New Grocery Service Comes to Cambridge

Market shares
by Scott Kearnan | November 29, 2010
Buying stock is always risky. Your investment is subject to the whims of a fickle market, and what's coming up roses on Monday could easily turn into a lemon by Tuesday. Agricultural idioms aside, that's why some of us have been hesitant to buy into community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. On one hand, we love the concept: buying shares in a local farm and receiving portions of the crops it yields, a process that supports small agro-businesses and feeds us, farm-to-fork, with fresh and responsibly grown fruits and veggies. But then there are the drawbacks: not only do CSAs sometimes require a hefty down payment, but the shareholder approach means we reap only what the farmer does. If there's a bad harvest, our plates might look awfully empty, and we can't always predict what produce we'll get. (And trust us: it's awfully disappointing when you're hoping for a box heaped with juicy red tomatoes and wind up with a lonely rutabaga. Epic FML.)
So we love the idea behind Farmers to You, a Vermont-based business that combines the socially responsible model of a CSA with the shopping convenience of, say, Stop & Shop's Peapod service. Here's the gist: customers commit to filling an online shopping cart with a minimum of $30 per week in fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, baked goods, and other groceries - more options than a typical CSA allows, thanks to the more than 20 partnering Vermont-area farms participating. Each order is then assembled and delivered to a regular weekly drop-off location for pickup. Though Farmers to You launched in April, it's only been serving suburbs until recently. But earlier this month, it added a Somerville pickup site in Union Square on Wednesdays - and a Thursday Cambridge location is in the works too. (Check farmerstoyou.com for delivery times and addresses.) And even if we aren't able to snag our groceries at the specified place and time, eco-friendly bike delivery through Metro Pedal Power is available in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville for just an $8 surcharge. And to think, we can't even get that pizza guy to drive over a large pepperoni pie because we're "on the other side of the river."

The convenience factor is great, but what we appreciate most is that Farmers to You offers a ripe alternative to riskier CSA models because it encompasses multiple farms (if CSAs are stocks, think of this as a mutual fund). So we can count on ordering exactly what we need - from organic milk in returnable glass bottles to free-range meats and seasonal veggies. We may never set foot in a supermarket again, if they could only add one more thing: tabloids. But on recycled paper, naturally.

New CAH Membership Plus Programs for Low - Moderate Income Seniors

We are pleased to announce that funds raised from local businesses, foundations, and individuals now make it possible for us to extend membership benefits to a few qualified households at a subsidized rate of $100 per year for a one-person household and $150 per year for a two-person household. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Applicants for subsidized memberships must be aged 70 or older and have gross annual incomes lower than $46,300 for a one-person household or $ 52,950 for a two-person household. Income verification is part of the application process.

The subsidy is for the annual membership fee only. All services from CAH vendors are billed directly to the member. Free services with membership include:

-Grocery Shopping service by appointment weekly
-Exercise classes - 3 per week
-Volunteer ride program - for medical appointments requiring sedation only
-One call referral to vetted service providers - member pays the provider for the services rendered
-Facilitated access to Mount Auburn Hospital
- Discounts from vendors and retail merchants
- Interest groups - bridge, Scrabble, book and poetry groups, walking
- Select member social events are free, others are at a cost

Please contact the office (617-864-1715) for a confidential application.

Interactive Chinese Performance

For the second consecutive year we were fortunate to welcome two masters students from Longy School of Music to a member's home for an interactive concert. This year the topic was Chinese music. The students performed various western classical and Chinese classical music pieces. They also discussed differences in sound between western and Chinese music and taught us about the Chinese music scale. By the end of the session, we were all singing a Chinese melody with Chinese lyrics. Although we may not have perfected our inflection or music skills, we all learned a lot and had fun doing it. We are grateful for our partnership with the Longy School and look forward to our next opportunity to provide an audience to their talented students!

Genomic 'Explosion' Recounted in CAH Member's Book

Basic Books of New York has just published Drawing the Map of Life: Inside the Human Genome Project by Victor K. McElheny, CAH member and trustee, who is a science journalist. The book narrates the achievement of spelling out all 3 billion subunits of human DNA, celebrated just 10 years ago, and then reviews the fireworks since. These include technical progress that has slashed the price of a total human sequence by some 10,000-fold since 2000, intellectual turmoil about what a gene is and does, and the beginnings of clinical use of genomics for diagnosis. McElheny described the book and answered questions at a well-attended author event at the Harvard Book Store on July 20, The event has been videotaped for C-SPAN. He has been doing interviews for radio stations and web sites. A review in the widely circulated journal Science said the book "cuts fresh paths into recent history... and sketches out a more complete history of genomics than previously available."

Cambridge At Home Extends Membership to Belmont

Welcome Belmont residents! Effective October 1, 2010 Cambridge At Home (CAH) will extend membership to Belmont residents. Have you joined yet?

CAH, founded by Cambridge residents in October 2007, is a cooperative community formed to ensure its members the timely availability of services similar to those of a retirement community. Our professional staff helps members obtain such services promptly and at a reasonable cost.

CAH gives members access to vetted service providers, monthly social and cultural programs, free exercise classes, a grocery shopping service, vendor discounts and more. Home maintenance, home health care, transportation, snow removal, yard work, odd jobs, carpentry, house cleaning, and meal preparation are just a few of the service areas where CAH can help.

CAH has over 20 Belmont Charter member households already and our goal would be to enroll 50 households in 2010-11. Just complete the
application form, return it to our office and enjoy the benefits of membership. The annual membership fee is:
2 person household - $1,200.00 per year
1 person household - $ 900.00 per year

If you would like to attend an Open House meeting in the future please call or email our office and we will add you to our contact list. If you would like to host an Open House for 12-15 of your neighbors or friends please contact our Executive Director,Kathy Spirer at info@cambridgeathome.org or call the office (617) 864-1715.

Help us spread the word by copying the application form and giving it to neighbors or friends who might benefit from a little extra help to stay safely at home as they grow older. If you cannot print out the form just call the office and forms will be sent to you in the mail.
We look forward to hearing from you!

617-864-1715 info@cambridgeathome.org

Elder Friendly Guide to Walking Shoes

Walking is a great way for seniors to stay active and healthy. However, to prevent injury it is very important to choose the right shoe for your foot. See this useful article below for some tips about what to look for in a walking shoe:

Elder Friendly Guide to Walking Shoes
Buyer's guide to senior friendly features of walking shoes
by Nellie Day on January 5, 2010

Elder friendly features of walking shoes:
Lightweight, Shock Absorbing Midsole, Easy-Grip Padded Tongue, Lateral Beveled Heel, Flexible Outsole Forefoot, Removable Insole, No-Lace Slip-Ons

The design for walking shoes is generally the same for men and women, with comfort, durability and stability being the keys.

What to Look For in an Walking Shoes:

I. Lightweight

It’s no secret that extra weight can have an impact on us. That impact can be fatigue or feelings of heaviness or over exertion because you have to compensate for those extra ounces and pounds.

Lightweight shoes can give you a spring in your step, which is just what a lot of us seniors need! Look for walking shoes that weigh less than a pound, which means that you’ll only be carrying an extra pound and change when you’re all laced up.

New Balance Women’s WW759 Walking Shoe


Even with cushioning and compressions this shoe only weighs 10.3 ounces.

II. Shock Absorbing Midsole

Many experts believe that the midsole is the walking shoe’s most important feature because this area affects the foot’s cushioning, comfort and shock absorption. Without proper pad distribution the joints can ache from absorbing the shock of a hard floor themselves. This can be especially painful for arthritis sufferers, or for anyone who has a long walk on a hard surface.

There have been great technological advances made in shock absorbency. Most absorbent midsoles today are made with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and Polyurethane (PU).

Springboost Women’s B-Walk Walking Shoe


These midsoles are made of 100% EVA and PU beans, which, according to Springboost’s manufacturers, allow the wearer to go farther with less energy.

III. Easy-Grip Padded Tongue

Shoes can be as comfortable as pillows, but they do us no good if we can’t achieve that comfort because we can’t pull the tongue up to relieve pressure. An easy-grip tongue is key to any shoe’s comfort, so be sure that you can easily grip and tug on the tongue while you’re still in the shoe store. If you can’t – no matter how much you like the style or price of the shoe – you must move on.

The best tongues are larger because they have lots of padding. This makes them easier to see and grip.

Propet Women’s Tidewater Walker Walking Shoes


When many people think of padded tongues they think of the large high-top sneakers that were popular in the ‘80s. This is not so today. There are plenty of shoes, like these Propets, that have a discreet but large padded tongue. Anyone with eyesight problems, limited strength or poor hand-eye coordination will appreciate all the new, stylish models with easy-to-grip tongues.

IV. Lateral Beveled Heel

Beveled, or angled, heels support the natural walking gait, which is a rolling motion that begins at the heels and extends until the toes softly touch down. Shoes without a beveled heel can cause toes to abruptly hit the floor. This can result in shin, ankle or muscle soreness. Not exactly the best motivations for walking, right?

A beveled heel should be no more than three-quarters (3/4”) of an inch, and should provide the most support to the lateral, or outer, part of your foot. This prevents your foot and ankle from turning inward when you walk, which can throw you off balance.

Reebok Women’s RW Flex


The added 3/4” can be seen by looking at the back, outer portion of the shoe where the pink insert appears. This elevated heel should help you maintain your balance wherever you’re off to.

V. Flexible Outsole Forefoot

With their slower pace, walkers tend to lead with their toes, pushing away from the concrete as they step. This is opposed to runners who place most of their weight on their midsole when pushing off. Therefore, a walker needs a shoe with a flexible forefoot. Nerves in the forefront of your foot can be damaged by walking wear and tear.

If you find that most shoes are too stiff for you, causing pain, stiffness and soreness, then you need a more flexible forefoot. To test a shoe’s flexibility, place the forefoot on a hard service and push down. The shoe’s upper and middle sections should bend nicely, indicating that they’re flexible.

You can also determine a shoe’s flexibility by checking the outsole forefoot’s material. Carbon and blown rubber are the most common materials. Sometimes they’re combined, sometimes not. Carbon is the harder of the two, which means that an outsole forefoot made entirely of blown rubber is the most flexible.

Saucony Womens Grid Instep RT Walking Shoe


The forefoot of this outsole is blown rubber, so you know it’ll have a good degree of flexibility. Don’t believe me? Try the push test.

VI. Removable Insole

If you need extra support you’re going to want to put gel inserts in your walking shoes. This requires the removal of the default inner soles that your shoes came with. Thus, you need to be sure these soles are removable and not stitched in.

Aetrex Women’s 821 Athletic Walking Shoes


The Aetrex comes with not one, but two removable insoles per shoe. This allows you to control your level of comfort even more, whether you need a lot of extra support or just a little.

VII. No-Lace Slip-Ons

If you have trouble lacing your shoes because you can’t see the laces or have poor finger dexterity consider slip-on shoes. Lacing shoes incorrectly or tying the wrong knot can cause more than just embarrassment. They can cause slips and falls. Be honest with yourself. If you know it will be too difficult for you to tightly and effectively tie your shoes everyday then switch to a slip-on model.

While Velcro straps are the traditional replacements for lace-ups, shoes with elastic straps can look stylish and state of the art. If you never want to adjust your walking shoe’s settings again, then go with elastic straps. If you want some control over how tight the shoe fits, opt for Velcro.

Propet Women’s Sacha Walking Shoe


Like comfort? Like style? Like suede? Then this is the no-fuss walking shoe for you. Those who need a little help getting their feet in them can use a shoe horn, while others can simply slip them on and hit the pavement.

http://www.eldergadget.com/products/elder-friendly-guide-to-walking-shoes

When to Pass Over the Wheel

One of the most difficult issues for seniors and their families is deciding when it is time to stop driving. At a recent resource fair held at Mount Auburn Hospital for CAH members, we were given a list of warning signs for older drivers. The driving behaviors are ranked from minor to serious. Many of the less serious issues can be remedied by changes in driving behavior or physical fitness while the more serious issues may require immediate action. Changes in driving behavior should be tracked over time to get a clear picture of overall driving ability. It was suggested that you keep notes about what driving issues are experienced and how frequently.
Here is the list of warning signs:
1. Decrease in confidence while driving
2. Difficulty turning when backing up
3. Riding the brake
4. Easily distracted while driving
5. Other drivers often honk horns
6. Incorrect signaling
7. Parking inappropriately
8. Hitting curbs
9. Scrapes or dents on the car, mailbox or garage
10.Increased agitation or irritation when driving
11. Failure to notice important activity on the side of the road
12. Failure to notice traffic signs
13. Trouble navigating turns
14. Driving at inappropriate speeds
15. Not anticipating potential dangerous situations
16. Uses a "copilot"
17. Bad judgment on making left hand turns
18. Near misses
19. Delayed response to unexpected situations
20. Moving into the wrong lane
21. Difficulty maintaining lane position
22. Confusion at exits
23. Ticketed moving violations or warnings
24. Getting lost in familiar places
25. Car accident
26. Failure to stop at stop sign or red light
27. Confusing the gas and brake pedals
28. Stopping in traffic for no apparent reason

President Obama Appoints CAH Lecture Series Speaker Dr. Donald Berwick

Just a few months after presenting about healthcare to Cambridge At Home, Dr. Donald Berwick was picked by President Obama to run the agency that runs Medicare and Medicaid. We wish him the best and look forward to following his progress over the course of the next few years!

CAMBRIDGE AT HOME
Extending service to Belmont

The CAMBRIDGE AT HOME Board of Trustees has approved the extension of CAH services to Belmont residents this fall if 25-30 households join by June 30th. We have already had 2 successful Open House events in Belmont and several more are planned for the upcoming months. If you have a friend, colleague or relative living in Belmont who might be interested in membership please send us their address and they will receive information about upcoming CAH meetings in Belmont. You may also give them our office telephone number or web address to access information on the proposed Belmont program.

UPCOMING BELMONT OPEN HOUSES
April 15th – 3:30pm Beech Street Center
266 Beech Street, Belmont

May 13th – 7:00 pm – private home in Belmont
Guests must call the office to reserve a space.

CALL: 617-864-1715
EMAIL: info@cambridgeathome.org
Visit our website: ww.cambridgeathome.org

Tour of the New Main Cambridge Public Library

Clifford V. Gayley, AIA, LEED AP, a Principal of William Rawn Associates led 22 CAH members around the new Main Cambridge Public Library. At the beginning of the tour the group discovered that one of the CAH members in attendance was Cliff's former professor! This was not surprising as CAH membership includes many educators and engaged community members.

The tour started downstairs in one of the fabulous new lecture halls where the group viewed slides of the project's progression over the last several years. Mr. Gayley explained that the decision was made not to match the aesthetic of the old building, but to design a building that would be equally appropriate for its time.

The project included a significant renovation of a 4 acre City Park surrounding the library. The preserved open space is over six times the footprint of the library. The building features a transparent double skin facade designed to celebrate its relationship to the park and give the building an open, welcoming feel.

The highlight of the tour for many of us was the Children's floor. We were greeted at the lowered reception desk by a hampster running around on his wheel. The room featured bamboo floors, a colorful, forest like ceiling and, a textured "stone" carpet where we observed an informal book reading and many gleeful children playing with toys.

Mr. Gayley told the group that since the opening of the new main library building, book circulation has doubled. After visiting, we can understand why this has become such a popular destination and look forward to using this space frequently for gatherings in the future!

A Jazzy Winter Afternoon

On, Sunday January 10, CAH members gathered at the home of Herbert and Pat Pratt for a piano performance by Will Armstrong, a student at the New England Conservatory. Will transported us from a living room to what felt like a classy jazz bar with his surprising and impressive original compositions of well-known tunes including old favorites like Body and Soul and It Could Happen to You. There were very few idle feet in the house as we swayed to the music and tapped to the beat.

Will Armstrong grew up outside the Washington D.C. area where he was immersed in the jazz tradition of Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Through high school and much of college he studied with the late Calvin Jones, the founder of the U.D.C. jazz studies program and trombonist of the original Ray Charles Big Band. In 2003 Will graduated from Gonzaga, an all male inner city Jesuit high school, and continued to pursue degrees in English and music at Boston College (BC). At BC Will began to study classical and twentieth century repertoire and composition under the guidance of composer Ralf Gawlick. Since graduation Will has been studying at the New England Conservatory and has been mentored by the great Benito Gonzalez of the Kenny Garret Quartet.

Following the concert, members asked questions about Will's training and technique. After a brief Q & A session, we had a chance to mingle with the musician and other members while enjoying wine, hors d'oeuvres, and delicious Russian tea served by the host and hostess.

A Conversation about Health-Care Delivery

Even after health-insurance reform, the United States faces huge tasks ahead in improving the quality of health care, according to Drs. Donald Berwick and Howard Hiatt of Harvard University, who addressed more than 60 members and guests of Cambridge At Home on January seventh. In the third of a lecture series held in the Piper Auditorium of the Harvard Graduate School of Design, they described enormous gaps in medical outcomes and costs between the United States and some 20 other developed nations.

Among statistics they cited was a scandalous overuse of CAT scans in the United States. Over 60 million such tests are performed annually in a population of 300 million people, meaning that every year one in five Americans undergoes the procedure. In addition to the unnecessary costs, Dr Hiatt noted that each CAT scan delivers the equivalent in radiation of 400 chest x-rays.

Excessive use of specialized tests is not necessary and is not universal throughout the United States, they reported. A number of communities, such as Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Everett, WA; and Tallahassee, Florida keep Medicare costs significantly below average. Health agencies in Cedar Rapids cooperate to accomplish this by limiting the number of specialized services offered and the number of hospital beds available.

Several organizations study such communities to determine whether their success in containing medical costs while maintaining or surpassing the average national level of medical outcomes can be translated into a national program. Among them are the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, of which Dr. Berwick is the President and CEO, and the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice. For more information, please refer to an Op-Ed piece in the New York Times on August 13, by Drs. Berwick, Atul Gawande, Elliott Fisher, and Mark McClellan (www.nytimes.com/2009/08/13/opinion/13gawande.html).