By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Annual Information Day Benefits Area Seniors
Info
There were several booths on hand like the Alzheimer/Dementia Support Center, Inc. that had several items of information for guests at the Oakdale Senior Information Day hosted on Friday, June 9. - photo by Virginia Still/The Leader

For the past 16 years the City of Oakdale and the Oak Valley Hospital District (OVHD) have been bringing the community together, providing the annual Oakdale Senior Information Day. The event was staged on Friday, June 9 at the Gene Bianchi Community Center. With over 30 vendors set up with information, snacks, and a variety of free giveaways, the resources brought forth were beneficial to all guests, whether or not they were senior citizens.

Approximately 175 guests took part in the event held this past Friday. The guests were treated to a bag for the goods that they would be receiving, a raffle ticket, and lunch served up by the Native Daughters of the Golden West Oakdale Parlor #125.

Each vendor donated a gift to be raffled off to the guests that were in attendance and Mickey Peabody, Senior Senator was the master of ceremonies as she has been since the event began 16 years ago. Some of the vendors that participated were StaRT/Dial a Ride transit, Care One Home Health, Catholic Charities Project Sparrow, Optimal Hospice Care, Astoria Senior Living, Curves, Howard Training Center, Healthy Aging Association, Advanced Nail Technology, River Oak Pharmacy and many more.

StaRT (Stanislaus Regional Transit) provided transportation to and from the event for guests that needed transportation.

Margarita Padron with Oak Valley Hospital District has been involved in the organization of the event for the past 10 years.

“There was a steady stream of guests throughout the day,” said Padron. “We are beginning to see more of the baby boomers.”

She explained that there are so many resources offered to seniors and several benefits like Oakdale Nursing and Rehabilitation Center a Division of OVHD conducted glucose testing and blood pressure checks, Family Support Network, another division of OVHD, demonstrated chair exercises with music, OVHD Community Outreach demonstrated “hands only CPR” and registered guests for upcoming classes. Burger Rehabilitation offered dynamometer testing which measures grip strength. Astoria Senior Living & Memory Care appeared to be popular with their spin the wheel to win prizes, Lakewood Memorial Park was also busy providing important information to guests regarding preplanning information. The ADSC (Alzheimer/Dementia Support Center offered information on resources available to family members/caregivers of people with dementia/Alzheimer’s and providing a 24/7 helpline phone number.

 

“I’m personally proud to be a part of this community outreach program on behalf of Oak Valley Hospital District,” stated Padron. “Oakdale is a small community and many of our senior citizens perhaps aren’t aware of all the resources that are available. I am glad that we are able to bring information to them. I look forward to next year.”