News

 

See what’s happening at the East Lyme Senior Center!

    UPCOMING DAY TRIPS- CANCELLED

    All day trips through June 2020 have been cancelled
    due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    It is highly doubtful any trips will be offered for the summer months. If this changes, we will make an immediate announcement.
    Refunds have been processed but might take longer than usual as Town Hall staff are not working their normal hours.

    Many of the trips that were slated for the spring/summer/fall of 2020 are being re-scheduled for 2021.
    BUT we are always interested in where you want to go.

    Practice social distancing, quarantine or isolation measures

    Around the world, public officials are asking people to practice social distancing, quarantine or isolation measures in an effort to slow disease spread. Here are some suggestions from the
    American Psychological Association to best handle these challenges.

    First what can you expect?
    Fear and anxiety are normal. You may feel anxious or worried about yourself or your family members contracting COVID-19 or spreading it to others. It’s also normal to have concerns about obtaining food and personal supplies, or fulfilling family care obligations. Some people may have trouble sleeping or focusing on daily tasks.

    Depression and boredom are normal. A hiatus from meaningful activities interrupts your daily routine and may
    result in feelings of sadness or low mood. Extended periods of time spent at home can also cause feelings of boredom and loneliness.

    Anger, frustration or irritability are normal. The loss of agency and personal freedom associated with isolation
    can often feel frustrating. You may also experience anger or resentment toward those who have the isolation orders or if you feel you were exposed to the virus because of another person’s negligence.

    How can you cope?
    Limit news consumption to reliable sources. It is important to obtain accurate and timely public information but too much media coverage can lead to increased feelings of fear and anxiety. Our local Ledge Light Health District is a good source of information as well as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You should balance the amount of time spent on news and social media with other activities unrelated to COVID-19 such as reading, listening to music, doing a puzzle, watching a movie, etc.

    Create and follow a daily routine as this will help you preserve a sense of order and purpose. Try to include regular daily activities such as exercise, calling a family member or friend, or indulging in a hobby/pastime.

    Stay connected with others by making phone calls or sending text messages. Rely on your pets for emotional support. However, if you contract COVID-19, restrict your contact until the risks of transmission between humans and pets are better understood.

    Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Get enough sleep, eat well and exercise in your home. Try to avoid using alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with the stress of isolation.

    Stay positive. Examine your worries and aim to be realistic about what you can accomplish during this period.

    Wearing a Cloth Face Covering or Mask

    For the foreseeable future, while we are out of our homes, we are to wear a cloth face covering or mask in a public place when we are not able to maintain a safe social distance of approximately 6 feet from every other person. The mask should cover your mouth and your nose. If we ride in a taxi, car, livery, ride-share or other similar service or mass public transit, a mask is required.
    If you are in need of a mask, we have been fortunate to get donations from Mask Makers in CT.
    If you can afford to buy one, you can get a good quality cloth mask by calling That’s Sew Debbie in Groton at 860-333-1394. The cost is $10. That’s Sew Debbie has donated a lot of materials to Mask Makers and these sales help cover her donation costs.

    Energy Assistance Program

    Residents interested in the Energy Assistance program need to call TVCCA at 860-425-6681. This agency is also closed to the public, but they are processing Energy Assistance applications by telephone. Additionally, the authorization for fuel deliveries for this program has been extended to April 30th, 2020.