Bolton Senior Center

Prime Time: Online
Wednesday, December 16th, 2020
Keep In Touch! (860) 647-9196

Director: Carrie Concatelli, MSW


Administrative Assistants: Karen Frost & Pam Wentworth


Program Coordinator: Stephanie Crane


Dear Senior Center Friends,

One part that is interesting about this time of year is just how different all of the holiday traditions are for each family. I recently spoke to someone who celebrates St. Nicholas Day on December 6. It was part of her upbringing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The holiday usually involves leaving out your shoes overnight and finding a small gift in them in the morning. But in her family, the tradition is to receive a small stocking that always contains an apple and an orange. What are some unique ways your family always made this time of year special? 

On another note, we are heading into a large winter storm. Please take precautions.

Stay Safe,
Carrie

The Bolton Senior Center building remains closed to the public. 
  • Drop-off or pick-up items Tuesday and Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. only.
  • The Food Pantry is available for pick-up and delivery: please call ahead.
  • Transportation is available: please call ahead. 
  • Water Available! Plan ahead – Call us if you need some water to keep on hand!
  • Energy Assistance is help paying for oil, propane, natural gas, pellets or electricity! Call ACCESS Community Access Agency at 860-450-7400 for more info. All Eversource customers are eligible for budget billing. Call 1-800-286-2828 to arrange. For more information or for assistance, call Bolton Social Services at 860-647-9196.
  •  Need delivery from Bentley Library? Tell Library staff when reserving your items.
  • Borrow books or puzzles from the Senior Center! Call for more info.
  • Free Zumba for seniors every Monday at 5:30 pm: email mrle99us@gmail.com

When: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:30 am on Zoom!
Cost: $5 a session
How to pay/ Book a class: Go to vagaro.com/yogawithlisa
Email: lisagaumond@gmail.com
The second graders are now doing remote school until mid-January so it may take us a while to get our responses back, but rest assured, we will be sending your letters back to you as soon as we can- updates to follow! 
As you drive around town for the holiday lights we ask that everyone continues to practice social distancing and enjoy the lights from your vehicles.
 
Vote for your favorite holiday lights by going to
 
Voting will end on December 31.
STUFF THE CRUISER
Stuff a cruiser was this past Saturday, and while it was cold and wet, it was a success! Thank you for your generosity! Below are some photos from the day!
Click below for photos of the day!
Bolton High School Concert Choir - Stand By Me

The expression is that it is always better to give gifts than receive. But all of us have received gifts over the years that are incredibly special because of the nature of the giver. Maybe the item was handmade with care, or perhaps it became even more significant to you after they passed away. Do you have special items that you display this time of year that are especially significant to you? 

This week, I am sharing some more holiday treasures that are special in our family because they were handmade with great artistic skill. The ornaments pictured are just a small portion of a larger collection made by my husband’s late maternal grandmother “Memere.” She hand painted a unique ornament for all of her grandchildren and their spouses every year. Some years we were given matching ornaments that went along a theme. For example, she really enjoyed the movie March of the Penguins so that inspired her theme that year. It is a great way to remember her and it dresses up our tree.

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my treasures and please feel free to send us photos or stories about your special items so we can share with everyone.

Click the photo below to see the ornaments!
Virtual Bingo
The next Bingo Event will be Thursday, January 7 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. over Zoom with Stephanie!

Email Stephanie at scrane@boltonct.org with the subject line “Bolton Bingo” or call us at 860-647-9196 and we will arrange a contactless pick up or delivery to bring a stack of printed bingo cards to you, and we will email you the Zoom invite for the game! If you are not sure how to use Zoom, shoot Stephanie an email or give us a call at 860-647-9196, to arrange a time to help you set up Zoom and practice with you so you feel more comfortable!

No computer? No worries- you can also call in with a telephone number.
Reminder that the Senior Centers of Connecticut state wide virtual holiday party is this Friday, December 18th, 2020 from 1 p.m. – 2:30 pm on zoom!

If you haven’t already, you can use the registration link below and register yourself. Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email with the webinar link. 

Light Laughter With Lynn

As I am sure you all know, we have a big ole’ snow storm coming our way this evening into Thursday! It sounds like we will get at least a foot of snow, and it is important to talk about ways to stay safe during a storm!

Preparation before-
1.   Create a winter home emergency kit. Check out this informational checklist provided by the Red Cross:
2.   Stock up on batteries
3.   Make sure you know where your shovel is and have enough fuel or gas for your snow blower if you have one
4.   Stock up on blankets and warm clothes
5.   Stock up on your first aid supplies
6.   Purchase sand or salt for your sidewalks and driveway

Right before the storm-
1.   Charge your cellphones, rechargeable batteries, and electronics in case the power goes out
2.   Stock up on nonperishable foods
3.   Bring pets and plants inside

During storm-
1.   Keep thermostat as high as possible while you still have power
2.   Stay inside and limit trips to emergencies
3.   Stay hydrated
4.   Keep pipes from freezing by turning on every water faucet to a slow drip.

If power goes out-
1.   Keep fridge and freezer closed to keep cold air in- remember that if you lose power for a long time, you can take your cold items and put them out in the snow so they don’t go bad!
2.   Use flashlights instead of candles to minimize risk
3.   Use generator if you have one
4.   Stay warm in layers- socks and a hat keep heat in well!

After the storm-
1.   Use salt and sand to melt some of the ice so you don’t slip
2.   Avoid driving until roads can be cleared
3.   Ensure your pets and family members are okay and have food and water

Stay safe and warm the next few days!!

-The Bolton Senior & Social Services Staff