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Be Safe, Be Smart, Be Wise! Content by Judy
So here we sit with Coronavirus snuggled up right next to us on the coach. And yeah, I’m not liking it very much. You? How about we ask those germs to please leave? Tell them they have overstayed their welcome? Just flat out tell them to get out!! I don’t think any of us could have ever imagined or thought up a worldwide situation like this!! But it is what it is and we need to all – Be Safe, Be Smart, and Be Wise!
When we think of safe, we often think of being secure, protected, free from danger. In this situation being safe is… Stay home. Keep 6 feet of space between you and others.
“WASH YOUR HANDS”
We have started using “My Tribe” “My Circle” “My Posse” as a way to refer to those closest to us. So be sure they are safe too. Contact those loved ones, friends and neighbors. Work together to make things as good as you all can. Take care of each other and stay safe.
Now let’s Be Smart – Use your time wisely. Create new routines because being together for way more hours than usual can create difficult situations. Find new ways to stay calm. Maybe find a yoga video. Learn to meditate. And you can probably find what you are looking for online. YouTube is amazing. Take a look – There is like nothing that is not there. Learn something new, maybe a craft skill, a new language. Watch silly movies. Make your own videos. Share them with those you are missing. Share online. Make others laugh. Make a list. And do the things at home you never seem to have time for. Enjoy the great weather and start spring cleanup. Get the garden ready. Clean closets, cabinets, paint that room, reorganize, fill out your census form. Be smart and “Don’t hoard” For everything you have too much of – someone else needs it. Just what are some of you going to do with 100 rolls of toilet paper??? Buy what you need and leave the rest for the next guy.
And “WASH YOUR HANDS”
Be Wise – take care of you!! If you don’t – you can’t take care of those around you. Be nice to you and nice to those around you. Develop a new schedule. Structure helps. Be thankful for those still out there taking care of us. The xray tech, the nurse, the doctor, the CNAs, police, EMTs, firefighters, TRUCK DRIVERS, everyone that is still working. AND Stay positive!! Don’t hoard!! Use your time wisely!! Plan parties and events for when this is all over!! Look at this as more of a gift than a punishment
and “WASH YOUR HANDS”
Renter’s Rebate Program
Older adults and disabled adults in East Lyme who are interested in the Renter Rebate program will be seen by the East Lyme Senior Center. However, at this point, it will not be during the month of April. Please remember, the application period for this benefit runs until October 1st. There will be plenty of time to apply.
Energy Assistance Program
Residents interested in the Energy Assistance program need to call TVCCA at 860-425-6681. This agency is also closed to the public, but they are processing Energy Assistance applications by telephone. Additionally, the authorization for fuel deliveries for this program has been extended to April 30th, 2020.
Volunteers Needed
If you or someone you know is interested in providing help during this time, please call the Senior Center. At this time, we have received only a few requests for help but in case this increases in the future, it would be helpful to have names and numbers at the ready.
The Senior Center has been asked what services are in place to help seniors in Town. Our response is that there is no set plan and the world is changing at a rapid pace. What makes more sense at this juncture, is for specific requests/needs to be expressed and a solution created. Do not hesitate to call. We’re in this together and we will come out together.
Senior Center is Closed to the Public
The East Lyme Senior Center is currently closed to the public until further notice.
The staff of the East Lyme Senior Center are reporting in daily. Our duties have changed and we are delivering meals for our Meals on Wheels program so you will see our vehicle out in the community between the hours of 10am and 12:30pm.
If you or someone you know is having trouble, don’t hesitate to call the Senior Center at 860-739-5859. You may have to leave a message but rest assured, we will get it and respond to you.