As we proceed towards the November elections, we’ll hear lots and lots of chatter. Some that we agreed with and some that we dislike greatly. But now is the time to voice your opinion on what matters the most to you. Do you find certain issues are not even mentioned by those who are running for office? Do you think that those running ignore you? Do you feel left out?
Well now is the time. Call, email, text and/or write to those who are going to be on the ballot in November. Attend events where the politicians will be. Work on a campaign. Hold a sign stating what you want. And make your own sign if need be.
If we continue to leave the outcome of the elections up to others we can not continue to complain about the direction our state and country are going in. We must give voice to what is important to us!
I learned a long time ago that if 5 to 6 people contact a politician about any one issue, that issue is very important to a lot of people and they will respond. A recent example is Governor Malloy cut the Medicare Savings Program and when word got out lots of phone calls were made to CT Senators and Representatives and the program was fully restored.
Your voice does matter! Be reasonable. Be rational. Your opinion is important. Tell your story about why change should be made and how that change should look.
And you can make things better for lots of others when you become a part of the solution. Be a voice. Be an advocate.
ENERGY ASSISTANCE FOR 18/19 FALL&WINTER SEASON
Applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program are being taken at the New London office of TVCCA. Appointments are required. Please call 860-444-0006. The Senior Center office will assist the
Senior and Disabled population of East Lyme with their applications. You must call the Senior Center office to obtain your appointment.
Appointments will be made at Twin Haven and the AHEPA housing complexes for those residents. Watch for notices.
SENIOR FARMERS’ MARKET COUPONS
There is still time to get a coupon booklet for CT Farmers’ Markets. These coupon books have a value of $18 to purchase fruits, vegetables, fresh cut herbs and honey from certified CT Grown Farmers’ Markets from July through October 2018.
All recipients must be 60+ and have a maximum income of not more than $1860/month for a single or $2504 for a couple. An exemption for individuals under the age of 60 and living in subsidized senior housing is permitted as long as they meet the income guidelines.
Contact the Senior Center office as soon as possible with your interest.
TAX RELIEF FOR ELDERLY AND TOTALLY DISABLED RENTERS
The Renter Rebate Program through the State of CT provides a rebate for renters who are elderly or disabled. Applications for the Renters Rebate Program are available until Oct 1st. Please call the Senior Center for an appointment. In order to receive a renter rebate:
1. An applicant or the spouse must be 65 or older; or be 100% disabled (per Social Security);
or be 50 and a surviving spouse.
2. Must have lived in Connecticut for 1 year.
3. Total 2018 income which includes Social Security must not exceed:
Married $43,900
Single $36,000
If you collect Social Security, you must provide your SSA1099 for 2018.
4. 35% of the applicant’s annual rent and utility payments must exceed 5% of the applicant’s income.
Proof of income received and rent and utility payments made in calendar year 2017 must be provided.
Appointments will be made at Twin Haven and the AHEPA housing complexes. Watch for notices.
SPECIAL DATES IN SEPTEMBER
Tues 1st 8:30 Elder Care Review Team (card room)
Mon 3rd ***Senior Center Closed*** for Labor Day Holiday
Tues 4th 9:30 Shopping Trip to Walmart-Lisbon Landing
Tues 4th Trip Registration Begins: ‘Wright’s Farm Restaurant & Bakery’ (see below)
Wed 5th 10:00 Blood Pressure Clinic (conf room 1)
Thurs 6th TRIP: ‘Oliver!’ Goodspeed Opera House (call for availability)
11:00AM depart senior center (approx. return 5:30PM)
Fri 7th 8:15 Podiatry Clinic – Dr. Walter (call Mike for appointment)
Tues 11th 1:30 CSEA #403 Meeting (dining room)
Fri 14th TRIP: ‘The Big E’ West Springfield, MA (see pg 1)
9:00AM depart senior center (approx. return 7:45PM)
Sun 16th 11:00 Family Day, Mohegan Park (see pg 3)
Mon 17th 9:00 Senior Affairs Commission Meeting (card room)
Mon 17th Trip Registration Begins: ‘Legends in Concert’ Foxwoods (see pg 3)
Tues 18th 9:00 AARP Driver Safety – Smart Driver Course (see pg 9)
Wed 19th 10:00 Blood Pressure Clinic (conf room 1)
Wed 19th 10:30 Congressman Courtney ’Legislative Updates’ (see pg 1)
Wed 19th 1:30 AARP #1004 Meeting (dining room)
Thurs 20th 9:30 Free Hearing Screening (call Hilary for appointment) (conf room 1)
Mon 24th Trip Registration Begins: Newport Playhouse (see pg 4)
Tues 25th 9:00 Relative Caregivers Support Group (card room)
Thurs 27th 11:45 Senior Center Birthday Celebration (dining room)
Renter’s Rebate Program
A program for low income elderly (65+) or disabled individuals who have rented in CT in 2017 and have not applied for the homeowners Circuit Breaker Program. Program open through October 1, 2018.
Income Limits:
Single: $35,300 yearly or less Couple: $43,000 yearly or less
Appointments are Needed
Norwich residents, 55 and older please call the Rose City Senior Center at (860) 889-5960.
If you are under 55 and a Norwich resident, call Norwich Human Services at (860) 823-3778.
If you reside in Senior Housing, please contact your
Resident Services Coordinator for an appointment at your housing complex.
Did you know? Home delivery is available for our monthly newsletter, VOICES!
Subscriptions are available for $8 a year and begin with any month you choose.
Your newsletter will be mailed to your home as soon as it is ready for distribution.
As always, Voices is available for free at the Rose City Senior Center.
A Doublewide, Texas Christmas
Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Theater, Newport, RI
Thursday, December 13th
Start with a delicious buffet luncheon with all foods prepared on the premises.
Following lunch enjoy the hilarious Matinee performance of A Doublewide, Texas Christmas!
It’s Christmastime in the newest – and tiniest – town in Texas….Doublewide! And it’s beginning to look a lot like trouble. Not only are the trailer park residents dealing with the stress of the holiday season, but they’ve just discovered that Doublewide, Texas is being doubled-crossed by the County. Spend the Yuletide in Doublewide and let this hilarious comedy make your Christmas merry and bright because there’s no place like a good ol’ Texas-sized mobile home for the holidays!
Following the Matinee, return to your seat in the dining room for a fun-filled Cabaret Show!
Sample Buffet Menu: Fruit Salad, Cole Slaw, Lettuce Bowl, Three Bean Salad, Beets, Cucumber Salad, Rigatoni with Meat Sauce, Meatballs, Roasted Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Glazed Ham, Italian Sausage, Baked Scrod, Green Beans, Glazed Carrots, Vegetable Medley, Sweet Potatoes, Baked Beans, Roasted Potatoes, Rice, Fresh Baked Rolls, Assorted Desserts, Coffee and Tea
COST: $72 per person includes roundtrip motorcoach, fabulous buffet lunch, matinee performance of “A Doublewide, Texas Christmas”, and cabaret show. Driver tip is not included.
9:30 AM Depart Rose City Senior Center, 8 Mahan Drive, Norwich
6:30 PM Approximate return time to Norwich
Family Fun Day at Mohegan Park
The 15th Annual Norwich Family Day will be held on Sunday, Sept. 16th at Mohegan Park in Norwich. The goal for the day is to foster fun, play and community education and awareness about all the “good” in Norwich!
Multiple organizations will have tables with information and handouts along with demonstrations and free hot dogs and drinks! Be sure to stop by the Senior Center table to say “Hi”!
REGISTRATION BY TELEPHONE
On your registration day, Dial (860) 889-5960. When you hear the message
saying the Senior Center is closed, dial 3433 and follow the instructions.*
Senior Center Members, Norwich Residents
-Beginning Monday, September 17 at 5:00pm
Senior Center Members, Non-Residents
-Beginning Tuesday, September 18 at 5:00pm
Open Registration (Any Adults, aged 18 and older)
-Beginning Wednesday, September 19 at 5:00pm