Bolton Senior Center
Primetime Online
January & February 2022
Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
860-647-9196 


Director: Carrie Concatelli, MSW


Administrative Assistants: Karen Frost & Pam Wentworth


Directors Note

Dear Senior Center Friends,

If only we had a crystal ball! It is harder than ever to plan ahead. We are looking forward to some wonderful times together. In this newsletter is what we are hoping to do as a group. Please keep in mind that there may be changes or adjustments to these plans. We will keep you posted as best we can.

We wish you a happy and healthy 2022! 

Carrie
Senior Center Status

The Town of Bolton is requiring all visitors wear a mask in the building. 
All areas of the building are accessible for our regularly scheduled activities and any other visits or use of materials such as the puzzle, computers, etc.

  • Transportation - Call to schedule in advance; subject to availability.
  • Food Pantry Mon/Wed/Thurs. 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. or by appointment.

Reminder: All visitors are required to sign in at the front door.
If you need help, please ask a staff member!

  • Enter your phone number on the screen next to the front door.
  • Select the reason for your visit (or more than one!) and hit save.
  • In addition to daily events, you can choose from additional options:
Just Visiting, Puzzle, Food Pantry or Social Services.


Please check WFSB and NBC 30 for updated information about any closures due to inclement weather. If the Senior Center is closed all transportation is cancelled.

All Town Offices will be closed on January 17 and February 21.  


Chair Yoga will not be held January 19 and 21. Poker is on hold for the winter.
Senior Inc. News

Congratulations to Seniors Inc., who recently received two grants from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. One is for patio furniture and the other is for Knox Boxes, which allow emergency access to households without excessive property damage. More information about this program will be forthcoming.

We are also happy to report the coin collection for the Willimantic Veterans Community Center raised $75 and Seniors Inc. kicked in an extra $25. Great job!

They do great things, but they can’t do it alone! Seniors Inc. is looking for more board members! All are welcome! Please consider volunteering.


Wanted

Seniors Inc. recently purchased a Karaoke machine. We are in search of Karaoke CDs if any one has any they would like to donate. Thank you!
Congrats!

Stephanie Crane is now the Interim Director of Recreation. Way to go, Stephanie!

Any Interest?

We were asked – is anyone interested in a low impact exercise class? We were also asked – would anyone be interested in playing corn hole? Practice can be held indoors or outdoors. There are groups around the state who would like to compete in tournaments. Interested in either of these activities or something else? Let us know!

We have many people and groups who come together to make the holidays a lot brighter for many people in Bolton. Thank you to all of you who participated in our Giving Tree program. We also want to thank St. Maurice Church volunteers, St. George Church, Bolton Women’s Club, and Moms on a Mission. Our Food Pantry was replenished by many of you, and by the Bolton High School Student Council and students at Bolton Center School. We also received some lovely treats from Bolton High School culinary students. Thank you all!

A Note about Donations

Many individuals and groups give generously to the Town’s Resident Assistance Fund, which helps many families in town through tough times. However, due to a change in banking institution, we can no longer accept checks addressed directly to that fund. Instead, please write pay to the order of “Town of Bolton” and add “Resident Assistance Fund” to the memo line. We apologize for the inconvenience for those of you who have had to reissue checks. Thank you. 

We remember Marilyn Moonan and Dawn Furey who passed away in December.

In November we lost former Senior Center Van Driver Ric Sawyer. Ric’s entire career, whether military or civilian involved some kind of transportation. But not just any transportation - for Ric, that meant flying – usually in helicopters. While it may not be the most notable transportation of Ric’s life, we are very grateful for the five years he served as Van Driver for the Senior Center. Ric most frequently drove the Tuesday Shoprite trip which earned the affectionate nickname “the Fun Run.” It was called that because Ric and the passengers would have a great time together and turned the chore of going grocery shopping into a weekly social event. Our thoughts are with his family.
RSVPs are Critical

Please remember that ALL Special Events require reservation. We need to have accurate head counts for room selection, seating and/or food selection. Some of our events have participation limits and we need to know if we can offer a spot to another individual.

Why do we list a deadline? We need to know if we have enough people to hold the event or need to contact a vendor to make an order. If we don’t know your intention to participate, we have no way to contact you in the event of a cancellation. We don’t want you to arrive here and be disappointed by a change in the calendar.

How do you make a reservation? Either call 860-647-9196, email seniorservices@boltonct.org or speak to a staff member while visiting the Senior Center. Thank you for your assistance!
Regularly Scheduled Activities

Chair Yoga
   Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. $5 per class
Set Back
Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m.
 Poker
ON HOLD FOR THE WINTER
Quilting
Fridays at 11:00 a.m.
Dominoes
Mondays at 1:00 p.m.
Mah Jongg
Tuesdays at 12:00 p.m.
Bridge
1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month
All regularly scheduled programs do not require advance reservation.

Meetings

Seniors Inc. Meeting – Thursday, January 20 at 1 p.m.
Senior Commission Meeting – Save the Date – Tuesday, March 1 at 1 p.m.

Foot Care

Foot Care appointments are scheduled the fourth Tuesday of the month unless otherwise specified. The charge is $30 per appointment. 
Tax Aide

It’s Tax Time – Free federal and state tax preparation is available. Our fantastic Tax Aide Volunteers will be here for in-person tax preparation by appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from February 15 to April 13. We strongly encourage you to schedule your appointments earlier in the season. We will provide specific instructions about materials to complete prior to your appointment and what to bring. 

Virtual Events

Enjoy these Zoom programs right from your home! These programs are for all age groups and are in collaboration with Bentley Memorial Library and Bolton Recreation.

Winter Paint Night
Join us for Snowy Cardinal Paint Night on Thursday, January 20 at 6:30 p.m. Paint Night Pro Lindsey Hottin of Lindsey’s Craft Studio will bring out the artist in you. Cost: $5 for supplies; kits will be picked up at Town Hall. Register here.


Valentine’s Day Cards
Send some love and cheer – make a set of Valentine’s Cards with plenty of time to mail! On Monday, February 7 at 6:30 p.m., Beth Werner will guide you through card making of three designs; all supplies are provided. RSVP through the Senior Center by February 1. FREE. Kits will be picked up at the Senior Center.

Stargazing
Learn about Stargazing with John Hamboork on Thursday, February 17 at 6:30 p.m. Register through the Library at 860-646-7349 or email bmlprograms@biblio.org
Special Events
COVID Guidelines are ever changing and we will continue following all recommended guidelines from the state, OEC, CDC, and the health district. This will include, however may not be limited to, mask wearing, social distancing, screenings at drop off and more. Masks will be required for all programs and events.
 
****Any programs and all facilities may close with or without notice depending on COVID infection rates and community transmission****

BINGO
Join us Thursday, January 13 and Thursday, February 10 at 1 p.m. Only $1 a card to play multiple games! RSVP due one week ahead.

CURLING
The Winter Olympics are coming! If you could try any Olympic sport, what would it be? Have you ever wondered about the sport of curling? Come on Thursday, February 3 at 10 a.m. to sip a cup of cocoa and learn the history, rules and some fun trivia all about this unique game. You will gain a greater appreciation that will enhance your viewing enjoyment during the Olympics. RSVP by January 28.

SENIOR LUNCHES
Seniors Inc. has planned two lunches with some fun this winter. Join us Thursday, January 27 at 12 p.m. for sandwiches and “movie night” and Thursday, February 17 for pizza and “game night.” RSVP due one week ahead. Note: all lunches will now be served instead of buffet so volunteers are always appreciated.

FLOWER SHOW
Save the date. We would love to go to the Flower Show on February 24 if conditions allow. We will post additional information two weeks prior. Thanks for understanding!

 Please note: All Special Events Require Registration.
Call 860-647-9196 or RSVP with Office Staff.

Need help paying for your heating and/or electric bills? Bolton residents may apply for the Energy Assistance Program through ACCESS Community Action Agency. Applications can be completed on the phone, in person, or by mail. Call ACCESS at 860-450-7400 to schedule an appointment. Mail in applications are available at the Senior Center.

NEW this year!
  • No asset limits. Energy amount is based on income only.
  • Renters with heat included in the rent are eligible with a lease and rent receipt.
Light Laughter with Lynn

Some jokes and thoughts on kindness submitted by Lynn Follett.
Bolton Senior Center January & February Calendars

Check out our calendar of events!