By Tien-Shun Lee
A new senior networking organization has been formed in Queens to help educate those who deal with elderly on issues such as Medicare, legal problems for seniors, and the economic outlook for seniors, and to advocate for legislation favoring seniors.
The first meeting of the organization, called the Senior Umbrella Network of Queens, will be held on Tuesday from 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Willow Court, a year-old assisted living residence at 72-06 Grand Central Parkway in Forest Hills.
The organization stems from a senior networking group in Nassau, called SUN of Nassau. It was co-founded by Elizabeth Salisbury, the marketing director at Willow Court, and Ronald Fatoullah, an attorney who specializes in elderly care.
“Our mission is to bring everybody together to work together to advocate for the seniors,” said Salisbury. “It’s something that Queens has never had. The response has really been overwhelming. The people are very excited.”
State Assemblyman Michael Cohen (D-Forest Hills) is expected to give a speech to kick off the event. The rest of the meeting time will be spent mingling, exchanging information, and gathering ideas from members for what they expect out of the organization.
Some 75 to 100 people were expected to attend the meeting. Organizations that will be represented include the 112th Precinct, the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce, the American Cancer Society, Silvercrest extended care facility, and several area hospitals.
Annual dues for SUN-Q are $25 per member. In return, members are listed in the SUN-Q membership directory, and invited to attend monthly meetings, which will focus on a different topic concerning the elderly each month.
Reach reporter Tien-Shun Lee by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com, or call 229-0300, Ext. 155.
