Caregiver Support Fair

Posted: March 25, 2016, 6:08PM

It's almost that time again! We will be holding the 17th Annual Event at the Ohio Valley Mall in St Clairsville on May 3 from 10 am- 3 pm. What IS the Caregiver Support Fair? The Fair is an event that offers information on aging and caregiving services and resources available in the Ohio Valley. Last year we had over 95 exhibitors representing nursing facilities, home health, assisted living, Veteran's services, information and referral, housing, in home assistance, volunteer services, our local Area Agencies on Aging - and much more. The event offers FREE information and opportunities for our community to meet and talk to local agency representatives. There is NO FEE to exhibit and there is NO fee to attend. We have health screens, giveaways and door prizes. We have entertainment, a Fashion Show and cake (generously provided by Riesbeck's for 17 years!). How did the event start? Several years ago, many of us were providing care to a loved one. I was helping with my grandmother. Another of our group of friend / colleagues was helping with an uncle. Another was assisting with an aunt. We were trying to navigate the social service and health care systems and were having challenges. We thought "If we are having problems - and we're all professionals in the field - what about the lay caregiver??" And that seed of an idea produced an event that has been a main stay of health and human service information in the community for 17 years. We didn't do it alone. We have had amazing support from the Ohio Valley Mall, Belmont County Department of Job & Family Services, Area Agency on Aging Region 9, Print N Copy, Riesbeck's, entertainers such as Mark Statler, Butch Ackermann, We Three, The Keenagers, Redwing, Steppin' Country, Maryann Droll, Colerain Consort - and so many more. Stever Masure has been with us for the Fashion Show for several years. The Belmont County Deputies & the US Marines have served as escorts for our models who have been supported by the Mall merchants such as Sear's, KMart, Boscov's, and PWM Christopher & Banks. I know I've missed so many who have contributed to the success of this event. We are so grateful to all of you who have been with us for many years and have helped make the event bigger and better every year. If you want to exhibit, contact me! Deadline for registration is April 1. We focus on aging, caregiving and those who serve consumers with disabilities. Thank you to past exhbitors and to those who are already registered for this year.