Senior Life: Enjoy nature with senior hikes, plus raffles, awards and more
- Sally Kelly ,
While it is still nice out, why not take some time and explore one of our county parks. From an article in a recent newsletter from the Portage Park District: “Parks and trails support mental and physical health. Spending time in nature helps to reduce anxiety, stress, depression and symptoms of ADHD.”
The Portage Park system twice a month sponsors Senior Hikes, which are “slower-paced, group hikes offering a chance for all ages to enjoy.” They are always on an ADA-accessible trail at one of the Portage Parks or Multipurpose Trails.
The first Hike in October will be at noon on Oct. 5 at Morgan Park.
If this is not a good time for you, why not join a group at noon on Oct. 19 at Headwaters Trail on S.R 700. This should be a beautiful walk with the leaves changing color.
Did you know that in Ohio 77 out of 88 counties have Senior Service Levies to aid in expanding services to older adults? But guess what? Portage is not one of those counties. We are serviced by Direction Home Akron Canton, who coordinate the distribution of federal money for Senior Services. Their agency also receives additional funds from their annual Foundation Raffle, which raises more than $100,000 yearly. 100% of these funds go toward advocacy efforts geared toward influencing public policy for the betterment of the lives of older adults.
The raffle tickets are now on sale, with the drawing on Nov. 16. If you are interested in supporting this event, call 330-899-5255 or go online to the Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging for more details about purchasing a ticket.
Nominations are now open for this year’s Senior Citizen and Home Health Aide Halls of Fame sponsored by the Direction Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging. Each year, they recognize one outstanding older adult and one home health aide in each of their counties. The nominations can be completed digitally or mailed in. They must be received by Oct. 20.
Take a look around your community … there must be at least one individual you can nominate … we have so many dedicated individuals in our neighborhood!
For any additional information about the programs offered by the Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging write to them at 1550 Corporate Woods Parkway in Uniontown or call them at 877-770-5558.
If you shop at our local Acme stores, how about sending your cash register receipts to the Auxiliary of University Hospitals Portage Medical Center, 6847 N. Chestnut St. Ravenna, OH 44266.
The Auxiliary is celebrating its 80th Anniversary this year … that is 80 years championing quality healthcare in Portage County. Throughout the years, they have earned money to remodel the surgery waiting room, the ER, and have purchased new equipment for the Cath Lab.
The money from the Acme Cashback Program will be given to the “Food for Life Program,” which the UH Portage Medical Center sponsors.
For questions or suggestions, contact me at Sentrip65@yahoo.com.
Sally Kelly