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ANNUAL SENIOR EXPO AGAIN A HIT WITH RETIRED RESIDENTS
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo Laverne Stokes And Josephine Marcinski at this year's Senior Expo, held at the Ritacco Center, Toms River. |
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Senior citizens crowded the aisles at the Ritacco Center , Toms River, for another Senior Expo.
Rows of vendors filled the Poland Springs Arena to offer seniors information on subjects ranging from financial, legal, nutrition and health.
Shore area businesses showed off their merchandise along with valued information on retirement, real estate, estate planning, and assisted living. They also gave away souvenirs. The Expo had entertainment and free food samples, too.
Evelyn and John of Jackson enjoyed the sample mini pancakes, courtesy of International House of Pancake. Marlene Grater of Holiday City and her visiting granddaughter, Britany, 13, welcomed their free scoop of ice cream on the hot summer day.
Carmen De Gennaro, of Holiday City, admitted that she liked the free ice cream the best at the expo.
There were also beauty queens.
Laverne Stokes, of Berkeley, 1985 Ms. Senior America, wearing a crimson colored gown, said that she stopped tap dancing at 86 years old.
But then again, she started at age 70.
Stokes now heads the Stokes Steppers, a chorus line of senior tap dancers. Stokes was at the expo with her friend. Josephine Marcinski, 87, the 1994 Ms. Ocean County. The two former beauty queens termed the event "swell" as they regally walked through the crowd.
Entertainment was a highlight at the expo, as well. The Atlanta Symphony orchestra played. Guitarist Nolan Willence entertained with rhythmic flamenco and The Frank Albert Band had the joint jumping with a 'zoot suit' beat.
The 2000 Millennium Ms. Senior America, Lyn Gibson of South Hampton, was applauded for her rendition of 'Nowadays" from the Broadway show Chicago. Gibson, dressed in royal blue sequins, was a model of poise.
"We love the seniors," she said. "This is a great crowd. I am thrilled to be here."
Visitors at the expo sampled a little bit of everything as they walked around with souvenir goodie bags. Ken and Adlaide of Whiting said they, "loved the music and the freebies."
Diana Palombini of Manchester said that she was seeking, "safety and peace of mind."
That is exactly what Robert Schwartz stressed as he explained his health watch monitoring system and how to prevent falls. "Fall are not just the result of getting older," he said, "Many falls can be prevented."
To improve your home's safety, get improved lighting and non slip mats, he suggested. Handrails also will help.
Mildred S., of Bayville, didn't know when she waved good bye to her daughter following Mother's Day dinner in a local restaurant that 10 minutes later she would be lying on her porch floor, alone and unable to get up. Luckily she was wearing a personal emergency monitor button around her neck. Within minutes, an ambulance arrived at her Butler Boulevard home to transport her to Community Medical Center Toms River. Stories such as this are all too common, said Schwartz.
"Everyone should wear one," he said. "It gives you peace of mind."
Many seniors relaxed on the furniture being shown by local merchants. Visiting banks and financial institutes gave away pens and free advice on money management. Robin Pflieger, a Lakewood physical therapist, offered information on dizziness and balance problems.
"It's all very informative," said. Cathy Aldrich of Leisure Village East, with husband, Dean.
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