Byram Neighborhood Association
SENIORS
STAYING CONNECTED…
It is important to practice social distancing and limit physical contact with others during the coronavirus pandemic, but this can be very isolating. Even if you are in contact with friends and family, it can be reassuring and helpful to have regular contact with others. Kindness is key. Remember we’re all in this together.
The Commission on Aging and The Greenwich Senior Center have been working with the faculty of Greenwich Country Day School to launch:
CONNECTING OUR NEIGHBORS: NATURALLY ENHANCING COMMUNITY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY (CONNECTT)
CONNECTT offers both opportunities for participation in activities and classes, and the ability to enjoy regular/daily telephone chats ALL from the comfort of your own home.
Participants will be able to join in daily via telephone, computer, smartphone or tablet.
Isolation is a challenge for us all and CONNECTT can make a big difference.
For up-to-date information about community resources and the launch date of this exciting new program visit the Commission on Aging on the Town of Greenwich website.
If you are interested in volunteering… Greenwich United Way
STUDENTS
The Board of Education and school principals have been sending regular updates. If you are not receiving them, you should contact your child’s school. All Greenwich Public School students aged 18 and under are eligible to receive a bagged breakfast and lunch. More information on the services is provided here and the schedule for picking up the bags is available here. The GPS Health Services Department has also compiled a helpful list or COVID-19 resources.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Additional resources for assistance with food are available on the Greenwich United Way’s website. In addition to the school bagged breakfast and lunch, the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich is offering food packets from Filling in the Blanks for pick up on Friday and Saturday and Community Centers Inc will be delivering food packets to housing complexes starting next week.
Jewish Family Services offers grocery delivery to homebound seniors.
Transportation Association of Greenwich can provide rides to the grocery store or help deliver food.
Meals on Wheels has the capacity to add additional clients.
Neighbor to Neighbor’s food pantry remains open and you can contact them at 203-622-9208 ext. 11 for information on their ability to respond to new referrals.
And if you are having difficulty paying for pet food, you can reach out to Greenwich Animal Control at 203-622-8299 for assistance.
Grocery delivery by local services is currently booked days in advance, so now is a good time to set up a delivery for next week. Many have “no contact” options so the driver will leave groceries on your porch. Those services include Stop & Shop’s Peapod, ShopRite from Home, FreshDirect, Whole Foods Delivery, Top Chef Meals, and Instacart.
Many grocery stores are also offering special hours for only seniors and those more vulnerable to COVID-19 to shop in less crowded conditions and when the shelves are more fully stocked. This includes Stop & Shop, Whole Foods, Target, and others. Call your local store to confirm hours and days as they are expanding this service.
And, while local restaurants are closed to diners, they continue to offer take-out and delivery. These local businesses need our support.
EMPLOYMENT & BUSINESS
The State of Connecticut’s COVID-19 Information webpage has links to a lot of helpful information on business resources and unemployment benefits and relief.
MENTAL HEALTH
Several organizations are here to support you in these stressful times. The Greenwich United Way has compiled a comprehensive list. Services are available for families, children, victims of domestic violence, and more. If you are in urgent need of support, you should call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
VOLUNTEER & DONATE
The Greenwich United Way is helping local organizations to coordinate volunteers. More information on specific opportunities is available here. They have also established the Greenwich COVID-19 Community Relief Fund to assist and support local agencies and residents. Donations to this fund and/or any of the above-listed organizations will help our neighbors in need.
UPDATES
To stay up to date, check the Town of Greenwich COVID-19 Information page and sign up for their email updates. This page links to other primary sources for updates, such as the Center for Disease Control, Access Health CT, the State’s Department of Health, and more.
Sign up for email updates from First Selectman Fred Camillo for the newest information on local openings and closures and emergency declarations.
Sign up for email updates from your state legislators, Rep. Steve Meskers and Sen. Alex Kasser. Both have been sending out regular updates with valuable information about available resources.
Like and follow the BNA Facebook page and group for periodic updates and information. Our Facebook group is a great place for you to share information with the community.
PREVENTION
Follow the CDC guidelines and you will help avoid falling ill or spreading illness to others. Wash your hands for 20 seconds at a time frequently, disinfect touchable surfaces regularly, cough into your elbow, stay home if you are feeling unwell, and keep a safe distance between yourself and others.
Joseph Kantorski, Chair
Robert McKnight, Vice Chair
Lucy von Brachel, Secretary
Samarpana Tamm, Treasurer