Sampson’s Agri-Exposition Center was bustling with people Wednesday as Sampson County seniors filled tote bags with resources, played bingo, shopped for fresh produce and connected with the community at the fourth annual Senior Health Fair hosted by Eve Black & Associates Insurance.
Host Eve Black-Venters was excited about the turnout for the annual fair as she took in the smell of popcorn popping and the sight of smiles from seniors and vendors alike.
Venters said she and her team enjoy hosting the event each year and seeing familiar faces. “Faces we get to see that we don’t see but every once in a while,” she emphasized.
Venters was also grateful to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina for sponsoring 200 cooler bag lunches and vouchers allowing seniors to shop at the Ripe for Revival mobile grocery store.
She stressed the importance of making the event worthwhile for those who attend, and seniors, vendors and volunteers, alike, spoke positively about the experience.
Senior Mary Lee was having fun strolling through the vendor booths and filling her tote bag with goodies.“I’m enjoying it. I’m learning a lot. I’ve been coming every year. I love it,” Lee shared enthusiastically.
Teresa Ezzell had a big smile on her face as she expressed her appreciation for the fair and said she looks forward to it each year.
“It is wonderful. I’m enjoying it. This is my third time,” Ezzell emphasized.
Annie Williams meandered through the rows of vendors with an ice cream cone in her hand and a sparkle in her eye when asked about her time at the event.
“My experience of the senior health fair was enjoyable. I learned a lot, and I hope they keep doing it,” Williams shared, grinning as she dished out the compliments.
Martin Mortenson said he learned about several resources he had not previously known about.“Like the Habitat opportunities,” he said, gesturing toward the Habitat for Humanity booth.
The vendors represented “everything seniors need in one place,” according to Director of Senior Services Dana Hall, with medical services, exercise opportunities and social clubs among the resources represented.
The Sampson County YMCA was among the organizations on hand, and staff offered seniors financial assistance, pop-up potlucks, a cancer survivor program and a variety of fitness resources.
“The biggest thing is we have something for everybody, and even if you think you can’t do it, we can modify it so you can,the Y’s Ashley Campos stressed.
“This event is proof that seniors in Sampson County are appreciated and supported,” Lotoya Tatum of Vital Home Care in Clinton emphasized. “There are resources available, and you are not alone.”
A mobile optician was also present and spent much of the day fixing glasses that were not properly adjusted.
Brenda Ledford specializes in helping seniors wherever they are, with only a glasses prescription needed. It was her first time participating in the senior event, and she stressed how much she enjoys helping older adults in their own environment without the need to rush. She was also grateful for the opportunity to connect with seniors throughout Sampson County.
Joy Cannady of Janice Faye’s Ranch expressed her gratitude to Eve Black & Associates and said she was glad the event is available each year for seniors to connect with local resources.
U Care representative Omar Aquino explained the importance of seniors knowing what resources are available if they are not being treated well.
“We see a lot of seniors. They can come. Don’t be quiet,” Aquino urged, stressing that seniors do not have to suffer in silence and that resources are available locally.
Hall stressed the difference the event makes not only for seniors in attendance, but also through the services the Department of Aging is able to provide with the proceeds.One hundred percent of the money raised from the event goes to the Department of Aging. Eve Black & Associates covers the cost of the fair so proceeds can go directly toward replacing medical equipment at the county’s Adult Day Care, building wheelchair ramps and providing assistive devices.
Hall explained that those needs are not always covered in the department’s budget, making proceeds from the event important in helping provide resources to seniors who need them.
Opportunities to get out and socialize are also important to seniors’ health, Hall stressed. She expressed gratitude to Eve Black & Associates for giving Sampson County seniors an opportunity to connect at the fair while also learning about social opportunities available throughout the year.
The senior services director noted that many vendors return to the fair year after year because of the traffic the event generates, while Venters makes changes each year to keep the experience fresh for attendees.
“A lot of vendors are local services they can get through Medicare that they didn’t know about,” Hall explained.
For organizers and those who attended, the event offered seniors a chance to learn about health, wellness and community resources that may otherwise have gone unnoticed.