On Wednesday July 22nd, State Assemblymember Dana Levenberg welcomed local seniors to the Town of Cortlandt Morabito Center for Seniors for her fourth annual Senior forum, themed “Sustaining our Seniors: Whole Body Wellness.” Along with a breakfast sponsored by NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, this event provided seniors with resources and inspiration for staying mentally, physically, and socially engaged while aging.
The program began with a warm welcome from Cortlandt Town Supervisor Dr. Richard Becker and Assemblymember Levenberg. “It is so important for us to help our seniors enjoy well-rounded lifestyles that support good health,” said Levenberg. “This year’s forum was a celebration of the many ways older adults can thrive in their later years.”
Attendees enjoyed a variety of engaging presentations and activities. Henry Moss, from the New York Statewide Senior Action Council, gave a presentation titled “Advocating for Healthy Communities: Why Seniors Need the New York Health Act,” offering insight into the benefits of the New York Health Act (A.1466) for older New Yorkers. Stanley Abraham, DO, a pulmonologist and sleep health specialist from NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, presented “Healthy Sleep Basics,” providing information and guidance on forming healthy sleep habits. Marti Wolfson from NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital led a live cooking demonstration featuring a nutritious recipe. A celebration of America 250 was presented by Constance Kehoe, President of Revolutionary Westchester 250, Jennifer Cassidy, a Putnam County Historian, L. Danielli Cylich, representing the Putnam County Revolutionary 250 Advisory Committee, and Joe Cerreto, Director of the Living History Foundation and a re-enactor with the Second New York Regiment. Joelle Schantz, Manager of Education & Training for Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, presented “Raising a Healthy Next Generation” to encourage mentorship and trusting relationships between older and younger people.
The forum also featured presentations on scam prevention and legal matters from Kate Martin, Assistant Attorney General from the Westchester Regional Office of the New York State Attorney General and Gwen Galef, Assistant District Attorney from the Office of the Westchester County District Attorney. Gabi Madden, Hudson Valley Regional Director from the Division of Intergovernmental and Community Affairs in the State Comptroller’s office, shared information about programs administered by the Comptroller’s office, including how to access unclaimed funds.
For those who were unable to attend the event, the Assemblymember’s office will make PowerPoint presentations and other information shared at the forum available on the Sustaining Our Seniors page of her website, www.nyassembly.gov/mem/Dana-Levenberg.
