Like just about everything - OK, everything - in the world over the last couple of years, scheduling has been a challenge. There’s been COVID, COVID, and more COVID. And just when you thought it was over, COVID reared its head again. Life is normalizing now, but months ago, decisions weren’t so clear. That’s when staffers at the Mexico Area Family YMCA had to make the call on whether or not to host their Senior Expo.

“After a two year hiatus, we bought this event back by popular demand,” said Brooke Jamesom, YMCA executive director. “We reached out to our friends at the health department to be sure we can do this event in a safe way. With their blessing, we hit the ground running.”

One of the Y’s most popular annual events, the Expo had been in a holding pattern during the era of social distancing and quarantining. Evidenced by the success of Thursday’s attendance and engagement, the Y made the right decision. An estimated 300 people walked through the YMCA doors, taking advantage of the free offerings from area vendors.

This free event is put on by the Health Leadership Team and focuses on enhancing senior living through recreation, technology, and education. Vendor booths were set up in the YMCA gym and from the 9 a.m. opening rush to the noon finish, the Expo was bustling with YMCA members and non-members alike.

“Expos are funny,” said Jameson, “you get the first wave rush in to collect all the goodies and freebies - especially the Mr. Goodbar candies. And then you have the late rush come in so they can be present for the end of day door prizes to be drawn. We had a steady flow of people for the three full hours.”

Attendees had ample opportunity to visit with a varied roster of senior service professionals, most of whom offered complimentary literature, and SWAG (stuff we all get), like pens and other promotional items. Beyond that, there were door prizes and giveaways, with Miss Missouri Callie Cox assisting in proceedings.
“The overall feedback was very positive,” said Jameson. “I think attendees were pleased with the amount of diverse information they were able to receive all in one spot.”

As for the vendors, they seemed to be pleased with the traffic their booths received and the engagement of attendees.

“I think the vendors were excited to mingle with our community and each other,” Jameson said. “We all have a shared mission for a better Audrain County, so it’s fun to be in a room full of like minded, community serving thinkers.”

For Jameson, it was her first Expo as the Y’s executive director. Following the event, she had a bit of time to reflect.

“Personally, it is so fulfilling to hear and see so many smiling faces in the YMCA,” she said.

And beyond the event itself, it was a good time for the YMCA to highlight their facilities and offerings, including the Active Older Adults Low Intensity classes. Y members can sign up for low impact aerobics, chair exercise, yoga, athricise, water walking and aquacise for no charge.

”It’s a huge reward to hear someone’s delight when they compliment the building or are impressed with all our offerings at such an affordable price,” she said. “If two or three seniors join the Y and gain a healthy community to be a part of, well then every ounce of effort was worth it.”

Next up, the Expo team will meet and consider the survey feedback and use that information to guide decision making for next year’s event. Jameson credits the team of volunteers, the sponsors and staffers who helped make the event a success.

“I have been a vendor participant in the past,” said Jameson, “but have never been sitting in the driver’s seat. I am so grateful for the team of volunteers who made this possible. It’s a lot of work, but everyone works together to help reach out and so it runs smoothly. Lesson learned for next year: Start planning sooner.”

Here’s the vendor roster: East Lawn Memorial Park, Pickering Funeral Home, Arnold Funeral Home, Audrain Health Department, Teal Lake Assisted Living/Arbors, Missouri Veterans Home, Relay for Life of Audrain, JAG, First State Community Bank, Mexico Noon Lions Clubs, Noble Health, Central MO Community Action, Presser Arts Center, Oasis Tutoring, MoDOT, Bright Futures, Continental Siding, Senior Health Consultants, State Farm Insurance - Nancy Baca, Health Leadership Team Surveys, AARP, Jackson Street Drug, Mexico Senior Center, Aging Best, American Family Insurance, The King’s Daughters Home, Services for Independent Living, United Credit Union, Peak, Sports and Spine, League of Women Voters, Mexico Area Family YMCA, The Help Center, Truman VA, Compassus Hospice, Pin Oaks, Compass Health Network, OATS Transit and Mexico Parks and Recreation.

Platinum sponsors were Arnold Funeral Home, East Lawn Memorial Park and Pickering Funeral Home; gold sponsors, Senior Health Consultants, Audrain County Health Department; silver sponsors, United Credit Union, Continental Siding, Peak Sports and Spine and State Farm- Nancy Baca.