News and Updates from the Council on Aging, October 9, 2009

IT’S FLU SHOT SEASON AGAIN
Seasonal Flu clinics will be held at the Wayland Town Building in November, dates TBD.  Homebound individuals may schedule a home visit to receive their flu shot.  If you are unable to get out of the house to come to a clinic, the Wayland Board of Health nurse, Ruth Mori will come to you.   She is currently taking appointments. To place your name on the home visit list for Ruth, please call the COA (508-358-2990) and leave your name, phone  number and address. 
 
SLIDE SHOW OF THE PARKER RIVER WILDLIFE REFUGE, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21,  11am
Enjoy exquisite digital photography of wildlife and scenery from the Parker River Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport. Photographer Robin Kaiser will show his photos on a  40” TV using Blu-Ray technology.  Free.  (Followed by “Soup’s On” at noon. )
 
SOUP’S ON, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21 at NOON
Get caught up with friends while enjoying a cup of homemade, low sodium soup, sandwich and dessert. $2. Reservations required for this popular event. This month our thanks to Mark Shepard of SHEP’S SERVICE STATION on Rte 20 in Wayland for underwriting our Soup’s On program with the Friends of the Council On Aging. 
 
SCAMS PRESENTATION
Many of the latest scams have origins in Canada and other countries. Learn how to better protect yourself from being a victim. Wayland resident John Siracusa, formerly with the FBI and now in the private sector as a certified fraud examiner, will join us for a coffee hour at 11am on Wed., Nov. 4 to discuss this topic.  As a special agent with the FBI, Mr. Siracusa conducted investigations in organized crime, drugs, public corruption, fraud against the government, child pornography, wire/mail fraud,  terrorism and bank robberies. Officer Mark Wilkins of the Wayland Police Department will also be joining us  Too often these scams seem highly believable.  You should be aware of who to call if you’re concerned, questions to ask and information that you should never divulge. There is no charge for this informational session.
 
WALT WHITMAN SEMINAR 3-week mini series, Fridays, 10am-11:30am, Nov. 6th, 13th & 20th.  Walt Whitman is considered to be on of the greatest American poets; his work has influenced many great writers.  He is known as the “Father of free verse” and is the first great American author to come from very humble origins.  This three-week series will look at Whitman’s life in the cultural context of the 19th century.  The Civil War was the great watershed event of his life.  Students wishing to read a biography prior to the start of this series might consider “Walt Whitman” by Justin Kaplan. For the first class, the following poems will be discussed: A Noiseless Patient Spider, Miracles and When I Heard The Learned Astronomer.
Taught by lecturer and actor, Stephen Collins.  Cost for the 3- week seminar is $30.  Pre-registration required; call the COA to sign up.

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD
Informational Coffee Hour: Monday, November 9, 10am.  The MetroWest SHINE program will be doing a presentation at the Wayland COA on Monday, November 9 at 10am.  Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period runs from November 15th through December 31st.  This is the time to review and, if desired, switch Medicare health and drug plans for 2010.  Many plans are changing and some will no longer be offered next year.  This talk will give an overview of these changes, the available options, and programs to reduce costs. *Please remember, plans are required to send you information in October each year regarding any changes for the upcoming year. Be sure to OPEN, READ, and SAVE the mailings. 

MOVIES are shown in the Wayland Senior Center twice monthly. Showtime is 12:30pm. Popcorn and cold drinks are provided from our self-serve hospitality cart. It’s all complimentary! Bring a friend, and/or bring your lunch.  The October 23 movie will be the new release “THE PROPOSAL” )2009), 1 hr48min, PG13.This is an award winning comedy starring Sandra Bulloch, a pushy boss who forces her younger assistant to marry her in order to keep her Visa status in the US and avoid deportation to Canada.

JOIN THE “ZUMBA” CRAZE!
Wednesdays,  2-3pm, Town Building Gym.  “Zumba” eliminates the “work” from “working out”. It combines irresistible Latin and international music with dynamic, yet simple exercise moves.  The extraordinary secret behind Zumba is how it magically motivates the body to efficiently burn calories, effectively tones all muscle groups, incorporates full range of motion and  improves the cardiovascular system.   The moves transition easily with the fabulous rhythms of salsa, merengue, samba, flamenco, reggae and more!  HERE’S THE BEST NEWS: Whether you are a natural dancer or you think you have two left feet,  you will enjoy this class taught by CEIL SHARON, a professional choreographer and dance school  owner.  She is a senior herself and a Zumba Gold certified instructor.  Classes are held from 2-3pm on Wednesdays in the Wayland Town Building gym.  Wear comfortable, rubber soled shoes and bring a water bottle. Fee: $3.00/class.  Pay only when you come.

REGISTER NOW for 55+ FORUM – an “on-line” discussion site
Wayland residents REGISTER NOW on waylandenews.com so you will be able to network with other Wayland resident about home repairs, contractors, cost saving tips, pet concerns and much more. Although anyone may view the 55+ Forum, only Wayland residents 55 years of age or older who register, may post or respond to questions asked. There are categories for postings to help organize the comments. Why have a 55+ Forum? Most older residents do not have the networking opportunity that younger families have with school aged children. The 55+ Forum provides an opportunity for a resident  to share information or ask about most anything. Perhaps someone is looking for a book group or bridge club in the Mainstone condo area or someone else just discovered a lock-in price for fuel oil and wants to let everyone know. Don’t miss out on this new offering.   Residents who are interested, but unsure what to do, are welcome to contact the COA office.  An appointment will be scheduled for you to receive instruction in their computer lab at the Wayland Town Building.

S.H.I.N.E. (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders)
Wayland seniors who have questions on health insurance or need assistance resolving a bill or other issue may schedule an appointment with our SHINE Counselor.  Appointments are available on Thursdays between 9am and Noon.  Call the COA office to schedule.

BETTER BALANCE, LIVING STRONGER, Fridays, 10:30-11:30am
The next session of Better Balance will begin Friday, October 16, 2009 in the Senior Center (10:30-11:30am).  This is a 4 week Have fun while learning to improve your balance and increase strength. Using balls, bands and weights, improve your posture, flexibility, mobility, stability, breath, endurance to promote independence.  Preregistration with payment required. Cost: $25 for the 4 week session.

TAI CHI, Wednesday, 10:30am-11:30am, Hearing Room
If pre-registered for the month, $5 per class. ( $8.00/class if not pre-registered).  Learn to use the Tai Chi form to increase your physical balance and  "sense" of balance. Tai Chi allows you to physically, mentally and emotionally  feel YOUR flow aligning with the flow of nature. The class begins with music and meditation, some Qi Qong breathing techniques, Temple exercises for flexible joints and strength, then the Tai Chi form itself.  Class adapts to the participant’s individual needs.  Tai Chi can lower blood pressure, improve balance and reduce pain. Students will be pro-rated if starting mid-month.

LOIS’ FIT FOR THE FUTURE,  Tuesday & Thursday, 10-11am, $2.00/class. Lois Leav, Instructor.  Stretching, toning, aerobic fitness and weight work done to music. This  class adapts to all fitness levels. Exercises can be modified to meet individual needs.  Pay only when you come. This is enjoyable way to exercise and meet new people.  No pre-registration required. This class will be held in the Senior Center the week of August 10 and August 17.  There will be NO classes the week of August 24.
 
FOLIAGE DAY TRIP to NEW HAMPSHIRE
On Tuesday, October 20, a charter motorcoach will leave the Wayland Senior Center at 8:00am. Enjoy  the magnificent scenery of the Mt. Washington Valley. Enjoy a sit-down lunch at the beautiful WHITE MOUNTAIN HOTEL (choice of entrée) as well as an informal driving tour of the North Conway area with shopping and browsing time at some of the many OUTLET STORES in time to start your holiday shopping.  $74 person (does not include driver gratuity.)

WILLIAM’S INN – DECEMBER 3-4 – Travel the scenic Mohawk Trail with several stops on the way. There will be a Welcome Reception by the “Beefeater Guards” while we light the yule log and enjoy the traditional hot wassail. A festive “Holiday Dinner” will be served, followed by a cabaret show by the
Miss B Haven Troupe. The next day we will visit the Normal Rockwell Museum and do some sightseeing, shopping and browsing and lunch in picturesque Stockbridge. Cost: $285 double, $320 single.
 
KENNEBUNKPORT HOLIDAY – DECEMBER 10 – 11 – One night at the Kennebunkport Inn in Maine with 3 complete meals. Hayride through historic area of town, evening entertainment, wreath making and Christmas caroling. Sightseeing and Christmas shopping time. Cost: $250 double, $280 single.
 
BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OPEN REHEARSALS – Bus transportation for the 2009/2010 Season.  Sign up now. There will be four open rehearsals: December 2, January 6, March 10 and March 24. We again need a minimum of 25 people to reserve a bus. Anyone, any age is welcome to make a bus reservation. The cost is projected to be $65.00 for the 4 concerts. The more people who sign up, the lower the cost. Call Symphony Hall at 617-266-7575 for your tickets then call the COA for bus reservations.
 
FEBRUARY IN FLORIDA AND GEORGIA!
   Depart February 27, 2010; return March 12, 2010. 
Discover the history and charm of Georgia’s “Golden Isles”, explore the quaint Victorian town of Amelia Island, and enjoy a relaxing week on Cocoa Beach, conveniently located close to many of Florida’s popular attractions.  Call or drop by the COA for more information. Cost: $1899 double, $2549 single.

LOCK BOXES.  Lock boxes allow access to your home in the event you call emergency personnel for help and cannot get to the door.  A house key is stored in a small locked storage box that is secured to the outside of your home in an inconspicuous place.  Only Wayland Rescue vehicles have a key to get to the box.  There is a small one time fee to purchase the box and installation is free.  Call the COA for more details.

NEED TRANSPORTATION?  Call the MWRTA “Dial-A-Ride” at  508 820 4650.
Door to door, shared van service is provided to Wayland residents 65 years of age or older, disabled of any age, or Wayland residents 60-65years of age who have used Wayland COA van service in the past year.  Pre-registration is required. Call MWRTA for further information on contact the Wayland COA. BOSTON SERVICE (including Jamaica Plain VA Hospital)  is now available for rides to medical appointments only-$5.00 each way. Call 508 820 4650 for additional information.   

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