Each fall, senior citizens within the 187th District have one or two opportunities to come together in a single location to have their questions answered about a variety of public, nonprofit and private programs and services available to help them enjoy a better quality of life.

The events include Senior Citizens Day on Sept. 18, which I sponsor, along with North Whitehall Township, and my Senior Fair in Kutztown on Oct. 2.

The Lehigh County event is specifically designated for residents of North Whitehall, South Whitehall and Upper Macungie townships and the Northwestern Lehigh area, while the Kutztown Senior Fair is open to any resident of the 187th District, along with family members and caregivers.

The 187th District currently comprises Maxatawny, Longswamp and Richmond townships, along with the boroughs of Kutztown, Topton and Lyons, in Berks County, and Heidelberg, Lowhill, Lynn, North Whitehall, Upper Macungie and Weisenberg townships in Lehigh County. However, please note these district lines will shift slightly on Dec. 1. Until then, I continue to represent everyone in the 187th.

As part of the North Whitehall Township Senior Citizens Day at the Schnecksville Fire Company social hall, 4550 Old Packhouse Road, Schnecksville, I will have a Senior Information Fair 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

During those hours, I will be on hand, along with my staff, to answer questions residents may have about legislation, state programs and services, and any help we can offer in cutting through bureaucratic red tape.

In the Berks County portion of the district, I am inviting all caregivers and residents ages 55 and older who live in the 187th Legislative District to my fifth annual Senior Fair, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 2, at the Kutztown Fire Company, 310 Noble St. in Kutztown.

Our senior fair is a great informational event where older residents can come to one convenient place to learn more about various programs and services offered by local, state and federal governments as well as private agencies.

With the wide variety of programs and services available to older Pennsylvanians, this event will help to give the appropriate information regarding eligibility or how a particular program operates.

As in years past, we've designed this expo with the local senior citizen in mind.

From health care and nutrition information to financial planning, more than 40 different exhibitors are expected. The best part is this wealth of information is located under one roof.

At this location, we will offer door prizes, free flu shots, free refreshments, free blood pressure checks and free balance screenings.

Both events are free and no one needs to register in advance.

For more information, contact my district office in New Tripoli at 610-760-7082.

My staff and I always enjoy meeting with local seniors and their families during the Senior Fair and I hope to see all of you there.