Health & Services Expo Returns
By Robin Vinci at October 16, 2023 | 6:15 pm | Print
After a year off, the New Britain TRIAD Expo 16 was held again Oct. 9 at the Hospital for Special Care Community Center.
“We missed one year. We had so many people requesting we come back,” said Mary Carpenter of the NB TRIAD who organized the event along with Art Powers of the police department. “I had people stopping me downtown asking us to do it again.”
Carpenter said the purpose is for seniors to get to know all the services available for them in the area.
“We have skilled nursing facilities, homecare services, funeral services and pharmacies. We want them to know what UConn and the state offers,” Carpenter stated. “Coming back after a year we have 44 vendors.”
Seniors got a free spaghetti and meatball lunch and listened to three speakers in Robert Rodriguez of the social security administration, Cynthia Del Favero of the North Central Area Agency on Aging and Stephanie Jae Alderman, CRT respiratory therapist for the Hospital of Special Care. Mayor Erin Stewart, Fire Chief Thomas Ronalter and Police James Wardwell were also on hand for questions.
“It is a great event. These people love it and they learn a lot,” Carpenter added. “I’ve been in TRIAD for 11 years and this event grows and grows. We plan on doing this for many years to come.”
“This is the first one for me as I took over for Off. Carol Zesut,” said Powers. “I am enjoying it and it’s great helping the people out.”
Among the activities available were free flu shots from the Health Department. The Health Department is offering free flu shots weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at their office on 88 Prospect St.
The HRA gave out various informational brochures including many for the elderly such as companions, counseling, energy assistance and legal services.
New Britain Food Pantry at 460 Osgood, offered information to get free food for New Britain residents in need.
The American Red Cross told seniors how to get free smoke alarms by calling 860-826-4305.
“We are talking to people about pre-planning and pre-arrangement to take away all the responsibilities for children later on. I have been doing this for 20 years,” said Don Sagarino of New Britain Memorial – Sagarino Funeral Home. “When someone passes away people are in flux. We provide a lot of different services other than just funerals. We are actually counselors.”
Free magnetic health records, candies, flashlight keychains, pens, as well as door prizes and other goodies were given out.
“It’s awesome,” said Carol Marold, who stopped at many booths. “It is the best thing ever for all the seniors. They really need this.”
Maria Cefaratti agreed.
“It’s a tremendous affair and it is nice for elderly people to get together to see all the services offered for them,” Cefaratti said. “It really is wonderful.”
