Sparwood CRN Seniors Health and Vitality Fair: Connecting, Learning, Thriving
Photos and story credits: Lois Halko, Coordinator, Sparwood CRN
The Sparwood Community Response Network (CRN) recently hosted a Seniors Health and Vitality Fair at the Causeway Bay Hotel and Conference Centre. The event welcomed seniors and caregivers from across the community for a free, inclusive program that ran from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and included lunch. Promotion through social media and posters helped ensure the Fair was accessible to anyone who identified as a senior or supported someone in a caregiving role.
Seniors in rural and small communities can face increased vulnerability due to isolation, changing health needs, and limited access to information and services. The Sparwood CRN created this event to offer a welcoming space where older adults could connect with one another, learn from trusted professionals, and become more aware of local supports, while reinforcing the prevention-focused mandate of BC Community Response Networks. The Fair was emceed by Regional Mentor Sharon Strom, who opened the day by speaking about the role Community Response Networks play in supporting safety, dignity, and wellbeing for older adults.
Patti Bevilacqua, Ph.D, at the Sparwood CRN’s Seniors Health and Vitality Fair
The program featured a diverse group of speakers focused on health, safety, and quality of life. Keynote speaker Patti Bevilacqua, Ph.D, from Grand Forks, BC, shared an engaging presentation on coping with the challenges of chronic illness through positive mindset shifts, encouraging participants to consider new ways of responding to discomfort and change. Additional presentations were delivered by a physiotherapist, pharmacist, and a primary care nurse from the Interior Health Authority, who offered practical, prevention-oriented information to support healthy aging and independence.
Shorter presentations added important community and safety perspectives. A Councillor from the District of Sparwood introduced a new Vulnerable Persons Registry designed to improve safety and emergency response for residents who may need extra support. A Staff Sergeant from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police spoke about fraud awareness and prevention, an issue that disproportionately affects older adults. The Better at Home coordinator shared information about services that help seniors remain supported and connected in their own homes. Complementary health perspectives were also provided by a chiropractor and a naturopath working collaboratively within the same clinic.
The Fair created meaningful impact for both participants and partners. Seniors had opportunities to connect and engage, while service providers, CRN members, and community organizations built new relationships with one another and with attendees. Conversations throughout the day increased understanding of risk, safety, and available supports, reinforcing shared responsibility and early intervention. The event also strengthened collaboration between the CRN, seniors, healthcare providers, local government, police, agencies, and local businesses, highlighting the important coordinating role CRNs play within their communities. Feedback from evaluation forms was overwhelmingly positive, with participants describing the Seniors Health and Vitality Fair as a valuable and impactful initiative that supports ongoing prevention, education, and awareness.
Sharon Strom, Regional Mentor, and local Police, at the Sparwood CRN’s Seniors Health and Vitality Fair
