Senior Day at track expected to be bigger than ever

By all indications, the 24th annual Senior Celebration Day, 11:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, at the Arlington Park Racecourse, is poised to set a record in attendance if the number of free tickets given out — close to 6,000 — becomes the yardstick for gauging its success.

The much-anticipated event will allow seniors, their families and caregivers access to free health screenings and testing, including blood pressure, bone density, glaucoma, speech, hearing and memory, and cholesterol screening, which is new this year.

The “Ask the Doctors Panel,” a popular main stage attraction presented by Northwest Community Healthcare, is back this year with seven specialists in the field of geriatrics.

This year’s event will also feature live musical entertainment, senior services information, Illinois I.D./driver’s license renewal, courtesy of the Secretary of State — one of more than 70 informative exhibitors who have signed up along with the Northwest Suburban Bar Association and others — raffle prizes and a $5 lunch special.

The annual celebration is organized by a committee of more than 20 staff members from organizations throughout the Northwest suburbs.

“We hope everyone will take advantage of the exhibits, screenings and testing,” said Mike Field, District 214 Community Education director. “Committee members have worked tirelessly to bring this great event together and we hope our seniors will find the day informative, beneficial, and fun.”

Senior Celebration Day is a free event, but Arlington Park requires everyone attending to present a ticket. Free tickets have been made available through various agencies and organizations in the area.

If you need a ticket, call your local senior center, park district or District 214 Community Education at (847) 7187700 or visit www.ce214.org.