From left are Judi Goerke and Janell Sluga, two Journey to Active Aging program committee members, presenting a donation to Barrie Yochim, Meals on Wheels executive director. Submitted photo

Proceeds from the former Journey to Active Aging program have been donated to Meals on Wheels.

Journey to Active Aging was a health and wellness workshop held for 11 years in Chautauqua County. The committee that organized the workshop was made up of professionals from a variety of Aging Services Agencies. This committee organized each year around a particular topic of interest, such as finances, brain health, nutrition and others. Each year the workshop provided the opportunity to learn, socialize with others in our community, and learn about agencies that provide appropriate services as well as a nutritious lunch.

The last workshop was held September 2019. The COVID pandemic prevented the event from happening after that. The committee had hoped to begin these events again, but passing time has changed the make-up of the organizing committee. In a recent gathering of the organizers, it was decided that is was time to put the money that had been saved to good use within our community. A vote was taken and it was decided to donate the left over funds to Meals on Wheels. This was deemed appropriate as MOW provided the meals at these events and continues to provide nutritious meals in the community still.