(WNY News Now) – Empowering older adults through education, connection, and community—Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services launches a groundbreaking event this May.
FREDONIA, NY – The Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services (OFAS) is proud to introduce the first-ever CHQAging Expo & Conference, an exciting new event dedicated to empowering older adults with valuable resources, education, and community connections.
The inaugural event will take place at SUNY Fredonia’s Williams Center, 280 Central Ave, Fredonia, NY, on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The day will commence with a grand opening at 9:30 AM, followed by a Meet & Greet. The Resource Fair will be open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and lunch will be available from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Additionally, conference-style informational breakout sessions will be held at 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM, covering a range of topics including dementia awareness, Medicare fraud prevention, scam prevention, estate planning, and more. This event is free for older adults and caregivers, and registration is required by Friday, April 25th.
“This year’s Older Americans Month theme, ‘Flip the Script on Aging,’ challenges us to transform the way we perceive and support aging,” said Dana Corwin, Director of the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services. “Through this event, we are embracing this theme by providing a platform where our older adults can stay active, engaged, and connected to their communities.”
The CHQAging Expo & Conference is a continuation of OFAS’s long-standing tradition of celebrating Older Americans Month. Over the years, the event has evolved from a summer picnic at Midway State Park to a large-scale expo focused on accessibility, education, and community engagement. This year’s expansion allows for greater attendance and includes additional features such as informational sessions and increased agency participation.
“We anticipate welcoming over 1,000 older adults, along with their caregivers and family members, to this year’s event,” said Carey Skelton, Nutrition and Wellness Coordinator. “By bringing together approximately 75 agencies and offering expert-led breakout sessions, we are ensuring that older adults and those who care for them have access to the best possible resources.”
The event will feature special guests, including Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr., who expressed his support for the initiative.
“Ensuring that our seniors have the resources they need to lead fulfilling lives is a priority for Chautauqua County,” said County Executive Wendel. “The CHQAging Expo & Conference is an outstanding opportunity to empower older adults with knowledge and tools to navigate aging with confidence and dignity.”
Community members are encouraged to participate in the event. Attendees can register online at chqgov.com/CHQAgingExpo or by calling Office for Aging Services at 716-753-4471 or 716-363-3865 for assistance.
Organizations serving older adults who wish to host an informational table can contact the OFAS Jamestown Office at 716-661-8940 or email CHQAgingEvents@chqgov.com.
Special thanks to our platinum level sponsors SNAP-Ed and Univera Healthcare for making this event possible.
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