~ by Trevor Phipps ~
The benefits to a small town include the quiet, the “hometown” feel and the feeling of community.
Nothing gives residents the heart-warming sense of community like when various people and organizations work together towards a common goal to benefit citizens. In cities all over El Paso and Teller counties, examples of teamwork and multi-faceted coordination abound.
Three years ago, several local senior-citizen-related organizations in the Teller County region teamed up to form the Golden Bridge Network. The network consists of local senior-related non-profit organizations, such as the Woodland Park Senior organization, Daybreak- an adult day care program, and the Teller Senior Coalition. Other members include the new Aspen Assisted Living Center, UCHealth Pikes Peak Regional Hospital, and the Cripple Creek Care Center.
The organization’s biggest accomplishment has been to bring the Senior Expo to Teller County now for the third year in a row. The expo serves as a one-stop-shop for information for local senior citizens. All of the organizations that offer services to seniors get the chance to educate locals about what is available. Attendees receive vast amounts of information on all kinds of services, support groups and other options for senior citizens.
Previously the expo was always held at the Ute Pass Cultural Center in August. This year the event is being held a bit earlier on Friday, June 15th because it will be at its new location outdoors at Woodland Park’s Memorial Park. The expo will be held on June 15 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will feature exciting new activities, demonstrations, and presentations.
This year, as a part of the expo, a beautiful balloon release will be held at the park. The event will also feature different types of live entertainment for participants to enjoy. According to the Golden Bridge Network’s event flyer, there will be “enticing food trucks” and “experienced” crafters.
Admission to the expo is free. Participants can benefit from both an entertaining and educational experience. There will be the usual informative vendors and booths offering extensive resources. Experts in various fields will also be offering beneficial demonstrations of products and services.
Throughout the day there will be numerous giveaways for attendees to enjoy. This year’s date was specifically chosen for June 15 because the day is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Senior citizens, their loved ones, and caretakers are all invited to this four-hour-long event.
