Bolton Senior Center
Prime Time: Online
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Wednesday, February 10, 2021 |
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Keep In Touch! (860) 647-9196
Director: Carrie Concatelli, MSW
Administrative Assistants: Karen Frost & Pam Wentworth
Program Coordinator: Stephanie Crane
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Director’s Note
Dear Senior Center Friends,
Over the next week there are a few small holidays that I wanted to highlight.
This Friday is the start of the Chinese New Year and the year of the Ox. That sounds like a good animal for this year because we all need some strength. Chinese New Year is one of many cultures who have similar celebrations for the Lunar New Year. This is why the date usually falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. That means we are moving further away from the shortest day of the year! Many customs associated with this holiday include a family dinner, decorations around windows and doors, and monetary gifts in red envelopes. Interestingly, many families clean their homes to make way for incoming good luck. Maybe that is why we like the idea of spring cleaning?
The most obvious upcoming holiday if you have visited any grocery stores or pharmacies is of course Valentine’s Day. While traditionally all about the candy and romantic gestures, I encourage you to reach out over the phone to someone you care about and tell them just that. In a time when we are all spending a little more time at home than usual, it is easy to forget to reach out to those for whom we care.
And early next week we have Presidents Day and then Mardi Gras, which is also known as Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday. As the expression goes, “Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler” or “Let the Good Times Roll.” This celebration will be significantly different in New Orleans this year. But with Mardi Gras comes Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. So there are new beginnings happening everywhere and that brings all of us closer to the spring!
Maybe you celebrate all of these or maybe none at all! But I hope something puts you in the celebratory spirit – even if it just that phone call with a friend!
Stay Safe,
Carrie
Reminder – Town Offices are closed on Monday, February 15 for Presidents Day.
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Senior Center Status
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.
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Free Zumba for seniors every Monday at 5:30 pm: email marle99us@gmail.com
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Covid-19 Vaccine Information
Vaccine Update:
Yes, Connecticut is now offering vaccines for anyone age 65 and older! There are still many ways to schedule an appointment.
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By Phone – Dial 877-918-2224. There are now extended hours to call. The phone option is available 12 hours a day 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Using VAMS (Vaccine Management System) – go to dphsubmissions.ct.gov/onlinevaccine to start the process. Please note, you will receive an email with a link to continue. There is occasionally a delay in the receipt of this email. Then you will be asked additional information and need to enter a security code (provided to you by email) and create an account password to be able to schedule your appointment. If you have questions, please ask.
- Through a healthcare provider’s website like Hartford Healthcare.
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CVS and Walgreens are now adding locations.
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For additional locations, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine and search by zipcode.
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AARP Tax Aide
Bolton Senior Center is happy to host the AARP FREE Tax Preparation Program. However, please note that all appointments will be contact-less this year. To schedule an appointment, please call Bolton Senior Center at 860-647-9196. We are scheduling appointments now for March. Staff will assist you in scheduling an appointment date. All intake forms and instructions will be mailed to you and you will be given specific drop-off instructions. You will need to be available by telephone on the morning of your appointment. Strict precautions will be in place to assure all documents remain secure and confidential and you will review and approve your return before it is submitted. For more information or to schedule call 860-647-9196.
Homeowner Tax Assistance
There is property tax assistance available for income-eligible homeowners who are over the age of 65. The income limit for this program is $37,600 for individuals and $45,800 for couples. The application is due May 15, 2021. For more information and to apply, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 860-623-8878.
Beware of Eversource Scams
If you receive a phone call telling you that you owe money on your electric bill and will be shut-off, it is a scam! Eversource will never call you if you owe money. You would receive a written notification. If you are having difficulty paying your electric bill, please call our department at 860-647-9196.
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Midwinter Mates
We hope you are enjoying chatting with your Midwinter Mate!
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Yoga with Lisa
All classes will be done over Zoom!
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The second grader’s letters are on the way to you soon, Stephanie is mailing them out this week! |
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Virtual Zoom Bingo- March |
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The next Bingo event will be Thursday, March 4 from 11 – 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.
Register by Monday, March 1 to participate!
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Chocolate and Tea Pairings!
Join us tomorrow, Thursday Feb. 11, 6:30-7:15 p.m. for a fun, educational program highlighting the history and varieties of chocolate and great tea pairings. You'll also learn how to make chocolate bark! Kim Larkin of Klassic Kreations will share her experience as a chocolatier and discuss how to brew a proper cuppa tea. You'll receive the bark recipe, recommended teas and a Zoom link upon registration.
Try your hand at making bark before the program, then share how it went for you. Kim will answer questions and offer suggestions based on your experience. Call 860-646-7349 or email bmlprograms@biblio.org to register.
This joint program is offered by Bentley Memorial Library, Bolton Senior Center and Social Services, and Bolton Recreation Department.
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What is your favorite Dip Recipe?
Bolton Senior Center, Bentley Memorial Library, and the Bolton Recreation Department are sharing our favorite dip recipes during the month of February! Send us your favorite dip recipe for the chance for it to be shared in our newsletters! Check out the Library and Recreation Department newsletters in the coming weeks for more yummy dip recipes! Email scrane@boltonct.org to send in your recipe!
Also, stay tuned for a Bolton dip recipe list that will be displayed on our website where we compile all of your dip recipes for the whole town to try!
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Upcoming Events at the Library for Grandkids!
Looking for something to do with the grandkids? Join Bentley Memorial Library for these virtual events. To register and receive the Zoom link, call 860-646-7349 or email bmlprograms@biblio.org
Residents and non-residents welcome.
Friendship Storytime and Crafts
Thursdays, Feb 11, 18 and 25 - 1:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Each week will have a special focus, all around the idea of friendship.
Pajama Storytime
Feb 25 - 7:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Get in your cozy pajamas and hunker down in a comfy spot for Pajama Storytime featuring winter stories.
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Unlock Ancient Stories with DNA! |
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Plainville Senior Center Virtual Workshop- The "Not- so" Empty Nest
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Virtual Workshop
Healthy Easy Meals for Families
Wednesday, February 24, 3:00 p.m.
Use Zoom or Your Telephone
Presented by Jessica Dorner, Registered Dietician, ShopRite of Bristol
Finding delicious meals for family members of all generations doesn’t need to be hard. During this fun and informative presentation, you’ll learn about tips on making family meals healthy, enjoyable and budget-friendly. We’ll discuss how to build a healthy plate and share recipes, tips and tricks that everyone in the family can agree on!
Register by February 17th to reserve a complimentary swag bag*!
All who attend the program will be registered to win a $50.00 ShopRite gift card.
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Have a great week!
-The Bolton Senior & Social Services Staff
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