Otis Library

Contactless Book Pick-up – Otis Library is offering Outside Book Pickup for those interested in getting reading material.  Requested books will be collected by Library staff.  You arrange a pickup date and time.  When you arrive, call the Library and the books will be placed on a table for you to retrieve.

For information, visit www.otislibrarynorwich.org/outside-pickup-instructions  OR  Call the Library and someone can assist you by phone (860) 889-2365 press 1.

E-Books, Audiobooks and Online Magazines – Otis Library has a large collection of material available to view online through their website for Otis Library Card holders.

For information, visit www.otislibrarynorwich.org/downloadables

Chromebooks and Hotspots – Otis Library has a limited number of Chromebooks (laptops) available to borrow if you are in need of a device to access the internet.

Portable Hotspots are also available to borrow.  A Portable Hotspots will allow you to access the internet with a mobile WiFi signal.  If you do not currently have internet access in your home, a Hotspot will allow you access.  With a Chromebook and Hotspot you will be ready to explore the internet and have access to online classes, programs, information, etc.

For information, call Otis Library (860) 889-2365 press 1.

You need an Otis Library Card in order to borrow material.  Please contact the Library to obtain a card if you do not currently have one.  Library Cards are free to Norwich Residents.

 

Food Pantries ~ Food Assistance

If you need assistance with food, please contact Rose City Senior Center (860) 889-5960 or

Norwich Human Services (860) 823-3778 for information on additional Norwich Area Food Pantries.  Your information will be kept confidential.  Please reach out for help if you need it.

 

January- Virtual Presentations

These virtual presentations are being shared by AARP, Sherman Senior Center, Glastonbury Senior Center, West Hartford Library and Needham History Museum.

  • How to Go in the Ice and Snow Tues., Jan 12th  12:00p.m.  Winter driving tips from AAA.  Registration required by emailing  ShermanSeniorCenter@gmail.com
  • Goths, Gargoyles and God: Magnificent Medieval Cathedrals Tues., Jan 12th  12:00p.m.  Join this virtual, interactive discussion with Dr. Benfield as he shares the finest examples of Gothic and Medieval Cathedrals across England and France.  Presented by AARP.  Registration required at  www.local.aarp.org/hartford-ct/aarp-events/
  • Coping in the age of COVID: Don’t Navigate Alone Thurs., Jan 14th  12:30p.m.  Join us for a conversation led by Erin Leavitt-Smith, Asst. Director Statewide Services (DMHAS).  Learn about the CT resources and support systems in place for families and individuals when it comes to coping with the stress brought on by living in the age of COVID.  .Presented by AARP.  Registration required at  www.local.aarp.org/hartford-ct/aarp-events/
  • Stories from the Attic: Military Memories Fri., Jan 15th  2:30p.m.  Join Urban Archeologist Greg Von Antwerp as he shows some of his best military artifacts.  Registration required by emailing Diana.patterson@glastonburyct.gov
  • Historic Haunts with Jeff Belanger Mon., Jan 18th  7:00p.m.  Come explore the ghosts of the White House and other historic buildings and haunts with Jeff Belanger!  For over 20 years, Jeff has been exploring the unexplained. He seeks out history, folklore, ghosts, monsters, and legends all over the world and in your backyard.  Registration required at  www.needhamhistory.org/calendar-events/
  • Nowhere is a Place ~ Travels in Chilean Patagonia Tues., Jan 19th  1:00p.m.  Spend an hour with Gerri Griswold as she shares breathtaking images from this ethereal travel destination tucked along the tail of the Andes near the bottom of the world.  Registration required at  www.westhartford.librarymarket.com/events/month/2021/01
  • Wadsworth Atheneum Virtual Tour: Women Artists Wed., Jan 20th  1:00p.m.  Please join us for a very special docent lead virtual tour highlighting Women Artists and artwork at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.  Presented by AARP.  Registration required at  www.local.aarp.org/hartford-ct/aarp-events/
  • Fraud Fighting – Investment Fraud Fri., Jan 22nd   10:00a.m.  Learn the red flags and prevention methods to managing your financial future from the CT Department of Banking financial examiner Kelly Lent.  Presented by AARP. Registration required at  www.local.aarp.org/hartford-ct/aarp-events/
  • Glastonbury High School Treble Choir Fri., Jan 22nd  12:00p.m.  The Treble Choir is an auditioned group of 10th, 11th and 12th graders at Glastonbury High School.  They sing music in a wide variety of styles and annually take part in the Festival of Women’s Voices.   Registration required by emailing Diana.patterson@glastonburyct.gov
  • Raptors in Connecticut   Sat., Jan 23rd  2:00p.m.Presented by Joe Attwater, RTP Estuary Center Teacher, Naturalist, Connecticut Audubon Society. Registration required by emailing programreg@lymepl.org

 

New to Medicare Virtual Presentation

Offered by Senior Resources Agency on Aging

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

February 2nd   2:00p.m.     

March 2nd   5:00p.m.     

April 6th   10:00a.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

 

Senior Center Services- Transportation

MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS – Transportation to needed medical appointments is available.

WHEELCHAIR VAN – Wheelchair accessible transportation is available to medical appointments.

MED RIDE II – Transportation is available for Seniors or Disabled Residents of Norwich  and Montville to

out-of-town medical appointments.

GROCERY SHOPPIING – Currently offering grocery shopping assistance.  Please call for information.

Please call (860) 889-5960 for information.

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Info Sheet

To see this information sheet easier just double click on it and it will be full size.

City of Norwich Alerts & Notifications

You can sign up on the City of Norwich website to receive emails or texts of City related alerts and notifications.  This includes being notified of emergency alerts or closure of City Hall along with being able to sign up for tax payment reminders, budget and agenda information, City Calendar updates and more.  You choose what alerts or notifications you would like to be sent.

If you are interested in signing up to receive alerts or notifications,

please follow the sign up information below.  

  1. On the City of Norwich homepage (www.norwichct.org) click on “Notify Me” (found on the right side

middle of the page).

  1. If this is your first time signing up for alerts or notifications, enter your email (and cell phone for text alerts). To complete the user set-up, you will receive a confirmation email and/or text that you will need to respond to.  If you have previously signed up for alerts or notifications, sign-in with your email to make changes or updates.
  2. Choose which alerts and notifications you would like to receive.
  3. For each alert or notification you select, you will receive a confirmation email or text that you will

also need to respond to confirm your selections.

You are able to change, update or cancel your alerts and notifications at anytime by going to the “Notify Me” on the City’s website and entering your email to make changes.

 

“Don’t Let the Old Man In” – Content by Judy

Toby Keith was inspired to write this song by Clint Eastwood who was about to turn 88. Toby Keith wanted to know what Clint Eastwood was going to do for his birthday and Clint said he was starting to make his new movie “The Mule” that next week.

Amazed Toby wrote about keeping that “Old Man” at bay. As the song says, “How old would you be if you didn’t know the day you were born?”

We all say “I don’t feel as old as I am” which is so true. There are times we are shocked when we look in the mirror because we have forgotten the number of years that have passed by. If we do not think about it, we can do what we have always done regardless of our age.

And as we move into this new year it is time to think and decide how we want to live. How we do not want to let that old man in. How we want to live, do what we love and expand what we are doing.

It is time to make our Bucket List for 2021 and 2022. What do you want your 2021 and 2022 to look like? What is your next act? If we do not plan for our future that old man just might seek in when we are not looking!

It does not have to be just huge things. What are the little things…?

Maybe… Enjoy the sunset more. Visit with family and friends more. Make 2 new friends. Read a good book. Maybe join a book club. Garden. Grow your own salad. Take a walk. Go someplace new each month. Redo a room in your house. Paint the walls and rearrange the furniture. Clean out the garage or the shed or both. Make a scrapbook of past vacations. Plan new vacations. Take an online class. Learn how to do 3 new things on your computer or smart phone. Do something kind for someone you hardly know.

For bigger things it might be take that road trip. Volunteer weekly at a school, hospital, or Senior Center. Do a makeover – you, the backyard, or your wardrobe. Brew your own beer. Learn a craft – maybe counted cross-stitch, carving, knitting. Reread your favorite book. Learn to meditate, then meditate daily for a month. Eat healthy and learn to cook new recipes. Redo your budget so you free up money to do the things you are always talking about doing! Book your next big trip!!

And as you make your Bucket List include another list of all the things you want to do as places open back up!! What have you missed the most? What was it you were planning for 2020 you never got to do?

And remember you are never ever “TOO OLD” to do anything!! Get out there and live. “Don’t let the old man in”