At the time of printing this newsletter, vaccines are now being given to persons 65 and older. We encourage you to get the vaccine as a way to reduce your risk of getting Covid 19. If you have concerns about getting the vaccine, contact your physician’s office to discuss your concerns. Visit ct.gov/COVID vaccine and type in your Zip Code to look for additional locations near you.
Commonly asked questions from the State of CT:
The Vaccine –Is there a difference between the vaccinations that I can take? There are only small differences, but both vaccines currently authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are highly effective based on trials. Below, you’ll see some basic details about both.
Do I get to choose which vaccine brand I want to receive? In general, given scarce supply, only one vaccine may be available through your provider. You can talk with your medical provider if you have specific questions or concerns that may lead you to want to seek out one specific COVID-19 vaccine versus another.
You must schedule two separate dates. Why? Because the timing of both equally important doses are determined by science, and recommended by medical experts. The date of your second visit will be determined by the date of your first visit. The second dose is mandatory.
The Second Dose How do I know when to schedule my second vaccination? Most providers will ask you to schedule your first and second vaccination at the same time, and will help you set up reminders via text, email, or phone call about your second dose. What if I miss my second shot? You should talk to your provider about what next steps you need to take if you miss an appointment for your second vaccination. You will likely be able to get your second vaccination within a short time period of the recommended date, and it will remain effective.
Can people who have already have COVID-19 get the vaccine? Yes. The CDC recommends that you get vaccinated even if you have already had COVID-19 because you can catch it more than once. While you may have some short-term antibody protection after recovering from COVID-19, we don’t know how long this protection will last.
CERAMICS ON THE GO SPRING PROJECT– BOWL
We know you miss our clay works class. So we have worked out a way that you can still get your artistic juices flowing again while we wait to have you back in the classroom. We are putting together Ceramics on the Go kits for you to pick up.
Packs will include: greenware, paint, brush(es). After you are done painting your project, you return it to us. At that point, our Clayworks instructor, Nancy, will come in and do the firing for us. Then we let you know when it is done.
FROM THE DESK OF MARY JO RILEY
Groton Senior Center has received two new grants to increase programming. Groton Senior Center successfully applied for a State of Connecticut CARES ACT grant of $2500. We will be utilizing these funds to purchase items to improve outdoor programming including a large 20’x 40’ tent, fire pits and lumber for a stage. In addition, to increase the WiFi indoors, a new hub to boost the WiFi will be purchased. We are looking forward to using our new purchases for expanding the fun outdoor programs that we offered last summer and fall.
Also, Groton Parks Foundation provided grant funding for us to begin a social calling program. We will be implementing a social connectivity program developed by the Motion Picture Television Fund. Aptly named The Call Hub. The MPTF developed this social phone program to empower organizations to play their part in keeping us all connected. Building upon experience combating social isolation in the entertainment community, MPTF developed an end-to-end solution that enables countless organizations to mobilize social connections – the bedrock of good health and wellbeing.
The Call Hub will facilitate safe, telephonic connections between volunteers and isolated older adults. No phone numbers are shared, just the phone number for the hub. This will allow volunteers to contribute to the community from the safety of their own home. The hub will allow the senior center to track the number of calls to individuals, the length of time for the calls in an effort to meet the needs of isolated older adults. The goal of this program is to have individuals feel validated and connected to other people with similar interests and values through the utilization of weekly phone calls.
SENIOR RESOURCES SERVICES DURING COVID-19
Both CHOICES Health Insurance Counseling and Benefits Counseling are
going to continue via phone sessions while we continue to deal with
COVID19. Please call Senior Resources at 860-887-3561 for either program.
COVID 19 Vaccination Options in Our Area
If you are eligible to be vaccinated you can visit the following websites to look for an available vaccination appointment.
All vaccinations by all providers are by appointment only.
Ledge Light Health District is holding two 1st dose vaccination clinics this week. Please register for an appointment: in New London on Wednesday February 10 or in North Stonington on Friday February 12.
Community Health Center and some other vaccine providers use a CDC system called Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) to schedule vaccination appointments. If you are 75 years of age and older and live or work in Connecticut you may provide your information here to begin the VAMS registration process. Please use a unique email address for each eligible person you are signing up. You will receive an email from CDC inviting you to register: you should click on the link in the email and answer ‘no’ to the first question to start the registration process. You must complete create a password and complete the registration process in VAMS in order to find and schedule a vaccination appointment. If you have already complete the registration process and just need to look for an appointment you can sign in to VAMS here.
Hartford Healthcare uses a system called MyChartPlus to schedule vaccination appointments. If you are 75 years of age and older you can visit their website to sign-up. Please note that the Hartford Healthcare MyChart is different from the Yale New Haven Health System MyChart. You do not have to be a patient at Hartford Healthcare or have an existing MyChart account to sign-up.
Yale New Haven Health System uses their portal to schedule vaccination appointments. If you are 75 years of age and older you can visit their website to sign-up. You do not have to be a patient at Yale New Haven Health System or have an existing MyChart account to sign-up.
CVS in Waterford is now offering COVID vaccinations through their scheduling system. If you are 75 years of age and older you can visit their website to sign-up.
AARP Tax Assistance
I feel like we’ve been here before and I was so hopeful that this year we might be able to return to normalcy for the tax program. No, not so. Once again, we will not be holding the Tax Assistance program at the Preston Senior Center this coming year. Yes, COVID-19 is the cause of the cancellation plus our facility isn’t large enough to safely accommodate each person having their income taxes prepared. Once again, you will be directed to the Rose City Senior Center in Norwich to schedule an appointment to have your taxes completed. Their phone number is 860-889-5960. we are hopeful that sometime in the very near future that our good friends from AARP will be manning the Preston site. In addition to having an opportunity to visit with all our Preston neighbors having their taxes done for free, we miss the volunteers immensely!
Preston Senior Center remains closed
until further notice, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
GRAB & GO SUPPER- Thu, April 15th at 5pm
SPONSORED BY THE NIANTIC LIONS
Thu, April 15th at 5pm
Meals are limited so register ASAP beginning April 1st.
Please register by April 12th.
The menu will be pasta with a meat sauce, salad, garlic bread and a dessert.
You will pull up to the Senior Center in your car – wear your mask – and we will provide you your meal. Pretty simple!!
April’s- Upcoming Classes
UPCOMING CLASSES
As new sessions begin, the Senior Center will start charging fees. Beginning in May, fees will be charged for all classes that have fees.
Mon thru April 26th 10-11am Senior Fitness
Class started January 4th. Senior Fitness offered on Mon at 10am via Zoom. You must register for this session. Please contact the Senior Center office.
Mon thru April 26th 11-12pm Ukulele Lessons Level 2
Class started January 4th. Instructor led lessons for advanced beginner on up students on Mon at 11am via Zoom. New session will start on May 3rd and ends on June 28th (no class on May 31st). Class fee $40R and $44NR. Registration begins April 1st. New session will be Zoom only.
Mon and Wed thru April 28th 11:30-12:30pm Strength Training
Class started January 4th. Strength Training offered on Mon & Wed at 11:30am via Zoom. You must register for this session. Please contact the Senior Center office. New session will start on May 5th and end on June 30th. Mon class in person/Wed class via Zoom. (no class on May 31st). Class fee $40R and $44NR. Maximum number indoors will be 20. Registration begins April 1st. Zoom option for both classes available.
Tue and Thu thru April 29th 9-10am Yoga
Class started January 5th. Senior Yoga to be offered on Tue at 9am via Zoom. You must register for this session. Please contact the Senior Center office.
Tue thru April 27th 10:30-12pm Painting with Friends
Class started January 12th and will be held the 2nd and 4th Tue of every month at 10:30am via Zoom. You must register for this session. Please contact the Senior Center office.
Tues and Thu thru April 29th 3-4ppm FitDance Gold
Class started January 28th. FitDance Gold offered on Tues & Thu at 3pm via Zoom. You must register for this session. Please contact the Senior Center office to register. (no class April 15th). New session will start on April 20th and ends on June 29th. Class will run indoors but will have a Zoom option. Maximum number indoors will be 20. Registration begins on April 1st. Class fee $58R and $62NR.
Wed and Fri thru April 30th 9-10am Tai Chi
Class started January 6th. Tai Chi offered on Wed and Fri at 9am via Zoom. You must register for this session. Please contact the Senior Center office. No class on Fri, Apr 2nd.
Thu thru April 29th 12:30-1:30pm Guitar Lessons – Advanced Beginner
Class started January 7th. Instructor led lessons for advanced beginner on up students on Mon at 11am via Zoom. You must register for this session. Please contact the Senior Center office. New session will start on May 3rd and ends on June 28th (no class on May 31st). Class fee $48R and $53NR. Registration begins April 1st. New session will be Zoom only.
Thu thru April 29th 10:15-11:45am Drawing Class
Class started January 21st and will be held on Thu at 10am via Zoom. You must register for this session. Please contact the Senior center office.
Fri thru April 30th 10:-11:00am Chair Yoga
Class started January 8th. Chair Yoga offered on Fri at 10am via Zoom. You must register for this session. Please contact the Senior Center office. No class on Fri, Apr 2nd.
Thu, April 15th at 3pm- SAFETY TALK with Officer Hull via Zoom
Chat with our own Officer Hull from the ELPD on Internet Safety and how to avoid Scams.
Let us know your questions and concerns beforehand.
Register with the Senior Center by Tue, April 13th to get your Zoom invite.