The upcoming Journey to Active Aging Workshop and Luncheon is in its fifth year and continues to grow. Once again, it returns to the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club on Thursday, Sept. 27, with the doors opening at 8 a.m. to visit vendor tables and view door prizes.
As healthcare providers in Chautauqua County, program members are excited to find a productive way to have a positive impact on our community. Collaborating with agencies that each provides a unique service is the key. Over the years, the agencies have developed excellent relationships and a mutual respect with others who serve the needs of those who built this community into a place we are proud to call home.
What guests should expect is a fun and useful approach to improving balance, an opportunity to learn more about insurance options and cutting through the clutter of which documents and paperwork to keep and what to shred. This is important for so many reasons, including identity theft. A wide variety of vendors and agencies will be on hand to provide information on their services with door prizes and a lunch for $7.
Article Photos
Home Independence Program members Janell Sluga, geriatric care manager; Dawn Ekstrom, Aftercare Nursing; Lisa Goodell, CBA Vision Rehabilitation Services; Judi Goerke, Chautauqua Physical & Occupational Therapy.
Submitted photos
The program begins promptly at 9 a.m. with the much-anticipated return of Dr. Betty Perkins-Carpenter as the keynote speaker. Her credentials include writing the book: "How to Prevent Falls: Better Balance, Independence and Energy in 6 Simple Steps." In addition she is the president of Senior Fitness, Inc., a former Olympic diving coach, and hailed as "America's Ambassador to Senior Fitness."
Dr. Perkins-Carpenter has addressed the White House Conference on Aging and was inducted into the prestigious Healthy American Fitness Leaders. She was also appointed as a consultant to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. She was in her 70s when she returned to school and achieved her Ph.D. She is a dynamic lady to be sure.
Praise for the book include: USA Today reports "seniors learn to avoid fractures ... with advice from this book." Ethel Hall, 96 years young reports "this is so easy and fun! There's so much I can do again without fear of falling."
Additionally, Janell Sluga, geriatric care manager, will address the "Insurance Options" and the "What to Keep and What to Shred" topics. Handouts will be provided to assist attendees to properly manage their important documents to help prevent identity theft.
This program is presented by the Home Independence Program (HIP) and includes Chautauqua Physical & Occupational Therapy, CBA Vision Rehabilitation Services (formerly Chautauqua Blind Association), RSVP/Foster Grandparents and Aftercare Nursing. The program's slogan is: "Empowering individuals to remain safe and independent in their homes."
Other companies and agencies who will participate include: Amedysis, Great Lakes Home Healthcare, Spectrum Eye Care, Doyle Medical Monitoring, Willcare, Office for the Aging, The Resource Center, Hospice, Heritage Ministries, Chautauqua Adult Day Care, Chautauqua County Health Department, Comfort Today, Veteran's Administration and the Chautauqua County Health Network/P2 Collaborative.
Cost for the meal is $7 and is subsidized by vendors. Lunch includes chicken salad on croissant, fruit salad, cottage cheese, brownie, lemonade, coffee and tea. Deadline is postmarked: Thursday, Sept. 20. Checks should be made payable to: Journey to Active Aging Workshop and should include a phone number. Mail to Judi Goerke, Chautauqua Physical & Occupational Therapy, Riverwalk Center, 15 South Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701.
Call 488-2322 with questions. There is a $30 fee for all returned checks and no refunds for no-shows.