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For the past 20 years, the Beacon newspaper has been providing free community education events every fall for readers and their families.

Known as the 50+Expos, they are held in both suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia for the convenience of residents throughout the metro area.

Between the two events, more than 100 informative exhibitors will provide giveaways and helpful information.

In addition to government agencies and nonprofit associations that focus on older adults, there will be home care agencies, hearing, vision and other healthcare providers, housing communities, remodelers and other home services, financial planners, elder lawyers and much more.

New this year, our sponsor Giant Pharmacy will be providing four different vaccines. The flu vaccine (both regular and high-dose) and pneumonia vaccine are free to those with Medicare and often covered by health insurance.

Two additional vaccines, tetanus and Shingrix (the new shingles vaccine) will also be offered. These are often covered by insurance, though co-pays may apply. Bring your Medicare and insurance cards with you.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Matthew Mintz (see this month’s cover story) who will address a healthcare issue that is much in the news: “Medical cannabis and CBD oil: What you need to know.”

This year’s events will take place at two locations:

On Sunday, Sept. 22, from noon to 4 p.m., at Springfield Town Center in Springfield, Va., and

On Sunday, Oct. 6, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Silver Spring Civic Building in downtown Silver Spring, Md.

At Silver Spring only, there will be Tai Chi demonstrations and the following screenings: blood pressure, bone density and BioSway balance testing, courtesy of sponsor Holy Cross Health, glaucoma testing from the Prevention of Blindness Society, and skin cancer screens from Anne Arundel Dermatology.

At Springfield only, there will be a shredder truck, courtesy of sponsor AARP Va., and a presentation on “Medicare 101” by UnitedHealthcare, also a sponsor. Blood pressure, glaucoma and skin cancer screenings will also be offered there.

Other sponsors include Flexion Therapeutics, Sommerset Retirement, Oak Manor Healthcare, GraceFul Care, Health for Life, JCA and Bath Fitter.

Admission is free, and so is parking at both venues.

For more information — or to exhibit or volunteer at either Expo — call (301) 949-9766 or visit https://www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/50expos/.