In 2020, the WILO Senior Fair didn’t make a public appearance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was missed by many people, especially the vendors.
“I was sad to see that we weren’t able to have it last year,” said Voldico Insurance Agent Michele Boyd. “Being able to see the community come out and support this is a really good thing for Frankfort. The vendors that are participating have so many wonderful things here for people to come and check out whether its healthcare or banking.”
The Community Life Center, which is located across the street from Frankfort High School, was the site for the 32nd annual event Wednesday, which was for those age 50 and above. They were greeted with a site of plenty of room to meet and greet with vendors as well as those who came for all the available information on various products to free breakfast, free lunch, music from Jason Wells or just to play bingo.
“I always think it’s a great event,” said Healthy Communities of Clinton County Coalition Lorra Archibald. “We know our Baby Boomers are seniors now and we have this huge population of seniors that are unlike any seniors before. They are active, they’re out there in our community and they’re still volunteering and they’re helping. We need to make sure that we in return are taking care of our seniors.”
Archibald added, “I think the setup is great. I think its been really busy. There was a line out the door when I got here, so that’s a really good sign. We always have a great turnout here.”
Boyd agreed with that assessment.
“There are a lot of people that came just because they are interested,” said Boyd. “We’ve had a lot of the community stop by and enquire about things like Medicare and just to see what’s happening for the fall. I’m really happy with the turnout we’ve had so far.”
People such as Clinton County Republican Party Chairman Jim Moyer was happy with the return of the Senior Fair.
“I just like to be with people,” said Moyer. “I see so many folks that I know and haven’t seen all year long. This is one place where they come. I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of my friends come in here.”
Moyer added he didn’t think he has missed a Senior Fair. He said this was a strange time for him because there are no political elections in the fall. The next scheduled election is in May 2022.
“We’re here to support our constituents whether we have an election or not,” said Moyer.
Another reason for coming up was to remind individuals of the available programs.
“Every home has deferred maintenance issues — roofs, water heaters, furnaces, windows, doors — that are all costly to repair,” said Tom Jameson, who was representing the SHARP or Senior Homeowner Assistance for Repairs. “With a grant that doesn’t have to repaid, you can get that work done on your home.”
Jameson also said not only where they there to promote the program, but to take names of people who are interested.
“Last year, we weren’t able to access as much of the funds as we hoped to,” said Jameson. “But the program is still very vibrant, still valuable. The money is still there for the senior homeowners to get the work done on their home.”