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| FUNDRAISERS |
| July 2007 - SENIOR INFORMER |
| Veterans Memorial |
| Town Library |
Our Town:
| Abington Massachusetts |
| Town Offices |
| Town Hall 781.982.2100 |
July - Calendar
DIRECTOR’S NOTES:
Happy Fourth of July !
Hopefully everyone who is reading this newsletter is aware that the Town of Abington is considering
purchasing a building for our new Senior Center rather than building. The Flame of Life Church at 441
Summer Street is moving and their building is up for sale. I’ve had a chance to tour the facility along
with the Council on Aging and everyone agrees it’s a wonderful place for our seniors.
Because we want the people who are going to be using this facility, our seniors, to have a chance to
look for themselves, we’ve arranged an Open House on Wednesday, July 11th. between the hours of 12
noon and 5 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and friends and family are encouraged to take a few
minutes and tour the church.
Back by popular demand will be the Abington Council on Aging Movies for Seniors at the Abington
Public Library. Showings are for the first and third Tuesday of the month starting at 10:15. No charge, no
sign-up needed. Just show up ! See you at the Abington Library for our first movie on July 3rd.
Questions ? Call 781-982-2145.
Mary Beth Lawton
Director, COA
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Have you put your deposit down yet for the “Murphy Trip” coming up this month ? A $10 deposit will hold
your spot for a trip to beautiful Independence Harbor in Assonet. For further information call Diane
Keith at 781-792-0949.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
DID YOU KNOW THAT ANY ABINGTON RESIDENT WHO IS A SENIOR OVER THE AGE OF 63 CAN SWIM AT THE
POOL AT ISLAND GROVE FOR FREE ALL SUMMER ? CALL 781-982-2125 FOR INFO
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Page 2
Happy Birthday and Thank You To Our COA Volunteers !
July 2 Bob Pilato July 10 Bud Wheaton July 11 Rita Estey July 13 David Klein July 15 Kim Pierce
July 17 Ted Butler, David Evans July 24 Robert Cummings July 26 Jim Roberts July 31 Jack
Libby
HEALTH AND ASSISTANCE
Walk-In Health Screening for Blood Pressure, Sugar Testing, Nutrition and Weight Counseling
are held most Tues/Thurs 9-11 at 100 Lincoln Blvd. in the VNA Room; the 3rd. Wed. of the month
10-11 at 585 Chestnut Street, Bldg. 1*2 alternate and the 2nd. Thursday of the month 10-11 at 71
Shaw Avenue.
All Seniors Are Welcome At ALL Sessions
Free Hearing Screenings and Hearing Aid Checks are held the first Tuesday of each month at the
Council on Aging at Town Hall with John Klefeker. Call for appt. 781-982-2146.
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION
Call 781-982-2145
Council on Aging Van is door-to-door service to medical appointments, bank, hairdresser,
pharmacy, library, etc. $3 round trip. Also available for grocery shopping. Free rides to COA
activities & luncheon. Call the COA at 781-982-2145 or 2146 to book rides in advance.
Dial-A-BAT vehicles travel a bit further out, to Brockton and the Bridgewaters between 9:30 and
4:30 and to Boston Mon-Wed-Fri. BAT rides must be booked thru the COA. Fees vary. Door-to-
door-pay driver.
Friday Morning Shopping Bus This service has been put on hiatus for the month of July while
we work to improve our schedule. Fuel costs have been rising, and we need to provide a way to
shop at the local malls without breaking the bank ! Stay tuned !
SENIOR NUTRITION
Call 781-982-2145
Meals on Wheels delivered to homebound Seniors, lunchtime Mon-Fri, $2.50 per meal. Our
wonderful volunteers deliver nutritious meals right to your kitchen table. A referral is needed
from your doctor, visiting nurse, social worker or case worker.
Senior Luncheon will start up again in September, usually the 2nd. Thursday after school starts.
We’ll get back to you with a specific date just as soon as we know.
VOLUNTEER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES-FREE
For Appointment or Connection Call 781-982-2145
Elder Law Clinic founded by Atty. George Whiting held at the COA on the 3rd.Monday morning
monthly. Meet confidentially-Atty. Whiting will address questions & offer general guidance.
Reverse Mortgage House rich, cash poor ? John Fournier at the COA on the 3rd.Wednesday
monthly to describe reverse mortgage. Must be 62 years of age. No credit or income
requirements.
Auto Repair expert Mark Jamieson will talk to your mechanic as a “second opinion”. Moving ?
George Weir will give helpful tips about moving.
Banking Hal Norton will answer questions concerning all aspects of banking. Elder Real Estate
Roger Woods and Sue Johnson provide free consult and analysis.
Page 3
ABINGTON SENIOR CENTER FUND
The Abington Senior Center Fund, also known as “Friends of the Abington Senior Center, would
like to thank both past and present members for their support and contributions. JUNE 2007
starts a new membership year with dues of $ 5.00 payable now and good until JUNE 2008.
Please make checks payable to “Senior Center Fund” and mail to P.O. Box 2035, Abington, MA
02351.
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Abington Senior Center Fund Donation New Address! P.O. Box 2035, Abington, MA 02351
Membership for 2007-2008 $5.00pp or $100 for lifetime membership. Mail or bring to Town Hall
Name_____________________________________________________________________________
Address
_____________________________________________________________________________
In Memory Of
_________________________________________________________________________
Send Acknowledgement To
_____________________________________________________________
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With many thanks to families selecting “Senior Center Fund” for memorial gifts
THE BIRTHDAY GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
Do you have a birthday coming ?? Can’t think of anything you want or need ??
Suggest a donation in your name to the Senior Center Fund
In memory of Frank Bell, by Fran Bell & Family
In memory of John McGrath, by Adelene McGrath
Boston Financial Data, matching donation of Ann Kerr
In memory of Donald Monts, by Teresa Monts
In memory of Maurice, by Phil Caplice & Ellie Peck
In memory of Alice Jordan, by Patricia Wysocki
In memory of James Damon, by Dot Damon
In memory of Annie & Benjamin Walters, Everett Lundgren Sr., Anne Lundgren Taylor, P.G.
Taylor, Peggy Walters & John Fitzgerald, by Gerald & Ann Walters
In memory of Ruth M. Hickey, by Woodrow Hickey
In memory of Edward J. Kiernan, by Muriel Kiernan
In memory of John B. Mahoney, by Rose Mahoney
In memory of William, Alfred & Phyllis, by Joseph & Marilyn Nickley
Memberships
George & Claire Anderson, Dorothy Benjaminsen, Florence Carr, Joanne Curtis, Marion Cushing,
Dot Damon, Walter, Jr. & Nancy Dunbar, Betty Durkee, Francine Ethier, Camille Favreau, Jeanne
Foley, Marianne Fortin, Jim & Joy Franey, Richard Franey, Tom & Mary Graham, Annette Griffin,
Elaine Harte, Mr.& Mrs. Vincent Hegarty, Paul & Marge Horgan, Marilyn Kameese, Mary Beth
Lawton, Edward & Donna Le-Vine, Geraldine Mahoney, Elaine Mannering, Mary & Thomas
McDonough, Paul McLeod, Carol Najarian, Claire Olson, Mary O’Neil, Paul Quinn, Al & Diane
Ricci, Jon & Janet Sundberg, Elena Swain, Deane & Maria Taylor, Rose Thompson, Barbara
Whitenack, Helen Wright
Page 4
Thursday, June 7th., was the final congregate lunch for the year at the Baptist Church. Many
seniors from Abington came to enjoy one last lunch together with a special treat at the end. The
Rotary Club of Abington sponsored this pizza and banana split party with members and their
families pitching in to help prepare and serve this end of the year speciality. Many thanks to the
Rotary and Fred Robertson for the wonderful photos to remember the day !
OUTREACH WITH NORMA
Benefits schedules from the State change every April, mostly increases, but you may be
surprised to learn that for anyone over 65, their monthly income could be as high as $1149 with
assets, in some cases, up to $6000, and still be eligible for benefits. (Assets do not include your
home or one car, but do include IRA’s, savings accounts, etc.) Income includes any source
including Social Security and/or Pension. Income for Frail Elders who are receiving home care
which enables them to stay home vs. a nursing home, can be even higher and for married
couples in this program, the spouse’s income is not included. The actual dollar amounts are
available by calling me at the COA office.
As of July 1, 2007, a new Massachusetts Law says all residents over 18 years of age must have
health insurance or lose the tax benefit of personal exemption for 2007. If you or someone in
your family does not have health insurance, you need tot think about getting help.
Commonwealth Care has choices available for you. The plans are varied, and are affordable.
Please contact 1-879-623-6765 for an application or for information. Please note that Medicare IS
health insurance—if you have Medicare, you DO have health insurance.
For those of you turning 65 or about to retire from your jobs, you are eligible for Medicare at 65,
but you may not yet be eligible for Social Security benefits. You still should take Medicare Parts
A and B even if you have to pay out of pocket until you are eligible for a Social Security check. In
reverse, if you take early retirement, you may receive a Social Security check, but until you reach
age 65, you are not eligible for Medicare. Call me at 781-982-2145 for help or more information.
Page 5
ABINGTON 2007 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
All concerts to take place at Catherine and Joseph Nisby Bandstand Millenium
Memorial Complex (next to Abington Public Library)
Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
July 11…..Abington Community Band
Sundays at 6:00 p.m.
*June 24…..Cindy Lane & True Country Band
July 22…..Horns in the House (Pop/Rock)
*July 29…..Jumpin’ Juba (Boogie/Blues)
August 5…..The Resonators (Blue Grass)
August 12…..South Shore Bay Band (Traditional/Pop)
August 19…..”End of Summer” (Teen Rock Concert)
August 26…..Dale & the Duds (Rock & Roll)
* Rain Date the following Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.
Here’s a couple of recipes to make and bring to the summer concert series
Roasted Red Potato Salad
I got this recipe from my sister-in-law and I’ve made it numerous times at the request of friends
and family. It’s quick and easy. I learned how to cook from the two best cooks I knew...my Polish
mom, Henrietta and her mother, Veronica.
Ingredients
2 pounds red potatoes, cut in cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
6 bacon strips, cooked & crumbled
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Pepper
Directions
Place the potatoes in a greased baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 30 to 40
minutes or until tender and golden brown. Cool for 15 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl; add
onion, eggs, bacon, mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for several
hours or overnight.
Options-replace half the mayo with sour cream; add celery for extra crunch.
Mom’s Coleslaw
This is easy coleslaw and won’t require a lot of fuss. It’s just the right mix of tangy and sweet.
Use a 16 oz. bag of pre-shredded slaw with carrots to make this super easy. Make it the night
before and add a tsp. of celery salt for a little kick.
Ingredients
1 small head of cabbage , shredded
3 medium carrots, shredded
1 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
Directions
In a large bowl, combine cabbage and carrots. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar
and vinegar. Pour over cabbage mixture and toss to coat. Serve with a slotted spoon.
Senior Citizen’s Luncheon
The St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Bridget’s Church will be holding their annual Senior
Citizen’s Luncheon on Wednesday, July 11. There are sign-up sheets at the church. Volunteers
are needed. Call 781-878-1194.
Page 6
FREE MONEY FROM MASSACHUSETTS
I know it’s a little odd to be talking about tax credits now that tax season is over but why leave
money on the table if you don’t have to. Many seniors, especially those that have not filed a tax
return in many years, do not think that they are eligible for the Massachusetts Circuit Breaker
credit. In fact, it is often seniors who do not have to file that receive the credit. Both
homeowners and renters of non-subsidized housing may get the credit. For tax year 2006, the
credit may be as much as $800. The Circuit Breaker credit is designed to “kick in” when
property taxes rise while income is staying the same. For homeowners the credit will be
applicable if 10% of total income for the year (including social security, public assistance,
pensions, interest, dividends, etc.) is less than the property tax (plus half of water and sewer)
paid for the year.
For those who rent, if 10% of total income for the year is less than 25% of rent paid, the credit is
applicable.
In order to receive the credit, a Massachusetts tax form must be filled out, at least one of the
owners/renters must be 65, and the property must be the principal residence of the taxpayer. The
property taxes and water/sewer bills must have been made in 2006.
If you have any questions or would like help with your Massachusetts return, please call the
Council on Aging at 781-982-2145 and make an appointment with to speak with Bud Wheaton.
Sun Safety Tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation
◊ Protect yourself and your family all year round
◊ Seek the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
◊ Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day
◊ Cover up with clothing, including a broad brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses
◊ See your doctor every year for a professional skin exam
Do You Know … ?
◊ Year round sun protection is important ?
◊ The sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation can penetrate many types of clothing ?
◊ It cal also go through automobile and residential windows ?
◊ It can damage your eyes, contributing to cataracts, macular degeneration and eyelid cancers ?
Protect yourself and your loved ones. Enjoy this Fourth of July safely ! Stay Cool !
Rita’s Trips
Aug.10-12: Red Sox/Orioles at Camden Yards. A visit to Wash. D.C. w/ sightseeing inc. WWII and
FDR Memorials, Air & Space Museum. Enjoy reserved seats to the game. $229 pp/dbl
Sept.3-5: Atlantic City Tropicana. Includes a $ 20 Cash Bonus, 2 Buffet Brunches and Revue
Show. $189 pp/dbl
Sept. 21: Bourne Scallop Festival. Includes B.B.Q. Chicken or Fresh Fried Cape Cod Sea
Scallops plus a 90 Minute Canal Boat Cruise. $ 46
Oct. 2: Lake Winnipesauke Turkey Train. A Scenic Foliage Drive plus a 2-hour Ride along the
Lake with a hand carved Turkey Dinner served at your table. $ 58
Carefree Capers by Rita Webster. Give Her a Call at 781-982-9102
Page 7
10 Things Every Yankee Doodle Dandy Should Know
Everyone loves Independence Day, the quintessential American holiday, full of
parades, picnics, and...surprising facts ? You bet ! Be the life of the party-share a
few of these tasty nuggets of knowledge with your fellow picnickers this year.
Independence Day commemorates the formal adoption of the Declaration of
Independence on July 4, 1776. However, it was not declared a legal holiday until
1941.
Fireworks were made in China as early as the 11th. Century. The Chinese used
their pyrotechnic mixtures for war rockets and explosives.
Uncle Sam was first popularized during the War of 1812, when the term appeared on
supply containers. Believe it or not, the U.S. Congress didn’t adopt him as a
national symbol until 1961.
There are many precise rules for taking care of the American flag. And speaking of
flag traditions, we’re sorry to report that contrary to legend, historical research has
failed to confirm that Betsy Ross sewed the first flag.
Not all members of the Continental Congress supported a formal Declaration of
Independence, but those who did were passionate about it. One representative
rode 80 miles by horseback to reach Philadelphia and break a tie in support of
independence.
The first two versions of the Liberty Bell were defective and had to be melted down
and recast. The third version rang every Fourth of July from 1778 to 1835, when,
according to tradition, it cracked as it was being tolled for the death of Chief Justice
John Marshall.
The American national anthem, the “Star-Spangled Banner”, is set to the tune of an
English drinking song.(“To Anacreon in Heaven”).
The iron framework of the Statue of Liberty was devised by French engineer
Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, who also built the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The patriotic poem, “America the Beautiful”, was published on July 4, 1895 by
Wellesley College professor Katharine Lee Bates.
Father of the country and architect of independence George Washington held his
first public office at the tender age of 17. He continued in public service until his
death in 1799.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY !!!!
Page 8
Line Dance Schedule-Call Barbara Reeves 781-878-7320-Donation $ 3.00 September
14th.– Mark your calendars ! First Class for the Fall ! Have a Great Summer ! Keep
Your Feet Dancing
ARE YOU O.K. ??? Is a free program sure to increase a Senior’s sense of security.
The sheriff’s Department telephones by computer to the Senior’s home every day.
You choose the time of day. If you don’t answer the phone after 2 calls, help is
enlisted to make sure you are O.K. We wish every senior that lives alone would
sign up for this.
Senior Citizen’s Association is an active social club for Abington residents. Meets
2nd Monday each month at 12 noon, VFW Hall on Central St. $7 to join, $5 yearly
dues. This group has new leadership that are planning some great and different
programs. NO upper age limit, but you must be at least 591/2 years old. Plan to
come to the next meeting on June 11th-come around 11:30 for coffee and…
Walking Club WOW (Walking on Wednesday-seasonally) meets every Wednesday
at 9:00 am at Reilly Field Track next to the Library. Join us when you can, no matter
your speed. Call the office (781-982-2145 or 2146) for info or to sign up. By the way,
the Walking Club needs a new coordinator. Anyone ???
Senior Center at Massasoit– Call 508-588-9100 Arthritis Aquatics (M-W-F), Senior
Chorus (W), Yoga for Seniors (F), History Reading Group and Senior Net Computer
Classes for age 50+
Movie Showings-Back By Popular Demand ! Movies will start again Tuesday, July
3rd. At 10:15 a.m. at the Abington Public Library ! No reservations required and it’s
free ! Just show up ! Movies will be shown every 1st. And 3rd. Tuesday of the
month at 10:15. Any questions, call 781-982-2145.
Support Groups– Open to the Public–
No Charge Bereavement Group, Abington, meets once a month at the Library, 1st
Th, 6:30 pm;
Norma Kent Counseling Center, covered by Medicare, sliding fee, 781-878-0199;
Alzheimers Support, Colony House, 277 Washington St., monthly, 4th Mon, 5-6 pm
and in Brockton at the Emmanuel House Assisted Living, 25 E. Nilsson St;
Better Breathers, Brockton Hospital assembly room, last Tues, 2-3:15 pm;
Caregivers Support, Rockland COA, 394 Union St, 4th.Mon, 1 pm; Grandparents
Caring for Grandchildren, Brockton, 1st Fri, 10-2, 508586-1667 (children welcome)
Congratulations JoAnne Curtis — the winner of the Abington Pride Day Pie contest!