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September at the
Claire Teague Senior Center

September 2020

Senior Center Updates
 
 
     We are keeping busy here at the Claire Teague Senior Center with daily meal distributions, baked good donations, outside Bingo, discussion groups and small gatherings in our outside picnic area.
     I would like to invite anyone that is in need of just getting out and visiting with a small group, that we’ll call the “Coffee Klatch”  to join us. While the weather is in our favor, the meetings will be held under the shade of the large oak trees in our picnic area.  Please call the senior center if you are interested in joining or leading one of these groups.  
     As things unfold we will keep you posted on any changes about senior center programs.
     The senior center remains open by appointment only, but we are here for you, so please do not hesitate to call us
         at 413-528-1881.
 

 
Visit our new website, 
GreatBarringtonSeniors.org!
VOTING INFORMATION
November election:

Early Vote In Person at the
Great Barrington
Town Hall
 10/17 to 10/30 ,  8:30-4:00
Need to be registered to vote by 10/24
Vote By Mail Applications (early vote by mail) 
due back no later than 10/28 at 5:00 pm
Call the Town Clerk at 528-1619 x 3 for more detailed information
What is SHINE counseling?
If you have questions about your health insurance, whether it is about your prescription coverage, supplemental insurance, changing plans, Mass Health and other entitlements we are here to help you find your way around the maze of Medicare and its options.
The appointments will mainly be by phone, some may require a one on one meeting to be
decided by the SHINE counselor.  For more information call 528-1881

Dee’s Moves & Grooves 2 Chair Exercise Class
 
is back in a limited capacity.  Social distancing will only allow for 10 people to participate at a time; so we are offering it two days a week: 

Wednesdays and Fridays 9:30-10:15

starting Wednesday, September 2nd
  
All safety precautions will be in place, the setting is outside in our picnic area and chairs will be provided.    The lawn may be a bit wet so wear appropriate shoes.  To access the back parking area, park in the front lot and walk around the building.   The back parking area is reserved for handicapped parking for these events.  
                    Please call to reserve your seat at 528-1881.                       
The cost for this class is $3.00 per person.



 
Free Pet Food While Supplies Last


The Humane Society of the United States has donated some pet food to the Claire Teague Senior Center to be distributed as needed.    If you are interested in this program please call 528-1881.  This is a first come first serve basis
with priority given to seniors with pets.  
It is important to have a plan in place for your pet in the event
you cannot care for them,  if you have questions about what
is available in our area contact your veterinarian or
Berkshire Humane society at (413) 447-7878.

Avoid COVID-19 scams



Have you gotten robocalls, text messages, or emails offering free face masks? Or maybe you've seen social media posts about free COVID-19 testing kits,
"cures," or protective equipment? 
Unfortunately scammers are using the COVID-19 pandemic to try to steal your Medicare Number and personal information. If anyone reaches out to get your Medicare Number or personal information in exchange for something, you can bet it's a scam.

 

Prevent Medicare Fraud

 
Stop scams before they happen. Watch this short video and visit Medicare.gov/fraud for tips on preventing Medicare scams and fraud.
If you suspect fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE to report it.


Medicare fraud video, click to watch
Sincerely,
The Medicare Team
 

Retired Senior Volunteer Program based out of Pittsfield is offering many volunteer opportunities, such as:
· Drivers (high need in South County)
· Tree watchers/pruners
· Pittsfield rain garden angels
· Book sorters
· Ventfort Hall—Exhibit Monitor
· Hancock Shaker Village-Greeters and Garden Support
If interested, call 413-499-9345
 
FLU CLINIC at Claire Teague Senior Center
 
Fri., Sept 25th 
10 am until 1 pm

· Please bring your Medicare card
· You must wear a mask
· Your temperature will be taken -  immunization should be deferred if you are sick or have a fever
 

 
VNA Blood Pressure Clinic
On September 15th from 10:00 - 11:00am
in the back picnic area. 
For more information call 528-1881.
Wear a mask
 
Learn about wearing face coverings and cloth masks in public, to slow the spread of
COVID-19, as required in Governor Baker’s Executive Order.



 
Watch this
Video: How to Safely Cover Your Face Outside of Home


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtUJPizQVPI&feature=youtu.be
Have you completed your 2020 Census? 

 
WE NEED YOU!!!  Please pass on the word that it is very important for funding for our  programs that everyone is counted. If you need assistance,
we will help you over the phone.
Call us at (413) 528-1881
 
Bingo Players!!       Bingo - Tuesdays in September 

We will continue Bingo in September on Tuesdays from 12:30-1:30 pm.  Bingo will be held in the back parking lot picnic area of the Senior Center.  Only two players per 8 foot picnic table.  Masks required and rain cancels the game.  There is no cost to play—winner receives a chocolate bar. 

Please RSVP to reserve your seat (attendance is limited) by calling  (413) 528-1881. 




Music on the Lawn Series
Thursday, September 17th
 12:00-1:00


Featured musician –our very own Dee Foster!!!   
It is best to bring your own chair, 
but we will provide one if needed.  
Light refreshments will be served,
all safety precautions will be in place.  

Space is limited, so call 528-1881 to reserve your seat. 


 

 Ken Roht from the Orphean Circus has compiled a large work of short stories that the reader and you can choose from. The reader (a volunteer from the Medical Reserve Corps) calls once a week and they read for 15 min or so and then just check in. You can pick a book from what we have available or pick one of your own, 
depending on your interest.

 
If you're interested, please call us at (413) 528-1881.

https://www.greatbarringtonseniors.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/WE-READ-STORIES-WRS-COA-Referral-Form.-5.9.2020.docx

 
Foot Nurse by appointment only –
On Monday, September 14th  
 

Be assured that steps have been taken to comply with state mandatory safety standards:
· Workers wear face coverings and social distancing in place
· Hand washing capabilities available and sanitizing high-touch areas
· Staff (Foot Nurse) have received training regarding social distancing and hygiene protocols
· Have established through cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
 
 
Brown Bag for Elders


Wednesday, September 9th - 12:30-2:30 pm
Pick up @ Claire Teague Senior Center
What is it??
 Food for Elders program provides a free bag of healthy groceries to eligible seniors once a month at local senior centers and community organizations. The food items are specifically selected to meet seniors’ special dietary requirements to help them stay healthy and active.
Where is it?
The Claire Teague Senior Center is a distribution site for the monthly Brown Bag.
917 Main Street in Great Barrington
How to receive it?
If you are interested in receiving a bag~
You can pick up an application at the senior center by calling 528-1881 or
Print the application off their website   https://www.foodbankwma.org/get-help/brown-bag-food-for-elders/ and mail it to:
Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
PO Box 160
Hatfield, MA 01038
Call the food bank to request an application 413 247 9738. “The food that we distribute comes from a number of different sources, including the state government (MEFAP), the federal government (TEFAP), local farms, our own Food Bank farm, retail and wholesale food businesses, community organizations, and individual donations”.
 

HELPFUL TIPS

Senior (60 +) and Immunocompromised
Safe Shopping Hour:
 

 
1)  Big Y    7:00- 8:00AM    7 Days a week 
2)  Price Chopper    6:00-7:00AM    7 days a week 
3)  Berkshire Co-Op Market    8:00-9:00AM    7 days a week 
4)  Guido’s Fresh Marketplace    9:00-10:00AM    Mon. - Sat. Closed Sundays. 
5)  Shiro Asian Market    11:00AM-12:00PM    Monday- Saturday. Closed Sundays 
6)  El Puento de Encuentro- Latin Market    TBD     
7)  Gorham and Norton    8:00-9:00AM      Monday- Saturday. Closed Sundays 
8)  Aberdale’s   1:30 - 2:30 pm daily    
 
Pharmacy safe Shopping Hour(s): 
1)  Walgreen’s     8:00-9:00 AM  Monday- Friday     
          9:00-10:00AM Saturday & Sunday 
2)  CVS      8:00-9:00 AM Monday- Friday    
           9:00-10:00 AM Saturday & Sunday 


 

THE DAILY LUNCH

 

Check out the September lunch menu HERE.

A $2 lunch donation is requested for guests 60 or over.
 

Call us at (413) 528-1881.


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Great Barrington Senior Center · 917 Main St · Great Barrington, MA 01230-2028 · USA

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