Senior Resource Fair attendees on May 16 will have the opportunity to explore educational workshops, health screenings and resources designed to promote active aging and healthy living. Photo courtesy of West Sacramento Community Center

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – May is nationally recognized as Older Americans Month, a time to honor the contributions of older adults and emphasize the importance of supporting their well-being in our communities.

In celebration, the West Sacramento Community Center will once again host its annual Senior Resource Fair on May 16. This free event welcomes seniors, caregivers, adult children and community members looking for resources related to active aging and aging-in-place.

The West Sacramento Community Center started this event in 2013 and it has grown into a hub of support. The City of West Sacramento has more than 10,500 residents aged 60 years and older who can benefit from local resources and the fair aims to provide those connections for senior residents.

This year’s fair will feature more than 40 vendors offering information on health, wellness and senior-focused services. Vendors there include the Alzheimer’s Association, YoloCares, Woodland Senior Center, Department of Justice Division of Medi-Cal and Elder Abuse, Resources for Independent Living and Health Education Council, among others.

Alzheimer’s Association’s Director of Care and Support Alexandra Weisgerber shared that the organization has participated at the fair since its inception 11 years ago.

The West Sacramento Community Center started the Senior Resource Fair in 2013 and it has grown into a hub of support. Photo courtesy of West Sacramento Community Center

“Visiting our table, people can get info about Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia,” said Weisgerber. “They also learn about the 10 signs of the disease and connect them with resources in the community that do support groups and educational classes free of charge for them to attend.”

Senior Resource Fair attendees will have the opportunity to explore educational workshops, health screenings and resources designed to promote active aging and healthy living.

The City of Woodland will have a booth for its second time, promoting its Woodland Senior Center to fair goers. The center is a public facility for seniors that provides services without requiring membership or proof of residency to participate.

“We try to promote our services to all seniors, which include art activities, exercise, support groups and other recreational and educational offerings. Between West Sacramento, Davis and Woodland, our three senior centers stay in very close contact so that we can offer valuable services to everybody,” said Community Services Program Manager Dallas Tringali.

The Parks and Recreation Department will have a booth with all the information for programs it offers, which includes active aging programs. These programs provide West Sacramento residents ages 50 and older with memberships at $5 per year to participate in leisure activities and use the Senior Lounge at the community center.

“We are the heart of the West Sacramento senior community, offering activities, classes and resources. This is a gathering place where friendships are formed and independence is encouraged,” said Christine Prater, the West Sacramento Community Center recreation supervisor.

The West Sacramento Police Department will also be on hand with resources and an ice cream truck offering complimentary frozen treats.

Gift baskets will be raffled throughout the event; entry for the raffle is free. The prizes, a contribution from vendors and fellow community members, will be given out at the resource fair.

The City of West Sacramento will provide complimentary roundtrip rides through the Via ride-share program. Those in attendance will also be able to enjoy light refreshments and networking opportunities with fellow attendees and community partners. 

The West Sacramento Community Center will once again host its annual Senior Resource Fair on May 16. This is a free event welcoming seniors, caregivers, adult children and community members looking for resources related to active aging and aging-in-place. Photo courtesy of West Sacramento Community Center

A special proclamation for Older Americans Month will be given by Councilmember Norma Acala. This will be a brief ceremony and speech highlighting the contributions of older Americans in the community.

Along with refreshments and networking opportunities, the Senior Resource Fair offers a meaningful way to connect with local services and support advocacy for senior care.

In addition to the fair, the City of West Sacramento’s Sustainability Division is providing free shredding services at the event to safely get rid of unwanted documents. Each participant can bring up to 10 pounds of paper documents to be securely shredded at no cost.

The fair and free shredding event will be from 10 a.m. to 12:30 pm. May 16 at the West Sacramento Community Center, 1075 West Capitol Ave.

For more information about the Senior Resource Fair, contact Recreation Supervisor Prater at [email protected] or call 916-617-5320.

To register online, visit communitycalendar.cityofwestsacramento.org/West_Sacramento_main/190017.