The second annual Senior Resource Fair, a four-hour exposition that showcases helpful resources for seniors, returns to Clinton Hill on March 29. The fair organized by the Senior Council of the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project was in high demand from neighborhood seniors, said an organizer for the fair.
“It’s something they asked for,” said Meredith Phillips Almeida, executive director of the organization. “We created the task of asking seniors what they want from the community they are living in, what they want to see happen or change, and how can we help to improve their experience in the community and one thing they seem to like was the fair.”
She said the fair was one of the long-term missions the organization was working to implement for the community.
“This is something we did as part of our work to become an age-friendly neighborhood,” said Almeida.
Seniors can learn about the opportunities that service them directly from the representatives who will be in attendance at the fair, said Almeida. About 30 or more exhibitors from organizations such as Access-A-Ride, Good Neighbors, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), and the Department of the Aging will be there.
Last year was the first time the organization held the fair and it was a successful hit with area residents, said Almeida.
“It was great and a packed house and it was wonderful because it was first time we held it and we were thrilled at the turnout from seniors and exhibitors willing to come and share information with seniors,” she said.
The fair caters to the senior community of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, which are often not thought of, said Almeida.
“One of the reasons why we do many programs with seniors is because a lot of people don’t realize how many are living in our community” she said Almeida. “They’re not visible but they are an important part the community and many have lived there for a long time.”
She also said that aside from the beneficial information they will learn from the fair, it also has a great social aspect to it.
“It’s a great opportunity to meet more of your neighbors that have the same challenges and same interests as you,” said Almeida.
“Senior Resource Fair” at Mercy Home [273 Willoughby Ave. between Classon Avenue and Taffee Place in Clinton Hill, www.myrtl
