In This Issue

The Plymouth 
Lions Club: 
Doing Global Work on a Community Level

The Lions Club International is just one year shy of celebrating their 100th birthday. From small beginnings, Lions Clubs have continued to grow and meet the needs of communities around the world. The Plymouth Club specifically has been at work since 1947.  
 
What do Lions do? 
The Lions is an international group that has established most of the world's eye banks and thousands of eye clinics and eye research facilities around the world with the goal of creating a world without blindness. There are over 46,000 community Lions groups globally! Their eyeglass donation boxes can be seen throughout their respective cities.  The Lions take prescription and non-prescription glasses in good condition, wash them, have the prescriptions read, and then   re-distribute them to the needy over-seas. The Plymouth area alone has     six to seven donation boxes spread across town.

The local Plymouth branch raises funds for a variety of uses, such as donations made to the Lions International eye research, as well as the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown. The majority of funds raised locally though, are given straight back to the Plymouth community.

This year the Lions gave $40,000 to the local food pantries in the Plymouth/Duxbury area and awarded five scholarships to local schools as well. Annual celebrations fund these major contributions in the form of The Thirsty Pilgrim and March Vegas, respectively.

Membership
Current Plymouth Lions President Frank Gigliotti has been with the group for five years.  "I am at the stage in life where I wanted to give back to the community; The Lions Club was a great vehicle for that." The Lions membership is quite diverse.  Anyone 18 years of age or older can become a member.
"Our youngest member is 30 and our oldest is 91," informed Frank, a retired school principal. "We have had members that are business owners, accountants, printers, and even a firefighter."

The Leo Club gives young people the opportunity to serve and get involved as well. "Our youth group has been extremely helpful in the gathering and washing process of donated glasses," said Frank.  Designed for members age 12 to 30, The Leo Club teaches leadership skills, project management and provides a positive bonding atmosphere.

The local Plymouth branch raises funds for a variety of uses.

Both John Vincent and Daniel Holland, Funeral Directors at Cartmell-Davis Funeral & Cremation Service, are members of the local Plymouth Lions Club. John has been a member for nearly 30 years. "At Cartmell-Davis we are proud to support local service clubs," he said.  "I very much enjoy being a member of the Lions. It's a great group of men and woman!" The Lions are always looking for new members.

Upcoming Events
The fourth annual March Vegas celebration will occur March 11th at 7pm at the Plymouth Memorial Hall. Funds raised through this event fund the five scholarships given out by the Plymouth Lions; one to Plymouth North, one to Plymouth South, two vocational scholarships, and one to Sacred Heart. "The event has grown each year," said Frank. "This is the largest venue we have been in to date!" Food and drink will be available, as well as a silent auction. Tickets are $20 per person, which includes $5 worth of gambling chips, and are available at the door. 
 If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a sponsorship please contact Ryan Matthew at 617-970-8917.

In the future be on the look-out for The Lions pancake breakfast in the spring, their annual golf outing in the summer, and The Thirsty Pilgrim festival in the fall. 

If you would like more information on The Plymouth Lions Club, 
or to find out how you can become a member please visit www.theplymouthlions.org.





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The Nook: 
 A Center for Active Living

The Nook, Plymouth's Center for Active Living, is located at 44 Nook Road. It provides the Plymouth community with a safe and trusted environment for locals to gain information and access to programs and services that foster a healthy and vital lifestyle throughout the aging process. The Nook is open primarily Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Its purpose is to serve those 60 years of age or older. But don't succumb to any pre-conceived notions of a senior center; at The Nook "we are very, very active," said Conni DiLego, Director of Elders Affairs for the Council on Aging.  
"Currently the general population of Plymouth is approaching 60,000 with 20,000 over the age of 60; that's one third of the total population!" informed Conni. "By 2025 this cohort will exceed 44% of our population! The Nook greets and serves hundreds of seniors daily and strives to determine the changing needs and demographics of this growing cohort and our responsibilities toward them."  The Nook, or Center for Active Living (CAL), tries very diligently to be aware of and focused on, the needs of the aging population in Plymouth. "Therefore," added Conni, "other than meals and exercise classes we offer such resources as: financial advisors, estate planning, SHINE (trained experts/advisors in the health insurance field), Attorney consultations, podiatry appointments, massage, reiki, weight reduction classes, support groups of every nature (some with respite), RNs for BPs, flu shots and so much more."

 
The Silver Slippers dance line and chorus are a talented group of various ages (50 - 98) that entertain at The Nook several times a year and take their joyful concerts "on the road" to retirement communities all over the county!

Programs
The maturing public is now experiencing a phenomenon unique to the Boomer generation- Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. According to AARP data over 76,000 children in Massachusetts live with a grandparent as the head of the household, and these are only the documented numbers. It is staggering to realize many of these grandparents are over 60 years of age, with some living below the poverty level.  They are raising children out of their own expenses with little to no financial assistance. "They are parenting again, but not like it was when they parented before," said Conni. The Nook recognized the need for support and information for Grandparents in this situation, and has been running their Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program for the past ten years. "We meet every Thursday 10 am to 11:30 am. We also meet and have supper the first Tuesday of every month at 5:30 pm," added Conni. The attendees are encouraged to bring their kids.  Baby sitters are supplied. The children are all in similar situations and support each other as well. No registration needed.

Speakers are often part of the line-up and address issues that the grandparents are facing today such as financial and legal issues. "Everyone is welcome," said Conni. "If they have questions, this is a good place to get them answered."  

New programs in the New Year include Adult Coloring. This isn't your everyday coloring. Scheduled for Thursday mornings, the adult coloring craze is a proven stress reliever that lets you tune out the business of the outside world and just have some "you time".

As always The Nook hosts their great regularly scheduled programs, such as game days, movie Fridays, book club, technology classes and health and wellness features.  

A Volunteer's Story
Michelle Foley has been with the Council on Aging since May, and couldn't be happier!

"After retiring I stayed home and did the things I wanted to do.  But then I got bored.  I always liked working with seniors, so when someone mentioned the Council on Aging to me, I came right in. I absolutely love it!"  Michelle handles placing drivers with seniors that need assistance getting to medical appointments. "We are always looking for drivers. It seems recently we have had an influx of people needing rides. I work hard to fill those spots," she said.  

Michelle compiles lists of people that need rides, when and to where, then communicates that information to her volunteer drivers. Michelle is a perfect fit for the position, with a background in a doctor's office. She works 8am to 2pm daily and says it so satisfying being able to help people, "I absolutely enjoy coming here every day. Just to find that person the ride they need is very rewarding."  Michelle says the combination of patient and driver isn't just filling a driving need, it's company and conversation as well. 

Michelle also assists riders with obtaining a GATRA bus pass so they may ride the medical bus to the Boston hospitals. "More and more we are seeing riders that need to go to a hospital in Boston, so I will assist them with registering with GATRA. The bus drops them right off at the hospital they need to be at.   It's a great service," said Michelle. "People are so grateful to use it."  Cost is $15 round trip, and even includes an attendant if one is necessary for the rider. 
 
For more information please call 508-830-4230 and ask for Michelle.

Volunteers Needed
The Nook is currently seeking volunteers to drive for their Meals on Wheels and Friendly Visitors programs as well.  Veterans are encouraged to apply. Due to their collaboration with RSVP and Old Colony Elder Services, the Council on Aging is able to offer insurance to any volunteers. "We have volunteers tell us they don't know what they would be doing if they didn't come here.  Volunteering has changed their lives. It keeps the volunteers from being isolated as well," said Conni. Please contact Volunteer Coordinator Terry Greer to find out how you can be  of service.
Chris Badot, The Nook's Coordinator of Support Services gets LOTS of hugs when he delivers Meals on Wheels!


The Nooklet newsletter is a wonderful source for schedules and general information regarding activities going at The Nook. To download the most recent edition visit www. www.plymouth-ma.gov/council-aging and find The Nooklet tab on the left hand side, or call 508-830-4230.  





Cartmell-Davis Funeral & Cremation Service
150 Court Street
Plymouth, MA 02360


Cartmell-Davis Funeral & Cremation Service
619 State Rd. Rt. 3A
Manomet, MA

GATRA:
Getting You Where You 
 Need to Go

The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority, GATRA, offers Massachusetts residents a comprehensive public transportation option. The lack of a personal vehicle should not keep you secluded or dependent upon others.

Elderly adults that no longer drive can experience increased mobility and freedom by utilizing the many options GATRA has for riders. People who ride the bus find it reliable, safe and relatively stress free traveling, especially during harsh winter months. Public transit allows riders the freedom of getting themselves to work, school, and appointments on their own.

Riders experience cost savings and a freedom to their lifestyle that might otherwise be lacking. Individuals who ride transit as opposed to owning a personal vehicle decrease overall commuting costs on gas, car maintenance and insurance fees as well as costly repairs.

For those with disabilities that make public transit difficult, GATRA offers Dial-A-Ride. This is a complimentary paratransit service that will pick you up at 
your home and take you where you need to go if your destination is within the GATRA service area.

Beyond personal benefits, public transit lends itself to less traffic congestion and reduced air pollution.

Fares are as low as $1.00 each way.   Half price fares are offered to seniors, students, and the disabled or Medicare Card Holders, only .50 cents each way.  Children six and under accompanied by an adult ride for free!

Local routes stretch from Marshfield and Duxbury, south through Plymouth with multiple routes and stops.

For more information on GATRA's many helpful services please visit www.gatra.org, or call toll free at 1-800-483-2500. The routes and schedules tab shows routes in all regions.  

FAQ: 
"Why Should I Consider a Viewing When Planning a Funeral?" 

In all stages of funeral planning it is important that you make decisions that you feel comfortable with. If you are unsure of any topic that arises, lean on your funeral director's expertise to guide you.

A common decision that takes some consideration is whether or not to offer a viewing of the body. A viewing is when the casket remains open for family and friends to view their loved one and pay their respects one final time. The body is usually dressed in formal attire, or clothing with a special significance.  
 
*You have options when making a decision about viewing.  

*You can choose no viewing at all, where the casket will remain closed at all times.

*The body can be viewed during visitation hours only if you prefer, and closed during the service.

*The casket can remain open throughout the visitation and service.

*A private viewing can be offered for the family before the funeral service and the casket can be closed during the service.  

"Having a viewing comes down to personal choice. I think viewing is definitely needed for closure, but it's not for everyone sometimes," said John Vincent, Funeral Director at Cartmell-Davis Funeral & Cremation Service.  John suggests that loved ones whom prefer a closed casket, might consider at least having a private viewing prior to the services for their own peace of mind. "The viewing ahead of time could be for one person, or the immediate family," added John. "Often there might be just one person that wants to view the body, and we will make that happen for them. The casket is then closed for the remainder of the services." 


Viewing the body plays an important role in the grief process.  Friends and family will often say having an open casket viewing helped them begin the path to healing. The presence of the body is very meaningful. If an open casket is not possible, the viewing of the casket being lowered at burial, or the scattering of cremated ashes will still honor the life and allow emotional healing to begin.

When it comes to memorial and funeral services, even if a viewing is not preferred, John says, "It's important for people to have something, even if it's just a memorial at a local restaurant where friends and family can look at pictures and share stories about the person.  I just think that's so important for people."

If you would like more information regarding funeral planning please call Cartmell-Davis Funeral & Cremation Service at 508-746-2162.  One of our knowledgeable funeral directors will be happy to discuss options and help you make decisions that are right for you.
About Cartmell-Davis Funeral & Cremation Service:
Now in its third generation, Cartmell-Davis Funeral &
Cremation 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.

Cartmell Funeral Home | | cartmellcares@aol.com | http://www.cartmelldavis.com
150 Court Street
Plymouth, MA 02360

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