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.

    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.

    Get Out There!! – Content by Judy

    New Age???

    New Time???

    New Start???

    Do any of us know what to call this time we are now living? I can’t figure it out myself. I just know I’ll never live a ‘normal’ life again. That was before COVID. Now I just know things a different and I need to create the life I want to live.

    Things will be different because we are different. But how do we want this new ‘different’ to look? Should we be making a new plan? Finding new avenues? Reassessing those things we wanted but didn’t do before?

    My husband and I started a list several months ago of things we were going to do after COVID. On it I added go to bars. My husband said, “But we don’t go to bars!” “No, but we’re going to start because it’s something new and different. Who knows we might even like them!” So, we’ll see…

    That’s sort of a silly example of trying something new. Going somewhere we might be uncomfortable. Experiencing a new environment. But it will get us engaged in a new way and who knows we might even make new friends or find people we used to know.

    I want all of you to experience that new day. A new start. For you to act and move forward. Even if you don’t know what ‘IT’ is. Work on ‘IT’. Figure ‘IT’ out. Make a plan. Pick a day of each week to try something new.

    It can be as simple as enjoying a cup of coffee in a new place. You’re not alone. There will be others looking for the same things you are looking for. Say hello as you walk by. You just need to get out there.

    The next day maybe go for a walk. Then reach out and ask someone to go out to eat or visit a museum. Even if they can’t go then, see if they want to meet up another time. I can almost guarantee they do! They are lonely too. Invite a few friends and family over for a game night or a cookout. Reach out to an old friend you haven’t seen in a while. Put yourself out there. Volunteer. Go to the library. Join the gym. Sign up for a class at the Senior Center.

    And if a few things don’t go as you thought they would, remember it’s ok. You’re trying. Finding a new path can be hard and it will take time. But you just might end up in a totally different place than what you thought you wanted. And it can be even better than you ever imagined!!

    So be sure to remember aging is a privilege. A time to explore. A time for growth. A time make new connections with new people and places.

    As we travel into this new world don’t forget to reinvent yourself and your life!!

    UniteCT- Do You Need Help Paying Rent due to COVID-19?

    UniteCT is an emergency rental assistance for Connecticut’s
    economy. Have you been financially impacted by COVID-19? Are you
    struggling to pay your rent and utilities? Apply for UniteCT, a rental
    assistance program supporting CT residents who earn up to 80% of the HUD
    Area Median Income and their landlords. You may qualify for the
    opportunity to receive…..Missed electric outstanding payments, Missed
    rent or future rent payments. To learn more and see if you qualify, visit:
    www.bit.ly/UniteCT or for additional information, call 1-844-864-8328.