The printed pen business in Callaway County must be good - really good - because of Thursday's SERVE Senior Expo.
While the gifty items at the event included such things as tape measurers, jar lid removers and potato chip bag clasps, nearly every display included ink pens, free for the taking.
Betty Jennings, of Fulton, said she loves coming to the annual Expo.
"I just always come," she said. "I love all the freebies - don't say that - and I love seeing everybody."
She was having a conversation with Sherry McBride, adult services reference librarian at the Callaway County Library in Fulton.
"I'm showing people the resources and activities and welcoming them to the library," she said.
The fourth annual event was at the Callaway Christian Church, and about 50 booths were on hand. Crafters were also set up for visitors interested in shopping.
Judy Schulte, of Fulton, said the Expo is also a yearly event for her.
"I actually usually learn something," she said.
Kari Moore and Katy Cawdron were offering glaucoma screenings. They work for the state's Department of Social Services' Rehabilitation Services for the Blind. Donna Alexander got a screening, then said she was at the Expo with a group of her friends from her apartment complex.
"Most of us come out here for us," she said.
Marilyn Chandler, of Williamsburg, made the trip over to the Expo with her husband.
"I've gotta bring that guy along," she said, laughing. "We come every year and really enjoy it."
While many businesses participated and sponsored, this year's Gold Sponsor was VisionArts Eyecare Center, 614 Market St. in Fulton. Christina Bonsall, marketing coordinator, and Dr. J.W. Vann, optometrist, were busy chatting with all the attendees.
"We always support SERVE enthusiastically," Vann said. "And we always support this population of age group. It's what we do."
VisionArts previously had a nonprofit arm, which raised almost $40,000 during the last 10 years, he added.
