The third annual Senior Expo is next Friday.

Jessica Durphy, an insurance agent at The Williams Agency and organizer of the Senior Expo, said she had the idea for the event a few years ago. She recognized the need for a safe place for seniors to socialize and gather information specifically for them.

“I wanted it to be a place where I have screened every vendor, so I know they won’t be scammed,” Durphy said. “… I want them to be safe and have companionship and be able to meet other seniors of like-mind, looking for the same answers to their questions.”

The 2019 Senior Expo runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Church of God, 2500 Colby Road. Admission is free. There will also be a free lunch, free screenings and free informational resources.

“Honestly, I feel like we have so much for kids, so much for young families…  so many benefits for … all of these other populations … our seniors are forgotten,” Durphy said. “I think they’re a people that there’s not a lot for them to do… This gives them some camaraderie with other seniors. I think it’s cool to allow our seniors to learn what’s available for them in our community, with our local businesses.”

The Williams Agency presents the annual senior expo and will give away a $150 Kroger gift card. Attendees do not have to be present to claim the prize, Durphy said; attendees can come and go as they please.

Attendees can learn about Medicare insurance, Silver Sneakers, banking and CDs, Hospice, funeral costs, hearing aids and more from the events nearly 40 vendors.

Durphy said she hopes to host about 500 seniors this year or at least surpass last year’s 300 to 400 attendees. She reached out to surrounding counties, and some plan to bring bus loads of seniors to the event.

For seniors in Winchester, Durphy said come on out next Friday.

“They could meet a new friend,” Durphy said. “They could gather some information face to face with someone local rather than over the phone. There is a free lunch and the possibility to win $150 to Kroger.

“Don’t be bored and sit at home with nothing to do. It’s a wonderful event, specifically for them and with them in mind.”

For more information, call The Williams Agency at 759-0181.