The Eureka Senior Expo, the last senior expo for the year, will offer a morning of information, prizes, bingo and live music.
The expo, which is geared toward those 50 and older, will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Timbers of Eureka, 1 Coffey Park Lane. Admission is free.
Katelyn Mary Skaggs, advertising manager for the Leader, said the Eureka senior expo is always a special event for her since she grew up in the area.
“I’m particularly excited because this year we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66. And we have some Route 66 speakers and a Route 66-themed grand prize,” she said.
The event will start with free doughnuts and coffee, courtesy of the Leader.
More than 30 local vendors will provide information, products and services of interest to seniors, and many of them will hold drawings for prizes to give away during the event.
“There’s going to be vendors from all industries,” Skaggs said. “They’re here, ready to answer your questions, ready to give you resources.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring pre-printed address labels to make entering drawings, filling out forms and requesting information easier.
Three speakers will be featured during the expo.
■ At 8:30 a.m., Jonah Coakley, Route 66 State Park’s assistant superintendent, will talk about the park and local history.
■ Chelsea Erxleben, the director of development at the Endangered Wolf Center, will share information about the center at 9:30 a.m.
■ A staff member from Eureka Parks and Recreation will teach a senior fitness class.
Bingo will begin at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., which Skaggs said is an expo favorite. Bingo winners will receive gift cards to local businesses.
All prizes will be announced at 11 a.m. Winners must be present to win.
This year’s grand prize is a Route 66 prize package in celebration of the 100th year of Route 66. The package includes Route 66-themed merchandise, books, a $100 gas card and a gift card to the Malt Shop in Fenton.
Attendees can enter to win the grand prize at the Leader booth upon entry and are asked to only enter the drawing once. The winner must be present to win.
Beginning at 11:15 a.m., J.B. Louis and the Legends band will play its mix of country and classic rock tunes.
This is the last senior expo for the year. Senior expos will return in April 2027.
Schedule
8 a.m. – Doors open; free coffee and doughnuts will be served while supplies last. Vendors will provide information about a wide selection of goods and services, and some will offer giveaways. Attendees are encouraged to bring pre-printed address labels to make entering drawings, filling out forms and requesting information easier.
8:30 a.m. – Jonah Coakley with Route 66 State Park will share information about the park and Route 66 history.
9 a.m. – The first session of bingo will begin in the gym.
9:30 a.m. – Chelsea Erxleben, the director of development at the Endangered Wolf Sanctuary, will speak about the center.
10 a.m. – The final session of bingo will be played in the gym.
10:30 a.m. – A Eureka Parks and Recreation staff member will teach a senior fitness class.
11 a.m. – The grand prize winner and other prize winners will be announced.
11:15 a.m. – J.B. Louis and the Legends band will perform.
Noon – Expo closes.
The Route 66 State Park visitors center is at 97 N. Outer Road in Eureka. Though the center typically closes on Nov. 1, it will stay open for at least another week, a park official said.
Speaker to outline plans for Route 66 celebrations
As Route 66 celebrates its centennial, Eureka has a special place in the history of “the mother road,” said Jonah Coakley, assistant superintendent of Route 66 State Park.
During the Leader Senior Expo on Oct. 28, Coakley will share information on Route 66’s centennial celebration as well as the history of the state park, which spans over 400 acres about one mile east of Eureka at 97 Blakey Road.
The expo, which is sponsored by Leader Publications, will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Timbers of Eureka.
“Route 66 (State Park) is interesting because it’s both a state park and a historic site,” Coakley said. The park will hold an event to celebrate the 100th anniversary Route 66 on Nov. 7, he added.
“We’ll have live music, local musicians, a classic car show and some information,” Coakley said.
The event, which is free to attend, will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to one-half hour after sunset.
The visitors center, which typically closes for the winter, will stay open later this year because of the centennial.
“Normally we close Nov. 1, but this year we’re gonna stay open until at least the centennial,” Coakley said.
Visit mostateparks.com/park/route-66-state-park or call 636-938-7198 for more information.
Endangered Wolf Center calls Eureka home
Every Mexican wolf in the wild can trace it roots back to a center in Eureka.
Chelsea Erxleben, the director of development at the Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka, will share information about the work of the center Oct. 28 during the Eureka Senior Expo.
The expo, which is sponsored by Leader Publications, will be held from 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Timbers of Eureka.
The center was founded in 1971 by Marlin Perkins and his wife, Carol. Marlin was a wildlife biologist and television host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.
“When he retired, he and his wife were wanting to give back to the community. His wife loved wolves, and they saw that there were two very specific species that were nearly extinct,” Erxleben said.
She said the center focuses on rehabilitation and reintroduction of two endangered wolf species: Mexican wolves and red wolves.
“Our mission is to preserve and protect Mexican wolves and red wolves, amongst other wild canid species,” Erxleben said. “We do it through carefully managed breeding because there was a bottleneck when it came to genetics because there were so few of them.”
The center’s efforts focus on pup fostering, Erxleben said. “When a wolf gives birth in our facility, we contact U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and they’re able to find a female that had recently given birth.
“Then we’ll take a couple of the pups in from our facility, and fly them out either to North Carolina, where the red wolves are, or Arizona, New Mexico, where the Mexican wolves are, and we’ll actively put them on a wild den, and the moms raise them as their own,” she said.
The center, which is open to the public, hosts many community events, including howls which invite the community to come and howl with the wolves.
“They’ll learn about the wolves, and then they’ll go down toward our habitats, and they’ll howl as a group. And then our wolves will start howling back,” Erxleben said. “It’s like a very fun experience to be able to hear the wolves talking back at you.”
The next howl event is Howl-O-Ween, a Halloween themed howl on Oct. 30 and 31.
The center, which is located at 6750 Tyson Valley Road in Eureka, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except for Tuesday.
For more information, visit www.endangeredwolfcenter.org or call 636-938-5900.
John Leitner, 60 of Festus won the Way to Go photo contest with this picture of himself and his mother, Ginger Leitner, 86, in Capitol Reef National Park in 2017.
Festus resident wins Way to Go photo contest
John Leitner, 60 of Festus won the $200 grand prize for placing first in the annual “Way to Go” photo contest sponsored by Leader Publications and Grand Times.
Leitner’s winning photograph is of him and his mother, Ginger Leitner, which was taken on a trip to Capitol Reef National Park in 2017.
Leitner said he and his mother, who is 86 years old, travel together frequently and have visited several national parks around the country.
“Her favorite is Capitol Reef. So we went over there, and we rented a really neat cabin with a beautiful view in the background,” Leitner said. “We got up that morning, and we just had the neighbor next door take that photo of us.”
The cabin is located in Sand Creek RV Park in Towney, Utah. Leitner said he and his mom have stayed there many times now.
He said he plans to use the prize money on another trip to Utah in November.
“This money’s gonna go definitely for another trip out there,” Leitner said. “It’s just so peaceful, and it’s wilderness, and these national parks you just can’t beat it.”
Leitner said he plans to retire next year and start travelling more frequently.
“We buy the national park pass every year. I think it’s $80 for the year for the carload, and whoever can go, goes” he said.
Leitner has two children and one grandchild who he also travels with often, meaning they sometimes have four generations of family traveling the country together.
“I’ve got from an 86-year-old great grandma down to a 4-year-old wanting to travel,” Leitner said. “So to me, it’s really really special. You know, spend time with family and create great memories.”
Way to Go photo contest 2026
Sharon Cook, 76, of House Springs took this picture in September 2018 at Glacier National Park near the Many Glacier Hotel. “It was sunset and the site, the beauty of it, just was fantastic,” Sharon said. “I wish so much I could go back.”
Sharon Cook, 76, of House Springs took this picture in September 2018 at Glacier National Park near the Many Glacier Hotel. “It was close to sunset. The next morning, I saw a black bear crossing the road by those cottages, but I couldn’t get a good picture just then,” Sharon said. “Glacier National Park is an absolutely wonderful place to visit. You will never regret it!”
Terry Scott, 72, of Festus took this picture in August in Sitka, Alaska, while on an Alaskan cruise. “This is a very special place for me,” Terry said. “It has been on my bucket list for years.”
Terry Scott, 72, of Festus took this picture in August in Sitka, Alaska, while on an Alaskan cruise. “This is a very special place for me,” Terry said. “It has been on my bucket list for years.”
Mandy Yeager, 50, of Wildwood took this photo in September 2024 of the Crystal Mill in Marble, Colo.
Mandy Yeager, 50, of Wildwood took this photo in September 2024 of the Maroon Bells, a series of mountain peaks in Snowmass, Colo. “This was a special trip for my older sister and me,” Mandy said. “Our dad loved Colorado and always wanted to visit these picturesque places. He unfortunately passed away in February 2022 before he had the chance to make the trip, so we decided to take it in his honor. It was a beautiful bluebird day, and I'm certain he was with us.”
Teri Shirah, 66, of Pevely sent a picture of herself and her husband, Bill Shirah, in front of the Hubbard Glacier in Yakutat, Alaska, while on an Alaskan cruise in June 2023. “This picture, among others from this trip, is special as I was born in Anchorage, Alaska, but moved as a very young child and did not remember what it was like,” Teri said. “I had always wanted to take a trip there and finally, at age 62, I made it!”
Teri Shirah, 66, of Pevely sent a picture of herself and her husband, Bill Shirah, in March 2025 in Kinderdijk. “While on a Holland and the Netherlands river cruise, we took an e-bike tour of the (many!) windmills in Kinderdijk,” Teri said. “I like this picture because it shows how unique the land is with so many – yes, working – windmills.”
Jack Wolf, 65, of Arnold sent a picture of the sunset in Cancun in 2019.
Jack Wolf, 65, of Arnold sent a picture taken in 2018 in Cozumel.
Kathy Thouvenot, 57, of Arnold took this picture in August while in Toledo, Spain. “A beautiful winery and hotel, Cigarral Santa Maria, with a view for miles,” Kathy said.
Kathy Thouvenot, 57, of Arnold took this picture in October 2025 while in Savannah, Ga. “Rooftop libations with my sister, with a view of our favorite city,” Kathy said.
Mike Zavorka, 72, of Hillsboro sent a picture of himself and Jerrie Casey, 75, of Hillsboro on a snorkeling trip in Cancun in 2020.
Nancy Cavagna, 66, of Hillsboro sent a picture from 2012. “There was a group of about 15 people that went to Aruba to just be with friends and family and have fun,” Nancy said. “The picture was taken from the balcony at sunset as a sail boat was passing by.”
Cindy Gottschlich, 57, of Arnold took this picture in Denali National Park and Preserve in June. She and 11 others were on a discovery hike, which is a long, off-trail hike. “You spread out so as to not make social trails, so (you) walk where you want,” Cindy said.
Cindy Gottschlich, 57, of Arnold took this picture of the fjords in Alaska in June.
Sandra Bell, 71, of Hillsboro took this picture of Prague in April 2025 while on a Danube River cruise. “Prague is a beautiful city with wonderful old architecture,” Sandra said.
John Parker, 65, of High Ridge sent a picture from July 2024 of himself and Dotty Parker at a winery while on vacation.
Mike Cooper, 65, of De Soto sent a family photo from December 2021 in Branson. “Our daughter, Stephanie Mesey, took the picture as we were seated at an old-time photo shop,” Mike said. “In the picture starting from the left is our grandson, Jake ‘the snake’ Forsythe; myself, Mike ‘sure shot’ Cooper; my wife, Donna ‘money bags’ Cooper; Bennett ‘baby face’ Mesey and Aubrey ‘dead eye’ Forsythe. We had so much fun reliving the days of the Old West.”
Lorrie Potter, 65, of Hillsboro sent a picture from 2022 of Jordan Pond in Bar Harbor, Maine. “We were hiking and came across this little pond,” Lorrie said. “It was our first time in Maine. We went with another couple. It was a great trip. We took lots of beautiful photos.”
Lorrie Potter, 65, of Hillsboro took this picture in 2012. “It was our very first Cruise to Alaska; it will always be our favorite trip!” Lorrie said. “My husband and I and extended family went along. Beautiful scenery beyond your imagination. It takes your breath away! We have booked another trip in 2027; we can’t wait to go back.”
Carole Allen, 63, of High Ridge took this picture while vacationing in Michigan and Wisconsin. “This was the only morning I got up for sunrise for the whole trip,” Carole said. “We stayed the night right on Lake Michigan in Manitowoc, Wis., and hearing the waves from our hotel room was amazing.”
Carole Allen, 63, of High Ridge took this picture while with her husband in Bar Harbor, Maine, which is one of their favorite places to celebrate the new year. “We were there over the ’25-’26 holiday and it snowed,” Carole said. “This is my favorite tree in all of Maine. I thought it was peaceful and serene with the freshly fallen snow. This is along the Shore Path near downtown Bar Harbor.”
Mark Hadler, 63, of Wildwood took this picture in April 2025 of Kilauea Volcano erupting while on his 37th wedding anniversary trip with his wife, Tina Hadler, in Hawaii.
William Hansen, 77, of House Springs took this picture in March 2022 while on the National Geographic Explorer 1 at the Galapagos Islands.
William Hansen, 77, of House Springs took this picture in March 2022 in the Galapagos Islands. “Two local critters showing off for the tourists,” William said.
Agnes Herrington, 59, of Eureka sent a picture of herself, left, and a travel buddy, Wendy, kayaking in northern Norway in June. “This was my reward trip after I retired from teaching after 29 years of service,” Agnes said. “It was such a beautiful day in the Arctic with clear blue skies, and we were surrounded by stunning fjords, and the water was so clear.” She said she loves kayaking and was excited to kayak in the Arctic. “Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, located in the Svalbard archipelago of Norway, is renowned for its stunning glaciers, rich polar exploration history and vital habitats for wildlife, particularly polar bears and marine species. Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, situated well north of the Arctic Circle.”
Charles Smith, 57, of Festus sent a picture from 2009 at the Continental Divide near Estes Park, Colo. “There was a herd of male elk there, but this was a cool picture with the single elk and a full view of mountains in the background,” Charles said.
Laura Schmidt, 65, of Festus took this picture in April 2024 while in Philadelphia. “I took this photo outside of city hall on a trip my husband, Dave, gave me as a graduation gift for getting my MFA from Lindenwood,” Laura said. “Philadelphia has always been a favorite vacation spot for me, and I love Center City and city hall, especially when the spring tulips are blooming as they are in this photo.”
Laura Schmidt, 65, of Festus sent a photo taken by her late mother in August 2004. “She and I had traveled to Minnesota for a bluegrass festival and to Iowa for family visits,” Laura said. “We were driving near Van Meter, Iowa, when I saw a sign for the Bob Feller Museum. Being a history buff and a baseball fan, I detoured us to the museum. To my delight, the man himself was there! He posed for this photo with me. He was a very gracious gentleman in addition to being one of the best pitchers of all time.”
Tracie Ballmer, 65, of Eureka sent a picture taken in June 2022 of the gardens at the Palace of Versailles in France.
Tracie Ballmer, 65, of Eureka sent a picture taken in December 2024 in Antelope Canyon in Page, Ariz.
Roger Ballmer, 71, of Eureka sent a picture taken in October 2017 in Omaha, Neb.
Roger Ballmer, 71, of Eureka sent a picture taken in June 2016 in Estes Park, Colo.
Andie Myers, 63, of De Soto created a collage of photos she took while in New York City in June. “My trip to the Big Apple was everything I hoped for and more,” Andie said. “This collage captures the highlights of checking off my NYC bucket list, capturing the energy of a city I can't wait to visit again.”
Andie Myers, 63, of De Soto took this picture in May while visiting Chester, Ill. “A long-awaited trip to Chester, Ill. – hometown of Popeye creator E.C. Segar – turned into an unforgettable day-long photo scavenger hunt,” Andie said. “This image is one of my favorites from our successful quest to find and capture all 19 character statues!”
Ted Kiyama, 73, and Carolyn Kiyama, 70, of Eureka sent a picture taken earlier this month while traveling in Italy. “We've really enjoyed our multiple trips to Italy,” Ted said. “We love the country and Tuscany specifically for its beautiful landscapes, fascinating cities and towns and friendly people.” This photo shows wisteria growing along the wall in Lucca, Italy, a small town about 45 miles from Florence.
Ted Kiyama, 73, and Carolyn Kiyama, 70, of Eureka sent a picture taken earlier this month while traveling in Italy. “We've really enjoyed our multiple trips to Italy,” Ted said. “We love the country and Tuscany specifically for its beautiful landscapes, fascinating cities and towns and friendly people.” This photo shows part of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy. “The cathedral is one of the largest in the world and (the dome) is a prominent feature of the Florence skyline. It's the largest masonry dome in the world at 376 feet, built between 1420 and 1436.”
Dawn Beutler, 59, of Imperial took this picture in August 2025 in Glacier National Park in Montana while hiking around the Two Medicine lakes. “One of the most beautiful places I've ever seen,” Dawn said. “From every direction the views were fantastic. (It was) our first adventure after retirement.”
Dawn Beutler, 59, of Imperial took this picture in August 2025 in Glacier National Park in Montana while hiking around the Two Medicine lakes. “One of the most beautiful places I've ever seen,” Dawn said. “From every direction the views were fantastic. (It was) our first adventure after retirement.”
Kathy Drapp, 62, of Imperial sent a picture of Table Rock Lake taken during Labor Day weekend this year. “My husband and I always try to make this our early Friday evening sunset cruise,” Kathy said. “Some days are better than others, and this one was absolutely beautiful.”
Ralph Willey of Eureka sent a picture taken by Dakota Rangle in July while on Mossy Cave Trail in Tropic, Utah.
Ralph Willey of Eureka sent a picture taken by Dakota Rangle in July while in Lower Antelope Canyon in Page, Ariz.
John Leitner, 60 of Festus sent this picture of his mother, Ginger Leitner, 86, at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Utah, in October 2024.
John Leitner, 60 of Festus won the Way to Go photo contest with this picture of himself and his mother, Ginger Leitner, 86, in Capitol Reef National Park in 2017.
Karen Mathis, 63, of High Ridge took this picture in May 2024 of the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in Manteo, N.C. “The area has a nice boardwalk, which was perfect for an evening walk and to take advantage of some long-exposure photography to capture the reflection of the lights in the water,” Karen said.
Karen Brown, 63, of Wildwood took this picture in May while on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Karen Brown, 63, of Wildwood took this picture in May while on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Mike Young, 53, of Hillsboro took this picture in July 2018 of Jenny Lake at the base of the Teton mountain range in Wyoming.
Mike Young, 53, of Hillsboro took this picture in August 2024 of the Kenai Fjords in Seward, Alaska.
Bob Wertman, 66, of Eureka took this picture in June 2025 on the coast of Portland, Ore.
Charles Wivell, 67, of Eureka took this picture in September of Sand Lake in Minnesota. “It was a beautiful, sunny fall morning, and I was taking picture of the trees, and the swans photo-bomb the picture,” Charles said. “I go up to our cabin in the fall to take drone videos and photos and to close it up for the winter.”
Pam Miller, 78, of Eureka took this picture in April 2024 from inside the New Bedford Whaling Museum in New Bedford, Mass. “The museum is wonderful and really illustrates the grit and courage of the whalers,” Pam said. “New Bedford is a historic town and delightful to visit, and coastal New England is one of my favorite places.”
Karen Mathis, 63, of High Ridge took this picture in April 2025 of a shrimp trawler on Apalachicola Bay near Apalachicola, Fla. “My husband and I were on a fishing charter boat and heading back at sunset,” Karen said.
Chris Woods, 79, of Eureka sent a picture of herself and her daughter, Michelle Saitz, at Niagara Falls in February 2018. “It was a surprise birthday gift,” Chris said. “Niagara Falls was a place I had always wanted to see. I still can remember the power of the Falls. It was an amazingly memorable trip.”