News and Updates from the Council on Aging, October 30, 2009

IT’S FLU SHOT SEASON AGAIN.  Homebound individuals may schedule a home visit to receive their flu shot. If you are unable to get out of the house to go to a Flu 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. For further information on the season flu clinic projected date, please contact the Board Of Health at 508 358 3617 

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, Nov. 9th at 10:00am.  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. 

NEED HELP SORTING OUT THE HEALTH AND DRUG PLANS?  Every year Medicare health and drug plans CHANGE; it may be co-pays, the network of doctors, the list of drugs, etc. Do not ignore the letters that come from your plans. OPEN, READ and SAVE those letters. Be ready for the the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (Nov. 15-Dec. 31) If you would like to schedule a free, confidential appointment with our SHINE Coordinator to help you evaluate the best options, please contact the COA office. 508 358 2990. Plan now for open enrollment period will end on Dec. 31, 2009.

FUEL ASSISTANCE.   Applications for Fuel Assistance will be accepted starting November 1, 2009. This program helps income eligible households pay a portion of their winter heating bills. For information regarding income guidelines or to make an appointment to complete an application, please call our Outreach Coordinator, Sue Hatton at 508 358 2990.

TRANSPORTATION TO POLLS AND TOWN MEETINGIf you are in need of a ride to the polls on November 17 or to the Special Town Meeting on November 18, contact the COA (508 358 2990) for further information.

FLORAL ARRANGEMENT WORKSHOP.  The Wayland Garden Club invites Wayland residents to join them for a FREE workshop at the COA on Monday, 23 at 10am. All supplies provided to create a take-home floral arrangement; just bring clippers if you have them and a box to carry home your arrangement. Space limited; pre-registration is required.

COMING SOON: 22nd CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY SHOPPE. Volunteers needed for the Children’s Holiday Shoppe on Wed., Dec. 2, 2:30 to 5pm. The Shoppe will be in the Hearing Room this year. Volunteers needed to be cashiers, gift wrappers, set-up and clean-up. It’s as lot of fun! Contact COA Volunteer Coordinator, Maureen DeJong if you are able to help. (508 358 2990).

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’sall complimentary! Bring a friend, and/or bring your lunch. The Friday, Nov 6 movie will be the 1943 musical tribute “THIS IS THE ARMY” with Ronald Reagan. The movie honors the patriotic efforts of American soldiers during World Wars I and II. Kate Smith delivers her rousing rendition of “God Bless America” for which she received the Congressional Gold Medal. 2hr2min On November 20, the new, award-winning dvd release “EVERLY LITTLE STEP (2009), 1hr36min. will delight movie audiences as well as Broadway fans. Follows the plight of real-life dancers as they struggle through auditions for the Broadway revival of “A Chorus Line”. Also investigates the history of that show and the creative minds behind the show’s original and current incarnations. Music by Marvin Hamlisch. Phenomenal reviews.

THANKSGIVING DAY LUNCHEON AND SHOW, Wed., Nov. 18, Noon, $7, Reservations Required.    Enjoy a traditional New England Thanksgiving dinner catered by JJ McKays and an entertaining presentation about “Holidays in the White House” with performance artist, Judy Bernstein. Judy will share the endearing, comical and unusual moments experienced by several presidential first families as they observed Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah and New Years.

ZUMBA Wednesdays, 2-3pm, Town Building Gym, $3/class (wear rubber soled shoes, bring water bottle)  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. .

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.

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—11a.m., $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.

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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