The American Association of Retired Persons recognition Chemung County as the newest member of the national Age-Friendly Network was one of the highlights of this year’s 2013 public hearing presented by the Chemung County Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

The Office of Aging and Long Term Care holds a public hearing every year to give an overview of the services provided by the office and to give residents the opportunity to suggest ways to improve them.

This year AARP presented County Executive Tom Santulli with a certificate proclaiming Chemung County as an “Age-Friendly Community.” The department’s services, its use of volunteers and paid staff to administer them and the way the county has responded to the needs of its seniors were all behind its designation as a age-friendly community. The theme of this year’s public hearing was: Creating an Age-Friendly Community: What We’re Doing and What it Means for You.

Chemung County Legislator Rodney J. Strange attended this years hearing in an effort to learn what services and programs are available to county residents. “It is important for me as a county legislator to know what is available from the office of Aging and Long Term Care so I can offer assistance to the senior citizens that I represent. I went to the hearing to become aware of the services and programs and to educate myself,” Strange said. “I gathered information about the many programs that the office offers and could be helpful to my constituents.”

Some of the available services include nutrition/wellness, health insurance counceling, legal aid, and caregiver support services.

Strange met with Pamela Brown, the Director of Aging and Long Term Care and looks forward to working with her and her office in supporting and servicing the aging population in the 15th legislative district.