April 19, 2024

Personal Training is available at an additional fee. Please click here for details.

May Senior Scoop
May Month at a Glance

MAY COFFEE & CONVERSATIONS
 

 
THURSDAY, MAY 2ND— THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SPECIALTY OF ELDER LAW
May is National Elder Law Month. Attorney Joanne DiPietro has graciously offered to sponsor a lunch and presentation in recognition of the importance of the specialty of Elder Law and special needs planning. In her presentation, Attorney DiPietro will review:  What is Elder Law - Essential Documents - Probate Process and avoiding probate - Gift Taxes - Medicaid and Medicare *Lunch at 12:30 - presentation at 1:00
 
THURSDAY, MAY 16TH — MARKING TIME: HOW A ROMAN GENERAL, A RENAISSANCE POPE, AND A BRITISH KING SHAPED OUR CONCEPT OF TIME
The modern calendar shapes our lives. We mark holidays, birthdays, and special events in our calendars, and our economic, social, and political structures are all tied to the shape of the year. But how did our calendar come to be? The story behind the creation of the modern calendar is a tale of science, ego, religion, and power. Presented by historian Paolo DeGregorio, the Artifactual Scholar.
 
THURSDAY, MAY 23RD — LIVING WITH WILDLIFE
Presented by Lara Kazo from Mass Audubon, this program delves into the harmonious coexistence of humans and the wildlife that inhabit our communities and natural landscapes. It underscores the idea that it is entirely possible to share space with native species while ensuring everyone's safety. Participants will gain insights into how to peacefully coexist with these animals right in their own towns.
 
THURSDAY, MAY 30TH — UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF HAPPY AND HEALTHY FEET
Are you ready to put your best foot forward in the golden years? This workshop by Dr. Samuel Gorelik sponsored by Volunteering for Seniors is tailor-made for seniors looking to prioritize foot health and overall well-being. Dr. Gorelik will discuss common foot issues affecting seniors and discover practical solutions. Learn essential foot care routines to maintain optimal health and prevent potential problems. 

 
National Volunteer Week 2024 begins on April 21 this year. Prior to COVID, we had scheduled yearly ‘Town Day’ Volunteer Recognitions in March.  We are now moving these events to occur during Volunteer Week when the seasons have finally made up their mind to really be Spring.

On Friday, April 26th we will honor all RSVP volunteers who live in or volunteer in the towns of Medfield and Walpole.  Those who qualify will receive an invitation in the next 2 weeks, though any RSVP volunteer is welcome to attend as well. The event will be held at the Walpole VFW Hall  - 33 Robbins Rd from 10:30 AM to noon. The Norfolk County Commissioners will present Certificates of Appreciation to Medfield-Walpole volunteers and we will have volunteer sharings.  Refreshments will be served.

All other RSVP volunteers are welcome to attend.  Please call Robert at 781-234-3445 to reserve a space.

Norfolk County Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a community service program that matches adults 55+ with much needed volunteer service within the county.  With as little as 1-2 hours per week, you can make a difference. Choose from more than thirty opportunities such as assisting elementary school students with reading, assisting Elders with bill paying and basic budgeting tasks and driving Veterans to their medical appointments.
 
NEW OPPORTUNITY! Currently seeking volunteers to drive / escort Walpole seniors to and from medical appointments and other necessary trips, using the volunteer’s own vehicle with supplemental liability and accident insurance from RSVP, and $0.40/mile reimbursement for up to 100 miles driven per month. Riders must be ambulatory or bring a caregiver to assist them in getting in and out. Trips may be local or to a Boston facility. Drivers are called as needed (potentially 1-2 times per month), and volunteers can opt in or out for any given trip request.
 
To find out more, contact RSVP @ 781-329-5728 or visit www.norfolkcountry.org/rsvp, or call Debbie Fradkin at the COA at 508-668-3330.

At this time, the Walpole Health Department will no longer be offering the COVID-19 vaccine; this includes primary series vaccines and booster vaccines for all ages.
The following resources are available to Walpole residents looking for a COVID-19 vaccine:

Tuesdays, April 9 - May 7 (skipping 4/16), 4:00-4:45 pm
Mindfulness in Everyday Life with Jeannine Schroder
Join us for a 45-minute mindfulness session every Tuesday afternoon where we create the space and support to learn about mindfulness and relaxation practices. Each week will introduce a different mindful quality and different mindfulness meditation practice that you can use in everyday life.
Register here for Zoom link

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Tuesdays, April 23 - May 7, 5:00-5:45 pm
Functional Movement and Mobility for Happy and Healthy Muscles and Joints
Join Katie Wadland for this three part series that will cover the basics of how to use functional movement and mobility to improve posture, strength and flexibility to promote healthy muscles and joints. The first class will cover common reasons for lower body aches and pains, and how to properly squat, hinge and lunge. The second class will focus on the spine and how to use core strength and spinal mobility to reduce back pain. The third class will focus on our upper bodies and how to use functional movement patterns like pushing and pulling to improve your posture and reduce common sources of shoulder and neck pain.
Register here for Zoom link
 
Thursday, April 25, 5:0-5:30 pm
Scraps to Scrumptious
According to the USDA, Americans waste between 30-40 percent of the food supply which amounts to $444 billion annually. Join Gabby McDonough, Registered Dietitian, to learn how to turn food scraps into scrumptious eats! By doing this, you'll decrease food waste, save money, and increase your nutrient intake! This workshop will include a cooking demonstration and participants will receive recipes presented.
Register here for Zoom link
 
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Mondays, April 29 - June 3 (skipping 4/27), 4:30-4:50 pm
Cardio, Core and More with Kim Crowley
Combining different methods of exercise is an efficient and fun way to achieve total body fitness. Each session includes cardiovascular, strength training, core exercises and stretching. You will use your own body weight to improve muscular endurance and strength. Classes are suitable for all fitness levels and only a mat or towel is necessary.
Register here for Zoom link
 
Wednesday, May 1, 5:00-5:30 pm
Gluten Free Desserts
Are you following a gluten free diet or trying to decrease your intake of gluten? Join Registered Dietitian, Jen Fournier, and explore 2 delicious gluten free desserts you can enjoy and serve your guests this spring! Recipes will be provided. Hope to see you there!
Register here for Zoom link



Walking in Massachusetts

Walpole Public Library Book Clubs
 

Duplicate Bridge at the Walpole Library
Thursdays 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM

If interested, contact Frank Jenkins 508-655-6490 or BJenkins@IX.netcom.com
 

 

Local Access Cable
Channel 8 (Comcast) and Channel 31 (Verizon) 

With the assistance of Walpole Media, regular COA programming is available on your public access station.  You will see many previously recorded programs here at the COA.  

View April Schedule

With the assistance of Walpole Media Corp, many of our recent virtual and in person programs have been filmed and are now available on YouTube. To view list and access video links CLICK HERE.

Previously recorded Facebook LIVE programs can be accessed any time by visiting Walpole Council on Aging Facebook page. To view list and access video links CLICK HERE.

Thank you to member, Paul Capobianco, for putting together this detailed article about phone scams. It's always beneficial to be reminded about potential scammers!


Phone Scams
By Paul Capobianco

How large are phone scams?   They are so big, in fact, that Americans collectively fend off over 3 billion spam calls per month.  People lose a lot of money to phone scams and sometimes their life savings. Americans lost around $39.5 billion to phone scams in 2022.  That comes out to about $567 per victim.  Scammers have figured out countless ways to cheat you out of your money over the phone. In some scams, they act very friendly and helpful with phrases like “God Bless You”, “You sound very young”, etc.   Anything to lure you into a false sense of security.  They’ll do what it takes to get your money or your personal information to commit identity theft.  Don’t ever give it to them.  Legitimate companies will not ask for this information.

Some of the major phone scams include:  Technical support calls, Bank fraud calls, Windows tech support scam calls, Insurance scams, Fake charity appeals, IRS scam calls, Computer repair scam calls, Investment scams, Healthcare scams and Medicare scams.

These numbers very rarely come up on your phone as a business name or personal name.  They use random dialer software that make the number appear local to you.  This is called Neighbor Spoofing.  Even if your number is on the “National Do Not Call Registry”, it has no meaning to these software calling packages.  Every single phone number is a target.   Even if you block that number, it rarely has any effect since the random dialer software will generate random false numbers continuously.  You could block 5000 numbers and it won’t make any difference. Those calls are illegal. If someone is already breaking the law by calling you, it is probably a scam. Just one spammer in India made 202 million spam calls a day. In other words, the caller made it to the smartphones of 0.6 million people each day or 27,000 of them each hour - all from just a single phone number.

Read More Here