Senior Celebration Thursday

More than 65 Northern Nevada businesses and organizations will offer information to the public as part of the annual Senior Celebration on Thursday.

Seniors, their families and caregivers alike are invited.

The Carson Nugget is hosting the celebration from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and designed for older adults, offering a bounty of information on services available to them in the community.

Opening ceremonies are at 9 a.m. Presentation of the American flag will be made by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 8583, Gardnerville, and Carson City Mayor Ray Masayko will give opening remarks.

The annual event is organized by the Senior Service Network. Major sponsors include The Nevada Appeal, Carson Nugget and Carson-Tahoe Behavioral Health. Co-sponsors are James O'Reilly, attorney, Alterra Clare Bridge and Regent Care Center of Reno.

Ramona Hayes, executive director with Homemaker Services in Reno and Carson City, said they event began four years ago with the goal of being able to provide in one setting, information to seniors on what services are available to them.

"We try to give the seniors as much information in a fun and exciting atmosphere as possible," said Hayes.

"We want them to learn about what is available. It's hard for them to access information for one reason or another. They don't have time to make one phone call, then 40-50 follow-up calls for one piece of information."

Hayes said there will be everything from health screenings to every aspect of senior life at the celebration.

"There will be investment information, insurance needs, medical needs, wellness needs -- anything to improve the quality of life of the seniors."

Homemaker Services covers Northern Nevada and hosts the Senior Celebration. Hayes said proceeds go right back into the senior community through the Medical Equipment Loan Donation program, Emergency Prescription Service for seniors and the Senior Neccessity Fund.

The first 500 guests through the doors will receive a complimentary canvas bag and the next 500 will receive a plastic tote bag.

All guests are entitled to a free raffle ticket upon arrival. Prizes donated by area businesses will be awarded throughout the day. Winners need not be present to win.

Local pianist and artist Tim Baley will provide the entertainment at 10 a.m. Baley will also display some of his original artwork.

Some of the businesses slated to participate include First United Methodist Church Eldercare Program, Nevada Rural Counties RSVP, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, United American Insurance, Mutual of Omaha, Millcreek Health Center, Eastside Memorial Park, Carson Healthcare, Crisis Call Center, Advocates for Senior Living and more.

Health care providers will offer free bone density tests, blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests and more.

If you go

What: Senior Celebration

Where: Carson Nugget, upstairs

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday

Cost: Free