The 20th Annual Seniors Day Out was held Wednesday  at the Friendly Buffalo in Big Lake. Seniors from all over came to listen to speakers while gaining knowledge of a wide variety of topics including: living safely, prescription medication, senior living, mental health, home paramedic program as well as information from Big Lake Police Chief Joel Scharf and the emergency response unit.

 

Eighty-five seniors pre-registered for this event along with informational speakers, seniors were able to check out booths and get information from: Becker police, Big Lake police, CentraCare Health, Central MN Council on Aging, Coborns Pharmacy, Cybernation INC, Elk River Activity Center, Elk River Police, Great River Faith in Action, Guardian Angels Senior Housing, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Senior Helpers, Senior and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) council, Sheperd’s of Grace Senior Community and Sherburne County Sherriff’s Office.

 

While enjoying a welcoming introduction from Sherburne County Sheriff Joel Brott, seniors had coffee and doughnuts. Lunch was a delicious spread of sandwiches, soups, salad and desserts.

 

This event was sponsored by Seniors and Law Enforcement Together counsel (SALT). SALT is an advisory council that works through Sherburne County TRIAD and is made up of senior volunteers and representatives from various local agencies and organizations that help to support the older population.  

 

The SALT council tries to identify the needs of senior communities and develop programs to address their concerns. The council work with law enforcement which benefits seniors and with regular contact. Law enforcement can gain a better understanding of fears seniors may have and are better able to develop programs to meet those needs.

TRIAD began in 1988 as a cooperative effort between the National Sheriffs Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police and AARP. They work to improve the quality of life for seniors by providing an opportunity for the exchange of information between law enforcement and elder persons.

 

TRIAD also helps to educate seniors by having senior seminars and workshops on crime prevention, health care and other important issues. They also provide a forum to discuss concerns of seniors.