Senator DeFrancisco Holds 12th Annual Senior Fair

State Senator John A. DeFrancisco held his 12th annual Senior Fair on September 27, 2016, at the New York State Fairgrounds. More than 120 vendors participated in this year's free event, and more than 1,000 senior citizens attended. 

Senator DeFrancisco and members of HOPE for Bereaved held a joint press conference at 10:00 am during the Senior Fair, to help raise awareness about a local drug overdose support group.  The group, which was formed by HOPE for Bereaved, helps people cope with the loss of a loved one or friend due to a drug overdose. Speaking at the press conference were Senator DeFrancisco, HOPE for Bereaved counselor Kim Bermel, and Quinnika Ayers, a Registered Nurse and Liverpool mother who lost her son in 2015 to a drug overdose. This HOPE for Bereaved support group was formed to meet the increasing need for support, as drug overdose cases continue to climb in our community, and it serves people of all ages including senior citizens. 

Each year, Senator DeFrancisco holds a free, annual Senior Fair because he is committed to helping Central New York senior citizens, and their caregivers, find the important resources they need -- all under one roof.  Some of these resources concern  housing, transportation, recreation, long-term care, and medical care. The Senior Fair also provides free health screenings to interested seniors.