What began as an idea to help connect older adults with local resources has grown into Solon’s first-ever Senior Expo, a community event focused on information, support, and social connection.
The free expo, organized by Jill Weetman, took place Tuesday, May 19, at the Solon Community Center and featured more than 30 vendors and organizations offering resources related to health care, transportation, recreation, nutrition, home care, and senior support services.
“People of all different backgrounds and expertise can answer questions and give information,” Weetman explained.
For Weetman, the event reflects a larger goal of helping older adults stay engaged and connected with the local community.
“We are always looking to find new ways of connecting people,” Weetman said. “This was kind of the next step, bringing together all the people locally and within our county who have services that can help our older adults as well.”
Weetman, a pharmacist who has long been involved in community outreach and senior programming in Solon, said helping older adults has become one of her passions.
“To me, it’s just that reaching out to people. It’s something that I love to do.”
Refreshments sponsored by Hy-Vee and Buck Creek Distribution were available throughout the morning, along with seating areas designed to encourage conversation and connection.
Weetman said the event was intended to be both informative and welcoming, especially for older adults who may feel isolated or less comfortable finding resources online.
“I kind of look at it as bringing back the old-fashioned town picnics,” she said. “A way to connect with maybe friends they haven’t seen and really celebrate our older adults.”
She added that one of the biggest goals of the event is helping attendees realize the amount of support available within the community.
“I hope they realize how supported and important they are in the community,” Weetman said. “I hope they take away the fact that there are a lot of good people around that want to help them.”
Weetman credited Holly Blood of Amada Home Care and Scott Maiers of Solon Retirement Village for helping organize the expo and bring together participating vendors and organizations.
“Our goal was really to provide a wide variety of information for people,” Weetman said. “Whether it be legal information, home care, local fitness programs, or technology.”
Although this year marks the first Senior Expo, Weetman said organizers already hope to continue the event in the future.
“The first time you do anything, you just never know how many people are going to want to be part of it,” she said. “We were really pleasantly surprised at how many vendors wanted to come and join us.