FRIDAY, JANUARY 7TH 8:40 AM
Let us gather again for breakfast! Enjoy a hot breakfast
while socializing with other great people.
Mmm, our menu this month is sausage and biscuits,
scrambled eggs, pastry, fruit cup, OJ and coffee/tea. Door
prizes too. $10.00 per person – Register by Wed, Jan 5th.
JANUARY VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH- OBIE HILL
We would like to recognize Obie for being such a fantastic volunteer and always
giving his all to us. He began coming to our center in 2002 to play cards. In 2006, he
become a volunteer, he felt that the center was such a nice place to go that he wanted
to give back and do his part to keep it up. Obie feels that it is important for folks to
show their value and prove that they are an asset to the community by volunteering.
Obie is often seen setting up for events, collecting bottles and turning them in for
Club 55, prepping for Club 55 fund raisers. He does anything he can that the staff
needs with a smile on his face. Obie stated that “I enjoy doing what I do and it gives
me a great feeling!”
A veteran, he retired after twenty –one years of Submarine Service. He has been a
member of the Sub Vets since 1964, also volunteering his time with Sub Vets events
and fundraisers.
For many years, Obie has been a mentor to children from broken homes. He has gained family members doing
this and takes great pride in being able to help shape these children and watch them grow into successful adults.
Obie enjoys hobbies like stamp collecting, postal history, computers and records. When Obie had a youngster at
home he also enjoyed helping with youth sports and ran a youth football league. Obie stated that “I like to help
lift people up away from bad times so that they can look to a brighter future!” Thank you Obie for all you do!
Registrations and Refunds
Payments for all programs, events and trips are due at the time of registration. Registrations will not be taken
without payment. No refunds for classes will be made after the second meeting of a program. A $2.00 fee is
charged to process a refund. No fee is charged if refund is placed on account or the class is cancelled.
For Meal Events, no refund will be given after the last date for registration (due to food having been purchased
for the event). A refund will be given if staff find a person to replace you.. For Day Trips, a refund will only be
given if a person can replace you.
We are now THRIVE55+
Groton Senior Center is adopting a new identity –THRIVE55+ Active Living Center to better reflect the efforts to promote the healthy and vibrant lifestyles of its members and staff efforts to help older adults thrive in the community. This change is a result of a 2019 research study of perceptions and barriers to using the Senior Center. This study showed that the word “senior” had negative connotations from nonusers affecting the overall perception of its programs and services. An overwhelming majority of survey participants supported removing “senior” from the organization’s title, and suggested branding that reflects the activities and community services offered. Based on the recommendations of the survey, the rebranding of the center was an appropriate step to shift perceptions and ultimately better align with available center services. For at least six months the brand will have the tag line “powered by the Groton Senior Center” before transitioning fully to the new name alone. This will allow time for people to adapt to the new name but also know that it is still the same staff who will continue with the quality programs that are offered. Below is an explanation of the new brand. Both the research of perceptions and barriers and the new branding and renaming efforts were paid for by the center’s fund balance and not from taxpayer dollars. If you have any questions, you can contact Mark Berry or Mary Jo Riley.
TVCCA Energy Assistance Program
Winter is here and home heating costs can be a struggle for many. There is help.
TVCCA is now taking applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program which provides assistance towards a homes primary source of heat – oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, coal, wood or wood pellets. The program is designed to help offset the winter heating costs of Connecticut’s lower income households. Eligibility is based on income, family size, assets, and expenses. Payments are made directly to the utility or fuel company.
Income Limits: Household Size: 1 2 3
Annual Income $39,027 $51,035 $63,044
► Last Day to Apply: May 31, 2022
For an appointment or for additional information, please call TVCCA (860) 425-6681
Connecticut Water Assistance Program 2022
TVCCA is now taking applications for the Connecticut Water Assistance Program. This is a one-time water assistance benefit to help low income households. Covered services include restoration of household water services to eligible disconnected homes; reduction of overdue water bills; and prevention of service disconnection. Help is available for both household water and wastewater bills. Eligibility is based on income and family size. Payments are made directly to your water provider.
Income Limits: Household Size and Annual Income:
1 $39,027
2 $51,035
3 $63,044
► Last Day to Apply: May 31, 2022
For an appointment or for additional information, please call TVCCA (860) 425-6681
Congratulations to Lee-Ann Gomes
The Senior Center staff and members would like to send our heartfelt congratulations out to Lee-Ann on her retirement from the City of Norwich.
Lee-Ann began her career as a 21 year old University of Connecticut graduate. In 1986 she was hired by Norwich Social Services under the leadership of Beverly Goulet. She worked for many years as a social worker, eventually working her way up to the Supervisor of Norwich Human Services. In 2014, Lee-Ann replaced a retiring Beverly Goulet as the Director of Human Services.
Twice delaying her retirement due to the Covid-19 pandemic, she is finally able to step away gracefully after her continued demonstration of great leadership in the community. Lee-Ann’s contributions to Norwich are unprecedented and she will leave an indelible mark on this wonderful community for which she has served for 36 years.
We wish her all the best in retirement and hope for a lifetime of happiness and good health for her and her family as she embarks on this newest chapter of her storied life. Norwich is a better place because of you Lee-Ann Gomes!!!
COVID-19 Vaccine & Booster
If you need assistance finding a COVID-19 Vaccine clinic or need transportation to your COVID-19 Vaccine appointment, please contact the Senior Center for help (860) 889-5960.
Homebound or have difficulty getting out of the house?
Uncas Health District Mobile Vaccination Team can bring the shot to you!
Call Uncas Health District to schedule a home visit. (860) 823-1189 x109
Rest in Peace Jan Stewart
Jan Stewart, longtime Director of the Rose City Senior Center, passed away on Wednesday, December 1st at the age of 83 years old.
Anyone who has been associated with the Rose City Senior Center over the last 35+ years owes a great deal of gratitude to Jan as she was one of the main reasons the senior center is what it is today. Jan began her career with the Norwich Senior Center in 1975. In 1977 she was appointed Senior Affairs Director. In 1994, the Senior Center as you know it today, opened at our current location on Mahan Drive. Jan retired from the City of Norwich in early 2000. Jan had such a vision for what the older adult population needed and what they would need in the future. Our building was constructed to fit those needs and the programs and services followed.
Jan has served on the Senior Affairs Commission for many years and was involved in many community organizations such as Women’s City Club, Backus Hospital Auxiliary, UCFS Eldercare Committee, AARP #1004 and many other.
To say she will be missed is an understatement.
To her Husband of 64 years, their family and friends we sincerely express our deepest condolences.
Movie: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Movie Comedy– Dirty Rotten Scoundrel (1988) – Wednesday, February 16th at
1:00pm. Call to register. (860) 434-4127.