Top of the Hill - Bridgewater, MA
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Top of the Hill
BRIDGEWATER COUNCIL ON AGING
COLE-YEATON SENIOR CENTER
10 WALLY KRUEGER WAY BRIDGEWATER, MA 02324
508-697-0929 |SENIORCENTER@BRIDGEWATERMA.ORG
June 2021
Welcome to summer and a reopening
of the senior center! We welcome folks
back for a wonderful time of friendship,
smiles, health, and lots of fun. Please
come and say hi to our new Executive
Assistant Ann Holmberg!
We hope to see you soon.
Wednesday, June 30, 4 pm
virtual wine tasting
Artis Winery handcrafts small lot
premium wines on the South Shore
of Massachusetts. They select
grapes grown locally and on the
West Coast to produce distinctive
wines each vintage.
Join us for this virtual tasting pro-
gram from the comfort of your
home:
Wines of Italy vs Wines of France
The cost of this program is $20 per-
son and includes a tasting of 4
wines - 2 white and 2 red.
A tasting kit will include labeled
2oz samples of each wine and is
packaged for each participant.
You may pick up the tasting kit any
time before 3pm the day of the
program.
Registrant will receive the Zoom
link upon payment.
Top of the Hill JUNE 2021 Page 2
“REFLECTIONS”
When you observe an elderly person crossing the street
of life, you notice the walk, the talk and the stride.
You say, How can they let themselves get this way?
Following inconspicuously with nothing to say, they
turn to notice, to see exactly what is it? Wondering in
your head did they see me? Or did they shake their
head in despair of life’s company, whichever it is mat-
ters nothing at all for they are old, I am young and
small. I’ll keep following to see where we go. Will
the elderly person take me to their home or to a store.
I’d love to go with ever step I take, I can hardly wait,
my patience running thin. We turn the corner, the last
one I hope to say. The old person now is my friend.
The elderly person turns, smiles, says have a good day.
I yell “wait a minute”. This is where we started, this is
where we end? You have seen your life in front of
you, no exceptions to the rule, you have seen your life
behind you. It completely overwhelms your mind, you
fool, don’t look behind, stop asking why. How the life
you lead is exactly where you are supposed to be right
now.
Poem written by Tim Cline
Submitted to us by Bridgewater Senior Nick.
Thanks Nick for keeping us inspired.
Top of the Hill JUNE 2021 Page 3
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Top of the Hill JUNE 2021 Page 5 Awareness is Key in the Prevention of Elder Abuse World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th and this year’s theme is “Building Strong Support for Elders”. Each year, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a designated Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) in Massachusetts, works with in- dividuals, organizations and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse. By working together and taking action to raise awareness, we can all help prevent elder abuse. Did you know that an estimated five million older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year? 1 in 10 Americans age 60 and old- er have experienced some form of elder abuse. What are the risk factors? Elder abuse encompasses more than physical or verbal abuse. It includes financial exploitation, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. Self-neglect is also included; this is the term used when an older adult is unable, or unwilling, to care for themselves in areas of hygiene, nutrition and overall health. The most common risk factors for elder abuse are social isolation, poor physi- cal health, and dementia. OCES’ Protective Services Program Team works with older adults to prevent, eliminate or remedy situations that involve emotional, physical or sexual abuse; neglect by a caregiver; financial ex- ploitation; or self–neglect. Elder abuse, similar to domestic violence, often occurs in the home. It is important to note that fear often keeps older adults from seeking help. Older adults who are at risk for self-neglect or at risk of harm from others can receive assistance to keep them safe in their own homes. In these situations, OCES staff can resolve difficult matters by advocating for older adults and providing specific resources and services. OCES encourages anyone who witnesses elder abuse to report it! To file a report of concern for an elder, call the Central Intake Unit at 1-800-922-2275. For non-emergencies, a report may be filed online at https://fw1.harmonyis.net/MAAPSLiveIntake/. When filing a report you will be asked to provide information regarding your specific concern for the elder, as well as demographic, and psycho-social information. Once the report is made, if the elder resides in OCES’ service area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation by a Protective Services Worker is needed. Awareness is key to prevention OCES focuses on educating people about the different forms of elder abuse; this is essential to preventing it from happening. In previous years, OCES raised awareness of elder abuse by holding “March Against Elder Abuse” events in Brockton and Plymouth. Last year, OCES held a virtual WE- AAD event due to Covid-19. Even during this time of social distancing, we can all still work to protect older adults by collabo- rating and building awareness about elder abuse. This year, we invite you to join us in raising awareness of elder abuse by visiting our website for in- formation about our WEAAD event www.ocesma.org
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Clean It Out! Wednesday, June 9, 2021 12pm
A Decluttering the Home Workshop
Are you downsizing from a home to an apartment? Do you
have too much stuff? Does it all feel so overwhelming?
This workshop will give you step-by-step suggestions and resources on how to declutter a
home.
Register: https://aarp.cvent.com/cleanitout
Why do I need Prescription Advantage?
Even if you have a Medicare Part D plan or
coverage from a former employer, there many
reasons to join Prescription Advantage, includ-
ing:
It does not replace your existing coverage, it
supplements it;
It can lower your co-pays if you reach that
coverage gap also known as the “donut hole;”
It allows you to change your Medicare plan
outside of Medicare’s open enrollment; and at
certain income levels it’s FREE!
Join us via ZOOM on Monday, June 7th 2:00 pm
when Kathy Devine from the Massachusetts
Executive Office of Elder Affairs will explain how
Prescription Advantage can lower your
Prescription Drug costs. You don’t want to miss
this important presentation!
https://zoom.us/j/92705437351?
pwd=SC9UZzQ5Rk1OS2hjdC9UV09STW5oZz09
And what is so rare as a day in June?
Then, if ever, come perfect days;
Then Heaven tries earth if it be in tune,
And over it softly her warm ear lays;
Whether we look, or whether we listen,
We hear life murmur, or see it glisten …
James Russell Lowell LAURITS ANDERSEN RING
IN THE MONTH OF JUNE, 1899
Top of the Hill JUNE 2021 Page 8
Gentle Yoga Joy of Movement
Rena teaches ways to loosen & stretch Rena fuses music from Broadway with
painful muscles,& improve circulation. yoga. This class is modified for people
Class will be mat based or done with who would like moderate in-chair move-
the assist of a chair. $5/class ment, as well as others who just want to
dance. $5/class.
Arthritis Foundation Chair Ex- Tai Chi
ercise with Wendy Moore
Wendy leads this class every Wednes- Peggy Leung leads Tai Chi classes
day & Friday at 10am on Zoom . Free. every Wednesday outdoors at 9am.
$5/class
Walking Group with
Jean Guarino Zumba Gold
Jean leads an active walking group Jen leads Zumba Gold classes every
every Monday at 8am. Tuesday at 9am $5/class
Every week the location changes,
call or email us the Friday before
for location.
Chair Yoga
Stretch & Strengthen with Carl Swanson leads chair yoga
Stephanie classes every Monday & Thursday
This individualized class is taught at 10:30am. $5/class
every Thursday at 9am. $5/class
Top of the Hill JUNE 2021 Page 9
Program Descriptions
Cooking as Self Care—NEW series! Easy recipes, wicked fun & entertaining to watch.
Mat Yoga with Pat—Mat Yoga with Pat Murphy. A chair may also be used with this class.
How to Zoom— Bayley walks you through how to access a Zoom meeting on your laptop, smart
phone, or computer.
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
MA Senior Medicare Patrol — Learn how to prevent, detect, report healthcare errors, fraud &
abuse.
Reverse Mortgage Workshop —David Tourtillott, CRMP® of Homestead Mortgage will present
an educational workshop on Reverse Mortgages.
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 with Peggy—Slow and gentle Tai Chi class.
Strength & Muscle Training with Rosemarie—Gentle strength training
Dance Fitness with Jen—Dance and get fit in your living room!
Safety Net Tracking Systems—Ralph Poland of SafetyNet Tracking Systems, will talk about the
many ways you can keep you loved one safe at home.
Josie’s Mindful Bites—Simple, healthy cooking show with Chef Leslee. Great for caregivers!
Dance Fitness with Marlene—Dance and get fit in your living room!
Top of the Hill JUNE 2021 Page 10
The OCES Nutrition Program enhances
the quality of life for older adults by providing
nutritionally sound and satisfying meals.
If you are unable to prepare nutritious meals
at home, you can receive home-delivered
Menu
meals through Meals on Wheels (MOW). MOW
June gives you a connection to the community
3rd Macaroni & Cheese with Ham, peas & and also serves as a safety check.
carrots, bread, Ambrosia
10th Chef’s Salad (turkey, cheese, boiled The OCES monthly menu is planned by a regis-
egg), Italian bread, cookies tered dietician. If you receive home-delivered
17th Tuna Salad w/lettuce & tomato, pickles, meals or other OCES in-home services, their
chips, chocolate chip brownie dietician can come to your home for a
24th American Chop Suey, salad, garlic bread, nutrition consultation. They also provide thera-
Eclairs peutic meals for those who have special diets.
JULY 1st BBQ! Chicken or Steak Kabob, roasted Meals are available Monday through Friday.
veggies, potato salad, rolls, watermelon Our volunteers deliver them right to your door.
This home cooked meal is delivered to
Bridgewater seniors & their caregivers on Thurs- To register, simply call 508-584-1561 or fill
day mornings. We accept cash or check out their online “Contact Us” form:
(made out to the Bridgewater Senior Center) &
must be received the Monday prior to the
www.ocesma.org/getting-started/
meal. nutrition/
Summer Lunch Menu—June
1st Hummus & Veggie Wrap, chickpea &
cucumber salad, Sun Chips, fruit cup
3rd Chicken Caesar Salad wrap, chips, apple
8th Roast beef & swiss on a Kaiser roll, potato salad,
broccoli salad, fruit cup
10th Italian Chicken Salad on Focaccia Bread, Italian
pasta salad, chips & fruit cup
15th Tuna roll, pasta salad, carrot sticks w/ Ranch, fruit
cup
17th Ham & Cheese wrap, celery sticks, apple
22nd Egg Salad on croissant, pasta salad, carrot sticks
w/ ranch, fruit cup
24th Turkey & Cheese on Kaiser roll, cucumber salad,
Goldfish, apple
29th Chicken Caesar Salad wrap, chips, appleTop of the Hill JUNE 2021 Page 11
Top of the Hill JUNE 2021 Page 12 Thank you to all of the volunteers for making 140 BBQ lunches for 140 hungry people! “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
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DID YOU KNOW??
In 2019, the state of Massachusetts surveyed 420 unpaid caregivers aged 18-75. I found the
results of this survey worthy of sharing with you. Participant responses highlight the impact that
the caregiving role has on health, finances, employment and emotional wellbeing.
SELF-CARE:
58% of unpaid caregivers surveyed have feelings of depression
60% of unpaid caregivers don’t have time to exercise
68% of unpaid caregivers find it difficult to sleep on a regular basis
58% of unpaid caregivers have gained or lost weight
HEALTHCARE:
58% of unpaid caregivers feel that their physical health has suffered
45% of unpaid caregivers often don’t have time to book or go to their own medical appoint-
ments
52% of unpaid caregivers put the health of the person they’re caring for above their own
CAREER:
27% of unpaid caregivers (ages 26-34) feel their career has been negatively affected 29% of
unpaid caregivers have had to reduce work hours to care for a family member 41% of un-
paid caregivers feel that their role as caregiver has put pressure on their financial situation
19% of males and 9% of females have had to move to be closer to the person they care for
CAREGIVER SUPPORT:
84% of unpaid caregivers say it would be helpful if a friend, neighbor, or family member of-
fered them support in their caring role
44% of males and 33% of females feel their role as caregiver is unrecognized by their local
healthcare system
37% of unpaid caregivers feel they get more support from family/friends than the healthcare
system If you know someone who is caring for a loved one, please give them a call.
If you cannot support someone by assisting them with a task, at least let them know that you
are thinking of them and are there for them should they feel like talking.
Please also let caregivers know that our support group meets on the second and last Thurs-
day of every month from 10:00-11:30 at the Center.
Questions?
Call Kathy Hayes, outreach coordinator at 508 697-0929 or email khayes@bridgewaterma.orgTop of the Hill JUNE 2021 Page 14
COVID-19 & Extra Emergency
SNAP Benefits
The Department of Transitional Assistance
(DTA) is issuing emergency SNAP (food
stamp) supplements to many SNAP house-
holds to help buy food during the pandemic
crisis.
SECURITY - INDEPENDENCE - If your monthly SNAP benefit is less than the
PEACE OF MIND maximum SNAP for your household, you
will get a supplemental benefit up to the max-
The Safety Assurance Program is a free valuable resource imum SNAP grant. If you get the maximum
SNAP benefit, you will not get extra SNAP.
for seniors who live alone. Older adults enrolled in the program We encourage low income older adults
will receive a daily call at a time of their choice between 6am- apply for SNAP benefits.
noon daily. It is automated and all they would need to do is
press a key on their phone to alert the representative that they The fastest way to apply is online/on your
are okay. If they need assistance there is an operator who will smartphone at DTAConnect.com
get on the phone to assist them. Go to Mass.gov/SNAP to print a paper
SNAP application and learn where to send it.
Call the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline
The Free Safety Assurance program is a computerized telephone at 1-800-645-8333 to apply over the phone
system that places a call to a participant at a pre-arranged time
each day. Calls are received between 6 am and noon. Household size/ Max. SNAP Benefit
1/$194
Safety Assurance assists people in maintaining an INDEPENDENT 2/$355
LIFESTYLE. Whether you are living alone, managing with a Example
disability or injury, this added support system can enhance your Individual A gets $16/mo in SNAP. This indi-
vidual will get a supplement of $178 – boost-
security and improve your quality of life at home. ing SNAP to $194.
Family and friends also benefit by having the PEACE OF- Individual B gets $194/mo in SNAP. This
MIND that you are starting your day safe and sound. individual will NOT get any extra SNAP, be-
cause they already get the max for 1 person.
This is a FREE service with no monthly fees, equipment require-
ments or special codes to remember. You can receive your calls
on your home phone or cell phone. The program is available to
anybody living in Plymouth County. Food Pantries
To enroll, call 508-830-6256 and fill out the application:
https://www.pcsdma.org/sac.html St. Vincent DePaul
103 Centre St. (St. Thomas Church)
Contact: Joe Souto 508-697-9528 or
HERE FOR YOU 508-697-6797
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary
health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, & Central Square Congregational
research. Access resources & support by telephone, Church Food Pantry
online, or video conferencing. Call them to receive in- 71 Central Square
dividualized information to meet your unique needs. Contact: Jack Melcher, Director
24/7 Helpline 800-272-3900 or visit alz.org/MANH 508-596-4492
No one should face Alzheimer’s alone.Top of the Hill JUNE 2021 Page 15
Caregiver Support Group with
Kathy Hayes, Outreach Coordinator
Every second & last Thursday
10:00am—11:30am
The group helps caregivers in need of infor-
mation, advice and emo-
tional support while
providing care for a spouse,
parent or other older adult
loved one.
This peer-to-peer group is a
safe place where members
offer tips, guidance and
support to each other.
Please call Kathy to sign up
508-697-0929...Listen Up!
Brief news of interest to Bridgewater veterans and their families.
Camp Edwards History
The history of Massachusetts National Guard training on Upper Cape Cod extends back to 1908, when Soldiers
conducted weekend and annual training in the woods to the south and west of the present-day Massachusetts
Military Reservation. In 1931, the adjutant general of Massachusetts appointed a board of six Army National Guard
officers to find a new campsite, as Camp Devens was deemed too small for required training. In 1933, Cape Cod
was initially identified as a viable area for the new camp, to mixed reaction from the local communities.
Feasibility assessments, and letters for and against the proposed military reservation, continued to be presented to
the commonwealth and the War Department through April 1935, when then Gov. James Curley signed a bill to
appropriate funds for the purchase of a campsite and to establish a Military Reservation Commission. In
September of that year, the War Department approved acquisition (purchase or lease) of up to 200,000 acres of
land on Cape Cod for military training.
As early as the summer of 1936, Massachusetts National Guard units began formal training at the new camp,
setting up large tent camps just north of the proposed cantonment area. The troops at that time were generally
poorly equipped, often wearing World War I uniforms and using wooden guns or Enfield rifles for training
exercises.
Between 1935 and 1940, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the federal government, primarily using Works
Project Administration funds, constructed 63 buildings and two, 500-foot-wide turf runways at Otis Field.
The initial construction effort at the Massachusetts Military Reservation represented the largest WPA project in the
state, employing more than 600 workmen. By early 1938, the basic structure of the cantonment area was laid out
and commemorative names were assigned for most major roads and landscape features. In July 1938, then Gov.
Charles Hurley dedicated Camp Edwards, naming it in honor of Maj. Gen. Clarence Edwards, former commander
of the 26th "Yankee" Division. Otis Field was named after 1Lt. Frank J. Otis, 26th "Yankee" Division Aviation, killed
while on a cross-country flight.
In 1940, the U.S. Army leased Camp Edwards and undertook a major World War II mobilization construction
program.
RODERICK K. WALSH
MSG, USA (Ret)
elder affairs commission staff contact us
chair vice-chair
David Frim Nick Bagas seniorcenter@bridgewaterma.org
Emily Williams Director
treasurer secretary Ann Holmberg Executive Assistant Email us to receive the newsletter
Vacant Position Sandy Alley Kathy Hayes Outreach Coordinator electronically & keep in touch.
members Kristen Noonan Wellness & Volunteer
Karen Aicher, Regina Cohen, Coordinator Follow us on Facebook & Twitter!
Joan Colombo, Rich Gopen, Scott Kirkland Van Driver
Marylou Harding, Ken Pimental Van Driver
Deb Heckbert, Gloria Lemieux,
Diane Roza, Robin Sherrick
Elder Affairs Commission Public Meetings on Zoom every 2nd Monday at 3pm—join us!
OFFICE OF ELDER AFFAIRS MISSION
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.
The printing of this newsletter is made possible by a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.You can also read
