The City of Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department hosted the annual MemorialCare Elevate Encore Senior Expo on Aug. 26, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The free event was held at the Los Alamitos Community Center and was coordinated by the Department’s Community Resources Supervisor, Tara Farajian, with assistance from Assistant Recreation Supervisor Gilberto Arteaga-Ceja.
Approximately 39 vendors attended, filling the halls and rooms, including the lobby, topping last year’s 35. A total of 10 sponsors supported the event including Title Sponsor MemorialCare, Presenting Sponsors Syrentis Clinical Research and The Rainbow Cone in Cypress, Gold Sponsor Living Well Home Care, and Community Sponsors Hearing Services West, Home Instead, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Aetna, and Five Star Bath Solutions.
This marked the fourth anniversary of the resource fair. Doors opened a little earlier this year to allow guests to escape the heatwave, but despite the weather, staff welcomed approximately 300 older adults seeking resources and opportunities to connect with others. Resources ranged from financial security information through the Securities and Exchange Commission to caregiving, transportation, mental health, technology, insurance, leisure services and clubs, volunteer opportunities, nutrition, and more.
Over half of the available vendors were local nonprofit, county, or federal organizations. A light complimentary breakfast was also offered, featuring coffee, pastries, sandwiches, cookies, and fruit. The first 150 lucky visitors received a free insulated lunch tote. Expo Bingo also returned, taking participants from table to table, where vendors stamped their cards with colorful daubers. Once completed, the cards could be turned in at the check-in table for a giveaway ticket. Over 15 gift baskets and gift cards were distributed to the winners.
The resource fair remains a vital source of trusted information for the local community, consistently expanding in scope and reach. It serves as a valuable platform for connecting residents with essential resources and encouraging ongoing engagement. For more information about upcoming events and programs, please visit www.cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation or contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 430 – 1073.