Category: Resources

March Virtual Presentations on Zoom

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Norwich

These virtual presentations are being shared by AARP, The Mystic & Noank Library, Simsbury Public Library and Lyme Public Library.

  • Animal Tracking Sat., March 6th  2:00p.m.

In this ZOOM presentation you will learn to identify the tracks of local wildlife as well as how to interpret the stories they tell.  In addition, you will also meet an owl who leaves telltale tracks behind from a hunt!  Presented by the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center located in Mystic, CT.

                     Registration required by emailing  programreg@lymepl.org

  • In Search of the Himalayan Snow Leopard Mon., March 8th  NOON

The Himalayan Snow Leopard is the most mysterious, enigmatic poorly understood of all the large cats. Inhabiting mountain terrain above 15,000, the Snow Leopard is rarely seen and rarely photographed.  Join us as we welcome Dr. Richard Benfield, former Chair of the Central CT State University Geography Department and Snow Leopard Researcher, as he takes us on a journey into the Himalayas and the mountains of Central Asia in search of this mysterious creature.

                          Registration required at  www.local.aarp.org/hartford-ct/aarp-events/

  • Asian Fusion Cooking Demonstration Thurs., March 11th  5:00p.m.

Fox Hopyard Executive Chef James Martell is a Stonington, Connecticut native with 25 years of experience working in restaurants along the Rhode Island and Connecticut eastern shoreline.

                               Registration required by emailing  programreg@lymepl.org

  • Threatened & Endangered Wild Birds Sat., March 13th  3:00p.m.

Meet some threatened and endangered wild birds live over ZOOM.  Horizon Wings Rehabilitation will feature an American Kestrel, a Peregrine Falcon, a Northern Saw-Whet Owl, a Barn Owl, and a Bald Eagle in this educational event.  Learn which species of raptors are currently on Connecticut’s threatened and endangered list and ways in which we can help to promote their survival.

                              Registration required at  www.mysticnoanklibrary.org

  • The Other Side of the Ice: The Northwest Passage Sat., March 20th  3:00p.m.

Sprague Theobald tells his life-changing journey through the Northwest Passage – the sea route connecting the Atlantic to the Pacific.  Unrelenting cold, hungry polar bears, and a haunting landscape littered with sobering artifacts from the tragic Franklin Expedition of 1845 make this a harrowing story of survival, adventure, and, ultimately, redemption.

                                    Registration required by emailing  programreg@lymepl.org

  • Wadsworth Athenium Virtual Tour: European Artist Wed., March 24th  7:00p.m.

Join us for a virtual tour of the Wadsworth Atheneum art collection featuring European Artists.

                                   Registration required at  www.local.aarp.org/hartford-ct/aarp-events/

  • From Uptown Girls to Downton Abbey Thurs., March 25th  7:00p.m.

Long before the British Invasion, the cash-strapped lords, viscounts, and dukes of Great Britain shifted their focus from hunting foxes and pheasants to more lucrative targets: cash-flush Gilded Age American socialites who were willing to trade their family’s money for an ancient title and often a chilly reception in the British aristocracy.

                               Registration required at  www.simsburylibrary.info

  • Celebrate National Nutrition Month: Personalize Your Plate Wed., March 31th   1:00p.m.

Join Registered Dietitian, Alison Dvorak, as she invites you into her virtual kitchen to discuss ways to tailor a healthful eating plan that is just right for you.

                                   Registration required at  www.local.aarp.org/hartford-ct/aarp-events/

 

Whole Foods Cooking Series **ZOOM

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Norwich

Join The Mystic & Noank Library instructional cooking ZOOM presentations with Colin McCullough, of Colin Cooks Vegan, who teaches vegan and non-vegan people alike how to incorporate whole-foods and plant-based meals into their diet.  Join one or more of the upcoming programs.  You must register for each presentation you are interested in.  These presentations are open to anyone, but space is limited.

  • Fresh Whole Food Soups ~ Thursday, March 25th 6:00p.m.
  • Healthy & Amazing Sauces ~ Thursday, April 29th 6:00p.m.
  • Veggie Burgers & Sausages ~ Thursday, May 27th   6:00p.m.

Registration required at  www.mysticnoanklibrary.org

(On website, click on “Event Calendar” tab to find ZOOM programs)

 

Gardening with Native Plants Series **ZOOM

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Norwich

Join The Mystic & Noank Library ZOOM presentations with Tim Wachtmann of Plantscapes of New England for this informative three part series on gardening with native New England plants.  Join one or more of the upcoming programs.  You must register for each presentation you are interested in.  These presentations are open to anyone, but space is limited.

  • Why Native Plants? ~ Wednesday, March 31st 6:00p.m.
  • Planting for Native Pollinators ~ Wednesday, April 14th 6:00p.m.
  • Enjoying Your Native Landscape ~ Wednesday, April 28th   6:00p.m.

Registration required at  www.mysticnoanklibrary.org

(On website, click on “Event Calendar” tab to find ZOOM programs)

 

AARP Virtual U Lecture Series: Asian Studies

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Norwich

Join Dr. Nita Verma Prasad, Associate Professor of History and Director of Asian Studies at Quinnipiac University for this three part ZOOM lecture series sharing her expertise in the social history of British colonial India.  Join one or more of the upcoming lectures.  You must register for each presentation you are interested in.  These presentations are open to anyone, but space is limited.

  • Religion in India’s Past ~ Thurs., March 11th 7:00p.m.
  • The East India Company ~ Wed., April 21st 7:00p.m.
  • Gender & Nationalism in the Colonial World ~ Wed., May 12th 1:00p.m.

Registration required at  www.aarp.org/ctevents

 

Vaccine Appointments- UPDATE

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Preston

The Department of Public Health (DPH) and the United Way of Connecticut have recently announced the expanded access to vaccine scheduling through the state’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line.
The expansions include:
*Scheduling availability seven days per week
*Scheduling occurs between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. each day
*Appointments are being booked at 12 locations across the state. (When you call and schedule an appointment, be sure that you indicate that you want the NORWICH area and not Hartford or Bridgeport, unless of course you want to travel to those locations to get your VOVID-19 vaccination)
*There are 125 contact specialists trained and answering appointment calls.
*****The phone number to call for vaccination scheduling is 877-918-2224.
Don’t hesitate, call as soon as you can.

UNCAS HEALTH DISTRICT INFORMATION: Connecticut Residents 75 and older can register for COVID-19 Vaccine

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Preston

The state’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts have now expanded to phase 1b, and as a result, Connecticut residents who are 75 years or older now qualify to receive the vaccines.

Due to limited supply of the vaccine, registering through an online or phone system will be necessary. The state’s Vaccine Administration Management System is now open for registration submission. Those over the age of 75, or their loved ones, are asked to submit applications through the online web portal.  https://dphsubmissions.ct.gov/OnlineVaccine

When accepted into the registration portal, individuals will receive emails informing them of the next steps necessary in the scheduling process.

For those in the age group who lack computer access or knowledge, they can also call: 877-918-2224 Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
There may be an initial delay in scheduling access, but as the state actively enrolls providers and staff, it is expected for that access to rapidly grow in coming weeks. All information submitted through VAMS will be kept private. The link to VAMS also contains an extensive list of frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, helping to ease any concerns individuals may have. More than 100 health care providers statewide will offer the vaccine, including UConn Health and Hartford Healthcare, with more locations and a map of all locations to be made available in the coming weeks.

In addition, if you have a MyChartPlus account through Hartford Healthcare, you may schedule a clinic appointment through Hartford Healthcare that is convenient for you. You may register at: https://mychartplus.org/mychart/accesscheck.asp
If you would prefer to schedule your appointment by phone, call the Hartford HealthCare Access Center at 860-827-7690 or toll-free at 833-943-5721.
All vaccinations are offered by appointment; people must first register through one of the systems listed above to secure an appointment. Vaccine supply remains limited and patience is requested.

UNCAS Health District is located at 401 West Thames Street, Ste. 106, Norwich, Ct. 06360, Telephone number 860-823-1189.

Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Residents Over 65 Can Register for COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments Starting Thursday, February 11

Posted on February 10, 2021 by Lyme / Old Lyme

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Connecticut residents over the age of 65 will be eligible to schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments starting on Thursday, February 11, 2021, as the state rolls into the next part of phase 1b of its vaccination program. Vaccinations for individuals over the age of 75 and those within phase 1a will continue.

 

With approximately 350,000 individuals in Connecticut between the ages of 65 and 74, and a slightly increased but relatively small weekly supply of the vaccine being received in the state from the federal government, Governor Lamont and state public health officials are stressing the need for patience on the part of Connecticut residents.

 

Currently, the state anticipates receiving about 60,000 first doses of the vaccine per week from the federal government.

 

“In a perfect world, we would receive enough doses of the vaccine to make it available to everyone in Connecticut right now, however each state is being given a very limited supply, which is why we need to phase it in and give priority to the most vulnerable populations,” Governor Lamont said. “I know that people are anxious to receive it, and I will continue advocating for our state to receive increased allocations in the coming weeks and months.”

 

“COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted older individuals and individuals in traditionally underserved communities,” Connecticut Public Health Acting Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford said. “Now that we’ve vaccinated the majority of our highest risk age group, we are ready to move to those over the age of 65. However, we want to ensure that within this high risk group, we focus on getting vaccine to individuals within the group who come from communities that have been hardest hit by the virus, namely our Black and Latino communities. We are working with our vaccine providers and other community partners to identify underserved areas and focus vaccine resources into those areas, including providing transportation assistance and other solutions to address barriers to vaccine access.”

 

All eligible residents are required to make an appointment in advance of receiving the vaccine. To find available vaccination clinics throughout the state, residents can visit ct.gov/covidvaccine and enter their zip code.

 

Appointments can be made utilizing the following tools:

 

VAMS online system: VAMS is the Vaccine Administration Management System and can be used to schedule appointments at multiple clinics across the state. To make an appointment using this system, click here.

Call Connecticut’s COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assist Line: Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccine appointment assist line is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. To make an appointment, call 877-918-2224.

Hartford HealthCare: Hartford HealthCare has multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the Hartford area. To make an appointment using this system, click here.

Yale New Haven Health: Yale New Haven Hospital has multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the New Haven area. To make an appointment using this system, click here.

Stamford Health: Stamford Health is operating a clinic seven days per week at Stamford Hospital. To make an appointment using this system, click here.

Walgreens: Walgreens is currently offering the vaccine at 12 different locations and will soon be adding many more across the state. To make an appointment using this system, click here.

CVS: CVS is currently offering the vaccine in four locations (Colchester, Putnam, Waterford, and Windsor Locks) and will be expanding to 12 more locations in the next week. To make an appointment using this system, click here.

Walmart: Walmart will be offering the vaccine at seven locations across the state (Hartford, New Haven, North Windham, Norwalk, Torrington, Waterbury, and West Haven). To make an appointment using this system, click here.

 

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination distribution plans in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.

 

Best regards,
Stephanie Gould, Lymes’ Senior Center Director
26 Town Woods Road Old Lyme
(860)434-1605 ext. 240

So, What’s Going on at Senior Centers during COVID – Content by Judy

Posted on February 3, 2021 by Groton

People continue to be surprised on what is still happening in Senior Centers as we continue dealing with COVID and all of those restrictions.

Well first off, the Senior Center Staff is still working. They are just as helpful as they were when you were there. They miss you, too!! They cannot wait for you to come in those doors!

The staff is just as committed to serving you – it’s just that things are different

The Senior Center phone lines are manned, and you can still get your questions answered. Call and let them know what you need help with.

You can still sign up for Meals on Wheels, Fuel Assistance, Elderly & Totally Disabled Tax Relief Program, AARP income tax assistance, and other programs. Or get the information on how you can apply.

You can find out which of these programs you are eligible for. Plus, any others you might be able to take advantage of.

You can get Meals on Wheels delivered to your home.

Most Senior Centers are still providing transportation.

Many Senior Centers have meals you can order and pick-up curbside.

If your local Senior Center is not distributing food, they can tell you where your closest location is.

There are lots of virtual and Zoom classes available. The beauty of those is that you can attend events that are well out of your area. There is no need to travel to a Senior Center across the state. Just register and login on the day and time the event is happening.

SeniorCenterCt.org has a Zoom calendar on the main landing page. Just click on the Zoom Calendar icon and you’ll find any number of things you can do.

Here is an example of some of the virtual and Zoom classes that you might find: Tai Chi, Genealogy, Sing Along, Trivia, lectures on a number of topics, paint night, bingo and more!!

So, call your Senior Center and see if you can pick up jigsaw puzzles, books from the Senior Center Library, or maybe even craft kits. Who knows, give them a call, and ask!!

So even though, you might have thought your Senior Center is CLOSED, it’s not really…. It’s just that the public cannot go into the building.

So, What’s Going on at Senior Centers during COVID – Content by Judy

Posted on February 3, 2021 by Norwich

People continue to be surprised on what is still happening in Senior Centers as we continue dealing with COVID and all of those restrictions.

Well first off, the Senior Center Staff is still working. They are just as helpful as they were when you were there. They miss you, too!! They cannot wait for you to come in those doors!

The staff is just as committed to serving you – it’s just that things are different

The Senior Center phone lines are manned, and you can still get your questions answered. Call and let them know what you need help with.

You can still sign up for Meals on Wheels, Fuel Assistance, Elderly & Totally Disabled Tax Relief Program, AARP income tax assistance, and other programs. Or get the information on how you can apply.

You can find out which of these programs you are eligible for. Plus, any others you might be able to take advantage of.

You can get Meals on Wheels delivered to your home.

Most Senior Centers are still providing transportation.

Many Senior Centers have meals you can order and pick-up curbside.

If your local Senior Center is not distributing food, they can tell you where your closest location is.

There are lots of virtual and Zoom classes available. The beauty of those is that you can attend events that are well out of your area. There is no need to travel to a Senior Center across the state. Just register and login on the day and time the event is happening.

SeniorCenterCt.org has a Zoom calendar on the main landing page. Just click on the Zoom Calendar icon and you’ll find any number of things you can do.

Here is an example of some of the virtual and Zoom classes that you might find: Tai Chi, Genealogy, Sing Along, Trivia, lectures on a number of topics, paint night, bingo and more!!

So, call your Senior Center and see if you can pick up jigsaw puzzles, books from the Senior Center Library, or maybe even craft kits. Who knows, give them a call, and ask!!

So even though, you might have thought your Senior Center is CLOSED, it’s not really…. It’s just that the public cannot go into the building.

So, What’s Going on at Senior Centers during COVID – Content by Judy

Posted on February 3, 2021 by Lisbon

People continue to be surprised on what is still happening in Senior Centers as we continue dealing with COVID and all of those restrictions.

Well first off, the Senior Center Staff is still working. They are just as helpful as they were when you were there. They miss you, too!! They cannot wait for you to come in those doors!

The staff is just as committed to serving you – it’s just that things are different

The Senior Center phone lines are manned, and you can still get your questions answered. Call and let them know what you need help with.

You can still sign up for Meals on Wheels, Fuel Assistance, Elderly & Totally Disabled Tax Relief Program, AARP income tax assistance, and other programs. Or get the information on how you can apply.

You can find out which of these programs you are eligible for. Plus, any others you might be able to take advantage of.

You can get Meals on Wheels delivered to your home.

Most Senior Centers are still providing transportation.

Many Senior Centers have meals you can order and pick-up curbside.

If your local Senior Center is not distributing food, they can tell you where your closest location is.

There are lots of virtual and Zoom classes available. The beauty of those is that you can attend events that are well out of your area. There is no need to travel to a Senior Center across the state. Just register and login on the day and time the event is happening.

SeniorCenterCt.org has a Zoom calendar on the main landing page. Just click on the Zoom Calendar icon and you’ll find any number of things you can do.

Here is an example of some of the virtual and Zoom classes that you might find: Tai Chi, Genealogy, Sing Along, Trivia, lectures on a number of topics, paint night, bingo and more!!

So, call your Senior Center and see if you can pick up jigsaw puzzles, books from the Senior Center Library, or maybe even craft kits. Who knows, give them a call, and ask!!

So even though, you might have thought your Senior Center is CLOSED, it’s not really…. It’s just that the public cannot go into the building.