Assemblywoman Galef Announces 2014 Senior Forum

Assemblywoman Galef Announces 2014 Senior Forum

Event Set for July 24th; Will Feature Speakers Promoting the Use of Technology

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef has announced that her 2014 Senior Forum will be held this year on Thursday, July 24th from 9 am- 12 noon. The annual event will be at Cortlandt Town Hall, 1 Heady Street, Cortlandt Manor, and will provide breakfast and a morning of informative discussion for all attendees. The breakfast, sponsored by Hudson Valley Hospital Center, will begin at 9 am and the program will begin at 9:30. The event is free and attendees do not need to RSVP.

This year, the forum will focus on technology and how its use can provide enjoyment as well as information that might not be readily available otherwise. Technology has the power to improve the everyday lives of seniors, as it may be easier to connect with family and friends, find local news information, stay up-to-date with worldwide breaking news, and obtain information on health and wellness.

The morning’s first speaker will be Sandra Giorno-Tocco, a New York State Assistant Attorney General, who will share precautions attendees should take to protect their private information on the internet. While the internet has vastly improved the lives of many, it also has the capability of harming people financially when unsuspecting people are taken advantage of by an unscrupulous few. In addition, Chris Widelo, Associate State Director of AARP New York, will discuss ways technology can improve the well-being of seniors. He will also share an update on health care changes as our health care laws and programs evolve and improve.

The forum will feature three local librarians who will discuss local library computer courses that can help attendees learn how to use computers and how to navigate websites and programs. Carol Donick, Director of the Kent Public Library and President of the Putnam County Libraries Association; Laura Wolven, Director of the Field Library in Peekskill, and Risa Getman, Assistant Director and Adult Programmer of the Hendrick Hudson Free Library in Montrose will all be available to share information about the courses offered in their libraries as well as other libraries around the 95th Assembly District. In addition, they will be discussing the benefits of the now popular e-readers, which allow people to read books, magazines and newspapers on digital tablets. They will also talk about book clubs, the social benefits of joining one, and how to find or create a local book club.

In addition, Suzanne Mateo, a nurse at Hudson Valley Hospital, will also share how new technology has played an important role at the Hospital in improving medicine and patient care.

Yolanda Robinson, Westchester County Regional Director of the office of the New York State Comptroller, will also be present to see if attendees have any money waiting for them in New York State’s Unclaimed Funds Account. There is currently over $21 million of unclaimed funds in Assemblywoman Galef’s 95th Assembly District, and attendees will have the opportunity before and after the forum to check the account to see if they have any unclaimed funds waiting for them.

“I am looking forward to a thoughtful conversation with the speakers and forum guests on the benefits and concerns of using today’s technology,” said Assemblywoman Galef. “There are so many advantages to using new technology today. Those who do not use computers may learn about their benefits, those who are already actively using new types of technology can learn about new ways to use these devices, and all can benefit from a reminder on technology security. I hope seniors around my Assembly District will join me for breakfast and an engaging discussion.”