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Office Hours: M-F 8am-4:30pm
Fitness Center Hours: M-F 8am-8pm
Wellness Studio Hours: M-F 8am-8pm
Computer Lab Hours: M-F 8am-8pm
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Easterseals Veterans Rally Point
24 Stott Avenue
Norwich CT, 06360
Phone Number: (860) 859-4148
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Monthly Featured Programs | |
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Qigong
4-Week Workshop
Every Wednesday in February, 6:30-7:15pm
Qigong, pronounced “chi gong,” was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being.
Qigong has both psychological and physical components and involves the regulation of the mind, breath, and body’s movement and posture.
Email sjohnson@escrec.org with questions.
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AA Meeting
Every Monday 12:15-1:15pm
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
To attend a meeting at Easterseals Veterans Rally Point: Please enter through the right, side-entrance (first red door with awning near flag display.) This meeting is open to the public.
For more information on AA, please click HERE
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Pottery
Tuesday Mornings Open Studio
9am – 12pm
Instructors: Carol L. & Ellis T.
Sign Up: No RSVP required for morning.
Ellis will be available during open studio Hours (wheel throwing with Ellis)
Spring projects
February 27th Bonsai Coil Pot
March 26th Rain Stick
April 30th Platter
Mon & Tue Evenings Open Studio
3pm-7pm
Instructor: Pottery W/ Christy A.
Sign Up: For all classes between 4pm-6pm, members must reserve a spot to attend. Spots are limited.
January 29 & 30 Throwing and Trimming
February 5 & 6 Throwing and Trimming
February 12 & 13 Throwing and Trimming
February 19 & 20 Luminaries
Email tcranfill@escrec.org or visit the front desk to RSVP for Pottery classes.
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Sewing
Friday Mornings
9am - 12pm
Instructor: Jeanne C.
Sign Up: No RSVP required
All levels welcome. Beginners too! Bring your own machine if you have one.
This wonderful group has created over (100) lap quilts for veterans, and over (100) wheelchair/walker caddies for veterans. The sewing group completes many different projects, and instruction includes the use of sewing machines, sewing tools, project assistance, and socialization to share experiences and inspire and encourage each other. If you are interested in attending, no pre-registration is required. For questions, please contact our Front Desk (860) 859-4148 x180
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Behavioral Health
Tom Shusterman, our Easterseals Licensed Clinical Social Worker is available to our members, both in-person (Thursdays) or virtually (Tuesdays) on an appointment basis.
Tom specializes in working with adults, children, and families experiencing a wide array of stressors related to depression, anxiety, social-emotional dysregulation such as Autism, and personal loss. Since 2012, Tom has worked with individuals and groups across various levels of care and utilizes the most effective therapy methods when working with clients and VRP members.
If you're interested in meeting with Tom,
please visit our Front Desk to make a
confidential and private appointment.
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- VRP Members: Please do not park in designated Easterseals Day Program parking spaces. Those are reserved for participants and staff of the Day Support Program. Thank you so much for your cooperation!
- Inclement Weather: In the event we experience inclement weather, VRP staff will communicate information via email, Facebook, or voicemail recording at (860) 859-4148. Please call before traveling to check building status.
- Fitness Center Participants: Please remember to clean up after yourself in the Fitness Center and re-rack your weights. Food is not permitted in the Fitness Center.
- If you have a 'work in progress' pottery project, please collect it by February 29th. See instructors to help finish projects.
- Food Pantry: We are in need of reusable bags for our Food Pantry. Please drop off bags you would like to donate at the VRP Food Pantry. Thank you!
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Veterans Helping Veterans
Peer Meetup is a weekly opportunity to connect and share personal stories and experiences with the Easterseals VRP community. Held every Wednesday from 5-6:15pm in the VRP Community Room. No registration required.
If you’d like to bring a dessert or drink to share with the group, you are welcome to! Please come, listen and learn, and meet some new friends. If interested, Qigong immediately follows Peer MeetUp, starting at 6:30pm.
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Upcoming Peer-MeetUp Speakers:
February 7th: Ryan Landry of Everlasting Veteran.
February 14th: Valentines Day Party! ♥
February 21st: John Gilford accompanied by a Professional Singer/Songwriter special guest.
February 28th: Chris Zerillo: An accomplished author speaking about her own historical fiction novel, "Still Here".
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If you are interested in sharing a hobby, topic, or your story with the Peer-MeetUp group,
please email Lori Marriott at lmarriott@escrec.org
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Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA)
Dates: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of every month
Location: VRP Community Room
Time: 9am - 11am
No Sign-up required
TVCCA Norwich Veteran Coffeehouses are places for all Veterans to gather, enjoy the companionship of other Veterans and receive information about Veterans' benefits and services. There is no cost or membership required to attend. If you have questions or want to get on the TVCCA mailing list, please reach out to Gina King at gking@tvcca.org
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CT Department of Veterans Affairs
Dates: Monday - Friday
Time: 9am-4pm
Contact: Paul Spedaliere (860) 887-9162
p.spedaliere@ct.gov
Veteran Service Officers provide assistance for Service Members, Veterans and their families who need support, advise or assistance with the benefits process, federal, state, county, and local resources to assist persons in completing and filing benefit claims, and/or representing individuals in VA hearings. Please contact Paul S. to make an appointment.
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Who Started Easterseals?
Clue: In 1907, an Ohio-businessman lost his son in a streetcar accident. The lack of adequate medical services available to save his son prompted him to sell his business and begin a fund-raising campaign to build a hospital in his hometown of Elyria, Ohio. Through this new hospital, this businessman was surprised to learn that children with disabilities were often hidden from public view. Inspired to make a difference, in 1919 he founded the 'National Society for Crippled Children' -the first organization of its kind.
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Windsor Print Media
Our Easterseals Career Development Program, along with participant Nacho Perez, was featured in the Windsor Patch and the Windsor Journal highlighting our organization's commitment to fostering inclusivity in the workplace with unique employment programs.
View Windsor Patch Article HERE
View Windsor Journal Article HERE
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iHeart Radio Interview
It's here! We recently reported that our Easterseals President and CEO, Robin Sharp, sat for an interview with iHeart Radio's host, Renee DiNino. The 20 minute interview (which covers topics that include Career Development, Accessible Air Travel, AbilityOne Programs, and EnviroShred) has aired and is now available!
Hear Interview HERE
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Easterseals Veterans Rally Point was proud and honored to participate at the 2023 Wreaths Across America ceremony at the CT State Veterans Cemetery recently. Countless volunteers laid wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes and said each and every name out loud in remembrance of their sacrifice and the price and value of freedom. | |
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Easterseals cares about providing Caregivers with peace of mind through support, communication and top-notch services so loved ones can live a full and independent life. Ashanti's mother, Revonda, shares her experiences with Easterseals Adult Day Support in this video clip.
Watch the video clip HERE
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Buy A Brick, Leave a Legacy | |
Buy a Brick
Take advantage of this opportunity to commemorate members of your family and others who courageously protect our country by participating in the Veterans Rally Point 'Buy a Brick, Leave a Legacy' program. Using our wide selection of pre-made graphic art designs, you can personalize your brick while supporting the vital programs and services we offer at VRP. Your personalized brick will be placed within the Veterans Rally Point Flagpole Memorial Courtyard, as a tribute to those who keep our country safe and free. To place your order, please click HERE.
For assistance with your order, please email Lori at Lmarriott@escrec.org to set up an appt. If you’d like assistance in placing your order, a personal check is the best form of payment.
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Help is Just a Phone Call Away | |
If you or someone you know is having a Mental Health Crisis, please pass along these phone numbers:
National Veterans Crisis Line:
- Dial 988, press 1 for Veterans
- Text 838255
Vets4Warriors:
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Someone is available right now to answer your call.
There is no time limit on the duration of your call.
There is no limit on the number of times you can call.
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