WHAT:
In celebration of Older Americans Month, the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services (OFAS) proudly presents the first-ever CHQAging Expo & Conference — a free, daylong event designed to educate, connect, and uplift older adults, caregivers, and families across the region.
WHO:
- Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr.
- Greg Olsen, Acting Director, New York State Office for the Aging
- Dana Corwin, Director, Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services
- Dr. Stephen H. Kolison, Jr., President, SUNY Fredonia
- Other local, county, and state elected officials
- Over 600 older adults, caregivers, and community members expected
- Approximately 90 participating agencies and vendors
WHEN:
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Grand Opening Ceremony & Meet & Greet: 9:30 AM
Resource Fair: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Breakout Sessions: 1:30 PM & 2:30 PM
WHERE:
SUNY Fredonia – Williams Center
280 Central Ave, Fredonia, NY 14063
WHY:
This inaugural event reflects the 2025 Older Americans Month theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” by offering critical resources, expert-led educational sessions, and opportunities for community engagement—all tailored to the needs of older adults. Topics include dementia awareness, Medicare fraud prevention, scam protection, estate planning, and more.
Media Opportunities:
- Capture remarks from County Executive Wendel and OFAS leadership
- Interview older adults and caregivers about how the Expo is impacting them
- Film or photograph breakout sessions, the bustling Resource Fair, and agency displays
- Report on how Chautauqua County is working to change the narrative around aging
