SALINA SUNFLOWER FAIR SET FOR SEPTEMBER 20

Are you a 60+ Senior Citizen looking for answers about such topics as Medicare, diabetes prevention, assisted living facilities in the area, and ways to reduce your chances for having a stroke? Or are you possibly a caregiver of an aging parent or other relative who is interested in learning about services that are available for Seniors, or ways to minimize fraud possibilities, or whether reverse mortgages would be a good way to keep your loved one financially solvent in their "golden years"?

The answers to all these questions, and many more, can be found at the annual Sunflower Fair, held at the Salina Bicentennial Center on Tuesday, September 20. The theme for this year's event is "Good Vibrations", with the day slated to begin at 8:00 AM, and concluding at 4:00 PM. The Keynote Speaker, kicking off the festivities at approximately 8:30, will be Robert Blacato, Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Society on Aging, and a leading advocate for Seniors and Caregivers. The closing speaker will be Julian Gonzalez, an award winning photographer for the Detroit Free Press. The Sunflower Fair is sponsored by the North Central - Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging, the 18-County support organization for Kansas Seniors, citizens with physical disabilities, and partner with the Federal Government's Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for subsidized housing in the north central Kansas region. Major financial supporters for the Sunflower Fair include the Salina Regional Health Center and the Flint Hills Foundation for Older Kansans.

Between the two speeches by Mr. Blacato and Mr. Gonzalez, Fair-goers will be able to visit any of the nearly 70 exhibits, participate in some of the 12 workshops, walk through an antique tractor show, and be served a delicious sit-down lunch, all for their registration price of just $25.00. Pre-registration is available by calling 800-432-2703, but is not required, as participants can also register at the door on the day of the Fair. Some of the workshop topics include: How to recognize and Prevent Strokes; Veterans Benefits; Reverse Mortgages and PayDay Loans; Better Hearing for Good Vibrations; and Minding Your Money - Avoiding Investment Fraud. Sunflower Fair participants will have the opportunity to chose a workshop during both the morning and afternoon sessions of the event. In addition, the Kansas Lions Mobile Screening Unit for Visual problems will be on site, and both a Silent Auction and Live Auction will add to the festivities.

In reference to the featured speaker, Jim Beck, Chair of the NC-FHAAA Board of Directors said, "We're very excited that Bob Blancato will be keynoting our Sunflower Fair. His perspective as a leader on issues affecting seniors and caregivers, and initiatives to prevent elder abuse and neglect will inspire and energize us." Added Julie Govert Walter, NC-FHAAA Executive Director, "Bob's morning presentation will certainly be a highlight of this year's Fair. We invite Seniors, caregivers, and all who want to celebrate many more happy birthdays - to bring their friends and come to our Sunflower Fair for some "good vibrations!"

The Solomon Valley Transportation Bus will be available to take riders to the event, simply by calling the SVT number at 785-534-2395. Suggested donation for the round trip is $8.00. Additional information can be had by calling the Mitchell County board members to the NC-FHAAA - Jay Rowh at 785-738-0241, or Tom Maxwell at 785-738-7502. Come have a great time, and gain vital information at the same time, at the Sunflower Fair in Salina on September 20. See you there!!!

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Beloit, KS 67420, USA