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Serving the towns of Acushnet  Dartmouth  Fairhaven  Gosnold  Marion  Mattapoisett  New Bedford  Rochester

Vol. 3, IssueVol. 1,1 Issue 1 Published Published byby Coastline Coastline Elderly Elderly Services, Services, Inc. Inc. NovemberNovember 2018 2020 It’s Time to Get the Flu Shot Inside The influenza season officially began in October, adding yet another element of danger to a year marked by a different respiratory illness, COVID-19. But it’s not too late to receive the flu shot if you have yet to do so. This year, public health officials have tried creative workarounds to administer the flu vaccine while abiding by Andrus Award, page 12 protocols put in place during the . Communities n Donations...... 2 throughout the country have tried outdoor, “drive-through” clinics, n Letter from the Editor...... 2 where patients can simply dangle n COVID-19 Update...... 2 their arms from their car windows and receive the shot without having n CNN Expands...... 3 to enter a pharmacy. By late October, the Town of Coastline held a flu clinic for employees and their family members on Oct. 14. Stephanie Silva n Social Security...... 3 (left) comforts her daughter, Harper (center), as she receives the flu shot from Emily Cassista Dartmouth and Walgreens had (right), a CVS pharmacy manager. With COVID-19 cases surging across America, offered several of these clinics, n health experts are urging the public to get the flu shot to prevent a “twindemic.” Update...... 4 where hundreds of people from n NB Wellness Initiative...... 5 around the South Coast were he said. “But it’s not too late. If The annual seasonal flu vaccine vaccinated in school parking lots. November is your first opportunity is the best line of defense, and it n Posture...... 5 “The ideal time to get a flu shot to get a vaccination, it’s better late has been shown to reduce the risk is the end of October,” said Dr. than never.” of complications associated with n Breast Cancer...... 6 Christian Pope, a Dartmouth Board Pope said that older adults are influenza. It’s still possible to get of Health-appointed advisor from among those who need the vaccine the flu even after being vaccinated. n Flu Shot Cont...... 7 Hawthorn Medical Associates. the most. While each flu season will However, studies have shown that n Caregivers Month...... 8 Pope was on-site during a drive- vary in terms of severity, the Centers the vaccine can help lessen the through clinic at the Dartmouth for Disease Control and Prevention severity of illness. n Trivia...... 8 High School on Oct. 18. (CDC) notes that those age 65 and A CDC-supported study from “It takes a few weeks to mount older typically bear the greatest 2018, which tracked data from four n Marion Welcomes Baker... 9 an immune response, and we know burden. Older adults experience flu seasons, found that those who the flu season peaks in January and the majority of seasonal flu-related were vaccinated lowered their risk n At the COAs...... 10 February and lasts through May,” deaths and hospitalizations. Continued on page 7 n COAs cont...... 11 n Dementia Directory...... 11 For NB Symphony Orchestra, the Show Goes On The new season of the New musicians perform on social media By March 20, their first performance n Andrus Award...... 12 Bedford Symphony Orchestra or don masks and venture into the was on the internet. has officially started. And while community at small pop-up events. “It was different to transition n NBSO Cont...... 12 theaters are still shuttered to virtual performances,” around the nation on said Conee Sousa, director of account of COVID-19, marketing and public relations n Los Articulos en the organization has spent for NBSO. “We had to figure Español...... Página 6 the spring and summer out Facebook Live, and the learning how to record musicians had to figure out n Os Artigos em and share music with the recording.” Português...... Página 6 an audience despite the “We’ve learned along the pandemic. way, we’ve been tweaking The organization things, and we’ve done the was impacted by the best we can,” she said. coronavirus almost Violinist EmmaLee immediately. They had Holmes-Hicks said her scheduled a performance Violinist EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks and cellist Peter Zay first virtual performance Don’t forget at the Zeiterion Performing perform at the New Bedford Farmers Market on Oct. 8. was a low-tech affair: just a Arts Center on March 14, microphone plugged directly your mask which had already been canceled While most organizations spent into her cellphone. Since then, by the time the president declared a the early days of the pandemic she’s invested in new audio and state of emergency on March 13. figuring out how to host meetings video equipment to achieve a better Since then, the NBSO has on Zoom, NBSO had to figure out quality recording. It helps that reconfigured how it functions. Major how to produce and share videos. concerts are offered online and But the learning curve was quick. Continued on page 12 2 Senior Scope NOVEMBER 2020 Greater NB Communities Letter from the Editor Enter High-Risk Category During the month of October, then decreased slightly. By July and the towns of Dartmouth, Fairhaven, August, the number of confirmed Acushnet, Mattapoisett and cases surged again, this time in Rochester were designated as the South. On Oct. 23, the U.S. set “high-risk” communities as part a single-day record with 85,000 of the state’s COVID-19 tracking confirmed cases, largely in the effort. Those communities joined Midwest and Mountain West. New Bedford, which had entered Meanwhile, millions of the high-risk category in September. people across Europe are facing The designation means those tightening restrictions as many communities have a rate of eight countries endure a second wave cases per 100,000 people. of the coronavirus. Some nations, A view from last year’s Veterans Day parade as it made its way through New Bedford. “COVID remains a serious risk, including Italy, Germany, France and folks need to take precautions to and Spain implemented curfews. The pandemic has impacted In the same vein, this Veterans Day, protect themselves, their loved ones Ireland entered a second national nearly every major holiday in even if we can’t personally attend a and their neighbors,” Governor lockdown. Non-essential businesses 2020. Easter came and went, I parade or a gathering, we can still Charlie Baker said during a press were ordered to shut down and photographed a small service from thank those who served for their conference on Oct. 20. residents were mandated to stay afar on Memorial Day, and I didn’t commitment to our country. The governor’s Stop the within a five-kilometer radius of see a single firework on July 4th. I To those who have served, I Spread Initiative, which offers free their homes, save for essential trips. imagine during the next few weeks, thank you for your dedication and COVID-19 testing in select cities Johnson & Johnson made families all over the nation will be for the sacrifices you have made for and towns throughout the state, headlines in October after a having a tough conversation about others. has expanded into 18 communities, volunteer taking part in its late-stage Thanksgiving and Christmas, and Last year, I had the opportunity including New Bedford, and has vaccine trial fell ill. Following a whether any of us can safely gather to attend New Bedford’s Veterans been extended through December. brief pause – as well as a “thorough indoors for a meal. Day parade, where the streets The state is also launching a free evaluation” of the volunteer’s As I was finishing up this issue were lined with people of all ages drive-through testing site in Revere. health, the drugmaker announced of the paper, my mother called to cheering on the procession as it More than 2.5 million residents of the trial would resume after finding discuss the holiday season. Out passed. I hope that next year, Massachusetts have been tested at no evidence that the vaccine of an abundance of caution, we we’ll be able to gather again least once. candidate caused the illness. decided to skip them this year. and give our veterans the Across the nation, the pandemic For the most up-to-date But even though we may not be recognition they deserve. is entering a “third surge.” schedule of COVID-19 testing in able to gather and celebrate as we America’s case count spiked in the New Bedford, visit: mass.gov/info- did in 2019, we can still pick up the Best, spring throughout the Northeast, details/stop-the-spread. phone and check in with one another. , Editor

Mass Options 844-422-6277 massoptions.org 844-422-MASS SHINE Counselors in the Greater New Bedford Area

Acushnet Council on Aging 508-998-0280 Patricia Midurski 59 ½ South Main St., Acushnet Heather Sylvia Dartmouth Council on Aging 508-999-4717 Peggy Vollmer 628 Dartmouth St., Dartmouth Jane Jacobsen Ann Raymond Fairhaven Council on Aging 508-979-4029 Dianne Perkins 229 Huttleston Ave, Fairhaven Carolyn Dantoni Freda St. Marie-Johnson GNB Community Health Center 508-992-6553 x147 Derek Mendes 874 Purchase Street, New Bedford Immigrants’ Assistance Center 508-996-8113 Lucy Oliveira 58 Crapo St., New Bedford Marion Council on Aging 508-748-3570 Connie Heacox 465 Mill Street, Marion Mattapoisett Council on Aging 508-758-4110 Connie Heacox 17 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett New Bedford Council on Aging 508-991-6250 Natasha Franco 181 Hillman St. 508-991-6252 Luisana Paez-Espinal Donations for November 2020 (for New Bedford residents only) Our donors help Senior Scope carry out its mission, and we cannot PACE, Inc. 508-999-9920 Ginny DeSilva thank you enough for your support. Voluntary donations can be mailed 166 William St., New Bedford Linda Pavao Freda St. Marie-Johnson to Coastline, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA 02740. Checks can be paid to the order of: Coastline. We cannot process checks made out to Rochester Council on Aging 508-763-8723 Janice Cote “Senior Scope.” You can also call Coastline’s Accounting Clerk, Michelle 57 Dexter Lane, Rochester Walton, to donate directly with a credit card. She can be reached at Southcoast Health 508-758-3781 Denise Dupuis 508-742-9114. 200 Mill Road, Suite 109, Fairhaven Carla Marcelino Sandra Spoor Year-to-Date: $300 Senior Scope Published by Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. with Title III funds from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs Justin Lees, CEO Coastline Seth Thomas, Editor Ann McCrillis, Managing Editor Philip Beard, Distribution

For further information on advertising rates, Senior Scope at Coastline please call: 508.742.9104 1646 Purchase Street, or e-mail: [email protected] New Bedford, MA 02740 To our readers: We are able to publish the Senior Scope newspaper through the support of grant funders, such as the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, our advertisers and donors. As the publisher, Coastline is not responsible for the content of third party advertising. NOVEMBER 2020 Senior Scope 3 CNN Expands Services into Westport How to Replace a Missing Social Security Card Online By Delia De Mello • Are not requesting Social Security any changes to your card (including a name If you need to replace change). your lost or misplaced • Have a valid driver’s Social Security card, our license or state-issued online application makes identification card. getting a replacement card easier than ever. In many cases, Requesting a card you may not need a Delia De Mello, replacement online is Social Security replacement card; often, The Dartmouth-based Coastal Neighbors Network celebrated its expansion into Westport available if you live in simply knowing your during an outdoor gathering on Oct. 7. The Town of Dartmouth and State Senate also the District of Columbia or one of Social Security number is enough. provided citations honoring Kate Fentress (center) for her years supporting members of the 45 states that can verify state ID But if you do need a replacement the community. From left: Dr. Steve Kiechel, Kate Fentress, Andy Pollock. information for us. card, please visit our website at Amid the radiant fall foliage with music, a croquet tournament, If you’re only requesting www.ssa.gov/ssnumber to find out dotting the Westport River, members things like that. I think it will a replacement card and you’re if you can take advantage of this of the Coastal Neighbors Network be fun to have some new people making no changes, you may be convenient online service. (CNN) gathered on Oct. 7 to celebrate participate in those things and bring able to use our free online service. While on our website, you can the organization’s expansion into new ideas.” All you need to do is create a also visit our publications library Westport. It was CNN’s first in-person CNN is part of the national personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/pubs for detailed gathering since the early days of the “village” movement, a network of at www.ssa.gov/myaccount and information on a variety of other pandemic. localized grassroots organizations meet certain requirements. Opening Social Security topics. We make CNN, which is entering its that provide neighbor-to-neighbor a personal my Social Security each publication available in text, fourth year, is a Dartmouth-based support. CNN currently has about account is easy, convenient, and audio and downloadable formats. nonprofit that connects members 100 members and 70 volunteers. secure. We protect your information Learn more about how Social with volunteers and services in With about 10 Westport residents by using strict identity verification Security is responding to the an effort to help its members signed up so far, the group hopes and security features. ongoing COVID-19 pandemic age in their own homes. During to help their members navigate the Once you have a personal by visiting: ssa.gov/coronavirus. the pandemic, the organization uncertainty that the pandemic will account, simply follow the Generally, due to the COVID-19 implemented a “buddy system” to add to the upcoming winter. instructions to request a replacement pandemic, you can only enter our keep its members connected, which “Loneliness and social isolation Social Security card. offices if you have an appointment. it typically provides through regular are such a big issue. We try to You can apply for a replacement If you believe you qualify for an events and gatherings. provide social events, Zoom card online, if you meet all of the in-person appointment, call your “Part of what we’re doing is educational events or just a friendly following requirements: local office. New Bedford’s SS trying to create community,” said call,” said Andy Pollock, the • Are a U. S. citizen age 18 Office number is: 866-964-7413. Kate Fentress, the Board Chair of executive director of CNN. or older with a U.S. mailing For more updates during the CNN. “We had a lot of activities For more information, visit: address (this includes APO, pandemic, follow us on Facebook before COVID – picnics, potlucks coastalneighborsnetwork.org. FPO, and DPO addresses). at: facebook.com/socialsecurity.

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For seniors 65+ with MassHealth 1-855-833-8124 | TTY: 711 4 Senior Scope NOVEMBER 2020 Update Needs Survey Portuguese Memory Family Caregiver Coastline will be mailing a Needs Assessment Café Returns Support Group Survey to select individuals throughout its The Portuguese Memory Café, which has been coverage area this November. This survey asks Join Coastline and the Dartmouth Council on held at Project Independence, will resume virtually Aging at it’s Family Caregiver Support Group, the recipient about their needs and concerns. this November. The group will meet online from This data, which is confidential, will be gathered which is now being held on Zoom. The group 1 to 2:30 p.m., beginning Nov. 13. The group will will meet every other Thursday from 10:30 a.m. into an “Area Plan,” a document that helps meet every other week. For more information, Coastline focus on the needs of older adults in to noon. For more info about the support group, contact Natasha Franco at Natasha.Franco@ contact Stephanie Gibson at 774-510-5209. our community. The data is also used by the Newbedford-Ma.gov or 508-979-1693. State to help determine funding for services in the Commonwealth. Scavenger Hunt Legal Services This survey is intended for those who are age The Dartmouth Lions Club will be hosting South Coastal Counties Legal Services 60 or older. If you are caring for someone who is a treasure hunt ahead of the holiday season! continues to provide services to clients during over the age of 60, we would love to hear about Registration for the event is required and costs these challenging times. Their offices remain your needs as well. Coastline will also be posting $10. Send your name and email to Dartmouth closed; however, intake hours have been extended this survey online. If you did not receive a paper Lions c/o PO Box 70877, Dartmouth, MA 02747. to Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. copy of this letter in the mail in November, you are Participants will receive a list of 10 clues via email To apply for services, call 1-800-244-9023 or fill welcome to fill out the survey online. Be on the on Dec. 1. These clues will direct folks around town out an online inquiry at sccls.org. lookout for the survey in the month of November to select locations, and participants will be tasked SCCLS is partially funded by Coastline and on Coastline’s website, coastlinenb.org. with photographing the location and a special the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. orange item at these locations and sending them to Open Enrollment the Lions Club in the correct order. NB Libraries and Select The Open Enrollment period is when all Those who accurately complete the treasure City Depts Open people with Medicare can change their Medicare hunt will be in the running for a $100 gift card to The Lawler and Wilks branches of the New health plans and prescription drug coverage for a Dartmouth Restaurant. The hunt begins Dec. 1 Bedford Free Public Library system and several the following year to better meet their needs. The and participants will have two weeks to complete city offices opened on Oct. 13 with limited hours. enrollment period is from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. See the task. The Orange items will disappear at 5 p.m. The Lawler and Wilks library branches will be page 2 for a list of local SHINE counselors, who on Dec. 14. For questions or to register, contact the open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 6 p.m., can help you through this process. Lions Club at [email protected] and Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Limited browsing, with ‘Grandparents Raising Coastal Foodshed’s social distancing, and grab-and-go book pickup Grandchildren’ Returns Virtual Market will be offered at the libraries. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, the Shop online from Saturday at 8 a.m. to Monday The Health Department, Veterans’ Services monthly support group will be meeting on the at midnight. Deliveries occur on Wednesday from Department and Licensing Board offices will third Tuesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. noon to 5 p.m. Credit/Debit accepted for online reopen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through The group will be meeting at GRG President purchase only. SNAP/EBT/HIP accepted for pre- Friday, following other City offices’ limited hours. Brenda Grace’s back yard, located at 119 order online only; payments upon pickup. Pick-up Also open: the Treasurer’s Office, City Clerk’s Parker St. in New Bedford. Anyone who is happens on Wednesdays from 2 to 5 p.m. at Coastal Office, and Elections Office, all Monday through interested in attending, please call 508-996- Foodshed’s Food Hub, 38 Blackmer St, New Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 0168. The group also depends on donations for Bedford. Delivery Area: Acushnet, Dartmouth, its annual scholarship p