phone so emergency personnel can contact those people during an emergency. Inform your ICE contacts that they are programmed into your phone and inform them of any medical issues or special needs you may have. · Use your cell phone‟s text messaging capability. Learn to send updates via text and internet from your mobile phone in case voice communications are down and unavailable. Text messages and the internet often have the ability to work in the event of phone service disruption. Data-based services like texts and emails are less likely to experience network congestion. · Conserve your cell phone battery by reducing the brightness of your screen, placing your phone in „airplane mode‟ and closing unnecessary apps. · Have a car phone charger for times you lose power. When running your car (do not drain your car battery) make sure your car is in a well-ventilated location. · Those with traditional landline phones should keep at least one cordless receiver which will work dur- ing a power loss. · If evacuating, „call-forward' your home phone to your cell phone. · Those without a cell phone should carry a prepaid phone card to use during a disaster. · Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio with a battery backup and tone-alert feature. · Have a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio to monitor the Media. Remember to listen to your car radio when your home has no power. · Only use 9-1-1 for real emergencies. Call Mass 2-1-1 with any storm-related questions. Keep non- emergency calls to a minimum. · Your Smart phone can receive a variety of Alerts and Warnings. Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) text messages are automatically sent by the National Weather Service and MEMA to those within an im- pacted area. · Download the free ping4alert! app to your Smartphone to receive important weather alerts and emergency messages from MEMA. Easy instructions are available at www.mass.gov/mema/ mobileapp. · To ensure friends and family that you are safe during or following an event, use Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) or services such as the American Red Cross’s Safe & Well program (www.redcross.org/ safeandwell). · For Hurricane-related information from MEMA, go to the agency website at www.mass.gov/mema. Also, follow MEMA updates on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MassEMA ; Facebook: www.facebook.com/ MassachusettsEMA. · Immediately following a storm or any disaster, limit the use of mobile devices that can add to net- work congestion (streaming videos, downloading music or videos, playing video games, etc.) · After the storm has passed, use camera phones to take, store and send photos or video clips of dam- aged property to your insurance company and keep for your records.

Page 6 TOP OF THE HILL DECEMBER HOME COOKED LUNCH MENU Donation $3.00 per meal. Menu subject to change. Bread, Dessert and a Beverage are provided with each meal. Mondays and Tuesdays Reservations are required Please call 697-0929 by Noon on Friday Monday Tuesday

2 3 Fish & Chips Ziti & Meat Sauce

9 10 Beef Stew Baked Ham Dinner

16 17 Boneless Pork Chops , Potato & Veggie Chicken Noodle Soup with Sandwich

23 24 Stuffed Chicken Breast Dinner No Lunch Today ~ Christmas Eve

30 31 Pizza & Salad No Lunch Today ~ New Years Eve

Stuffed Shells & BINGO !!!! Join Nick and Sass at TRIAD The Senior Center S.A.L.T. Council -Seniors & Wednesday, December 11th at Noon Law Enforcement Together- $3.00 donation Business Meeting Please call 508-697-0929 to sign up December 17th @ 12:30

The Turkey Whist Party was once again, a great success! Holiday Greens Sale The Bridgewater Senior Center Trustees would like to thank at The Senior Center the following people for their valuable time Sponsored by: The Bridgewater and generous donations: Garden Club David Gonsalves December 7th 9:00 am ~ 2:00 Ann and John Gouviea at The Senior Center Ed Shonio ,Shirley Wilbur ,Cathy Sullivan Roche Bros.,Trucchis, Market Basket Hannaford's & Super Stop and Shop Cole-Yeaton Senior Center December 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 11 5 6 7 9:00 Painters 8:45 Zumba 9:00 Arthritis 9:00 Zumba 9:00 Arthritis 12:00 Lunch 9:30 Line Dancing Exercise 1:00 Cribbage Exercise 10:15 COA Shopping 9:00 Crafters 9:00 Crafters 12:00 Lunch 10:00 Bridge 9:30 Mah Jong 11-1:00 Quilters

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 9:00 Painters 9:00 Arthritis 9:00 Zumba 9:00 Arthritis 12:00 Lunch 8:45 Zumba Exercise 10:00– Exercise 7:00

5:00 COA 9:30 Line Dancing 9:00 Crafters Caregivers 9:00 Crafters WHIST Meeting 10:15 COA Shopping 10:00 Bridge Support Group 9:30 Mah Jong 12:00 Lunch 11-1:00 Quilters 1:00 Cribbage 10:15 COA Shopping Noon- Bingo

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 8:45 Zumba 9:00 Crafters 9:00 Painters 9:30 Line Dancing 10:00 Bridge 9:00 Zumba 9:00 Arthritis 12:00 Lunch 10:15 COA Shopping 10:15 WALMART 1:00 Cribbage Exercise 12:00 Lunch 11-1:00 Quilters 9:00 Crafters 12:30 TRIAD 9:30 Mah Jong Business Meeting

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 8:45 Zumba 9:00 Painters 9:30 Line Dancing 9:00 Zumba 9:00 Arthritis 7:00 12:00 Lunch 10:15 COA 10:00– Exercise WHIST Shopping Office Closed Caregivers 9:00 Crafters 12:00 Lunch Support Group 9:30 Mah Jong 1:00 Cribbage

29 30 31

9:00 Painters 8:45 Zumba WISHING ALL A VERY 12:00 Lunch 9:30 Line Dancing HAPPY & HEALTHY 10:15 COA Shopping 2014 12:00 Lunch

Time Capsule Trivia — It’s A Wonderful Life

It's A Wonderful Life has become a holiday tradition for families around the world, to celebrate, we're sharing movie trivia about this be- loved film.

1. We’ll start with an easy one. What was the town where the story took place? 2. Besides Mary Hatch, who’s the other girl with a crush on George Bailey? 3. Twice in the film George Bailey wishes for a million dollars in the drugstore before hitting the switch on the cigar lighter. What does he say when it produces a flame? 4. What were George Bailey and Mary Hatch dancing before they fell into the high school pool? 5. After getting a bit tipsy, this man says, “Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! I feel so good I could spit in Potter’s eye. I think I will!” 6. What was the name of the development where the Martini family moved, along with their goat, with the help of George and Mary? 7. How many children did George and Mary have after they were married? Bonus stature to anyone who can name all of them. 8. What did Uncle Billy do to remember things? 9. What happened whenever George Bailey went up the stairs in the old house at 320 Sycamore? 10. What book was carried by Clarence the angel? Answers on Page 2

INCLEMENT WEATHER INFORMATION When Bridgewater Schools are closed due to inclement weather, ALL ACTIVITIES AT THE SENIOR CENTER WILL BE CANCELLED. Listen for announcements on local radio and TV stations.

The printing of this newsletter is made possible by a Grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

The mission of the Office of Elder Affairs is to promote the emotional, physical and economic well being of older adults and to encourage their participation in all aspects of community life.

COUNCIL ON AGING BRIDGEWATER COLE-YEATON CHAIRMAN: OFFICE OF ELDER AFFAIRS SENIOR CENTER Pat Boyle TRUSTEES HOURS: VICE CHAIRMAN: Bob Coolen Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CHAIRMAN:

TREASURER: Friday 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. VICE CHAIRMAN: Victor Delmonte Secretary: Telephone: 508-697-0929 Nick Bagas TREASURER: Ken Jenkins MEMBERS: Lorraine Carrozza, Director MEMBERS: Richard Porter Paul Chuilli Kathy Hayes, Outreach Coordinator Anthony Anacki Shirley Wilbur Kelly Chuilli Sandy Alley Joanne Caratelli, Administrative Clerk

Joan Columbo Paul Simmons, Ken Pimental Van Drivers Honorary member:

Bob Williams Stacy Driscoll, Nutrition Site Aide

NEXT MEETING: Stephani Godfrey, Nutrition Site Aide NEXT MEETING: December 9TH, 5:00 TBA