CHENANGO COUNTY – “I’ve been coming to the Chenango County Fair since I was ‘this’ high,” said Cora Moore, placing her palm face-down approximately two and a half feet from the ground. “It was many years ago,” she added with a laugh.
Thursday was Senior Citizens Day at the 166th annual Chenango County Fair, and a rather large number of folks fitting the “senior citizen” criteria showed up early to enjoy a plethora of activities available underneath the entertainment tent.
Aside from the ample seating and handicapped accessible areas, the area offered a great many booths and displays for those interested in learning about options available to people only fitting their age group.
“Oh look honey, I think we can even get a massage if we’d like. Now isn’t that just nice?” said a woman to her husband as they perused the options available under the tent. She was referring to Chenango Massage Therapy, which had set up a table and a special chair for massages near the rear of the tent.
Opportunities for Chenango had a booth set up nearby, offering information to interested parties regarding home weatherization and energy assistance programs. The EmPower New York program is sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and it helps residents reduce the amount of home energy used by installing energy efficient upgrades including lighting and refrigerator replacements. The program offers tips and techniques on how folks can manage energy costs better.
A woman visiting the booth initially began to walk away after hearing the perks, saying, “Well, I don’t have the money for that sort of thing these days, thanks anyway.”
It was soon explained that the application process is free, and there are few qualifications to meet to be eligible for the program. Since the woman is a NYSEG customer, lives in a building with fewer than 100 units, and has a household income below 60 percent of the state median income, she learned she is qualified for the benefits of the EmPower New York program. She was elated, stating she assumed there was more of a catch, such as a fee to apply for help.
There is no cost as the program is supported by the System Benefits Charge that is already a part of utility bills.
“I suppose I didn’t realize there would be this wealth of information here today,” said the woman. “It’s the first time I’ve come to Senior Day, even though I have been to the fair before. This is pretty great.”
Moore, a South New Berlin resident who has been attending the Chenango County Fair for years, said she was elated there were so many activities available for senior citizens these days.
“I used to ride the rides, but they aren’t for me anymore,” she added. “I do love to check out the animals and just look around at all there is to offer. I have fun, but those rides, no way - they’re not for me now, I have different fun things now. Years ago, absolutely.”
