The Preston Senior Affairs Committee would like to announce the
appointment of Debra Eddy as its newest member. Debra will join with Committee members Chairman Morris Fishbone, Elizabeth Bassette, Marie Perrin and Fran Minor to complete their term of office thru December 31, 2024. Meetings are conducted on the first Tuesday of the month, with the exception of July and August. (we’re on recess during that time) For the convenience of the community, meetings are conducted in person at the Preston Senior Center, 42 Long Society Road and via teleconference. Meeting notices are posted on the Town of Preston website and are open to the public.
Category: Resources
Thrive 55+ Staff
For event information or sponsorship inquires, please email kwilliams@groton-ct.gov
For extended and day trip information, please email colsen@groton-ct.gov
For room rentals, questions or concerns regarding the center, please email mjriley@groton.ct.gov
For volunteer information, please email tstanley@groton-ct.gov
For all other questions, please call the main number at 860-441-6785
Senior Center & Senior Club News
The Montville Senior Center and the Montville Senior Club are now one entity. In the past, the Club dues were $10.00 yearly and there was no charge for Center dues. To make things much less complicated and more efficient, there is only one membership—the Montville SENIOR CENTER MEMBERSHIP. The annual membership dues are $25.00. (I am certainly able to work with any senior that cannot afford the membership dues, please come see me—we can
absolutely work this out) Though most folks have not had any issues, few have made indirect comments so I wanted to remind everyone the Montville is one of the only centers in our area and very few throughout our state that does not charge for most of our classes and programs. I spend a great deal of time writing grants and my dedicated staff and volunteers work very hard on all of our fundraisers so that we can offer these programs for free. The dinners that we have and our lunch program are fundraisers so that all of our seniors can participate in the programs without concern of being able to afford them.
For a quick breakdown:
$25.00 year = $2.08 a month = $0.48 a week = $0.06 a day
VS.
Instructors for one month range between = $200—$1,000 (per classes or programs) we presently offer over 30 programs (and can participate in all or some or none) seniors can also come down for coffee & pastry every morning (no additional charge), lunch daily ($1.00 donation request to help us off set items needed), socialization, health programs, computer use, library & more.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions, I am more than happy to address!
Senior Center Closures in January
CLOSED: January 1st and 15th
Closing at 1:00pm: January 22nd
Step it Up & Stay Active For So Many Reasons
Why Is Physical Activity Important?
Exercise and physical activity are good for just about everyone, including older adults. No matter your health and physical abilities, you can gain a lot by staying active. In fact, studies show that “taking it easy” is risky. Often, inactivity is more to blame than age
when older people lose the ability to do things on their own. Lack of physical activity also can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses.
Emotional Benefits of Exercise
Research has shown that exercise is not only good for your physical health, it also supports emotional and mental health. You can exercise with a friend or group and get the added benefit of emotional support. So, next time you’re feeling down, anxious, or stressed, try to get up and start moving!
This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA).
Residential Home Energy Assessment
Norwich Public Utilities wants to help their customers save money and conserve energy by making your home more energy efficient. NPU has contracted with Lantern Energy to perform a energy analysis of your home. Enjoy the benefits of saving energy all year long. (A fee applies for this service.)
In one easy visit, Lantern’s certified technicians will:
Conduct an overall health and safety check of your house, including a combustion appliance zone test and carbon monoxide (CO) test. Perform a blower door test to find and correct air leakage around your house. Perform a duct blast test to find and correct air leakage in ductwork. Upgrade your lighting from incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs. Install water and water heating energy-saving measures including low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and pipe insulation.
The technician will make suggestions for additional measures and steps you could take to improve energy efficiency of your home. Including to provide special rebate offers for replacing inefficient home appliances or installing additional attic wall and attic insulation (if applicable).
To request a home energy analysis from Lantern Energy
Visit: www.lanternenergy.com/schedule-an-assessment
Call: Lantern Energy scheduler at 1-877-878-3006
Adventures in Lifelong Learning
Three Rivers Community College
Adventures in Lifelong Learning (ALL) is a unique non-credit program that allows students age 50 and older to participate in classes for a low per-semester fee of just $15. In addition to one day classes on a variety of topics, the program also offers a film series, and a weekly Writer’s Group. Field trips to area museums, historic sites, and other attractions are also occasionally offered.
Starting mid-February, the Spring Classes Brochure will be posted on their website with information on registration. Classes start in March. The $15 semester fee covers you to participate in as many classes as you wish. Contact information is below, and be on the lookout for the Spring Brochure in February!
For more information call (860) 215-9316 or visit www.threerivers.edu/all
AARP Income Tax Assistance
If you wish to have your taxes done, starting at 9:00 a.m. on January 2nd please call the Senior Center or stop by the reception desk to schedule an appointment. Appointments are available Tuesdays or Thursdays starting in February through early April.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides tax assistance free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are age 50 and older with low to moderate income. Tax-Aide volunteers can help with most, but not all, tax returns. If you have an extremely complicated return, Tax-Aide may not be able to help.
Do not wait, appointments book up quickly! Call (860) 889-5960
Senior Center Closed on…
The Senior Center will be closed on the following dates:
Monday, January 1 – New Year’s Day
Monday, January 15th – Martin Luther King Day
**During the winter months, if East Lyme schools are cancelled due to inclement weather, the Senior Center will also cancel all of their programs and transportation. Check Channel 3 and Channel 8 for cancellation notices or listen to local radio stations. There will be a message on the Senior Center answering machine by 8am indicating the status of the Senior Center. Check your email regarding class cancelations.
*New Refund Policy*
No refunds for programs will be made after the second meeting of a program. A $2.00 fee is charged to process a refund. No fee is charged if the class is canceled. For Meal Events, no refund will be given after the last date for registration (due to food having been purchased for the event). A refund will be given if staff finds a person to replace you. For Day Trips, a refund will only be given if a person can replace you.