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Mowing Helmets Hot Items At Elder Fair

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

Carol Bacon of Sebring tries on a helmet with the help of Vicky Lysak on Thursday at the 2008 Elder Fair. Bacon said she wanted a helmet for when she rides a bike and she may even use it when she mows her lawn.

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: January 25, 2008

SEBRING — Don't be surprised if a neighbor is wearing a bike helmet the next time he hops on a riding mower to cut the grass.

The Aging Advocacy Coalition sponsored the 23rd annual Elder Fair at Firemen's Field on Thursday and bike helmets were just some of many giveaways.

About 60 exhibitors — including Florida Hospital Heartland Division which gave away almost 100 helmets — attracted about 700 seniors to the day-long event.

The theme was "Happy Days are Here Again." Several exhibitors dressed in their best 1950s outfits and Elvis made an appearance.

Ray Sears of Sebring said with a grin that he is looking forward to cutting the grass while wearing his new helmet.

"The neighbors accept me as I am," said Sears. "They know I'm crazy."

The 81-year-old Sears then became more serious.

"I got it because I fell off my riding mower once, and I'm always bumping my head on tree branches."

His wife, Ruth Sears, was thankful Ray had accepted the gift.

The way the wind blows the palm fronds, it's a smart thing to have," said Ruth Sears. "Now that he's got the helmet, I'm going to next send him out to clean the back yard."

Carol Bacon referred to herself as a "long-time senior" and expected to try out the helmet when she next cuts the lawn with a push mower. Bacon hopes the helmet will protect her from mower-thrown pine cones and rocks.

"But thank heavens I don't have to cut the grass until April," quipped Bacon.

Vicky Lysak of Florida Hospital helped hand out helmets to wheelchair, scooter and lawnmower users, plus bikers.

The helmets were donated by the Epilepsy Services of West Central Florida, Inc.

The program also gave free helmets to children.

Lysak made sure the helmets fit properly. She said that until they were all given away, up to 15 people at a time clamored around the booth.

Helmets are available at local department and bike stores and usually cost less than $20, said Lysak.

"Fifteen or $20 can be a lifesaver at a small price," she said.

Grace Plants, event organizer and Lifeline Program manager, talked about the event designed specifically for senior citizens.

"It's like one-stop shopping," said Plants. "They can get all the information ... and have fun doing it – it's a lot more fun than visiting the doctor's office."

Other exhibitors included massage therapist Stephanie D. Farrer, who talked while she worked without charging a fee to a senior visitor.

"This is my first ever elder fair," said Farrer. "It's a wonderful opportunity to meet people and great for the community. It's also a great way to reach this particular age group."

Joseph A. Dionne, veteran's service director, was busy distributing literature and chatting with veterans for the Highlands County Veteran Service's Office.

"This is a very good target audience for us – the people who need the care are here. We're here to help them get information about VA healthcare, especially the veterans who don't know about us."

An Elvis Presley impersonator made an appearance. Andrew Nicholas of Sebring sported authentic Elvis sideburns, but confided he'd added a bit of hair dye.

"I don't try to overdo it," said the 54-year old, who most often portrays the older Elvis. "I show respect and it's a lot of fun."

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