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.

 

    NEWS FROM THE EAST LYME PUBLIC LIBRARY

    Posted on July 2, 2020 by East Lyme

    The East Lyme Public Library is tentatively scheduled to reopen on Monday, July 6 at 10am to the public. The hours will be 10am-4pm Monday through Friday, and 10am-2pm on Saturday. People will need to call and make an appointment for computer use. Socially distancing will be practiced and there will be a reduced capacity allowed into the building. The Library will continue to provide curbside pickup and if anyone is interested in books being delivered to their home, they have a homebound delivery program.

    For more details, call the Library at 860-739-6926.

    If you are looking to get a COVID-19 test?

    Posted on July 2, 2020 by East Lyme

    If you are looking to get a COVID-19 test? There are 2 convenient locations you can go without needing an order from your Physician or being symptomatic. They are: Hartford Healthcare GoHealth Urgent Care 351 North Frontage Road New London, CT 860-865-0934 Community Health Center 1 Shaw’s Cove New London, CT 475-241-0740 Both locations recommend getting an appointment.

    WHERE CAN YOU GET A COVID-19 TEST WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION

    Posted on July 2, 2020 by East Lyme

    If you are looking to get a COVID-19 test, there are 2 convenient locations you can go without needing an order from your Physician or being symptomatic.

    They are:

    Hartford Healthcare GoHealth Urgent Care
    351 North Frontage Road
    New London, CT 860-865-0934

    Community Health Center
    1 Shaw’s Cove
    New London, CT 475-241-0740

    Both locations recommend getting an appointment.

    Grannys and Grandkids – Content by Judy

    Posted on June 4, 2020 by East Lyme

    Of the many stages of life there are wins and losses. There are gifts and disasters. There are blessings and tragedies. We can all compare notes of what each of these has been for us, but I will declare loudly my biggest blessing has been being a Granny.

    Nothing holds a candle to the moment you hold your first grandchild and realize that new baby is a part of you. In that moment, your life changes forever as you hope to help grow that baby into adulthood. And with each new grandchild that realization continues to grow.

    You hold them. You watch that baby grow. You watch them and their parents grow into a family…….. Remembering to be supportive of the parents. Remembering you wanted to raise your kids your way. They do too. So, help the parents by following their schedules and rules.

    Build a closeness with those babies because ties between Grandparents and Grandchildren can be so valuable for both groups.

    And today’s ways of staying in touch help so much. We have Smart phones, Alexa, text, messenger, Zoom, Facetime, WebEx and so much more. Options seem limitless and sure help Grandparents watch those babies grow even when families live far apart. Plus we can still write a letter. Send a card.

    Studies show these relationships have benefits for both. There is less depression in both groups and fewer behavior and emotional problems for the Grandchildren. Even fewer difficulties with peers. Grandparents can help by telling how they handled similar situations when they were growing up. Offer solutions and different ways of looking at things.

    And grandkids keep the Grandparents in touch and up to date with what’s happening in today’s world. Expose Grandparents to different ideas and the new meanings of age-old problems.

    Grandparents often have the time to spend with the kids. They can often do the things with the grandkids they did not have the time or money to do as they raised their own children.

    Grandparents can help teach values. Right from wrong. Reinforce manners and other lessons parents encourage the Grandparents to share. Sometimes Grandparents become the confidant for the kids. The one who they can turn to. The adult who it is safe to share worries or problems with.

    And remember it is not all easy!! Like the rest of life there are bumps in the road. Mistakes are made. Things are misunderstood.

    Plus keep in mind sometimes a child’s grandparent might really be Great Aunt or Uncle. Or they might not even be related at all. It could a neighbor, a family friend, the babysitter, or someone else who is close to the family. So whoever you are, remember you are important and can truly make a difference in that child’s life. And your life will be much richer for it too.

    So, help the parents. Offer date nights.  Babysit. Have a sleepover.

    Get out there and take a kid to a museum, a park, for a walk, play a game and you will both have a great, meaningful time.

    FACTS ABOUT JUNE 2020

    Posted on June 3, 2020 by East Lyme

    The month of June comes from the Roman, or Julian, calendar. June was initially named Iunius. The name either comes from the Roman goddess Juno, wife of Jupiter, or from the word “iuniores”, the Latin word for “younger ones”. In the early Roman calendar June only had 29 days. It was Julius Caesar who added the additional day giving June 30 days.
    June 14th is Flag Day.
    June 16th is Father’s Day. HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
    The Full Strawberry Moon rises on June 17th.
    Summer Solstice or the day with the longest sunlight is June 21st.