To the editor: Golden Gathering at C-GCC

To the editor:

We are honored to invite senior citizens and their families to join us at the Golden Gathering 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Columbia-Greene Community College, located at 4400 Route 23, Hudson. Now in its 24th successful year, the Golden Gathering is a free health fair for senior citizens and their families. This year’s Golden Gathering will feature more than 75 exhibitors and offer many free health care services and other helpful information for senior citizens and their families.

This year’s Golden Gathering will again provide free Senior Citizen ID Cards, courtesy of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. The Senior Citizen ID Cards are a free form of personal identification for senior citizens in the event of a personal or medical emergency. Last year, the Golden Gathering issued hundreds of free Senior Citizen ID Cards to attendees. The Senior Citizen ID Cards are once again expected to be a very popular feature at this year’s gathering!

The Golden Gathering on Oct. 15, will also feature a Flu Shot Clinic to help keep senior citizens healthy and safe from the flu. Individuals getting flu shots are asked to please bring their health insurance card. Free flu shots for the uninsured are sponsored by Mid-Hudson Cable, a long-time sponsor and supporter of the Golden Gathering, whom we thank for their continued, generosity and sponsorship.

In addition, the Golden Gathering will have free blood pressure and hearing screenings, as well as free tote bags, refreshments and door prizes for all attendees. The Golden Gathering also will include a terrific classic car show and even an Elvis tribute artist!

The Golden Gathering is co-sponsored by Columbia-Greene Community College, which has been a true partner in this important effort to bring free health care to Columbia County senior citizens and their families. We want to recognize, and thank, Columbia-Greene Community College, President James Campion, and everyone at the college for all of their tremendous support and assistance.

With health care costs continuing to rise, ensuring that senior citizens and their families have the opportunity to access free medical care is critically important. So be sure and save the date Oct. 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for the Golden Gathering at Columbia-Greene Community College. We look forward to seeing you at the Golden Gathering!

Kathy Marchione

State Senator, 43rd District

David Bartlett

Columbia County Sheriff