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I want to thank the thousands of readers and their guests who attended the 50+Expo events we recently offered in both Maryland and Virginia.  

This was the 25th year we had presented these expos to our readers and the larger community, so they were especially meaningful and joyous for me and the rest of us at the Beacon. 

We put many months of effort into organizing our Expos, which included the many health screenings, important vaccinations, speakers, and nearly 150 government agencies, nonprofits and area businesses who came this year to share information, resource materials and gobs of chocolate and useful giveaways.  

Every year, more people appear willing to venture out to these large, often crowded events. We all know there is the potential for another pandemic down the road, but for the moment, it certainly feels freeing to be able to see each other’s faces, hear what others are saying, and enjoy the boisterous experience of being part of “the public.” 

I was especially happy to see so many familiar faces and to have the opportunity to speak with you, catch up on your lives, and hear your views on the issues of the day.  

Of course, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that one of the best parts was hearing all the glowing compliments people shared with me about the Beacon, our writers, our sales staff and the events themselves. I was floating out the door at the end of both Expos.  

Our exhibitors were equally happy to have the opportunity to meet so many active older adults who were sincerely interested in the housing communities, health providers, financial and legal advisors, recreation and travel opportunities, and community resources that participated.   

I want to thank our hard-working staff for putting together these fantastic events. I also want to thank our gold sponsors AARP Virginia and Giant Pharmacy who, together with our many other sponsors, made the free events possible.  

I also want to thank Giant for providing a variety of vaccines and health screenings, and the Prevention of Blindness Society for offering glaucoma tests.  

If you were unable to hear my interview of writer Laura Stassi, who graced our cover last month, we expect to post a video of it soon on our website at thebeaconnewspapers.com/50expos. 

We are already making plans for next fall’s Expos and intend for them to be even bigger and better than this year’s. I hope to once again see those of you who came this year, and many more of you who could not be there.  

As we enter the holiday season and the year draws to a close, I want to express my thanks to, and admiration for, everyone on the Beacon staff. Their diligent work keeps our printed publications and website brimming with useful content (and relevant advertising) month after month.  

I’d like to thank them here by name: Executive Vice President Gordon Hasenei; Vice President of Operations Roger King; Art Director Kyle Gregory (celebrating his 25th year at the Beacon this month!); Managing Editor Margaret Foster; Assistant Editor Ana Preger Hart; Advertising Representatives Dan Kelly, Steve Levin, M.K. Phillips and Alan Spiegel; and, of course, my wife, the Beacon’s President and Associate Publisher, Judy Rosenthal.  

The Beacon would not exist without all of their efforts — nor without you, who read our publications each month. I offer my sincere appreciation to each of you, too!

Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season and new year.