On Thursday I attended the MVP Health Care, Mature Living Expo at the Wilton Mall.
When my managing editor, Barbara Lombardo, called to see if I would attend I told her I would, but I'm sure no one really cared to meet me. I was wrong. Lots of people - especially people from my past - stopped by to say hello. It was fun.
There were many activities planned for the day plus dozens of booths set up and lots of entertainment in one form or another.
The expo started at 10 a.m. and it was a good thing I arrived about 9:30 people were already asking about the continental breakfast The Saratogian was putting on. I kindly said it began at 10 a.m. and directed them to where it was or walked with them to the table filled with all kinds of donuts and donut holes and plenty of Dunkin' Donuts coffee in pourable boxes.
The coffee was caffeinated and believe me we heard about it. "Don't you know when people get older they take alot of medications and need to drink decaf?" one woman said. We apologized but that didn't help.
But most everything went well. There was a fun Zumba Gold demo from MVP Health Care. John Gray, a Saratogian columnist and an anchor on TV Fox, was great. He emceed a fashion show for seniors sponsored by Bon Ton.
The ladies, all past 50 years of age, strutted along a runway looking exceptional. I didn't realize how fashionable women can look with the right advice. Of course, there was a slight complaint from the audience.
"They don't have any fat models," someone said. I explained there were a couple with rolls around their middle. That didn't help.
Saratogian reporter Paul Post was there signing and selling his recent book "Soldiers of Saratoga County: From Concord to Kabul." He had a steady line of mostly men who had their tales to tell. But he did sell a few. It's a very good read and would make a great present for some man or woman in your life.
Even though some people took a lunch break, entertainment didn't stop. MVP showcased its dance troupe. The Racing City Chorus put on a wonderful performance and were rewarded with plenty of applause. Silver Sneakers did a demo where the older folks joined in. There were more dance moves and yoga for seniors.
The Saratogian had a drawing every half hour with good prizes from movie tickets to umbrellas to $50 American Express gift cards. There was lots of interest in them.
Also, no one walked away empty handed. Every booth had pens, candy, info and lots of other goodies to give away. And best of all, you could get a flu shot, have your blood pressure read and audiology screenings.
I must say, I'm one of the Golden Girls and I was exhausted when I left. But it was lots of fun meeting and greeting everyone. I hope they have another one before I get too old to attend. But as I tell everyone "you're never too old."