Press Release, Shoreline Eldercare Alliance

On Sept. 11, Shoreline Eldercare Alliance (SEA) celebrated the 14th annual Celebration of Healthy Aging at Woodwinds in Branford. Four hundred people attended, including seniors, exhibitors, entertainers and SEA members.

Formed in 2008 out of a desire to change perspectives about the aging process, SEA is a not-for-profit advocacy group, dedicated to guiding and educating the community on healthy aging practices and senior life services. Bernadette DiGiulian, co-founder of the group, created the Celebration of Healthy Aging event as a signature event to honor shoreline seniors for all they have contributed and to showcase senior wellness services.

Three years ago, The Bernadette DiGiulian “Embrace Life-Healthy Aging Award” was created. Past award recipients are Sylvia Rifkin, now 103, and Eunice Kaymen, now 99, who were also among those attendance on Sept. 11. This year’s award was presented to Dorothy Stenger, 83, of Branford.

Since 1995, Stenger has been committed to serving Connecticut Hospice as a daily volunteer. She embodies the Hospice philosophy of treating the patient and family as a unit. Stenger served Connecticut Hospice Daily during the COVID pandemic when it was difficult to fill volunteer shifts. Those calling Hospice between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. will experience her charming personality and kindness. In addition to her work at Hospice, Stenger attends concerts, book signings and loves frequenting local restaurants. She loves knitting, sewing, keeping up with current events, and keeps herself fit with her love of walking. Stenger is a member of St. Mary’s in Branford but she says that her spirituality is “the way you live life…the way you treat others…and that you know there is something greater than yourself.”

Some of the tips Stenger gave the attendees of the Celebration of Healthy Aging include: knowing your own body and if there are changes, check it out; follow habits of eating healthy foods and exercise daily; be curious, interested and informed and learn about the world around you; exercise your mind by taking classes, going to lectures and talking to interesting people; embrace new learning; don’t sweat the small stuf; always look for the positives and make the most of every day. Stenger thanks her three children for “letting me be me.” Her final comment upon accepting this award was, “please vote.”

The award is given to a person age 80 or more who embraces life and continues to grow physically, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Stenger certainly does this, and SEA is proud to present its 2024 award to her.