The familiar tune of ‘Row, row, row your boat’ echoed out into the lobby of the Gene Bianchi Community Center as area senior citizens took part in workout sessions at the Senior Information Day. As one group sang and stretched, another group played a rousing game of cards. Still others took the opportunity to catch up with friends they hadn’t seen in a while.
Filled with vendors from local businesses such as Astoria Senior Living and Memory Care, Belmare Senior Living and Oak Valley Hospital District (OVHD) along with representatives from Stanislaus County, MOVE (Transportation That Changes Lives) and multiple organizations that provide specialized services for seniors, the event was jam packed with opportunities to learn, to move and to meet new friends.
The annual Senior Information Day was hosted on June 11 at the Bianchi Center.
“We are so glad to be here. It’s a great way to meet new people, help provide information and connect,” said Jennifer Fair, Manager of Patient Safety at OVHD.
Presented by the Stanislaus Senior Foundation in collaboration with the Gladys L. Lemmons Senior Center, the event brings together multiple entities to provide senior citizens with knowledge, resources and of course, engaging activities and an opportunity for fun and socialization.
For some folks, transportation and accessibility might be concerns but through the various programs at MOVE, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing accessibility to everyone, there are a number of options available. Amanda Gamboa, Travel Trainer for MOVE, was onsite to share information about their programs including their travel training program where she trains seniors and folks with disabilities to utilize public transportation so that they can get to where they want to go. Gamboa noted that their programs also help caregivers and those providing transportation for seniors to things like medical appointments, grocery shopping and other errands because MOVE provides mileage reimbursement for the providers, which is very helpful, especially with gas prices being as high as they are.
From singing songs to exercising to health screenings, the well-attended event was filled with helpful resources, healthy snacks and entertaining activities for seniors in the community. For more information about various programs presented by the Stanislaus Senior Foundation, call 209-340-3436 or for the Gladys L. Lemmons Senior Center, call 209-845-3566.
