Fortitude – Content by Judy

Posted on April 3, 2021 by East Lyme

As I worked on my Vision Board for 2021, I searched for that all important key word – for me and for SeniorCenterCt.org. What one word was the best fit? What word would portray and define my path for 2021?

Many businesses and individuals pick one word that best describes how they want to be characterized and/or strive to achieve in the upcoming year.

Well, I wanted to do this as well but as much as I searched, I just could not find the right word. I kept at it. I would revisit and wander down the path of words I’d see from time to time. And yeah, there wasn’t ever quite the right fit until…

This week I was walking along the ocean in Westbrook for the second day in a row and as I let my mind wander, there it was – fortitude. Wow, I mulled it over. Said it out loud and knew it was the word I had been searching for.

FORTITUDE – courage in adversity. Isn’t this exactly what we all have been doing since COVID came to visit and did not leave just like an unwanted house guest. We all discovered that we have the strength of mind to endure a 2-week shelter in place that has turned into a year plus. We have discovered we have gumption, spunk, moxie and determination. We can and are surviving.

And as I traveled down 2020, I struggled just as many businesses did on whether SeniorCenterCt.org would survive or was it time to shut the doors and close down Jencks Network, LLC. There were no new sales happening and little money coming in. But the bills continued arriving. The question became “Is today the time to file for bankruptcy?”

But I also knew I have a product that is stunning and needed by so many.  Also, that as we come out of COVID I know other businesses are going to be looking for “new” ways to advertise.  That post COVID we all will be in a “new world” and SeniorCenterCt.org is in the best position ever to thrive and grow into the business I have always know it will be.

So, I reached out for grants, PPP, EIDL and anything else that might give me the money I needed to survive. And as I said “FORTITUDE” on the beach, I knew that is exactly what I have been doing. What I will continue to do as SeniorCenterCt.org grows in 2021. A new Senior Center is being added. A different calendar platform will be used. Other changes are in the works. I know that FORTITUDE is the strength and strong will that carries me patiently forward with firm courage.

This word – FORTITUDE —   reflects back at me as I read my 2021 Vision Board. It says – I will experience everyday humility, curiosity, courage and confidence. I will always ask “Why?” I will look for and see the clues.

Because I have the ability to carry on, because I and all of us who have survived COVID we all have  FORTITUDE!

And yes, you have been traveling this same journey even if your path looks a little different, we all have had the strength to bear through a pandemic and have the ability to carry on!! We have guts, grit, backbone and FORTITUDE!!

Cornhole

Posted on April 3, 2021 by Groton

Mondays

1:00-3:00 in the front lawn

We have three sets of boards.

Sign up with a partner or we can match you up!  $5.00 per participant (for 8 weeks)

We have lots of fun while being a tad competitive? Sign up with a partner or we can match you up? $5.00 per participant (for 8 weeks).

Corn hole is a fun game we play weekly inside our main room here after the lunch crowd leaves.  According to google it is best described as a “lawn game” in which players toss beanbags toward a slanted platform with the aim of passing the beanbag through a hole in the center of the platform. As we age, vision, depth perception, balance, and coordination can decline. Our weekly Cornhole games gets our patrons active and aids critical hand-eye coordination and balance.

 

 

 

Call for Artists to display your talents for a great cause!  ART WITH PURPOSE

Posted on April 3, 2021 by Groton

We invite local artists to display your talents for a great cause!  ART WITH PURPOSE To Benefit Groton Senior Center’s  Project LifeSaver which will take place July 30th . 

Giving you the much-deserved exposure of your piece(s) and a place to display your work for the month of JULY all while giving to an incredible cause.

What Is Needed?

Artists willing to donate, display and part with their work of any size in the interest of selling it to benefit our Groton Senior Center’s PROJECT LIFESAVER. Generously donating? Please provide a short bio to display with your artwork.

How Will This Work?

Proceeds of the sale go to Project Lifesaver.

Artwork should be dropped off by Monday, June 21st.

What is Project Lifesaver?

It is the pioneer organization in the radio tracking and locating of at risk individuals with dementia or autism. It was founded and is still led by first responder law enforcement personnel with years of experience in search and rescue and law enforcement.

Interested?

Please contact KWilliams@groton-ct.gov or TStanley@groton-ct.gov or 860-441-6785

Groton Senior Center, 102 Newtown Road, Groton, CT 06340

 

AGING MASTERY PROGRAM- THURSDAYS from January 28 – March 31st from 5:15-6:45 PM

Posted on April 3, 2021 by Groton

Groton Senior Center and the CT Healthy Living Collective is pleased to announce that we will offer the innovative ten-week health and wellness program to residents [55 plus] virtually. The Aging Mastery Program® (AMP) was developed by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and has been successful at helping older adults build their own playbook for aging well. This effort is made possible in part through support from the Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield Foundation.

This is a wonderful opportunity for older adults to participate in, and reap the benefits of, this cutting-edge program. We are currently recruiting adults 55 and older to participate in the ten-week educational program.

AMP is a fun, innovative, and person-centered education program that empowers participants to embrace their gift of longevity by spending more time each day doing things that are good for themselves and for others. The program encourages mastery—developing sustainable behaviors across many dimensions that lead to improved health, stronger economic security, enhanced well-being, and increased societal participation. The CT Healthy Living Collective is a network of partners dedicated to delivering programs and services that promote healthier people, better care, smarter spending, and health equity.

This is a $75 value class. Groton Senior Center is offering it for FREE, yet you MUST register for this great class before January 22rd. RSVP 860-441-6623

Senior Medicare Patrol Fraud Alert – Be alert to COVID-19 Vaccine fraud

Posted on April 2, 2021 by Lisbon

The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine has been announced and unfortunately scammers will use this as an opportunity to take advantage of people eager to get the vaccine. We don’t know what the scam will look like but it’s important people are aware that scammers are eager to knock on your door, call your phones, send you emails and pretty much contact you any way possible. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) will release specific information on known scams as they happen, but in the meantime remember these tips to help you avoid vaccine scams.

  •   You cannot pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.
  •   You cannot pay to get early access to the vaccine.
  •   No one from Medicare or the Health Department with contact you.
  •   No one from a vaccine distribution site or health care payer, like a private insurance company, will call you asking for your Social Security number, or your credit card or bank account information to sign you up to get the vaccine.
  •   Beware of providers offering other products, treatments, or medicines to prevent the virus. Check with your health care provider before paying for or receiving any COVID-19-related treatment.
  •   If you get a call, text, email — or even someone knocking on your door — claiming they can get you early access to the vaccine, STOP. That’s a scam.
  •   Be wary of where you get your information on the vaccine. Avoid unsolicited communication. For reliable information:
  •   You can check out the State of Connecticut COVID-19 Response Website or
  •   You can read the latest Press Release from Governor Lamont on how the Vaccine will be released.
  •   See attached Public Service Announcement from the FBI, Office of Inspector General and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Thursday, April 8th and 22nd- COMMUNITY FIRST DINNERS

Posted on April 2, 2021 by Groton

4:00-5:00 pm

FREE and Open to the Public!
This is a drive through style and contactless meal program here at Groton Senior Center with the purpose of keeping our community nourished during these difficult times.
In order to keep this contactless, we ask that you pop open your trunk so meals can be placed in. For the safety of all involved Face Masks are mandatory at pick up.
* Thursday, April 8 4:00-5:00 pm
* Thursday, April 22 4:00-5:00 pm
Please check our Facebook page for any updates. Visit our Facebook page on line at Facebook.com/GrotonSC

SATURDAY, MAY 8TH- CLUB 55 FLEA MARKET AND BAKE SALE

Posted on April 2, 2021 by Groton

Outdoors $15 per spot
Call 860-441-6785 to reserve your spot!
Club 55 events are fundraisers for their High School Senior Achievement Award . Please support Club 55 as they continue to support our local high school seniors.

We Wednesday- Vitrual program meets weekly on Wednesdays

Posted on April 1, 2021 by Groton

Wednesdays 10:00 am – 10:30 am

This virtual social gathering meets weekly through ZOOM so that we may socialize with you while safe distancing. We will keep it casual and allow for everyone to have a chance to say hello and chat. You do not need the Zoom app to participate. Email colsen@groton-ct.gov to get the direct link.

COMMUNITY FIRST DINNER MEALS 4-5 pm Thursday

Posted on April 1, 2021 by Groton

Don’t forget to swing by tomorrow starting at 4pm for a FREE dinner. Simply pull up to the main entrance, have a designated spot in your vehicle for the meal, we will place the meal in your vehicle for a no contact delivery and off you go. We do ask that all individuals in the vehicle have a mask on. This meal is open to all community residents. No registration required and no questions asked.

This Thursday, Feb 25th we are giving out BBQ PORK, MACARONI & CHEESE AND VEGETABLE.

 

 

 

GROTON COMMUNITY GARDEN

Posted on April 1, 2021 by Groton

GROTON COMMUNITY GARDEN is located at 2 Fort Hill Road, Groton, (behind Groton Human Services office) and Noank Community Garden is at 42 Smith Lane, Noank. Both gardens are intended to be a beautiful, safe, and peaceful place for individuals, 18 and older, to cultivate flowers and vegetables. Individuals may rent up to two (2) garden plots, each being either 10′ x 10′ or 10′ x 20′. Water and gardening tools are available on-site.
Returning gardeners are assigned garden plots first. New gardeners should register under “Garden Plot – New Gardner Wait List”. As plots become available, new gardeners are contacted from this list beginning the first two weeks of March to receive their assigned plot at which time the registration fee is due.