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2009 Awareness Fair To Cater To All

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: February 7, 2009

Last year's Senior Awareness Fair addressed the needs of the elder population in Pasco County. This year, organizers are expanding the focus of this free event to include the entire Pasco community.

"This year we looked at economic conditions, with people losing their jobs, and we wanted to open the fair up to everyone in Pasco," said John Trouse, RSVP coordinator. "This year's event is intergenerational."

Sponsored by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and the Pasco County School Board, the Community Awareness Fair will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 18 at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center, 6630 Van Buren St. More than 70 vendors, representing all aspects of public and philanthropic service, will be in attendance.

In addition to agencies such as CARES and Meals On Wheels, which traditionally serve seniors, organizations such as Career Central, Child Welfare and United Way will be on hand, offering information about services valuable to people of all ages.

"Career Central helps people with resumes, helps them find a job," Trouse said. "Hospitals will offer health screenings, and banks will be there to offer financial advice about mortgages, loans, advice on how to keep their homes."

Also represented will be Sertoma Speech and Hearing in New Port Richey, which will offer information about its hearing aid financial assistance program, the programs it has available for hearing-impaired young people transitioning to the workplace, and hearing testing in Pasco schools.

Rebecca Russell-Gootee, executive director of West Pasco Habitat for Humanity, said her organization "is excited to work in collaboration with others in Pasco County.

"With the economic stress that our society is under, it is important for Habitat to provide opportunities to those in need of affordable housing. Our goal this year is to put five families into homes," she said.

Habitat for Humanity will soon be launching the "No Hands But Yours: Volunteers Make it Happen" campaign. For information, call (727) 859-9038.

Sertoma outreach care manager Debra Golinski also is a member of the 2008-09 RSVP Advisory Council. She offered details on the fair's organizations.

"We have All Children's Hospital and Safety for Kids, which provide services for children," she said. "We'll have Elderly Nutrition and Pasco County Animal Services. The Good Samaritan Health Clinic will discuss health care, and H&R Block will be there to help with taxes."

These organizations, in her view, provide the resources needed to survive in today's challenging economy.

"More and more people are doing without the basics," Golinski said. "People need to know about these services more than ever. And if they've never asked for help before, they may not know about these resources."

Those reluctant to ask for help can learn about these resources in a relaxed, fun atmosphere at the fair.

Free hot dogs, soft drinks and popcorn will be available, and each participating organization will offer a prize for drawings throughout the day.

In addition, the Taoist Tai Chi Society will offer tai chi demonstrations, and various health agencies will offer screenings to test blood pressure, bone density, hearing and cholesterol.

Elaine Smith, parks and recreation director for New Port Richey, said she was pleased to offer free use of the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center for the fair.

"We're very pleased to host it, to provide something free to the community," she said. "In this one day they can learn about resources they can use all year long."

Trouse credits the RSVP Advisory Council with their hard work in putting together the 2009 Community Awareness Fair. He invites the public to come out and enjoy the event.

"We expect the fair to be very user-friendly," he said. "We're reaching out to everyone."

COMMUNITY AWARENESS FAIR
SOME BACKGROUND: The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and the Pasco County School Board will present the second Community Awareness Fair starting at 10 a.m. Feb. 18 at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center, 6630 Van Buren St. This event will feature free admission, refreshments and prizes, as well as more than 70 vendors offering a variety of community services.

SPONSORS: Sweetbay Supermarkets; Food With Care; Morgan Funeral Home and Cremation Services; The Hook Law Group; Skip's Florist and Christmas House; Atria Windsor Woods; Jones and Co. CPAs; Sunshine Christian Homes; University of Florida Food Service, Tampa Division; Jennifer Gardens Assisted Living Facility; Pasco Education Foundation; Food and Nutrition Services for Pasco County schools.

COORDINATORS: The 2008-09 RSVP Advisory Council is responsible for coordinating the fair. They are Paula Roman-Klawikofsky, David Moss, Debra Golinski, Elaine Smith, Rushton R. Strano, Sandra Howard and Diane Tolland.

FOR INFORMATION: Call RSVP coordinator John Trouse at (727) 774-2604 or Elaine Smith at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center, (727) 841-4560.

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