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“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”
Happy New Year!
Wishing you and your family a joyful, bright, healthy, prosperous and
the happiest New Year ahead.
~ From The Senior Center Staff
Flu Shot
Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever this year to protect yourself and the people around you from flu, and to help reduce the strain on healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you have not done so already, call your Doctor to discuss getting a flu shot.
Flu shots are also available at local grocery stores and drug stores.
AARP Income Tax Assistance
If you wish to have your taxes done, please call the Senior Center starting January 4th to add your name to the list. Due to COVID, appointment dates and times TBD. In person appointments may not be available. This is a free-of-charge service through AARP.
(860) 889-5960. Call early, limited appointments available!
A True Loss of One of Our Very Own- Elizabeth “Betty” Bordeau
It is with a very heavy heart we announce the passing of one of our very own. On the morning of December 9, 2020, Elizabeth “Betty” Bordeau passed away at her home in the loving care of her two wonderful children, Betsy and Bruce Bordeau.
Betty began her career with the City of Norwich and the Rose City Senior Center on September 6, 1988. For 14 years she was the full-time Clinical Receptionist until the position was reduced to part-time in July of 2002. Betty worked part-time from July of 2002 until July of 2009, then volunteered her time as she continued to work tremendously hard to ensure the Senior Center Preventive Health Clinic ran smoothly. Over the years she was the secretary for Dr. Gerard Kerins, Nurse Practitioner Cynthia L’Heroux, Nurse Nancy Pratviel and some for current Nurse Practitioner, Leonna White. During this time, she was also in charge of scheduling and other duties that came along with the Senior Center Foot Care Clinics and Dr. Thomas Walter.
In addition to her duties as our Clinic Receptionist, she was “Mrs. Christmas” as far as we were concerned. For over 25 years, Betty and her late husband William, along with their children Betsy and Bruce and eventually Bruce’s wife Stephanie and their 2 children Evan and Brooke could be seen here many days surrounding Christmas. On Christmas Day they hosted almost 100 seniors, who may not have had another place to go or people to be with, for a luncheon. The luncheon consisted of an hour of hors d’oeuvres, followed by a beautiful turkey dinner and then some great games of bingo. During the program, Santa Claus always made an appearance, bearing gifts for all.
In January of 2003 then Lt. Governor Jodi Rell presented Bill and Betty Bordeau with the CT Treasure’s Award for their outstanding commitment to helping those who are less fortunate.
Many people have many great stories that center around Betty and the majority of them would probably involve some sort of prank or joke. She had an infectious smile, a wittiness that was unmatched and a genuine care for others that cannot be replaced.
Rest in Peace Betty Bordeau.
You’ll be forever missed and cherished by all you’ve come in contact with.
Medication Drop Box ~ Norwich Police Department Dispose of unused or expired medication the safe way.
Medication that is thrown in the trash can be retrieved by others and improperly used or sold and flushing medication can contaminate the water supply. Dispose of unwanted medications properly to prevent drug misuse and to protect the environment.
Norwich Police Department has a drop box located in their lobby to properly dispose of unused and expired medication. No questions asked, no ID needed to be shown. The Drop Box is located in the Norwich Police lobby at 70 Thames Street and is available 24 hours a day for medication drop off.
Drop boxes are a safe and confidential way to dispose of unwanted medication.
Deterra bags are also available which are used to deactivate drugs before disposing them in the trash. If you would like a Deterra bag to dispose of your medication, contact Mike at the Senior Center.
Senior Medicare Patrol Fraud Alert **Be alert to COVID-19 Vaccine fraud**
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.
How Can Your Senior Medicare Patrol Help?
Your local SMP is ready to provide you with the information you need to PROTECT yourself from Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse; DETECT potential fraud, errors, and abuse; and REPORT your concerns. SMPs and their trained team members help educate and empower Medicare beneficiaries in the fight against health care fraud. Your SMP can help you with your questions, concerns, or complaints about potential Medicare fraud and abuse issues. It also can provide information and educational presentations. For more information, contact the Senior Medicare Patrol at your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-994-9422 or visit https://portal.ct.gov/ads-smp.
Staying Connected – How to Use ZOOM
WHAT IS ZOOM?
Zoom is a service that allows people to video chat over the internet. What makes it special is that it allows multiple people to join the same conversation, making it easier to host online events / meetings.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
One person acts as the host and creates a meeting. Once they’ve done that, they send an email invitation with the hyperlink to their guests. When guests click the link, they will be able to access the meeting and talk with their friends. We will go over how to join a meeting in more detail during our next video.
DO I NEED AN ACCOUNT?
You do NOT need an account to attend a meeting. If someone invites you to a meeting, you can click the link and attend as a participant. However, you do need an account if you want to host a meeting.
DO I NEED TO DOWNLOAD ZOOM?
Yes. Zoom works best when you have downloaded it to your device. You can install it on a computer, tablet, or phone. Each is a little different, so be sure to pick the device you are most comfortable and confident using.
Is Zoom safe?
Zoom takes your safety seriously. They have built in a lot of security options to make your meeting an enjoyable one. It is up to your event Host to use those tools. Groton Public Library & Groton Senior Center, are using these tools to make sure your information is safe and the meeting is fun for all.
JOINING A ZOOM MEETING
Most meetings start with an email invitation. This is a basic invitation for a Zoom meeting. Every invitation should contain the time and date the meeting is taking place, as well as a link to access it.
Some meetings may have a password and Meeting ID. A lot of people use this feature to make a private meeting. For example, someone may use a password if they are hosting a class and only want the people who registered to attend. If you are invited to a password protected meeting, you can access it in two ways. The first is by clicking the hyperlink – the password information is usually embedded in the link so you won’t have to type it in. The second is by opening zoom on your device and entering the Meeting ID and password. This will allow you access to the meeting.
Once you’ve joined, you may be put into a waiting room. This allows the host to choose when everyone is allowed into the meeting and gives them time to finish setting up. When the host is ready, they will let you into the Zoom meeting. If you see this screen while trying to go to a meeting, just sit tight. Your host is on their way!
WHAT IF YOU CAN’T USE ZOOM ONLINE BUT STILL WANT TO PARTICIPATE?
Not everyone has a device that will work with Zoom, but that doesn’t mean you can’t participate. Ask your event host about a call in feature. Using your phone, you will be given a phone number to call and a Meeting ID number to enter. Once you have, you will be able to hear the meeting and talk to everyone as if you were on a regular phone call.
ZOOM TUTORIAL VIDEOS
Thank you Groton Public Library for creating
three great YouTube videos covering this very information. It can be found at the Groton Municipal Television (GMTV) YouTube site. www.Youtube.com
Need Help with Zoom? Give us a call 860-441-6785.
Senior Center- Time Table for Re-Opening
At this time, there is no time table for re-opening the Senior Center. Updates on our status will be posted on the East Lyme Town Hall website – www.eltownhall.com, and the East Lyme Senior Center page on the SECT regional senior center website – www.seniorcenterct.org, our Facebook page and on the Senior Center answering machine.