MUSCATINE, Iowa–Following the fall 2022 Community Block Party, a longstanding community event that provides information and activities geared towards young people and families with children, Senior Resources started to think about how they could create a similar event catered towards older adults. As they started looking into hosting an event, they found Community Health Care had almost the same goal, and both organizations started planning an event together. “Community Health Care had a similar idea to bring awareness to their services and provide COVID vaccines, so the partnership came together naturally,” explained Megan Francis, marketing director and executive assistant for Vision 2020, an organization that collaborates closely with Senior Resources. “We appreciate Hy-Vee joining us to provide refreshments for the event,” she added.

This year, the first Aging Adult Resource Fair will take place April 28 at the Muscatine Mall (1903 Park Avenue in Muscatine) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and anyone may visit for free. Featuring a wide variety of vendors with various foci, the fair will provide a wealth of knowledge for older adults whether they have just moved to Muscatine or lived in the city for their whole lives.

At the Aging Adult Resource Fair, attendees can drop in and learn about a myriad of topics from different vendors. Those looking for healthcare providers or specialized health services can meet with representatives from groups like Community Health Care and Iowa City Hospice. Anyone wanting to get more involved with the community can chat with people from groups like the Muscatine Garden Club, Muscatine Newcomers and Friends, and United Way of Muscatine to find social and volunteering activities that suit their interests and skills. People wanting to explore assisted living facilities can get information from local housing providers, such a Addington Place and Courtyard Estates of Walcott. Milestones Area Agency on Aging will provide general information about programs to support older adults for anyone who would like it. An interactive event, people may take part in fitness demonstrations every half hour, enjoy live music, and enter to win door prizes.

Graphic courtesy Senior Resources.

To make attending the fair accessible for everyone, Muscabus will provide free transportation to and from the event. Anyone riding a regular Muscabus route simply needs to show a physical or digital event flyer or mention the event to get a free ride there. Anyone not near a regular route may call Muscabus (563-263-8152) at least 24 hours in advance for free shuttle service to and from their homes.

An opportunity for older adults in the area to get acquainted with the many services and groups available to them, Community Health Care Community Health Coordinator Ellie Kenney urges people to come out and take advantage of all the information available to them. “I encourage people to come to the fair to learn about the great services offered in Muscatine and surrounding cities to aging adults,” she said. “Resources are always changing, so in order to best help yourself and others it is important to keep up to date on what is our there to assist.”