Programs

Don’t we all want something for nothing? Do you look for the bargains and ways to stretch every dollar? I’m drawn to the clearance signs like a bee to honey! So, I’ve come up with this list of discounts and free stuff for seniors, veterans and everyone else. And remember if you don’t ask you miss out.

1. Look on Craigslist. They have a “free” listing under “for sale”.
2. Facebook has any number of resale/yard sale pages.
3. Free Hunting and fishing licenses if you are 65+.
4. State parks + CT registration = free entrance. This is now included in our car registrations.
5. Some Banks offer free checking and more.
6. Free college tuition if you are 62+. Finish your degree. Take classes that interest you.
7. Income tax returns – free with AARP trained preparers- check local senior centers for appt.
8. Save 5-10% off your auto ins for taking a driving class – check senior center for AARP class.
9. Retention dept for utilities – reduction for staying with that provider. This will take some time – maybe a half hour – but the discount will last 12-24 months.
10. Prescription assistance for non-covered unaffordable meds – ask at your doctor’s office and ask your pharmacist.
11. Legal assistance is available from several resources. Call 1-800-296-1467 or 1-800-453-3320 to get started.
12. Your library – free and reduced passes to museums and attractions, e-books, e-audio.
13. Discounts at restaurants and stores – one example is Kohl’s 15% every Wed for those 60+.
14. Community Resources – Call or visit your Area Agency on Aging, Senior Centers or your Town’s Municipal Agent.
15. Call your Town Hall. Town Clerks are a wealth of information.
16. Don’t forget calling 211 – 211ct.org

17 Browse the internet. Check any number of websites. BUT be sure to check the date for when the article was published to help judge if the information is current.

Join us at our annual Pen Turning event.  Turn your own pen (free) with our talented woodworkers.

Enjoy the beautiful quilt show.

Craft items and baked goods will be for sale

Craft tables still available for rent.  Call 860-376-2329 to reserve.

There will always be times in our lives when we offer care to others. Friends, parents, children and spouses have life events happen to them. We by instinct reach out and offer to help.

When those life events happen a plan comes about, care and healing happen and the world rights itself at some point. During that time life becomes quite crazy and hectic.

We could do a lot of our caregiving better and easier if we plan ahead. When a baby is about to be born plans are made for a doctor, aftercare for mom, cribs and more are bought. Questions are asked and answered. Babysitters, daycare decided on.

But for lots of other caregiving situations no planning is done at all. We age, our parents age. We don’t talk about what will happen as we lose some of our independence. Who will care for who? What agency do we want and what don’t we want?

Now is the time to look at the home, the budget and other options. Is it safe to stay at home? Is a move needed? What resources are there to pay for help? What will insurance pay for? What insurance is available? Is there a care plan manager? Are there resources from an employer available?

Start looking for the answers to some of these questions now.

Plus, start planning how the caregivers will get some respite. It is not unheard of for the caregiver to die before the one they are taking care of. Caregiving is stressful, a lot of work, demanding and exhausting.

We all need time for ourselves and so do the caregivers. They need time away from the situation. Whether it’s going out to lunch, shopping, taking a nap, gardening or reading a book they need a break.

Take care of the caregiver so they can continue to care for their loved one.