Active Aging Expo returns to the Libro Centre in Amherstburg

A barbershop quartet performs at the Active Aging Expo (above) while North Star High School culinary students helped provide appetizers (below).

A barbershop quartet performs at the Active Aging Expo (left) while North Star High School culinary students helped provide appetizers (centre). Line dancing was one of the demonstrations (right).

An event for seniors and those looking at getting better connected with services in Amherstburg and around Windsor-Essex County returned last Friday.

The Active Aging Expo was held at the Libro Centre May 29 with over 40 vendors on hand ranging from health services to government representatives and more showcasing what they offer to the general public on the main ice pad. Demonstrations such as line dancing, chair yoga, tai chi, and music were held on the neighbouring ice pad as were health and wellness presentations from Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157, Hearing Life and a VON “Smart Exercise Class.”

Food and beverages were offered, with the Blonde Coach Bar also in attendance. A barbershop quartet also made their way around the building.

The Active Aging Expo was presented by Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) and the Town of Amherstburg.

Line dancing was one of the demonstrations.

“I’m very pleased with the turnout this year,” said ACS executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo. “It looks like there are more people.”

New exhibitors were added to the expo this year, and DiBartolomeo said she was hearing good things from those that came out.

“The response has been very positive,” said DiBartolomeo.

DiBartolomeo said it is important to let seniors and other residents know the level of services that are available to them in the area. From health and wellness to ways to volunteer, DiBartolomeo said there are “so many different ways” that retirees can get involved.

The expo was geared towards people ages 55-and-over. It was great to have a variety of services under one roof, DiBartolomeo stated, and offer “one-stop shopping” for those looking for how to obtain services or to find ways to give back to the community. The public gets to talk one-on-one with the exhibitors to find out more information.

“Working with the town every year is a great collaboration,” she added.

Culinary students at North Star High School took part in the event, serving appetizers as they walked around the Libro Centre. Both DiBartolomeo and Trese MacNeil, the town’s manager of recreation services said that was a great partnership as well.

“It’s great experience for (the students),” said MacNeil.

MacNeil pointed out many people may not have known they can reach out to the culinary department at North Star.

“They are a wonderful group of students,” she said. “They are accommodating and very cheerful. They’re very professional.”

MacNeil added “we are happy with the participation so far” at the Active Aging Expo. The event has dated back at least a decade but ACS has worked with the town for the last four years.

“We’ve had more vendors this year than we’ve ever had,” said MacNeil. “Word is getting out there.”

Like DiBartolomeo, MacNeil added it is a “one-stop shop” for people looking to see what services are out there and she said there was “great satisfaction” in seeing how things unfolded. She enjoyed how the seniors came out for social interaction and to dine together and lunch.

“Working with ACS, we’re like two well-oiled machines,” added MacNeil.

Active Aging Expo returns to the Libro Centre in Amherstburg

By Ron Giofu