State funding cuts put an end to ride program for Geer residents

NORTH CANAAN — After two years — and despite an increase in need — a local ride program for senior citizens is coming to an abrupt end due to state budget cuts.

The “social ride� program at Geer Adult Day Center will no longer be available after August. Its funding has dried up, the victim of state budgetary constraints.

Geer Administrator John Horstman said he had planned to give a month’s notice to the people who depend on the service for everything from grocery shopping to haircuts to visits to family and friends. He knew the state Department of Transportation was planning cuts but expected the program would continue through September.

But it was not to be, he said last week, as he announced the program will end  just days from now.

The program utilized a leased mini-van and two part-time drivers to take seniors to social engagements, such as lunch with friends, between noon and 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

“It was growing steadily,� Horstman said. “It was at about 200 riders a month. I tried to find money within our budget, but it just wasn’t going to happen.�

The two drivers, who each worked about 24 hours per week, were laid off.

Not affected is the Dial-a-Ride program for medical appointments, which transported about 5,000 people last year.

Even if money became available in the future, Horstman said he would be hard pressed to offer the program again.

“I don’t want to offer it and then have to pull it again. That’s not what people need. Hopefully there are others in the community who can figure out a way to do this on a volunteer basis.�