Festival promotes senior health

Oakland Tribune, Jul 7, 2007

OAKLAND -- A popular "Healthy Living Festival" is scheduled for July 20 in Oakland, but people aged 60-plus from throughout Alameda County -- and the organizations and individuals who support them -- are invited to enjoy everything from exercise to entertainment.

Hayward Mayor Michael Sweeney is on the host committee. Four pictures showing Sweeney and Castro Valley attorney Dennis Hayashi - - whose wife, Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi, also is a committee member -- adorn recently issued festival fliers.

The fourth festival is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lake Merritt Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave.

Tai chi demonstrations and warm-ups will begin at

9:15 a.m. A walk-a-thon will start at 10 a.m. A resource fair, with free health screenings, tips on senior services and a free lunch, will be held from 9 to 2.

About 2,500 people are expected to attend, according to United Seniors of Oakland and Alameda County, which is organizing the event. County Supervisor Nate Miley is the group's executive director.

A $500 prize will be awarded to the walk-a-thon team with the most registered participants that day. Nonprofit organizations, not individuals, will qualify for the prize. All registered team captains will be entered into a lottery drawing for an Oakland A's skybox luxury suite.

United Seniors also will conduct a raffle for a variety of prizes, including Southwest Airlines tickets.

Proceeds from the walk-a-thon and raffle will benefit United Seniors and Alameda County Meals on Wheels.

Shuttles will be available to the fair from a variety of locations throughout the county. The fair also is accessible via BART or AC Transit.

Have questions? Call (510)

729-0852, e-mail hlf@usoac.org or visit http://www.usoac.org/ hlf.