Capen Caller Newsletter West Bridgewater Council On Aging

97 West Center Street, West Bridgewater MA 02379 508-894-1262 Bruce Holmquist, Chairman of the Board * Marilyn Mather, Director

FEBRUARY 2021 LOOK WHAT’S INSIDE This month I am sharing a message from Secretary Elizabeth Chen from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. The Secretary acknowledges the challenges CABLE TV Programs 2 COA’s have faced during the pandemic and the hard work done by COA staff, J.O.Y. Inc. Sign-up volunteers and partners to “ensure that essential services were not interrupt- ed”. Thanks to you for your support during this trying time, and thank you to Message from Outreach 3 Secretary Chen for supporting and acknowledging the essential work of all Vaccine Information Volunteers Needed COA’s. We truly appreciate it. ~ Marilyn

We Need Your Help Dear EOEA Partners, As we close out 2020, I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on the good that has come from February - Friendship 4 this pandemic, and express our gratitude for your partnership.  We have learned more about infection prevention and control, produced more policies, Veterans Agent Message 5 changed more of the status quo than we ever thought possible in less than one year’s time! Help Wanted  Communities came together to check in on each other, help run errands, distribute food, make Word Search 6 and drop off cards, care packages, organize car parades, outdoor movies, provide tech support to “Grab ‘n Go” Menu each other as we all learned a new modality for group participation and socializing. Each of you has doggedly and creatively pursued ways to ensure that essential services were unin- February Birthdays 7 terrupted --- delivering meals to older people, providing “grab and go” in place of congregate meals, continuing home care for individuals who depend on us to live independently, helping adults Board of Directors 8 in need of protective services, helping residents in senior housing stay safe, helping caregivers who Staff & Volunteers now juggle work at home with caring for their loved ones at home, helping families and residents in Thank You Corner nursing homes who have borne so much pain from isolation, and going to the home of a client who Food Pantry Info. does not have Internet access to make sure they were enrolled in Medicare during open enroll- ment.

While these times have taken us through a long, dark tunnel, we can now see the end, and that light is getting closer and brighter with each passing day. There is still a bit of distance to traverse, and I know we can find the collective strength to continue to do everything possible to prevent and contain COVID-19 infection, continue to support older adults, and to pay special attention to care- givers who have given even more of themselves throughout the pandemic. On behalf of all of us at the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, we offer our gratitude for your part- nership and for all that you have done this year to help older adults remain safe, socially and intel- lectually engaged, and physically and emotionally supported. We send our best wishes to you and your loved ones for a happy and healthy New Year. My deep- COA CLOSINGS est hope is that I will see you all in person later in 2021! May we continue our work together by

Monday, retaining the goodness that was also present during this period of adversity, and build avenues to February 15 support those who will need us more than ever because they were hit hard by pandemic con- straints. In observance of With Gratitude, Presidents’ Day Elizabeth C. Chen, PhD, MBA, MPH Secretary

In closing I wish you all a happy Valentine’s Day! Marilyn Page 2 CAPEN CALLER NEWSLETTER February 2021 TRI-TOWN CABLE TV PROGRAM SERIES West Bridgewater, East Bridgewater and Bridgewater COA’s have collaborated to

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 7:00AM - Cooking as Self 7:00AM - Senior Safety w/ 7:00AM - Tai Chi w/Peggy 7:00AM - Safety Net 7:00AM - Balance Training Care Plymouth County D.A. Tim 8:00AM - Exercise &Muscle Tracking Systems w/Bob 8:00AM - Mat Yoga w/Pat Cruz Conditioning w/ RoseMarie 8:00AM - Josie’s Mindful 7:30AM - Senior Medicare & Susan 8:00AM - Chair Arthritis 4:00PM - Dance Fitness w/ Bites Patrol 4:00PM - How to ZOOM Class Jen 4:00PM - Tai Chi w/Peggy 8:30AM - Balance Training 4:30PM - How to ZOOM 4:00PM - Senior Medicare 5:00PM - Safety Net 5:00PM - Revere Mortgage w/Bob 5:00PM - Senior Safety w/ Patrol Tracking Systems 5:30PM - How to ZOOM 4:00PM - Dance Fitness Plymouth County D.A. Tim 5:00PM - Reverse Mortgage w/Marlene Cruz 5:30PM - Balance Training 5:00PM - Cooking as Self w/Bob Care

Local Cable TV Stations (Channel 9). TUNE IN and ENJOY! BRIEF PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS Cooking as Self Care From MCOA: A new series of cooking shows! Easy recipes, fun and entertaining to watch Mat YOGA w/Pat: Mat Yoga with Pat Murphy. A chair may also be used with this class. How to ZOOM Workshop: Bayley Mc Carthy walks you through how to access a Zoom meeting through your laptop ,iPad or smart phone. Senior Safety with Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz: A series of presentations to help Seniors feel safe in their home and community. Chair Arthritis Class: Arthritis Foundation Chair Exercise with Wendy Moore. MA Senior Medicare Patrol (MA SMP): Learn how to prevent, detect and report healthcare errors, fraud and abuse. Reverse Mortgage Workshop: David Tourtillott, CRMP® of Homestead Mortgage presents an educational workshop. Balance Training w/Bob: Classes will focus and build upon your posture, gait and balance. Some simple exercises will be performed to help improve your balance and prevent falls. Tai Chi w/Peggy: Slow and gentle exercise class. Exercise & Muscle Conditioning w/Rosemarie: Improves strength, flexibility and balance. Low impact and great for those with arthritis and/or stiff joints. Dance Fitness w/Jen: Dance your way to better health in your own living room! Safety Net Tracking Systems: Ralph Poland will talk about the many ways you can keep your loved ones safe at home. Josie’s Mindful Bites: Simple, healthy cooking. Great for caregivers! Dance Fitness w/Marlene: Dance and get fit in your living room!

J.O.Y., INC. ANNUAL DUES Dues are due and paid annually each January. Please complete the form below and include check made payable to J.O.Y., Inc. Any questions contact the COA office … 508-894-1262.

J.O.Y., INC. (Just Older Youth) Friends of the West Bridgewater Council On Aging

Date Phone:

Name: Date of Birth:

Address

JOY Membership dues for 2021 $8.00

I am happy to be a “Friend,” but I would like to do more.. Additional contribution enclosed $______

Total enclosed $______

Check payable to: J.O.Y., INC., c/o Marguerite Morse, Treasurer, P.O. Box 169, W. Bridgewater, MA 02379 February 2021 CAPEN CALLER NEWSLETTER Page 3

MESSAGE FROM WENDY ADAMS, SHINE/MEDICARE UPDATE Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: This is an additional Open Enrollment for Medicare Part C beneficiaries only. It runs from Jan 1st – Mar 31 each year, and changes are effective the first of the month after the change. Beneficiaries must be in a Medicare Advantage plan as of January 1st. This Open Enroll- ment period allows individuals to leave the MA plan and return to Original Medicare and enroll in a Part D plan or switch to a different MA plan. Only one MA OEP change is allowed. Please call for more information or to schedule an appointment with Wendy if you are interested in chang- ing your Medicare Advantage Plan.

IMPORTANT MESSAGES FROM OUR HEALTH AGENT

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

The Town of West Bridgewater is actively perusing having a localized vaccine clinic to vaccinate its residents against the coronavirus. It takes a tremendous amount of planning and people to take on a task such as this. I am hopeful that within the coming weeks we will be able to stand up and support such a clinic for our residents. Once we finalize our plans, we will publicize them in all possible ways so that you, our residents of West Bridgewater, will know when and where to look to get vaccinated. Thank you.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

If the Town of West Bridgewater is to be able to stand up a “Drive-thru” style vaccination clinic, to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to its residents, I will need volunteers to help. According to the Federal CARES Act, vaccinations can and may be administered by licensed health care providers such as: Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Licensed Practical Nurses, Nursing Students, Physician Assistants, Pharmacists, Pharmacy Interns, Certified Pharmacy Technicians, Certified Medical Assistants, Medical Students, Paramedics and Advanced EMT’s. If you meet this certain skill set and if you would like to volunteer, please email me at: [email protected]. Please include your name, address, telephone number and which one of these for mentioned occupations best describe you. If you do not meet this skill set but wish to help out with non-medical related positions of the clinic, please reach out to me as well. I need all who wish to help.

Thank you

Robert W Casper Jr. Health Agent West Bridgewater

WE NEED YOUR HELP

The West Bridgewater COA has upgraded to a new database system that allows us to inform everyone of the latest announcements via email and/or telephone robo calls. We would like to keep everyone informed of the most current developments regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, but we need your help in order to accomplish that. Please provide us with your email address and telephone number by emailing Connie at: [email protected] with your most current contact information to be added to the list. Thank you! Page 4 CAPEN CALLER NEWSLETTER February 2021

FEBRUARY IS FRIENDSHIP MONTH

Friendship blooms from a place of support, compassion and trust. Friends often enjoy similar interests and activities, and feel comfortable sharing their triumphs as well as their setbacks with each other.

Social distancing and being apart from friends during the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging, but it has been particularly difficult for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Especially individuals living independently in their own home who are already at risk for social isolation.

The importance of social connections Maintaining positive social connections plays a key role in overall health as studies have shown. Those who lack social connections are at greater risk of experiencing depression and cognitive decline.

It is possible to spend time together, although apart. Take a creative approach. Perhaps take a page from those who have successfully maintained long-distance friendships prior to the pandemic. Despite being many miles (or even time zones apart) long-distance friends tend to remain friends because they are dedicated to staying connected and do so in a variety of ways:

Regular mail. From annual holiday letters to fun postcards and greeting cards, the letter writing tradi- tion is carried on.

Email/Text. Whether it’s through a long email or a short text, day-to-day thoughts or funny moments can be shared instantaneously - complete with pictures and emoji’s.

Telephone call. A phone call remains one of the easiest ways to stay in touch with friends. And, it’s a little more personal than mail, email or text because you are able to hear them laugh and express themselves.

Video chat and conferencing. From FaceTime to Skype and Zoom, make the most of technology to get together virtually with friends. Don’t know how to Zoom? Consider asking a tech-savvy friend or relative to guide you through it over the phone.

Drive-by greetings. Similar to a drive-by birthday parade, drive-by a friend’s home to smile, beep and wave from your vehicle while they remain at their front door. Even though it’s a distanced approach, you get to see each other and it’s a way of brightening their day and letting them know you care.

Remember that friendships must be nurtured. Maintain those important connections. Be sure to make time for friends on a regular basis. Haven’t heard back from a friend in a while? Don’t be discouraged - try to reach out again. Looking to reconnect with old friends but not sure what to say or how to begin? Reminisce about holi- days past or times spent together. Places you have been and people you know. Activities you enjoyed together or accomplished since you last connected with them. Or, you might simply start the conversation with “Remember when…”

February is Friendship Month. Celebrate by letting friends know you are thinking of and care about them.

Submitted by Old Colony Elder Services February 2021 CAPEN CALLER NEWSLETTER Page 5

FROM THE WEST BRIDGEWATER VETERANS AGENT:

The Chapter 115 Benefits Program is a Massachusetts state initiative that provides financial aid for food, and shelter/housing to veterans and their dependents who have limited incomes and reside in Massachusetts. The program is overseen by the Massachusetts Department Veterans’ Services (DVS), which runs the program in partnership with local Veterans’ Service Officers (VSOs).

What types of Chapter 115 Benefits are available?

Cash Assistance You can get a monthly cash payment. Whether you can get this cash payment depends on your living situation, income and assets. For example, if you are a single appli- cant living alone, you might qualify for between $1 and $1436 each month.

Medical Expense Reimbursements If you qualify for Chapter 115 benefits you can be reimbursed (in full or in part) for your medical insurance premiums.

The West Bridgewater Veterans Office Hours are 9:00AM - 2:00PM Mondays and Tuesdays. At this time the office is closed to the public, but you may call 508-436-7211 for inquiries/interviews.

WE NEED A KITCHEN MANAGER/COOK!!

The Council On Aging is in need of a Kitchen Manager/Cook to supervise and prepare hot, nutritionally balanced meals and maintain a fully-stocked kitchen/pantry inventory. Schedule is Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. (8:00 AM - 1:30 PM) 15Hrs per week, plus annual special occasions, such as a volunteer banquet. Candidate must have a current ServSafe Certificate or agree to become ServSafe Certified.

If you are interested please contact Marilyn Mather, Director of Elder Services by email at [email protected] or call 508-894-1262

Page 6 CAPEN CALLER NEWSLETTER February 2021

BASKETBALL ORD Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid. W The remaining 39 letters spell a piece of Basketball trivia. S EARCH

ASSIST PASSING BACKBOARD PLAYER BALL POINT GUARD BASKET POINTS BENCH POWER FORWARD BLOCK QUARTER CENTER REBOUND CLOCK REFEREE COACH RIM COURT SCOREBOARD DRIBBLING SHOOTING GUARD FOUL SHOT FREE THROW SLAM DUNK GAME SMALL FORWARD HALF-TIME SNEAKERS HOOP SUBSTITUTIONS JERSEY TEAM LAY-UP THREE POINTER NET TIME-OUT OUT OF BOUNDS TRAVELING OVERTIME

“GRAB ‘N GO” LUNCH

Lunches Will Be Served Promptly at 12 noon.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE 508-894-1262

Suggested Donation $4.00 (Menu is Subject to Change) Drive into the parking lot via Howard Street and pull up to the main entrance. Please stay in your car and we will bring your meal to you. No need to park in the lot, you can drive straight through and exit onto route 106... RIGHT TURN ONLY.

MONDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 1 Stuffed Shells w/meat sauce, 3 Baked Chicken, Roasted Potato 4 Fish ‘n Chips, Tartar Sauce, Tossed Salad, Garlic Bread, and Vegetables, Roll & Butter, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans Pudding Brownie Fruit Crisp

8 “Cowboy Stew”, Mashed Potato, 10 “Breakfast for Lunch” 11 VALENTINE DINNER Peas, Roll & Butter Waffles, Crispy Hash Browns, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Rice Pilaf, Cookie Sausage, Applesauce Carrots & Peas, Cranberry Sauce, Fresh Fruit Roll & Butter, Chocolate Mousse

15 17 Meatloaf, Mashed Potato, Gravy 18 Chicken Parmesan, Spaghetti, Green Beans, Roll & Butter, Tossed Salad, Garlic Bread, Frosted Cake Cookie

22 BBQ’d Pork Sandwich, 24 Swedish Meatballs, Buttery 25 Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Tater Tots, Cole Slaw, Pickle White Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Roll Macaroni & Cheese, Corn Bread Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Gingerbread Banana Pudding February 2021 CAPEN CALLER NEWSLETTER Page 7 11TH RICHARD F. ADAMS 22ND VIOLA GRIGAITIS MICHAEL L. DERN CORINNE PORAZZO BRYAN M. GALLAGHER ELLEN D. STERN JEAN A. GEARY 23RD JOSE L. BAIROS WENDY B. NORRMAN KENNETH LEGRICE MARK SAWLER THOMAS PALIE 1ST PATRICIA A. BAKER 12TH JOHN BENNETT WILLIAM C. SMITH PAUL W. FREEMAN JR ELIZABETH KANAI MICHELE TIBBETTS WILLIAM G. MICHAEL ROCHELLE LEIBOWITZ JOHN TURPIN GAIL C. MACMILLAN YING WANG 2ND PATRICIA CROSBY NANCY MAHONEY 24TH JOHN CLANCY PATRICK GOUTHRO LINDA PHYLLIS DOREEN A. MAHONEY ROBERT B. DONAHUE CARRIE, A. MIDURSKI 13TH DENISE ADAMS PATRICIA L. JONES GERALD E. STETSON RICHARD A. ANDREWS SANDRA LEE MACRINA VALIA L. THOMS MELISSA R. BROOKS TIMOTHY PFISTNER

CHARLES R. HOPKINS 3RD ARTHUR P. CARRIERE MD 25TH JAMES COLEMAN LAWRENCE J. KNOX NEIL E. ENGSTROM LINDA J. CRIBBEN MAUREEN LYNN SANDRA LACY THOMAS J. DEVINE WILLIAM MEAD SANDRA M. MEHL SYLVIA J. MCPHAIL SUSAN L. WHITE 14TH GREGORY G. MONDEAU DANIEL PETRONELLI 4TH THEODORE S. COLOCOUSIS ELLEN FLETCHER OSCAR S. JOHNSON MARLENE V. RAPOZA ALBERT R. HARLOW MICHELE KINAHAN DAVID S. LEACH 26TH WILLIAM ALSTON III ANNE SMITH LINDA J. MARGANIAN JEAN KRUJA JOYCE P. MICCIANTUONO 5TH ELLEN M. CRAWFORD DEBORAH J. RUDNICKI MARGARET O’NEILL GERARD J. WOODLOCK JOSEPH H. FLINT ROBERT SEELYE DARLENE HOXIE 27TH ADELAIDE H. LOCKNEY 15TH MANUELA DASILVA ARTHUR S. CABRAL ANGELO MUNAFO ANN GALLAGHER CLINTON HOWARD JR. JAMES M. MYLETT JR. JAY N. MILLER JOAN A. MENDES MARGARET H. SEWARD MICHAEL PIZZANELLO RICHARD K. MORGAN JOSEPH F. RITUCCI ELENE L. TURNER 6TH MARY ERARDI CHRISTINE NAPOLEON 16TH WILLIAM E. DONAHUE 28TH CLAIRE A. ADAMS EVENA OBAS ROBERT A. LINDBERG SANDRA M. GONZALES BARBARA L. SYLVESTER 7TH VIRGINIA L. BEDARD JAMES NOYES MARGARET G. EICHORN 17TH ROSE ALEKS ANDREW PASTE GEORGE JONES STEVEN BEINORAS CLIFFORD G. PASKELL DAVID MCMAHON KAREN L. CHUBBUCK PAULINE A. PETERSON PATRICK NEE ALEXANDER D. IANNITELLI EDWARD A. RAPOSA KAREN WILBUR GARY KEITH SHARON L. SULLIVAN STEVEN MCCARTHY JOSE TERRA VARGAS 8TH VICTORIA FEGHALY MARION E. SAWLER KATHERINE GALASSO 29TH STEVEN BERKOWITZ PAUL T. GOLDER 18TH PAUL A. DEEB SHEILA M. HOWARD MARCIA HOWARD MAUREEN F. KEMP LAUREL N. JOHNSON BARBARA H. MURPHY SHEILA A. JORDAN FREDERICK A. RUDNICKI ROGER KINGSBURY JOANNE C. SUFFOLETTO JOANN MCINTURFF PAUL J. THOMS

PAMELA NORRIS 19TH JUNE J. HALL DONNA PENDLETON CHARLES LANDRY FEBRUARY STEPHEN SMITH THERESA ANN MCLAUGHLIN BIRTHSTONE 9TH IRA GORIN RICHARD M. SEWARD CATHERINE J. GUMMOW Amethyst 20TH JIMMY C. AMES JOSE JARDIM HUGH R. HURLEY FLOWER JAY JOHNSON EDWARD SHEEHAN EDWARD MEDAIROS Violet/Primrose ROBERT NAPHEN III 21ST PATRICIA K. BEYER JOHN S. NEWELL III LEWIS BONITO MONIQUE STEWART COLBY GARLAND FRANK E. LEINES 10TH ROY L. CHANCE DONNA D. PODGURSKI JEFFREY P. RUSSELL IRENE E. WHITE NORMA J. WINCHELL DEBORAH L. WILBUR PATRICIA WICKENS LEONARAD WHITMORE

Council On Aging PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE 97 West Center Street PAID W. Bridgewater, MA 02379 W. Bridgewater, MA Permit #1 COUNCIL ON AGING MEETING SCHEDULE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING Wednesday February 3, 2021

BOARD MEETING Wednesday February 10, 2021

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bruce Holmquist, President Council On Aging Volunteers Linda Gibson, Vice President Mary Adams Linda Frenette Marylou Marks Jean Patchel David Fazio, Treasurer Monica Armstrong Diane Healy Robert Marks Joe Patchel Monica Armstrong, Secretary Barbara Breault Dick Hennessey Ellie McCormack Jerry Penney Janet Carlson Paul Busse Bruce Holmquist Tom McMullen Rose Penney Jim Henderson Janet Carlson Rosa Keith Jackie Messia Cathy Poudrier Robert Marks Linda Cerce Ron Keith John Messia Evelyn Salvadore Marguerite Morse Vin Cerce Theresa Kurkul Nancy Morrison Barbara Slater Pat Claudio Ellie Lamb Marguerite Morse Ruth Thorp Paul Dowd David Leach Ray Mouradian Aime Vacher Jean Ellis Ginger Leach Rosemarie Paccia Paul Westerlund Connie Fiorentino Marianne Mandler April Panos Norman Woodward STAFF

Marilyn Mather, Director Connie Holmes, Exec. Asst. Community Caring Corner Wendy Adams, Outreach, SHINE Fran Deibel, Assistant Ann Bishop, Office Asst.  Mollie Murray, David Britton, Lynne & Bob Mendoza, for cash donations. Annette Lolar, Kitchen Mgr.  Dalila Poulin, Jim Connelly for yarn and needle point supplies Carolyn Magliarditi, Cook Tim Mather, Cook/Dishwasher  Carol Mitchell for Hearing Aid Batteries Sue Renaud, Supportive Care  Ellie Lamb for Hearts to decorated Grab ‘n Go Lunch bags Jean Geniuch, Assistant  Bob Anderson for medical equipment Keith Crosby, Activities Facilitator  Matfield Woods Assoc. for a donation in Memory of Janet Gallasch Allen Breer, Driver Kevin Moynihan, Driver  J.O.Y. for continued support and encouragement Pete Claudio, MOW  The Board, Staff & Volunteers for going above and beyond.

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward

Gratefully, Marilyn, Director of Elder Services

WEST BRIDGEWATER FOOD PANTRY FIRST AND THIRD WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH 3:00 - 4:30 P.M. @ SPRING STREET SCHOOL 2 Spring Street, West Bridgewater