Category: Programs
MAY 3rd from 6AM TO 8 PM- BOROUGH OF JEWETT CITY MAY ELECTION
When you go to the polling place, please wear a mask, keep social distancing and have your currant ID ready. If you need an application for an absentee ballot, please contact the Clerk or go to griswold-ct.org, go to FORMS and download the application. Please put completed original
Application/ballot in the mail or drop box on the side of the Town Hall.
Location: GRISWOLD TOWN HALL
28 MAIN ST, MAIN MEETING ROOM
Elderly and Totally Disabled Tax Relief Program
The application filing period for the Elderly and totally Disabled Tax Relief Program is from February 1 thru May 15, 2021.
Please be aware that the IRS has issued specific guidance about the 2020 stimulus payments and have stated that these payments are not categorized as income, therefore, any economic stimulus payments received during calendar year 2020 WILL NOT count as income for these tax relief programs.
Qualifying income guidelines for the Elderly and Totally Disabled Tax Relief Program are $37,600 for unmarried individuals and $45,800.00 for married persons.
If you are currently participating in the Homeowner Program and need to reapply, you will receive notice from the Preston Assessor’s Office advising you of that requirement.
Proof of all sources of income including but not limited to Social Security, pensions, interest statements, employment, etc. are required. If you filed Income Tax, a copy of the signed and dated document is necessary to provide as well. It is extremely important that you provide all necessary documentation for the application to be completed.
Due to the COVIC-19 pandemic, the application process will change this year. I will be asking you to drop-off your paperwork in the blue Drop Box located at the front entrance to the Preston Town Hall. I will review your information and contact you by telephone to complete your application. I will arrange a time that is mutually acceptable to have you return to the Preston Town Hall to sign the application(s). At which time, I will return any/all original documents which you have provided.
Please call the office at 860-887-5581 ext. 6 informing me that you dropped off your information at the Town Hall. (if leaving a phone message, please include your name and telephone number. The application process does not begin until February 1st.
HAVE YOU RECEIVED YOUR VACCINE?
DO YOU NEED HELP SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT FOR A COVID-19 VACINATION SHOT?
GIVE US A CALL AT 860-376-2604
WE CAN HELP YOU!
AARP Tax Assistance Program
Regrettably, the Preston Senior Center will not host the AARP Tax
Assistance Program during this tax season. The COVID-19 pandemic is the
primary reason. BUT existing clients will be encouraged to contact the Rose City Senior Center, 8 Mahan Drive, Norwich to receive assistance with their income tax preparation. NO NEW CLIENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Beginning during January, you are encouraged to contact the Rose City Senior Center at 860-889-5960 to schedule an appointment.
For those individuals who are existing clients only:
New to the process is that you will have to go to the Rose City Senior
Center at least 48 hours prior to your appointment to pick-up a booklet to be completed. (This is the same type of information that you would routinely complete at our center). You will need to complete the paperwork and include it with your income tax information. (Do not place your information in a plastic bag as the virus can live longer in that environment). It is suggested that you place your documents in a secure location within your locked vehicle trunk until the time of your appointment.
Drive-thru service will remain the same as last year. You drive up, staff will
take your paperwork out of the trunk of your car, they work on it and give you a call on your cell phone when they have questions or when your income tax is completed. Appointments will be available on Tuesday and Thursday only.
You will also need a cell phone available so that you can be contacted when
the AARP tax preparer completes your document.
Senior Center is Closed for Memorial Day on May 31, 2021.
May 2021- FROM THE DESK OF MARY JO RILEY
In tough times, communities find strength in people—and people find strength in
their communities. In the past year, we’ve seen this time and again in Groton as
friends, neighbors, and businesses have found new ways to support each other.
In our community, older adults are a key source of this strength. Through their
experiences, successes, and difficulties, they have built resilience that helps them to
face new challenges. When communities tap into this, they become stronger too.
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the celebration of
Older Americans Month (OAM). This year’s theme is Communities of Strength,
recognizing the important role older adults play in fostering the connection and
engagement that build strong, resilient communities.
Strength is built and shown not only by bold acts, but also small ones of day-to-day life – a conversation shared
with a friend, working in the garden, trying a new recipe, or taking time for a cup of tea on a busy day. And when
we share these activities with others—even virtually or by telling about the experience later—we help them build
resilience too.
This year, our Groton Senior Center celebrates Older Americans Month by encouraging community members to
share their experiences. Together, we can find strength—and create a stronger future.
Here are some ways to share and connect:
Look for joy in the everyday: Celebrate small moments and ordinary pleasures by taking time to recognize them. Start a
gratitude journal and share it with others via social media, or call a friend or family member to share a happy moment
or to say thank you.
Reach out to neighbors: Even if you can’t get together in person right now, you can still connect with your neighbors.
Leave a small gift on their doorstep, offer to help with outdoor chores, or deliver a home cooked meal.
Build new skills: Learning something new allows us to practice overcoming challenges. Take an art course online or try
a socially distanced outdoor movement class to enjoy learning with others in your community. Have a skill to share?
Find an opportunity to teach someone, even casually.
Share your story: There’s a reason storytelling is a time-honored activity. Hearing how others experience the world
helps us grow. Interviewing family, friends, and neighbors can open up new conversations and strengthen our
connections.
When people of different ages, backgrounds, abilities, and talents share experiences—through action, story, or
service—we help build strong communities. And that’s something to celebrate! Please join the Groton Senior
Center in strengthening our community.
Wednesday, May 12th from 10am to 1pm- Active Living Expo
Join us for our annual Active Living Expo Wednesday, May 12th 10 am to 1 pm. This event is open to all- great for yourself, caretakers and family members to check out!
As always we will have agencies and vendors covering varying topics for you such as Health, Insurance, Homecare, State programs, Nutrition, Legal issues, Volunteer opportunities, Technical Support, Outreach, Trips/Travel and much more!
This year it will look a little different as we are following COVID guidelines. The event is scheduled to take place outside, in the rink next to the center. This will allow for proper social distancing. We ask that all attendees wear a mask. This is open to the public and FREE.
Are You Ready to Quit Smoking? -Virtual ZOOM Program
Classes Begin Tuesday, May 5th 7:00 p.m.
A 7-Week program, meeting once a week, to help you become tobacco-free!
The American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking® program is designed to give you the support you need in a comfortable, confidential group setting offered via ZOOM. Our Tobacco Treatment Specialist has worked with hundreds of people on their journey to becoming tobacco-free.
This program is being offered by Ledge Light Health District and is open to anyone who lives or works in Southeastern Connecticut. This program is FREE and includes FREE nicotine replacement therapy.
For more information or to register, Contact Carolyn Wilson (860) 446-3062 cwilson@llhd.org
This program is supported by the Preventive Health & Health Services Block Grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
May Upcoming Music Classes
As of May, fees will be charged.
Mon thru June 28th 11-12pm Ukulele Lessons Level 2
New session will start on May 3rd and end on June 28th (no class on May 31st). Instructor led lessons for advanced beginner on up student on Mon at 11am via Zoom only at this time. Registration in process. Class fee $40R and $44NR.
Mon thru June 28th 2-4pm Jam Session
New session will start on May 3rh and end on June 28th (no class on May 31st). Shirley Lan & Joe Rice will lead this jam via Zoom. Any person who can play an instrument is welcome. Must register your interest to participant for the session.
Tue thru June 5th 1:30-2:30pm Beginner Guitar & Ukulele Lessons
New session will start on May 4th and end on May 25th. Instructor led lessons for beginners but all levels are welcome on Zoom only at this time. Registration in process. You will need to purchase a ukulele and a tuner. Class fee $20R and $22NR.
Thu thru June 28th 12:30-1:30pm Guitar Lessons – Advanced Beginner
New session will start on May 6th and end on June 24th. Instructor led lessons for advanced beginner on up students on Thu at 11am via Zoom only at this time. You must register for this session. Registration in process. Class fee $48R and $53NR.
SPEAKING OF MUSICAL OF INSTRUMENTS…
The Senior Center is offering fun, private guitar and ukulele zoom lessons from the convenience of your home. Free complimentary 1st lesson. The cost is $20 for a 30 minute session or $90 for a 4 week run. Contact the Senior Center to register. We will need your phone number and your email address.