Question: Last year about this time, there was an event in Fredonia, but I couldn’t go. Is that event being held again this year? Do you know anything about it?

Answer: I think I know the event you are thinking about. The Chautauqua County Office for the Aging held an event called CHQAging Expo & Conference at SUNY Fredonia. They are holding that event again this year. So let me tell you about it.

The CHQAging Expo & Conference is being held at SUNY Fredonia on May 21, 2026 at the Williams Center on the SUNY Fredonia campus. The event will go from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is held in May to celebrate Older Americans Month. In 1963, President John F Kennedy designated May as Senior Citizens Month to recognize the 17 million Americans that were over 65. The designation of this month is to recognize the contributions that this population has given to our county, to raise awareness of the challenges of aging, and to promote the programs that support the independence and dignity of older Americans.

Every year many communities celebrate this month with activities, programs and events to celebrate this population. That population has grown to over 67 million in the US. That population name has also changed over the years, Senior Citizens, Elderly, Older Americans, are just some of the names we use.

What is significant is that this population today continues to be a vibrant and important population in our economy and our community. This population continues to work, volunteer, and contribute to the businesses, agencies and services in our country.

Without their contributions our economy would collapse.

The May 21, Expo & Conference this year will include an exhibition hall where local community based organizations will be available to speak with attendees about their programs and services. There will be over 70 agencies, programs and service providers there to give you an opportunity to learn about what they do and how they can help you.

There will also be educational breakout sessions offered in classrooms within the Williams Center. Sessions will include Diabetes Educations, Scam Prevention, Money Management, Medicare 101, Legal Planning, Pain Managements, Exercise Class and more.

Registration is not required to attend the event, but to attend the educational breakout sessions, registration is recommended. To register you can visit the website at chautauquacountyny.gove/CHQAgingExpo. You can also call 716-753-4582. Transportation assistance can be requested when you register for the event. There will be lunch available for attendees to purchase. Each vendor will also have a basket to raffle for attendees to try to win.

Attendees can be older adults, caregivers and families. This is an event designed to provide educational opportunities as well as an opportunity to ask questions, gather resources and learn about services available in our region. Be sure to watch for more information, or call 716-753-4582, or visit the Office for the Aging website listed above for more information. CHQAging has a useful monthly newsletter on their website called CHQAging Connections and there is more information available there. I look forward to seeing you at this event. I know I will be there. I look forward to seeing all the providers and services available. I look forward to seeing all the familiar faces and some new ones.

Janell Sluga is a Geriatric Care Manager helping seniors in our community access services and insurance. To reach her, please email editorial@post-journal.com.