County Executive Robert P. Astorino told more than 2,000 seniors last week at the 44th Annual Salute to Seniors at the County Center that his commitment to them begins with his commitment to all residents to keep their taxes from rising.
"I know that for many seniors property taxes are often the biggest living expense once the mortgages are paid off," Astorino said at the event, which included a Business Expo, a Health and Wellness Fair, live entertainment and a panel of attorneys and housing professionals discussing foreclosure considerations and solutions for seniors..
"That is why I am proud to say that after my two years in office, the county tax levy is down 2 percent," he said. "And I pledge that when I submit my 2013 budget in November the county property tax levy will not increase for a third year in a row."
Astorino also encouraged the seniors to take part in the Elder Economic Security Survey, which the county's Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) is conducting. The survey's purpose is to find out if seniors' incomes meet their basic living expenses.
"The county will share its findings with you, the general public, service providers and policy makers to see how to best allocate our limited funds," Astorino said.
The Salute to Seniors is sponsored by the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services and three county departments: DSPS, Parks, and Public Works and Transportation.
During the salute, the seniors were also able to visit and talk with representatives of the more than 75 booths in the Business Expo. Participants included assisted living centers, hospitals, visiting nurse groups and social service agencies as well as the Pace Women's Justice Center, the Volunteer Center of United Way and The LOFT: LGBT Community Center.
At the Health and Wellness Fair, seniors could be screened for dental health, oral cancer, hearing, vision, good posture and blood pressure. Other participants in the health fair provided information on good nutrition and how to improve your memory.
Among the government and special-interest booths at the Salute were ones from the county's departments of consumer protection and health, DSPS' Caregiver Unit, the NY State Office of the Attorney General and Mainstream, the Institute for Mature Adults of Westchester Community College.
Seniors also had the opportunity to enroll for the Reduced-Fare MetroCard.
Sonia and Cillon McKenley of Mount Vernon were enjoying themselves as visited the different booths at the Business Expo.
"She likes to go around and pick up information from each table," Cillon said of his wife. "Then she reads it at home."
Ann Fontecchio of Mount Kisco said this was her first time at the Salute, but she will definitely return next. year. "It's very informative and the entertainment was very enjoyable," she said.
Annette Bazzicalupo of Yonkers was also having a good time.
"You get a lot of information we'd not get otherwise," she said. "It's also a lot of fun."
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