Sep 13, 2024

‘Longevity Mindset’ and ‘Secret Kansas’ speakers highlight Sunflower Fair

Posted Sep 13, 2024 8:08 PM

The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) has announced the two keynote speakers anchoring its Sunflower Fair —the heartland’s premier health and wellness event. The event happens from 8 am to 4 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina.

Cost is $25 and that includes a sit-down banquet lunch.

The one-day event features expert speakers and 13 seminars on topics geared for older Kansans, people living with disabilities and caregivers, exhibits and live music.

To register in advance, call the NC-FH AAA at 800-432-2703 or go to the Agency's website www.ncfhaaa.com. Registrations may also be mailed to the Area Agency on Aging at 401 Houston St., Manhattan, KS 66502.

Two keynote speakers will highlight the event; Dr. Archelle Georgiou, MD and Kansas author Roxie Yonkey. 

Dr. Archelle Georgiou, M.D will present “Building a Longevity Mindset” at the opening session of the event. Georgiou is a physician, medical journalist and researcher. She participated on National Geographic’s expedition team’s exploration of Ikaria, Greece, one of five “blue zone” locations in the world where people are known to live longer, healthier lives. Georgiou will share observations from her time in Greece and provide practical advice about how what she learned can be incorporated into Kansan’s lifestyles.

Roxie Yonkey, an author of “Secret Kansas: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful” and Obscure and “100 Things to Do in Kansas Before You Die” will be the Sunflower Fair’s closing speaker. Yonkey, who is known as Chief Exploration Officer for her “Roxie on the Road” blog and website, has written about Kansas for more than three decades, and her many awards include the 2022 Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development’s Kansas Creative Arts Leader of the Year.

“The Sunflower Fair provides trustworthy information and a fun time for anyone who wants to celebrate many more birthdays,” Julie Govert Walter, NC-FH AAA’s Executive Director said. “There is no event like it,” she said. 

Exhibitors will provide health screenings, COVID-19 and flu vaccines, hearing tests, blood pressure checks, Medicare information and important health checks.

“Bob and Friends,” a trio of musicians that includes 102-year-old guitarist Bob Delk of Marion County, that will provide toe-tapping music at the event.

The Agency is accepting sponsors for workshops, exhibitors and donations for door prizes and items for the Silent Auction. Those interested should call 800-432-2703 or go to www.ncfhaaa.com.