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.

 

    HURRICANE SEASON IS STILL WITH US

    Posted on September 1, 2020 by East Lyme

    The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1st through November 30th. We are ½ way through. The most active period for Atlantic hurricanes is mid August to the end of October. It’s not time to let down your guard. Ever wonder what the Category scale means? Here is a brief overview. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures. Be safe and be prepared!!

    Category 1-  74 to 95 mph very dangerous winds will produce some damage

    Category 2-  96 to 110 mph extremely dangerous winds will produce extensive damage

    Category 3-  111 to 129 mph Major: devastating damage will occur

    Category 4-  130 to 156 mph Major: catastrophic damage will occur

    Category 5-  157 mph or higher Major: catastrophic damage will occur

    ELECTION DAY IS COMING on Tuesday, November 3rd

    Posted on September 1, 2020 by East Lyme

    The Registrars of Voters want you to know that if you are not a registered voter but want to become one, you still have time before the national election. The Registrars’ office is located within the East Lyme Community Center and their office hours are: Mon and Tue 8am to 12pm – Wed 8am to 4pm and Thu and Fri 12pm to 4pm. When you arrive, you will need to provide some sort of identification and proof of address. Your CT driver’s license will suffice but if you do not have one, you can provide the last 4 digits of your social security number and a copy of a current and valid photo ID OR the last 4 digits of your social security number and a current utility bill, or a current bank statement, or a current government check, or a current paycheck or any other government document that shows name and address.
    The Town Clerk’s office would like you to know that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Connecticut Secretary of State’s Office will be mailing out absentee ballot applications to every registered voter in mid-September. If you choose to vote by absentee you can fill out the application and mail it to the East Lyme Town Clerk in the self-addressed stamped envelope that is provided with each application. You can also put the application in the drop box in front of the Town Hall (street side at the top of the stairs and the handicapped ramp) or you can bring it into the Town Clerk’s Office. If you have any questions when you receive that application please contact Karen Miller Galbo, East Lyme Town Clerk at 860-739-6931 ext. 1135.
    There are 3 polling locations this year. Please be sure you know which poll you go to vote.
    Lastly, the Senior Center will be providing rides to the polls. But, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our vehicles are limited to one person onboard at a time. If you are doing to request transportation from us, please make your request as soon as you can.

    CONTENT BY JUDY – Perennials, Active Agers, Baby boomers

    Posted on August 3, 2020 by East Lyme

    Just what are we? And are you paying attention to us??

    A search for a term that doesn’t offend is taking place. Trying to avoid terms like senior citizen, retiree, elder and the elderly. The question becomes what do we call everyone 55+?

    Terms are materializing that are perhaps more appropriate and appealing.

    The term, Baby Boomer was created and has been used since all those World War II babies were being born. This group has changed and revolutionized the United States as the have passed though each phase of aging. And they will and are changing and redefining the term senior each day. Just look around – they are not stationary, boring or old.

    The title, Perennial has been around for several years now and refers to blooming again and again. And yes, we do that again and again during our lives. We become young adults striking out on our own. We become homeowners, parents. So forth and so on as we parade along the paths of our lives. Ever changing and blossoming into the “new” me.

    Active Ager is a newer term and defines seniors as young at heart, tech-loving, gym-using, trend setting, fun-seeking marketer’s dream. This term might be the best fitting so far as each generation is truly younger than the generation before them.

    Whatever term you use 55+ adults are strong, happy, healthy. They are using and buying what they choose. They want the same products all ages want and use. They are not to be overlooked as they are living longer, working longer, staying healthier and maintaining their independent as well.

    Call them what you will but remember they spend over $3 trillion on products and services each year.