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!