Michael Abraham
It seems like everybody knows about the AARP, at least those of us in or entering the bi-focal set.
Local chapter president Wendy Baldwin and Jennie Reilly, Coordinator of their bi-annual Health and Wellness Fairs held in even years at the Christiansburg Recreation Center, have made AARP a substantial part of their lives.
I sat down to talk with them about the organization and the preparations for the upcoming Fair, scheduled for September 19, 2018 from 12-4 p.m.
The Health Fair is their largest event and major fundraiser. They charge exhibitors anywhere from $100 to $500, but attendance is free and open to the public. They donate that money to various non-profit organizations in the community
Reilly said, “It’s like the home show, except for health. We had 140 exhibitors in 2016 and expect more this year. About 500 people came, and we were really excited to have that many, but we hope for more this September. The topics are not just for health, but also for the fun things to do in this area. There are a wide variety of vendors who offer services and resources for senior and caregivers.”
I asked about the exhibitors at the Fair.
Reilly said, “We have both for-profit and non-profit. Companies come to exhibit products and services of interest to anyone, but especially to older citizens and caregivers. Non-profit organizations come to talk about volunteerism, recreation and local opportunities. AARP studies show that people are healthier and live longer if they are connected in their communities. The Fair is a place where people make those connections. Organizations that seek volunteers get a big printed ‘V’ on their table so people know they are accepting sign-ups. The United Way and the local RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) are there to help link people with organizations.”
An example of exhibitors is Blacksburg’s Hearing Clinic, which sets up hearing screenings. Dozens of attendees are seen and tested. Many people set up follow-up appointments.
Several local pharmacies are there to greet customers and make new ones. The retirement communities are all represented; skin screenings, hearing and vision screening, chiropractic care, and adaptive technology are some of the fun exhibits.
“This year we are offering even more alternative healing exhibits like essential oils, massage, mind/body integration, and reflexology,” Reilly stated.
“It’s not just for you to get your flu shot and wander around,” Baldwin said. “It’s a great place to get information about senior housing; this includes everything from companies who specialize in adapting your current home to area nursing homes. Coming to the Fair is easier and less stress than going to all those individual resources on your own.”
Another great aspect of the Health Fair is the co-sponsorship with VCOM (Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine) and the Christiansburg Recreation Center.
The VCOM students and staff provide up to date information and services from nutrition to actual osteopathic manipulation.
VCOM students are available to assist visitors and Radford University Nursing Students are also available.
The Rec Center provides instructors for on-site exercise demos as well as healthy snacks for the visitors.
You can tell these two AARP members are excited about the upcoming Health and Wellness Fair. But they are also enthusiastic about their AARP Chapter. Locally, the chapter has monthly meetings with time before the meeting to eat brown bag lunches and socialize with other members (Third Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Blacksburg Rec Center on Patrick Henry Drive).
“While we always try to be relevant to the retired population, the monthly speakers have broad appeal ranging from cyber security to research on electronic fitness devices,” Baldwin said.
“Blacksburg AARP has a great board filled with people who not only have great ideas for serving the area, but who are willing to roll up their sleeves and do things.” That activity reflects what Baldwin calls the “three pillars of AARP activity.” One activity is remediation, or help with things that become more difficult as we age.”
Tax Aide brings together members and local folks who need help getting their income taxes filed. AARP mirrors the national attention to political issues like Gerrymandering and implications for seniors. Finally, there is the celebratory aspect.
“Once retired, you can have more time to devote to leisure activities you have always enjoyed, or take up a new one,” Baldwin said. She never thought she’d be drumming in a steel drum orchestra, but she is! Isn’t retirement grand?
Michael Abraham is a businessman and author. He was raised in Christiansburg and lives in Blacksburg.
