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CARTMELL COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Spring 2013
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Plymouth Taskforce for the Homeless
Winter Blanket Collection a Success
Sponsored by Cartmell Funeral Home, the Winter Collection for blankets and other needed items, was a great success.
Kathy Cartmell-Sirrico said, "We wish to thank the members of our community for the outpouring of donations made for the benefit of the homeless. By providing blankets, sheets, socks, and razors, you have made a difficult time more comforting. It is good to know that we live in a community that opens its heart to those in need. We deeply appreciate your generosity."
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Duxbury Senior Center - A Beehive of Activity
If you think bingo or card playing or shuffleboard when you think Senior Center, THINK AGAIN! At the Duxbury Senior Center, there just isn't enough time in the day to enjoy (or room in this newsletter to explain) all the varied activities offered at the Duxbury Senior Center. Located at 10 Mayflower Street, the Senior Center is buzzing with activity every day.
Whether your taste goes to courses to stimulate your mind or to physical activity or to creative endeavors, the Duxbury Senior Center has something for you. For example, right now seniors are enjoying 15 continuing learning courses that include Ethics and Contemporary Life to Life Histories of Owls in MA, Art History, Classical Music, and How the Bible Came to Be, and many more.
There is the weekly movie matinee on Thursdays and special events like the Ladies Breakfast with guest speakers; the St. Patrick's Day and Patriot's Day Luncheons; and presentations like Art Matters or The Rise & Fall of the Irish Economy; the Book Club; fitness classes, computer training ... and a long list of outings!
In addition to all of this, there are Support Groups, including one for those with low-vision, those with Alzheimer's and another for caregivers. There are also Discussion Groups to deal with such topics as forgetfulness, dealing with daily stressors, self-care and relaxation, and enjoying life to the fullest!
"Our Alzheimer's Day Program is unlike any other on the South Shore," said Joanne Moore, Director of the Senior Center. "Available from 9 am to 3 pm, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, this program helps those with Alzheimer's enjoy activities and companionship while relieving the caregiver for a bit of time." The Alzheimer's Day Program is available to anyone in need for $45 per day. Residents of Duxbury can obtain transportation at no extra charge. For more information, call Karen Harrison, Program Director at 781-934-5774, ext. 107.
Brand new is the Telephone Reassurance Program where volunteers make check-in calls to those seniors who might benefit from a brief chat or who may need information. Callers are supervised by the outreach department and all conversations are confidential. If you or anyone you know might be interested in receiving a call, please call the Senior Center at 781-934-5774, ext.105.
In addition to all of this, the Senior Center also has three licensed social workers on staff that serve as "connectors" to a lot of the programs and resources available. They go out into the community and help with such things as medical transportation, home-delivered meals, safety issues, and resources for the "sandwich generation" - those who have families of their own and are also caregivers for elderly parents.
Joanne explained, "We are a resource for the entire community." She added, "We have 20 staff members who really care about what they do. To them, this isn't just a job ... and we couldn't do it without our volunteers. We have 246 volunteers wo gave 24,000 hours last year! That translates into a savings for the town of over $500,000!"
Anyone with an interest in volunteering can find many opportunities to do so at the Duxbury Senior Center. Call Becky Ford at 781-934-5774, ext. 117 for more information.
It seems that for volunteers, for seniors, for family members, and for staff - as Joanne says - "The Duxbury Senior Center is a great place to be!"
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The Solution to Many Questions: Dial 2-1-1 Not to be confused with 9-1-1,this number is the number to call when you don't know who to call!
Every day, someone somewhere in Massachusetts needs to find essential community services, an after school program, a food bank, or where to secure care for an aging parent. Many face these challenges, but don't always know where to turn for help.
The solution is to dial 2-1-1. Mass 2-1-1 connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community. It serves as a resource for finding government benefits and services, nonprofit organizations, support groups, volunteer opportunities, donations programs, and other local resources.
Calling 2-1-1 is confidential and it frees the 9-1-1 system for life and death emergency situations. The Mass 2-1-1 program is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week and is an easy way to find resources or to volunteer to help in your community. Mass 2-1-1 responds immediately during a crisis, fielding calls to services most appropriate for the caller's needs.
If for some reason, you cannot access Mass 2-1-1 through your phone system, you can call, toll-free, 1-877-211-MASS (6277). Hearing impaired can call 508-370-4890. To learn more, visit the Mass 2-1-1 web site.
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 Free Estate-Planning Seminar on Tuesday, April 30th at the
Duxbury Senior Center
You are invited to hear experts present information on estate-planning at a seminar sponsored by Cartmell Funeral Home. The seminar will be held at the Duxbury Senior Center on Tuesday, April 30th at 9:30 am or at 6:30 pm that same day. Seminar presenters will include a representative from the Veterans' Services Office, an elder law attorney, and Cartmell funeral directors, Kathy Cartmell-Sirrico, John Vincent, and Daniel R. Holland. They will address key issues including information on estate planning, asset protection, Veterans' benefits, preplanning funerals and options concerning cremation. A question and answer period will follow and each attendee will receive a complimentary Planning Guide. Refreshments will be served. The Duxbury Senior Center is located at 10 Mayflower Street in Duxbury. Please call 508-764-2162 to reserve your spot at this no-obligation, free seminar.
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Frequently Asked Questions
"What advice do you have for talking to my
elderly parents about funeral planning?"
It is often difficult for an adult child to start a conversation on how a loved one will be remembered. Some parents may welcome this discussion because it will put them at ease. Others may feel uncomfortable talking about planning for their own funerals. Although it is difficult, you are doing the right thing by taking these steps.
Getting Started This may be the hardest part. Many begin by saying something like, "Mom and Dad, I know this may be an uncomfortable topic, but would you be open to talking about some of the ways you want to be remembered?"
Mention that knowing in advance what your parents want in terms of a funeral will eliminate the second-guessing that can come from having to make these decisions yourself at a very difficult and stressful time.
As an option, you might consider talking about your own funeral arrangements or pre-planning efforts as a way of breaking the ice. Another way is to ask your parents about some of their favorite traditions and how your family can continue these traditions for generations to come ... and transition to talking about a memorial service.
Overcoming Natural Resistence Once you get started, you may hear, "I don't want a funeral - Just bury me and be done with it." You can gently remind your parents that a funeral service is a way for family and friends to come together to celebrate a life and to honor a loved one ... that this is part of the grieving process.
Guiding the Conversation You can guide the conversation by asking what accomplishments or parts of their lives they would want people to know about. Make detailed notes and ask about a favorite hymn or Bible verse or about hobbies and special talents.
Your funeral home is your best resource to clarify the services available and the ways in which a service can be personalized to create a meaningful tribute based on your parents' wishes and the emotional needs of the family. If possible, schedule a visit to the funeral home to discuss the arrangement process in detail.
The staff at Cartmell Funeral Home will be happy to send you a complementary, no-obligation, Funeral Planning Guide, a helpful resource in planning a funeral service. Call 508-746-2162 to request one.
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About Cartmell Funeral Home
Now in its third generation, Cartmell Funeral Service is an independent family-owned and operated funeral home. The legacy of care and compassion continues through personal experience and understanding, serving the people of the greater Plymouth area and surrounding communities.
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Cartmell Funeral Service, Inc.
Entrusted to the Community for Three Generations |
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