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.

Transportation News- Dail-a-Ride

Posted on July 2, 2020 by East Lyme

As of July 1st, the Dial-a-Ride program will renew for
the FY20/21.

This year, there will be no enrollment fee.

If you were enrolled in the program last year, you do
not need to re-apply this year.

This year, we will be able to provide (24) one-way trips
or (12) round trips from July 1st, 2020 to June 30th,
2021.

As always, there is a mileage reimbursement portion of
this grant. If someone provides you with a medical ride,
you can request mileage reimbursement.

This service is strictly for medical appointments in
southeastern CT which the Senior Center cannot
provide. It is grant funded so once funds are expended,
no more rides can be provided.

More details are available at the Senior Center office.

Transportation News- Senior Center

Posted on July 2, 2020 by East Lyme

On July 6th, the Senior Center will resume limited
transit service. Due to COVID-19, the service will
begin with only 1 passenger allowed on the vehicle at
a time. All passengers must wear a mask unless there
is a medical contraindication. The revised schedule
will be:
Monday: the south part of town can go to Waterford/
New London
Tuesday: the south part of town can go the grocery
stores/pharmacies/bank
Wednesday: the north part of town can go to Waterford/
New London
Thursday: the north part of town can to the grocery
stores/pharmacies/bank
Friday: will be left open to try and accommodate any
requests that could not be fulfilled during the
week

Medical appointments are a priority. All other ride
requests will be scheduled around those. If you have a
medical appointment, reserve with the Senior Center
office as soon as you can. This schedule will remain in
effect for the month of July and will be re-evaluated
in August. You must be registered for this service.

COVID 19 Status Update

Posted on July 2, 2020 by East Lyme

At this time, there is no time table for re-opening the Senior Center. Updates on our status will be posted on the East Lyme Town Hall website – www.eltownhall.com, and the East Lyme Senior Center page on the SECT regional senior center website – www.seniorcenterct.org, the Senior Center Facebook page and on the Senior Center answering machine.

Senior Center Phone Number is 860-739-5859

ACTIVE LIVING EVERYDAY TOOLKIT

Posted on July 2, 2020 by East Lyme

The in-home version of the popular Live Well with Chronic Conditions workshop is now available to seniors in the comfort of their home without having to use technology beyond the telephone. The toolkit can be sent directly to participants at no cost and includes a Living a Healthy Life Book, instruction booklet and exercise and relaxation CDs. Weekly phone calls from a trained Live Well leader enhances the experience and can help to alleviate social isolation during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Please note there is a limited supply of toolkits. Participants must be willing to share their name, address and phone number so the toolkit can be mailed directly to them and the leader can place the weekly call. Calls are approximately 45 minutes in length and take place conference-call style to 4 -6 participants. There is a 2 -3 week lead time to start once participants have enrolled.

Participants will learn about:
• Physical activity, exercise and healthy eating
• Dealing with difficult emotions
• Decision-making and communications skills
• Working with healthcare providers
• Action Planning

Contact Lori Rygielski, Regional Coordinator
lrygielski@seniorresourcesec.org
860-887-3561 Ext. 127
Sponsored by the Department of Rehabilitation Service – the State Unit on Aging – Senior Resources Area Agency on Aging

FEELING ISOLATED? WE HAVE FOLKS WANTING TO CHAT WITH YOU

Posted on July 2, 2020 by East Lyme

As we are in Phase 2 and older adults are still being asked to stay safe and stay home, we know folks are in need of some human contact. We have East Lyme High School students who want to reach out to you and chat. Nothing heavy, just a “Hey how are you?” “Can we do anything for you?” check in phone call. Who’s interested?? Call the Senior Center office and let us know.