27 PULSE
Week of November 20 – November 24, 2015
Senior Center Gala Welcomed Stone Phillips by Rebecca Davis Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Adult and Senior Center of Saratoga celebrated their 60th Diamond Anniversary with a gala at the Canfield Casino on Thursday, November 12. Stone Phillips, television journalist and former network news correspondent for “20/20,” “Good Morning America,” and “Dateline NBC” served as the Honorary Chair. “Stone has been nothing but generous and kind; He has a real passion for seniors,” said Traci Jersen, the marketing and media contact for the Senior Center, who invited Phillips to the gala. “He’s raised a lot of awareness about Alzheimer’s and aging. Having someone like Stone here really gives the Senior Center the recognition it needed.” This event featured a VIP “meet and greet” reception with Phillips, an open bar, live music by the Accents and food by Old Daley Inn Catering. There was a special presentation that honored
three “Sensational Senior” winners selected for their contribution to the community. Saratoga seniors Joe Almeida, Bob DeSio and Sheila O’Connell were selected by the committee for being true leaders – going above and beyond what is expected by contributing to the quality of life in Saratoga Springs. Fingerpaint Marketing displayed a video honoring the seniors. Students from the John B. Moore Documentary Studies Collaborative program at Skidmore presented the Saratoga Senior Center Archive Project, with highlights from the Center’s 60 years, including a documentary. “We spent a lot of time [at the Senior Center] building relationships and a good rapport with the seniors,” said Phoebe Radcliffe, a Skidmore junior involved in the project. “It was great and so rewarding to have a connection with a place that does so much for the community.” All proceeds from the gala will support services provided
Photos by Francesco D’Amico
Phillips speaking at the Diamond Anniversary gala.
by the Saratoga Senior Center, including the Community Connections Program, which trains volunteers to help seniors by providing assistance with home visits, respite, transportation and check-ins.
Jeri Powers, Alyssa Hicks, and Jim Hicks.
Stone Phillips, Lois Celeste and Skidmore students. Traci Jersen and Lois Celeste.
Michelle Riggi and Kelly Zanella.
Patty Riggi and Mark Hogan.