Category: News

2020 Census- If you have not yet completed the 2020 Census, please do so today.

Posted on July 2, 2020 by Norwich

Every household has been mailed the 2020 Census form and your response is required by law.  You can complete the Census online following the instructions that were included in the mailing or you can complete and return the paper questionnaire that was mailed to you.

For those who do not complete the form online or by filling out and returning the paper form, a Census worker will be sent to your home starting sometime in August.

Filling out and returning your responses to the 2020 Census is important for our local community.  For every person Norwich does not count we lose $2900 in taxes…taxes that could go towards fixing roads and bridges, housing assistance, education or even supporting programs like Medicare part B.

If you need help completing the 2020 Census, please call the Senior Center.  Everyone Counts!

 

A Note from Mike:

Posted on July 2, 2020 by Norwich

With all the unrest in the country, we felt it was appropriate to make a statement about our beliefs here at the Rose City Senior Center:

We want people to walk through our doors and instantly feel welcomed, to know they have a place where they can freely be themselves without any sort of negativity or judgement.

Inclusive is defined as “containing as part of a whole”.  The Rose City Senior Center is exactly that.

We welcome everyone (over the age of 55, of course) no matter your race, religion, socio-economic status, sex, sexual orientation or disability.  Non-discrimination, which seeks to guarantee that human rights are exercised without any sort of discrimination is what the Rose City Senior Center is all about.

We will continue to uphold this belief and practice to the very best of our ability.

 

Need Help? We are Here for YOU!

Posted on July 2, 2020 by Norwich

Even though the Senior Center is currently closed to the public, we are still offering limited services.  If you need any assistance or have a question, please do not hesitate to call us.  (860) 889-5960

Grocery Shopping – One of our Senior Center drivers will shop for you and deliver your groceries to your house.  Call the Senior Center with your grocery order then sit back and relax while we shop for you.  Payment can be made in various ways.  Call for information.

Transportation to Doctor Appointments – Call the Senior Center to arraign transportation to a needed doctor appointment.  We just ask that you call your doctor to double check they are currently open and to check if your doctor recommends rescheduling a routine or non-emergency appointment.

Outreach Administrator – Carolyn is currently working from home but is still available for help with State Benefit renewals, health insurance and prescription drug plans, Renters Rebate, housing, Medicare plus other needs.  Please leave a message on her voicemail and she will call you back.

Program Administrator – Hilary is currently working from home but is still available to answer questions about cancelled programs or trips, general Senior Center and Newsletter questions, and information about current online classes offered by our instructors or help with other online classes.  Please leave a message on her voicemail or email hsandberg@cityofnorwich.org.

 

Transportation News- Senior Center

Posted on July 2, 2020 by East Lyme

On July 6th, the Senior Center will resume limited
transit service. Due to COVID-19, the service will
begin with only 1 passenger allowed on the vehicle at
a time. All passengers must wear a mask unless there
is a medical contraindication. The revised schedule
will be:
Monday:  the south part of town can go to Waterford/
New London
Tuesday:  the south part of town can go the grocery
stores/pharmacies/bank
Wednesday:  the north part of town can go to Waterford/
New London
Thursday:   the north part of town can to the grocery
stores/pharmacies/bank
Friday:   will be left open to try and accommodate any
requests that could not be fulfilled during the
week

Medical appointments are a priority. All other ride
requests will be scheduled around those. If you have a
medical appointment, reserve with the Senior Center
office as soon as you can. This schedule will remain in
effect for the month of July and will be re-evaluated
in August. You must be registered for this service.

COVID 19 Status Update

Posted on July 2, 2020 by East Lyme

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, the Senior Center Facebook page and on the Senior Center answering machine.

Senior Center Phone Number is 860-739-5859

ACTIVE LIVING EVERYDAY TOOLKIT

Posted on July 2, 2020 by East Lyme

The in-home version of the popular Live Well with Chronic Conditions workshop is now available to seniors in the comfort of their home without having to use technology beyond the telephone. The toolkit can be sent directly to participants at no cost and includes a Living a Healthy Life Book, instruction booklet and exercise and relaxation CDs. Weekly phone calls from a trained Live Well leader enhances the experience and can help to alleviate social isolation during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Please note there is a limited supply of toolkits. Participants must be willing to share their name, address and phone number so the toolkit can be mailed directly to them and the leader can place the weekly call. Calls are approximately 45 minutes in length and take place conference-call style to 4 -6 participants. There is a 2 -3 week lead time to start once participants have enrolled.

Participants will learn about:
• Physical activity, exercise and healthy eating
• Dealing with difficult emotions
• Decision-making and communications skills
• Working with healthcare providers
• Action Planning

Contact Lori Rygielski, Regional Coordinator
lrygielski@seniorresourcesec.org
860-887-3561 Ext. 127
Sponsored by the Department of Rehabilitation Service – the State Unit on Aging – Senior Resources Area Agency on Aging

FEELING ISOLATED? WE HAVE FOLKS WANTING TO CHAT WITH YOU

Posted on July 2, 2020 by East Lyme

As we are in Phase 2 and older adults are still being asked to stay safe and stay home, we know folks are in need of some human contact. We have East Lyme High School students who  want to reach out to you and chat. Nothing heavy, just a “Hey how are you?” “Can we do anything for you?” check in phone call. Who’s interested?? Call the Senior Center office and let us know.

Renter’s Rebate Program

Posted on July 2, 2020 by East Lyme

Older adults and disabled adults in East Lyme who are interested in the Renter Rebate program will be seen by the East Lyme Senior Center. However, at this point, it will not be during the month of April. Please remember, the application period for this benefit runs until October 1st. There will be plenty of time to apply.

JIGSAW PUZZLES

Posted on July 2, 2020 by East Lyme

If you are interested in donating and/or receiving jigsaw puzzles, let the Senior Center know. We can set up an exchange so folks have different puzzles to work on without having to spend any money!

Call us at 860-739-5859 with your donation and/or you request for a puzzle.

NEWS FROM THE SENIOR CENTER

Posted on July 2, 2020 by East Lyme

Hello friends. The staff of the Senior Center are still out delivering MOWs. We are also processing Rent Rebate  applications as well as assisting residents with Medicare issues. This is all being done via drop off boxes and phone calls. If you need help with these matters or any other issues, we can be reached at the office (860-739-5859).

The State of Connecticut is now in Phase 2 of re-opening. Each phase lasts at least 4 weeks. In Phase 2, people who are 65+ and/or who are high risk (comorbidities) should continue to stay safe and stay home. All people should be wearing a mask or face covering if they are in public and cannot maintain a 6 foot minimum from other people.
Running programs at the Senior Center does not appear likely until, at the earliest, August. The Center will also have to enforce the face mask/covering recommendation as well as the social distance requirement. As always, washing your hands and keeping them away from your face is still a very good defense against COVID-19. In July, we will resume a very limited transportation service. Call the Senior Center office with any questions.