Author: grotonadmin

Thrive55+ Active Living Center (powered by Groton Senior Center) is the premiere location for nutrition, health and technology and recreational classes, special events and trips, transportation, information and referral services for Groton residents 55 years and older. Programs in health, computers/technology, finance, fitness, art, enrichment and more are offered year-round and there are special events constantly throughout the year. We are active, social and involved and welcome all not only Groton residents. You have to see us to believe us; stop by for a tour of our fun and friendly Thrive55+ Active Living Center (powered by Groton Senior Center) Visit Thrive55+ Active Living Center for a delicious breakfast, snack and/or lunch prepared daily by our chef in Coastal Cafe.

TIME FOR YOUR COVID19 VACCINE

At the time of printing this newsletter, vaccines are now being given to persons 65 and older. We encourage you to get the vaccine as a way to reduce your risk of getting Covid 19. If you have concerns about getting the vaccine, contact your physician’s office to discuss your concerns. Visit ct.gov/COVID vaccine and type in your Zip Code to look for additional locations near you.
Commonly asked questions from the State of CT:
The Vaccine –Is there a difference between the vaccinations that I can take? There are only small differences, but both vaccines currently authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are highly effective based on trials. Below, you’ll see some basic details about both.
Do I get to choose which vaccine brand I want to receive? In general, given scarce supply, only one vaccine may be available through your provider. You can talk with your medical provider if you have specific questions or concerns that may lead you to want to seek out one specific COVID-19 vaccine versus another.
You must schedule two separate dates. Why? Because the timing of both equally important doses are determined by science, and recommended by medical experts. The date of your second visit will be determined by the date of your first visit. The second dose is mandatory.
The Second Dose How do I know when to schedule my second vaccination? Most providers will ask you to schedule your first and second vaccination at the same time, and will help you set up reminders via text, email, or phone call about your second dose. What if I miss my second shot? You should talk to your provider about what next steps you need to take if you miss an appointment for your second vaccination. You will likely be able to get your second vaccination within a short time period of the recommended date, and it will remain effective.
Can people who have already have COVID-19 get the vaccine? Yes. The CDC recommends that you get vaccinated even if you have already had COVID-19 because you can catch it more than once. While you may have some short-term antibody protection after recovering from COVID-19, we don’t know how long this protection will last.

CERAMICS ON THE GO SPRING PROJECT– BOWL

We know you miss our clay works class. So we have worked out a way that you can still get your artistic juices flowing again while we wait to have you back in the classroom. We are putting together Ceramics on the Go kits for you to pick up.
Packs will include: greenware, paint, brush(es). After you are done painting your project, you return it to us. At that point, our Clayworks instructor, Nancy, will come in and do the firing for us. Then we let you know when it is done.

FROM THE DESK OF MARY JO RILEY

Groton Senior Center has received two new grants to increase programming. Groton Senior Center successfully applied for a State of Connecticut CARES ACT grant of $2500. We will be utilizing these funds to purchase items to improve outdoor programming including a large 20’x 40’ tent, fire pits and lumber for a stage. In addition, to increase the WiFi indoors, a new hub to boost the WiFi will be purchased. We are looking forward to using our new purchases for expanding the fun outdoor programs that we offered last summer and fall.
Also, Groton Parks Foundation provided grant funding for us to begin a social calling program. We will be implementing a social connectivity program developed by the Motion Picture Television Fund. Aptly named The Call Hub. The MPTF developed this social phone program to empower organizations to play their part in keeping us all connected. Building upon experience combating social isolation in the entertainment community, MPTF developed an end-to-end solution that enables countless organizations to mobilize social connections – the bedrock of good health and wellbeing.
The Call Hub will facilitate safe, telephonic connections between volunteers and isolated older adults. No phone numbers are shared, just the phone number for the hub. This will allow volunteers to contribute to the community from the safety of their own home. The hub will allow the senior center to track the number of calls to individuals, the length of time for the calls in an effort to meet the needs of isolated older adults. The goal of this program is to have individuals feel validated and connected to other people with similar interests and values through the utilization of weekly phone calls.

SENIOR RESOURCES SERVICES DURING COVID-19

Both CHOICES Health Insurance Counseling and Benefits Counseling are
going to continue via phone sessions while we continue to deal with
COVID19. Please call Senior Resources at 860-887-3561 for either program.

COVID 19 Vaccination Options in Our Area

If you are eligible to be vaccinated you can visit the following websites to look for an available vaccination appointment.

All vaccinations by all providers are by appointment only.

Ledge Light Health District is holding two 1st dose vaccination clinics this week. Please register for an appointment: in New London on Wednesday February 10 or in North Stonington on Friday February 12.

Community Health Center and some other vaccine providers use a CDC system called Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) to schedule vaccination appointments. If you are 75 years of age and older and live or work in Connecticut you may provide your information here to begin the VAMS registration process. Please use a unique email address for each eligible person you are signing up. You will receive an email from CDC inviting you to register: you should click on the link in the email and answer ‘no’ to the first question to start the registration process. You must complete create a password and complete the registration process in VAMS in order to find and schedule a vaccination appointment. If you have already complete the registration process and just need to look for an appointment you can sign in to VAMS here.

Hartford Healthcare uses a system called MyChartPlus to schedule vaccination appointments. If you are 75 years of age and older you can visit their website to sign-up. Please note that the Hartford Healthcare MyChart is different from the Yale New Haven Health System MyChart. You do not have to be a patient at Hartford Healthcare or have an existing MyChart account to sign-up.

Yale New Haven Health System uses their portal to schedule vaccination appointments. If you are 75 years of age and older you can visit their website to sign-up. You do not have to be a patient at Yale New Haven Health System or have an existing MyChart account to sign-up.

CVS in Waterford is now offering COVID vaccinations through their scheduling system. If you are 75 years of age and older you can visit their website to sign-up.

Trip to the French Riviera in November- Learn more Monday, April 5 at 2pm

We have a trip to the French Riviera in November- want to learn more?  Then please join us Monday, April 5 at 2pm for our trip presentation with Collette.  RSVP at 860-441-6785 or colsen@groton-ct.gov to receive the log in information.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA   NOV 20– 28, 2021

Nice, St. Paul de Vence, St. Tropez, Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting, Monaco, Monte Carlo Casino, Choice on Tour, Nice Flower Market, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Cannes, Fragonard Perfumerie Workshop      9 Days • 11 Meals  https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/959877

 

BAKERS BATTLE event April 24th

PROFESSIONAL & RECREATIONAL BAKERS competing to be declared the best!

Do you love baked goods?

Be a TASTER at our BAKERS BATTLE fundraiser!

Please join us for this delicious event Saturday, April 24 as we sample delectable treats from Professional and Recreational bakers in a friendly competition to be named BEST.

 

Tasters $10 PP in advance OR $12 PP at the door

All proceeds made will go towards Project Lifesaver.

Open to all ages. 

Register online www.grotonrec.com

or at our Recreation office or Senior Center

 

Ceramics On The Go Kit

Ceramics On The Go 

Spring Project– Bowl

We know you miss our clay works class. So we have worked out a way that you can still get your artistic juices flowing again while we wait to have you back in the classroom. We are putting together Ceramics on the Go kits for you to pick up.

Packs will include: greenware, paint, brush(es). After you are done painting your project, you return it to us. At that point, our Clayworks instructor, Nancy, will come in and do the firing for us. Then we let you know when it is ready for pick up. $12 per kit    Call 860-441-6785 after 10:30 am  to register.

 

Copp Family Park hike

A perk of the pandemic has been more wonderful hiking opportunities with our fabulous OATS group of Groton Senior Center. Recently, we celebrated spring with a wonderful 1.5 mile hike at Copp Family Park in Groton. OATS is Outdoor active traveling seniors for those 55 and older. Interested in our OATS group?  Please reach out to Cindy at colsen@groton-ct.gov

 

Coastal Cafe Take Out menu March 29-April 2

Coastal Café Take out Lunch available weekdays Drive Through Style

  • Each meal is $5. Orders can be called in starting at 9:00 am weekdays.  860-441-6785
  • At this time, we are only providing hot meals (NO soups, sandwiches, salad bar).
  • Orders will be picked up curbside 11:30am-12:30pm. Just pull up and wait. We will bring it to you.

MONDAY – REUBEN SANDWICH, POTATO CHIPS, SIDE SALD AND PICKLE

TUESDAY – CHICKEN PARMESAN, PASTA AND VEGETABLE

WEDNESDAY – SALSBURY STEAK, MASHED POTATOES, GRAVY AND VEGETABLE

THURSDAY – FRIED SHRIMP, FRIES AND COLESLAW

FRIDAY – CLOSED