2001

BUFFALO, NY, May 17, 2001-In celebration of Older Americans Month, a free "Niagara County Seniors Walk in the Park" event will be held on Thursday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to 12 Noon on Goat Island in Niagara Falls. Hundreds of senior citizens will gather for an energizing walk in the park and enjoy entertainment, refreshments, prizes, and a resource fair.

Local dignitaries, Mayor Thomas Sullivan of Lockport and Mayor Mary Kabasakalian of North Tonawanda; Edward J. Rutkowski, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, NY State Parks and Recreation; and James Wood representing Senator George Maziarz will join the festivities.

The resource fair will feature free information and displays for participants on issues of interest to older adults.

"This is a first-time event and we are very excited to celebrate Older Americans Month by promoting a healthy activity in a location as beautiful as Niagara Falls. There are three walking paths to choose from, so there will be something for everyone," said Rose Marie Hall, Event Coordinator and Manager of The McLaughlin Center for Senior Wellness, Kaleida Health.

Parking is free for participants 62 and older with a valid driver's license. Or call to register for free bus transportation available from the following sites:

John Duke Senior Center: 297-9324
Lockport Senior Center: 433-1089
Lewiston Senior Center: 754-2071
North Tonawanda Senior Center: 695-8582

This event is sponsored by the DeGraff Health Care Foundation, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, Niagara Mohawk and National Fuel, in collaboration with and support from community agencies that provide services to older adults in Niagara County.