East Lyme Commission On Aging Plans New Bus Request, Reviews Senior Center Budget Needs

EAST LYME, CT — East Lyme's Commission on Aging plans to request a new bus for senior transportation in the 2027-28 fiscal year and is seeking additional staff hours as officials prepare for the town's next budget cycle.

The commission discussed transportation needs, staffing, volunteer contributions and Senior Center activities during its Oct. 19 meeting. No vote was taken on the proposed bus purchase or staffing request.

Commission Chairman Michael Bekech said the department intends to request a new bus in next year's budget. He said the request should be submitted early because obtaining a vehicle takes time.

Commission member Ilene Harris said frequent stops and starts associated with senior transportation contribute to wear on the buses. Senior Center Director Kristen Caramanica suggested considering an electric bus.

In response to a question from commission member Esther Williams, Caramanica said two buses operate daily.

Caramanica also reported that the department's three buses had undergone their quarterly reviews. The part-time bus driver position has been posted.

Budget And Staffing Requests

Caramanica told commissioners that she, Bekech and Dan Cunningham had met with the town's finance director to discuss the department's budget.

Bekech said the department used 94 percent of its budget during the previous fiscal year and had spent 26% of the current year's budget at the time of the meeting.

Officials asked the department to submit its next budget request early and provide an estimate of the financial value of volunteer work at the Senior Center.

Caramanica said the center benefits from the work of 11 volunteers per day, each contributing approximately six hours. She estimated that the volunteer hours represent savings of about $1,100 per week and more than $29,000 annually when calculated using minimum wage.

Commission member Carol Coyle noted that volunteers also reduce costs associated with employee benefits.

Caramanica said officials were informed that some Senior Center activities and services do not require town funding.

The department also requested five additional work hours for Ms. Orowson, whose responsibilities would include transportation, Bekech said.

Insurance expenses were also discussed during the meeting.

Senior Center Programs And Activities

Caramanica reported that Senior Center programs were going well and that the writing program had moved from Tuesdays to Thursdays at 2:15 p.m.

The center scheduled several activities for late October, including a vaccination clinic Oct. 20, a fall event Oct. 26, a presentation on Medicare and dental insurance changes Oct. 27, and an estate jewelry event Oct. 30.

The Oct. 26 event was planned to include cornhole, apple cider and apple tasting.

The center also announced upcoming day trips to Providence, Rhode Island; West Brookfield, Massachusetts; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Plantsville, Connecticut.

Overnight travel opportunities scheduled for 2027 include a Caribbean cruise from Jan. 25 to Feb. 6, a trip to Rome, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast from April 5-13, and a Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park trip from July 6-12.

Coyle reported that participation in the center's nutrition services remained limited, although those attending continued to take part in the program.

Outdoor Space And Future Activities

Bekech discussed the possibility of creating additional outdoor space for Senior Center programs once the Department of Public Works completes its work.

Caramanica said expanded outdoor space could accommodate concerts and other activities.

Williams commented on the range of services offered by the center. Caramanica credited Program Coordinator Ms. Heikkinen with organizing its programs.

Bekech also reported that the town's Light Parade is scheduled for Dec. 13. Commission member Wendy Fiore said Bridebrook would participate this year.

Commission Business

The commission voted 4-0, with two abstentions, to approve its Sept. 14 meeting minutes. Harris made the motion, which Coyle seconded. Williams and Kevin McGowan abstained.

The commission also received its proposed meeting dates for 2027.

The next Commission on Aging meeting is scheduled for Nov. 9 at 5 p.m.

The Oct. 19 meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m. following a unanimous 6-0 vote.