When state Rep. Tom Jones hosts the 55 & Up Expo on Tuesday, Sept. 10, he wants it to be an opportunity for people to explore state-related services, programs and resources available in the community. The free expo will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at Hope Community Church, 1806 Harrisburg Ave., Mount Joy.

Last year, Jones hosted a similar event called a Senior Expo. The feedback from that event was overwhelmingly positive, with vendors asking to be included in this year's event and lots of interest from attendees, said Sharon Ogilvie, district office manager for Jones.

"Rep. Jones wants to focus on local resources and services for those 55 and up," she explained. "He also changed the title of Senior Expo from last year to 55 & Up Expo this year to encourage a larger age group of people to attend. The expo is not just for those in retirement but also for those looking ahead. All ages are welcome to check out the expo and find resources for themselves as well as for older relatives and friends."

She noted that about 30 vendors are expected at the event, including 14 that are new this year. Returning vendors will include Blessings of Hope, Susquehanna Service Dogs and Masonic Villages. New participants include Catalyst, Central Pennsylvania Cremation Society and MESA.

"Several government agencies will be present: PA Department of Aging, PA Attorney General, PA Department of Banking and Securities, PA Treasury, Representatives from PA state Sen. Aument's office and Congressman Smucker's office," Ogilvie said, emphasizing that the expo has no political party affiliation and is open to anyone. "The expo is not just focused on health or serious topics. Information on volunteer opportunities with ways to give back to the community will be available."

Coffee and pastries will be provided, and there will be space for people to sit and socialize during the expo. People may come and go during the two-hour period or stay the whole time, Ogilvie said.

"Generous vendors provided wonderful door prizes," she commented. "Everyone that participates receives a ticket to be entered for a door prize. A ticket will be drawn every 15 to 30 minutes. A 'passport' will be given out for participants to check off as they visit each vendor table. Completed passports will be turned in and used for a drawing at the end."

Ogilvie said last year's attendees commented on the variety of vendors and the wealth of information they received. Holding an event like the expo allows Jones to better serve the 62,000 people who live in the 98th legislative district.

"The expo offers an opportunity for Rep. Jones to connect with constituents. He also holds monthly Coffees and Conversations to give constituents the opportunity to discuss issues directly," Ogilvie said, noting that upcoming Coffee and Conversation dates are Thursdays, Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 21 and Dec. 12. "Rep. Jones also hosted a shredding event and pizza/policy in April and even held an ice cream and issues night at Gigi's in Bainbridge during National Ice Cream Month in July."

Jones is also hosting a booth at the Elizabethtown Fair this week, providing state-related resources, and he will take a turn in the Cornerstone Youth Center dunk tank at the fair on Friday, Aug. 23. "Rep. Jones makes every effort to get out into the community by attending local events like parades, block parties, etc.," Ogilvie said.

For more information on the 55 & Up Expo, visit http://www.reptomjones.com/events or call Jones' office at 717-367-5525.