Hoehm Town Happenings

Clarkstown To Hold Picnic/Senior Health Fair For National Senior Citizens Day

I am delighted to announce a new event this year aimed at giving back to our senior community.

On August 21st, which is designated as National Senior Day, the Town of Clarkstown will host a picnic and health fair open to all Clarkstown seniors aged 60 and above. The event will take place from 11 am to 2 pm at the Lake Nanuet Pool (1 Lake Nanuet Drive Nanuet, NY 10954).

This free program will feature a picnic lunch and music along with a number of health and wellness vendors offering services to seniors. The pool will be open for those who wish to swim.

The Town Clerk’s office will be on hand to offer a limited number of mobile services, and the

Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection will be on hand to provide educational information on protecting our seniors from scams. Whether you’re looking to learn about government services, nutrition, fitness, or simply wish to socialize, there will be something for everyone.

National Senior Citizens Day was established by Congress in 1988 to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of our seniors. In 1991, then President George Bush included the following passage in a Proclamation: “Many a poet and philosopher has reverently described it as”the autumn of life” or the rich twilight that eventually follows the glorious day of youth. Today, however, millions of American seniors are changing the way we view old age. Far from fading into the sunset, these men and women are serving as brilliant points of light in their communities. They are serving others through a host of volunteer programs and personal acts of kindness; they are sharing their ample knowledge and experience in the workplace; and they are quietly enriching their families with a wealth of love and wisdom. Across the United States, older Americans are proving that the senior years — like any other season in life — hold great opportunities and rewards of their own.”

We see the dynamics described by President Bush right here in Clarkstown where our seniors contribute so greatly to our community through their volunteerism. And giving back to our seniors is more important than ever. According to the latest United States Census Bureau data, those aged 65 and over now represent 21.7% of Clarkstown’s population, and 37.4% of our residents are over the age of 55. These figures are above the national averages of 17.3% and

30%, respectively. In speaking with many of these seniors, I often find that there is more that can be done to raise awareness of the programs and services that are available to them. I believe that our Senior Picnic and Health Fair will be a great avenue to help folks take better advantage of the resources that are out there.

If you are a Clarkstown senior, I hope you will join us on August 21st as we celebrate National

Senior Citizens Day with a few hours of camaraderie and relaxation at Lake Nanuet Pool. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect, socialize, and learn more about the health and wellness services available in our community. To ensure we can accommodate everyone comfortably, pre-registration is required by August 10th, 2024. You can register by contacting Chelsea at 845-639-5731 or emailing her at ctosto@clarkstown.gov. For further details, feel free to reach out to the Town of Clarkstown Parks and Recreation Department at 845-639-6200.

As Town Supervisor, I am pleased to provide another venue to ensure our seniors feel valued and appreciated in our community. I look forward to a day filled with laughter, learning, and meaningful connections.