Between 150 to 250 people attended the free annual Senior Expo on April 22 at the Community Arts Center (225 McHenry Road) in Buffalo Grove.
Nearly 60 vendors and community representatives offered giveaways and learning opportunities in several rooms. The Senior Expo was expanded into atrium space this year to accommodate increased demand.
Patron Donna Mattis of Buffalo Grove noted the Senior Expo gets, “bigger every year.
“It’s nice to come, we see our friends, we get information,” Mattis added.
Free sandwich lunches and raffles were provided at the three-hour event coordinated by the Buffalo Grove Park District and the Village of Buffalo Grove.
“We’re happy to be able to put this on for the communities of Buffalo Grove and the surrounding communities here in both Cook and Lake County,” said Derek Hoffman, recreation supervisor for the Buffalo Grove Park District, who organized the Senior Expo for Hoffman’s first time.
Mike Terson, the park district’s superintendent of communications and marketing, said, “This event has been a community favorite for over 20 years.
“It gives the senior citizens in our area an opportunity to meet with representatives from different industries and businesses, as well as government agencies that cater to people in their age group,” Terson said.
Buffalo Grove Police had a community presence near informational tables featuring libraries from Cook and Lake counties.
“I like doing this event, seeing a lot of familiar faces,” said Amy Cholewa, of the Buffalo Grove Police Community Relations Unit, and crime prevention officer.
“We do a lot of safety presentations for the seniors at different events throughout the year so a lot of these faces are very familiar to us,” Cholewa said.
“It’s good to catch up with them on a personal level and then it’s also good to be here, providing resources to them,” Cholewa added.
Gayle Mayo of Wheeling stopped by the Indian Trails Public Library District of Wheeling table, where Liz Poppenhouse, the library’s digital and maker services manager, and Abida Salahuddin, the library’s senior coordinator, interacted with attendees.
“I just come, it’s a social event to be with people and to learn new things, find out the resources in the community,” Mayo said.
Poppenhouse said the Wheeling library has a maker space called The Launch Pad. Lake County library cardholders often use this library.
“We offer lots of programs for all ages and we actually do get a lot of seniors in our classes,” Poppenhouse said.
“Some of our classes are more technologically related.”
Laser engravers use software and the library’s three-dimensional printer makes items such as small figures or movable, jointed toys.
To seniors, Poppenhouse said, “You are welcome at the library and … we can help you.
“If you’re feeling anxious or nervous about trying new stuff with technology, we are there to help you get started with that and feel more comfortable.”
Salahuddin’s role at the Wheeling library is assisting senior patrons who use electronic tablets and cell phones to communicate, “but 99% of seniors, they want to have a physical book in their hands.
“They don’t want to read on the iPad or on a smart device,” Salahuddin added.
Audrey Friedland, nurse advocate with Right at Home of Lincolnshire, also identified what many seniors prefer.
“It’s very important with the changing of healthcare, that people remain at home, age at home, and we’re there to help them age at home safely and comfortably,” Friedland said.
Attendee David Halperin of Vernon Hills had a career in finance and gave advice to young people as future seniors.
“Save and invest for the future because you’ll need it,” Halperin said, adding, “Be very careful with the scams…seniors are being attacked by these people.
“I get the scams all the time, both internet and on the phone,” Halperin said. “You must be careful because they want your money.”
Bruce and Li-Chun Moy of Lincolnshire visited the resource table of Illinois State Senator Adriane Johnson of Buffalo Grove.
Li-Chun Moy attended, “so we can get some information that we may not be aware of.”
As an elected official, Johnson said, “I think it’s important to be here to talk to our seniors so they know, first of all, that we care and number two, that we’re listening to any of their concerns, and number three, that we’re amplifying resources that they can use to help them thrive and help them with their daily lives.
“We take pride in that,” Johnson said, adding that a senior advisory council is part of outreach. “We’re very concerned about issues that impact seniors.
“We do our best to make sure that we are in the community, providing resources for our seniors,” Johnson added.
Attendee Sydelle Richard of Buffalo Grove complimented Senior Expo organizers.
“I think this is a very worthwhile program to have for us seniors and I think it was organized very well,” Richard said. “I’m glad to be here.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
