The Burlington County Senior Expo is returning for its 23rd year with exhibitors, information tables, community services, free health screenings, confidential document shredding and more.
This year’s expo will be held on Wednesday, May 7, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Masonic Village Fellowship Center, 1114 Oxmead Road, Burlington Township. It is organized by the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office, Burlington County Commissioners and Burlington County Department of Human Services Office on Aging to give county seniors and other residents access to information, resources and services at a single location.
“Residents of all ages make Burlington County their home because of the activities, programs and businesses we have here, and the Senior Expo is a great place to learn more about the services that are available from our County and our many community and state partners,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson, the liaison to the Department of Human Services and Office on Aging.
Burlington County Sheriff James Kostoplis said the expo provides a clearinghouse of information that is useful both for seniors and residents of all ages.
“The Expo brings together dozens of agencies and organizations whose representatives can answer questions on all kinds of topics, ranging from home security, tax relief programs, health care, nutrition, transportation and recreational opportunities,” Sheriff Kostoplis said. “It’s always informative and we’re excited to host the event and have the opportunity to meet and speak directly with residents.”
Among the more than 50 exhibitors participating in this year’s expo are numerous state and county agencies and departments, social services and health providers, representatives from the New Jersey Superior Court and other groups, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Brain Injury Alliance of NJ and Friends of Parkinson’s Disease.
Attendees can take a tour of the Masonic Homes campus and facilities, safely dispose of confidential documents with a shredding truck in the parking lot and get their blood pressure checked along with other free health screenings. There will also be a free County-sponsored lunch for the first 500 senior citizens who attend.
The Burlington County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit will also be on site to make senior identification cards for residents who need one. The cards can be used as a secondary form of photo identification and lists important information such as emergency contacts, allergies and illnesses, living will and organ donation information.
The Community Outreach Unit will also make veteran’s identification cards for attendees who qualify. These cards can serve as proof of a veteran’s military status when seeking discounts or benefits from stores, restaurants and other businesses. Veterans seeking ID cards should bring their DD214 discharge papers and a primary photo identification, such as a driver’s license.
In addition to making ID cards, the Sheriff’s Office will also be collecting used, non-activated cell phones and chargers for the office’s 911 Cell Phone Program. Collected phones will be preprogrammed to call 911 and will be distributed for free to seniors to have as an emergency resource inside and outside their homes.
“Keeping Burlington County residents safe is our top priority and the cell phone program is one of the important services residents can learn about at the Senior Expo,” said Sheriff Kostoplis. “We hope as many residents as possible will come out and learn more about the resources available to them and their families.”
New Jersey Assemblywoman Andrea Katz said the expo was a great outreach event that highlights the many different services available to residents of all ages.
“The Burlington County Senior Expo is a great place for residents to discover ways to stay healthy and engaged,” said Assemblywoman Katz. “I commend the Burlington County Sheriff and the County Commissioners for organizing this event and providing opportunities for residents to interact and learn about many services and programs that can benefit them and their families.”