Additional Membership Information

If you renewed your Membership in 2020 and did not use any of our services (such as transportation) in 2020 during our closure, your 2020 Membership will be transferred to cover your 2021 Membership.

If you renewed your Membership in 2020 and used any of our services in 2020, your Membership will not be transferred to 2021 and you will need to renew your Membership to remain a Member.

In addition, we are asking all Members to fill out a Membership Form to update their Membership information regardless of whether your Membership is transferred to 2021 or not.

 

WELCOME BACK TO OUR MEMBERS!

Starting July 6th, we will be fully open and will resume almost all our programming (see page 5 for changes).  It has been a long almost 16 months since we can say we are completely open.

The majority of restrictions have been dropped with the exception of unvaccinated individuals or those not fully vaccinated need to continue to wear a mask, at all times, while in the Senior Center.

In addition, ALL individuals, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask if you are using our transportation services or in our Health Clinic receiving services from Dr. Walter, Nurse Rebecca or Nurse Leonna per the Department of Public Health and the Governor’s office.

When you return, you will first notice the nice new smiling face at the Reception Desk.  Melissa joined our team in September and is doing a fantastic job with all that we are throwing at her.  Please stop by to meet her when you are here and remember, most of this is still new to her.

Hilary has been busy shuffling schedules around as the situation has been very fluid.  She continues to do a great job on the newsletter and will look forward to planning some trips (hopefully in the fall).  Please bear with her as she fills the schedule with enjoyable activities.

Our drivers have done such great work throughout the pandemic, providing safe transportation, bring our seniors shopping, shopping for our seniors, delivering weekly meals and all sorts of other errands to keep our seniors safe and healthy.  We have two new per diem drivers that we added as well; Joanne Trainor and Olivia Davis joined us this spring.

Carolyn continues to put her valuable skills to work assisting many of our seniors with all sorts of services and solutions to issues they face on a daily basis.

Natalie Lindberg, Benefits Counselor, retired in the Spring and will be missed tremendously

As we look forward to this Summer, we will work hard to provide a safe and enjoyable time for all of you while at the Senior Center.  By all means, if you have suggestions for us, please share.

We look forward to seeing you this summer and getting over this hump.  Again, we will strive to keep you all safe and healthy.  ~ Respectfully, Mike

 

Farmer’s Market Coupons

Will be distributed on: Wednesday, July 21st from 9:00 a.m. – Noon

Farmer’s Market coupons are available to low income seniors who meet certain eligibility requirements.

You must meet the following Eligibility Requirements in order to receive a coupon booklet:

¨ You must be 60 years or older.

¨ Yearly income not to exceed $23,828 for single or $32,227 for couple.

¨ Must be participating in another need based program that verifies income eligibility such as Renter’s Rebate, Congregate Meal Program, Medicaid, SNAP (Foodstamps), etc.

¨ You must be a resident of the town you receive the coupon booklet from.

¨ If you are under 60 and disabled you must meet all other eligibility requirements and live in subsidized housing to be eligible.

Limit of one coupon booklet per eligible senior annually.

 

Fully Reopen Starting July 6th

We are excited!!  We reopen FULLY next week beginning Tuesday, July 6th!!!

We have been waiting so long to say that to you all. We know that some are still concerned with Covid even with the vaccines. Please be assured that we continue with our extensive cleaning. All persons who have been fully vaccinated are welcome to come in the building without a mask, those who have not been vaccinated should continue to wear a mask.  If you are more comfortable wearing a mask, please continue to do so.  All persons using the center transportation should continue to wear masks on the bus.

We begin our summer session programs (as seen in the latest newsletter) Tuesday July 6th! You can also see and subscribe to our newsletter online here at this link https://mycommunityonline.com/find/groton-senior-center/bulletin/file

Be sure to sign up for your programs now! Don’t want to have to cancel a program or event due to low enrollment. For example, we just had to postpone our July Gong (talent) Show to Sept 10th.  You can come in or call in to sign up.

As for our COASTAL CAFÉ kitchen-

  • The kitchen will be open 8:30am – 12:45pm.
  • For breakfast – just muffins, danish and toast. No breakfast sandwiches.
  • Lunch is 11:15am – 12:45pm. Meals will be served in “to go” containers for at least the first two weeks.
  • There is take out, of course and call ins for pick up.
  • No home delivery until linguistics is worked out.

Indoor Walking Group- Wednesdays and Fridays

Wednesdays 1:00p.m. – 3:30p.m.  and  Fridays 2:00p.m. – 3:30p.m.

Too hot or rainy to walk outside?  Don’t like walking on a treadmill?  Try Indoor Walking Group!

The program room will be available for those who would like to walk indoor but not on a treadmill.  The room is air conditioned and has a TV if you would like a little entertainment while walking.  A great way to get together with others to walk and talk, or just walk by yourself, in a safe environment indoors.

Please call Hilary if you have questions.  (860) 889-5960.

 

Drive-Thru Food Distribution

Connecticut Food Bank/Foodshare are holding a weekly Drive-Thru Food Distribution in Norwich.  You remain in your vehicle and groceries are placed in your trunk or back seat.  Please wear a mask.  No appointment needed – just show up during hours listed below.  Open to anyone in need of food.

WHEN: every Monday through August

LOCATION: Parking lot across from Pistol Pete’s Bar & Grill

28 Stonington Road, Norwich, CT 06360

HOURS: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

For more information visit: www.ctfoodbank.org/gethelp

Or call the Connecticut Food Bank: (203) 741-9751 or (203) 469-5000

 

Norwich Public Utilities Drop Box

A Norwich Public Utilities Drop Box is located between the front entrance double doors of the Senior Center.  Drop off your NPU bill and payment in the drop box by noon to be picked up the same day.  Please make sure your bill and payment are in a sealed envelope before you drop it in the box!

Please be aware that the drop box is only accessible during the hours the Senior Center is open.

If you have any questions on your Norwich Public Utilities Bill, please contact NPU Customer Service (860) 887-2555.

 

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020 due to a COVID-19 related death of a family member.  Up to $9000 per funeral, max $35,000 per application if multiple deaths in a family occurred. Up to $9000 per funeral, max $35,000 per application if multiple deaths in a family occurred.

To apply, call the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line at 1-844-684-6333 

A FEMA representative will help you complete a COVID-19 Funeral Assistance application over the phone and let you know what information you will need to provided.  Multilingual services is available.  The phone line is open Monday – Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

For more information visit:  www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance

 

Got Talent? We Want YOU! for the Gnog Show

Friday, September 10th – Gnog Show

This event showcases a wide variety of entertainment throughout our 55 plus community in a talent show format. What a fun night we always have!  We are now recruiting any talented acts for this event Do you have an act? We welcome anyone 55 and older!  If so, email colsen@groton-ct.gov or call 860-441-6623 please.  Each act performs for 3minutes.
We enjoy a wonderful dinner then we delight in all the various acts. Oh and the mean for the event is delicious!
Dinner Menu –Italian cheese stuffed meatloaf, cheddar bacon seasoned haddock, marinara sauce, mashed potatoes, monaco blend vegetables, rolls, cake, bottled water, sodaEntertainment after dinner.  Cost: $20 per person.  Register by Sept 3 

Not just for Groton residents! Cost: $15 per person

Wednesday, July 6th at 10:00 a.m.- New to Medicare Virtual Presentation

Offered by Senior Resources Agency on Aging

Know your Medicare options.  Choose a date that works for you!

July 6th 10:00a.m.      August 3rd 2:00p.m.      September 7th 5:00p.m.

Session includes:

  • Enrollment – Know when to enroll to avoid penalties
  • Medicare options
  • Make Medicare affordable—Medicare financial assistance programs

To register for one of the ZOOM presentations, visit www.seniorresourcesec.org