Pa. state representative hosts third annual Senior Fair

September 14, 2007|By JENNIFER FITCH

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - Men and women toted white bags around the vacant building, gathering pamphlets and giveaways from vendors participating Friday in state Rep. Rob Kauffman's third annual Senior Fair.

Needs from health to living accommodations to property tax rebates were addressed at the fair.

The fair serves as a place to seek advice, especially for those who might not have any other place to turn, Kauffman said.

"There are a lot of senior citizens out there who don't have anyone to care for them," said Kauffman, R-Franklin/Cumberland.

Kauffman said organizers have tried to build onto previous successes, making the fair bigger and better each year. One thousand people attended the first year and about 1,500 this year.

"We have 80 vendors who registered today, and it's a clearinghouse of information for our seniors," Kauffman said.

John and Mary Tribble of Chambersburg said they would recommend the fair to others and would tell them that a lot of information is available.

"We were here last year and enjoyed it, so we decided to come back," Mary Tribble said.

John Tribble was able to re-register their residential phone number for the state's "Do Not Call" list. Today is the last day for Pennsylvania residents to renew their registration through the state's attorney general's office.

Sue Patterson and Beth Radcliffe, representatives of the Area Agency on Aging, answered questions about the office's services, which include information about Medicare, Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Elderly (PACE) and property tax rebates. The office has been represented since the Senior Fair's initial year, they said.

Jean Wengert represented Curves, which has two locations in the Chambersburg area.

"I certainly have been talking to people about their health and the Curves program," Wengert said.

She handed out cereal samples and held drawings for memberships.

"One of the common questions is, 'Can I do it?'" Wengert said. "They're concerned about their physical health."

Similar concerns were raised in discussions with Jim and Joann Booher, who talked to people about the Whirly Birds Square Dance Club.

"If you can walk, you can square dance," Joann Booher said.

The pair provided a demonstration just before the free lunch sponsored by The Village of Laurel Run.

"We need people to know that dancing adds 10 years to your life and is part of a healthy lifestyle," Joann Booher said. "It's fun, it doesn't cost very much and it's a whole new circle of 'family' friends."

The Boohers said they would encourage other clubs and organizations to sign up for the Senior Fair.

"We had a fun time here today," Joann Booher said.

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