HomePorts - The Chestertown Spy

Local Health Expo is October 20

October 7, 2022 by HomePorts Leave a Comment

“The greatest wealth is health,” noted the Roman orator Cicero.

In partnership with the Kent County Health Department, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, and the Kent County Family YMCA, HomePorts is hosting a free Health and Wellness Expo at on Thursday, October 20, from 8am to 1pm. The event will be held at the Kent County Family YMCA, 200 Scheeler Road in Chestertown.

The largest health fair in this region, it is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to become more informed on health issues that we face or may face and reflect on how we can stay well.

Attendees can visit over 50 exhibitors and choose seven educational sessions led by experts on various health topics:

· 9am – 10am Melanie Chappel, PharmD	Medication Tips and “Tricks”
· 9am – 10am Madeline Steffens, BSN, RN, CHPN	Advanced Care Planning for Health Care: What You Should Know!
· 10am – 11am Katherine Elizabeth Webb, MD	Sex After 60
· 11am – 12pm Alex Chan, Ph.D., LCMFT	Taking Care While Taking Care of Others
· 11am – 1pm Karen Hollis, RDN, LDN, CDCES	Living with Type 2 Diabetes: Where do I Begin?
· 12pm – 1pm Beverly Jackey, MS, RDN, LDN	Improving Your Brain Power by Eating the Right Stuff
· 12pm – 1pm Susan Storm	Y Wellness Works

Former Mayor Chris Cerino receiving a blood pressure test.

From 10 to 11a.m, Lara Wilson, Director of Rural Health Care Transformation, and Dennis Welsh, Vice President of Rural Health Care Transformation and Executive Director of UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, will be on hand to meet attendees and answer questions about changes and plans at the local hospital.

In addition, Chester River Pharmacy will offer flu shots. Attendees are asked to bring prescription insurance cards.

Free refreshments will be available.

Organizations and agencies interested in exhibiting should contact Andy Goddard at louiseandygoddard@gmail.com.

As a local nonprofit organization serving the aging population in Kent County, HomePorts understands the importance of health care and preventive medicine, and maintains an active role in the community. Kent County strives to be a “community for a lifetime.” Our population needs those of all ages to have access to preventive health screenings, wellness programs, and latest health, wellness, and safety information.

Co-sponsors include Allstate Building, Amerigroup, Heron Point, People’s Bank, The Hearing Center of Chestertown, Chestertown Lions Club, Discovering Serenity Counseling Services, Kent County Commission on Aging, Rebuilding Together, Rotary Club of Chestertown, Seidenberg Protzko Eye Associates, The Dixon Group, Town of Betterton, Town of Chestertown, Town of Millington, and Upper Shore Aging.

For more information, call 443-480-0940, email info@homeports.org or visit https://homeports.org/events/

HomePorts Benefit Dinner

April 8, 2022 by HomePorts Leave a Comment

Luisa’s Cucina Italiana is the host of the annual fund-raising dinner to benefit HomePorts, Inc. The event is being held on Monday, April 25, with seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 pm. Luisa’s is located at 849 Washington Ave, Chestertown.

Proceeds benefit HomePorts, greater Kent County’s non-profit aging-in-place membership organization. HomePorts assists those over 55 in providing access to a wide range of services in order to remain content, safe, and confident living in their own homes. HomePorts resources include a cadre of vetted volunteers to help members and referrals to reliable service providers in the fields of transportation; interior and exterior home maintenance; grocery & household services; personal assistance & trouble shooting; and pet care. Additionally, HomePorts offers social and educational opportunities in cooperation with Shore Regional Health System. It also offers a subsidy for those with limited incomes.

A three-course meal will be offered with a choice of chicken, salmon, or eggplant parmigiana. Meal includes salad, main course, dessert, and soda, coffee or tea. Tickets are $50. Call or email Karen at HomePorts, 443-380-0940 or karen@homeports.org, to purchase tickets. Space is limited.

HomePorts Entering Its 15th Year of Service

March 4, 2022 by HomePorts

HomePorts, Kent County’s volunteer-based organization which helps older adults to live safely and comfortably in their own homes, is entering their 15^th year of service. Additionally, it is reviewing the entire program in hopes of meeting additional needs of the county’s seniors.

HomePorts is pleased to partner with Shore Regional Health’s new Aging and Wellness Center of Excellence. “We definitely see a synergy in working with HomePorts to help older adults stay safe and well in their own homes,” said Dennis Welsh, Vice President, Rural Healthcare Transformation and Executive Director of Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. HomePorts has strongly supported the University of Maryland Medical System in its plans for expanded services for seniors.

Members of the Homeports board of directors working to assist Kent County’s seniors.

“Nearly every day one of our volunteers is assisting a Kent County senior. Whether we are driving someone to the doctor, assisting with grocery shopping or just making a friendly visit, we strive to improve our members’ quality of life,” according to Karen Wright, Executive Director of HomePorts. “With the worst of the pandemic behind us, we are making plans to reinstate our social and educational activities to reduce isolation and create interpersonal connections and social support. Our monthly Dutch-treat luncheons will begin again soon”

In the past, HomePorts has offered free educational sessions to the public on a variety of subjects of interest to seniors. While those have been curtailed due to the pandemic, these too will be coming back. HomePorts will again organize the free Health & Wellness Expo in October.

HomePorts welcomes new members. There are several membership types available including a $100 six-month trial membership and a financial aid membership (for those who qualify). Further information is available from Karen Wright, Executive Director, by calling 443-480-0940 or emailing karen@homeports.org.

HomePorts Reviews Accomplishments, Elects New Board Members

February 2, 2022 by HomePorts

HomePorts, Inc., held its annual meeting on January 25 with a presentation by Tom Eager, Acting President, summarizing the organization’s 2021 activities. In its 15^th year, HomePorts is a grass-roots membership organization helping older adults to continue living safely and comfortably in their own homes and is modeled after “Villages” in many communities throughout the U.S.

According to Eager, there are now a total of 68 members, six of whose membership fees are covered by a financial assistance program. Local transportation is the most requested service.

“We were hit hard by the pandemic, but thanks to grants we have made it through financially. Our plans going forward are to increase our membership, strengthen our partnerships with other local non-profits, and expand our volunteer base,” said Eager.

New HomePorts Board members: Susan Eddy, Gale Drenning, and Stewart Seitz, all of Chestertown, and Lea Hunley of Coleman. Not shown is Jeanette Jeffrey of Chestertown.

New members elected to the board are Gale Drenning, a registered nurse case manager for Shore Regional Health in Chestertown; Susan Eddy, a retired newspaper reporter and researcher; Lea Hunley, a former Kent County Public Schools employee and active Lions Club member; Jeanette Jeffrey, Health Educator with the Aging and Wellness Center of Excellence at Shore Regional Health in Chestertown; and Stewart Seitz, retired health care manager and past President of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce.

Those eligible for membership include anyone over 55 living in the greater Kent County area. “If you have a friend or neighbor who could benefit from our services, I encourage you to call me,” says Executive Director Karen Wright. “Or if you don’t need any help now but want to get involved, we have opportunities for one-time projects and a real need for drivers to take members to local medical appointments.” Financial aid is available for seniors with a limited income.

Information about membership or volunteering is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., by calling 443-480-0940 or go to www.homeports.org. The e-mail address is karen@homeports.org.

Health Expo Here October 14

October 10, 2021 by HomePorts

HomePorts, Inc., in partnership with the Kent County Health Department and Kent County Parks and Recreation, invites everyone to the annual Health and Wellness Expo on Thursday, October 14, from 8am to 12pm at Kent County Community Center in Worton. Co-sponsors include Amerigroup, Allstate Building Co., Heron Point of Chestertown, Peoples Bank of Kent County, The Dixon Group, Kent County Commission on Aging, Living at Home Health Services, Rebuilding Together of Kent County, Seidenberg Protzko Eye Associates, Shore United Bank, Town of Chestertown, Choptank Electric Cooperative, Eastern Shore Tents and Events, and WCTR.

The annual Kent County Health and Wellness Expo features an exhibit hall with a wide variety of free and useful information.

This year’s Expo, “Accessing Good Heath” is free, open to the public, and is one of the largest held in this area. The event will highlight over 30 community resources offering the latest health, wellness, and safety information. People of all ages will have an opportunity to benefit from this event. It’s the perfect place to find answers to health questions and learn more about services available in our community. Exhibit tables will be staffed by professionals offering a wide variety of information and expertise. Attendees will come away with practical information, and will be better prepared to manage their own health and their family’s health.

Flu shots and initial COVID vaccines will be given by Chester River Pharmacy. Local vision specialists will check eye health.

As a local nonprofit organization serving the aging population in Kent County, HomePorts understands the importance of health care, preventive medicine, and playing an active role in the community. Kent County strives to be a “community for a lifetime.” The aging population depends on a community that maintains positive health and well-being. Having ready access to preventive health screenings, wellness programs and current information on health issues is critical for all ages.

For more information, call 443-480-0940, email info@homeports.org or visit www.homeports.org.

HomePorts Benefit Dinner on April 6

March 23, 2020 by HomePorts

Luisa’s Cucina Italiana is the host of the annual fund-raising dinner to benefit HomePorts, Inc. The event is being held on Monday, April 6, with seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 pm. Luisa’s is located at 849 Washington Ave, Chestertown.

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HomePorts Presents: Using the Mind-Body Connection to Cope with Stress

February 20, 2020 by HomePorts

Join our guest speaker, Dr. Regan King, licensed psychologist from High Street Psychotherapy, in exploring the biology behind our response to stress. Dr King will demonstrate and lead some relaxation strategies to help with stress

Thursday, March 5, 2019, 11:00 a.m., Chestertown Town Hall, 1st Floor, 118 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620

The talk is free. Please make a reservation by contacting Karen Wright at 443-480-0940 or email at Karen@homeports.org

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Homeports Educational Program: Safely Transporting Seniors

October 31, 2019 by HomePorts

HomePorts presents Safely Transporting Seniors – a hands-on training session for HomePorts’ Volunteers and anyone who may have to transport a senior. The event is on November 7, 11:00 a.m., at Chestertown Town Hall, 2nd Floor, 118 N. Cross Street. The guest speaker is Brooke Maier, Physical Therapist with UM Chester River Home Care.

Learn how to safely transport seniors by assisting them up and down steps, in and out of cars, and use of their walkers, cane and wheelchairs. In addition we will cover HomePorts transportation policies.

We strongly encourage all our volunteers to attend this hour-long session.

The talk is free. Please make a reservation by contacting Karen Wright at 443-480-0940 or email at Karen@homeports.org.

Local Health Expo is October 17

October 8, 2019 by HomePorts

“The first wealth is health,” Ralph Waldo Emerson said. Again this year HomePorts is hosting a free Health and Wellness Expo at Kent County High School on Thursday, October 17, from 8 a.m. until noon.

The largest health fair in this region, it is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to become more educated on health issues that we face or may face and reflect on how we can stay well.

Organized by HomePorts, Inc. and Kent County Public Schools, in partnership with the Kent County Health Department and the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, attendees can visit over 60 exhibitors and hear ten different talks by experts on various health topics:
*Acupuncture- Ancient Medicine for Modern Disease
*Medical Marijuana
*Botox and Dermal Fillers
*Yoga Therapy to Reduce Anxiety and Stress
*Medicare Options 2020
*Suicide Prevention
*Stress Management
*Vaccines, Immunizations, and Boosters
*Nutrition, Meal Planning, and Family Food Choices
*Around the World Imaging at Shore Regional Health

These informal “Ask the Expert” talks feature local health care practitioners who are donating their time to answer questions and offer free guidance and information.

In addition, there will be free screenings for lung function, pulmonary health, stroke risk, balance and fall risks, and glaucoma, among other tests. Flu shots and high-dose flu shots will also be available.

“I encourage everybody to take advantage of this. We’re doing it to help Kent County stay healthy. It’s a real opportunity,” said Wayne Benjamin, MD, retired local primary care physician and Co-chair of the Planning Committee.

As a local nonprofit organization serving the aging population in Kent County, HomePorts understands the importance of health care and preventive medicine, and maintains an active role in the community. Kent County strives to be a “community for a lifetime.” The aging population needs those of all ages to have access to preventive health screenings, wellness programs, and latest health, wellness and safety information.

For more information, call 443-480-0940, email karen@homeports.org or visit www.homeports.org.

HomePorts Benefit Dinner April 29

April 15, 2019 by HomePorts

Luisa’s Cucina Italiana is the host of the annual fund-raising dinner to benefit HomePorts, Inc. The event is being held on Monday, April 29, with seatings at 5:15 and 7:30 pm. Luisa’s is located at 849 Washington Ave, Chestertown.

A three-course meal will be offered with a choice of chicken, salmon, or eggplant parmagiana, coffee or tea. Tickets are $50. Call HomePorts, 443-380-0940 to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

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