Conference on aging brings speakers to town
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POLSON — The 42nd Governor’s Conference on Aging drew senior citizens from around the area on May 10 and 11.
The Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging hosted the event at the KwaTaqNuk Best Western. According to Director Duane Lutke, 186 people registered for the first day and 160 the second day.
Governor Schweitzer’s staff members spoke on May 10 on topics such as scams, mortgages and reverse mortgages, health care and victim recovery. At lunchtime centenarians from around the area were honored, including Ruby DenTienne, Hot Springs, Ivamay DiGiovanni, Kalispell, Olive Greene, Kalispell, Earl Harper, Victor, Felicia Stimson, Whitefish, Bertha Welker, Ronan.
Cindy Padilla, Principal Deputy of the Administration on Aging in Washington, D.C., spoke to lunchers on how her department works and supports the work of Older American’s Act of 1965. The goal is to support the dignity and independence of older Americans, Padilla said.
Padilla congratulated the state of Montana on its work with aging, specifically the Area Agencies on Aging.
The conference was geared for seniors, Lutke said. This was apparent at a roast beef dinner held at the Polson Senior Center on May 10, Lutke added, when Deborah Frandsen from Senator John Tester’s staff and Kelly Whitener from Senator Max Baucus’ office spoke to the audience about health care issues.
Tuesday, May 11, saw the governor’s staff going on to another conference in Lewistown. Regional presenters such as Jolene Brackney, Julie Cajune, Bill Meadows and Dorla Scott took over the podium and did an excellent job, Lutke said.
Lutke thanked the corporate sponsors, vendors, local businesses, boosters and his conference committee for a successful event.
