By Doug La Rocque
Area seniors, Rensselaer County Department of Aging personnel and County Executive Kathy Jimino all gathered at the Everett Wagar Senior Center on the afternoon of Wednesday May 25 to celebrate the 10th year of the Center’s establishment. [private]
The Grafton Center is one of the busiest in the county, and serves the oldest average age seniors. According to the center’s director, Penny Jones, the average age of their clientele is in their mid-80’s. Jones talked about some of their programs such as the Senior Prom, a Hoedown and the Festival of Trees. A new addition last year was Basket Bingo, which raised more than $1,400, and is scheduled for September 10 this year. Jones said one of their goals in the coming years is to attract younger seniors and increase participation in the meals programs.
Department of Aging Commissioner Carol Rosbozom said, “They strive to provide as much one-on-one service as possible, particularly in communities that may not have a lot of resources.” Rosbozom also said it is their goal to help keep seniors in their homes by focusing on the needs that they alone may not be able provide. Deputy Commissioner Kim Marafito stressed that county residents 60 years of age or older may avail themselves of any of the county centers services and encouraged them to see what the centers have to offer. County Executive Jimino also presented the center’s staff and clientele with a Certificate of Congratulations on their 10th anniversary with the wish for many more to come.[/private]