DCOA News - Town of Dartmouth
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April 2021
DCOA News
Kindness Week
Cushman school was recently approved as a
Feinstein Leadership School, and their
Feinstein Jr. Scholars are committed to making
a difference in the Dartmouth Community!
Cushman hosts Dartmouth Public Schools
youngest learners in the Kindergarten and
Preschool classes, with close to 130 students.
Rotary is working to distribute a million masks to first
responders, community support programs, and
people in need to reduce the spread of COVID. Call
the Center to inquire about getting a box of
disposable masks. Thank-you Rotary.
The Center has sponsored 9 blood drives since
January 2020 and collected a total 284 pints of blood,
potentially helping up to 852 families.
All classes participated in Kindness Week,
which included theme days and kindness Thanks to all that participated and donated blood.
activities. A canned food drive and card Save
making were among activities they chose to
spread kindness to their neighbors. a Life
Students understand all too well that visits
between the youngest and oldest family
members in our communities have been
impacted by Covid-19 this past year, and
decided cards could help spread cheer.
Next BLOOD DRIVE at the Center
The canned food drive ran for one week
between Kindness Week and the 100th day of Thursday, April 29th, 9am - 2pm
school, with the goal of reaching 100 cans by Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
that 100th day. The final count was 340! No
or visit redcrossblood.org and enter:
incentives for the Cushman students other
DARTMOUTH COA to schedule an appointment.
than giving them an outlet to show how
much they care for others! What a very kind You can streamline your donation experience and
group of students! save up to 15 minutes by visiting
RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your
The canned food and cards we received have been pre-donation reading and health history
distributed to Meals on Wheels consumers and questions on the day of your appointment.
given out to the Center’s food bank recipients.
Thank-you Cushman School students and Find out more about what the Red Cross does and
Anne Mueller for reaching out to the Center find ways you can help at:
with your Kindness. https://www.redcross.org/about-us.html
Dartmouth Council on Aging 628 Dartmouth Street, Dartmouth, MA 02748 P:508-999-4717 - F:508-999-0754
2
A Message from our Director
One year ago, the world making outdoor space available in order to
went into its first stage of offer a safe atmosphere. We will continue to
lockdown. Here at the center have a mask mandate and abide by social
we did our best to offer our distance protocols. To start, all of our
programs virtually and used programming will be by reservation only.
social media to stay in touch Stay Tuned for more information!
with our seniors. It’s not
As always, the health and well-being of our
over, but as we celebrate a full year
Seniors and Staff continues to be our top
navigating through these unprecedented
priority!
times, we see HOPE on the horizon!
Stay Safe!!
We are hoping for a summer full of hugs,
dining out, vacations and gatherings with Amy
our friends and families—among other
things that we took for granted.
Spring is here and we are excited to
announce we will begin to offer select
classes and programs in May. We are
3
Programming o n ZOOM
MassSupport is happy to invite
you to join a series of free,
anonymous, and confidential
Covid-19 support groups
hosted by the Dartmouth
Council on Aging. MassSupport Network provides
community outreach and support services across
the state in response to the unprecedented public
Start your day with coffee and a health crisis of COVID-19.
virtual smile with your friends at the COA. MassSupport will offer a series of coping groups
We are offering Tuesday Coffee Chat every Tuesday beginning April 7, 2021. Group sessions will be
@ 10am. You can log onto ZOOM with your laptop, facilitated by a MassSupport clinician who is not
tablet, or smartphone, or call us from any phone and affiliated with Dartmouth Council on Aging.
virtually join the staff here at the Center for coffee
and chit-chat! Group topics and dates are listed below. All groups
will be held on Zoom from 1 pm to 2 pm. To
register, please contact Nancy Miller at the Center
at 508-999-4717 ext 3305. For questions, please
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86891541490? reach out to MassSupport’s Southeast Team Lead,
pwd=VDJObFpoVFVBMlhhMnVZTGJqUjRlZz09 Elizabeth Rego at erego@riversidecc.org.
April 7 – Group Orientation
April 14 – Grief Due to the Loss of Normalcy
April 21 – Managing Vaccine Related
Anxiety
April 28 – Dealing with Uncertainty and Future
Phases of COVID-19 Recovery
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86891541490?
pwd=VDJObFpoVFVBMlhhMnVZTGJqUjRlZz09
COVID-19
restrictions may
have made it
MassSupport is a Crisis Counseling Program (CCP), funded by
difficult to stay on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and
track with our managed in partnership between the Massachusetts
individual nutrition Department of Mental Health and Riverside Trauma Center,
practices. a program of Riverside Community Care.
If you’re looking
for motivation and
new ideas, Pound by Pound is a support group for
people eager to adopt healthy lifestyles and eating
habits.
I
If you would like to participate in ZOOM activities
Dietitian Stephanie Boulay will join offered by the Center but are not able to due to
us once a month for education and lack of WIFI or because you’d like some help using
encouragement. Home weigh-ins ZOOM on your device (phone, tablet or laptop),
are optional. please call the Center and we will arrange to help
This group is facilitated by Nancy Miller, DCOA you. Even if you do not have a device, speak with
Program Coordinator. Nancy, she may be able to accommodate you.
Many people are enjoying the virtual experience
more than they thought they would. Once you get
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81512829273? used to it, you forget about the mechanics of it and
pwd=R3FJWGV6cE9SVEFYdWl5ZUhKdzdVZz09 just enjoy the social interaction.
4
More Programming...
Medicare 101: Lunch & Entertainment - Bring your lawn chairs!
Understanding Your Medicare Reservation Required - Rain Date: Friday, May 7th
Benefits and Options
• Boxed lunch by The Residence at Cedar Dell
Please join SHINE Program Regional Director,
• Live Entertainment with Jordan Paiva
Christie Rexford, for an interactive Zoom
presentation of Medicare 101: Understanding Your As you drive into our parking lot you will be directed
Medicare Benefits and Options to park in a designated space and be asked to remain
parked there until the party has ended at 1:30.
Several dates are available to choose from:
Thursday April 8th, 2-3:30pm Entertainment will be enjoyed best from outside your
Thursday April 15th, 2-3:30pm car, so don’t forget your lawn chairs! Please call the
Thursday May 13th, 2-3:30pm Center to register yourself and number of participants
in your party. Parking is limited and safe distancing
Thursday May 20th, 2-3:30pm
protocols will be in place.
Thursday May 27th, 2-3:30pm
Bristol County Sheriff’s Office Public Programs
Pre-Registration is required. Manager, Tina Marie Le Page and Project Lifesaver
Registration can be done online via our Facebook program Officer, Christopher Vaz will be on hand to
page @ Shine-Southeastern MA or help out and share information about the Project
by calling 1-800-231-1155. Lifesaver rapid response program.
5
Have you fallen? Feel like you have lost your
balance? Bay State Physical Therapy is offering FREE
15 minute Balance and Fall Screenings throughout
the month of April!
Spots are filling up quickly.
Please call 774-425-7906 to schedule your
screening appointment with Marissa or Kat! The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) free
workshop will focus on driving retirement.
Research suggests that many people will outlive
their safe driving lives by 7-10 years. The “Driving
Decision” is an interactive discussion highlighting
older driver issues.
Topics include reporting procedures, relicensing
Located at 375 Faunce Corner Road Dartmouth, MA requirements, liability, older driver assessment, and
– Bay State PT shares the same parking lot as Vanity the importance of obtaining a Massachusetts ID
Fair and inside Healthtrax Fitness. card when retiring from driving. Functional
impairments and the effects of medications are also
discussed. “Driving Decision” attendees will be able
to identify the warning signs of unsafe driving,
understand RMV policies and procedures, and learn
best practices to use when talking with older drivers
about their driving. Information on disability plates
and placards, the application process, eligibility, as
well as a list of disability placard do’s and don’ts is
also provided.
Would you like to stay engaged, explore new topics To register or for more information please contact
Nancy Miller 508-999-4717 ext 3305
and stay connected without even leaving your
home? Topics are free, live and never prerecorded! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81512829273?
pwd=R3FJWGV6cE9SVEFYdWl5ZUhKdzdVZz09
Mather’s Institute Telephone and Zoom Topics,
allows you to do just that ! This award winning
program introduces you to a wide range of
topics ,discussions and programs. Simply call a toll-
free number or Zoom into interesting topics which
include guided wellness programs, education
programs, music reviews, and live performances.
Programs vary by month, and an up-to-date
schedule is posted online..
Topics are live and never pre recorded!
Four Sessions
Just dial in: Toll Free 1-855-880-1246
Meeting ID 386 399 7030 Fridays 10:30-12:00
Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3863997030 May 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th
My pick from last months topics! Beginning in May, Beacon Hospice will offer a
Last month one of Mather’s amazing offerings was Widow and Widower Support Group which will
called “The Legacy of Sitting Bull”. Participants could provide participants with an avenue to share
Zoom in and actually meet the only living emotions and discuss the many diverse ways that
descendant of Sitting Bull! Sitting Bulls great they are coping with the challenges of the death of a
grandson, Ernie Lapointe, lead a live interactive spouse. The facilitator will offer information to
discussion about the legacy of his great ancestor reduce distress, gain hope and increase self
and his new book about Native Americans and the understanding during the time of grief.
future.
For more information or a schedule of monthly topic • Contact Nancy at the Center
listings, please call the Center at 508-999-4717 ext. • Pre registration is required
3305. I would love to hear your comments. • Space is Limited
Nancy • See DCOA SAFETY PROTOCOL, page 15
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- A mask must be worn at all times. Call the Center on
arrival in parking lot.
- Stay in your car. You will be called to enter building at
your appointment time.
- Once inside, your temperature will be taken and you will 3rd Thursday of the month 10-12 noon by
be asked a series of questions before you proceed to appointment. Call the Center to schedule.
your clinic.
first Thursday and last Tuesday
of every month by appointment 2nd Thursday of the month from 10- 11am by
Call the Center to schedule. appointment. Call Nancy to schedule.
April 9th
with Visiting Dental Hygienists, last Wednesday of every month
Andrea Read & Teresa Simison. 2-3pm by appointment
Call 508-827-6725 to schedule. Call the Center to schedule.
2nd Thursday of every month
11am -1pm by appointment Contact the SCCLS New Bedford office at
Call the Center to schedule. 508-979-7150. English, Spanish, Portuguese.
7
Last month we updated the newsletter so
you could click on any links in the digital
version of the newsletter. This is handy
for those watching all our online
programming on Zoom and Youtube -
no more typing in long web addresses!
This month, we are switching to mostly a column
format, similar to a newspaper. The column format
will make the newsletter more readable on a phone
or a tablet. To demonstrate, let’s navigate to and
If you are a jigsaw puzzler, you will be happy to find watch the Student to Senior Show advertised on
out that a recent study has determined that besides the cover of last month’s newspaper, available at:
being an enjoyable pasttime, jigsaw puzzles are https://www.town.dartmouth.ma.us/council-aging/
“potentially”good for maintaining your cognitive pages/coa-newsletters
brain function. They are a brain workout. Step 1: Open the newsletter Step 2: Notice how you can
Study Description on your phone or tablet. read the entry once you
A total of 100 cognitively healthy adults (50 years of Pinch & spread your thumb have zoomed in. Click the
age) were randomized to either a 30-day home- and forfinger on the screen link (links are underlined). It
to enlarge the image. could take 2-3 seconds...
based Jigsaw Puzzle (JP) intervention (1 h/day) plus
four sessions of cognitive health counseling (JP
group) or four sessions of cognitive health
counseling only (counseling group).
Findings
Based on a cognitive task analysis, jigsaw puzzling
may demand multiple cognitive abilities including
visual perception (e.g., recognizing objects, patterns,
and orientation of lines), constructional praxis
(e.g., integrating visual and motor information to
assemble pieces), mental rotation (e.g., mentally
rotating piece’s orientation to fit them to other
pieces), cognitive speed and visual scanning
(e.g., sorting puzzle pieces), cognitive flexibility
(e.g., switching attention between different
strategies, between different puzzle pieces, and
between puzzle shape, image, and color), perceptual Step 3: You will be Step 4: The Student to
reasoning (e.g., integrating different perceptual prompted to verify that you Senior Show will load. You
information to develop strategies and plans how to want to open a web page. may have to click on the
solve the puzzle), and working and episodic memory An example is shown below speaker symbol to turn the
in which you would click sound on (above her head
(e.g., keeping the association between spatial to the left).
Open.
location and visual patterns/images of puzzle pieces
in working memory and long-term memory).
Wow! That’s impressive.
Ref: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/
PMC6174231/
(and, if you are jigsaw puzzling with a friend...
you could add all the many health advantages of
socializing.)
We just happen to have some recently donated
puzzles at te Center - 300 piece, and gently used.
Call the Center arrange a pickup.
Contact the Center is you would like assistance.
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by Nanci Winterhalter
Every morning I ask my I don’t want to be scary, but it has been well
husband, “how did you established that even modestly reduced sleep (6 to 7
sleep”? 30 years of clients and I hours per night) is associated with greatly increased
do the same….”tell me about how risk of coronary artery calcification which is a
your sleep” . I am so enamored predictor of future heart attack and death due to
with sleep that I want to hear heart disease. According to Harvard Medical
about the experience of School, lack of adequate sleep over time has been
others. My recollections of sleep associated with a shortened life span.
from childhood involve a shared room with my Our immune system, as you know unless you’ve
sister. I loved our little pink and orange room been sleeping (pun intended), protects us from
(inherited from the prior residents) which my harmful substances, germs and cell changes that can
mother filled with tchotchkes from the church thrift make us ill. During sleep, your immune system
store. I loved the heat which poured in through the releases proteins, some of which are “protective”
vent and kept us toasty (and gave me postnasal drip cytokines which help us fight infection. It’s truly
and years of a cough - which of course I never magic. Sleep deprivation reduces this production
associated with the aforementioned vent from and can make us more likely to “catch” a virus when
hell). The beds were a thousand years old, and the exposed as well as affect how quickly or completely
thrift store bedding was never the right size. Yet, I we recover.
never failed to fall asleep 3 minutes after my head
hit the pillow and it was peace. I knew that I would In regard to our general health, sleep may protect us
feel refreshed and have answers that eluded me that against insulin resistance and controls hunger
day by the time I awoke the next morning. hormones thereby helping us maintain a healthy
weight. Recent research shows that chronic sleep
My sleep, though satisfactory, is no longer the deprivation for even as little as 5 days is associated
slumber of youth. If I have 2 consecutive nights of with metabolic syndrome and type 2
curtailed sleep, I promptly erupt in unsightly fever diabetes. Research also tells us that during sleep,
sores. I don’t like to admit it - but there it is. It is activity increases in brain areas which regulate
an obvious sign that I need to rest and restore. But emotion. In fact, sleep and mental health are
sometimes, the signs are not so clear. For many, the intertwined!
signs are more subtle or go undetected. Perhaps,
your work or life patterns don’t lend themselves to So, we know that sleep affects our health, our safety
healthy sleep hygiene. Maybe irregular sleep is due (i.e. driving and judgement) and quality of
to an underlying condition or the treatment of a life. What can go wrong with sleep? There are
condition. Many times, we think we just have no many different types of sleep disorders. The more
control over our sleep. “I’ve always been a poor common ones include insomnia, sleep apnea,
sleeper” and “Sleep seems a waste of my time” restless legs syndrome and narcolepsy. The good
have been offered as explanations to why people news is that with the advent of Sleep Specialists
accept their sleepless nights as their “way of (doctors and clinics that specialize in the diagnosis,
being”. study, and management of these problems),
many conditions are quite treatable. So, by all
So what’s up with sleep? Well, simply put… means avail yourself of these services to figure out
sleeping is critical to our survival. what you are dealing with and explore your
During sleep the brain stores new information treatment options.
and rids us of toxic nerve cells. During sleep the Generally speaking, 25% of adults report sleep
body tissues repair themselves (even our muscles), complaints such as difficulty falling asleep, staying
protein synthesis occurs, and our energy is asleep or returning to sleep during the night. 10 to
restored. Research suggests that sleep contributes 15% of adults (30 to 40 million Americans) have
to memory function and helps us “declutter” insomnia symptoms accompanied with daytime
unnecessary information. Sleep positively enhances consequences. That’s a lot of peeps. Insomnia is
learning, memory, problem solving, focus, sometimes treated with medications which have
concentration, and creativity. Sign me up! shown effectiveness but carry risk of daytime
residual effects and dependence. Cognitive
9
Behavioral Therapy has been found to be effective this into a habit you enjoy and soon enough, look
however it does require highly trained therapists. forward to.
Research suggests that many Mind Body Therapies Pop into your favorite PJ’s and start to turn inward.
have effects on reducing insomnia and offer
psychological and health benefits for healthy Consider a few minutes of writing in a journal -
subjects and clinical patients. So, while more in- maybe a couple of things you are grateful for that
depth studies are needed, this is very day.
encouraging! Mind Body Therapies may include Maybe you like to have a little quiet reading time
mindfulness meditation, yoga, tai-chi, relaxation (nothing too interesting or dark) which lulls you into
and music. Consider the ideas below to cultivate restfulness.
healthy sleep habits and potentially enjoy
restorative sleep once again. Healthy Sleep Environment Possibilities:
Lower your bedroom thermostat to 60 degrees(ish)
Practicing Tai-chi, yoga or other movement practice one hour before you crawl into bed. We sleep better
and/or walking each day is wonderful and supports in cool conditions and you know you warm up under
healthy sleep, but generally any active practice your covers in no time.
should be done at least 3 hours before bed or earlier. Declutter your bedroom.
Develop a regular bedtime so that your circadian Reduce excess noise, invest in a comfortable
rhythm becomes steady. For most people, going to mattress and bedding as you are able. To reduce
bed before 10 and arising with the sun or shortly excess light, consider dim lighting or night
before, may be your best shot at feeling lights. Consider turning your alarm clock around so
refreshed. Set the body’s “internal clock” by you don’t see it (and thereby avoid checking the
awakening at the same time each day… even on time repeatedly).
weekends. Sleep Comforts: A lightly weighted blanket has
Write a short list of things you plan on doing been reported to ground the body, quiet the nervous
tomorrow, leave it in the same place you always do system, and generally calm you for more restful
(but not in the bedroom) and then let it go from sleep. For comfort or support, consider a long body
your mind. You’ll get to it. pillow which supports good alignment in side-
lying. Consider a neck-supporting pillow.
Avoid large meals before bed and eat healthy meals
during the day to sleep better at night. And remember - give yourself a break…. know that
some night’s sleep might not be as satisfying as
Balance your fluid intake so you are not drinking others. Don’t lose heart!
close to bedtime and thereby avoid too many
nighttime awakenings. Words to live by:
“It is a common experience that a problem difficult
Consider something simple like a slice of toast and at night is resolved in the morning after the
a bit of warm milk (of your choosing with a bit of committee of sleep has worked on it.” – John
native honey and cinnamon) as a good nighttime Steinbeck
snack.
I am a Certified Yoga Therapist and Teacher, a Physical
Avoid alcohol or caffeine after 5 pm. Therapist (MS, Columbia University), an Accessible Yoga
Certified Teacher and a Certified Yoga for Cancer
Let the sleep rituals begin: Teacher. Much of my career as a PT was in community
health, where I was privileged to serve my “neighbors” of
Winding down: turn off electronics, TV and the Greater New Bedford Area, often at the most
instead choose some relaxing music. This doesn’t challenging periods of their life. I teach Yoga for Cancer
just make intuitive sense, it’s science. When we Survivors, Chair Yoga, Yoga for People with
Parkinson’s, a Happy Posture/Healthy Bones
stare at a bright screen, melatonin (natural chemical program, and Hatha Yoga for any human. It is my goal
required to induce sleep) production is delayed, and to integrate the multi faceted benefits of yoga with the
we fall off our sleep schedule. Try to shut off tech science (and joy) of movement to enhance ease in body,
90 minutes or so before sleep. mind and breath, resilience, relaxation, mental clarity
and tranquility while exploring our connection to
After cleansing, try self-massage of your feet or ourselves and each other in a light hearted way. A
your hands with some warm oil. Even 5 minutes of native New Yorker, I have resided for many years on the
beautiful South Coast of Massachusetts with my husband
this, performed regularly for a few weeks can turn and pooch. I love to move, learn, walk in nature and
have a good laugh. Nanci Winterhalter
10
www.coastlinenb.org
Call Coastline at 508-999-6400 to sign-up for home delivered meals.11
April 4th: Easter Sunday Fill out the April Raffle Entry Form below and mail in your entry.
April 6th: Annual Town Election The winner will be announced on our Tuesday Morning Chat.
April 19th: Patriots Day We will also notify the winner by phone if needed. Please let us
know if you are unable to get to the Center to pick up your
April 22nd: Earth Day
raffle prize. We will be happy to deliver it to you!
Name: ________________________ Phone: _________
Address: _______________________________________
Directions: Enter your name and phone number (print),
and mail to: Dartmouth Council On Aging,
628 Dartmouth St.,
Dartmouth, MA 02748 Attn: Nancy Miller12
Support Groups ... on
Alzheimer's Support Widowed Persons Support Family Caregiver Support
On ZOOM Every other Tuesday @ 3pm On ZOOM every other Friday at 10am On ZOOM every 1st & 3rd Thursday of
This Support Group is lead by a every month from 10:30am-12noon
The Alzheimer’s Support group has
been meeting bi-monthly at the trained facilitator. Join Coastline in partnership with
Center for many years. This The Widowed Persons Support Dartmouth Council on Aging for the
professionally led group is for Group open to widowed persons of only Family Caregiver Support Group
caregiver’s and their care partners. all ages who are going through the in the surrounding area!
Carolyn Greany, the facilitator, has grieving process.
been trained by the Alzheimer’s Virtual Meetings are held every 1st
Association to lead the group. Please Program outreach is provided and 3rd Thursday of every month
contact her for more information at through group sessions, a telephone from 10:30am-12noon
508-304-4587. service, a referral service, socials,
and a newsletter. For more information please contact:
For online support go to Alzheimer’s Stephanie Gibson at 774-510-5209
Connected at www.Alzconnected.org. To enroll in the program or to
This is a free online community, join in a ZOOM group session please
where you can find advice and contact Linda Rose or Jane Rocha at
support from others who affected by the YWCA at 508-999-3255.
Alzheimer’s or dementia. This program is funded by Title III – B of the
24/7 Alzheimer’s Helpline Older Americans Act through Coastline
1-800-272-3900 Elderly Services, Inc.April 22, 2021 13
Restore Our Earth
earthday.org
We all remember the first Earth The theme for 2021 is Restore Our Earth.
Day back in 1970. It was huge - On a personal level, there are many things to do,
22 million American’s engaged baby steps to take, that can contribute toward
in rallies, marches, and restoring our earth - and we’re not perfect, so don’t
educational programs to judge yourself, just do what you can at any moment
advocate for clean air, land, and you have an opportunity to make a choice.
water. Rachel Carson’s book One, big area is plastics... Here are some reasons to
Silent Spring, was published in reduce your purchases of products made of or
1962 which addressed the containing plastics... Use your consumer power!
dangers of pesticide use, and the Cuyahoga River fire Plastics are the most harmful kind of trash
in 1969 that resulted from improper chemical waste The EPA states: “Of all trash, plastic trash has the
disposal were a couple of events that fueled the greatest potential to harm the environment, wildlife
movement. I hope you have a special memory of that and humans.”
time. Ref: https://www.epa.gov/trash-free-waters/impacts-
mismanaged-trash
Most of us were in school then and so cranked up
about it. I remember making a poster at school, and Only a small percentage of plastics get recycled, and
as a member of an environmental club, helping to some of that winds up in a landfill anyway right now
plant a 25’ diameter peace sign out of marigolds in because there is not a market to sell some plastics.
an open space near the center of town! We were Plastic particles are being found in our bodies
bold. We wanted to change the world... Earth Day Yes, microplastics - little teeny pieces of plastic - are
1970 marked the first official Earth Day and was now being found in our bodies. Creepy...
instrumental in bringing environmental concerns to A new study in the journal Environmental Science
the forefront of society. and Technology says it's possible that humans may
be consuming anywhere from 39,000 to 52,000
According to the Earth Day Network, in fifity years, microplastic particles a year (in their food). It is not
Earth Day has become today “the greatest secular known what the health effects are yet, but we know
civic event in the world”. With over a billion they can’t be too good.
participants in 174 countries, and the collaboration of The research team also looked at studies that
more than 17,000 partners and organizations, Earth reviewed the amount of microplastics in drinking
Day has become a time of action that provokes water. People who drink tapwater get additional
policy change and social change. plastic particles, and people who drink primarily
Earth Day 2020 marked the 50th anniversary of Earth bottled water get a lot more. Something to think
Day - almost easy to miss because of the Covid-19 about... probably a good time to get a water filter
pandemic. Now in 2021, when we are at least and use a water bottle.
heading back towards a feeling of normalcy, it’s a During their research they found microfibers were
good time to redirect some of our attention to taking by far the most commonly found type of plastic.
care of this earth of ours. Microfibers shed from textiles like nylon and
Earth Day 2021 will be live streamed. Find more info at:
polyester. They often wash off clothes and enter the
https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2021/ ecosystem through washing machine wastewater.
- a 3-day event is planned from April 20 to April 22.
Fragments of plastic like those commonly used for
bags and straws were the second most common
plastic found.
Ref: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/
environment/article/you-eat-thousands-of-bits-of-
plastic-every-year
Ref: https://www.earthday.org/what-you-can-do-to-
end-plastic-pollution/
Enjoy the Earth - How to Celebrate Earth Day
This year, one simple way to observe Earth Day is to
take a walk outside, just remember social distancing
best practices. Nature walks are a fun and easy way
to connect with nature. A walk in your backyard,
down the sidewalk, or at a local park are all great
opportunities to commune with nature. If you go to
a local state park, just remember that all state park
bathrooms are closed. Accessible, senior friendly
state parks: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/
Earth Day Action Cards complements MA State accessible-trails#south-region-accessible-trails-
Department of Conservation & Recreation14
Town of Dartmouth
Office of Developmental & Grants
400 Slocum Road - Room 318
Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747
Cody Haddad
INTERIM DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT/GRANTS
TEL: 508-910-1883 FAX: 508-910-1898
chaddad@town.dartmouth.ma.us
The Town of Dartmouth Natural Gas Fuel Assistance Program
(funded by the Natural Gas Fuel Assistance Grant from the Massachusetts Attorney General)
Up to $300 toward Your Natural Gas Heating Bill
The Town of Dartmouth is pleased to announce a natural gas fuel assistance program open to
Dartmouth residents. This program will offer direct payments to your natural gas provider in
an amount up to $300. per household. Preference will be given to consumers whom have a
household income between 60 and 80 percent of the state’s median income level (see chart
below) and/or have been beset by a short-term financial setback due to the COVID-19
Pandemic. While preference will be given to residents meeting the criteria above, all residents
experiencing a financial setback resulting in difficulty paying your natural gas heating bill will
be considered.
Income Guidelines for Natural Gas Fuel Assistance
Household 60% of Median 80% of Median
Size Income Income
1 $39,105.00 $52,140.00
2 $51,137.00 $68,182.67
3 $63,169.00 84,225.33
4 $75,201.00 $100,268.00
5 $87,233.00 $116,310.67
6 $99,265.00 $132,353.33
7 $101,521.00 $135,361.33
8 $103,777.00 $138,369.33
9 $106,033.00 $141,377.33
10 $108,289.00 $144,385.33
Applications can be accessed on the Town of Dartmouth website
(www.town.dartmouth.ma.us) or by contacting Cody Haddad. Applications will be accepted
on a rolling basis. The program will allow recipients to apply for another voucher with a
maximum amount to be determined. All questions regarding this program should be
directed to Cody Haddad, Interim Director of Development by either phone or email.
Cody Haddad
Interim Director of Development15
Dartmouth Library and DCOA
New Newsletter Rack DCOA SAFETY PROTOCOL
If you are 65 or
older and live in Now you can swing by Even though some of us have had
Dartmouth, you are the Center and pick up our two vaccinations, we will
now eligible for a copy of our latest continue to follow safety
home delivery of newsletter from the procedures as recommended by
library materials. rack right outside our the CDC
entrance at Maintain 6’ distancing.
The COA will deliver
library books, audio 628 Dartmouth Street. Wear a mask.
books, videos, etc. Call the Enter building through the
to Dartmouth seniors who find it difficult Center if main entrance.
to get out to the libraries. you Stop at kiosk inside front door
To get started, please call would for temperature check
Southworth Library at 508-999-0726 or the like the Report to front desk and sign
North Branch Library at 508-999-0728 and newsletter in.
ask to be signed up for this service. A staff delivered You will be directed from
member will ask for your library card to your there.
number, name, address, and phone business! Use hand sanitizer frequently,
number. If you do not have a library card, especially after touching any
The newsletter is public surface (chair, table,
you may call Southworth delivered to over 20
Library and speak to Lynne door handle)
locations in Dartmouth.
Antunes at ext. 4105, or Call us if you would like Always leave the building
call the North Branch to find the location through the front door unless
Library and speak to closest to you, or we can instructed to do otherwise.
Sharani Robins at ext 4306. mail a copy if needed. Thank-you for your cooperation!16
Dartmouth Council On Aging
628 Dartmouth St., Dartmouth MA
P:508-999-4717 F: 508-999-0754 - Programs offered at the Dartmouth COA are
made possible, in part, by ARAW of New Bedford,
STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) and
the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Thank-you.
Director
Amy DiPietro (508) 999-4717 x3302 - Thank you Chris Michaud, Dartmouth Director of Public
Health, for your leadership throughout the Pandemic.
adipietro@town.dartmouth.ma.us
We also thank the Dartmouth Board of Health staff for
Program Coordinator their hard work and support.
Nancy Miller (508) 999-4717 x3305 - Thank-you to DCTV for getting COA classes up and
nmiller@town.dartmouth.ma.us running on DCTV Channel 18 and on Youtube channel
Dartmouth Community Media!
Outreach Coordinators
Ellen Hull (508) 999-4717 x3304 - Thank you everyone that donated to our food pantry
ehull@town.dartmouth.ma.us last month.
Ann Harb Raymond 999-4717 x3312 - Thank you Jane Hoffman of Yoga Alliance and her
araymond@town.dartmouth.ma.us Sunday Yoga Group for her ongoing donations to our
food pantry.
Administrative Clerk
Angela Botelho (508) 999-4717 x3301 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to find out
abotelho@town.dartmouth.ma.us about future events and last minute news. We are
dartmouthCOA. Call the Center for one-on-one help
Custodian Bronson Collins with Instagram, Facebook, and/or Zoom.
bcollins@town.dartmouth.ma.us
COA BOARD MEMBERS
See our virtual programming on DCTV channel 18
KATHLEEN DENIZARD and Youtube channel Dartmouth Community Media
OUIDA DOWD
DANIEL FOU RNIER Find DCOA Newsletters on the web at:
JACQUELYN MCDONALD https://www.town.dartmouth.ma.us/council-aging/
pages/coa-newsletters where you can use the links
ALISON NASTANSKI
you see in the newsletter. You can also
ELEANOR J. WHITE download it to your device. Help is available.
PATRICIA JEFFRIES ZU KOWSKI
The
Monday - Friday
Dartmouth Social Day
is a flexible program 8:30am to 2:30pm
of supportive services and
activities designed for Socialization
seniors 60+ who would Light breakfast, lunch, & snacks
benefit from companionship. Exercise, games, crafts, & other activities
Outings, entertainment & MUCH MORE!
Respite for Caregivers
Door to Door Transportation
Located at the Dartmouth Council on Aging
The DARTMOUTH COUNCIL ON AGING NEWSLETTER is composed and edited by Nancy Miller and
Sheridan Smith. We would like to hear from you about our Newsletter. Is there anything you would like to
see in the newsletter that would make you enjoy reading it more, or make it more useful to you?
Contact Nancy at the Center with all your comments. Mail, stop by, call, or email. Thank-you!You can also read
