On Nov. 16th, the 5th Annual Cape May County Community Disabilities Awareness Day will be held from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. in Avalon. This inclusive event has happily become a real community effort through the support of local government, individuals, organizations and businesses.
Those who have attended in past years can attest that the day offers both a social and informational opportunity for all in Cape May County, not just people with disabilities. It is an opportunity to break down barriers, celebrate all our strengths and all our varying abilities. Cost, however, is not a barrier; admission is free and refreshments are provided. Transportation, too, should not be a barrier; Fare Free Transportation is available for all who call at least a week ahead to schedule a ride to and from the event site.
Some of the activities offered will be familiar from previous years. Exhibitors representing 70+ state and local service agencies, civic organizations and commercial vendors will offer disability-related and other more general interest information. The Parish Nurse program from Cape Regional Medical Center will provide free blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar screening, and the County Health Department will have a limited supply of flu shots on hand. There will be a Kids Korner, staffed by the School Based Youth Services program, with face painting, art projects, games and other activities planned. Entertainment will be provided by the Cape May County String Band and some wonderful dancers from the Joanne Reagan Dance Studio.
The winners of the annual Outstanding Service Recognition Award will again be honored at Disabilities Awareness Day. This award acknowledges individuals, organizations and/or businesses that go above and beyond to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities living in Cape May County. Nominations from the public have been tallied and the 2013 recipients are Joe Giannattasio (Individual Award) and The Blind Center of the Jersey Cape (Organization Award). The public is encouraged to come and congratulate the recipients for their contributions to our community.
There are several new features this year. The event is being held at a new location, the Avalon Elementary School at 235 32nd Street in Avalon, adjacent to the Avalon Library. For the first time, there will be free vision testing offered by Program Prevention, a service of the NJ Commission of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Representatives from the Woodbine Developmental Center’s Assistive Technology Services will provide information on wheelchair “detailing” and maintenance, and will have a limited supply of safety flags for wheelchair and scooter users who attend.
We are also most fortunate to be able to offer this year the opportunity to attend a workshop within the event on Elder Care Law. Eileen Siegeltuch, an attorney with Hinkle, Fingles & Prior, will present ways to finance long-term care, minimize or avoid the financial hardship on a spouse, and preserve assets for children. An overview of basic and critical planning steps will be discussed and questions encouraged. Because of limited space, advance registration for this workshop is encouraged but not required. To pre-register contact Paulann Pierson (886-2784; ppierson@co.cape-may.nj.us).
Why come to this event if you don’t feel you have a personal interest in disability issues? Come to learn about the wide array of social services available to all, with or without disabilities, in Cape May County. Come to enjoy the food, music and entertainment. Come to take advantage of the free professional workshop on Elder Law. Come to congratulate the winners of the 2013 Outstanding Service Recognition Award. Come to experience the energy and dedication of so many in our community whose efforts sustain and improve this event each year. Your participation will make this a truly inclusive community event.
DID YOU KNOW??
• November is American Diabetes Month and Genesis Health Care is sponsoring three local events of interest to those with diabetes. On Nov. 7 from 6–7 p.m. there will be dinner and a presentation by Dr. Zitnay at the North Cape Center, 700 Town Bank Road, North Cape May. On Nov. 14 from 2–3 p.m. at Victoria Commons (610 Town Bank Road, North Cape May, there will be a live cooking demonstration and a dietitian presentation on Car Counting and Portion Control. On Nov. 20 at Victoria Manor (3809 Bayshore Road, North Cape May) Beth Polvino, RN-BC, will give a presentation on The Diabetic Epidemic. To register for any or all of these events, contact Denise Raymond (609-602-7193).
• Stockton College is holding a free Forum on the Affordable Care Act on Nov. 12. The forum will include explanations of the Affordable Care Act, impact upon individuals and small businesses, a question-and-answer session and an opportunity to learn about enrollment from experts. Speakers include NJ State Senator Jim Whelan, Steven Blumberg, senior vice president and executive director of AtlantiCare Health Solutions, and Justine Ceserano, NJ state director for Enroll America. The Forum starts at 4:30 p.m. at the Campus Center on the Galloway Campus. Light refreshments will be served. Registration (email to acaforum@stockton.edu) is requested.
Pierson writes from the Cape May County Department of Aging and Disability Services
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
