Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino today announced that the county is presenting two free events for seniors and their families this month: the Second Annual Celebrate Aging Livable Communities Village Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 16; and Inter-Gen Fest 2014 for people of all ages on Saturday, Sept. 20.

"Both events are upbeat and showcase some of the best programming Westchester has to offer," Astorino said. "Celebrate Aging underscores that seniors are vital contributors to our communities who want to continue to learn and be engaged. The Inter-Gen Fest showcases intergenerational activities that are critical to the development of people of all ages. People young and old are invited to enjoy."

Astorino also noted that Sunday, Sept. 7 is National Grandparents Day, a time when all generations should acknowledge the many contributions grandparents make to our communities.

"Grandparents benefit our lives through their wisdom and enrich us in so many ways," he said. "Do something special today to show them how much you appreciate their love. Actually, do so at any chance you get. It's too important to do just once a year."

The Celebrate Aging Village Fair will take place at the Mount Pleasant Community Center, 125 Lozza Drive Valhalla from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 16.

Participants will be able to experience Westchester County's new Telehealth Intervention Programs for Seniors (TIPS). Through TIPS, seniors can have their vital signs – blood pressure, pulse, blood oxygen level and weight – monitored for free and receive a TIPS Sheet with the results. The seniors will also receive a complete benefits assessment to see if they could benefit from any support services, such as nutrition, transportation, housing or caregiving.

Other highlights will include sessions on ballroom dancing as well as a presentation on Qigon-Tai Chi, an ancient healing exercise to improve health and reduce stress. Both will be led by Karen McDonald, who has more than 30 years of competitive ballroom dancing experience and is also a certified Qigong instructor.

Matt Ganis, PhD., a professor of astronomy and computer science at Pace University, will lead a talk on astronomy in everyday language. Ellen Woods, program manager of the Vitality Initiative at Phelps Memorial Hospital Center, will lead a session on mind games.

The Inter-Gen Fest 2014 will be held at the Greenburgh Public Library, 300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 20.

The event will include digital storytelling with students from the Mercy College School of Education; intergenerational computing where students from Monroe College will provide one-on-one instruction to seniors; a community drum circle; dances from India; Chinese brush painting taught by members of the Evergreen Club; and KenKen puzzles. JCY-Westchester Community Partners and Volunteer New York! will present activities to engage grandparents and grandchildren.

The program will also include Peace Flags in the Wind, a project that brings together all ages and cultures to create their own symbol of peace on a flag.

Volunteers will be available to help with translations for participants who only speak Spanish.

Both events are sponsored by Westchester County's Department of Senior Programs and Services, the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services, their award-winning Livable Communities Initiative and the Livable Communities Age-Friendly Community Sustainability Collaborative. The Inter-Gen Fest is also sponsored by the New York State Intergenerational Network – Westchester Chapter, Jewish Home Lifecare, Sarah Neuman Center, JCY-Westchester Community Partners and the Livable Communities Education and Intergenerational Collaboratives.

Registration is requested for both events, but walk-ins are welcome. To sign up or for more information, contact Colette Phipps at or (914) 813-6441.