Top of the Hill COLE-YEATON SENIOR CENTER

10 WALLY KRUEGER WAY, BRIDGEWATER, MA 02324

PHONE: 508-697-0929 FAX: 508-697-0945 lcarrozza@bridgewaterma.org

DECEMBER 2014

T H E B R I D G E W A T E R O F F I C E O F E L D E R A F F A I R S

Director’s Notes:

Lorraine Carrozza

Sincerely,

Schedule your free, confidential home safety visit by calling:

Office of Elder Affairs Fire Department

508-697-0929 508-697-0913

Safety Topics included in the home visit include:

Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detector checks and battery change

Kitchen and cooking safety

Electrical hazards

Heating units and combustibles

Bathroom safety

Trip and fall hazards

We bring the safety messages to you by providing a free, confidential safety visit in your

home. We come by invitation only. Together, we will review the measures you have in

place, and discuss additional measures we can put in place to further prevent injury. This

is a non regulatory program, and is not an inspection.

Our goal is to keep you safe in your home.

Bridgewater Seniors First !!!!

A partnership between the Bridgewater Fire Dept. and the Bridgewater Office of Elder Affairs

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

Growing up in Stow, Mass was such a wonderful experience for me especially around Christmas. Country, rural living

translated into taking our annual trek into the woods with my dad and brothers to pick out our Christmas tree. The

weather was never a concern for us. We were tough “New Englanders,” right? We were bundled up so tightly in our

snowsuits that we really looked like the “Pillsbury dough boy” waiting to burst! After surveying the quite large selec-

tion of trees my Dad would find that one special Pine. Using an axe he chopped away at the base until it finally fell. My

Dad would then grab the trunk of the tree and with all of us in tow we would begin our trek back to the house. I cherish

these family memories and I know many of you have special Holiday memories. I wish all of you a wonderful Holiday

season and a very Happy and Healthy New Year!

We would like to give Special Thanks to

The Bridgewater Police Department

For their wonderful generosity hosting

The 15th Annual Senior Thanksgiving Dinner

Bridgewater COA, Lorraine & Staff

15th YEAR!

Please Note: All Town Offices will be closed:

Thursday, December 25th &

Thursday, January 1st

DECEMBER

Page 2

Where to find your

copy of Top of the Hill

Z UMBA Basic Fitness

Class with

Instructor Lori Hunter

Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 9:00 am Bridgewater Housing Authority

High Pond Estates Clubhouse

Stone Meadow Clubhouse

Bridgewater Public Library

The Town Hall

Roche Bros. Supermarket

Harbor One Credit Union

The Bridgewater Senior Center

www.bridgewaterma.org

Prisco’s Market & Deli

HEALTH & ASSISTANCE

Arthritis Foundation Exercise class

by Wendy moore

Wednesdays & Fridays 9:00 ~ 10am

For more information call: 1-774-222-5936

Nurse’s News Compliments of Connie Dolan R.N. :)

National Alzheimer's Awareness According to Healthy People 2020, Alzheimer's Disease is the 6th leading cause of death among adults. 5.1 million Ameri-cans age 65 or older have Alzheimer's Disease. This number is predicted to double by 2050. This is probably related to the fact that people are living longer. Risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease include age and family history. There are three genes that have been identified with Alzheimer's. Two of the three have only been identified recently, and are associated with early onset Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Association has identified 10 warning signs for Alzheimer's Disease. However, it is very important to rule out other causes for these symptoms. Things like medication reactions or interactions, dehydration, urinary tract infection, alcoholism, stroke and injury can cause the same symptoms. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. Especially short term. For example, forgetting names and appointments. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work or leisure. Confusion with time an place, also known as orientation. Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships. For example, reading or judging distance. Problems with language, speaking or reading. Misplacing things, and then being unable to retrace your steps. Decreasing or using poor judgment. Withdrawal from work or social activities. Changes in mood or personality. For example, depression, fearfulness, suspicious, anxious, confusion. Early detection is very important. There are medications available which can lessen symptoms, and temporarily halt brain cell degeneration. With progression of the disease, brain cells die and connections from cell to cell are lost. This causes symptoms to increase. There are medications available that can stabilize symptoms. For example, cholinesterase inhibi-tors prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger. There are other medications that can help as well. Early detection allows the patient to get the maximum benefit. In addition to benefitting from medications, it allows for time to plan for the future, build a team, and locate support for family and caregivers. Kathy Hayes, the Outreach Worker at the Bridgewater Senior Center, runs a Caregiver Support Group at the Senior Center on the 2nd and last Thursday of the month at 10 am. There is no registration required. Family and caregivers are always welcome. Coffee and nibbles are served. December's Caregiver Support Group dates are December 4th and 18th. Dates are also listed in the calendar section of the newsletter.

**** CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP w/ Kathy Hayes ****

Holiday Schedule~ Thursdays, December 4th & 18th

10:00~ 11:30 am

All are welcome to attend

Page 3 TOP OF THE HILL

Outreach Notes... By Kathy Hayes

VFW Post 2125 Family Day December 7th 1:00-5:00pm

Bring a new, unwrapped toy in support for Toys for Tots.

Also, you can drop off slightly used clothing to be donated

to the Brockton VA medical facility for veterans in need.

Light food and refreshments will be served.

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

Trees, lights, and candles are an important part of holiday traditions but pose a danger when not used safely.

Tree and decoration tips:

Buy an artificial tree that is labeled “fire resistant”

Choose a live tree that has green needles that do not break when bent between the fingers. The bottom of the tree

should be sticky with resin. When tapped on the ground, the tree should only lose a few needles.

Place trees away from fireplaces, vents, and radiators. If using a live tree, remember to keep the stand filled with

water.

Use only noncombustible or flame-resistant decorations.

Lighting tips:

Use indoor and outdoor lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally recognized laboratory (http:/

www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/). Use only newer lights that have thicker wiring and safety fuses to prevent wires

from overheating.

Before using, check lights for cracked sockets, damaged wires, or loose connections. Throw out broken sets.

Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for stringing lights together. UL recommends using no more than 3 standard size

sets of lights together

Make sure that extension cords are rated for the intended use

Check outdoor light labels to make sure that they have been certified for outdoor use. Only plug them into a ground

fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected receptacle or a portable GFCI.

Turn off lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

Candle tips:

Keep burning candles within sight.

Keep candles out of reach of small children and pets

Extinguish candles before leaving the room or the house or when going to bed. Do not leave children or adults with

dementia alone in a room with burning candles.

Keep lighted candles away from items that can catch fire, such as trees, decorations, curtains and furniture.

always use non-flamable holders

*USE BATTERY POWERED CANDLES WHENEVER POSSIBLE TO AVOID FIRE RISK.

Fireplace tips:

Do not burn wrapping paper or plastic items in the fireplace. They can ignite suddenly and burn intensely

Place a screen around the fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby materials

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY!!!!

VFW Post 2125

40 Orange Street

Bridgewater, MA

508-697-4151

J.coxusmc@outlook.com

Page 4 TOP OF THE HILL ….Listen Up !

Battle of the Bulge….Christmas 1944 (70 Years Ago)

On 16 December 1944, the Germans launched the last major offensive of the war, Operation Mist, also known as the Ardennes Offensive and the Battle of the Bulge, an attempt to push the Allied front line west from northern France to northwestern Belgium. The Battle of the Bulge, so-called because the Germans created a "bulge" around the area of the Ardennes forest in pushing through the American defensive line, was the largest fought on the Western front.

The Germans threw 250,000 soldiers into the initial assault, 14 German infantry divisions guarded by five panzer divi-sions against a mere 80,000 Americans. Their assault came in early morning at the weakest part of the Allied line, an 80-mile poorly protected stretch of hilly, woody forest (the Allies simply believed the Ardennes too difficult to traverse, and therefore an unlikely location for a German offensive). Between the vulnerability of the thin, isolated American units and the thick fog that prevented Allied air cover from discovering German movement, the Germans were able to push the Americans into retreat.

One particularly effective German trick was the use of English-speaking German commandos who infiltrated American lines and, using captured U.S. uniforms, trucks, and jeeps, impersonated U.S. military and sabotaged communications. The ploy caused widespread chaos and suspicion among the American troops as to the identity of fellow soldiers--even after the ruse was discovered. Even General Omar Bradley himself had to prove his identity three times--by answering questions about football and Betty Grable--before being allowed to pass a sentry point.

The battle raged for three weeks, resulting in a massive loss of American and civilian life. Nazi atrocities abounded, in-cluding the murder of 72 American soldiers by SS soldiers in the Ardennes town of Malmedy. Historian Stephen Ambrose estimated that by war's end, "Of the 600,000 GIs involved, almost 20,000 were killed, another 20,000 were captured, and 40,000 were wounded." The United States also suffered its second-largest surrender of troops of the war: More than 7,500 members of the 106th Infantry Division capitulated at one time at Schnee Eifel. The devastating feroc-ity of the conflict also made desertion an issue for the American troops; General Eisenhower was forced to make an ex-ample of Private Eddie Slovik, the first American executed for desertion since the Civil War.

The war would not end until better weather enabled American aircraft to bomb and strafe German positions. Many resi-dents from Bridgewater participated in this epic and decisive battle.

We enjoy our Holidays because of the sacrifices of the men and women of our armed forces – past, present and future. May you and yours have a Happy and Joyous Holiday Season. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah!

RODERICK K. WALSH

Collection Box for Used Prescription Eyeglasses & Hearing Aids If you have any unwanted prescription eyeglasses/sunglasses or hearing aids, you now can drop them off at the Senior Center. The Bridgewater Academy Lions Club has placed a yellow collection box for them in our foyer. The Lions will have your donated glasses washed, sorted by prescription, and then provided by teams of Li-ons and eye care specialists to the people of third world countries where eye care services are not otherwise available. Your unwanted hearing aids will be stripped down and the components will be reused. For some high quality hearing aids, the Massachusetts Lions District 33S Hearing Foundation will have the components re-tested, cleaned, remolded to fit a needy person's ear, and then re-tuned for that new person's use.

Page 5 Top of the Hill

BRIDGEWATER GOLDEN AGERS

WE MEET EVERY FOURTH TUESDAY AT THE SENIOR CENTER @ 1:30

Dessert, Coffee and Punch are served at the meetings

President- Luigi Primavera

Vice President - Ellie Lamb

Treasurer & membership- Lillian Primavera

Secretary- Mildred Hasson

Friday, December 12th - Christmas Party @

Meadowbrook Restaurant

Rt 27 Hanson With Entertainment and Dancing – Members $15 / Guests $20

Menu: Choice of Chicken, Boston Baked Scrod or Pot Roast

For more information call ~ 508-697-6710

Tickets must be purchased by 12/1

BRIDGEWATER GOLDEN AGERS CHRISTMAS PARTY RESERVATIONS

(Tickets will be promptly mailed)

NAME:__________________________________ Menu Choice:_____________________________

NAME:__________________________________ Menu Choice:_____________________________

ADDRESS_______________________________________ PHONE: __________________________

Total # of Attendees __________________ Total Enclosed $____________

Please make checks payable to: Bridgewater Golden Agers and mail to:

Lillian Primavera 75 Concetta Drive Bridgewater, Ma 02324

Self Help Fuel Assistance The Fuel Assistance program runs from November 1st through April 30th. It provides assistance in paying for heating costs to over 10,000 households annually in the Self Help service area. Eligibility for the program is based on household’s gross income. Please take note of the documents needed to apply: Picture ID for the head of household, Proof of Income (last 4 weeks) for everyone 18 and older, Social Security cards for everyone in the household, Proof of housing costs : If you rent, Landlord’s name, address and phone number If you own, Mortgage statement, property taxes and homeowner’s insurance Heating and Electric bills

To apply Call The Senior Center 508-697-0929 after October 20th

Please make sure you have all documents when you call to schedule an appointment.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late! Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period

October 15 – December 7

Medicare plans change every year! This is the time to decide on your coverage for 2013.

SHINE counselors provide free Medicare counseling.

You can call 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636), then press or say 3.

Once you get the SHINE answering machine, leave your name and number.

A volunteer will call you back as soon as possible.

~ Or For assistance from a Medicare customer service representative

24 hours/day, 7 days/week, call 1-800-MEDICARE

Page 6 TOP OF THE HILL

Donation $4.00 per meal. Menu subject to change. Bread, Dessert and a Beverage are provided with each meal.

Mondays and Tuesdays

Reservations are required Please call 697-0929 by Noon on Friday

DECEMBER HOME COOKED LUNCH MENU

Monday Tuesday

1

Beef Stew 2

Portuguese Kale Soup with Sandwich

8 Chicken, Broccoli and Ziti

9 Breakfast for Lunch ~ Chef’s Choice

17 Baked Ham Dinner

18 Baked Stuffed Chicken Dinner

**Please note there will be no lunch December 22, 23, 29 & 30 due to the holidays**

Recipe: Molten Lava Cake Recipe for One Single serving molten lava cake recipe - Easy recipe that makes one molten lava cake with a warm chocolate lava center. Perfect as a single chocolate dessert or to share with one other person.

Ingredients

¼ cup semi chocolate chips

2 tablespoons butter

2 teaspoons sugar

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg (room temperature), beaten

1 tablespoon flour

Optional Garnishes: ½ teaspoon confectioners’ sugar for dusting, fresh fruit, and a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Fill a small pot with 1-inch of water. Fit a larger stainless steel or glass bowl on top of the pot to make a double broiler.

Heat the pot of water on medium-high heat.

Add the chocolate chips and butter to the stainless bowl. The chocolate will quickly begin to soften and melt.

Quickly whisk the chips until nearly completely smooth. Turn off the heat and add the sugar and vanilla. Continue to whisk the chocolate

until completely smooth.

Carefully remove the bowl from the hot pot to the counter. Allow the chocolate to cool for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Whisking continuously, slowly add the egg into the chocolate mixture a teaspoon at a time, incorporating the egg addition each time completely before adding more. You don’t want to add the egg too quickly because the warm chocolate will cook the egg. Continue to do this until the chocolate batter looks smooth.

Stir in the flour until mixed in.

Generously spray the bottom and sides of one 4-ounce ramekin or coffee mug. Add the batter to the ramekin. It will be about ¾ cup full.

Bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the cake will appear to be baked but when touched in the center will feel very soft.

Remove the cake from the oven and allow it rest on the counter for a minute.

You can serve the cake in the ramekin or turn it over onto a plate.

If you gently touch the sides of the cake with your finger, it should pull away from the sides.

After one minute, cover the ramekin with a serving plate and flip the plate to right side up. Slowly and carefully begin to lift the ramekin off

the plate. If it appears the cake is not releasing, lower the ramekin back down to the plate and gently shake the ramekin back and forth and try

again. If it still does not release, invert the cake back to the ramekin and use a thin paring knife to release the cake from its side and flip again. Dust the lava cake with powdered sugar and dollop with a small spoonful of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A small berry and fresh mint leaf also make nice garnishes.

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The mission of the Office of Elder Affairs is to promote the emotional, physical and economic well being

of older adults and to encourage their participation in all aspects of community life.

COUNCIL ON AGING

CHAIRMAN: Pat Boyle VICE CHAIRMAN: Bob Coolen TREASURER: Victor Delmonte Secretary: Nick Bagas MEMBERS: Paul Chuilli Kelly Chuilli Sandy Alley Joan Columbo Haresh Patel Honorary member: Bob Williams NEXT MEETING:

MONDAY, December 15 @ 10:15

COLE-YEATON SENIOR CENTER

TRUSTEES

CHAIRMAN: VICE CHAIRMAN: TREASURER: Ken Jenkins MEMBERS: Anthony Anacki Peter Caratelli Shirley Wilbur Mary Beshansky

NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD @ 6:30

BRIDGEWATER OFFICE OF ELDER AFFAIRS

Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Friday 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Telephone: 508-697-0929

Lorraine Carrozza, Director

Kathy Hayes, Outreach Coordinator

Joanne Caratelli, Administrative Clerk

Paul Simmons, Ken Pimental Van Drivers

Stacy Driscoll, Nutrition Site Aide

Stephani Godfrey, Nutrition Site Aide

The printing of this newsletter is made possible by a Grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

TRANSPORTATION

To Market Basket

Every Tuesday And Wednesday

Space is limited

Please call 508-697-0929

508-697-0929 to reserve your seat

Special trip to Walmart 12/10

Holiday PIZZA & Bingo with Nick and Sass

Wednesday, December 10th

$4.00 donation

Please call 508-697-0929 to sign up

________________________________________________________________________________________

INCLEMENT WEATHER INFORMATION

When Bridgewater Schools are closed due to inclement weather, ALL ACTIVITIES AT THE SENIOR CENTER

INCLUDING LUNCH WILL BE CANCELLED. Listen for announcements on local radio and TV stations.

Holiday Greens Sale at The Senior Center

Sponsored by: The Bridgewater Garden Club

December 6th 9:00 am ~ 3:00 pm

at The Senior Center

Please drop off unwrapped new toys or

money donations anytime at the

Bridgewater Fire Dept. 22 School Street