Bolton Senior Center
Primetime Online
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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
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Directors Note
Dear Senior Center Friends,
I wanted to take a moment to reflect on two days we had here at the Senior Center recently. On February 16, we had a fantastic day. We had Tax Aide appointments, Chair Yoga, Bridge, Setback and the Puzzle all happening at once. This was the most back to normal it has felt here in two years. It is hard to explain how great it felt to see everyone buzzing around in their respective corners. It was exactly the thriving center we want it to be – a place for everyone.
Unfortunately, Thursday, February 17 was the exact opposite. We were gathered for a senior lunch and games – but it sure didn’t feel jovial. It seemed like there were a lot of bad attitudes that day and it felt like no one was willing to help or participate. We asked several questions about what else to do to bring interest and we heard a lot of crickets. It felt like the story of the Red Hen, where all the animals don’t want to grow the wheat or mill the flour but they all want to be there to eat the bread.
At the end of the day I asked: what could be done to fix this? The answer I was given was I should say something. So here I am calling a spade a spade. We are happy to arrange any and all events we can, but without enthusiasm on the other end, you are voting for us to reevaluate what we need to discontinue. The Senior Lunches used to be a highlight of the calendar as well as every other Senior Inc. event. Senior Inc. existed a long time prior to the Senior Center (both the building and the department) and we do not want to lose this fantastic group because of apathy. I encourage more of you to bring your ideas and your talents to help revive this to what it could be – a place for everyone.
As we move into spring, it feels like the pace is picking up. We have many updates and changes highlighted here, so please check out every section.
I wish you brighter weather and brighter smiles this season.
Carrie
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WELCOME
There is no membership to participate.
Transportation - Call to schedule in advance; subject to availability.
We travel to Hartford County, Tolland County and Willimantic for all errands.
Food Pantry - Mon/Wed/Thurs. 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. or by appointment.
Open for all ages. Non-perishable food, toiletries, kitchen supplies and paper goods available. Ask about other local food resources.
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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.
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All Town Offices will be closed on Friday, April 15. Poker is on hold for March.
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Welcome
We are so happy to have our fantastic AARP Tax Volunteers return this year. Thank you Vince, Jim, Penny and Lisa. We welcome a new volunteer Ayako. She comes with an extensive background in finance so she is a great addition to the Tax Team.
We are also so happy to introduce you to our new Van Driver, Karen Cordero. Many of you know her from her many years as a Bolton High School science teacher. Karen will be driving the minivans, primarily on Wednesdays. Welcome aboard, Karen!
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Senior Inc. News
Seniors Inc. used the grant awarded from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to purchase 13 Knox Boxes, which allow emergency access to households without causing property damage. These secure boxes attach to the front door and can be reused in the future by other participants, which will help us create a sustainable program to benefit Bolton Seniors for many years to come. We are happy to offer them to any seniors who feel they would benefit from this program. Please request an application from Senior Center Staff.
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The Puzzle Group is at it again! They completed a 3,000 piece puzzle in 18 days! Both the 5,000 piece puzzle and the 3,000 piece puzzle have been glued together and Seniors Inc. purchased frames to put them on display. Thank you for brightening up our Center! Come visit the puzzle any time we are open. It is temporarily located in the small room
until the end of tax season.
A Note about Donations
Many of you give generously to the Resident Assistance Fund, to help families in town through tough times. However, due to a bank change, 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. Thank you.
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We remember Gloria Fletcher, Sal Labella, Jan Minicucci and Bob Jamieson.
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Here’s What's Been Happening
A look back at winter events
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In January we had a winter paint night to try it out.
As Carrie says, “If I can do it, you can do it!”
Here is the original piece and how her artwork came out.
Want to paint in-person? Check out the upcoming events!
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In February we made Valentine’s Day Cards to send along to those we cherish.
Here are the original designs and how her artwork came out.
Let us know if you would be interested in more card making and we would be happy to invite Beth Werner to return in-person! She offers designs for all skill levels.
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And we had fun at the Curling Presentation. Carrie shared her experience learning the game and now we all have a better idea of the rules and scoring.
We hope you enjoyed watching the real thing during the Olympics.
Thanks to all who attended these winter events!
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Virtual Smart Driver Courses
Normally we offer the AARP Smart Driving Course every spring. We have many people who appreciate the ability to take this program as they can keep their knowledge current and apply for a discount through their auto insurance. We are aware many of you need to take this course again to renew your discount. However, AARP is not currently hosting AARP Smart Driving in person so we are unable to offer this course in the near future. We will resume this service as soon it is feasible.
In the meantime, there are Virtual Safe Driving Courses available at AARP.Cvent.com/dsvirtual. The online course is offered at a 25% discount from the usual course price with the promo code: DRIVINGSKILLS.
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Bolton Historical Society
We welcome the Bolton Historical Society. We will be hosting their every other month meetings. The next meeting is April 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. New members welcome.
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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 MARCH
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, March 17 at 10 a.m.
Senior Commission Meeting –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.
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Tax Aide
It’s Tax Time – Free federal and state tax preparation is available. Our Tax Aide Volunteers will be here for in-person tax preparation by appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until April 13. Please note: the Senior Center Library is unavailable during those mornings due to privacy.
For participants – you may not have received an IRS letter about your stimulus payment received in early 2021. Please check how much you received at that time because there will be verification question to make sure you received the correct amount.
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COVID Guidelines are ever changing and we will continue following all recommended guidelines from the state, OEC, CDC, and the health district.
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MARDI GRAS
Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler! Let the Good Times Roll! Mardi Gras is Tuesday, March 1. Join us at 10:30 a.m. for some sweet treats – donuts! The company will be even sweeter. RSVP by February 27.
BINGO
Join us Thursday, March 10 and Thursday, April 14 at 1 p.m. Only $1 a card to play multiple games. The more players, the bigger the jackpots! RSVP due one week ahead.
AGING IN PLACE RESOURCES
Join our partner, UR Community Cares President and Co-founder Michelle Puzzo, for a presentation about Aging in Place Resources. Michelle is a Physical Therapist and has many resources, including for low vision and hearing deficits. Michelle will also discuss Bolton’s partnership with UR Community Cares and how you can get involved as a Community Member or as a Volunteer. Join us Tuesday, March 8 at 10 a.m. RSVP by March 3.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION
Pick out some green and join us on Thursday, March 24 at 12 p.m. We will be offering a traditional corn beef dinner and a second option (TBA). $10 per person. RSVP due March 16.
BOCCE
Spring is here, let’s get outside and get on the Bocce courts! Join us for Thursday, March 31, April 14 and April 28 at 2 p.m. (weather permitting). Sign up ahead of time so we can create teams or come as a spectator!
PAINT NIGHT!
Special Evening Event! Paint your own Springtime Stream! Lindsey’s Craft Studio will guide us on Wednesday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m. Transportation is available. RSVP due March 25. $10 per person.
TOWN LEADERS COFFEE HOUSE
Join First Selectmen Pam Sawyer and Interim Town Administrator Jim Rupert on Tuesday, April 19 at 9:30 a.m. Come to chat over a cup of coffee. They will be able to discuss the upcoming budget and any other questions or concerns you would like to discuss. RSVP by April 12.
SAVE THE DATE!
Join us Thursday, April 21 at 12 p.m. Luncheon theme TBA. RSVP by April 14. And Bolton Women’s Club Luncheon is coming May 5!
All Special Events Require Registration. Call or RSVP with Office Staff.
NEW! If you want to register for a lot of events at once, there are registration slips available on the bulletin board near the front door.
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Social Services Corner
Homeowners Tax Credit
Elderly and Totally Disabled Tax Relief Program applications must be filed out with the Assessor’s Office before May 13, 2022. Income limits are $38,000 (single) or $46,400 (couple). Call 860-649-8066 x6100.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program is available to help make internet more affordable. Paper applications are available.
Energy Assistance
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. Mail in applications are available at the Senior Center.
Information on 3G Phone Changes
You may have heard about a change that will impact those of you who own older cell phones or lifeline devices.
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Bolton Senior Center March & April Calendars
Check out our calendar of events!
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