Article by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2024 October)
For the 25th year in a row, The Beacon, a free monthly newspaper dedicated to serving the interests and needs of the 50+ community in the Metro Washington, D.C. area, will host 50+ Expos in Maryland and Virginia. Older adults and their families are invited to attend these free, in-person events to learn about a range of services and resources, listen to informative speakers, participate in health screenings, and more. Dates and locations of the 50+ Expos are as follows:
Sunday, October 20, Noon-4 p.m.
Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD
This 50+Expo features a “Keynote Conversation” between The Beacon's publisher and popular writer Laura Stassi, author of “Romance Redux: Finding Love in Your Later Years” and host of the “Dating While Gray” podcast.
Sunday, November 3, Noon-4 p.m.
Springfield Town Center, 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA
In addition to the expansive 50+Expo, The Beacon is partnering with the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging to offer “Venture into Volunteering," featuring more than 35 agencies and nonprofits offering exciting volunteer opportunities.
Exhibitors include government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses offering information on housing options, home remodeling, home care, financial planning, insurance, healthcare, fitness, travel, senior resources and more. Collette Tours will also give a travel presentation showcasing special trips to Hawaii and Iceland for Beacon readers.
Free health screenings will include blood pressure, glaucoma, blood glucose and cholesterol tests. Vaccines will also be available, including the latest COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, regular and high-dose flu shots, Shingrix (shingles), pneumonia and tetanus vaccines. Please bring your Medicare and/or insurance card, if applicable.
For more information, or to exhibit, sponsor or volunteer, call 301-949-9766, email info@thebeaconnewspapers.com or visit thebeaconnewspapers.com/50expos.
The 50+ Expos are made possible through the generous support of local sponsors. Gold Sponsors include AARP Virginia and Giant Pharmacy. Silver Sponsors are Adventist HealthCare, Johns Hopkins Health Plans, Pepco, Asbury Methodist Village, The Fairfax and Collette Tours. Bronze Sponsors include Maryland Relay, Xfinity, the Housing Initiative Partnership, The Leggett, Montgomery County Aging & Disability Services and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. Additional sponsors are welcome.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).