“In short, the Center is being used more frequently by more people than at any point in its history” David Lahm, Lyme First Selectman

OLD LYME—10:40am Names added to photo captions: More than a hundred people turned out Monday to celebrate the official groundbreaking for the renovation and expansion of the Lymes’ Senior Center. Local dignitaries including State Senator Norm Needleman (D-33rd), State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd), Old Lyme First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker (D), and Lyme First Selectman David Lahm (R) were on hand for the ceremonial insertion of shovels into a pile of prepared dirt.

Joining them were Lymes’ Senior Center Building Committee Chairman Jeri Baker, Lymes’ Senior Center Board Chairman Peter Lucchese, Lymes’ Senior Center Director and Assistant Director respectively Stephanie Gould and Caitlyn Perkins, and representatives from Newfield Construction and Point One Architects.

In her remarks, Shoemaker noted that the Senior Center, which opened in 1996, has not undergone any renovation to its original structure in the 28 years of its continuous operation. She announced, “That’s about to change,” saying, “The Towns of Old Lyme and Lyme, which share responsibility for the senior center, are
about to invest $6.38 million to renovate and expand this facility.”

Shoemaker said that the Center has long been a vital component of the social life of the older residents of Lyme and Old Lyme, pointing out that it is, “The place where they come to exercise, learn new skills, hear lectures, enjoy movies or live theater, listen to live music, play games and make new friends.”

But she stressed it is also a vital component of social services for older adults and people with limited resources and mobility, explaining, “It houses the office of the town nurse for Old Lyme. It serves as a vaccination clinic. It hosts vital programs like Meals on Wheels. It serves as the site of the local VFW post. And it’s a place where our residents can shelter during weather emergencies and power outages.”

“The work that will begin here today,” Shoemaker stated, “… will revitalize the Senior Center and provide its members with a host of new amenities and capabilities so that it can serve more of our older residents more often.” She concluded, “We believe this renovation will keep it going strong for another 28 years – or more,” adding that the reopening of the Center is anticipated in March of next year if construction stays on schedule.

Lahm spoke next and commented that the research that was undertaken in preparation for the renovation identified that Lyme and Old Lyme have a median age of 48 to 51, compared to a median age of 40 for the state, and approximately 1,600 residents age 70 and older.

Noting that the Senior Center serves all residents 55 and above from Lyme, Old Lyme and some of the surrounding communities, he said its membership has swelled in recent years to more than 1,100 people. He cited further data regarding the number of visits made to the Center and then summed up by saying, “In short, the center is being used more frequently by more people than at any point in its history.”

Lahm stressed that all the Center’s programs and services are funded solely by membership dues and donations, not by the Towns, adding, “We are delighted that the voters of our towns were willing to invest in the center’s renovation to ensure that it can continue to be of service to our older adults.”

He also thanked the State of Connecticut, which has awarded Lyme and Old Lyme a total of $1 million in grants to help cover renovation costs.

Lahm expressed his thanks for the work done by volunteers on the Lymes’ Senior Center Building Committee and by their partners at Newfield Construction and Point One Architects.

When the renovation is completed, Lahm noted the Center will have:

• an additional 3,265 square feet of interior space – for a total of 8,737 square feet of interior space – that will enable it to accommodate more members and activities.
• a new roof, porch, cupola, windows, walkways and landscaping.
• motorized room partitions that allow for multiple room configurations so programs and activities can take place simultaneously.
• an enlarged kitchen space with multiple kitchen upgrades that allows for greater center luncheon attendance.
• a quiet library room where members can read or relax.
• a public entrance that can accommodate the arrival and departure of buses and emergency vehicles.
• redesigned entryway and hallways, improved door thresholds, additional shelving and storage space, and new furniture throughout.

Lahm concluded by saying, “We believe these renovations will keep the Center going strong for decades to come,” adding cheerfully, “And I look forward to standing here with Martha again next year for the ribbon cutting.”

Senior Center Building Committee Chairman Jeri Baker and Stephanie Gould, Director of the Center, rounded out the speeches with Baker noting it had been four years, seven months and one day since the Towns of Old Lyme and Lyme appointed a set of volunteers to serve on the building committee and oversee the renovation of the senior center.

She expressed thanks to a list of individuals, “For their hard work, dedication and expertise over the past several years,” namely, Don Abraham, Janet Sturges, Dan Hagan, Mary Stone, Arthur “Skip” Beebe, Ken Biega, Bennett “BJ” Bernblum, Dr. Rick Goulding, John KIker, Russell Learned, Toni Phillips, and Alan Sheiness.

She also noted her appreciation to past ex officio members, Bonnie Reemsnyder, Steve Mattson and Tim Griswold and current ex officio members, Martha Shoemaker, David Lahm and Stephanie Gould.

Baker added sincere thanks to all the boards, commissions and the staff from both towns, “Who contributed to this journey,” along with all those involved from Newfield Construction and Point One Architects, “Who are helping us carry the renovation from an idea into a reality.”

She also thanked the various organizations, who are serving as locations for Senior Center activities while the renovation is ongoing, and gave a special thank you to, “The Senior Center members, staff, and Board of Directors; the VNA; the VFW and the many volunteers who support this wonderful place.”

After a hearty round of applause, ceremonial shovels were duly inserted in the ground and the joyful celebrations began.