THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 4, 2024 Page 19 Arts Collaborative of Wakefield presents Elements: Earth, Water, Air, Fire By Joy Schilling C onsisting of five components, this collaborative event spans a month. It includes an Art Exhibit centered around the Elements theme, a joint exhibit showcasing paired creations by local writers and artists, the 5x7 Small Works Fundraiser where all earnings benefit PAWS of Wakefield, a Pop Up Shop where artists sell their pieces and a display of artwork by Wakefield High School (WHS) Visual Arts students. Every artist is free to interpret the theme “Elements” in a distinctive manner, enabling them to convey their personal viewpoints, emotions and experiences through visual art. Historically, it was thought that everything consisted of four elements: earth, water, air and fire. The showcase includes a diverse range of artistic forms, such as paintings, batik, ceramics, photography, fibers and stained glass. A collaborative exhibit by Arts Collaborative of Wakefield (ACW) and Room to Write merges writing and art. The concept involves authors submitting pieces on the Elements theme, which artists then use as inspiration for their artwork. This process is a playful variation of the previous partnership in April 2024, where writers’ works preceded the creation of art pieces. The exhibit features 10 showcased collaborations. Artists participating in the 5x7 Small Works Fundraiser are expected to create and donate artworks that will be sold for $10.00 each, with all proceeds benefiting Protection of Animals in Wakefield Society, Inc. (PAWS). This presents a wonderful opportunity to purARTS | SEE Page 20 Savvy Senior Wakefield High School artists: Fairy Houses by Juliet Bonner, Daisy Cassesso, Michael Fratto, Ava Gagnon Bella Souza and Addie Ursitti. (Courtesy photo) BEACON | FROM Page 18 us today as a gentle reminder of slowing down, consuming only what is necessary, and remaining steadfast in one’s personal beliefs despite popular opinion.” ---Mark Bodanza, historian and author of “Johnny Appleseed – the Man Behind the Folklore,” on commemorating the 250th birthday of John Chapman, known as Johnny Appleseed, who was born in the city of Leominster on September 26, 1774. “Our shared history and traditions should be on full display here at the State House, where we are celebrating the strength and culture of our Hispanic and Latino community in Massachusetts. These pieces will enrich the experience of thousands of visitors who come to the State House to see our shared roots on display.” ---Gov. Maura Healey hosting a celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month, at which she unveiled a temporary art installment by Hispanic and Latino artists living in Massachusetts. HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of Sept.2327, the House met for a total of 16 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 20 minutes. Mon. Sept. 23 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. Senate 11:26 a.m. to 11:32 a.m. Tues. Sept. 24 No House session No Senate session Wed. Sept. 25 No House session No Senate session Thurs. Sept 26 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:08 a.m. Senate 11:20 a.m. to 11:34 a.m. Fri. Sept. 27 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019. If You’re 65 or Older, It’s Time to Get Your Pneumonia Shot Dear Savvy Senior, I recently turned 65 and would like to know if am supposed to get the pneumonia vaccine? And if so, which type of vaccine do I need and is it covered by Medicare? Relatively Healthy Dear Relatively, Yes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does indeed recommend the “pneumococcal vaccines” for pneumonia for adults age 65 and older. They’re also recommended for younger people with long-term health issues or weak immune systems, as well as children under 5 and people who smoke. Pneumonia, which can happen anytime – not just during the cold months – can be a serious and even life-threatening condition. Each year, pneumonia causes a whopping 1.5 million people to visit medical emergency departments in the U.S. and causes roughly 50,000 deaths. A recent study found that the use of pneumonia vaccines is associated with a 24 percent decreased risk of death, but vaccination rates aren’t that high. Around 67 percent of adults over the age of 65 are vaccinated against pneumonia, and just 24 percent of younger people (19-64 years old) at risk for pneumonia are vaccinated. The main reasons for this are because many people are unsure whether they need the vaccine, while others aren’t even aware a vaccine exists. Types of Vaccines There are three different vaccines available, some more appropriate for certain people than others. They are the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine PPSV23 (Pneumovax23), the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV15 (Vaxneuvance) and PCV20 (Prevnar 20). The numbers indicate how many strains, or serotypes, of streptococcus pneumoniae are included in the vaccine. So, which vaccine should you get? If you’ve never been vaccinated for pneumonia, the newer PCV20 is the top choice – it covers the 20 most common serotypes now. If that vaccine is not available in your area, you can get the PCV15 vaccine, followed one year later by PPSV23. If you had the earlier PCV13 (but not PCV15), or the PPSV23 at or after age 65, you’re likely eligible to get the PCV20 for increased protection. But because of the different possibilities, you need to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the most effective option for you. Side effects of these vaccines tend to be mild, but may include feeling achy and tired as well as redness, swelling and soreness where the injection was given. You’ll also be happy to know that Medicare Part B covers both single dose and two-dose pneumococcal shots, and you only need to get it once. Unlike the flu shot, which is given annually. Most local pharmacies and community health clinics offer pneumococcal vaccines, but you may want to call ahead just to be sure. For more information, visit the CDC’s Pneumococcal Vaccination webpage at CDC.gov/vaccines/vpd/ pneumo/index.html. Other Vaccines To avoid getting pneumonia as a consequence of a viral infection, you should also consider getting a flu shot, RSV shot and a Covid-19 booster in the fall. While vaccines cannot prevent every case of pneumonia (or other conditions they’re given for), those who get them usually have milder infections, a shorter course of illness and fewer serious complications than people who don’t get vaccinated. The flu shot and Covid booster are both covered by Medicare Part B, while the RSV vaccine (which is recommended every other year) is covered under Medicare (Part D) prescription drug plans. All three shots can also be given simultaneously. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
20 Publizr Home