By Emma Federkeil
Communications Director
Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala, Jr. welcomed nearly 450 older adults to Acrisure Stadium on June 18 for the Senior Justice and Wellness Expo—the first since the 2020 pandemic.
Seniors from throughout the county gathered to connect with community partners offering important resources and to engage with professionals in relevant fields. Those in attendance could also utilize complimentary basic health screenings from Allegheny Health Network, win from a selection of donated door prizes and enjoy a gourmet catered lunch.
More than 30 different partners—including local elected officials, legal experts, victim agencies, learning and volunteer opportunities, utility providers and medical and homecare professionals—came together to showcase an array of senior-related services and participate in meaningful conversations with attendees.
“One thing we always want to be sure to communicate with seniors is that they are not alone,” said DA Zappala. “The incredible turnout from so many of our partners speaks volumes and means a great deal to these people who need them.”
Babb, Inc. was a particularly important partner, showing its support as a sponsor to ensure a memorable experience for each guest.
“At Babb Inc., we believe in showing up,” commented President and CEO Russell Livingston. “There’s no substitute for personal, face-to-face connection. This event gave us the chance to engage directly with seniors, listen to their questions, and offer some general guidance on Medicare and other healthcare resources.”
“Babb Inc.’s mission, like ours, is to prevent fraud and keep people from becoming victimized in the first place,” added DA Zappala. “We’re proud of the value they added to this day.”
After mingling with exhibitors, seniors settled into their seats for the day’s packed program of expert presenters, beginning with Bonnie Banze, Senior Programs Director at Sarah Heinz House. Banze’s chair yoga activity has been regarded as a fan favorite, teaching participants how to incorporate movement into their daily routines easily.
Assistant District Attorney Julie Capone and Rob Peirce of Robert Peirce and Associates joined forces to discuss the ins and outs of elder law from their professional perspectives in prosecution and civil matters. “The reason why we’re here is that bad things happen to good people,” said Peirce. “When a facility does something wrong, or their employees do something wrong, Julie makes sure the right people go to jail. [Our firm] makes sure that they’re punished financially and we get compensation for the victims.”
Capone cautioned the audience about the many elaborate scams on the rise, and to take advantage of the resources provided by the District Attorney’s Office. “DA Zappala’s Elder Abuse Unit is dedicated to seniors who are abused either physically, financially or neglected. It was created, unfortunately, because of a rise in the attacks on senior citizens. People prey on seniors. They prey on the most vulnerable.”
Peirce echoed the rise of crime against older adults, noting a 62 percent increase in reported abuse in the last five
years, with approximately 59,000 cases reported in Pennsylvania. The pair concluded by taking crowd questions and welcomed Deputy Attorney General Sam Zappala to speak of his experience as a state-level prosecutor in the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
“Medicaid is intended to provide aid to some of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable individuals,” Sam mentioned. “Unfortunately, it gets exploited by criminals for their own financial gain.”
The Attorney General’s Office is responsible for prosecut- ing Medicaid matters statewide. Outside entities report cases and are then assigned to an attorney, special agent, and analyst to conduct a thorough investigation. Often- times, these cases involve providers billing for services not rendered or neglect of a care-dependent individual.
“If you feel like you’ve been taken advantage of physically, mentally, or financially, report it,” Sam advised. “It is our job to prosecute those who have committed crimes against you, but we cannot do our jobs unless we know about it.”
Following a delicious gourmet catered lunch, DA Zappala took the stage to greet guests, recognize partners and highlight his office’s continued efforts to protect county seniors from fraud and abuse. Among DA Zappala’s notable recognitions was a proclamation presented Lynn Webster, publisher of Pittsburgh Senior News. June 18, 2025 was declared “Pittsburgh Senior News Day” for the publication’s more than 30 years of dedication and commitment to enriching Allegheny County for its older residents.
Seniors fill the UPMC Club at beautiful Acrisure Stadium in downtown Pittsburgh.
DA Zappala emphasized his commitment to the senior community and the importance of connecting older adults to resources. “Our older population is the most important aspect of what we do. As a young lawyer, I saw how the lack of information or support puts people in a vulnerable position.”
The District Attorney’s Senior Justice Team was created to bridge the gap between seniors and the partners offering crucial support. Senior Advocates field calls of suspected scams and abuse, while also providing community outreach opportunities through local senior events or centers.
A special video presentation was made to honor the career and memory of Senior Justice Advocate Dick Skrinjar. DA Zappala unveiled the first Former Chief Justice Stephen A. Zappala Public Service Excellence Award, presented to Dick for his lifelong work in bettering our community and ensuring justice and well-being for seniors.
“Dick paved the groundwork for the office’s work with seniors,” DA Zappala commented. “We will continue to strive towards his vision of making Allegheny County the safest place for our people over age 60.” The award was accepted on Dick’s behalf by his son, Elliott Skrinjar, with the Skrinjar family in attendance.
DA Zappala then welcomed keynote speaker Bill Fuller, President and Corporate Chef of Big Burrito Restaurant Group, to promote easy and healthy cooking tips. “It’s all about having a plan,” Fuller conveyed. “A lot of the time, we take for granted what we’re eating. We grab a pizza or get takeout, but you’re going to end up not eating well.”
Fuller suggested prepping produce on the day of purchase, keeping healthy snacks on hand, and listing favorite meals that can be served in various ways—like proteins, chili, or salads full of fresh vegetables—for easy nutrition. “If you can, make plans to eat with people. If you have plans to meet somebody for lunch or have them over for dinner, then you’re committed to getting that meal in.”
He also recommended Pittsburgh’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, where seniors can purchase produce and goods directly from local farms.
In the future, DA Zappala looks forward to expanding the efforts of the Senior Justice and Wellness Expo throughout the county and opening the door for new partnerships while remaining devoted to the best interests of older adults.