Be a Part of the System!! – Content by Judy

We just had another election.

Did your candidate win or lose? Are you happy with the results? Or are you disgusted…. with the results… the candidates… the road we are headed down?

Earlier this year I wrote… “I recently was at a networking event and we were asked “What is important enough to you that you would protest for it?” That is a pretty deep question to answer when you don’t know those around you. My answer was “our basic rights”. The freedom of speech. The right to assemble. The right to bear arms and the right to vote.

And this country was founded so we as individuals could not be suppressed. We have freedom of speech which enables us to voice our beliefs and we need to continue to exercise all these basic rights.”

As we reflect on the results of this election, we need to look for better candidates at every level. Talk to your friends and family. Ask them and yourself which Office, Committee or Board needs help and what you can offer. Then reach out. Make the phone call. Write an email. Step up! All Towns and Cities have many positions that need to be filled every year. I can guarantee they will welcome your offer of help.

When you see something you don’t agree with, don’t just complain and write an angry post or comment. Ask others what they think and how they feel about it. Learn them. Figure out how the situation or problem can be changed or fixed. Then work towards doing just that.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”  -Gandhi

Don’t settle for status quo.

We need to stand up and be a part of the system. We need to be a part of the process. We need to hear each other and be respectful. We need to bring our differences together.

We cannot just complain and expect someone else to “fix” things!!

Take some time and reflect. Decide what you believe in today. Challenge yourself.

And as Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Now go out and be a part of that change!

Senior Learning Presents: Spanish Missions in Texas

Travel with us virtually on Zoom

Thursday , November 5,2020

1:45p.m.-3:00p.m.

Senior Learning Presents: Spanish Missions in Texas

Program Description: Why did the Spanish attempt to build Missions in Texas? What effect did this have on the Native Americans living in Texas? Were these Missions a success or a failure? Explore these questions alongside a museum educator with maps, timelines, and historical information.

 

Tuesday, NOVEMBER 3rd- General Election Day

The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3rd.  If you requested an absentee ballot, make sure you return your ballot by 8:00 p.m. on election day in order for it to be counted.

The best way to return your absentee ballot is by an Official Election Drop Box located in your town.  All absentee ballots deposited into an Election Drop Box by 8:00 p.m. on November 3rd will be counted.

Official Election Drop Boxes for Norwich are located at Norwich City Hall – 100 Broadway; Stanton School – 386 New London Turnpike; Greeneville Playground – 266 Central Ave and Wequonnoc School – 155 Providence Street, Taftville.

If you are opting to vote in-person, polling locations will be open from 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.  You must be in line by 8:00 p.m. at your polling location in order to be allowed to vote.  Contact your town’s Registrars of Voters if you do not know your polling location.  For Norwich call (860) 823-3754.

You can also check your voter registration status, polling location or to see if your completed absentee ballot was received by your Town Clerk by visiting  myvotect.gov/lookup

 

Senior Center Update

ATTENTION:

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Rose City Senior Center is currently closed to the public.

We are currently offering help with grocery shopping and rides to medical appointments.

Please call for information.

Information in this newsletter is as up-to-date as possible but is subject to change.

We will do our best to keep you up-to-date on the re-opening status of the Senior Center.

If you have a question or are looking for services or resources to help you,  please contact us at (860) 889-5960.

 

Saturday, November 21st- O’tis a (virtual) Festival

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Otis Library’s 12th Annual O’tis a Festival is ON!  ONLINE, that is!

The event will be streamed LIVE on Otis Library’s YouTube page

Otis Library is taking their much-loved community event online for a virtual festival packed with entertainment and beautiful handmade crafts.  Get all of your holiday shopping done from the comfort and safety of your own home.  Enjoy the added satisfaction that you will be “shopping small” and supporting local crafters.  Check Otis Library’s social media or website for updates and information.

Visit Otis Library’s website for information.  otislibrarynorwich.org/otis-a-festival

 

Social Integration Study

Quinnipiac University researchers are interested in testing the effectiveness of an online program to enhance social integration.  They’re looking to enroll seniors (60+) to participate in this online study.

You will be placed in groups of eight and will learn about social integration, complete activities together, and learn about yourself and others in and around your community.  You need access to the internet as well as a device with video and audio such as: a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Time commitment: About 90 minutes per week for six weeks.

For additional details contact: Dr. Nicholson (203)582-6542  nicholas.nicholson@quinnipiac.edu

 

CARES Act – Economic Stimulus Payment

If you don’t usually file a tax return, or didn’t file a return for 2018 or 2019, you might not know you could qualify for an economic impact payment under the CARES Act.  You might be one of the nine million people getting a letter from the IRS letting you know how to register on their website to claim your payment.  The new deadline for filing is November 21, 2020.

If you get this letter from the IRS, it will instruct you to go to the IRS’s website at IRS.gov/EIP, or call them directly at 800-919-9835 to register to claim your payment.  You only have until November 21st to file for your stimulus payment.

Economic Stimulus Payments from the CARES Act were distributed starting in April.  Individuals who have not already receive a stimulus payment and are eligible to receive one will be mailed a letter.

BEWARE OF STIMULUS PAYMENT SCAMS

If someone claiming to be from the IRS calls, emails, or texts about helping you get your stimulus payment, that person is running a government imposter scam on you.  Hang up, and don’t respond to or click on any links in texts or emails.

Why? Because the IRS will not text, email, or call you about your economic impact payment.  The IRS will also never ask you to pay a fee to get your money.

Visit the IRS’s website IRS.gov/EIP to find out more about stimulus payments. Also, be sure to tell the FTC if someone pretending to be from the government contacts you.  FTC.gov/complaint