06-22-11-boomer-article.jpgEven for those of us who have grown up Googling, Yahooing and Binging our way to solutions for life’s many questions and challenges, it can sometimes be tough finding the answers we are looking for. For the generations who have come before us, and haven’t necessarily embraced the technologies of today, an Internet search can be nonproductive and frustrating.

On Thursday, June 30, at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, the Boomer and Caregiver Expo is seeking to answer your questions, whether you are a 20-something, a 50-something or a 100-and-something.

The organizers see this event as the fi rst of its kind in our community, and although there is a wealth of information aimed at Baby Boomers, event spokesperson Dineen Morton sees this as a must attend event for people of all ages. When people hear the words “Boomer” and “caregiver” they think this is something for older adults, and while there is plenty for older adults at the Boomer & Caregiver Expo, there is plenty for young people too, according to Morton.

“We have a lot of Boomers in our community. At the same time, we have a lot of young people who work with Boomers and we really felt it was necessary — especially with the economy the way it is — for us to know how to work together so that our community can still thrive,” said Morton. “Because Boomers and the new generations think so differently, we just felt this would be a good way to incorporate everyone together but at the same time to acknowledge the Boomers and to educate them and those who work with them, live with them and love them.”

The event will include more than 40 vendors ranging from entertainment and technology to home-based businesses and medical resources. Not only will there be informational displays, but Morton has lined up several speakers, too.

“We have a presentation on the generations — the 20-somethings, the 30-somethings, the 40-somethings and the 50-somethings and how we all think and why we tick the way we tick,” said Morton. “The speaker will talk about the different generations and how we can work together so that we can better understand each other. We also have some folks who will talk about financial literacy and help us to be better stewards of our money.”

In addition to the presentations in the main area, there will be smaller, more intimate break-out sessions every 15 minutes throughout the day, covering a wide range of topics.

The goal is to not only educate, but to empower and encourage attendees as well to connect them to resources that are available in the community — and it is free and open to the public. There will be free food and hourly door prizes, too.

“For young people, it can be encouraging to know that somebody who has walked in their shoes can help them to grow and be successful. We all need mentors, and as a young person this is a place that I would want to be if I were wanting to grow or to learn about where my future could be,” said Morton. “It will be helpful for them to see and hear about where they could be headed and maybe establish the relationship of a lifetime … find that mentor.”

Call Dineen Morton at 486-5001 to find out more about the event.