EAST LYME, CT — East Lyme Senior Services is exploring a grant to purchase a smaller, wheelchair-accessible bus, while continuing to recruit a part-time driver and expand services for older residents.
Commission on Aging Director Kristen Caramanica outlined the transportation proposal during the commission's Nov. 9 meeting, saying the department is considering an eight-passenger vehicle with one wheelchair position that would require a $35,000 contribution from the town.
The commission also reported that 60 residents had registered for Medicare open enrollment assistance and discussed a possible matching contribution toward technology support sessions for seniors.
Caramanica said she plans to pursue a grant for an eight-passenger bus equipped with space for one wheelchair.
She said a smaller vehicle could be easier for drivers to operate and reduce fuel costs. The proposed bus would have a side-mounted wheelchair lift.
The manufacturer does not offer an electric version, she said, but is willing to bring a vehicle to East Lyme for officials to examine.
The town would need to contribute $35,000 toward the purchase.
No grant application or purchase was approved during the meeting.
Caramanica also reported that Senior Services continues to seek a driver for 10 to 15 hours per week. She said the department's existing drivers work well together.
Caramanica reported that 60 people had registered for Medicare open enrollment assistance.
The service is available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
She credited Cathy Wilson, a volunteer with the Connecticut State Health Insurance Assistance Program, known as CHOICES, for helping administer the program.
During public comment, Vijay Sachveva praised Senior Services' programs and discussed FIXIT by Chris, which provides technology assistance and personal support to older residents.
Sachveva, who said she previously worked at East Lyme High School, offered to donate $1,000 toward sessions with the service and asked commissioners to consider providing a matching contribution.
No vote was recorded on the proposed contribution.
Sachveva also asked whether Senior Services could telephone older residents who do not use email when classes are canceled.
Caramanica said cancellations sometimes occur with little advance notice, making it difficult to contact everyone by telephone.
Chairman Michael Bekech suggested that participants in the same class might help notify one another.
Bekech said he would discuss the issue with Caramanica and department staff.
Senior Services reported several upcoming trips and activities.
Scheduled events include:
Overnight trips planned for 2027 include Rome, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast from April 5-13; the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park from July 6-12; and Utah's Mighty Five and the Rockies from Sept. 13-21.
A Christmas Markets and Castles of Europe trip covering Germany and France is scheduled for Nov. 29 through Dec. 7.
Caramanica said the department's regular programs were going well and that attendance at nutrition services had increased.
Bekech also announced that the annual Light Parade is scheduled for Dec. 1-3.
Bekech reported that the commission's Special Revenue Fund had a balance of $125,796.
Commission member Ilene Harris suggested using some of the money to offer educational classes.
Bekech said available space was a limiting factor.
Ex-officio member Rose Ann Hardy reported that the town's next budget process had begun.
She said some departments were waiting to determine whether sufficient funding would be available for their requests and expressed hope that money could be reallocated among departments.
Hardy also reported that East Lyme had decided against using Flock cameras and would instead use speed cameras.
Bekech asked about discussions concerning the possible closure of Niantic Center School.
Hardy said a booklet at the library addresses declining enrollment and the possibility of closing the school. She said she did not believe closing it would produce cost savings.
The discussion also touched on employment opportunities at Electric Boat and Pfizer's construction activity in Groton, as well as the potential housing needs of families moving to the area.
No action concerning school closures was taken by the Commission on Aging.
Commissioners unanimously approved the Oct. 19 meeting minutes, with a correction to the section on senior trips.
Esther Williams moved to approve the amended minutes, with Carol Coyle seconding. The motion passed 5-0.
Williams also thanked Senior Services for allowing election workers to use chairs from the department's Day Room.
Bekech called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. Members present were Bekech, Harris, Wendy Fiore, Coyle and Williams.
Joe Palazzo and Kevin McGowan were absent. Caramanica, Hardy and Sachveva also attended.
Senior Services will be closed Nov. 11, 26 and 27, according to Bekech.
The next Commission on Aging meeting is scheduled for Dec. 14 at 5 p.m.
Harris moved to adjourn the Nov. 9 meeting at 6:07 p.m., with Williams seconding.
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