Category: Resources

Voting – Content by Judy

Election Day will be here soon enough, and we all need to exercise our right to vote. Remind others and encourage them to vote as well. Keep in mind that we are fortunate enough to live in a country where we pick who represents us.

Voting is a basic right and our way to raise our voice and be a part of how our world runs.

Remember if you don’t vote you don’t get to complain after the fact about anything to do with taxes, the way things are or are not because you didn’t care enough to vote.

Sure, you can say “My vote doesn’t make any difference” but it does!! We all have seen those close election results. That great new candidate who ‘only’ lost by 3 votes. Someone else winning be a handful of votes. These are the perfect examples of your vote does make a difference.

We all need to find out who’s running this November and what those candidates stand for. If we agree with them or not. For those that are in office – do we think they are doing a good job? Do they listen? Do they represent what we want or are they always voting the party line? Should they get re-elected? Or is time for someone new?

And the candidates need to pay attention to us! Because the older population are the most likely to vote! We know what works and what doesn’t work. We have lived the social issues. We have seen the politics involved – both good and bad! And over 70% of us vote!!

Yes, out of every 10 people 65+, 7 of them will be voting in November.

Think about that… This age group can influence all policy. If taxes go up or down or stay the same? Does that referendum pass or does it fail? Does the new candidate win? Does the incumbent get re-elect?

Again, think about it! Your vote can be the very vote that drives change! Mark your calendar so you don’t forget. Call for a ride if you need one. But be sure to vote because elections are decided by those who show up!! Not those who stay home!!

As Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world!!”

Tuesdays and Fridays via Zoom- Tai Ji Quan: Movement for Better Balance Class

Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance is a research-based falls prevention exercise program that uses Tai Ji Quan based movements to improve strength, mobility, balance and daily function and to prevent falls. It is designed for older adults 60+ years old and people with balance difficulties. The next class of Tai Ji Quan will be held on October 5, 2021, from 8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Class meets: Tues. & Fri. Location: Zoom. The class is Free. Must be 60+ years old to participate. Contact Connie Capacchione, Uncas Health District at 860-639-5138.

Voting – Content by Judy  

Election Day will be here soon enough, and we all need to exercise our right to vote. Remind others and encourage them to vote as well. Keep in mind that we are fortunate enough to live in a country where we pick who represents us.

Voting is a basic right and our way to raise our voice and be a part of how our world runs.

Remember if you don’t vote you don’t get to complain after the fact about anything to do with taxes, the way things are or are not because you didn’t care enough to vote.

Sure, you can say “My vote doesn’t make any difference” but it does!! We all have seen those close election results. That great new candidate who ‘only’ lost by 3 votes. Someone else winning be a handful of votes. These are the perfect examples of your vote does make a difference.

We all need to find out who’s running this November and what those candidates stand for. If we agree with them or not. For those that are in office – do we think they are doing a good job? Do they listen? Do they represent what we want or are they always voting the party line? Should they get re-elected? Or is time for someone new?

And the candidates need to pay attention to us! Because the older population are the most likely to vote! We know what works and what doesn’t work. We have lived the social issues. We have seen the politics involved – both good and bad! And over 70% of us vote!!

Yes, out of every 10 people 65+, 7 of them will be voting in November.

Think about that… This age group can influence all policy. If taxes go up or down or stay the same? Does that referendum pass or does it fail? Does the new candidate win? Does the incumbent get re-elect?

Again, think about it! Your vote can be the very vote that drives change! Mark your calendar so you don’t forget. Call for a ride if you need one. But be sure to vote because elections are decided by those who show up!! Not those who stay home!!

As Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world!!”

Neighbors helping Neighbors

Do you have a skill or a service that would benefit a senior in need? We are looking to compile a listing of Niantic & East Lyme residents ready and available to assist seniors with odd jobs, grass mowing, raking, dump runs, shoveling / plowing, etc… If you would like to add your name to our listing please contact us. Please note we are not looking for contractors. We are looking to put together a “neighbors helping neighbors” listing with reduced pricing or free of charge services for seniors in our community. Reliable teens or retirees welcome!

 

MUNICIPAL MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION 2021-2022

The Dial-a-Ride Medical Transportation and Caregiver Mileage reimbursement program started their new fiscal year on July 1, 2021 and runs until June 30, 2022. Residents who are 60+ or persons with disabilities are eligible  for the service.  A one-page application is required in order to register. If you have already registered for the program, you do not need to complete a new registration form.

Registered participants who cannot have their needs met by existing services will be provided a limited number of one-way trips per grant year (36) or as the grant dollars allow.

For further information or for an application, please contact the Senior Center office.

 

Norwich Public Utilities Rebates -2021

Norwich Public Utilities is currently offering NPU electric customers rebates on the purchase of new Energy Star rated air conditioners and Energy Star rated electric water heaters. The rebate is good for purchases made between July 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021.  Rebates are $60 for a qualifying air conditioner and up to $500 for a qualifying electric water heater.  Other energy efficiency rebates are also available.

For more information visit

www.norwichpublicutilities.com/residential/efficiency-programs-rebates

Rebates are also available for the lease or purchase of a new or used (2019 or newer) all-electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and for the purchase and installation of EV charging equipment.

www.norwichpublicutilities.com/residential/electric-vehicle-charging-rebate-program

 

Municipal Medical Transportation Service and Caregiver Transportation Program

The Town of Preston participates with 11 other towns in collaboration with
Eastern Connecticut Transportation Consortium and the CT Department of
Transportation to offer transportation services for medical appointments to
individuals age 60 and over and disabled adults. (This is a grant funded service
and there is no guarantee that funding will be available for the entire year).

To qualify, the program is open to individuals who reside in the Town of
Preston and have completed a registration form. (Individuals who are eligible for
free transportation through Medicaid are asked to use that program instead.)
Currently thirty-six one-way rides for the period of July 2, 2021 – June 30,
2022 can be provided for medical appointments in New London County as long as
funds are available.

Reservations must be made no later than 48 hours in advance but can be
scheduled up to 2 weeks ahead. Trips can be scheduled during normal business
hours. Requests for weekend and Monday trips must be made no later than
Friday by 2 p.m. Personal Care Attendants (or family member acting as an escort)
may accompany passengers who need extra help with entering and exiting the
vehicle or have other needs that make traveling independently unsafe.

In order to protect the health of others, passengers must be free from
acute illnesses such as flu, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and infections such as
pneumonia. You may be asked to wear some sort of face covering by your
transportation provider (unless it is medically contraindicated).
For additional information on the Medical Transportation Program, please
contact the Senior Affairs Office at 860-887-5581 ext. 6.

Residential Home Energy Savings Program

Norwich Public Utilities wants to help you save money and conserve energy by making your home more energy efficient.  Enjoy the benefits of saving energy all year long including saving on heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer.  NPU has contracted with Lantern Energy to have them conduct free energy audits of NPU customer’s homes.  Appointments are scheduled year round.

For more information visit:

www.norwichpublicutilities.com/residential/efficiency-programs-rebates