The Department of Public Health (DPH) and the United Way of Connecticut have recently announced the expanded access to vaccine scheduling through the state’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line.
The expansions include:
*Scheduling availability seven days per week
*Scheduling occurs between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. each day
*Appointments are being booked at 12 locations across the state. (When you call and schedule an appointment, be sure that you indicate that you want the NORWICH area and not Hartford or Bridgeport, unless of course you want to travel to those locations to get your VOVID-19 vaccination)
*There are 125 contact specialists trained and answering appointment calls.
*****The phone number to call for vaccination scheduling is 877-918-2224.
Don’t hesitate, call as soon as you can.
Wed, March 10th- Africa’s Coastal Treasure with Photographer, Ray Uzanas via Zoom
Namibia, Africa’s Coastal Treasure with Photographer, Ray Uzanas
Wednesday, March 10 5:30-7:00 pm via ZOOM
Registration is a must to partake and be given the login. Register by calling 860-441-6785
Sharing his 2018 visit to Namibia, Africa, Ray is a writer, photographer and global adventurer who continues to travel the world in search of interesting and scenic regions rich in wildlife and cultural diversity. With this presentation, the Stonington resident shares his 2018 visit to the African country of Namibia. Whether with his published books or lectures, Uzanas best summarizes his intent simply: “I hope my photographs and writings reasonably capture the best of nature’s artistry as well as its inhabitants and will be of interest and value to others.
** Be sure to also check out our Collette trip presentation: Exploring South Africa , March 18, 2021
UNCAS HEALTH DISTRICT INFORMATION: Connecticut Residents 75 and older can register for COVID-19 Vaccine
The state’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts have now expanded to phase 1b, and as a result, Connecticut residents who are 75 years or older now qualify to receive the vaccines.
Due to limited supply of the vaccine, registering through an online or phone system will be necessary. The state’s Vaccine Administration Management System is now open for registration submission. Those over the age of 75, or their loved ones, are asked to submit applications through the online web portal. https://dphsubmissions.ct.gov/OnlineVaccine
When accepted into the registration portal, individuals will receive emails informing them of the next steps necessary in the scheduling process.
For those in the age group who lack computer access or knowledge, they can also call: 877-918-2224 Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
There may be an initial delay in scheduling access, but as the state actively enrolls providers and staff, it is expected for that access to rapidly grow in coming weeks. All information submitted through VAMS will be kept private. The link to VAMS also contains an extensive list of frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, helping to ease any concerns individuals may have. More than 100 health care providers statewide will offer the vaccine, including UConn Health and Hartford Healthcare, with more locations and a map of all locations to be made available in the coming weeks.
In addition, if you have a MyChartPlus account through Hartford Healthcare, you may schedule a clinic appointment through Hartford Healthcare that is convenient for you. You may register at: https://mychartplus.org/mychart/accesscheck.asp
If you would prefer to schedule your appointment by phone, call the Hartford HealthCare Access Center at 860-827-7690 or toll-free at 833-943-5721.
All vaccinations are offered by appointment; people must first register through one of the systems listed above to secure an appointment. Vaccine supply remains limited and patience is requested.
UNCAS Health District is located at 401 West Thames Street, Ste. 106, Norwich, Ct. 06360, Telephone number 860-823-1189.
COMMUNITY FIRST DINNERS on March 11th and 25th
COMMUNITY FIRST DINNERS
FREE and Open to the Public!
This is a drive through style meal program here at Groton Senior Center with the purpose of keeping our community nourished and safe 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, March 11 4:00-5:00 pm
- Thursday, March 25 4:00-5:00 pm
Please check our Facebook page for any updates. Visit our Facebook page on line at Facebook.com/GrotonSC
Saint Patrick’s day lunch
Saint Patrick’s day lunch Wednesday, March 17th, 2021
Please join us for our traditional St Patrick’s menu: corned beef, boiled cabbage, carrots, red potatoes, bangers (sausage) w/ onion gravy, peas, soda bread, chocolate cake.
$12 each meal
Drive through Style. Pickup is 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Must register by Friday, March 12th. Please call 860-441-6785
Monday, March 8th- Presentation on the Trip to the Shrines of France via Zoom
Shrines of France September 9 -11 (air)
Paris, Seine River, Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Notre Dame Cathedral,Sacre-Coeur, Lisieux, Basilica of St. Thérèse, Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, International Stained Glass Center, Nevers, Paray-le-Monial, Lyon, Bouchon Dinner, Choice on Tour, La Salette, Avignon, Carcassonne, Lourdes 11 Days • 16 Meals included
VIRTUAL TRIP PRESENTATION ~ Monday, March 08, 2021 1:30-2:30 PM
One must register to receive the log in information for this presentation. 860-441-6785
Yearly Membership runs from July 1st – June 30th
You need to be a registered Member of the Senior Center to take part in any activities, classes, or utilizing any rooms in the Senior Center. This includes using our Hairdresser, Massage Therapy and transportation services. If you have any questions, please call us (860) 889-5960.
This year, we are asking all Members to fill out a Membership Form to update their Membership information regardless of whether your Membership will be carried over from 2020.
In-Town Membership (Norwich Residents) is a suggested $25.00 per year
Out-of-Town Membership is $40.00 per year
*Financial Assistance Available (Please see Mike or Hilary)
Please stop by Reception to update your Membership or call for an application to be mailed to you.
Thank you for supporting the Rose City Senior City
Upcoming Cooking Experience: Fun With Food
Join us for some fun with Sue Beeman, MS, RDN. With a specialty in senior nutrition, she will be leading a virtual Cooking Experience on Wednesday, March 24th at 1:00pm. The recipes are listed below. If you wish. you can prepare it with her OR just watch the demonstration. These recipes are easy, quick, healthy, and fun! Please RSVP before Tuesday, March 16thby calling (860) 434-4127 ext. 1. A zoom link will be sent to you after you register.
Salmon Pasta Bake
9 Servings
Ingredients 2 cups whole wheat pasta, 2 medium green onions, finely chopped 1 can (15 oz) salmon, canned in water, drained 1 cup frozen peas, or other frozen veggies of your choice 1 cup plain yogurt, nonfat or low fat 2 tsp dried dill or dried parsley ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp ground black pepper ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 2. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Run under cool water to keep noodles from sticking together. 3. In a large bowl, mix salmon, pasta, green onions, peas, yogurt, dill or parsley, salt, and black pepper. 4. Transfer pasta mixture to a 9×9 inch square baking dish. 5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over pasta mixture. Bake 25-30 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
Nutrition Information Serving Size: 3” square
Calories: 170 Total Fat: 4g Saturated Fat: 1g Protein: 18g Sodium: 360mg Carbohydrates: 18g Added Sugar: 0g Fiber: 2g
Dark Chocolate Black Bean Brownies
12 Servings
Ingredients 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed ½ cup sugar ½ tsp baking powder ¼ cup dark cocoa powder 3 eggs 3 Tbs canola oil 1 tsp vanilla 1 tsp instant coffee granules ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place parchment paper in the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray. If you do not have parchment paper, spraying the bottom of the pan is just fine. 2. In a food processor or blender, blend all the ingredients except walnuts and chocolate chips until smooth. 3. Pour batter into baking pan. Top with nuts and chocolate chips. 4. Bake 30-35 minutes. Cool and cut into squares.
Nutrition Information Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 150 Total Fat: 7g Saturated Fat: 2g Protein: 5g Sodium: 95mg Carbohydrates: 20g Added Sugar: 8g Fiber: 3g
Upcoming Craft Kits
In March, we will be putting together free craft kits for you to make your own Homemade Birdseed Bells. Materials and directions will be included. The materials provided will give you the opportunity to make your own homemade birdseed bells. Kits are limited to 20 people. Please call and sign up if you are interested. Card kits will be available for pickup on Wednesday, March 3rd from 11-2pm. Delivery is available for any homebound members, just let us know when you sign up. Call 860-434-1605 ext. 240 to sign up.
Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Residents Over 65 Can Register for COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments Starting Thursday, February 11
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Connecticut residents over the age of 65 will be eligible to schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments starting on Thursday, February 11, 2021, as the state rolls into the next part of phase 1b of its vaccination program. Vaccinations for individuals over the age of 75 and those within phase 1a will continue.
With approximately 350,000 individuals in Connecticut between the ages of 65 and 74, and a slightly increased but relatively small weekly supply of the vaccine being received in the state from the federal government, Governor Lamont and state public health officials are stressing the need for patience on the part of Connecticut residents.
Currently, the state anticipates receiving about 60,000 first doses of the vaccine per week from the federal government.
“In a perfect world, we would receive enough doses of the vaccine to make it available to everyone in Connecticut right now, however each state is being given a very limited supply, which is why we need to phase it in and give priority to the most vulnerable populations,” Governor Lamont said. “I know that people are anxious to receive it, and I will continue advocating for our state to receive increased allocations in the coming weeks and months.”
“COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted older individuals and individuals in traditionally underserved communities,” Connecticut Public Health Acting Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford said. “Now that we’ve vaccinated the majority of our highest risk age group, we are ready to move to those over the age of 65. However, we want to ensure that within this high risk group, we focus on getting vaccine to individuals within the group who come from communities that have been hardest hit by the virus, namely our Black and Latino communities. We are working with our vaccine providers and other community partners to identify underserved areas and focus vaccine resources into those areas, including providing transportation assistance and other solutions to address barriers to vaccine access.”
All eligible residents are required to make an appointment in advance of receiving the vaccine. To find available vaccination clinics throughout the state, residents can visit ct.gov/covidvaccine and enter their zip code.
Appointments can be made utilizing the following tools:
VAMS online system: VAMS is the Vaccine Administration Management System and can be used to schedule appointments at multiple clinics across the state. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
Call Connecticut’s COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assist Line: Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccine appointment assist line is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. To make an appointment, call 877-918-2224.
Hartford HealthCare: Hartford HealthCare has multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the Hartford area. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
Yale New Haven Health: Yale New Haven Hospital has multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the New Haven area. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
Stamford Health: Stamford Health is operating a clinic seven days per week at Stamford Hospital. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
Walgreens: Walgreens is currently offering the vaccine at 12 different locations and will soon be adding many more across the state. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
CVS: CVS is currently offering the vaccine in four locations (Colchester, Putnam, Waterford, and Windsor Locks) and will be expanding to 12 more locations in the next week. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
Walmart: Walmart will be offering the vaccine at seven locations across the state (Hartford, New Haven, North Windham, Norwalk, Torrington, Waterbury, and West Haven). To make an appointment using this system, click here.
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination distribution plans in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.
Best regards,
Stephanie Gould, Lymes’ Senior Center Director
26 Town Woods Road Old Lyme
(860)434-1605 ext. 240