I’m 46 years old, and only a few years away from being eligible for services at the Janet Goeske Center, so I checked out the Fifty and Better Health Fair on Wednesday afternoon. The place was PACKED! I had to park a little way down the street and walk in, and I was amazed at how many people were attending the event. There were several hundred in attendance.
I’ve spent a little time at the Goeske Center covering events and stories, and I’m always impressed by the sense of community. It didn’t take long to see that companionship and a friendly place to “hang out” are as important as any other service they provide, but the health fair was something else.
Every inch of the Goeske Center, inside and out, had a table or booth offering advice and services to Riverside’s most experienced residents. Agents represented services ranging from supplemental Medicare insurance and low-cost dentistry to end-of-life planning. A line was down the hall for the vaccine clinic and the beauty spa.
Whenever I end up at the Goeske Center, I realize how important they are to many people. There is a known gap between service providers and those that need services. This is especially true when people become isolated as they advance in age. The Goeske Center provides a bridge for that gap. They don’t just help our senior Riversiders conduct the business of life but also give them a place to go, be accepted, and feel like part of something. For the members of the Goeske, it is the place to be.
The Fair will be back next year, and you should attend. Until then, Danielle and the great staff at the Goeske Center are always there to help with any needs you may have or just to provide a place to relax with friends.
A free event on Oct. 13 at the Civil Rights Institute in Southern California celebrates local female activists with a book launch, performances, and exhibits.
