Resources

Commission on Aging

On May 15, 1985, the Town of East Lyme passed an ordinance that created the Commission on Aging.  The Commission is a 7 member Board consisting of interested residents of the Town which must have minority representation.

The purpose of the Commission is to:

  1. Review and analyze the needs and conditions of the elderly persons of the Town in relation to housing, nutrition, employment, health, recreation, social services, transportation, and other matters and problems within the jurisdiction of the Commission.
  2. Plan, coordinate, develop and implement programs to meet the needs and to improve the conditions of the elderly persons of the Town, upon the Board’s own initiative or on the recommendations of the Senior Citizen Administrator.
  3. Through the Senior Center Director and others, as necessary, provide coordination of such plans and programs among all related services.

The monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of every month starting at 5pm. The meetings are held at the Senior Center and the public is welcome to attend. If a member of the public has a concern and wants to address the Board, there are two ways in which this can be handled. At the Board meeting, a person can address the Board during the Delegations section of the meeting. Or, a person can ask the Senior Center Director to add an item to the monthly meeting Agenda.

The current makeup of the Board is:

John Whritner            Chairperson

Michael Bekech          Vice-Chairperson

Ilene Harris                 Secretary/Treasurer

Marge Caste                Board Member

Margret Hughes         Board Member

Joan Bengston            Board Member

Joe Palazzo                 Board Member

Roseanne Hardy        Selectman and Ex-Officio

 

The East Lyme Senior Center can assist you or someone you know with regards to services available within our community. If you have questions, please call at 860-739-5859 for an appointment.

 

    OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD for MEDICARE PART D (DRUG COVERAGE) AND MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS WITH DRUG COVERAGE

    Posted on November 3, 2021 by East Lyme

    The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for Medicare Part D/Prescription Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans coverage is from October 15th to December 7th, 2021. Participants are encouraged to review their coverage to determine if any changes are needed. If a change is made, it goes into effect as of January 1, 2022.

    The changes you can make include during the Open Enrollment Period: 

    Joining a new Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D prescription drug plan

    Switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan

    Switching from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare (with or without a Part D plan)

    Appointments are now being taken for Thu, November 4th and  Fri, November 5th.

    Please call the Senior Center office to secure your slot. More dates will come available so if there is no availability on the 4th or the 5th, the Senior Center will make other arrangements.

     

    MUNICIPAL MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION 2021/2022

    Posted on November 3, 2021 by East Lyme

    The Dial-a-Ride Medical Transportation and Caregiver Mileage reimbursement program started their new fiscal year on July 1, 2021 and runs until June 30, 2022. Residents who are 60+ or persons with disabilities are eligible  for the service.  A one-page application is required in order to register. If you have already registered for the program, you do not need to complete a new registration form.

    Registered participants who cannot have their needs met by existing services will be provided a limited number of one-way trips per grant year (36) or as the grant dollars allow.

    For further information or for an application, please contact the Senior Center office.

     

    Voting – Content by Judy

    Posted on October 3, 2021 by East Lyme

    Election Day will be here soon enough, and we all need to exercise our right to vote. Remind others and encourage them to vote as well. Keep in mind that we are fortunate enough to live in a country where we pick who represents us.

    Voting is a basic right and our way to raise our voice and be a part of how our world runs.

    Remember if you don’t vote you don’t get to complain after the fact about anything to do with taxes, the way things are or are not because you didn’t care enough to vote.

    Sure, you can say “My vote doesn’t make any difference” but it does!! We all have seen those close election results. That great new candidate who ‘only’ lost by 3 votes. Someone else winning be a handful of votes. These are the perfect examples of your vote does make a difference.

    We all need to find out who’s running this November and what those candidates stand for. If we agree with them or not. For those that are in office – do we think they are doing a good job? Do they listen? Do they represent what we want or are they always voting the party line? Should they get re-elected? Or is time for someone new?

    And the candidates need to pay attention to us! Because the older population are the most likely to vote! We know what works and what doesn’t work. We have lived the social issues. We have seen the politics involved – both good and bad! And over 70% of us vote!!

    Yes, out of every 10 people 65+, 7 of them will be voting in November.

    Think about that… This age group can influence all policy. If taxes go up or down or stay the same? Does that referendum pass or does it fail? Does the new candidate win? Does the incumbent get re-elect?

    Again, think about it! Your vote can be the very vote that drives change! Mark your calendar so you don’t forget. Call for a ride if you need one. But be sure to vote because elections are decided by those who show up!! Not those who stay home!!

    As Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world!!”

    Neighbors helping Neighbors

    Posted on October 2, 2021 by East Lyme

    Do you have a skill or a service that would benefit a senior in need? We are looking to compile a listing of Niantic & East Lyme residents ready and available to assist seniors with odd jobs, grass mowing, raking, dump runs, shoveling / plowing, etc… If you would like to add your name to our listing please contact us. Please note we are not looking for contractors. We are looking to put together a “neighbors helping neighbors” listing with reduced pricing or free of charge services for seniors in our community. Reliable teens or retirees welcome!