[State Sen. Pete Harckham with (l-r) Melissa Holden, director of resident relations at Yorktown Assisted Living Residence; Kate Maguire, regional director of trauma services at WMCHealth; Ellen Bloom, director of marketing and development for NewYork-Presbyterian / Hudson Valley Hospital; Patti Pelican, director of marketing & sales at Artis Senior Living – Somers; and Carisa Vallaro-Lingenfelter, director of sales & marketing at Artis Senior Living – Briarcliff Manor.
New York State Senator Pete Harckham hosted a Senior Resource Fair today here at the Albert A. Capellini Community & Cultural Center, and more than 350 people interested residents attended, despite the inclement weather.
The special event, which was open to the public, gave residents an opportunity to talk with Harckham and meet with representatives from over 45 different organizations and learn about various health and community resources that cater to the senior citizen population in Senate District 40.
“I’m delighted to see that so many senior residents were able to attend this Resource Fair, and thank all of those who helped make the event a big success,” said Harckham. “The 40th Senate District has a robust population of seniors, many who have lived their entire lives here and helped build up and sustain our communities. We owe it to them to provide the services that will make their golden years, safe, affordable and enjoyable.”
Harckham added, “I want to especially thank the four partnering organizations that helped support this event: NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, Westchester Medical Center, Yorktown Assisted Living Residence and Artis Senior Living Communities. All are integral members of our community that work hard to make a difference in the lives of our seniors.”
Among the many different vendors at the Senior Resource Fair were several state agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles, Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman, Office of Addiction Services and Supports, Consumer Protection, New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Other groups in attendance were Alzheimer’s Association – Hudson valley Chapter, SPCA Westchester, American Cancer Society, Hudson Valley Regional Community Health Centers, American Lung Association, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, Metro North, American Red Cross Greater NY Region, the Feller Group, Family Services of Westchester and Open Door Family Medical Center.
Free Covid-19 tests and masks were given away to attendees, 15-minute chair yoga sessions were available throughout the day and light refreshments were provided as well.
Melissa Holden, director of resident relations at Yorktown Assisted Living Residence, said, “We’re so happy to be a part of this event because it brings the community together and offers residents a tremendous amount of information t help better their lives. Senior living can be a great experience when the right resources are available and utilized, and when important decision making is informed.”
Josh Ratner, executive vice president and chief strategy officer of Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) and CEO of HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley, said, “We thank Senator Harckham for sponsoring the 2023 Senior Resource Fair and giving WMCHealth the opportunity to share fall, stroke and heart disease prevention information, and more, with our neighbors. As the premier provider of healthcare services in the Hudson Valley, it is as much of our duty to help prevent illness and injury as it is to treat it. This is why we collaborate with community stakeholders like Senator Harkham, who understand the importance of access to healthcare information and resources.”
Lorraine Novack, regional director of DOROT Westchester, said, “This fair was a great opportunity to let older adults in Senator Harckham’s district know about DOROT’s social engagement programs, from 1:1 options in their own homes, to community events at venues around Westchester County. Thank you, Senator Harckham!”
Ellen Bloom, director of marketing and development for NewYork-Presbyterian / Hudson Valley Hospital, said, “The health and well-being of our communities is a top priority. NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital and Medical Group is pleased to participate in this important event to provide health and community resources to local senior citizens.”
