GAYLORD — It’s no secret that seniors like living in Otsego County and the burgeoning senior population helps to bolster growth in the local economy.
Jim Driver recognized this 14 years ago when he started the Northern Michigan Senior Expo, which returns from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at The Ellison Place, 150 Dale Drive in Gaylord.
“Looking at the downtown this summer I was amazed at how busy it was — probably the busiest that I could remember in a long time,” Driver said. “The seniors help to keep everything going, including our businesses and medical facilities.”
At the senior expo, attendees will be able to receive information on products and services aimed at the senior citizen community. There is no admission charge.
The idea behind the expo is to provide a one-stop place where seniors, caregivers and family members can ask questions about a variety of products and services from the 80 vendors that will be in attendance.
“Folks will have the time to ask questions about assisted living facilities, legal services, insurance and so much more,” said Driver.
For the second year in a row, Driver is encouraging everyone to bring a canned food item to donate to the Otsego County Food Pantry.
Dona Wishart of the Otsego County Commission on Aging and Russ Knopp of Comfort Keepers will offer special presentations at the expo.
“I think this county is so lucky to have someone like Dona and the commission on aging. They are such a valuable resource for the whole community,” said Driver.
Tracverse City-based Comfort Keepers provides in-home support and private duty nursing to families across Northern Michigan.
“There are a lot of things coming down the pike that Russ has his finger on,” Driver said. “There are a lot of things happening that may allow people to stay in their homes longer than they have been able to do in the past. And if they do have to go into a senior living facility, there are avenues that can make it a little easier.”
Driver added that there will be a free shuttle service available for those who have to park a distance from the entrance.
— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Thriving elderly population drives economy, senior expo event in Otsego County
Reporting by Paul Welitzkin, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
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