Published: October 01, 2009 08:57 pm      

Senior issues in spotlight at Expo

BRUSHFORK — A clear fall day and an armory full of high-quality exhibitors on Thursday equaled a large turn-out for the 15th annual Senior Expo at the National Guard Armory in Brushfork.

“I was a little concerned about the attendance because of the heavy fog we had this morning, but I think the attendance this year is bigger than ever,” Susan Belcher, of GlenWood Park Retirement Village said. “We’re running out of things we’ve never run out of before.” GlenWood Park and the Bluefield Daily Telegraph sponsored the Senior Expo. Admission to the Expo was free.

Thirty-two vendors formed a square in the middle of the armory/civic center floor offering a wide array of goods and services for seniors. Sandy Graham of Community Action South East (CASE) West Virginia was literally swamped with visitors asking questions about the many services CASE offers.

“This is great fun!” Graham said between fielding questions from visitors. CASE is hosting “Expo 1” on Saturday from 10 a.m., to 3 p.m., at the Mercer Mall to help people learn more about the services it provides in the region.

While many visitors were visiting with exhibitors, others were seated in front of the stage enjoying a variety of entertainers and at least one health expert — Judy Bolton, of the Mercer County Health Department who briefed the audience on the status of the N1H1 virus and vaccines. Bolton said that the nation’s health service providers “are just trying to get the vaccines to the people who need it the most.”

Between acts, Belcher made announcements and drew for door prizes. When the “CASE Country Kickers” completed their performance, Jake Hatcher remained on stage long enough to make a special presentation to Richard and Sue Moorefield of Princeton who were celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary.

The Moorefields are from Mullens, but moved to Princeton 12 years ago. Richard Moorefield, 73, has been the leader of the “CASE Swinging Seniors,” another area dancing group, since arriving in Princeton, according to Sue Moorefield, 71. The Moorefields have two sons, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Sue Moorefield said the secret to having a long and successful marriage is to have: “A lot of love and understanding.”

Tony and Mitzi Romeo were walking through the crowd arm-in-arm. “We have been coming to this Senior Expo ever since we moved here to Bluefield,” Tony Romeo said.

“We enjoy it,” Mitzi Romeo said. “Every year, there’s something new here to get excited about.”

“This is the largest crowd we’ve ever had,” Teresa Dye, classified ad sales manager of the Daily Telegraph said. “The quality of the exhibitors and the quality of the entertainment has been exceptional.”

Several students of the Mercer County Technical Educational Center’s LPN program were swinging and swaying as local keyboard artist, Karl Miller, sang his version of “Don’t Worry. Be Happy.”

In addition to Bolton’s presentation, performances by the CASE Country Kickers, CASE Swinging Seniors and Karl Miller, the Princeton Health & Fitness Center Line Dancers performed. Mike Eaves provided free antique appraisals and visitors enjoyed morning and afternoon sessions of Bingo.

“There are 28 LPN students from the Vo Tech program here today,” Jessica Cozort of Monroe County said. “The entertainment has been great!”

In addition to sharing information with visitors, the LPN students were also giving free blood pressure checks Expo visitors. “We have seen a lot of people here today,” Ashley Perdue, also an LPN student from Princeton said. “It has been a great experience.”

– Contact Bill Archer at barcher@bdtonline.com