Washington Senior Expo marks silver anniversary
Linda Garrett, center, of South Franklin Township has her bone density tested by mammographers Debra Huggins, left, and Fran Winkleblech from Washington Hospital Women’s Center at the 2012 Senior Expo.
Sherry Chappell, a nurse with Southwest Regional Medical Center in Waynesburg, takes the blood pressure of Nancy Brown of Hickory at the 2012 Senior Expo.
Larry Spahr, Washington County election director, spoke to seniors about the new voter ID law at the 2012 expo. This year’s Senior Expo will also feature speakers and information on a number of subjects.
Rebecca White of Sycamore gets her blood sugar tested by Charlotte White, a nurse from Interim Healthcare in Pittsburgh, at the 2012 Senior Expo.
One of the most popular booths at last year’s Senior Expo was The Meadows Casino, which allowed seniors to spin a wheel for prizes.
Local entertainer Bobby Shawn sings to Alma Sim of North Franklin Township during his show during the 2012 Senior Expo. Shawn will again perform this year.
Seniors came early to get a seat to watch local entertainer Bobby Shawn at last year’s expo. Shawn will again be part of the entertainment at this year’s Senior Expo at Washington Crown Center.
E ach year, the Washington Senior Expo is a celebration of senior life and all that is available to those who share in it.
This year, the 25-year silver celebration of the Senior Expo will be held at Washington Crown Center in Washington from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 19. The Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging has been a sponsor of the event since the idea was first conceived. For the AAA, this milestone represents the ongoing need that seniors have as they seek to interpret the ever-changing landscape of growing federal, state and local programs and services available to older adults and the expectations that recipients and providers share in what has become an environment of trust.
“It is exhilarating to witness the longevity of this hallmark Washington County event that continues to sustain the needs of our older adult population,” said AAA’s Washington County Supervisor Kathy Costantino, who was on the original planning committee 25 years ago, and has continued to serve.
“This Senior Expo, created to assist our seniors with their concerns, issues and questions about available assistance, was a new concept in 1989, formulated to bring multiple agencies into one location to enhance our ability to serve the older population,” said Costantino. “We appreciate the provider network that responds positively, each year to the event, as well as to the seniors, which is why we, along with co-sponsors state Sen. Timothy Solobay, state Reps. Brandon Neuman and Jesse White and the Washington County board of commissioners, in cooperation with Washington Crown Center, continue to provide this access to information and programs designed especially for older adults.”
Washington Crown Center will be host more than 130 agencies, businesses and organizations on Sept. 19. Information, free health screenings, flu shots, farmers market nutrition vouchers and a multitude of items of interest to older adults continue to be the objectives of the expanding Senior Expo.
Complimentary coffee and pastries during the morning hours will give visitors time to plan the route they will take as they visit the vendor tables to discuss products and issues of importance with experts on aging, and take advantage of the numerous opportunities that each presents.
The official Senior Expo opening, coupled with WJPA’s live remote broadcast with radio personality Pete Povich, will be at 10 a.m.
The stage will be near the Macy’s end of the mall, and the main mall entrance and the entrance near the food court provide convenient routes to the Senior Expo.
Area vocalist Bobby Shawn, will perform on stage at 11 a.m.
Area Agency on Aging Executive Director Leslie Grenfell will offer an official welcome to the 25th annual Senior Expo at noon, when she will introduce this year’s special guest, state Secretary of Aging Brian Duke.
Solobay, Neuman, White and the county commissioners will join Grenfell on stage to take part in the 12:45 p.m. anniversary cake cutting.
At 1 p.m. Silver Sky Duo, George Suhon and David Stirk will perform until 2 p.m., when the winners of several prize drawings will be announced.
For more information on the Senior Expo, call the Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging Washington County office at 724-228-7080.