Lake County Senior Expo features entertainment and information

An advocacy organization for Lake County seniors is gearing up for its biggest fundraiser of the year.

Lake County Council for Seniors is hosting the 37th annual event. Called the Senior Expo, it'll be from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4, at College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St. in Grayslake.

Food, entertainment, seminars and exhibits will be part of the festivities.

"This is our major fundraiser," said Carolyn Guthman, executive director of the Lake County Council for Seniors. "It is this (event) that keeps this office going."

Following an opening ceremony, dramatist Jenny Riddle is scheduled to present a Julie Andrews memoir of the singer/actress' early years. Riddle will dramatize and perform songs from the life of Andrews before she became known for roles such as Mary Poppins.

Riddle performed her look at three U.S. first ladies at last year's Senior Expo, said Guthman.

Seminars on tap for the Senior Expo include line dancing, legal history, digital photography and how to mine memories. Various businesses will have exhibits during the day.

As for the food, a breakfast beverage and rolls will be offered early on, with patrons receiving a hot turkey lunch in seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

"Sort of like having Thanksgiving in August," Guthman said with a chuckle.

Cost for the day of fun is $10 for Lake County Council for Seniors members and $20 for those not part of the organization. For more information, call (847) 244-1720.

Lake County Council for Seniors was launched in 1973. The group helped initiate the first senior centers in Lake County and has advocated such activities as home health care and affordable transportation.

More than 300 members belong to the seniors council. The group's Seniors United newsletter has about 3,600 recipients.