Category: News

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.

Tue. April 13th at 1pm- Webinar: Understanding Arthritis

Join our interactive class right from the comfort of your phone, computer, or tablet and learn more about dietary factors, free radicals and trauma can cause arthritis as well as how arthritis is diagnosed and what you can do to prevent it. Presented by Evan Gross, exercise physiologist, GoodLife Fitness. Q&A with the expert will follow the presentation

To register for any HHC virtual class, please call 1-855-442-4373 or visit hartfordhealthcare.org/virtualclasses. Once registered you will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the virtual class.

Sponsored by: Hartford HealthCare

TVCCA VITA Income Tax Assistance

Schedule your appointment with a TVCCA Volunteer Tax Preparer

All appointments for the 2021 tax season will be virtual.

Convenient Online and Drop-off options available.

If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 2-1-1.  Select option 3, then option 6.

Appointments begin in February.  Income limit $66,000.  This service is free.

For more information, please visit  www.tvcca.org/financial-services/vita/

 

Yearly Membership runs from July 1st – June 30th

You need to be a registered Member of the Senior Center to take part in any activities, classes, or utilizing any rooms in the Senior Center.  This includes using our Hairdresser, Massage Therapy and transportation services.  If you have any questions, please call us (860) 889-5960.

This year, we are asking all Members to fill out a Membership Form to update their Membership information regardless of whether your Membership will be carried over from 2020.

In-Town Membership (Norwich Residents) is a suggested $25.00 per year

Out-of-Town Membership is $40.00 per year

*Financial Assistance Available (Please see Mike or Hilary) 

Please stop by Reception to update your Membership or call for an application to be mailed to you.

Thank you for supporting the Rose City Senior City

 

UNDERSTANDING CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

American Heart Month

Understanding Congestive Heart Failure

with Dr. Pawar, Cardiologist

Tuesday, February 16th  1:00 pm Virtually

Congestive Heart Failure is a chronic condition in which the heart does not pump well. As a result, fluid backs up in the body, and the organs in the body do not get as much blood as they need. This can lead to symptoms, such as swelling, trouble breathing, and feeling tired.

Congestive Heart Failure affects over 6 million US adults. The incidence of this condition is steadily rising with time. Fortunately, there have been many advances in the treatment of this disease. This includes new medications that reduce mortality and improve quality of life and procedures that allow us to diagnose heart failure symptoms earlier.

Hartford Healthcare Heart and Vascular Institute are providing our heart failure patients with cutting-edge treatment options based on the latest scientific research to make a positive impact on their lives. One of the exciting things we are doing is the diuretic infusion clinic that will allow patients with heart failure to get treatment in the office instead of going to the hospital.

Time is allotted for interactive discussion is to go over the various facets of congestive heart failure and review the diagnosis and treatment including diet, medications and procedures.

Registration is required— call 860-441-6785 or register online at www.grotonrec.com

Absentee Ballot

This year, due to COVID-19, all voters are eligible to vote for the general election by absentee ballot if they choose to do so.  Polling places will also be open for those who choose to vote in-person.

If you choose to vote by Absentee Ballot you must submit an application.  You should have received an application for an Absentee Ballot in the mail mid-September, if not, contact your town’s City Clerk.

To receive your Absentee Ballot, check that your information is correct on the application, check off your reason to vote by Absentee Ballot, sign the application, seal the application in the envelope that was sent with it and either mail it back or drop it in the Election Drop Box located outside your Town or City Hall in the town you live in.  Absentee Ballots will be mailed out starting October 2nd.

For Norwich, there is an Election Drop Box located outside of Norwich City Hall, 100 Broadway and one located outside of Wequonnoc School, 155 Providence Street, Taftville.

If you have any questions, please contact your town’s City Clerk’s Office. 

Norwich City Clerk (860) 823-3732

 

Vitual Exploring Northern Elephant Seals Thursday, August 13

Exploring a Northern elephant seal Rockery Hearst

San Simeon 
Provided by: California State Parks

Thursday August 13,2020 at 1:45 p.m.Program Topic: Exploring a Northern Elephant Seal Rookery at Hearst San Simeon State Park General Description: Hearst San Simeon State Park offers a virtual tour featuring the northern elephant seal! Join a Park Interpreter to learn about this marine mammal’s adaptations, their unique life cycle, and their amazing story of overcoming near extinction.

For the Zoom ID# please contact the front desk   860-441-6785

 

Club 55 LUAU Tuesday, August 18 lunch

Club 55 LUAU  Tuesday, August 18 11:30 am

Drive thru event at Groton Senior Center

 

$10 per meal

Portion of the proceeds  goes towards Club 55’s scholarships and community events/involvements.

Register at www.grotonrec.com or 860-441-6785

 

A fun and safely distanced social event!  Decorate your vehicles in a Luau theme and enjoy!

 

Coastal Café will be serving up

  • Aloha Ribeye
  • Jasmine rice
  • Hawaiian rainbow coleslaw
  • Fruit punch or water bottle

 

Musical entertainment will be performed  by our own ukulele instructor Jesse. 

 

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.

There are 3 ways to sign up for home delivery:

  • Include an additional $8 when you mail in your Membership dues
  • Call and sign up over the phone and pay by credit card
  • Mail in your $8 check along with your name, mailing address and phone number

If mailed, please send to: Rose City Senior Center-VOICES, 8 Mahan Drive, Norwich, CT 06360

Thank you for your continued support of the Rose City Senior Center

 

 

 

CONTENT BY JUDY – Perennials, Active Agers, Baby boomers – CONTENT BY JUDY

Just what are we? And are you paying attention to us??

A search for a term that doesn’t offend is taking place. Trying to avoid terms like senior citizen, retiree, elder and the elderly. The question becomes what do we call everyone 55+?

Terms are materializing that are perhaps more appropriate and appealing.

The term, Baby Boomer was created and has been used since all those World War II babies were being born. This group has changed and revolutionized the United States as the have passed though each phase of aging. And they will and are changing and redefining the term senior each day. Just look around – they are not stationary, boring or old.

The title, Perennial has been around for several years now and refers to blooming again and again. And yes, we do that again and again during our lives. We become young adults striking out on our own. We become homeowners, parents. So forth and so on as we parade along the paths of our lives. Ever changing and blossoming into the “new” me.

Active Ager is a newer term and defines seniors as young at heart, tech-loving, gym-using, trend setting, fun-seeking marketer’s dream. This term might be the best fitting so far as each generation is truly younger than the generation before them.

Whatever term you use 55+ adults are strong, happy, healthy. They are using and buying what they choose. They want the same products all ages want and use. They are not to be overlooked as they are living longer, working longer, staying healthier and maintaining their independent as well.

Call them what you will but remember they spend over $3 trillion on products and services each year.