Ballroom and Latin dance demonstrations, posture assessments, skin and make-up consultations, tai chi, a craft show, live music and samples of grilled chicken wraps will be among the many attractions at the 41st annual Salute to Seniors on April 29 at the County Center in White Plains.

The theme of this year’s extravaganza is “Put on a Happy Face,” and it will be easy to do just that.

In 2008, the Salute to Seniors attracted more than 2,000 seniors. An even bigger turnout is expected this year, and the Salute itself will be bigger as well.

The Salute will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the Health and Wellness Fair, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is sponsored by the county’s Senior Programs and Services (DSPS), Parks and Transportation departments, as well as by the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services.

Admission is free and there will be free parking at the County Center. Seniors can ride the Bee-Line buses on Salute day at no charge.

Entertainment
Headline entertainers include teachers and students from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Hartsdale, who will perform several numbers, including the foxtrot. The Steffi Nossen Dance Company will present three modern dances, two of which were commissioned by the Dance in Education Fund. The Axial Theater in Pleasantville, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, will entertain with two, 10-minute plays directed and performed by members of the theater troupe.

Among the selections by the Westchester Senior Orchestra and Chorale will be “When You’re Smiling,” “To Life, L’Chaim,” “We’re Gonna’ Put On A Show” and “God Bless America.”

The Salute will, of course, also include its popular mainstays: the Business and Service Expo, the Health and Wellness Fair, the Arts and Crafts Boutique and Sale, government agency booths and information about MetroCard Reduced-Fare Enrollment.

Special event
A first-time special event at this year’s Salute will be will be a forum hosted by AARP New York on “Reforming America’s Health Care System” from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Panelists will include Joshua Lipsman, commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Health; Charles Bell, program director for Consumers Union; and Michael Olender, AARP New York’s associate state director.

Salute-goers and Westchester residents of all ages are invited to join representatives from AARP, consumer groups and businesses to discuss how the nation can enact health care reform to guarantee quality, affordable and accessible health care for all. 

Programs for Seniors
Westchester County Executive Andy Spano encourages all seniors to take part and learn about the many programs for seniors that Westchester offers.

“The County Center is the place to be for seniors on April 29,” Spano said. “The Salute to Seniors has always been one of the county’s most popular events, and the fact that it’s now celebrating its 41st year underscores the staying power of its appeal.” 

DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter said that Salute also gives seniors a chance to get out, socialize and meet new people.

“Even if you can just be at Salute for part of the day, it will be worth your time,” said Carpenter, who urged seniors to attend AARP’s forum and learn about state and federal proposals from experts in the field.

“The forum also gives seniors a chance to have their voices heard,” she said.

In addition, Carpenter encouraged seniors to stop by DSPS’ Information and Assistance booth for a demonstration of the “benefitscheckup.com” computer program. “The program can help seniors learn about benefits they may be entitled to but are not aware of,” she said.

Other attractions include:

• Koshy Chacko, vice president of the Westchester/Rockland Chapter of the New York State Restaurant Association, will bring samples of a grilled chicken and vegetable rice dish to show that it is easy to make healthy food. The association, returning to Salute for the third time this year, will again distribute coupons for a number of restaurants where seniors can receive a free dinner if they order one meal at the regular price. “Our restaurants benefit immensely by participating in this event, Koshy said. “Seniors are a great source of additional business. They enjoy smaller portions, eat early and dine out often.”
• The Health and Wellness Fair will feature 18 different health screenings such as calcium and vitamin D intake, diabetes, oral cancer, vision and glaucoma, and medication reviews.
• Cardiology Consultants of Westchester will perform cholesterol tests on a limited number of seniors. Professionals from the practice will also be available to answer questions about heart and vascular disease. 
• Registered dietitians from Senior Programs and Services will conduct nutrition check-ups to ensure the seniors are eating a healthy diet.
• Memory Training Systems will demonstrate techniques seniors can use to improve their memory and concentration.
• The Westchester SPCA will bring a specially trained dog from its Golden Outreach program and distribute information about its pet therapy program.
• The Businesses and Service Expo will feature 50 booths with programs and services such as assisted living homes, visiting nurse services and financial services firms.
• Lawrence Hospital Center will be part of the Biz Expo for the first time this year, and staff professionals will be available to discuss bladder control issues.
• Other first-timers at this year’s Expo will be Garito Manor, Trustco Bank, Interim HealthCare and Kellery Williams NY Realty. 
• Among those returning will be Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, Con Edison, David Lerner Associates Inc., the Dominican Sisters Family Health Service and Beth Abraham Health Services.
• Representatives from 25 federal, state and county agencies will distribute brochures and answer questions, including the county departments of Consumer Protection and Community Mental Health, the Veterans Service Agency, the Office for Women and the County Clerk’s office. Representatives from the Social Security Administration, and the state Department of Labor and attorney general’s office will be on hand too.
• Commissioner Larry Salley of the Department of Transportation said his staff will again help seniors sign up for the Reduced-Fare MetroCard, which is a photo ID card that can also be used to pay for transit rides.“Seniors with the Reduced-Fare MetroCard enjoy considerable benefits including ease of boarding Bee-Line buses with free transfers to other Bee-Line buses or NYC buses and subways,” Salley said. And to sweeten the deal, those who sign up will receive a jar of Bee-Line honey.
• The Arts and Crafts Boutique and Sale will feature unique handmade items that seniors have made such as quilts, scarves and novelty items.

The Salute offers seniors a wide variety of information that can enhance their lives, along with a great opportunity to socialize and enjoy some wonderful entertainment,” said Parks Commissioner Joseph Stout. “Best of all, it’s all under one roof at the County Center. What could be better?”

For more information about the Salute, call (914) 813-6400. Any business interested in becoming an exhibitor may download the Exhibitor Letter and an Application Form.