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 White Plains, NY - Local and national experts will talk about livable communities and give workshops to empower people to develop them at the first regional Livable Communities conference on Oct. 2 at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown.
"Livable Communities: A Vision for All Ages – Connecting People and Places” will be presented by Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) and the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services. It will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the $50 cost includes a continental breakfast, lunch and a networking session.
The Livable Communities initiative aims to improve the quality of life for people of all ages and enable seniors to remain in their homes as they age with dignity, independence and civic involvement. Key features are health and wellness programs, education and cultural events, support services such as transportation, personal safety, consumer protection and advocacy for affordable housing and safe sidewalks and roads.
The cutting-edge conference will bring together a variety of consumers, professionals, elected officials, organizations, businesses and institutions that cover a wide range of disciplines across the aging services industry.
Information about how to register for the conference and detailed descriptions of the workshops can be found at www.westchestergov.com/livablecommunities. People without Internet access should call (914) 813-6406 and they will be mailed the necessary information.
The 13 workshops will cover topics such as caregiving, multigenerational programs, planning and zoning, affordable housing, universal design, technology, transportation, legal and financial issues and workforce development.
Speakers, panel moderators and panelists will include Robert McNulty, executive director of Partners for Livable Communities, a national pioneer in the movement; Elinor Ginzler, senior vice president of AARP’s Livable Communities Strategies; and Michael Burgess, director of the New York State Office for the Aging.
Other speakers will be Sandy Markwood, chief executive officer of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging; Sandra Timmermann, executive director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute; and Rabbi Jay Miller, executive director of the Peninsula Clergy Network (PCN) in San Mateo, Calif. PCN is a network of 440 clergy from all faiths who work to enhance interaction between clergy and communities.
Among the local speakers will be Commissioner Delores Scott Brathwaite of the county’s Human Rights Commission; Commissioner Joshua Lipsman, JD, MD, of the county’s Department of Health; and William M. Mooney, Jr., president of the Westchester County Association. Other local speakers include Commissioner Lawrence Salley of the county Department of Transportation; Camille Murphy, director of the Office for Women; and William Brady, an associate planner with the Department of Planning.
DSPS’ national award-winning initiative has been identified by AARP as one of three model programs in the U.S.
“Not only will it lay out the challenges we must address to meet the needs of the aging population but it will present practical and strategic ways to do just that,” Spano said. “Participants will also have an excellent opportunity to learn about innovative programs and services the county already offers seniors. DSPS’ progressive approach and commitment to improving the lives of seniors shows why it is on the cutting edge of livable community efforts across the country.”
Spano also said that it’s important to act now because the county’s population is aging very rapidly. Today, he said, there are 187,000 people age 60 or older in Westchester. That’s 20 percent of the total population or one in five people. The county’s planning department says that by 2030 people over 60 will represent 25 percent of the population – or one in four people.
DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter said the conference offers a unique opportunity for people to learn about vital issues and provides a framework for them to act. Also, she said, it is an example of what President Obama is calling for in his “United We Serve” initiative where he asks Americans to commit themselves to volunteer service in their daily lives.
“This is truly a citizen-empowerment program,” Carpenter said. “You can empower yourself with information and knowledge and become an advocate for needed changes. It can greatly expand everyone’s horizons.”
Carpenter said the conference also offers participants a special opportunity to network with professionals, business people, members of the clergy and others who are working to develop livable communities.
“They will be glad to share their expertise with conference participants,” she said. “Don’t pass up the chance to make these contacts.” In particular, Carpenter said, people age 50 and older should make a special effort to attend. “They need to know what’s out there,” Carpenter said. “They need to be aware.”
The not-for-profit Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services is organizing a large exhibit area for the conference focusing on products and services that support and enable seniors to remain in their homes. It will also underscore the vital role that technology plays in livable communities.
The Partnership is a coalition of government, business, voluntary service agencies and consumers that addresses quality-of-life issues that affect older people in Westchester County.
Exhibitors will be able to have direct contact with the more than 400 people expected to attend the event. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available but space is limited. For more information or to register by the Sept. 25 deadline, call (914) 747-0519.
To learn about additional opportunities for higher visibility and recognition through exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, contact Bob Cole at (914) 793-0318 or e-mail
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Co-sponsors underwriting the conference are AARP, the Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale, the New York Southern Area Aging Network (NY-SAAN), Optimum Lightpath, Senior Service America, the Visiting Nurse Association of Hudson Valley, Visiting Nurse Services in Westchester, the Westchester Benefit Group Inc. and the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services.
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