• Release ID: 09-025
• Release Date: 2/26/2009
• Contact:  240-777-7828
• From: Office of Roger Berliner

Montgomery Councilmember Berliner to Host Free Forum for Seniors on Friday, March 6

District 1 Councilmember Will Be Joined by Senator Ben Cardin,
Expert Guest Speakers, Senior Services Providers

ROCKVILLE, Md., February 26, 2009—Montgomery County District 1 Councilmember Roger Berliner is inviting area senior citizens and those interested in senior issues to join him from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, March 6, at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad for a free forum especially geared to senior residents of Montgomery County.

Councilmember Berliner, whose district includes Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Garrett Park, Glen Echo, Friendship Heights, North Bethesda, Potomac and Somerset, will be joined by U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, several guest speakers and representatives of many organizations that provide services to seniors.

The forum will be held from 2-4 p.m. in the Anastasia Room of the Rescue Squad, which is located at 5020 Battery Lane (corner of Old Georgetown Road and Battery Lane) in Bethesda.

“More and more senior citizens are choosing to retire right here in Montgomery County where they have always enjoyed living,” said Councilmember Berliner. “We are excited by this trend that allows seniors to remain close to their families and friends and age in place. My hope is that this forum helps by providing assistance in a number of ways, including with advice on finances, recommendations on improvements to homes that could be greatly beneficial to their changing lifestyles and with information on the many agencies and services that are readily available to our residents.”

Also speaking at the forum will be Montgomery County Police District Commander Russ Hamill, who will offer “Safety Tips for Seniors” and Stan Hinden, a former financial reporter for the Washington Post who will address “Living on Less.”

In addition, information will be available about property tax credits available to Montgomery County senior homeowners.

Organizations and government agencies providing information will include the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce; the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center; the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad; Community Partners; Family and Nursing Care Inc.; G.R.O.W.S; Interages; Jewish Council on Aging; Meals on Wheels; Montgomery College; the Montgomery County Department of Recreation; the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service; the Montgomery County Police Department; the Montgomery County Office of Aging and Disability Services; OASIS; Senior Checked; Senior Connection; the Senior Health Insurance Program; Strategies for Independent Living; Suburban Hospital; The Beacon; Top Banana Home-Delivered Groceries; and Vamoose Bus service.

More information about the forum is available by calling 240-777-7828.