Seniors invited to learn about community today

By Steph Crosier

Belleville area seniors are invited to gather and learn about opportunities in their community today.

The Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre is hosting the first annual seniors information and active living fair today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“A wide variety of businesses and organizations are among the more than 70 confirmed exhibitors, ensuring that attendees will find plenty of information on the many different opportunities and businesses available in the community,” said Tanya Grierson, the city of Belleville’s recreation program supervisor, in a press release.

Some of the seminars at the event include 50+ fitness with Edna Levitt, healthy aging with nurse Jackie Hickey, and Ontario credits and benefits for seniors with Jeremy Bertrand.

Karen Wiechenthal, recreation program assistant at the city of Belleville, said there are a variety of exhibitors for visitors to check out.

“Community programs, travel agents, insurance agencies, retirement companies, spas, a bit of everything,” said Wiechenthal in a telephone interview. “We are also having fitness demos all day.”

Wiechenthal says highlights of the fair are all the seminars and the free food for all visitors.

Wiechenthal said a couple hundred people have entered the fair since it opened at 11a.m.

Everyone who goes to the event is also given “passports” into the wellness centre.

“Its an I.D. card to give people access to the free walking track,” said Wiechenthal.

Wiechenthal said this fair is important because it shows seniors what their community has to offer.

“It gives the opportunity for them to see the services and committees in the community,” said Wiechenthal.

“Its an opportunity for the seniors to see what all is in the community for them.”