CELEBRATING 50 YEARS!

Mission

The Estuary provides programs, services, and advocacy for adults 50+ to promote a healthy, independent quality of life.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS!

Who We Are

The Estuary is a non-profit regional senior center located at 220 Main Street in Old Saybrook and serves as the senior center for the nine town region. The Estuary is also the sole provider of Meals on Wheels for Middlesex County.

Since 1974, The Estuary’s goal has been to promote quality of life, community involvement, and independent living for aging adults. Last year over 100,000 nutritious meals were provided— including over 75,000 home delivered Meals On Wheels and over 25,000 congregate meals. An average of 1,000 rides are given annually to medical outpatient appointments throughout the state and almost 2000 individuals receive free preventative health screenings and participate in social and wellness programs too numerous to count.

Older adults comprise one of the most vulnerable demographics in our communities and are often at the greatest risk of institutionalization. By offering dietary and transportation assistance, as well as encouraging socialization and physical wellness, The Estuary is able to help seniors remain in their homes longer and maintain their independence, as well as foster healthy living and better quality of life.

In addition to our essential senior services, The Estuary is a fun place for adults to exercise, dance, play cards, go on trips together, get a massage or haircut, hear an interesting lecture, take a painting class, join a book club or writers group, volunteer, shop at the Thrift Shop, use our fitness center, or just sit and enjoy the beautiful view of North Cove. We welcomes all members to embrace the belief that opportunities are ageless.

History

The Estuary's history began fifty years ago. Following passage of the 1965 Older American Act, area senior clubs from 9 towns agreed to participate in a new organization, The Estuary Council of Senior Clubs, Inc. It was after the addition of the OAO Senior Nutrition Act of 1972 that The Estuary Council of Senior Clubs, Inc. became an official incorporated entity in March of 1974. After receiving a grant in 1975, by-laws were adopted, officers were elected, and a local census and survey were conducted that remain the basis for many programs provided today. On March 25, 1975, Monica Eggert was hired as the first director and served until 1992.

In 1980, The Estuary moved from the Essex Town Hall into the American Legion Hall in Clinton. On May 26, 1993, the current site was officially opened in Old Saybrook, located off Main Street with beautiful views of North Cove. Since then, our directors include Barbara (Bobbie) Shildeck, Sherre Jackson, Mitzi Eilts, Paula Ferrara, Paul Doyle, and our current Director, Stan Mingione.

Today, The Estuary provides a variety of nutrition, transportation, social services, activities, and fitness programs to residents in the nine communities of Chester, Clinton, Essex, Deep River, Killingworth, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. Our services promote quality of life, community involvement, and independent living for persons 50 to 105!

Meals-on-Wheels is available for homebound individuals. Four café sites serve hot lunches during the week. Estuary Medical Outpatient Transportation Service (EMOTS) to hospitals and medical appointments is available as well as weekly and monthly shopping trips and leisure trips. Health screenings, educational forums, benefits counseling, free health services, notary service, support groups, classes, exercise, clubs, cards, and more are all at The Estuary!

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS!