As we transition into the fall and winter seasons, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the abundant successes and opportunities that 2023 has brought to our organization. The past year has been nothing short of exhilarating, and as we look ahead, we can anticipate even more exciting developments on the horizon. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every committee, member, and agency that has played a vital role in fostering a sense of unity, learning, and camaraderie within our organization.

The Membership Committee successfully achieved its annual goal. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous Platinum, Gold, and Bronze members, as well as to our new and returning members and member agencies. We eagerly anticipate the Membership Committee’s upcoming initiatives that will stem from our new Strategic Plan, promising exciting changes for our membership

The Networking Committee has organized exciting events, including the beloved Progressive Dinner, which will return next year. We’re also thrilled about the upcoming Progressive Pairing event in a few weeks—it’s bound to be a hit! Make sure to visit our website to register for this event on October 19th. Throughout the year, the Networking Committee has arranged numerous “Network with the Network” gatherings, with more planned to wrap up the year. We extend special thanks to our sponsors: Tennyson Court, Orchid Adult Day Care, Fredonia Place, FayeBrooke on Youngs, Touching Hearts at Home, Brookdale Kenmore, Fallon Health Weinberg, Glenwell, Lawley Medicare Solutions, Brompton Heights (and our missing co-sponsors), Trusted Choice Homecare, The Olear Team, and Venture Forthe. Your support is greatly appreciated!

The Education Committee achieved success with their June workshop on Alcoholism and is currently dedicated to preparing an exceptional 43rd Annual Meeting titled “Balancing the Aging Landscape,” set for Thursday, November 2nd at the M Hotel. This event will feature two dynamic speakers: Greg Olsen, Acting Director of the NYS Office for Aging, and Nancy Weil from the Laugh Academy. Together, we will delve into the current state of aging in New York State and discover innovative ways to incorporate humor, fortify our teams, and redefine our approach to aging. 

The Special Events Committee treated us to an enjoyable January Social, featuring the elegant saxophone melodies of Saxman Slim, as well as a delightful ‘Taste of the Network’ event in July. And, let’s not overlook the exciting basket raffle scheduled for our upcoming Annual Meeting, promising to be the grandest one we’ve ever seen.

The Communications Committee remains committed to promoting the Network on social media and actively seeks innovative methods to disseminate information to both our valued members and the wider community.

I extend my sincere gratitude to our dedicated Board of Directors, whose unwavering commitment and tireless efforts are instrumental in driving the prosperity of our organization. They are diligently crafting a new Strategic Plan, and we anticipate sharing it with our valued Membership by January 2024

We extend a warm welcome to our new board members Sharon Plant and Deb Mathur, and at the same time, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to Bonnie McMorrow, Mary Baty and Julie Whitbeck-Lewinski. Bonnie is finishing up her board term after eight years. She has been a valuable asset contributing significantly not only to the board, but also serving as the Co-Chair of our Special Events Committee. Mary and Julie are both leaving the board for different reasons and will truly be missed.

In closing, let us remember that the true essence of our organization lies not only in its past accomplishments but in the limitless potential of its future. As we step into the seasons ahead, let’s continue to embrace every opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Let the falling leaves remind us that change is a beautiful dance, and as we navigate the winds of time, let’s keep our spirits high and our hearts open. We invite each and every one of you to join us in our journey—attend our events, meet new friends, and dance on windy days. Together, we’ll create a future that’s as vibrant and promising as the autumn leaves themselves. Thank you for being an integral part of our shared success, and we look forward to an even brighter tomorrow.

April Romanowski – President

 

A Message from the President – Jul-Sep 2023

Welcome to Summer!  Aren’t you thrilled summer is here!  I know I am!  Let’s get out and enjoy the weather and all that the Network in Aging has to offer.

The Membership is strong and growing!  We have been busy over the last several months getting out and networking and meeting our new members and member agencies.  Most recently we had a Network with the Network at Fayebrook on Youngs, who co-hosted with Touching Hearts at Home.  They had an Amazing event.  What a beautiful location!  That may be my next home!

In May, we held our annual Senior Resource Fair event.  This was very well received by both the community and the member organizations that participated.  We had over 80 vendors, and more than I could count community members participating.  By the looks of it, the seniors and their caregivers left with a lot of information.  Great job to the Communications Committee for getting the word out, and the Networking committee for finding the perfect location!

In June, the Education Committee put together a great workshop on Alcoholism with speakers from the UB Institute on Addiction, and the Center for Elder Law and Justice.

This brings us to The Taste of the Network in July.  The most excited food-filled event of the year!  The Special Events committee has been hard at work on getting this event arranged.  The event will take place again at the Amherst Senior Center, who has been a great partner for many years.  Tuesday, July 18^th from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at the low price of $15 per person will give you the ability to taste mouthwatering appetizers, entrees and desserts.  Come with an empty belly because you will be sure to fill it before you leave!  The Special Events committee has also narrowed down the two Flaschner Scholarship winners who will be announced at this event.

Watch for upcoming Network with the Network events in July, August and September that the Networking committee is working on.  July 27^th will be held at Brookdale Kenmore, August 17^th at Glenwell Senior Living and September 14^th at Brompton Heights.

I am really looking forward to our 1^st Annual Progressive Cocktail Event on October 19^th.  It will be held at Sto Lat Bar in the Eastern Hills mail.  Very similar to the Progressive Dinner we held back in April, but instead of a full meal it will be small plates with cocktail/mocktail pairings.  This is sure to be a great event!

All of our events can be found on our website for more information.  I look forward to seeing you all at the future events.

Our committees are always looking for individuals who want to make a difference and connect with other members.  Are you a member who is not active on a committee?  Go to the website, take a look at what the committees offer and join us in making the Network in Aging an organization that thrives.

April Romanowski – President

 

A Message from the President – Apr-Jun 2023

As we look forward to the New Year, let’s resolve to recommit ourselves to Happy Spring! “Spring is the time of plans and projects.” -Leo Tolstoy

The Network in Aging has been very busy preparing for the 2023 year of revival! In January we held our annual January Social, January Jingle & Mingle! Saxman Slim was a fan favorite. Our charity was the West Falls Center for the Arts. Our donations will help support the Musical Memories Café. This program is for caregivers and their loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia. I want to thank the Special Events Committee for a job well done!

Are you looking to become more involved in the Network in Aging? A great place to start is by attending or even hosting one of our many Network with the Network events. In February we Networked with Tennyson Court. In March we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at Orchid Adult Day Care and traveled “South of Border” to Andale Cantina where we “fiesta’d.” Many more Networking events to come! To keep updated check out the Event Calendar on our website at networkinaging.org.

A few great programs are in the works. Our Progressive Dinner will be held April 27th at the Reikart Ballroom. If you love food and you love people, this is the place to be. Who wouldn’t want to meet new people while being served a 3-course meal? The format is based on the premise of speed dating but networking instead. You will be given the opportunity to highlight yourself and your agency. If you haven’t reserved your spot, hop on over to the website and sign up!

Another big event to be on the lookout for is the Annual Senior Resource Fair that will be held in May. This event brings together many of our member agencies doing what we do best: helping our clients. This is a free event open to older adults and their caregivers. If you have not reserved your table you will want to do that NOW!

The board of directors is currently working on updating our strategic plan. In this process we will be reaching out to our members for your input. Don’t be shy if a Network in Aging board member approaches you and asks you to share your thoughts. We are dedicated to making this organization everything you want it to be.

Stay informed and most of all participate in as many events as you can. Get involved in a committee! We want to get to know you and help you and your agency blossom!

 April Romanowski – President

 

A Message from the President – Jan-Mar 2023

As we look forward to the New Year, let’s resolve to recommit ourselves to the values we share! Welcome to 2023.  I hope you all had a happy and healthy holiday season.

My name is April Romanowski and I am your new President for the Network in Aging.  I am a Medicare Sales Consultant with Lawley Insurance, and have recently opened an office in the Southtowns at the Southgate Plaza.  I have been in the Medicare business for over 20 years.  I have been a member of the Network for many years as well, serving on the Education and Special Events committees before joining the board in 2019.  I am a true WNY’er having been born and raised here.  I am married to my college love David, and we have 2 daughters, Samantha who is a nurse at Roswell, and Kaitlin who is studying to be a Physician Assistant at Gannon University.  I look forward to the next couple of years working with all of you!

In November, our Annual Meeting was held on November 3^rd at the Wurlitzer.  It was a big success with close to 200 attendees.  I want to thank our many sponsors, we couldn’t have done it without you.  Kudos to all that organized the event on the Education and Special events committees, you did an amazing job!  Our Annual Basket Raffle raised over $3000. WOW!  The most we have raised yet!

In December we had a great turnout of over 40 people at Santora’s for our Holiday Happy Hour!

Be sure to Mark Your Calendar for some upcoming events in 2023.  Next up is our January Social Event “January Jingle & Mingle” on January 24^th being held at The Columns on Transit Road in Elma.  And don’t forget the next Network with the Network event being sponsored by Tennyson Court on February 16^th.  The networking committee is busy preparing for another Senior Resource Fair in May and a Progressive Dinner at the Reikart House on April 27^th.

I would like to Welcome our newest board members for 2023: Kara Calandrelli from Sonida Living (The Amberleigh), Erin Mahoney from Erie County Senior Services, Kristin Scholz from Beechwood Continuing Care, Ben Kanaley from Fallon Health Weinberg PACE, Lynn Westcott from Alzheimer’s Association, WNY Chapter and welcome back to Jane Nogowski from Park Creek Senior Living.

Membership renewals for 2023 are due 1/31/23 and I encourage you to help keep our organization strong.  Invite new members to join!  We need YOU!

I look forward to what the new year brings!  I look forward to serving this organization as your President!

April Romanowski – President