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Barnstable County Human Services 
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In This Issue
Heart Healthy Eating
Stop Smoking Classes
Depression in Later Life Forum
Executive Office of Elder Affairs
Hoarding Risk Assessment Trainings
Suicide Prevention Community Forum
BCCCYF Youth Summit
Rental Unit Applications in Barnstable
YMCA Cape Cod Spring Sports
Harwich Human Service Grants
Health Speak Conference
HRC Town Rep Council
Census Bureau Hiring
Additional Funding - Low Income Fuel Assistance
Parkinson's Support Network
Healthy Aging in the Commonwealth
Winter MEMA Info
Capacity Building Grants
Free Tax Help
New Winter Market
7th Annual Auto & Youth Safety Summit
DPH Community Corner
MASS 2-1-1
E-Newsletter Article Submissions
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ISSUE: 3

FEBRUARY 23, 2010

Greetings!

Welcome to the information E-Newsletter from Barnstable County Department of Human Services.  This newsletter is designed to provide timely information on health and human service topics of interest for people living and working in Barnstable County. This publication will be sent out periodically to our mailing list.  Please forward this newsletter to your friends and colleagues and if you are not on our mailing list you can join by clicking on the JOIN THE MAILING LIST button below.
 
If you have information you would like included in future e-newsletters, please follow the submission requirements outlined at the bottom of the page and email to [email protected]
 
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Albert, Director
Barnstable County Department of Human Services
 
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HEART HEALTHY EATING
Healthy eating is not just about the foods we should avoid, it's also about the food we should eat to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and achieve an overall healthy eating pattern.  Class is lead by a registered dietitian with a fee of $25.00 (includes materials).  Bring a spouse, partner or caregiver at no extra charge.  Pre-registration and pre-payment required, credit cards accepted.
 
Next class starts:  February 24, 1:00 - 3:00 PM, Hyannis
 
For more information visit www.capecodhealth.org and click on the calendar.  For class registration call 877/729-7200.
 
~ This is a Cape Cod Healthcare/Cardiovascular Initiative
 
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STOP SMOKING CLASSES
KICK BUTTS!! Stop Smoking Classes sponsored by Cape Cod Healthcare.  6 week course, 1.5 hrs/week, with a fee of $40.00 (self-pay program).  Pre-registration and pre-payment required, credit cards accepted.  Nicotine replacement therapy may be covered by your health care insurance.  Check with your primary care physician for a prescription.
 
Next classes starts: March 2, 6:30 - 8:00 PM, Mashpee
                             May 5, 6:00 - 7:30 PM, Bourne
 
For more information visit www.capecodhealth.org and click on the calendar.  For class registration call 877/729-7200.
 
~ This is a Cape Cod Healthcare/Cardiovascular Initiative
 
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DEPRESSION IN LATER LIFE FORUM
The Community Health Network of the Cape & Islands (CHNA 27) in partnership with Dennis COA and Alzheimer's Services of C&I will present an event titled "Depression in Later Life" and will address issues in normal cognitive aging, mild cognitive impairement, and depression.  Keynote speaker is James Ellison, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard and Clinical Director of the Geriatric Psychiatry Program at McClean Hospital.  Forum will include 3 segments of which you may attend any or all parts: Professional Presentation, Lunch, Televised Discussion.
 
DATE:         March 12, 2010, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Registration begins at 10:30 AM)
                  Registration deadline - March 5, 2010
LOCATION:  Dennis Council on Aging, 1045 Route 134, South Dennis
 
As this is a free event, each person is asked to bring a healthy food donation for the Harwich Food Pantry to assist the Dennis COA's Food Raising Drive.
 
For more information and to receive a registration packet please contact Katherine Wernier at email: [email protected]
 
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MASSACHUSETTS SECRETARY OF ELDER AFFAIRS HARWICH FORUM
Ann Hartstein, Executive Secretary for the Office of Elder Affairs has chosen the Harwich Council on Aging as one of only 4 sites she will visit on her "Listening Tour of the Cape".  She will be at the Harwich COA on Thursday, March 11th at 10:00 AM.  Subject matter will focus on "How will the State address senior issues in the next fiscally challenging few years". 
 
 RSVP REQUIRED - Please call the Harwich COA at 508/430-7550
 
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REGIONAL HOARDING RISK ASSESSMENT TRAINING MEETINGS
The statewide S/C on Hoarding, the Local and Regional MA Hoarding Task Forces and Mass Housing invite you to one of four Regional Hoarding Risk Assessment Training meetings to be held in March 2010.  Hoarding continues to be a challenging issue for public health and safety, the courts, housing managers, clinicians, social service professionals and others. 
 
Trainings will be held at the following locations:
March 12, 9:00 - 11:45 AM at Braintree Village, Braintree
March 15, 9:30 - 11:30 AM at Colonial Estates, Springfield
March 17, 9:30 - 11:30 AM in Worcester, Location TBD
March 22, 9:00 - 11:00 AM at Beverly Council on Aging, Beverly
 
Trainings are free, seating is limited.  For more information or to register click on www.masshousing.com
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SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION COMMUNITY FORUM
The Cape & Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition is hosting a community discussion on suicide awareness and prevention.  The forum will feature keynote speaker Brent Runyon, author of "The Burn Journals", a memoir of suicide survival.  Discussion panel will be followed by Q&A.  Light refreshments will be served. 
 
DATE:  Monday, March 15, 2010 from 6 - 8 PM
LOCATION:  Coonamessett Inn, Gifford St., Falmouth
 
Please RSVP to Kathie Callahan, Dept. of Human Services at Tel: 508/375-6628 or email: [email protected]
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7TH ANNUAL CHILDREN,YOUTH & FAMILIES SUMMIT
 SAVE THE DATE
 
"Transforming our Community through Positive Change" hosted by Barnstable County Council for Children, Youth & Families & Cape & Islands Youth Congress, March 12, 2010 @ the Harwich Community Center, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  For additional information and to pre-register for the Summit please e-mail [email protected] or call 774/766-6916.
 
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APPLICATIONS FOR RENTAL UNITS IN BARNSTABLE 
Barnstable Housing Authority is soliciting applications for its off-line rental program.  2 and 3 bedroom units are currently available.  Eligibility & rents determined by affordable housing guideliines.  Eligibility based on 50% and Below Area Median income.
 
Income Limits:   2 Person        3 Persons        4 Persons        5 Persons        6 Persons
                         $31,050         $34,900           $38,800          $41,900          $45,000
 
For more information contact the Barnstable Housing Authority at Tel: 508/771-7222
* An Equal Housing Opportunity Agency
 
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YMCA CAPE COD SPRING SPORTS
YMCA Spring Sports: T-Ball, Coach Pitch Baseball, Flag Football and Soccer.  Registrations are on-going through March 17th, for boys and girls ages 4-11 yrs.  These non-competitive sports leagues focus on team building, skill development and good sportsmanship.  Games & practice sessions are held at either Camp Lyndon or in Marstons Mills.  Season runs April 10 - May 29.  Registration fee is $50.00 for YMCA Cape Cod family members, $60.00 for members, and $70.00 for non-members.
 
For more information contact Val Dumais, YMCA Cape Cod Youth Sports Coordinator at Tel: 508/428-9251 x202.  Sports brochure is also available online at www.ymcacapecod.org
 
YMCA ... We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities!
 
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HARWICH HUMAN SERVICE GRANTS PROGRAM
The Town of Harwich Human Service Grants Program is now accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2011.  The goal of this program is to assist non-profit agencies in their efforts to support the residents of Harwich through vital human service programming.  Grants are targeted toward agencies that assist underserved or at-risk populations in the community.  If you are a previous recipient of this funding you must apply to this program to be eligible to receive funding the in the coming fiscal year.  In Fiscal 2011 a total of $76,500 is available pending town meeting approval.  Historically, grants have ranged from $1,000 to $15,000.  Due date for applications is March 19, 2010 at 12:00 Noon.
 
Applications available starting February 5, 2010 at http://www.rdoac.org/rdo/index.htm
For questions or to have an application emailed to you contact Philip Burt at Tel: 508/375-6902 or email: [email protected]
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"HEALTH SPEAK" CAPE COD
If you're a professional in health or human services you don't want to miss "HEALTH SPEAK"  Cape Cod.
 
Friday, April 9, 2010, 8 AM to 4 PM on the campus of Cape Cod Community College
 
Learn new communication skills and interacting with your health and human services community.
 
Sponsored by Barnstable County Human Services, CHNA 27, Caregiver Homes, Community Connections, Duffy heallth Center, Geek Girls, Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Codd, Mass 2-1-1, Power in Aging, and Suffolk University.
 
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HRC TOWN REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL VACANCIES
The Barnstable County Human Rights Commission, by county ordinance, is tasked with convening a 16 member Representation Council consisting of a representative from each town in Barnstable County and one from the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.  Each Towns' repective Board of Selectman or Town Council and Tribal Council shall appoint a representative to the Council.  The Council's purpose shall be to serve as a liaison between each respective community and the HRC to support the County's human rights and discrimination policy and to advise the HRC about issues in various communities.  The Representation Council meets at least quarterly.
 
Vacancies on the Town Representation Council exist in the towns of Chatham, Provincetown & Truro.
 
For more information please contact:  Liz Dolby, Human Rights Commission Coordinator at Tel: 866/421-4472 or email: [email protected]
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CENSUS BUREAU IS HIRING
 
Temporary, part-time jobs are available and offer good pay, flexible hours, paid training, and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses, such as mileage incurred while conducting census work. Census takers work right in their own communities.  Census taker jobs are excellent for people who want to work part-time, those who are between jobs, or just about anyone who wants to earn extra money while performing an important service for their community.
 
For  more information call 1-866/861-2010 or visit www.2010censusjobs.gov.
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HIGHER BENEFIT LEVELS FOR LOW-INCOME FUEL ASSISTANCE
PRESS RELEASE: February 1, 2010 ~ Official Announcement from the Patrick/Murray administration
 
Governor Patrick announced that President Barack Obama has ordered $490 million in emergency funds nationwide through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help serve more income eligible families and increase their maximum benefit levels.  LIHEAP is a U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services program that is administered in Massachusetts by the Dept. of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), a network of 22 local administering agencies.  LIHEAP information is available on the state's Cold Relief Heatline at 1-800-632-8175 or www.mass.gov/dchd ____________________________________________________________________________________________
PARKINSON'S SUPPORT NETWORK DINNER DANCE
A  Parkinson Support Network has been established to bring comprehensive support services to Cape Cod.  This newly formed task force includes Parkinson patients and caregivers as well as The American Parkinson Disease Association, MA. Chapter, National Parkinson Foundation Cape Cod Chapter,  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Medical Center Parkinson Disease Movement Disorder Center, Cape Cod Healthcare, Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands, Reaching Elders with Additional Community Help (REACH) and the Barnstable, Orleans, and Yarmouth Senior Centers.  
SAVE THE DATE:
Spring/Fling dinner dance on May 23, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Cape Codder Hotel in Hyannis. Rockin Blues music will be provided by The Flip Side ~ to support the Parkinson Support Network
 
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HEALTHY AGING IN THE COMMONWEALTH
Policy brief:  Healthy Aging in the Commonwealth: Pathways to Lifelong Wellness
 
Report details the findings from the Massachusetts Health Policy winter forum and provides updated information on several key issues.
 
To view or print the policy brief click here  and click on "Conference Findings"
 
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WINTER MEMA INFO
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has compiled a number of fact sheets that may be helpful over the winter.
 
 Click here to view this document.
 
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CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS
On February 19th, the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute "Compassion Massachusetts" Initiative, in partnership with the Cape Cod Justice for Youth Collaborative, announced nine 2010 Capacity Building Sub-awards, totaling $104,000.  these sub-awards, which originated through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Children and Families, "Compassion Capital Fund", may not be used to provide programs, but rather, to build each organization's capacity to become self-sustaining.
 
For more information on this program or a list of the awardees contact Steve Brown at Tel: 508/560-1189 or email: [email protected] or visit the website at www.compassionmassachusetts.org
 
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LOW INCOME WORKERS GET FREE TAX PREPARATION
Starts February 1st - Evenings, Daytime, and Weekend hours by Appointment Only at CACCI
 
In partnership with the IRS, Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & the Islands (CACCI), under its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, will provide free 2009 federal and Mass state income tax preparation services including assistance to file for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Many eligible low-income workers are not taking advantage of the EITC which is a refundable federal income tax credit that can put up to $5,657 in their pockets this tax season!  Clients may also take advantage of CACCI's other Asset Development Programs to strengthen their financial situation.
 
For more information contact Mellisa Carney-Getzie, CACCI at Tel: 508/771-1727 or email: [email protected]
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CAPE COD: BUY FRESH - BUY LOCAL
GRAND OPENING: Winter Market in Marstons Mills
 
1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Liberty Hall, 2150 Main Street, Marstons Mills 02648
 
For more information on BUY FRESH - BUY LOCAL and the new Winter Market go to www.buyfreshbuylocalcapecod.org 
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7th ANNUAL AUTOMOBILE & YOUTH SAFETY SUMMIT
SAVE THE DATE
 
7th Annual Automobile and Youth Safety Summit ~ "iCrash: Teens, Cars, Technology and the Media"
Wednesday April 7th, 2010, 5-8 pm, Mashpee High School
 
For more information contact [email protected]
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DPH COMMUNITY CORNER ON-LINE
Please visit DPH Community Corner www.mass.gov/dph/ohc for the lastest public health news.   We will provide weekly, statewide updates to strengthen capacity in communities across the Commonwealth.  There are many valuable resources, trainings, outreach and education opportunities available in Massachusetts.  We hope compiling this information in one place will help maximize these resources.   
  
If you have questions, comments, submissions or suggestions, please contact Laura Innis, DPH Health Education and Outreach Coordinator at [email protected]  or 617-624-6021.  
 
Laura Innis
DPH Health Ed. & Outreach Coordinator
617-624-6021
617-624-6062 fax
[email protected]
http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us
 
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MASS 2-1-1 RESOURCE LOCATOR
 
MASS 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, 24/7 information and referral database and hotline for access to health and human services for consumers and providers.  Multi-lingual translations are also available.  The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has designated it as the official point of contact for receiving emergency information during a time of crisis.  MASS 2-1-1 is funded by 19 local chapters of the United Way, MEMA and the Executive Office of Health & Human services.  Locally the Barnstable County Department of Human Services in partnership with the Cape & Islands United Way are supporting and marketing MASS 2-1-1. 
 
For more information contact the Barnstable County Dept. of Human Services at 508/375-6630 or go to www.mass211help.org 
 
To locate services dial 211 on your telephone.
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E-NEWSLETTER ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
 To submit materials, please include the following information:
  • Descriptive Title
  • Brief Description of the Content (the who, what, why, when, where) 
  • Attachments must be submitted in PDF and text format (either DOC or RTF files are acceptable)
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Posting of articles submitted for publication in the Barnstable County Human Services Newsletter is at the discretion of the Department.  All articles must be submitted in text format to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  To request this newsletter in alternate formats, please call Kathie at 508-375-6628 or TDD at 508-362-5885.