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.

Tuesday, January 5th- Virtual Pub Trivia Night on Zoom

Time: 6:00 to 7:00pm

Come join us for a fun night of trivia and laughter!!! BYOB

You can only participate if you call the front desk to register and receive the Zoom ID.  Call 860-441-6785.

FROM THE DESK OF MARY JO RILEY

Oh wow, its January! We all can’t believe it has been almost a year since we have seen many of you. Staff has been actively planning and sometimes re-planning programs to keep you all active and engaged while social distancing and staying safe. We have become the gurus of the virtual world. One project that has begun is a look at rebranding and possibly renaming the senior center. This is not just done lightly. We have researched users and nonusers of the senior center about why they do or don’t utilize our programs and services. Surprisingly, many nonusers don’t really know what the center has to offer or even that they are eligible to come. Due to so many misconceptions about what our senior center is or what we offer, the rebranding goal is to bring more people to the center and encourage using the programs and services. As this project progresses and as we hope the Covid 19 vaccines roll out more, we look forward to seeing you all back at the center in 2021.

SNOWMAN ROLL- SELFIE SCAVENGER HUNT

We provide the clues—you provide the selfies!

Groton Senior Center provides the clues that lead up to finding 10 destination sites in Groton.  Find the marker site then take your selfie shot with it.

Winners will be awarded:

1st place -earliest time stamp, Hot cocoa gift basket

2nd place – funniest photos, Snow fun basket

3rd place- most creative photos, Snow fun basket

FREE yet you need to register by Friday, January 15th. To register please contact the front desk at 860-441-6785.

You will receive the clues for the Snowman Hunt upon registration. A pamphlet of clues will also be located on  our GSC front doors to be picked up beginning Friday, January 15th.

Send selfies/ photos to tstanley@groton-ct.gov by Sunday, January 29th at 11:59 pm.

Wednesday, January 20th- M.L.K. HERITAGELUNCH

Time: 11:30 AM

Bourbon BBQ Cornish hen, collard greens with ham, scalloped potatoes w/ bacon, black-eyed peas with hot sausage, okra & tomatoes, mayo biscuits, watermelon.  $10.00 per meal.

You must pre register for this by Friday, January 15 2021.

OPTIONAL FEATURE CHOW AND CHAT

You are welcome to chow and chat with us  after lunch pick up via Zoom at 1:00 pm.  We will check in with one another and then chat about Dr Martin Luther King Jr.; what you thought then and what you think now of his mark on our society and similar thoughts.  Interested in joining us for the Chow and Chat?

Please call or email colsen@groton-ct.gov

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.

Introduction to Photography

Introduction to Photography with Richard Spearrin of CT Valley Camera Club
Tuesday, January 12 and 26
7:00— 8:30 pm

A two part photography tutorial. The first is basic principles of photography and the second is applying those principles to fun projects such as fireworks/light streaks/ extreme close-up/silky waterfalls and streams/etc.

  • How To Take Better Pictures
  • Composition
  • Setting Up the Picture
  • Exposure
  • How To Understand/ Better Use Your Digital Camera
  • Practicing What You Learned

This is FREE yet to take part in this , you must register by Wednesday, January 6th at 860-441-6785 OR at https://register1.vermontsystems.com/wbwsc/ctgroton.wsc/splash.html?InterfaceParameter=WebTrac_3#top

Virtual Strength Training Class- Mondays and Wednesdays

Beginning January 4 – February 24, 2021

Mondays and Wednesdays, 5 to 6pm

Instructor:  Lorraine Raimondi

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, strength training helps reduce the symptoms of many chronic diseases and conditions that commonly afflict older adults, including arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, obesity and back pain. Improved strength will also help you prevent falls, do your daily tasks more easily and just make you feel better.

For this virtual class if you have not been doing any fitness for 2 weeks or more please start with light weights 2 to 3 lbs. You want to be able to have full range of motion with control while doing this class. As your strength increases, you can move onto heavier weights.

As you get stronger, you can use heavier weights. Dyna bands and a ball are also good to have. If you don’t have, the instructor will show you ways to improvise. Whether you have this equipment available to you or not, you will get a good workout strengthening your body!

Call 860-441-6785 to register or visit www.grotonrec.com

 

Virtual Yoga Classes beginning in January 2021

Yoga Strength Chair   Mondays 9-10 am  Zoom    Jan 4- Feb 22, 2021  $28/pp

This class starts seated with breath awareness  and warm up, moving into some yoga poses for the first half of class, and the second half of class we do  some strength work using light hand weights 1-2 lb and bands. Class ends with stretching and meditation. If you don’t have hand weights,  water bottles or a small can of veggies will work.

Gentle Yoga Chair I  Wednesdays 9-10 am  Zoom    Jan 6– Feb 24, 2021  $28/pp

Chair Yoga is a an adapted form of Yoga that makes Yoga accessible to everyone!!!  The chair is used in addition or option for poses where participants can modify any pose based on their own mobility and also can be used for balance and support. Class starts with breath awareness, warm up, Yoga poses seated and standing. Class ends with stretching and meditation.

Gentle Yoga Chair flow II  Saturdays 9-10 am  Zoom  Jan 9-Feb 27, 2021  $28/pp

This class is also an adapted form of Yoga using the Chair, making Yoga accessible to all.  Class starts seated in chair or on the mat, focusing on breath awareness and warm up, moving into standing Yoga poses integrating breath and movement, awareness and alignment, and flexibility. Moving onto the mat for floor poses and deep stretching. Class ends with guided relaxation and meditation.

Call 860-441-6785 to register!

Seated and /or Standing; there is no on the floor.  Class is appropriate for all levels.   

Instructor will contact you with Zoom ID    ***Must sign a Release and Waiver  from instructor***

 

Community First Dinner Program January 7th

Community First Dinner Program

at Groton Senior Center (curbside pick up)

Thursday, January 7, 2021   4:00-5:00pm

Please join us Thursday, January 7th starting at 4 pm as we hand out meals to anyone who may need them. This is a community wide event for anyone. The January 7th meal will be baked chicken thighs, green beans sautéed in garlic and diced tomatoes served along with roasted baby red potatoes.

Meals are free and open to all residents. Please remember to have your mask on as well as a designated area in the vehicle for the meals to be placed (the trunk is preferable). This allows us to keep this a contactless event.

For up to date information on our programs like this one, please check our Town of Groton Senior Center

Facebook page www.Facebook.com/GrotonSC

Avoid Vaccine SCAMS

SCAM Alert-
When in doubt, simply hang up. If you have questions or feel like you have been scammed,- please know we are here for you. Simply call the main number at 860-441-6785 and someone will gladly assist you.