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.

 

    MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM

    Are you on Medicare and paying for your Part B premium?
    If your monthly incomes is less than $2,786 (gross) as a single or $3,754 (gross) as a couple per month, you could be eligible for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP).

    Depending upon your income level, you could be eligible for 3 benefits.
    1. The MSP will pay for the Part B premium for Medicare coverage.
    2. You would be eligible for the Low Income Subsidy which pays the full monthly premium of a Medicare Part D (prescription coverage) benchmark plan, or a portion of a non-benchmark plan, yearly deductibles and co-insurance, or co-pays. It also allows you to change your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plans outside of the open enrollment period.
    3. You may be eligible for the MSP to act as your supplemental health insurance.

    If you would like more information or would like to apply for this program, call the Senior Center office.

    AARP MATURE DRIVER SAFETY CLASS

    Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?
    The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers
    age 50 and older. In many states, drivers may benefit from a discount on their auto insurance
    premium upon completing the course. Contact your insurance company to find out. And you will
    learn something new along the way. In fact, an evaluation of the course found that 97% of
    participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.
    Wed, Jun 1st 12:30pm to 4:30pm $20 for AARP member $25 for non-AARP member
    Wed, Aug 3rd 9:15am to 1:15pm $20 for AARP member $25 for non-AARP member
    Register with the Senior Center office. Payment due upon registration.

    TAX RELIEF FOR ELDERLY AND TOTALLY DISABLED RENTERS 2022

    The Renter Rebate Program through the State of CT provides a rebate for renters who are elderly or disabled. Applications for the program are available until October 1st. Please call the Senior Center for an appointment.

    To be eligible:
    1. An applicant or the spouse must be 65 or older; or be 100% disabled (per Social Security); or be 50 and a surviving spouse of a previous applicant.
    2. Must have lived in CT for 1 year.
    3. Total 2021 income which includes Social Security must not exceed:
    $38,100 for a single person
    $46,400 for a married couple
    4. 35% of of the applicant’s rent must exceed 5% of the applicant’s income

    Proof of income received and rent and utility payments made in calendar year 2021 must be provided.
    For residents living at either Twin Haven or the AHEPA housing complexes, you will be contacted.

    Ledge Light Health District Offers COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic- Monday, May 23rd from 2:00-4:00pm

    Ledge Light Health District will host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the East Lyme Senior Center. Only the Moderna vaccine will be available at this clinic for individuals 18 years or older who need a 1st or 2nd dose (primary series) or are eligible for a 1st or 2nd booster dose.

    The following groups are eligible for a 1st booster shot at this clinic:
    • individuals 18 years of age & older who have completed a primary series of a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) and it has been at least 5 months since completion of primary series.
    • individuals 18 years of age & older who have had a primary dose of Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and it has been at least 2 months and would like a mRNA booster.

    The following groups are eligible for a 2nd booster shot at this clinic:
    • individuals 50 years of age & older who have received a first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine and it has been at least 4 months since first booster dose.

    All clinics are free and open to the public. No appointment, insurance, or ID is necessary. Please bring your CDC vaccination card if you have one.