This Monday afternoon, fellow Legislator Hayes and I attended the monthly meeting of the Advisory Council for the Office of the Aging. A group made up of concerned citizens from across the the county and from every socio-economic background.The meeting was attended by the director Anne Cardinale. She was on hand to explain details to both Jack and I on what the council does and what impact the Legislature has on the operations, both fiscally and program wise. Luckily this department escaped the slashing of funds in the last budget session.
The Office for the Aging is an organization that assists Ulster County seniors to be as independent as possible, for as long as possible. They work as aids and advocates for our seniors, offering information and referrals, as well as providing programs for a variety of services. Nutrition, and body strength as well as keeping seniors engaged with the community.
One program that has caught the attention of the folks in Albany is the "Stay at Home" program. One of the 15 Non-Profit organizations that the state awarded grant money was "Family of Woodstock". The grants will provide funding for innovative programs and activities that support and enhance opportunities for community participation in planning and creating aging friendly neighborhoods. In other words, our elders, who opt into the program pay an annual fee of $250 for membership and become part of a network that helps with property management, transportation, physical therapy and shopping as well as social activities.There are other programs as well, notably the thousands of meals they provide county wide and the events they sponsor throughout the year. What was asked of Jack and I, was the continued interest of the Legislators and the need for a few elected officials to serve a term on the Advisory Council. They can be at any position in any town in the county.
The meetings are held on Monday afternoons late in the month at the UCAT compound on Golden Hill. Perhaps one of my former colleagues on the Common Council would like to join. Hint hint.
4 comments:
This would have to be one of the toughest times for most seniors in Ulster and counties across New York State. The programs that this office and other service groups offer must continue. Its great that this department didn't get a reduction in funding for 2010, but many others did. The work load will increase for the people who work as tirelessly as the employees and volunteers at the Office of the Aging and food pantries like Queens Galley. Keep up the great work people!
Is there any truth to the rumor that the County Executive's office is planning to merge the Office on the Aging into the Health Department?
If so what would that mean for the advisory council?
Mike,
If you give me a reminder on the next meeting, I'll be happy to attend with you.
Best,
Jen Fuentes
And then vote yes for a budget that raises their taxes 9%.
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