Common Wealth, Common Wisdom

Starting our string of outreach events, the CWCW team went to the state-wide Seniorama festival in Hogansburg last week. For these outreach events, we will be visiting places around the community to present what we've done these past few weeks, as well as listen and possibly record peoples' stories.

Held at a bingo palace, we arrived to find the place full of energy. The right side of the building housed slot machines, while the left had bingo and was full of red-and-white decorated booths of all varieties- there was one for sleep apnea equipment, a stand promoting Assemblywoman Addie Russell, and another giving away cinnamon rolls. Chelsea and I stopped by the booth of two retired teachers selling coffee to raise money for scholarships, who said sales that day had been slow; they think a better selection is needed for next year.

When we talked with the man in charge, Robert Miller, he informed us that the Seniorama has been running strong for eight years. He said it's for senior issues, to give help to seniors and have vendor tables for products they may need, though many people are under the impression that the Seniorama is out to get their money, where it really just wants to help them earn it.

Regarding the economy, Mr. Miller told us that some counties, such as Lewis and Jefferson, are having a hard time and are less likely to go to the Seniorama. Though he said the crowd from St. Lawrence County is still strong, not stopped by the heat or the slow economy. The place was booming with bingo and "Crazy Catz" slots, and we had a fun time meeting everyone, even running into a few friends from our first CWCW voyage to the Norfolk Senior picnic.

And after talking to Mr. Miller and the other participants at the Seniorama, I realized that maybe the poor economy is having sort of a domino affect on people. While St. Lawrence County came out, the other nearby counties weren't really represented, presumably because of high gas prices and the like. And when people can’t attend events like Seniorama, something that wants to help participants save money, they might be missing out on some helpful ways to save money.

Labels: Brenna, geofeed, seniorama, seniors