When three local residents got together at a recent networking event, they realized that they had something important in common: their concern for the welfare of senior citizens. From this meeting an idea was born, a senior healthy living expo that could bring services together in one location for an afternoon of fun and education for the community’s senior citizens.

The Senior Healthy Living Expo will be held on Saturday, April 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4105 Ocean View Blvd., at the corner of Montrose Avenue, in Montrose.

Organizers Patty Prange, Chris Motte and Vanessa Terzian are from different professions. Prange operates Gentle Hearts Home Care; Motte is a financial planner, and Terzian is an elder law attorney. All three share concerns about how seniors are treated and the care they receive. With this in mind, the trio assembled community professionals with similar interests and planned the expo.

Prange has been involved in senior services since 1997.

“We need to … provide better care for the elderly and we can do it by supporting local businesses that share our concern for the well-being of senior citizens,” she said. She added that in these times when families not living near each other, better care for the elderly is an absolute must.

“With families spread out, time constraints and distance, we find that the elderly are left to manage for themselves. Members of the community want to keep their loved ones at home, so with all the talent we have in this community, this is very possible,” said Terzian.

Motte added that his experience has shown that senior citizens are often worried about finances and maintaining a life style they have come to depend upon.

“I’ve worked with many seniors, and they all seem to share a concern about the economy and whether their savings will last throughout their lifetime. With their current portfolio of investments and savings, I’ve been able to help them and I will be available at the expo to provide some helpful guidance,” Motte said.

There will be free admission to seniors and a host of services will be available at no charge including medical and dental wellness checkups. Many more services for seniors will also be available. In addition, there will be free refreshments and entertainment.

Free parking will be available on the premises and at nearby Holy Redeemer Church where free shuttle service will be provided.

Early registration is urged and can be arranged by calling (818) 248-4278. The first 100 registered will receive a free lunch.

  AL RESTIVO