October’s Senior Times Expo attracted more than 500 seniors and baby boomers, along with a few grandchildren, to the ballroom of the Red Lion Hotel in Pasco. The event, which was free for attendees, gathers vendors who offer services and products for the older generation in a single venue, making it a convenient one-stop information shop.

[blockquote quote="“The Expo is a great place for seniors to find out what goods and services are available here in our community." source="Jim Hilliard, family service counselor for Mueller’s Funeral Homes" align="right" max_width="300px"]

“The Expo is a great place for seniors to find out what goods and services are available here in our community. There are many, many options for a variety of family situations,” said Jim Hilliard, family service counselor for Mueller’s Funeral Homes. At the Expo people were exposed to services, businesses and organizations that they need, even if they hadn’t discovered a need yet and it’s all easily accessible in one place, in one stop, Hilliard said.

“Being a senior citizen myself, it’s good to see there’s more booths, more vendors this time,” said Sue Ragsdale, office manager for Riverview Heights Cemetery in Kennewick. “An event like this makes senior citizens feel special, that the community is on their side.”

Mike Haugen, the event coordinator and advertising manager for the Senior Times, said the popular event started more than 20 years ago and is continually growing.

The expo featured 55 vendors including financial institutions, senior services, insurance providers, real estate companies, hospitals and medical providers, retirement communities, fitness businesses, nonprofit organizations, television broadcasters and much more. “The Expo was very helpful and informative,” said Rose Morley of Richland. “There’s lots of information here to help me and others to make decisions — to plan for the future. Like information on funeral options, it’s nothing anyone wants to do, but you have to.”

Linda Pasch of Northwest Public Television, said her company has had a presence at the spring and fall Senior Times Expos for years.

“The turnout was very good this morning,” Pasch said. “It was a little slower in the afternoon but that’s OK. It seems like people used to rush through, pick up everything that was free and then leave. This time they’re not. They’re taking time to talk with the different vendors.”

Several other vendors said the Senior Times Expo is a great place for networking with organizations in similar businesses. “We complement each other,” said Jay Santana, office manager for Tri-Cities Home Care in Kennewick. “It was definitely well worth coming.” Many of the vendors held drawings for gift baskets and other prizes. The Senior Times also held its own Hunt for the Treasure contest. “Attendees picked up a map at the front door, had it checked off at each booth and then the Senior Times drew names for a variety of prizes,” Haugen said.

The winning names were: Norma P. of Richland, a blanket from Senior Life Resources & Meals on Wheels; Eloise C. of Kennewick, Detective Inspector Irene Huss DVDs from KTNW-TV; Connie S. of Kennewick, Detective Inspector Irene Huss DVDs from KTNW-TV; Jerry J. of Pasco, three tickets to Mary Poppins from Mid-Columbia Musical Theatre; Mike T. of Kennewick, a transport chair/roller from Densow’s Medical; Kerry H. of Richland and Beverly M. of Pasco, Amazon gift card from the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business/Senior Times; Connie B. and Pam P., both of Richland, Barnes & Noble gift card from the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business/Senior Times; Steve K. of Kennewick and Rose M. of Kennewick, Albertson’s gift card from the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business/Senior Times; Marlene and Claud K. of Kennewick, Carla M. of Pasco, and Virginia F. of Richland, Tri-City American hockey tickets from the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business/Senior Times.

Plan now to attend the Spring Senior Times Senior Expo, which will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 19 at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel.