Don't ignore Well Being, Achieve it!
“Episcopal Seniors” is designed to address issues relevant to the 50+ generation. The program components will address the health and well-being of the individual. One’s health and wellbeing will include; health, spiritual strength, social interactions, financial status, civic engagement, community and individual security, trust in governments and community programs, a safe environment, and an assurance of environmental and social conditions for a strong future.
Why the 50+ Generation? Those over 50 are either approaching retirement or have reached that status. They do not receive the economic and public attention of their younger colleagues. Yet they typically have more wealth, more education, and more ability and time for community engagement and creativity. The 65+ generation are living longer and healthier lives and can contribute significantly to the health and success of the society.
These programs are designed to help them enhance their ability to live healthy and productive lives as they flourish as senior citizens.
These programs are designed to bring participants together physically and socially, assuming that COVID pandemic conditions permit. Should COVID conditions not permit such interaction, electronic programming such as Zoom will be utilized. Social, spiritual and intellectual sharing among parishes is one of the goals of “Episcopal Seniors”.
As noted in the definition of health and well-being, additional programs will be developed which reflect the needs of the 50+ generation.
Transportation between shared parishes will be provided as needed. This will enhance the social interaction and exchange of ideas among participants. All the programs will be recorded and available for the parish members as well as the community at large.
The Episcopal Seniors' Team
David McNary
David is a Warden at St Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Staatsburg, NY, and serves on several Diocesan panels. He is a Certified Cornell Climate Steward working with his local community to address Climate Change. He has spent his professional career in healthcare management.
Rita Carver
Rita is a Warden from St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Pleasant Valley. She is currently discerning for the Diaconate and enrolled in the Education for Ministry classes to support that goal. She is also an artist, having worked on Broadway as a Lighting Designer.
Richard Mattocks
Richard, a Hyde Park, New York resident and in member of the Town Conservation Advisory Council and Climate Smart Communities Task Force (chair), is a graduate of the Virginia Tech Masters in environmental science and engineering program. Now a member of a variety of Town and County volunteer organizations (CARY Institute, Cornell Cooperative Extension, etc), and is president-elect of the Town Rotary Club. Assists his life partner folksinger performances and even sings from time to time.
Samuel Bonk
Samuel graduated nursing school in 2019 from Utica College in Utica NY. From August 2019 to March 2021, he was an RN on the Neuro-progressive care unit at Albany Medical Center where he cared for patients with brain tumors, acute stroke, seizure disorders, movement disorders and other Neurologic impairments. In March of 2021 he transitioned to work for United Health Group where he sees patients in the home setting as a Nurse Infusionist.
Keith Britton
All new relationships begin by exploring the details of my clients’ goals and values that will help shape their strategies and the direction of the client-advisor relationship. I review their current situation to determine if I would advise any adjustments to their current goals, strategies and investments.
Rebecca M. Blahut
Rebecca M. Blahut is a partner with the law firm of McCabe & Mack LLP in Poughkeepsie, NY. Rebecca’s practice is concentrated in the areas of Estate Planning, Guardianships, Trust and Estate Administration and Elder Law. She is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Hudson Valley Estate Planning Council, the Dutchess County Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association and the Mid-Hudson Women's Bar Association. Additionally, Rebecca has served on many committees and Boards for non-for-profit organizations in Dutchess County.
Roufia Payman
Roufia is the Supervisor of Outpatient Nutritional Education at Northern Dutchess Hospital. Roufia leads programs including the New Leaf Program, the Bariatric Support Group and more, all through the Rhinebeck campus. She has worked to initiate program changes within the Red Hook, Rhinebeck and Hyde Park school systems. Her writing and advice has been featured in several news outlets throughout the region. She is also a certified lifestyle coach for diabetic prevention.
Brian Jones
Brian has been the Outreach Coordinator for the Dutchess County Office for the Aging since 2016, and his OFA role includes helping county seniors and other residents learn more about the information and services available to them and helping seniors live happy, independent lives for as long as is safely possible. He’s the editor of OFA publications including the quarterly Spotlight on Seniors newsletter and the weekly Aging News e-newsletter, and offers presentations to civic organizations and older adult groups throughout Dutchess County on scam prevention, successful aging, home safety, OFA services and more. Before coming to OFA, Brian spent over 25 years as news director for several Hudson Valley radio stations. He lives in Tivoli with his wife and two teenagers. He is also the public address announcer for the baseball and basketball teams at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson.