When state Rep. Tom Jones heard about a Senior Expo in Lancaster County, he thought it was something his constituents in the 98th District would love. Rather than participate in a countywide event, Jones wanted to focus on local resources and services for seniors, so he's hosting his own Senior Expo. It will be held on Friday, Oct. 20, from 9 to 11 a.m. in the social hall of St. Paul Church, 398 N. Locust St., Elizabethtown.

"Our goal is to have a great variety of local vendors, all of whom have something to offer seniors," said Sharon Ogilvie, district office manager for Jones. "Here's an opportunity to reach out to the people who gave so much, a chance to give back."

Participating vendors will include United Churches Elizabethtown Area, the Elizabethtown Area Senior Center, the Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce, Paramount Senior Living, Masonic Villages, Lancaster Barnstormers and many more.

"We're going to have Next Step Downsizing as a vendor. They help people who are getting ready to move out of their homes," Ogilvie said. "We're also having Carrie Chapman and Annie Weiler, who are Realtors who specialize in seniors selling their homes."

All vendors have a tie to the 98th District, which includes all of Donegal School District, all of Elizabethtown Area School District and parts of Lebanon County.

"We wanted to be sure we have a variety of things of interest to seniors," Ogilvie remarked. "It's not just focused on health or serious topics. We'll have information on volunteer opportunities for seniors and ways for them to give back to the community. We'll have information on resources and activities."

She noted that Jones' district covers 62,000 people, and the Senior Expo offers an opportunity for the congressman to continue to connect with constituents. He took office late last year, and although Jones is a government representative, Ogilvie stressed that the Senior Expo has no political affiliation.

"This is an event for everyone," she said. "It's for seniors, but if people want to come to get information for their parents, they are welcome. Everyone is welcome."

The Senior Expo is just one of several community events Jones has participated in so far this year, she said, including a free shredding event this past spring, Memorial Day parades and even taking a turn in the dunk booth for Cornerstone Youth Center at the Elizabethtown Fair.

The Senior Expo will feature light refreshments as well as an interactive activity to encourage people to visit all of the vendors.

Ogilvie expressed appreciation to St. Paul's for hosting the event, noting that the church is very community focused. "Their tagline is, 'Saint Paul's is a nonpartisan church that offers event space in service to our community as we strive to Out Love the World,'" she noted. "There is easy parking at the church, and there is an elevator to get downstairs. It's very accessible."

Vendors are still being sought for the expo. For more information, contact Ogilvie at sogilvie@pahousegop.com or call 717-367-5525.