Active Aging Expo presented by ACS and town, funded by province

Helene and Maurice Marwood visit with Studio Seven owners Danijela and Laura Dobrich.

Those in the 55-and-over population got a chance to see what services are available for them in Amherstburg.

The Active Aging Expo returned to the Libro Centre last Friday with vendors, line dancing demonstrations, wine and spirit samples, singing and more offered throughout the day. It was presented by the Town of Amherstburg’s recreation department and Amherstburg Community Services (ACS).

Trese MacNeil, the town’s manager of recreation services, said the event went well.

“We had a lineup at the door when it opened at 10 a.m.,” she said.

The first 90 minutes of the four-hour events were among the busiest time periods of the expo, MacNeil added.

Members of the Essex Vocal Express perform at the Active Aging Expo last Friday at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg.

There was a “passport program” in which if a person visited at least ten vendors and had the passport signed, they received a free pasta lunch. The meal was provided by M&M catering services, the same business that runs the concession stand at the Libro Centre and other recreation venues in Essex County.

The Blonde Coach Bar, an Amherstburg-based business, was also on hand, with spirits from other Essex County wineries and distillers also available.

“We have close to 40 vendors,” stated MacNeil. 

MacNeil added “it’s always great to be a partner with ACS” and she also pointed out funding from the Ontario government’s Senior Active Living Centre grant program helped fund the Active Aging Expo.

The expo allows people 55-and-over to see what is available to them without having to travel too far from home. The Essex Vocal Express was also on hand to perform throughout the day. 

ACS executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo agreed it was a chance to show residents what is available in Amherstburg. She said it is important to showcase what is offered and that the town has been a great partner to work with. 

Residents had time to visit with vendors, talk to them and gather more information “and show what is available to them,” added DiBartolomeo. 

Active Aging Expo presented by ACS and town

By Ron Giofu