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.

 

    Senior Center Closed on…

    Posted on December 31, 2023 by East Lyme

    The Senior Center will be closed on the following dates:
    Monday, January 1 – New Year’s Day
    Monday, January 15th – Martin Luther King Day

     

    **During the winter months, if East Lyme schools are cancelled due to inclement weather, the Senior Center will also cancel all of their programs and transportation. Check Channel 3 and Channel 8 for cancellation notices or listen to local radio stations. There will be a message on the Senior Center answering machine by 8am indicating the status of the Senior Center. Check your email regarding class cancelations.

    *New Refund Policy*

    Posted on December 30, 2023 by East Lyme

    No refunds for programs will be made after the second meeting of a program. A $2.00 fee is charged to process a refund. No fee is charged if the class is canceled. For Meal Events, no refund will be given after the last date for registration (due to food having been purchased for the event). A refund will be given if staff finds a person to replace you. For Day Trips, a refund will only be given if a person can replace you.

    AARP Tax Aide Program

    Posted on December 30, 2023 by East Lyme

    The AARP Tax-Aide program will return this year to provide free tax
    counseling and preparation for middle to low-Income taxpayers
    with special attention to those people aged 60 and over.

    To schedule your appointment and get the details about how the program will operate, call starting Wed, Jan 10th at 9am.

    Appointments will be held on Mon and Fri mornings beginning Mon, Feb 5th and will end on Mon, Apr 8th. Limited Saturday appointments available.

    Senior Farmers Market Vouchers Pick-up

    Posted on July 26, 2023 by East Lyme

    Monday, August 7th at 11:00am

     

    This Department of Agriculture program supports local farmers and provides fresh produce to low-income seniors in Connecticut. Benefits are used to purchase fruits, vegetables, fresh cut herbs and honey from certified CT Grown Farms at designated Farmer Markets or farm stands July through October.

    You must register in advance.

    If you cannot come in person, you can send a proxy. But registration is still required. Call for details.

    Senior Farmers Market Vouchers

    Posted on May 28, 2023 by East Lyme

    • Eligibility is 60 years of age or older OR disabled under the age of 60 who lives in senior housing where congregate nutrition services are provided. Income of not more than 185% poverty guidelines ($2,248/month or
    $26,973/annual for household of 1; $3,041/month or $36,482/annual for household of 2, etc). Participants can go through means testing to support income eligibility (i.e., SNAP or Medicaid).
    • Cards can be used to purchase only CT grown fruits, vegetables, fresh cut herbs and honey.
    • Cards can only be accepted at authorized locations (a list of farm markets and farm stands will be provided). It is likely possible to coordinate “pop-up” markets at a senior center or other location if working with an authorized
    farmer.

    Please contact the Senior Center if you are interested in receiving a Farmers Market Voucher.