Category: Programs

ACCREDITATION TIME AGAIN

Your center staff here is always working hard on several things but one biggie is that we are working towards obtaining the National Institute of Senior Centers Accreditation. Groton Senior Center was first accredited in 2004. We want to  keep this important status going.

It is important to be accredited as doing so recognizes that the center meets a high level of standards that are set nationally for senior centers, the center is meeting its mission, assures consumers that we offer quality programs and services and that we are a viable, fundable and qualified provider.

A large benefit of being accredited is that grant providers know we provide quality programs and it is recognized in the grant application process. The process can take six to eighteen months to complete accreditation so please bear with us as we meet all the criteria to benefit your center and you!

 

MARY JO OUR GRANT WRITING QUEEN

For this 2019-2020 year in grants, we received an National Recreation and Park Association grant to train instructors in the Fit & Strong program. This fitness program focuses on those with mobility issues and low fitness levels with the goal of improving their fitness so they are able to function at home and with everyday activities better.

We are also working on a local Pfizer grant, A.A.R.P. grant and a few bank grant applications to help with developing some new programs and supporting some of our older programs.

The process of writing a grant can take two or more months because of the information that is needed to be gathered, putting together realistic goals and objectives and a budget.  Once you have received a grant, aside from implementing the program or service that was written about, there are usually follow up reports and objectives you must meet to sustain the grant.

All that work pays off quite well though. Overall, Mary Jo says “it’s rewarding to be able to start some new programs that benefit people 55+ in our community.”

 

Looking for a Saxophone or Clarinet Player- Would you like to join a great group?

Rose City Senior Center’s concert band, Roseland Combo is looking for a saxophone or clarinet player to join this very talented group!  If you enjoy playing “vintage” music, then consider joining the Roseland Combo and put some “spark” back in your “sparkle”!

The Roseland Combo meets for rehearsal on Tuesday’s at 10:30am.  The group also accompanies the Golden Nuggets choral group on outings and occasionally plays for special events at the Senior Center.

Please contact Hilary with questions or if you would be interested in joining the group.

 

April Thank you

Thank you to Senior Center Volunteers Nancy Caplet, Rose Marie Desjarlais, Cora Landry and Joe Landry for their help with our Annual St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage Fundraiser Dinner.  Also, to the very talented Pierce Campbell for his wonderful Irish music and songs during the event.

A BIG THANK YOU to the wonderful NFA Honor Society students who served the meal and helped clean up!  We would also like to thank Irene’s Family Restaurant for their donation of pizza to feed the hungry NFA students and of course to Ed Meadows for helping Director Mike in the kitchen!

 

Thursday, May 9th- Seniors Real Estate Specialist- Presentation by Susan Sampson from Coldwell Banker

Time: 10:00am

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, Susan Sampson understands that selling a home can be an emotional time, with many issues facing older adults when it comes to deciding whether or not to sell their home.  Join us for this informative talk as Susan takes a no-pressure approach to help individuals navigate their choices.  Susan will also suggest some alternatives to selling which may allow an individual to remain in their home.  Tips on decluttering your home will also be discussed and handouts will be available that may be helpful to you.  Hope you join us for this informative talk!

Please sign up at Reception if you will be attending.

The Week of Monday, April 1st-Plant Sale

The Greenhouse will be selling house plants starting on Monday, April 1st in the Reception area.  This sale will include house plants only (no outdoor garden plants). Plants will be on sale through the first week of April until plants are sold out.  Plants will be reasonably priced with proceeds going towards the greenhouse for future purchases.  Please stop by and purchase a plant!

Wednesdays- Tray Favors Group

Time: 9:30am – 11:00am

Location: Craft Room

Looking to join a fun and crafty volunteer group?  Tray Favors may be for you! 

The Tray Favors volunteers construct seasonally inspired paper gift cards which are donated to local area care facilities and Backus Hospital to be used on patients’ meal trays.  The Tray Favors are much appreciated by the organizations that receive them!

This volunteer opportunity is for Senior Center Members only.

 

Afghan Raffle

A beautiful multicolored pastel crocheted afghan is being raffled with all proceeds to benefit programs and events at the Rose City Senior Center. The handmade afghan was made by the very talented Senior Center Member Eva Blodgett and donated to us.

Tickets are 3 for $1 and are available at reception.

Drawing to be held on Friday, May 3rd and you do not have to be present to win!

 

Tuesday, May 21st- AARP Driver Safety- Smart Driver Course

Tuesdays: March 19th, May 21st, July 23th, September 17th, November 12th

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

The AARP Smart Driver Course (formally Driver’s Safety) is the nation’s first and largest refresher course for drivers age 50 and older. It has given millions of older drivers the skills and tools they need to drive safely on today’s roads. In fact, 97% of those who take it change at least one driving behavior.

And the best part? There are no tests to pass – just useful information to keep you safe on the road! You may get an insurance discount after taking this course! Auto insurance companies in most states provide a multi-year discount to course graduates! Please consult your insurance agent for more information about discounts available to you.

Cost: $15 AARP Members     $20 AARP Non-Members

Pay by check or cash on the day of the class

Please sign up at Reception starting January 22nd.