Life Enrichment Expo slated for April 26

Date: 4/23/2012

April 23, 2012

SPRINGFIELD — Caring for parents can leave many questions unanswered. The annual Life Enrichment Expo is a resource for the sandwich generation, which continues to be responsible for not only their own children, but also for their aging parents. Life Expo is also a resource for those aged 50-plus who are planning for retirement or are already retired.

Admission and parking are free at the upcoming Life Enrichment Expo, which will take place on April 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Basketball Hall of Fame. Attendees will find useful tools, invaluable advice, knowledgeable experts, housing options, health care services, and more. Those who attend can even receive special savings on medical equipment and other services.

"We want to be clear that this expo serves two populations," Carlin Trietsch, Adult Services director at the Springfield Jewish Community Center (JCC) and Life Expo coordinator, said. "We serve those helping aging parents, as well as those who are aged 50 or older."

Attendees will meet a wide variety of vendors, including eye and ear care, foot care, home health care, residential living services, hospice care, home renovations and more.

Life Expo will also feature free lectures to help people enrich their lives or the lives of their parents:

• 10:30 a.m. — "Why and How and What to Read Aloud," presented by Springfield School Volunteers (SSV).
  
  
• 11 a.m. — "Mentoring: An Hour a Week Can Make a World of Difference," presented by Maria DeAngelis and Judy Donahue, program managers, SSV.
  
  
• 11:30 a.m. — "Healthy Living to Enjoy Your Retirement to the Fullest," presented by Heather Joliceour, Area Agency on Aging Community coordinator, Greater Springfield Senior Services; and Mary Jenewin-Caplin, Area Agency on Aging director, Greater Springfield Senior Services.
  
  
• Noon — "Safety In the Home," presented by Darci Fournier, rehab team leader, Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice Services.
  
  
• 12:30 p.m. — "What Does Affordable Seniro Housing Mean and Do I Qualify?" presented by Donna L. Coyle, marketing coordinator for O'Connell Senior Living/Appleton Corporation.
  
  
• 1 p.m. — "Depression: Risks, Symptoms & Recovery!" presented by Deborah Floyd, LISCW, Behavioral Health Clinician.

The 21st Annual Life Enrichment Expo is presented by Health New England and Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice. The Springfield Jewish Community Center and PRIME/Reminder Publications are co-sponsors and founders of Life Expo. NovaCare Outpatient Rehabilitation is a platinum sponsor; AARP-Massachusetts is a gold sponsor; and CBS3-Springfield is the media sponsor.

Admission and parking are free. Transportation will be available from the Springfield JCC with advance reservation. Call 739-4715 for more information.