Portage County – The weather was picture perfect. The signs were up. Luau, with an arrow. One couldn’t help but follow them to a nice shelter at the Streetsboro City Park. There you were lured in by the aroma of grilling meat. A photo booth…corn hole games set up…picnic tables with colorful tablecloths…a festive atmosphere. What could be happening here?
This was the Summer Bash Luau put on by Portage Senior Services Network. There were many sponsors; Kindred Hospice, Maplewood Senior Living, Wyant Woods Healthcare Center, Arden Courts, Premier, Greenfield Estates, Accessible Home Health Care, Solivita, Laurels of Massillon. The list was long, and it was billed as the ‘perfect event to network and enjoy all the great things a traditional luau has to offer.’
Revelers Sandy and Norm Kaufman saw signs on the calendar at the Aurora Senior Center and decided to come out for a good time. Norm was quite into the theme of the picnic! Other attendees were from Ravenna, Streetsboro and Kent. When the grub line queued up, it was quite long, but it moved quickly.
There was also a table for goody bags with items from the various sponsoring organizations. Items included fliers from many organizations and businesses catering to seniors, notepads, pens, pill organizers, puzzle books, and even lip balm. Debbi Rider, from Compassion Care Hospice was on hand, assisting with the goody bags, answering questions and enjoying the day. BTW, Debbie’s addition to the goody bag was quite tasty!
Annett Ludwick from Portage County Senior Services was also on hand, she was busy keeping the events flowing. Many other members were volunteering their time as well; grilling meat, setting up, clean-up…it truly was an ‘all hands-on deck’ day, in the best possible way.
The photo booth was a hit. Many seniors and staff enjoyed posing in front of the Hawaiian-themed backdrop.
During the picnic, a corn hole tournament was held. Competition was fierce! George Greenlee and Esther Resh took first place. Kathleen Cassie and Bonnie Grant were the runners up. Congratulations to all!
According to the flier, it was the ‘perfect atmosphere for networking.’ But who was networking, and for what? This was the summer fun activity planned by Portage Senior Services Network, (PSSN.) Their core values are education and advocacy for seniors within the Portage County community. The administration is made up of caring citizens from many area businesses. Joe Malacky, from Two Men and Truck, is the president. Marcy Schulman, from Alzheimer’s Association, is the vice president. Betty Bramlett, from Brun Mawr Glen, is the Treasurer. Annett Ludwick, from Ravenna Senior Center, is the secretary. PSSN meets the fourth Thursday of every month at 705 Oakwood Street in Ravenna. This Luau replaced the September meeting, so the next one will be in October. They are always looking for new members, presenters and speakers. If you are of an age, or in a business related to the senior community, or are interested in learning more about PSSN, they encourage you to come to a meeting.
Membership is varied across the area. The following is a list of the some of the current members, and the businesses they represent.
Andrew Popp- Legacy Law Firm
Renee Russell- R and D Agency
Betty Bramlett- Bryn Mawr Glen
Rebecca Miller- Reed Memorial Library
Kelly Tremaine- Better Business Bureau
Annett Ludwick- Portage County Senior Center
Theresa Summers- Streetsboro Senior Center
Marcy Schulman- Alzheimer’s Association
Joe Malacky- Two Men and a Truck
Lynn Hermensky- Hospice of Western Reserve
Kim Harsh- Devoted Health Plans
Jackie Riley- Kent Healthcare
Bambi Simon- Coleman Adult Day Services
Cynthia Toth- Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realty
Jim Koewler- The Koewler Law Firm
Randi Bailey- Assurance Health Senior
Saber Healthcare Group
Dan Washburn- LongMeadow Care Center
Rebecca Moore- Foundations Health
To quote President Joe,
“Mission of the organization – The Portage Senior Service Network is a group of local Senior focused volunteers who come together to give back to the senior population of Portage County in any way we can. We are volunteers and come from businesses whose backgrounds typically involves the senior population in some way. For example; Two Men and a Truck has a focus in senior moving on top of local and long distance moving. Our goals are to help seniors, to market to each other, and see how we can help one another out from a business-to-business standpoint as well.”
During their monthly meetings, they often set up ‘Lunch and Learns.’ Topics vary, from Senior Safety to technology. (Who didn’t need a little help with Zoom in 2020?) They also hold events of a more laid-back, social nature. Just like the Luau.
The membership of PSSN has various lengths of participation. President Joe has been involved in it for five years, and president for two. The organization has existed for more that 30 years.
As this reporter is going forward from one age group to the next, she is glad that such an organization exists! If you are interested in more information, their Facebook page actively lists upcoming events. Look up Portage Senior Services Network on FB, give it a Like, and keep informed. You know Ethel will!
