The Mirror Newspapers Reflecting Life Along The Maumee River
BY KRISTI FISH | MIRROR REPORTER — For those with retirement on their mind, the Maumee Senior Center is hoping to make the process a little bit easier.
A Passport to Retirement: The Next Chapter will be held on Tuesday, June 20 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the center.
It’s the senior center’s first-ever retirement fair and it’s designed to meet the varying needs of retirees, said executive director Malinda Ruble.
“There are so many questions out there and there’s no one place to get help,” Ruble said. “We’re putting together a variety of vendors to hopefully get some of their questions answered, plus it’s free,” Ruble explained.
With more than 30 vendors set to appear at the fair, a variety of subjects will be covered.
“The vendors will be divided up into areas of expertise,” Ruble added. “Our top sponsor is Paramount Elite and Savage & Associates is our second sponsor, so we’ll have vendors focusing on finances and insurance to help people.”
Additionally, a section dedicated to mind, body and soul will allow vendors to show participants different ways to relax or alleviate pain, how to address changes in their bodies as they get older and more.
A fun and leisure area will have more information on volunteer opportunities, fitness classes, travel programs and more to offer retirees options on how to spend their time.
“The last area is The Next Chapter,” Ruble said. “How do you start to prepare for this next chapter of your life? People might be thinking about downsizing their home and looking at assisted living. They might want to get a will done or establish a trust.”
An attorney will be present to help guide people toward the necessary next steps. There will also be vendors present to provide information on home health care for those who might need assistance for someone in their home.
“We will also have OhioMeansJobs of Lucas County, so they’ll be able to address a lot of questions regarding part-time jobs and what’s available,” Ruble said.
Representatives from the Lucas County Auditor’s Office will also be in attendance, answering questions regarding the homestead exemption, which allows low-income seniors to reduce their property tax bills.
Ruble is encouraging members of the community to stop out, even if they’re not ready for retirement, to get basic questions answered and help prepare for the future.
“We’re really hoping the community comes out and attends to make it worthwhile for the vendors and so we can have it again in the future,” Ruble added. “The vendors will have a ton of information. You’ll be able to talk one on one with somebody at a vendor booth.”
Before visiting each of the vendors, participants will receive their “passports” and have the opportunity to have them stamped by each vendor.
“If they go to all of the vendors, they’ll be eligible to enter a drawing to win the cash grand prize,” Ruble explained. “There will be other raffles and there will be refreshment grazing stations throughout the space.”
To participate in the raffles and have a chance at the grand prize, participants will need to stop by between 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. The time will hopefully allow retirees and those who are still working the chance to stop out after work hours, too, Ruble said.
“We just want people to know about it and come check it out (whether) you just retired, are looking to retire or are even just looking for a place to volunteer or looking for a part-time job,” Ruble said. “I expect this to be the first of several in the year. It will be an annual event.”
As always, the event will also serve as a fundraiser for the senior center, with proceeds supporting the different programs and offerings. The Maumee Senior Center serves members ages 50 and up.
The senior center is located at 2430 S. Detroit Ave. in Maumee. For more information, those interested can call the center at (419) 893-1994 or email maumeeseniorcenter@gmail.com.
