The annual Senior Expo Spring Show hosted by Total Turf Experience takes place today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The free event is for all local seniors, caregivers and providers of senior services. It will include live music, line dancing, fitness demonstrations, a pickleball tournament and more than 70 vendors.
“While we have created a unique event for our area,” said Diana Dubbeling, a planner of the expo. “The primary mission is as a resource for seniors to learn about services they can utilize, and visitor feedback has consistently reinforced that that is their main interest.”
As the spring show presents the specialized services and healthy activities for local seniors, free PAD screenings will be offered by Mobile Health Exams.
“This Johnson & Johnson CREDO-inspired initiative provides the opportunity to help raise awareness and provide PAD screening and education in communities across the country,” Dubbeling said.
There will also be an antique appraisal fair inspired by “Antiques Roadshow” to estimate the values of guests’ antiques and collectibles. While attendance is free, there is a suggested $5 fee for one item to be appraised and $10 for three.
Proceeds from the appraisal fair fees and special gifts raffle will benefit charitable organizations, including People for People Foundation of Gloucester County and the Paul Blackstock Memorial Scholarship, both of which were chosen to honor Blackstock, who passed away last summer.
“Our fundraising has historically been done on behalf of local nonprofits supporting area veterans,” Dubbeling said. “Paul was a personal friend of the expo committee members and an inspiring figure in the community.”
“Paul was very active in the Gloucester County community, working closely with seniors and veterans,” said his wife Bernadette Blackstock, CEO and president of the People for People Foundation.
“Paul never hesitated to give a helping hand to those who needed one.”
Memorial scholarships will go to Glassboro High School students who live by the credo “service above self,” in partnership with the Glassboro Rotary Club as well as veterans in college who have a financial need not covered by the G.I. Bill.
In addition to the charitable efforts, the Gloucester County Animal Shelter will bring its adoption trailer on site, just outside of the main entrance to the expo.
Total Turf Experience is located at 614 Lambs Road in Pitman.
