There was a huge crowd for the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce Senior Expo like always,
but in a different, more spacious location.
Due to renovations at the Vinton War Memorial, the 2025 Expo moved to the William Byrd
Middle School gymnasium and cafeteria (schools were closed for Spring Break); the event was
just as busy as always.
Attendees received a bag when they entered the school to collect all the goodies vendors were
eager to provide. There were door prizes, health screenings, and food from Get Glazed Donuts
and Food on the Go.
The highlight of the day was a Tai Chi demonstration by the Vinton Community Center Tai Chi
classes. Instructors Judy Gruber, Mike Ferguson, and Steve Garay led the session. Gruber began
with a warm-up routine.
Arthritis and Fall Prevention demonstration at this year’s Senior Expo. (photos by Debbie Adams)
Ferguson led the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention segment. This type of Tai Chi is a
slow, gentle, circular exercise that anyone can do. It is sometimes called “meditation in motion”
and has been recommended by The Arthritis Foundation as a way to lessen joint pain, improve
strength, and develop better balance.
Another part of the demonstration focused on the Tai Chi short form sequence (Qigong) to
enhance deep breathing and build core strength.
Garay concluded the class with a demonstration of techniques in the Eight Immortals Tai Chi
Cane form, including some defensive moves.
Defense demonstration at Senior Expo 2025.
Gruber and Ferguson offer Tai Chi classes at the Charles R. Hill Community Center on Thursday
mornings at 9-9:45 a.m. Garay teaches Cane Defense Tai Chi on Monday afternoons from 5:30
to 6:30.
According to Chamber Executive Director Angie Chewning, “The Senior Expo event is designed
to connect seniors, their caregivers, and their families with a wide array of resources tailored to
enhance the golden years.”
Vendors represented retirement, assisted living, nursing homes, medical equipment, home health
care, financial, retirement, insurance, and hearing and eye care.
Sponsors this year included presenting sponsor Fisher Insurance Services, Renewal by Andersen,
Carilion Clinic, HomeTrust Bank, Neely’s Accounting, Rosie’s, the Vinton War Memorial, PFG,
Roanoke County, MemberOne, ALCOVA Mortgage, RVTV, Roanoke County Schools, Servpro,
Star City Pest Control, Fox Radio 910, Shepherd Realty Group, Oakey’s, Vertex, Blue Ridge
Beverage, the Vinton Messenger, Magnets USA, the Vinton McDonald’s, William Byrd Middle
School, the Town of Vinton, Winter’s Storage, and Senior 1 st Health.
~Vinton Messenger staff report
