AUGUST 2024
NEWSLETTER
Up Island Council on Aging at The Howes House
1042A State Rd., West Tisbury MA 02575
(Across from Alley’s)
Phone: (508) 693-2896 Fax: (508) 693-1447
Bethany Hammond, Director
Susan Merrill, Assistant Director
Jennie Gadowski, Administrative Assistant
Up-Island Council on Aging Regional Community Survey
The Up-Island Council on Aging is asking residents of Aquinnah, Chilmark, and West Tisbury age 50 and over to Take a Needs Assessment Survey. The survey should only take around 15 minutes to complete. The Select Boards of Aquinnah, Chilmark, and West Tisbury are supporting the efforts of the Up-Island Council on Aging (UICOA) Board in conducting a survey of the experiences, interests, and long-term needs of residents aged 50 and older in the towns of Aquinnah, Chilmark, and West Tisbury. The UICOA Board is partnering with the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston for this work.
The study will inform the Up-Island Council on Aging and guide planning efforts at the COA and regionally to better serve the growing demographic of older residents.
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:30 AM- 4:00 PM Closed Holidays
Survey link:
https://umassboston.co1.q ualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0I cXpxCmM0LoAnk
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UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE HOWES HOUSE & BEYOND!
• 2ND & 4TH MONDAYS PARKINSONS SUPPORT GROUP 1PM
• TUESDAYS 1:00-3:00 AMERICAN MAH JONG
• TUESDAYS 2:00-5:00 BRIDGE
• WEDNESDAYS 8/7; 8/14; BRIDGE GROUP 1:30-4 AND WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 6-9PM 8/8 & 8/22
• WEDNESDAY 8/7 & 8/21 - 9AM AGING GREATFULLY W/ DR MICHAEL JACOBS • 2ND WEDNESDAY SOUP SOCIALS - ON HIATUS UNTIL THE FALL
• 3RD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH @1:30
PROCRAFTINATORS – AROMATHERAPY FOR THE HOME
• LUNCH AT THE AQUINNAH TOWN HALL – LAST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH (8/28) AT NOON
• THURSDAYS AT 11AM SMART PHONE HELP
• WEEKLY LUNCHEON THURSDAYS AT 12:30
SUGGESTED DONATION $4 -SIGN UP MONDAY BY NOON
• FRIDAYS 9:30-11:30 CRYSTAL BALANCING – ON HIATIS UNTIL FALL • FRIDAYS AT 1PM WATERCOLOR PAINTING
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Please sign up Mondays by noon - Suggested $4 DonationPage 4 of 9
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Smartphone HELP! Thursdays at 11am at the Howes House. Bring your smartphone and join us on Thursdays to get more comfortable with texting, phone calls, and more! Rachel from the WT Library will be on hand to “chat” via text and phone to help you master your smartphone skills.
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
ON THE GO’ SAFE RIDES FOR OLDER ADULTS – SPONSORED BY HEALTHY AGING MV Go Go Grandparent (Pilot Program from Healthy Aging MV!)
Fully subsidized to provide on-demand transport for older adults. It is a concierge service that works directly with Uber and Lyft. It does not require that you have an app on your phone - it is all done by a live operator. The Martha’s Vineyard Older Adult Transportation Coalition is piloting this program as well as exploring other solutions for transportation for Older Adults. Please be aware this is piloted towards folks who may not drive anymore and/or meet certain requirements. Call us for more information 508-693-2896 MEDIVAN (VTA)
Medivan to Boston - Tuesdays- 3 times per month call 508-693-9440 ext.1 To participate in the Medivan program, those interested must submit a one-time application through the MVTA. Applications do not require a doctor’s note if passenger is over the age of 60. The Medivan holds 12 passengers and provides service on a first come, first served basis. The van picks up passengers every Tuesday from either the Vineyard Haven Park & Ride at 6:15AM or to all hospitals within Boston. Doctor’s appointments must be made between 10:00 and 1:00 for a 2:00ish pick-up. Fee is $40.00 round trip, including boat.
Medivan to Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston in Sandwich – One Tuesday per month 508-693-7900 ext. 455 or 800-635-0489 (OCB Sandwich office)
VTA SENIOR BUS PASSES $40
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FOOD RESOURCES:
MONTHLY FOOD DISTRIBUTION the UICOA distributes food sponsored by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Agriculture. The food to be distributed varies; financial guidelines apply. We try to order a variety of produce and dry goods. Currently our program reaches about 20-25+ senior households in the up-island communities. If you find yourself facing food insecurity, please reach out 508-693-2896
• FREE NOTARY SERVICES - All Staff are Notary Publics. Please call 508-693-2896 to set up a time.
• LAMINATION- We are able to laminate certain documents (cards, hunting/fishing licenses etc.) *unfortunately we are unable to laminate your Medicare card – but we can provide a non-sealed . laminate pocket for it.
• SHINE COUNSELING (Serving Health Information Needs of Everyone) - The objective of SHINE is to ensure that Massachusetts elders have access to objective information, counseling, and assistance on health insurance and health benefit options through a network of trained health benefits counselors, free of charge. Call to schedule an appointment (Open enrollment dates October 15th– December 7th)
• VINEYARD ISLE PARKINSONIANS SUPPORT GROUP - A Support group for both people suffering from Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers. This group meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month at 1:00pm Call the Up Island COA 508-693-2896 for more information.
• SNAP (SENIOR NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM- FORMERLY FOOD STAMPS) - Call the Up Island COA 508-693-2896 to set up an appointment to meet with a staff member to assist with completing an application.
• FILE OF LIFE – We have file of life cards available for pick up. File of life cards are where you can list medication specifics, allergies and other important information that Emergency Personnel are trained to look for. It can make all the difference in frantic situations. It’s best to keep it on your person and also a copy on your fridge- personnel are trained to check these places for medication info!
• DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOANS- We have equipment available for loaning out. standard aluminum walkers, rollators, crutches, transport wheelchairs, standard wheelchairs, commodes and other items. Please check with us - we are happy to lend you what you will need
• DEPENDS: If you or a loved one needs DEPENDS under garments or incontinence products please reach out. We have both men’s and women’s that are donated to us. Availability varies as does size, please call ahead to verify we have what you need.
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VIRTUAL CLASSES / PROGRAMS
ZOOM YOGA W/ MARTHA ABBOTT Martha is hosting an online Zoom yoga class Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:15 AM. She opens the “virtual doors” 9:00 AM if people want to chat before class, class starts at 10:30 AM. All are welcome. Email spiritmovesyou@gmail.com for log in information.
STRENGTH TRAINING W/KATRYN GILBERT Katryn is offering her classes via google meet at 9:00 AM and 9:35 AM, 4 times a week! She is hosting 30-minute classes with a mix of strength training and a little cardio. Please email her at Katrynyerdon@prodigy.net for meeting information!
GENTLE YOGA W/KANTA ON ZOOM While we are sad Kanta is not going to be joining us back in the Howes house, we are happy to share her Gentle Yoga class via Zoom! Tuesday’s at 11:30! Meeting ID 824 4775 7861 Passcode: 709904 Join her via zoom and get back to your yoga practice!
IN PERSON PROGRAMMING
• WEEKLY FITNESS WITH MARGARITA KELLY Wednesdays at 10AM – Cost $12
• CONNI BAKER, ESQ ESTATE AND MEDICAL PLANNING AT THE UP ISLAND COA 2nd (and 4th if needed) Wednesday of the Month. Please call 508-477-4502 to schedule an appointment. • PARKINSONS’ GROUP 2nd & 4th Monday of the month at 1:00 PM – A support group providing an opportunity for people with Parkinsons to share experiences, new information and updated research. • CRYSTAL BALANCING 30 MINUTE INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS ($25) FRIDAYS 9:30-11:30am - On hiatus until the fall
• KNITTER’S GROUP Monday’s 7:00 PM – All are welcome! Contact Ginny at: islandgirlwt@gmail.com • WATERCOLOR GROUP Fridays at 1PM Bring your own supplies and enjoy an afternoon of painting still life with watercolor or medium of your choice.
• AMERICAN MAH JONG Tuesdays 1:00-3:00pm – All are welcome!
• AUDIOLOGY CLINIC 4th Tuesday of every month 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Call 508-693-2896 to schedule. TUESDAY DUPLICATE BRIDGE AT THE HOWES HOUSE TUESDAYS 1:30-5 (bring a partner) • WEDNESDAY BRIDGE 1:30-4PM 8/7; 8/14; and EVENINGS 6-9PM 8/8 & 8/22
• ProCRAFTinators 3rd Wednesday of the Month 1:30-2:30 PM Bring your friends!
• HULA FLOW For people of all ages & sizes who love to dance! Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 $10 donation • VINEYARD SINFONIETTA ORCHESTRA Sundays 2-3:30 – On hiatus until the fall
• South Coastal Counties Legal Services (CCLS), Attorney Andrew L. Bardetti, serving older adults on Cape Cod & the Islands Contact Ms. Rasheda Dickerson directly for scheduling at 774-487-3251
Support the Friends of the Up-Island Council on Aging
The Friends of the Up-Island Council on Aging is a 501c3 non-profit fundraising board of volunteers who support the programs and services of the agency. Some examples of how the friends assist the COA and the community are their funding landscaping, providing food and/or fuel assistance to in need Up-Island seniors, and financially supporting many COA events. You can help to assist them in their efforts by contributing. Checks can be made payable to: Friends of UICOA, PO Box 3174, West Tisbury, MA 02575 or if you prefer head over to the *NEW* Friends Website and donate through PayPal. https://friendsofupislandcouncilonaging.org
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AUGUST BIRTHSTONE AUGUST FLOWER
AUGUST ZODIAC
OIPP
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