Portage seniors gathered at Woodland Park on Thursday to discuss good health with local vendors at the Portage Senior Health Fair. Businesses in attendance including Porter Health System, St. Mary Medical Center, Rittenhouse Senior Living, Comfort Keepers, the Portage YMCA, NorthShore Health Centers, filled out the Oakwood Hall, providing seniors educational information and the chance to answer questions one-on-one. Area hospitals and health care facilities also offered free screenings to seniors, such as blood sugar and blood pressure testing.
A light luncheon was offered to seniors after the fair, during which Porter CEO Jonathan Nalli addressed the group with a presentation on how Porter has exceeded national averages on healthcare standards and service. After a brief question and answer session, Comfort Keepers of Portage recognized the “Most Vital Senior” in the Portage community with an award.
The “Most Vital Senior” award is given to recognize seniors in the Portage community who, through their service and dedication, contribute to a better quality of life in the community. “It is our belief that recognition is important and many seniors provide a very important role in service through work, volunteering and being a role model and mentor to others of all ages in the community,” stated Charlie Moore, Portage Comfort Keepers office owner. “Much positive work could not be done if it were not for the time and devotion of seniors to the community. Over the years, Comfort Keepers has had the privilege of serving many seniors who have been a vital part of the communities we serve and helping to recognize the contributions of seniors is important to Comfort Keepers.”
This year’s award was given to Henry Hansen, with Fred Livergood coming in as the runner up. Henry, 92 years old, was nominated by Gwen Kiser, Miller’s Senior Living Community, who has served on the Portage Rotary Club with Henry for several years. He is described as having a “positive attitude and commitment.” Henry has served the community through the Society of Innovators, the Sewage and Drainage Committee, and the Town Board.
For more information on the award, please call Comfort Keepers toll free at 1.877.711.9800.
Photos:
- St. Mary Medical Center: Renee Fuller, Dr. Jared Moon, Sarah Johnson, Jane Powers, Mildred Montamay, Danny Gonzalez
- Porter CEO Jonathan Nalli speaks to the seniors during the luncheon
- Kathy Mangel and Charlie Moore, Comfort Keepers, pose with winner Henry Hansen
- Kathy Mangel poses with runner up Fred Livergood
- Porter employee Laurie Wehner-Evans discusses blood sugar screening with a fair attendee
- Danny Gonzalez, St. Mary Medical Center, and Jeremy Gordon, Portage YMCA
- Gervay Dickerson and LaLita Robinson, NorthShore Health Centers
- Heather Kelly and Judy Kukelka, Rittenhouse Senior Living
- Kathy Mangel and Charlie Moore, Comfort Keepers