A monthly newsletter published by the

CHATHAM SENIOR CENTER www.chathamcoa.com

193 Stony Hill Road • Chatham, Massachusetts 02633 • (508) 945-5190

Mandi Speakman, Director DECEMBER 2016 Vol. 46 No. 12

Holiday Concert & Luncheon Monday, December 19th -12pm

Please join us for a special holiday luncheon and performance by the Monomoy Middle School Chorus. Enjoy

some of your favorite holiday tunes performed by talented members of our middle school community. The menu includes Baked Ham with Spinach Pie, Herb Roasted Potato Medley, Dessert: Chocolate Mousse with Peppermint Bark

Lunch: $7, Show: Free

Transportation available

Reservations

Required 508-945-5190

HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA LUNCH & SHOW

Featuring Tom Madden Monday, December 5th -Lunch and a Show, 12pm, $9

Tom will help us kick off our Holiday Season of entertainment. Tom is a seasoned and talented performer with many years of experience performing throughout New England. This energetic and interactive performance of the holiday classics will have you tapping your toes and singing along!

Lunch Menu includes: Cornbread stuffed Chicken Breast with a Cranberry Chutney, Mashed Sweet Potato and Herb Stuffing Dessert: Pumpkin Pie

Tickets—$9- Transportation available. Space is limited, reservations required. Call 508-945-5190.

LUNCH & A SHOW ENTERTAINMENT BY

NICK PANGAKIS MONDAY, DEC. 12TH

12PM Join us for an afternoon of fun as we will rock around the Christmas Tree with Harwich singer-guitarist Nick Pangakis. Nick who has been playing the length of Cape Cod for years, will perform his country-rock acoustic music.

On the menu will be Roasted Pork Loin with Sautéed Apples & Onions Spiced Butternut Squash and Sautéed Winter Greens and for dessert, Pumpkin Caramel Bread Pudding.

Tickets $9 Transportation available. Space is limited, reservations required. Call 508-945-5190.

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DAYTRIP- SENIOR DAY AT WHOLE FOODS & TRADER JOE’S Wednesday, December 21st, 2016

The Chatham COA will be offering transportation to and from Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s on Dec. 21st. Seniors are invited to visit the Whole Food’s store for a variety of different events, samplings and educational classes. The van makes a second stop at Trader Joe’s in Hyannis. The event begins at 10am; the COA van will leave Chatham at 9am. Reservations required, space is limited.

Call the COA at 508-945-5190 for information & registration.

COA Li brary Corne r Tom Clancy has written many, many mystery - type novels,

and, if you missed "Red Storm Rising" you could find it on our

"New Arrivals" Shelf, thanks to a thoughtful donor. This was

Clancy's second novel, about the interaction between the US and the

USSR. Different from his first book "The Hunt for Red October", this

involves Moslem Fundamentals and the control of the oil supply. "It is

both a triumph of the storyteller's art - and frighteningly real". Why not

escape from our present day problems and get away with Tom Clancy!

DAYTRIP-WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 DESTINATION: SANDWICH– SANDWICH GLASS MUSEUM

LUNCH –BRITISH BEER COMPANY Special exhibit– 7th Annual Glassblowers Christmas

The Sandwich Historical Society and its Glass Museum, collects, preserves and interprets the history of the Town of Sandwich, the oldest town on Cape Cod. A large part of Sandwich history is involved with American glass production. This short presentation is culled from the collection of glass and historic images of the Museum and Historical Society. Watch molten glass, drawn from the furnace, blown and pressed into exquisite shapes. Learn why the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company led the world in the manufacture of glass during the early 19th century. The 20 minute demonstration takes place every hour on the hour with plenty of time for questions afterward. Even if you have seen glassblowing before this up close, hands on demonstration is truly enthralling for adults and mesmerizing for children. Its permanent exhibits and collections of nearly 5,000 pieces of glass combine classic and state-of-the-art technology glass. They include: Color & Chemistry; the Multi-Media Theater which illustrates what life was like in rural New England at the down of the Industrial Revolution and the Levine Lighting Gallery. After our visit to the museum we will be having lunch at the British Beer Company in Sandwich. Once an Idyllic farm house overlooking the canal BBC Sandwich has the look and feel of a traditional pub in the English Countryside. Much like pubs in the sister city Sandwich, England the BBC is a safe haven for enjoying fish and chips, an English Ale or a fresh and local selection from the menu. Menus available at https://britishbeer.com/menu/.

Cost: Museum Admission–$5. Lunch at the cost of the diner. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Transportation is FREE!

Space is limited. Call the COA at 508-945-5190 to register. Bus Departs the COA at 8:45 am.

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MONDAY LUNCHEON at the Chatham COA Café ~ Noon

EAT IN or TAKE OUT Reservations required by the Friday before: 508-945-5190

Enjoy SomeEnjoy Some

Soup To Go Soup To Go

December 5th Portuguese Kale

December 12th

Butternut Squash

December 19th Corn Chowder

$4/Pint

Available through the week

while supplies last. Heat and

enjoy at home, or stock up your

freezer!

Please see the COA

receptionist for assistance.

DECEMBER 5TH -LUNCH & SHOW -TOM MADDEN $9

Cornbread Stuffed Chicken Breast with a Cranberry Chutney,

Mashed Sweet Potatoes Dessert: Pumpkin Pie

DECEMBER 12TH -LUNCH & SHOW - NICK PANG AKIS $9

Roasted Pork Loin with Sautéed Apples & Onions, Spiced Butternut Squash &Sautéed Winter Greens Dessert: Pumpkin Caramel Bread Pudding

DECEMBER 19TH –LUNCH & MONOMOY MS

CONCERT -$7

Baked Ham with Spinach Pie, Herb Roasted Potato Medley

Dessert: Chocolate Mousse with Peppermint Bark

COA Café Gourmet LunchCOA Café Gourmet Lunch

Includes bread basket, entrée, beverage & dessert

Reservations for Lunch and Programs can be made at the COA office or by calling 508-945-5190.

If you have a food allergy please advise the office when making your reservations and the Chef prior to being seated.

CONGRATULATIONS To our Adult Coloring Contest Winners…

1st Place—Jill James– Lion Picture

Runner Up—Joanne Quinn– Owl Picture

ADULT GROUP COLORING ~EVERYDAY~STOP IN ANYTIME.

We will have materials out in the library for you to come in and

color anytime! It’s FREE and FUN! COME AND GIVE IT A TRY! WE SUPPLY ALL THE MATERIALS.

Jill James

MOVIE MONDAYS COA Holiday CINEMA

Monday, December 19th, 2015 at 10:15 am

FREE! Call the COA for reservations at 508-945-5190. Transportation is

available.

“The Family Stone” (2005) PG-13, 1hr 43 minutes The Stone family unites in common cause when their favorite son brings his uptight girlfriend home for the Christmas holiday, with plans of proposing. Overwhelmed by the hostile reception, she begs her sister to join her for emotional support, triggering further complications. Stars: Diane Keaton, Craig T. Nelson, Dermot Mulroney, Sarah Jessica Parker, Claire Danes

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SHINE NEWS….MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT ENDS DECEMBER 7!

Medicare Part D and Pharmacies

For many Medicare drug plans, the pharmacy you use could make a big difference in the cost of your medications!

All Medicare drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans (HMOs, PPOs) have network pharmacies. Most pharmacies accept most plans. However, if you go to a pharmacy that is not in your plan’s network, your medications will not be covered, and you will pay full retail price.

For 2017, 85% of the Medicare drug plans have preferred pharmacies. By using a preferred pharmacy, you can save money! Some plans have changed their preferred pharmacies for 2017 so please check to make sure the pharmacy you currently use will still be the best come January 1st. Most plans have a mail-order program that allows you to get a 90-day supply of your covered prescription drugs sent directly to your home. Mail order sometimes costs less, but using preferred pharmacies could end up costing you less than mail order.

IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR MEDICARE PLAN, DON’T WAIT!

CALL THE COA TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A SHINE COUNSELOR AT 508-945-5190

OR CALL 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) NOW!

ANNUAL

Thursday, December 15th –1:30pm We’re Having a Party!

And Things are Going to Get UGLY! Wear a Ho-Ho-Horrible Holiday Sweater

Or a Fa-La-La-Lovely Sweater

Prizes will be awarded—Judging by Busy Fingers

Free Dessert Bar compliments of The Old Harbor Inn

RSVP at the Reception Desk or call 508-945-5190

Transportation available.

A nnual Tree Lighting Parade & Ceremony

Friday, December 9, 2016

Sears Park in Chatham

The community is invited to meet at the Chatham Community Center for

the parade that begins at 5:45pm and proceeds down Main Street to Sears

Park. COA Bus will provide transportation to the tree lighting ceremony

which follows at 6:00pm. Refreshments and a scenic ride around Chatham

will finish out the evening. Call 508-945-5190 for information or to make

reservations.

Free, Space is Limited, Reserve Now!

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The Friends of the Chatham COA would like

to thank the following business donors for their

support:

Bistro on Main Chatham Ford

The Chatham Jam & Jelly Shop

Chatham Penny Candy Store The Chatham Squire

J.W. Dubis & Sons Inc. The Old Harbor Inn

Stello Construction Inc. Tommy Doane, Inc.

W. Vernon Whitely Plumbing & Heating

There are many benefits to choosing local, independently owned businesses. We realize it is not always possible to buy what you need locally

and so merely ask you to Think Local FIRST!

Special Thanks to… John Whelan ~ For donating his time and sharing his love of music. John provided us with an afternoon of enjoyment with his “American Songbook” presentation, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who were lucky enough to attend!

The Old Harbor Inn ~ For regularly creating and delivering scrumptious & yummy baked goods. A wonderful treat enjoyed by many!

Cape & Island Shredding Service ~ For their free shredding provided to Chatham seniors! Secure shredding is provided free for Chatham seniors at the COA in honor of Frank & Dorothy Gilmore by their son Brian.

While shopping online, visit Social Security!

“Black Friday” is the busiest shopping day of the year, with people lining up at midnight for deals as they begin the busy holiday shopping season. More people than ever are taking advantage of online holiday deals. “Cyber Monday” is the day internet-savvy people search for deals, all online. You’re smart, and you probably already know there’s more than one way to find value on the internet. For example, Social Security offers many online services to the public-and they’re free and secure! Doing business online with So-cial Security will also save time. The feeling of instant gratification is like clicking submit on that online shopping cart. Here are some of the most popular online services you’ll find at www.socialsecurity.gov. Each site is safe and secure: Need a replacement Social Security card? You may be able to request your replacement card without visiting a local Social Security office. Still working and wondering what future Social Security benefits you might receive? The online Social Security Statement is a smart service that is a hit with the millions of people who’ve used it. Your online Statement provides you with a record of your past earnings along with projected earnings for future years to give you estimates of future Social Security benefits. Do you already get Social Security benefits? You can use your online ac-count to manage your benefits, such as starting or changing Direct Deposit, getting an instant proof of benefits letter, and much more. Just go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Social Security’s online services continually receive the highest customer satisfaction ratings in both the public and private sectors. Each site uses the highest security to keep your information safe. Learn more about all you can do online at Social Security on Cyber Monday, or any day, at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.

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Social Activities Call 508-945-5190 to sign up

Monday Café Gourmet Lunch: Noon; $7 dine in or take out. Reservations required by Friday before. Soup-to-go, $4/pint while supplies last. ESCCI Luncheon: Tue & Thu 11:30am, call 508-945-1783 at least one day ahead to sign up. $3 donation suggested. COA Cinema: 12/19, 10:15, The Family Stone, 103 min. Men’s Discussion Group: Thursdays at 9:30am “Busy Fingers” Knit, Crochet & Needlework Group: Thursdays at 1:30pm Bridge: Thursdays at 12:30 pm Cribbage: Tuesdays at 12:30pm Scrabble: Mon & Fri, 9am Women’s Wisdom: 12/14 SPECIAL MEETING DATE Free Lending Library: Self-service upstairs at the COA Low Cost Greeting Card Shop and Used Book Sale: pay at the front office

Transportation for Chatham Residents Chatham COA van rides for Medical Appointments: 48 hours minimum notice required. Call 508-945-5190. Chatham COA van rides for lunch: for Mon, call 508-945-5190; for Tue & Thu lunch call 508-945-1783 at least one day ahead to sign up. Chatham COA van rides for local errands & food shopping: Subject to availability. Call COA 48 hours ahead to sign up. Chatham COA van rides to the Orleans COA Supportive Day Program: Call COA for details.

Other Transportation Resources Cape Cod RTA: DART (Dial a Ride Transportation). Reservations between 8a-5p, Mon-Fri 1-800-352-7155 Cape Cod RTA, Boston Area Hospitals: For information & reservations call 1-800-352-7155, Mon-Fri, 8 am-5 pm. FISH Transportation: Medical appointments only, for Chatham residents. Call Monday-Friday between 9:30-1:30 at 508-945-4611. Provide at least 48 hours’ notice.

Nauset Neighbors: A membership organization where “One Call Does It All.” Call 508-514-7067. CCRTA-”Free Fare Fridays” allow seniors to ride fixed bus routes beginning “Black Friday” and running through the end of 2016. For more information visit the CCRTA’s website at www.capecodrta.org.

Quick Peek: Your COA Monthly Offerings

Health Care Offerings Call 508-945-5190 for appointment Blood Pressure Screening: Every Wed 9-11am, FREE Foot Care: Friday 12/2 8-3:30pm. $30, Home visit $50 Hearing Screenings: 12/16 2pm FREE call for information 508-945-5190

Legal Services Call 508-945-5190 for appointment Thomas Kosman 12/7 (housing, government benefits, health law, guardianship, reverse mortgage, consumer issues) Michael Lavender 12/15 (trusts, wills, estate planning)

Free Caregiver Support AFCSC Group with Molly Perdue 1st & 3rd Thursday of

each month, 2-3:30pm. Call to register (508-945-5190)

Hope Caregiver Support Group Hope Dementia &

Alzheimer’s, 2nd & 4th Tue. monthly,

2-3:30pm. Call to register. (508-945-5190)

Caregivers Support Group in conjunction with Elder

Services of CC&I, 2nd & 4th Wed. monthly,

11-12:30pm. Call for information. (508-945-5190)

COA Outreach: Call COA at 508-945-5190

LGBT Caregiver Support Group at Orleans COA;

call 508-255-6333, ext. 16.

Other Support Services New-Stroke Support Group—2nd Thursday Monthly

at Liberty Commons. Call Jerilyn Lemont 508-945-4611

X200

Neuropathy Support Group– call 860-912-3111

SHINE—Serving the Health Information Needs of

Elders, by appointment call 508-945-5190.

Parkinson’s Support Group—10am on 3rd Weds.

Monthly at St. Christopher's Church. All are welcome.

Call Betty Magnusson at 508-945-1106 for more info.

Vision Impaired Technology Assistance at the Library (VITAL) is available at the Brooks Free Library in Harwich. This program offers free one-on-one instructions in the use of their access software programs to individuals with sight loss. The VITAL resource area contains brochures, handouts and catalogs of special interest to people with vision impairment. Please contact the Brooks Free Library for more information at 508-430-7562.

8

TOWN OF CHATHAM LOCAL EMERGENCY

PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS

KNOW YOUR RESOURCES

Chatham Emergency Management Information: www.chatham-ma.gov (find Emergency Management under the “Departments” tab) Barnstable County Emergency Planning Committee: http://www.bcrepc.org (for information on Sheltering in Place and Regional Shelters)

HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS: All Emergencies: Call 911 Chatham Emergency Operation Center: 508-945-2625 Chatham Police (Non-emergency): 508-945-1213 or 508-945-1217 Chatham Police (EMERGENCY only): 508-945-1212 Chatham Fire (Non-emergency): 508-945-2324 Chatham Fire (EMERGENCY only): 508-945-2323 Chatham Council on Aging: 508-945-5190

COA CLOSURE INFORMATION and WEATHER POLICY: Council on Aging closure information will be posted

online and on-air by the following radio stations:

WQRC 99.9, WKPE 103.9, WOCN

104.7, WFCC 107.5 FM. If the

Monomoy School System is closed

due to weather, all COA activities

including transportation are

cancelled. If schools are on vacation, the COA

Director will determine closures prioritizing safety.

The staff will be at the Senior Center to provide

information and support, unless Town Hall is closed,

in which case the Senior Center will close entirely.

BASIC SUPPLIES TO HAVE ON-HAND AT HOME

Flashlight, radio and batteries (NO open lit candles) Fuel for a generator (if you have one)

Full tank of gas in the car Non-cordless phone and charged cell phone 3-4 day supply of food 1 gallon of water per person/per day 1 week supply of medication and other

necessary equipment (such as oxygen) Pet food, water and supplies Basic first aid kit

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM If you or other members of your household would

require special assistance in the event of a power

outage or an emergency evacuation, please complete

and return this form now so special arrangements can

be made in advance. The Special Assistance form is a

preplanning form designed to supply Chatham

Emergency Management with information to help

assist you during an emergency. For more

information or to enroll in the Special Assistance

program contact Outreach at the Chatham COA at

508-945-5190 or visit www.chathamcoa.com and

select “Forms”.

DO NOT PLOW LIST It is hard to believe, but the winter snow season is

nearly upon us. Let’s hope this winter won’t be as

difficult last year! We are encouraging all seniors to

be proactive as possible. Check to see if your street is

on the town’s do not plow list at:

http://www.town.chatham.ma.us

(Public Works, Highway Division) or at:

http://www.chatham-ma.gov/Public_Documents/

ChathamMA_Highway/PVTsnow%20removal.pdf

WHAT IS YOUR PLAN? Do you have a plan for plowing and shoveling your

walkway? We want you to be able to safely leave

your home. It is also important that such services as

Police, Fire, Rescue, the Visiting Nurse and Meals on

Wheels be able to access your home. For resources

and information, please call our office and ask to

speak to an outreach worker.

9

Charles Altieri RN, Public Health Nurse

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: “Managing This Silent Killer”

Mayo Clinic Health Letter 10/16

Having high blood pressure isn't a good thing. And you may also know that it gets more common as you age. 1 in 3 Americans has hypertension and another third have higher than normal blood pressure. A certain amount of pressure is required to maintain this circulation and keep all 11 pints of blood moving through your body. One of the main forces behind your blood pressure is the pumping action of your heart. This maintains blood pressure so that critical organs are supplied between heart contractions. Your blood pressure is also influenced by your kidneys, which remove waste products from your blood and regulate levels of minerals such as sodium. In some people, high blood pressure is caused by an underlying disorder (secondary hypertension), such as kidney or adrenal gland problems, obstructive sleep apnea, medications. Left untreated, high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels, as well as many organs in your body. This can lead to problems, such as heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, heart failure, kidney disease or kidney failure, eye injury or vision loss, and trouble with memory or understanding.

A blood pressure reading, given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), has 2 numbers. The 1st (upper number) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure). The 2nd (lower number) measures the pressure in your arteries between beats (diastolic pressure). Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mm hg. Management: Treatment of high blood pressure is usually a combination of lifestyle changes and medications Eating better: A heart-healthy diet can improve your blood pressure. This includes eating primarily fruits,

vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids. Eat less red meat and avoid sugary foods and beverages. A balanced diet can also help you lose weight, which can lower blood pressure.

Watching your salt: Sodium in salt and salty foods causes you to retain fluid. That may increase blood volume and, in turn, increase blood pressure. You might want to try the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.

Getting more active: People with hypertension who exercise regularly often see a decrease in their blood pressure.

Limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco: Too much alcohol raises your blood pressure and adds extra calories. Smoking temporarily increases your blood pressure and contributes to stiffness and inflammation in your blood vessels.

Taking the right medication: Often, medication is needed in combination with lifestyle changes to keep blood pressure under control.

High blood pressure is associated with reduced blood flow in the brain, altered brain structure and dementia. People with high blood pressure are also more likely to experience faster decline in physical function than are those who have normal blood pressure, and may be at greater long-term risk of bone density loss. If you have high blood pressure you can get it checked at any time at your local fire house, most of your pharmacies, and your local senior centers. BE WELL! LIVE LONG! LIVE STRONG!

DECEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Wednesday, December 14th, 2pm at the COA If you were born in the month of December and reside in Chatham we hope you will join us at the COA for our monthly Birthday celebration. Guests are encouraged. Transportation is available. Call 508-945-5190 to register.

Remember to check the expiration date on your driver’s license!

CHATHAM RETIRED MEN’S GROUP The Chatham Retired Men’s Association meets on Fridays from October-May, at the Chatham Community Center. Meetings start at 1:30pm. Membership is open to retired men living in Chatham or who are local tax payers. For more information, call Bob Shafter at 508-945-0354.

Date Speaker Subject Dec. 2nd Richard Carroll Chatham Bars Inn & Hospitality Industry Today Dec. 9th William Flynn Emergency Medical Services & What You Need to Know Dec. 16th Prof. Richard Rothstein How We Created a Racially Segregated Nation Dec. 23rd* Ron Clark First Night Highlights -*Xmas Luncheon 12 Noon Dec. 30th No Meeting

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From The Directors Desk…Economic Security for Seniors

“Rising Tides: Embracing Population Growth of Older Adults” was the theme of this year’s MA Association of COAs & Senior Center Directors Annual Conference. On December 31, 2016, for the first time in MA history, the number of people in our Commonwealth age 60 and over will be greater than the population under 20. This massive swing in our demographics has already begun changing the demands for services. A tool being used by policy makers and service providers is the Elder Economic Security Standard, which demonstrates the depth of elder insecurity in Massachusetts. The national Elder Economic Security Standard Index (Elder Index) is maintained by the Gerontology Institute at UMASS Boston, who presented this information at the conference. The 2 major findings of the Elder Index include: The average gap between the annual income and typical basic and necessary expenses for older adults age 65+ in MA

is about $9,800/year. (Actual incomes and expenses vary by person, housing status, health status, and region of the state.) In 2016, 61% of all elder-only households in MA are economically insecure, meaning they don’t have enough income to cover

all the basic and necessary monthly expenses related with housing, food, health care, transportation and common miscellaneous expenses.

There are programs and services that can help alleviate this financial stress. One place seniors can “find money” is at the Assessor’s Office. Did you know there are personal exemptions/deferrals to a property tax owners for which you as a homeowner may be eligible? The Chatham Assessing Department at Town Hall (508) 945-5103 can assist you with an application or you can contact the Outreach Department at the Council on Aging. (508) 945-5190. The filing deadline is 3 months after the mailing of the first-half tax bill of the fiscal year.

THE FOLLOWING IS A L ISTING OF THE EXEMPTIONS/DEFERRALS AVAILABLE IN CHATHAM:

Veteran Exemptions: Veteran Exemptions are given with no income limitations to honorably discharged veterans who lived in Massachusetts 6 months prior to enrollment in the service or 1 year prior to application for exemption and one of the following:

Clause 22 $400.00 Exemption

Veterans with a war service connected disability of 10% or more, or Veterans of Spanish War, Philippine Insurrection, Chinese Relief Expedition, Lebanese Peace Keeping Force or Grenade Rescue Mission, or Recipient of a Purple Heart.

Clause 22A $750.00 Exemption

Veterans who has suffered dismemberment or loss of vision, or who has award the Congressional Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service

Cross, Navy or Air Force Cross, or has received “specially adapted housing” assistance.

Clause 22E $1,000.00 Exemption

Veterans with a 100% disability and who are unable to work as determined by the Department of Veteran Services.

Paraplegic FULL Exemption

This exemption is available to veterans who are certified by the Veterans Administration as paraplegic and their surviving spouses. A complete list of Exemptions designated for Veterans is available from the Chatham Assessing Department or Department of Veterans Services at 1-800-827-1000. Clause 18: Temporary Financial Hardship Property Tax Deferral Defer up to 100% The applicant must demonstrate a financial hardship i.e., the applicant currently lacks financial recourses to pay the taxes because of a change to active military status (not including initial enlistment), unemployment, illness or other reason as determined by the Assessors. Clause 37: Blind Exemption $437.50 Exemption Property owners must be determined by the MA Commission for Blind or a qualified doctor as legally blind as of July 1. Application must be filed annually together with certificate. No limits on income or assets. Clause 41A: Property Tax Deferral Defer up to 100% of property tax Tax Deferral is available to anyone 65 years of age or older on July 1 of the fiscal year, who has owned and occupied their property on July 1 as their domicile and has been domiciled in Massachusetts for the preceding 10 years and has owned and occupied real estate in Massachusetts for at least 5 years. Income may not exceed $40,000. The Assessors record an agreement at the Registry of Deeds describing the property stating the owners’ names with the following conditions: No sale shall consummate without paying the deferred taxes plus 8% interest per annum. Total taxes plus interest deferred may not exceed 50% of the market value of the property. Any mortgage holder must give written permission that will become part of the agreement. Clause 41C (D): Elderly Exemption $1,030.00 Exemption The application(s) must be 65 years of age before July 1 of the fiscal year; continuously domiciled in Massachusetts for 10 years and have owned and occupied the property or any other property in Massachusetts for 5 years; Or is a surviving spouse who has inherited the real estate and occupied it for 5 years. Income may not exceed $25,196.36 (single) $37,794.54 (married) plus social security exemption $4,381 (single) $6,572 (married); whole estate which does not include the value of your home, may not exceed $50,392.73 (single) $69,290.01 (married); Note, the previously mentioned amounts are adjusted each year for the increase in the cost of living.

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Printing and Postage for the FLASH are generously provided by the Friends of the Chatham Council On Aging and a grant from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID

ORLEANS MA PERMIT NO. 32

Chatham COA Board Carole DeChristopher, Chairman Joe Gagliano, Vice Chairman David Speciale, Secretary Audrey Gray Betty Magnusson Barbara Segall Barbara Waters

Friends of the Chatham COA John Poignand, President Betsey Stevens, Vice President Bernie Pfeifer, MD, Treasurer Mal Ward, Secretary Dan Brown Sal Gionfriddo Judy Hanlon Edie Hoyda Jill James John Rafferty

Chatham COA Staff Mandi Speakman, Director Eva Souza, Outreach/Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Shea, Outreach Coordinator Kathy Carucci, Program Coordinator Shawn Grunwald, Secretary Nancy Michniewicz, Receptionist

Chatham Council On Aging & Senior Center 193 Stony Hill Road, Chatham MA 02633 508 945-5190, Fax 508 945-5198, www.chathamccoa.com

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Van Drivers Steve Heffron Dick Hosmer Roger Kallstrom Paul Robinson Bill Whelan

COA DISCLAIMER

The Chatham Council on Aging (COA) promotes programs and opportunities for patrons of the Chatham Senior Center to receive legal, financial, medical, recreational and other services or activities by volunteers or nominal cost practitioners. Seniors participating in these services or activities do so with the understanding that the COA, the Town of Chatham and/or its employees do not assume any legal or other responsibility for any advice or services rendered by such volunteers or nominal cost practitioners.

MISSION STATEMENT Established in 1974, the Chatham Council on Aging (COA) is your local community resource for older persons and their caregivers. The COA identifies the needs of Seniors in the community and works toward developing, coordinating and promoting programs and services to meet these needs. Our mission is to enhance the dignity, support the independence and promote the general health and wellbeing of Chatham’s older adults.

SUPPORT YOUR FRIENDS OF CHATHAM COA! Please make checks payable to: The Friends of Chatham COA

193 Stony Hill Road, Chatham MA 02633 Donations to the Friends of Chatham COA are tax-deductible.

Your Support is Greatly Appreciated. Thank You!

Name_________________________________________________________________Telephone______________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Friends of the Chatham Council on Aging is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that exists for the sole purpose of supporting the programming and the services of the Chatham COA. Since our inception in 1978, we have subsidized adult education classes, legal services, caregiver support, health screenings/education, transportation, monthly birthday parties for Chatham residents 60+ and much more. Through fundraising and volunteer support, the Friends supplements and fills the gaps in funding the COA receives from the Town of Chatham and grantors.