The Warren County Senior Center held its annual Senior Expo Wednesday, Oct. 4, at the Wright City Lions Club.

Doors opened at 9 a.m. and “People were here at 7:30 a.m. Our vendors weren’t here yet,” said Laura Schneider, a Warren County Senior Center volunteer. 

The Senior Expo brought information about products and services designed for older citizens to one place where guests could receive information and ask questions. Those vendors included representatives from Social Security and tax experts, health care and safety practitioners, at-home care and assisted-living facilities, and fitness.  

The event attracted some 200 people from Warren, St. Charles, Lincoln and Franklin counties.   

“We were thrilled to be able to feature over 25 area businesses and organizations that cater to our senior community, and believe participants went home with a lot of valuable contacts,” said Lindsey Boehle, executive director for the senior center. 

Guests generally went table to table, picking up gifts, brochures and stopping for conversations. 

Karen Benton and her husband Al, who recently moved to Warrenton, were impressed with the event. Karen didn’t remember attending anything like it when they lived in St. Louis. The Bentons spent extra time at the Medicare information table to ask questions. 

Debbie Roloff came with her partner Doug Farrens. Although not a senior citizen, she said she found vendors that were helpful to her health needs.

Guests were treated to a free chili luncheon prepared by Warren County Senior Center staff. Other volunteers brought pies and desserts. Sam’s Club offered free flu shots. 

Legacy Drugstore, with stores in Warrenton and Wright City, offered free blood pressure checks and pharmaceutical advice including insurance options for better prescription coverage. 

Legacy Drugstore pharmacist Andy Boyet said he was surprised by how many people came from out of town. Still, it was evident that the majority of visitors were local. 

“It’s great to see how everybody knows everybody,” Boyet said.  

Vendors provided attendance gifts and raffle prizes that were announced throughout the day.

“This was the senior center’s second year to host this event. We took it over from KFAV-FM/KWRE-AM last year, as our largest annual fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting our meal programs,” Boehle said.

The Warrenton Senior Center provides Meals on Wheels to qualifying older adults. 

“We look forward to continuing to grow this event, and encourage our area seniors to make it a point to attend,” said Boehle.

The event sponsor was Legacy Drugstore. The corporate sponsor was Ameren Missouri. 

Charlie Edward and his sister-in-law Shirley Moore take a break from the activities at the Senior Expo Oct. 6. Record photo/ Kate Miller.