AUGUST 2016

ABINGTON COUNCIL ON AGING

441 Summer Street, Abington, MA 02351

781-982-2145

Website:

ABINGTONSENIORCENTER.COM Suzanne Djusberg, Director

COADirector@Abingtonma.gov

Hours: 9AM to 2PM Mon. thru Thur.,

9AM to 1PM Fri.

Volume 13

Council on Aging

Board of Directors Nancy Cavanagh, Chair-

woman

Jack Libby, Vice-Chair

Maureen Wall, Secretary

Marie Brown

Karen DiLorenzo

Elizabeth Keefe

Bill Kendall

Larry Keough

Lurane Ryerson

Betty Slinger

Ann Welch

George Whiting, Emeritus

ACTIVITIES Bingo

Blood Pressure Screening

Bocce

Chair Yoga w/Joanne

Chess

Computer Classes

Cribbage

Hatha-Yoga w/Joanne

Hearing Tests

Knitting & Crocheting Group

Legal Assistance

Line Dancing, MahJong

Pickleball, Quilting Class

Senior Lunches

Tai Chi, Zumba

COUNCIL ON AGING STAFF Suzanne Djusberg - Director

Karen Butler -

Nutrition Coordinator

Amy Barrett -

Outreach Coordinator

Jean Connell -

Transportation Coordinator

John Freese - Custodian

Jack Brown, David LaCouture,

Jack Libby -Van Drivers

Come join the fun at our

new Pickleball courts

Sept. 7 OPEN HOUSE

SCLC at Senior Center

Computer Classes

(see p. 6)

HANDS OF TIME

(see p. 4)

Issue 8

SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT MOVING FORWARD The mild winter combined with the diligence of our contractor and oversight by the town’s School Building Committee has moved the construction of the new middle/high school project ahead of schedule. This new facility is designed to serve grades 5 through 12 as well as the Kindergarten program. The project is anticipated to be completed in late 2017 or by spring of 2018. The project also remains within the projected budget of $96 mil-lion. Nearly 60% of this cost will be paid for by the Massachu-

setts School Building Administration. In light of the fact that tax bills have recently been issued by the Treasurer’s Office it is timely to remind the public of the impact of this project. The anticipated cost for the average homeowner is approximately $150 per quarter and will slowly decrease over 20 years as the debt is paid down. Be aware that there are several exemp-tions that may apply to individual tax payers including: Elderly, Veterans, and Surviving Spouse. If you believe that you may be eligible for these or other tax exemptions contact the Assessor’s Office at 781-982-2107. It is very exciting to watch this project progress literally from the “ground-up.” Due to tremendous efforts by the town for so many years Abington has been able to get the most out of the current facilities. Three of Abington’s current school buildings opened in the 1930’s; two opened in the 1950’s; and the latest school opened in Abington was in 1963! The outpouring of support for this new facility has been remarkable. In fact, the 83% support at the ballot box to fund the new school was unprecedented. Despite the magnitude of this construction project every effort is made not to incon-venience the public in accessing the Abington Public Library, Town Hall, or Reilly Field. The School Building Committee does post project updates on the Town of Abington website at

www.abingtonma.gov/abington-school-building-committee-asbc.

—Richard LaFond, Town Manager EARLY VOTING

The Town Clerks office is beginning preparations for two Fall elections as well as "Early Voting" for November. Thursday September 8th, 2016 State Primary (last day to register to vote; Friday Aug 19th) Tuesday November 8th, 2016 Presidential Election (last day to register to vote; October 19th) Early Voting for the Presidential Election will begin October 24th and end November 4th. Early voting will allow voters to vote ten days prior to the Presidential Election. Each city/town will have a designated voter location. We will be using the Town Hall and will increase our hours in hopes to make the process more convenient for voters. Please visit this website with any voting questions that you may have; http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleidx.htm 0R feel free to call the Town Clerk”s office anytime 781-982-2112. Warmest Regards, Leanne M. Adams, Town Clerk

ROAD RACE AND MORE Join the fun the morning of Sunday, September 18, 2016 when the community comes together for the

15th Annual Jeff Coombs Memorial Road Race, Walk, and Family Day! It's more than a race. You can walk, run, or just sit back and enjoy the free food, festivities, raffles galore, a wonderful gathering of your neighbors and friends! Registration brochures are available in the Senior Center Office. Proceeds benefit the Jeff Coombs Memorial Foundation, a non-profit in memory of Abington's own who was killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Foundation is a good friend to the commu-nity and the senior center, having sponsored many activities here. Call Christie at

781-982-1608 for more information.

Informer NEWS DEADLINE

Place in Newsletter inbox by 7th of previous month (i.e., 7th of August for the September 2016 issue). E-mail: foasnewsletterteam@yahoo.com.

HEALTH AND ASSISTANCE

Walk-In Health Screening for Blood Pressure, Sugar Testing, Nutrition and Weight Counseling & Medication Instruction are held at Abington Sr. Ctr., on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month, 10:00 to 12:00 Noon. The Board of Health states the nurse will be available to ALL Abington resi-dents, regardless of age. Free Hearing Screenings and Hearing Aid Checks are held the first Tuesday of each month at the Senior Center with John Klefeker. Call for appt. 781-982-2145.

SENIOR TRANSPORTATION—Call 781-982-2145

(24 Hour Advance Notice REQUIRED)

Council on Aging Van is door-to-door service to medical appointments, and other needs, $3 round trip - suggested donation. Call the COA at 781-982-2145 to book rides in advance. Dial-A-BAT vehicles travel a bit fur-ther out, to Brockton and the Bridgewaters between 9:30 and 4:30 and to Boston Wed. & Fri. BAT rides must be booked thru the COA. Fees vary. Door-to-door-pay driver. Friday Morning Shopping Van. We will be using our trusty van to get you to either the Hanover Mall or another mall. We will pick you up starting at 9:15 or shortly after. We will pick you up at the mall at 12:30 getting you home around 1:00PM. Cost for round trip is $3.00. Each week we will alternate between malls.

SENIOR NUTRITION—Call 781-982-2145

Meals on Wheels delivered to homebound Seniors, lunchtime Mon-Fri, $3.00 per meal. Our wonderful volunteers deliver nutritious meals right to your kitchen table. Although anyone can apply for this service, approval must be given by the recipient’s doctor. In winter months, when there is inclement weather and there is no school that day, there will be no pre-pared meals delivered.

Senior Lunches: Tuesdays 11:30—cost $4.00. Thursday 11:30—suggested donation is $3.00. Call the Center at 781-982-2145 to make your reservation by Friday of the previous week.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Wheelchairs, walkers, and other medical equipment are available at the Senior Center. Call 781-982-2145 for availability.

SENIOR COMPUTER LEARNING CENTER

For info regarding classes, dates, times, etc., call 508-521-4008 or by

email go to www.seniorcomputerlearningcenter.org.

AUGUST 2016 The Senior Informer Page 2

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

KEEP MOVING and Other Tips and

Truths About Aging by Dick Van Dyke (93-years-old in 2015) Dick Van Dyke's book is an easy, enjoyable read, perfect for a lazy summer's day. He offers instruction, advice, and humor about getting older. He also recounts playful anecdotes and advice as well as insights from his comedian brother Jerry Van Dyke (84-years-old), Carl Reiner (94-years-old), and other friends and family. Dick Van Dyke's optimistic outlook on life reminds us that life should be lived with enthusiasm, despite what the calendar says.

POETRY CORNER

GOD, GIVE US MEN! By Josiah Gilbert Holland God, give us men! A time like this demands Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands; Men whom the lust of office does not kill; Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy; Men who possess opinions and a will; Men who have honor; men who will not lie; Men who can stand before a demagogue And damn his treacherous flatteries without winking! Men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog In public duty and in private thinking; For while the rabble, with their thumb-worn creeds, Their large professions and their little deeds, Mingle in selfish strife, lo! Freedom weep Wrong rules the land and waiting Justice sleeps. "It's not that we have more patience as we grow older, it's just that we

are too tired to care about all the pointless drama." —From The Art of

Aging

Eventually you will reach a point where you will stop lying about your

age and start bragging about it. —Will Rogers

HISTORICAL PEOPLE Charles Sherwood Stratton, bet-ter known by his stage name, "General Tom Thumb" (born 1/4/1838) was a dwarf who achieved great fame as a per-former under circus pioneer, P.T. Barnum. Stratton was born to parents who were of medium height; ironically Charles was a relatively large baby, weighing 9 lbs, 8 oz. at birth. He developed

and grew normally for the first six months of his life. When he suddenly stopped growing, his parents con-tacted doctors. By the time he was four years old, Strat-ton had not grown an inch in height or put on a pound of weight from when he was just 6 months old. Apart from this he was a totally normal, healthy child, with several siblings who were of average size. P.T. Barnum, a dis-tant relative, heard about Stratton and after contacting his parents, taught the boy how to sing, dance, mime, and impersonate famous people. Stratton made his first tour of America at the age of five and a year later Bar-num took Stratton on a tour of Europe, making him an international celebrity. Under Barnum's management, George Stratton became a wealthy man. By the time he reached 18 years of age, he measured 2 feet, 8.5 inches. At age 25, George Stratton was married to Lavinia War-ren, another dwarf; that wedding became front-page news. Following the wedding, the couple was received by President Lincoln at the White House. The Tom Thumb House in Middleboro, MA, is a historic house at 351 Plymouth St. The 2 1/2 story wood-frame house was built in the 1870's as a summer house for the dwarf entertainer best known as General Tom Thumb. The inside was built to meet the needs of the 3'4" Stratton and his wife Lavinia. George Stratton died suddenly of a stroke at the age of 45. He was just 3.5 feet tall and weighed just 71 lbs. Over 20,000 people attended the funeral. P.T. Barnum purchased a life-sized statue of Tom Thumb and placed it as a grave stone at the ceme-tery in Bridgeport, CT. When his wife died more than 35 years later, Lavinia Warren was interred next to him with a simple grave stone that read "His Wife." At the present time, the Tom Thumb house is on the market, selling for $524,900, in case anyone’s interested!

FRIENDS OF ABINGTON SENIORS, INC. MEMBERSHIP & DONATIONS The Friends of Abington Seniors, Inc. would like to thank both past and present members for their support and contributions.

JUNE 2016 started a new membership year good until JUNE 2017. Please make checks payable to:

“Friends of Abington Seniors, Inc.” and mail to P.O. Box 2035, Abington, MA 02351

Many thanks to families selecting “Friends of Abington Seniors” for memorial gifts. Friends of Abington Seniors Membership for 2016-2017: $7.00 per person or $100 for lifetime membership. Please send donations to this address: P.O. Box 2035, Abington, MA 02351 Name_______________________________________________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________________________ In Memory Of ________________________________________________________________________________ Send Acknowledgement to ____________________________________________________________________

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 Friends of Abington Seniors, Inc.

Memberships: John Wieliczki Margaret Nicastro Jim & Barbara Aikens Leo McGowan Lorraine O’Neil

Patricia Henry Marlene Foley Marjorie Lescynski Joe & Karen Tracey Robert Sheehan Mary Whitcher

Jacqueline Whitten John Osgood Eileen Walls Ruth Bryan Jerry Walls Blanche Sims Shirley Hill

Patricia Beaulieu Maureen Wall Richard Wall Pat & Veronica Pastuszak

Donations: Jacqueline Whitten Marjorie Lescynski

Memoriams: Richard Robinson by Barbara Robinson Sonny Nicastro by Margaret Nicastro

Edward J. Kiernan by Muriel Kiernan Bronia, Emma, & Helen by John Wieliczki

AUGUST 2016 The Senior Informer Page 3

IN MEMORIAM: Hazel B. Libby passed away on July 1st, at the age of 101. She was well known in Abington, be-

ing active in her local church and involved in many organizations. As a member of the Council on Aging and past

president of the Abington Senior Citizens Association, she was supportive of and participated in the drive to create

a senior citizens center for the town. She was also past president of the Women’s Club, past Matron of the Hatherly

Chapter Eastern Star, and past president and charter member of the Old Town VFW Auxiliary. Hazel was a valued

and respected member of our town. Rest in Peace.

AUGUST NOTABLE EVENTS

8/1/1846-1865—Island Grove became the important meeting place for the famous “August First” meeting of the Abolitionists’ crusade,

beginning in 1846, led by William Lloyd Garrison. Island Grove was situated alongside the newly built Old Colony Railroad which of-

fered easy transportation from Boston, and immediately became a popular assembly place with the Abolitionists. Special trains ran down

from Boston, bringing crowds as large as 10,000 persons for the all-day sessions.

8/13/1818 (d. 1893)—Lucy Stone, Abolitionist and Women’s Rights Activist, was born in West Brookfield, MA. She also was a speaker

at Island Grove meetings in the cause of Abolition of Slavery. Lucy Stone garnered praise from Garrison’s paper The Liberator (8-25-

1848) for her “conversational tone.”….“She is always earnest but never boisterous, and her manner no less than her speech is marked by

a gentleness and refinement which puts prejudice to flight.” Until 1855, Stone was in perpetual motion, lecturing across the country for

Women’s Rights, Abolitionism, and related reforms.

8/7—Purple Heart Day

“Let it be known that he who wears the military order of the Purple Heart has given of his blood in the defense of his

homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen.”

—George Washington, General and Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, August 7, 1782.

YARN DONATIONS GLADLY ACCEPTED If you have any unused yarn taking up space in your home, the ladies of the Gifted Hands, who meet here at the Senior Center, would be

very happy to accept donations of same. AUGUST CHUCKLE

A man was waterskiing when he fell into the river. As the boat circled to pick him up, he noticed a hunter sitting in a duck boat in the

reeds. The man put his hands in the air and joked, “Don’t shoot!” The hunter responded, “Don’t quack.”

No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.

—Calvin Coolidge

AUGUST 2016 The Senior Informer Page 4

OUTREACH — AUGUST 2006

I hope everyone is enjoying a beautiful start to the summer! The weather has been incredible and it's such a nice time of year to enjoy a walk in the butterfly garden or take in the beauty of Island Grove and the Memorial Bridge. There are lots of lovely spots to enjoy some scenery in our beautiful little town at this time of year. There are summer concerts every Sunday Night at the bandstand and many, many more activities to partake in. I want to remind everyone that I am SHINE certified now and will be able to help and assist most of you with your insurance needs moving forward. I will continue to work with the ladies from OCES and the SHINE people in Middle-boro until I have a firm handle on all of the information regarding your Medicare, etc. With that, please be mindful of

Open Enrollment. It is coming up in October, and it is a wonderful time to reevaluate your health insurance and make sure you are get-ting the absolute most out of your plan. When coming in for a SHINE appointment please remember to bring your Medicare card and your other insurance cards, if you have them. Also, a detailed list from your pharmacy of all of the prescriptions you are currently tak-ing will be very helpful in the process of readjusting and reevaluating during the open enrollment period. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding your health insurance at 781-982-2145 ext.2. All my very best and enjoy the rest of your summer. —Amy Barrett

AUGUST PUZZLE Code Words: If PAST is 1234, and IDES is 5673, how quickly can you work out these time-related words? You should identify three more letters as you go along.

1. 6247 2. 4567 3. 782 4. 8537 5. 6528573 6. 1873794 (See answers on page 8.)

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES

Christmas Time at The Reagle Players, Waltham, Saturday, December 3, 2016. This is a musical extravaganza that brings the true spirit of the holidays to life. Audiences will be transported by the inspirational Living Nativity, Santa’s Workshop, Teddy Bears’ Nutcracker, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Victorian Christmas, precision danc-ers, and heartwarming choral numbers. A cast of nearly 200 comes gift wrapped in fabulous holiday sets and cos-tumes – all backed by a full live orchestra. This is an experience that will remain in your heart for a very long time. Book early. $62.00 per person. Departs Rockland Park & Ride at 10:30 A.M. Lunch is not included. For reserva-

tions call Rita Webster @ 781-924-5531

HANDS OF TIME —Pat Jackman Today’s a bad day. My thumbs are paining and my hands are stiff. The doctor says it’s Arthritis and sug-gested that I take Tylenol if needed. I had a basket full of sewing in the “To Be Repaired Sometime” bas-ket, that I intended to get to tonight but I will have to postpone “sometime” until tomorrow. We never think about our hands until we’re unable to use them the way we’re used to doing. We put lotion on them, scrub them briskly with a brush after gardening, and wash them repeatedly every day but do we really ever look at them? I don’t know when the change began, but I can tell you that I wasn’t born with the

purple veins, wrinkled skin, brown spots, and the crooked index finger of my left hand. Time waits until you’re asleep and gradually places your Mother’s hands on the end of your wrists. One day you look down and realize that your own long fingers, smooth skin, and straight hands have been given to your daughter. Why does this happen? The easy answer is OLD AGE!! I have to believe that there is a deeper meaning to my changing hands than that. I’ve had them for a long time and they are very close to me. They’ve cut out paper dolls, bounced balls, buttoned clothes, combed hair, and blown my nose. In High School what would I have done without my little finger to spread pink lipstick on my lips in the Girl’s Room?? How could I have put on my poodle skirt, penny loafers, white socks, cardigan sweater (on backwards) and neckerchief without my hands? I would never have been paid at my first job if I couldn’t have typed all day on my Underwood Typewriter. Thank you, “hands.” How would my handsome “Husband to Be” have been able to put the engagement ring on my finger or hold my hands as we said “I do” on our wed-ding day, if I didn’t have my hands there? I would have missed the emotion of my babies grabbing tight to my finger for the first time if my hands weren’t always with me. They helped me change diapers, wash clothes, and I could tell if anyone had a fever just by touching their forehead with my hand. My hands put band-aids on little cuts, calamine lotion on mosquito bites, brushed baby teeth, and helped me happily tuck the kids into bed at night….They were there to help with “pattycake” and to teach them to tie their shoes. I still remember the feel of little hands in mine as we crossed the street. After all these years, hands are still around to carry the grocery bundles upstairs and open the doors. I couldn’t pull myself out of a

chair without my hands to help or reach out to hug people I love. How do I deserve such loyalty? Nothing is constant. Time occasionally rears its ugly head and we wonder “when did life change?” Sometimes it takes a long look at wrin-kled hands to realize we’ve taken a step into another season of our life. It’s not Spring, or Summer, and certainly not Winter yet, so I’ll take Fall. It’s not so bad. I can still buy flowers for my Granddaughter’s graduation, or clap at her dance recital. I can still hold my Grandsons close and hug my family. I can put my hands together at church and bless myself with Holy Water when I leave. My hands will still be here for me and let me hold someone I love or even just reach out and touch their hand or maybe wipe a tear or two from their eyes and mine. …. How happy I am to have

thought about my ever helping hands… I now know that my very busy hands are not OLD, they’re just TIRED. Today my ‘tired hands’ and I are going to the Nail Shop for a hot wax treatment and a manicure. Just a small gift for always being by my side… I must treat them better and also myself. After all, I’m not OLD either, I’m just TIRED!

Monday Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday Friday

1

9:00-10:00 Beginners

Knitting/Crocheting

Class ($5)

11:00 Bingo

6:00pm New Begin-

nings Meeting

New Moon

2

9:00 Cribbage

11:30 Lunch: TBA

5:30-6:30pm Zumba ($4)

3

10:00 Knitting Group

10:00 Chess

10:00-12:00 Quilting

Class

5:45 Hatha-Yoga w/

Joanne

4

9:00 Cribbage

10:00 Chair Yoga w/

Joanne: ($5)

11:30 Lunch: TBA

4:30 Zumba ($5)

U.S. Coast Guard Birthday

5

9:00 Cribbage

9:00 Shopping Van

11:00 Tai Chi ($5)

1:00-2:30 Line Dancing

8/7 Purple Heart Day

8

9:00-10:00 Beginners

Knitting/Crocheting

Class ($5)

11:00 Bingo

6:00pm New Begin-

nings Meeting

9

9:00 Cribbage

11:30 Lunch: TBA

5:30-6:30pm Zumba ($4)

10

9:00 FOAS Meeting

10:00 Knitting Group

10:00 Chess

10:00-12:00 Quilt Class

5:45 Hatha-Yoga w/

Joanne

11

9:00 Cribbage

10:00 Chair Yoga w/

Joanne: ($5)

11:30 Lunch: TBA

4:30 Zumba ($5)

12

9:00 Cribbage

9:00 Shopping Van

11:00 Tai Chi ($5)

1:00-2:30 Line Dancing

15

9:00-10:00 Beginners

Knitting/Crocheting

Class ($5)

11:00 Bingo

6:00pm New Begin-

nings Meeting

V-J Day

16

9:00 Cribbage

11:30 Lunch: TBA

5:30-6:30pm Zumba ($4)

17

10:00 Chess

10:00 Knitting Group

10:00-12:00 Quilting

Class

5:45 Hatha-Yoga w/

Joanne

18

9:00 Cribbage

10:00 Chair Yoga w/

Joanne: ($5)

11:30 Lunch: TBA

4:30 Zumba ($5)

Full Sturgeon Moon

19

9:00 Cribbage

9:00 Shopping Van

11:00 Tai Chi ($5)

7/21 Senior Citizens Day

22

9:00-10:00 Beginners

Knitting/Crocheting

Class ($5)

11:00 Bingo

6:00pm New Begin-

nings Meeting

23

9:00 Cribbage

11:30 Lunch: TBA

5:30-6:30pm Zumba ($4)

24

10:00 Knitting Group

10:00 Chess

10:00-12:00 Quilting

Class

5:45 Hatha-Yoga w/

Joanne

25

9:00 Cribbage

10:00 Chair Yoga w/

Joanne: ($5)

11:30 Lunch: TBA

4:30 Zumba ($5)

26

9:00 Cribbage

9:00 Shopping Van

11:00 Tai Chi ($5)

29

9:00-10:00 Beginners

Knitting/Crocheting

Class ($5)

11:00 Bingo

6:00pm New Begin-

nings Meeting

30

9:00 Cribbage

11:30 Lunch: TBA

5:30-6:30pm Zumba ($4)

31

10:00 Knitting Group

10:00 Chess

10:00-12:00 Quilting

Class

5:45 Hatha-Yoga w/

Joanne

SUMMER CONCERTS

8/7 Five o'clock Shadow

8/14 GINAMARK

8/21 Michael Troy-The

Elton Joel Show

8/28 End of Summer

Concert w/Dale and the

Duds

Do you have any sugges-

tions re: day trips for sen-

iors that the FOAS may

consider? Speak to Richard

McCollem or leave info in

FOAS box in Sr. Ctr. office.

Thank you.

AUGUST 2016 LUNCH & ACTIVITIES

Featuring

The Passport Short-Term Rehab ProgramRehabilitation tailored to meet YOUR individual needs and put you on the fast track home!

• Post Hospital Recovery & Care Programs •

• Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapies •

Call Joe to schedule a tour today! (781) 871-0200

277 Washington St. | Abington, MA • www.ColonyCenterRehab.com

New

man

agem

ent

Nat

iona

l

Hea

lthCar

e

THE CORNER OFFICE—NUTRITION NOTES —Karen Butler

As we age, it becomes more difficult to adjust to changing temperatures , and they can be a critical risk to your health. Please keep cool; wear loose, comfortable fitting clothing and, if at all possible, to cool and circulate room air put on your air conditioning or fan. It is vitally important that you hydrate. Your body is composed mostly of water; therefore you must replenish flu-ids lost through sweat, tears, and bodily eliminations. Caffeinated beverages, such as tea and coffee can dehydrate the body quickly. Sports drinks replenish essential sodium and potassium in the body; they help maintain electrolytes.

It is recommended that you drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Please do not wait until you are thirsty! Keep a cool bottle of water near and sip often. Another tip to hydrate is eat fresh fruits and vegetables. They too are composed of mostly water and provide essential vitamins for a healthy body. WATCH FOR SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION, HEAT STROKE,OR DEHYDRATION——SUDDEN PALENESS, VOMITING, CRAMPS,

MUSCLE WEAKNESS——GET IMMEDIATE MEDICAL HELP – CALL 911

AUGUST RECIPE Summer Squash Casserole Preheat oven to 350 2 lbs. yellow squash, chopped 1 onion, chopped 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 eight ounce container sour cream 1 small bag Pepperidge Farm seasoned stuffing mix 1-1/2sticks butter, melted (1/2 stick for squash; 1 stick for stuffing)

THANK YOU ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY

A very special Thank You to the St. Vincent dePaul Society at St. Bridget's parish for the wonderful Senior Citizen summer cookout recently held at St. Bridget's school. As always, the seniors were treated to an afternoon of fun and entertainment with lots of good food. Thanks to all who volunteered to make this a special day for our seniors .

SCLC OPEN HOUSE

The Senior Computer Learning Center (SCLC) will hold its open house and on-site registration for the 2016 fall pro-gram on September 7th at the Abington Senior Center, 441 Summer Street, Abington from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Low cost, high quality, hands on practical computer courses are offered beginning the week of September 19th. Classes are open to residents, of all cities and towns, who are fifty and older. Fact: Sixteen of the top "25" windiest U.S. cities are located in Massachusetts. Who knew? —Readers Digest

OUR SENIOR CENTER

If you’re a senior citizen and have not yet been to the Senior Center, perhaps a review of the things offered here will encourage you to visit. Monday is Bingo day. This is a very well and enthusiastically attended event. The prizes have been generous, and snacks are served. On Tuesdays and Thursdays luncheons are served at 11:30, the cost is minimal: $4 on Tuesday and $3 on Thursday. Van transportation to the Senior Center is available and free. We have a great (coed) group of cribbage players that meet on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and sometimes on Fridays. They have been coming here for a long time and have evolved into a friendship and support group . Quilters meet here, as do knitters and chess players, and there is always a jigsaw puzzle in progress. Classes (for a fee) are available for computer knowledge, chair yoga, and tai chi. There is a workout room with treadmills and bicycles. Our lobby has an absolute ton of books – paperbacks and hard covers – all donated. All are available on a loan basis. Now—how about this? Aren’t we worth a visit? Admission is free. Come on down. ABINGTON COMMUNITY CRAFT FAIR

October 29, 2016 10:00am-3:00pm Abington Senior Center

This is our largest fund raiser of the year and, as always, we need your help. Things to think about (ways that you might help). 1. A donation of baskets, of any size, would be appreciated. 2. Gift Baskets are a major portion of our raffles each year. You might choose a theme and create a basket as a donation, or you might choose your items and bring them to Basket Day (October 12). Your items would be placed in a basket, and the basket would be deco-rated. If you are good with cellophane and ribbon, there would be plenty of work for you on Basket Day. Everyone is welcome. 3. You might volunteer to help out on Cookie Day, October 26.You might bring in uncooked cookie dough to be baked in the Senior Center’s kitchen. (The more cookies, the better) In addition, you might help by rolling out dough or with clean up. Any questions, call Darlean 781-878-2295

AUGUST 2016 The Senior Informer Page 6

Boil squash and onion 5 minutes; drain and let stand. Season with half stick of butter, salt and pepper. In separate bowl, mix undi-luted chicken soup and sour cream. Add squash mixture. Add melted butter to stuffing mix. Layer stuffing mix on bottom of casserole. Layer squash mix. Al-ternate until all used. Cover. Bake for 50 minutes.

6 Harrison Ave.

P.O. Box 68

Abington, MA 02351

(781) 878-0045

William G. Cox RPh

Cor. of North Ave. & Brighton St.6 Brighton St., No. Abington, Mass.

781-878-0893

PROFESSIONAL PHARMACISTSPRESCRIPTION DELIVERY

www.bemisdrug.com

24-hour Skilled Nursing, Short-Term Rehabilitation and Respite Care

FIVE STAR CMS Rating

115 North AvenueRockland, MA 02370

781-878-3308Fax: 781-878-3321

www.athenahealthcare.com/southshoreEmail: admissions@southshorerehab.com

~ Hearing Evaluations ~ Video Ear Inspections~ Hearing Aids ~ Repairs ~ Ear Wax Removal

534 Main Street, Suite 2, Route 18 140 Bedford St., Route 18Weymouth, MA 02190 Bridgewater, MA 02324

781-337-1144 508-279-0700John Klefeker, BC-HIS MA License #127

Friends of Abington Seniors, Inc.

Monthly Meetings at Senior Center

Bingo! Cribbage! Chess!

Knitting, Crochet and Quilting Groups!

Exercise and Computer Classes!

Delicious Luncheons!

Become a Member!

Check out the calendar inside!

Save Hundreds

ON ALL RECLINERS,

POWER-WALLAWAY & LIFT CHAIRS

Need A Lift?

Starting at $699.

OPEN DAILY 9-5:30 • OPEN SUNDAYS 12-4

781-878-5759 • 1-800-696-5759

CHAIRS

t?

HEALTH EXPRESSWalk-in Urgent Medical Care

NOW OPENUrgent Care for All Ages

!"#$$%&'()*+,-./%+0'10'23#4&'5%4".6%&'(7%48%9*0':337';<0-.*.#9-

Health Express is now open

No Appointment • No Referral • Low Co-Pays=4%#".98'%/%40"<.98'$437'$%/%4-'"3'$4#*",4%-

23#4&'5%4".6%&'(:';<0-.*.#9-'>.++'-%%'03,'39'YOUR TIME

170 Bedford St, Abington • 781-626-5700' ?@%9A'BCD'E#7CF@7'G'!#"'H'!,9'IJ#7CK@7' >>>L<%#+"<%)@4%--7#L*37

Sean M. Murphy, Esq. Law Offices of Sean M. Murphy, P.C.

Estate • Medicare & MassHealth Special Needs • Housing Probate Administration & Litigation

180 BELMONT STREET • BROCKTON, MA. 02301(774) 257-5732 • fax: (508) 857-5214

smmurphyslaw@outlook.com Veteran Owned

CAMELOT APARTMENTS COLUMBIAN SQUARE • SOUTH WEYMOUTH

Predominantly Senior Occupied

DEL REALTY • 781-331-1100

WE ! SENIORS

Family Owned and Managedged

Convenient to So. Shore Hospital, Restaurants, Church & Shopping

FEBRUARY 26, 2016 1:33 PMFOR AD INFO CALL 1-800-888-4574 © LITURGICAL PUBLICATIONS INC. Abington Senior Center, Abington, MA 06-5049

Miscellaneous Line Dance Schedule: Dancing with Dotty Belanger at Abington Senior Center on 1st and 2nd Friday afternoons at 1 p.m. to 2:30p.m. Donation: $3.00. Call 508-746-0079 for more information. Support Groups– Open to the Public– No Charge: Grief Counseling/Bereavement Group, Abington, meets once a month at the Library, 1st Thursday, 6:30 pm. For further info call 781-982-2139. Prostate Cancer Support Group, monthly, 3rd Wed., 7 p.m., Brockton Hospital, Assembly Room 2nd floor by café. Food Pantry: St. Vincent dePaul Food Pantry is open on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the old Friary/ Convent at St. Bridget's, 781-878-1194.

Supporters of the Abington Seniors Abington Elderly Services, Inc. Lois Kelley, President; Ann Reilly, Vice President/Van Account Liaison; Mary Graham, Treasurer; Tricia Force; Evelyn Drew; Atty. Edward Reilly Friends of Abington Seniors, Inc. Richard McCollem, President; Beverly Hartery, Vice-President; Thomas Bates, Treasurer; Sheila Lambert, Asst. Treasurer; Peggy Keating, Clerk; Mary Cordeiro, Secretary Informer Newsletter Staff: Marie Brown, Joanne Curtis, Lorraine Leventuk, Carol Najarian, Betty Slinger, Maureen Wall. Puzzle Answers: 1. Date 2. Tide 3. Era 4. Rise 5. Diaries 6. Present The Dog Days of Summer.......Where did the term come from and what does it have to do with dogs???

Most of us have probably thought the dog days of summer were those summer days so devastingly

hot that even dogs would lie around on the asphalt, panting. We do know that people tend to slow

down in extreme heat and that for many businesses the same is true. Many people use this phrase

"Dog Days" to mean something like that, but originally the phrase actually had nothing to do with

dogs or even with the lazy days of summer. Instead, it turns out that the dog days refer to the dog star,

Sirius, and its position to the heavens. The dictionary defines the Dog Days as the hot, sultry period

between early July and early September, a period of inactivity and the warmest season of the year.

Although July and August are generally known as the hottest months of the year in the Northern

Hemisphere, the hottest period can vary from year to year. And depending on your latitude, the astro-

nomical dog days can come at different times. This means that the dog days of ancient Greece aren’t

the dog days of today. What it also means is that several millennia from now, this astrological event

won’t even occur during the summer. The meaning has been lost but the phrase has lived on. Be

cool and drink plenty of water, especially at this time of year. Woof! Woof!

Anyone interested in getting a Coloring Group together? Interest has been expressed, so hopefully a group will start in Septem-

ber. Information will be available in late August. If interested leave your name and phone number in the FOAS box in the COA

office.

Abington COA 441 Summer Street Abington, MA 02351

Non-Profit

Organization

U.S Postage Paid

Abington, MA

Permit #26

PEACE! World War II IS OVER! V-J Day August 14, 1945