A group dedicated to maintaining and promoting the safety of area senior citizens will host a free conference on topics affecting seniors next week in Lincoln Township.

TRIAD of Berrien County will host the event on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Chapel Evangelical Free Church, located at 4250 Washington Ave., St. Joseph.

Doors open at 8:30 a.m. with presentations starting at 9 a.m. and running until noon.

There is no charge to attend and light breakfast will be available.

The event will begin with a presentation by keynote speaker and fitness instructor Kathy Zerler, who will teach seniors how to “Exercise their rights.”

After that, attendees will visit TRIAD member vendor booths and choose to attend a maximum of two of the following one-hour breakout sessions:

• Mary LaSata-Spiegal, an attorney and legal aid, will present: Legal Issues for Seniors

• Randi Utter, of Chemical Bank, will present: Organizing Financial Paperwork

• Erin VanGroningen, of the Alzheimer’s Association, will present: Communication Strategies or Behaviors

• Casey Pielemeier, Michiana Home Care, will present: Senior Safety and Self-Defense

• Rick Smiedendorf, of Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township Police Department, will present: Crime Prevention and Scams

Vendor door prizes will be awarded at the end of the breakout sessions around 11:45 a.m.

Berrien County Prosecutor Michael Sepic said TRIAD is a national organization with local chapters that is an offshoot of the National Sheriff’s Association.

“Basically it is a collaboration of law enforcement, community organizations and seniors,” said Sepic, president of TRIAD.

The group meets once a month to share information relevant to keeping senior citizens safe.

Members also collect funds for Project Lifesaver, an electronic device used by Alzheimer’s patients, and other community service projects.

Any seniors wanting to get involved in TRIAD should call Berrien County Sheriff Deputy Kelly Laesch at (269) 983-7141 ext. 7221.

TRIAD meets at 8:30 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph.