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October 26, 2009

Future consumption discussed at public hearing

By Rikki Cason<br><a href="mailto:rikki.cason@journal-register.com">E-mail Rikki</a> The Journal-Register Mon Oct 26, 2009, 01:52 PM EDT

Over the next 20 years, the elderly population of Orleans County will increase 42 percent, said Office for the Aging Director Pam Canham.

Trying to look ahead to the future, the second Office for the Aging public hearing and energy forum was held Friday to speak to older members of the community.

In 2008, the Office for the Aging served 2,022 residents over the age of 60. Those who attended the public hearing were asked their thoughts on how the Office for the Aging can provide better help and improve in the future.

Participants said they could use support with transportation to get to medical appointments. They said they needed help with household chores, such as yard work or maintenance that they can’t do.

Television and cell phone reception was also a topic of discussion. Many said they do not get good cell phone service around the lake area of this county, and some are still having trouble with their television after the switch from analog to digital.

In addition to describing what the Office for the Aging can do, the energy

forum invited various state and local officials and organizations to speak to the group to offer advice, answer questions and help with their concerns about energy, heating and ways to save.

Mark Johnson of National Grid spoke about scams that happen to the elderly population when a company will call and say they can lock a person into an energy rate. He said the catch is that it is for a long period of time and if the energy rates drop overall, then that person is stuck paying more for years.

Mat Mosher of the Medina Fire Department spoke about the importance of having a smoke detector in at least every floor of a person’s house, including attics and basements. He also said that a detector should be replaced every 10 years.

Senator George Maziarz, R-Newfane, and Chairman of the Orleans County Legislature Henry Smith also spoke at the forum.

Maziarz spoke about tax breaks for seniors, identity theft and the do not call registry. He said that all three are very important for seniors to know about. He also said that the organization’s participating and the Office for the Aging do a great job keeping residents knowledgeable about what is available.

“I represent a pretty wide area between Niagara Falls right into the city of Rochester, but I don’t think there is a community that does a better job of keeping people informed,” Maziarz said.

After the forum, those attending got to learn about programs and assistance available from EmPower New York, Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern, Office for the Aging, National Grid, the Medina Fire Department, Orleans County New York Connects, Work Force Development and Orleans County Department of Social Services. Hahn Hardware was also there showing easy, inexpensive ways that the elderly can save money with energy themselves.

Contact reporter Rikki Cason at 798-1400, ext. 8227.

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