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:

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.
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.
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.

Fortitude – Content by Judy

Posted on April 3, 2021 by East Lyme

As I worked on my Vision Board for 2021, I searched for that all important key word – for me and for SeniorCenterCt.org. What one word was the best fit? What word would portray and define my path for 2021?

Many businesses and individuals pick one word that best describes how they want to be characterized and/or strive to achieve in the upcoming year.

Well, I wanted to do this as well but as much as I searched, I just could not find the right word. I kept at it. I would revisit and wander down the path of words I’d see from time to time. And yeah, there wasn’t ever quite the right fit until…

This week I was walking along the ocean in Westbrook for the second day in a row and as I let my mind wander, there it was – fortitude. Wow, I mulled it over. Said it out loud and knew it was the word I had been searching for.

FORTITUDE – courage in adversity. Isn’t this exactly what we all have been doing since COVID came to visit and did not leave just like an unwanted house guest. We all discovered that we have the strength of mind to endure a 2-week shelter in place that has turned into a year plus. We have discovered we have gumption, spunk, moxie and determination. We can and are surviving.

And as I traveled down 2020, I struggled just as many businesses did on whether SeniorCenterCt.org would survive or was it time to shut the doors and close down Jencks Network, LLC. There were no new sales happening and little money coming in. But the bills continued arriving. The question became “Is today the time to file for bankruptcy?”

But I also knew I have a product that is stunning and needed by so many. Also, that as we come out of COVID I know other businesses are going to be looking for “new” ways to advertise. That post COVID we all will be in a “new world” and SeniorCenterCt.org is in the best position ever to thrive and grow into the business I have always know it will be.

So, I reached out for grants, PPP, EIDL and anything else that might give me the money I needed to survive. And as I said “FORTITUDE” on the beach, I knew that is exactly what I have been doing. What I will continue to do as SeniorCenterCt.org grows in 2021. A new Senior Center is being added. A different calendar platform will be used. Other changes are in the works. I know that FORTITUDE is the strength and strong will that carries me patiently forward with firm courage.

This word – FORTITUDE — reflects back at me as I read my 2021 Vision Board. It says – I will experience everyday humility, curiosity, courage and confidence. I will always ask “Why?” I will look for and see the clues.

Because I have the ability to carry on, because I and all of us who have survived COVID we all have FORTITUDE!

And yes, you have been traveling this same journey even if your path looks a little different, we all have had the strength to bear through a pandemic and have the ability to carry on!! We have guts, grit, backbone and FORTITUDE!!

Thu, April 15th at 3pm- SAFETY TALK with Officer Hull via Zoom

Posted on April 1, 2021 by East Lyme

Chat with our own Officer Hull from the ELPD on Internet Safety and how to avoid Scams.

Let us know your questions and concerns beforehand.

Thu, April 8th at 1pm- Webinar: Home Safety & Fall Reduction for the Older Adult

Posted on April 1, 2021 by East Lyme

In this free, LIVE webinar session, join resource coordinator, Marc Levesque, to learn more about aging considerations work knowing in terms of environmental modifications, fall prevention, and polypharmacy dangers to make home even safer. Q&A with the expert will follow the presentation.

To register for any HHC virtual class, please call 1-855-442-4373 or visit hartfordhealthcare.org/virtualclasses. Once registered you will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the virtual class.

Sat, April 24th -NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY

Posted on April 1, 2021 by East Lyme

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs that are currently sitting in your home. The East Lyme Police Department has a Drop Box located in its Lobby so residents can safely dispose of prescription drugs. The Drop Box is available while the PD is open so you don’t have to wait until the 24th of April.

The October 2020 Take Back Day brought in 985,392 pounds (492.7 tons) of medication. This is the largest amount ever collected in the program’s ten years!

Tue, April 20th at 1pm- Let’s Talk Real Estate via Zoom

Posted on April 1, 2021 by East Lyme

Thinking about buying, selling, relocating, or downsizing? Laurie Warshavsky from LJ Shoreline Realty & Heather Roberts from Norcom Mortgage will join us via Zoom to help answer all your questions.