Question: I remember that in September, you and a group of other agencies did a training. Are you doing that this year?

Answer: I believe the event you are referring to the Journey to Active Aging. You are correct this is a program we have been putting on for a number of years. This year will be our 11th event and as usual we are really excited about this program.

The Journey to Active Aging this year is titled Aging Well: Live Longer, Live Better and Laugh Often. The event will be Wednesday, Sept. 18, beginning at 9 a.m. and includes lunch. The doors will open at 8 a.m.

There are more than 20 vendors attending to provide information and material about their agencies and programs. We have a schedule of speakers including Dr. Hayes-GLPP who will be talking about working with your doctor for your best life outcomes. Jamestown Community College will be talking about the many programs they offer. The “No Wrong Door” program will be talking about their ability to inform you, get you services and explain options available to you in our region. If you have a question, they know the answer. Representatives from The National Comedy Center will be there to talk about the center and its programs. I don’t know if you have been there, but it is so interesting. The center isn’t a museum, isn’t a show, isn’t theater and yet it is. I went and spent three hours there before I realized it. The exhibits are so interesting and interactive. It is hard to describe. Fall prevention and how important that can be to your well-being will be covered by Chautauqua PT, OT. Of course, Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone will be there.

We will also be featuring an hour-long program called Laughter Yoga. Now for those of you that do Yoga, don’t bring that yoga mat. For those that don’t do yoga, don’t be afraid. Laughter Yoga is a program designed to teach you how good ‘Laughter’ is for you and your body. This will be an hour filled with fun and laughter everyone will enjoy.

The goal of Journey to Active Aging is to connect independent and active seniors with other agencies and programs in the community to keep them active and independent for as long as possible. It is nice to come out with a friend or family member to see all that is new or that is in our community. You might know someone or be that someone who can benefit from all the information this annual event has to offer.

After this Journey to Active Aging, you will leave feeling educated and rejuvenated. This year’s program will be held at the Fluvanna Community Church at 3363 Fluvanna Ave., Jamestown. Reservations with payment are required. The program is $8 per person and your lunch is included.

Find more information on our Facebook Page. We also can answer direct questions at our email address; journeytoactiveaging@gmail.com. The mailing address for reservations and payment is PO Box 245 Falconer, NY 14733.

Our posters are hung up around the area, so look for those as well. Why not invite a friend to share in this day of learning and laughter. Come alone and we guarantee you will run into a friend when you get there. You might even make a new friend at this daylong event that will leave you smiling.

Thank you for the question, and reminding me to talk about this exciting event.

To contact Janell Sluga, GCMC with insurance questions or concerns, please call 720-9797 or e-mail at janells@lutheran-jamestown.org.