I had the opportunity to briefly visit with Wilmington Area High School’s class of 1989 during their reunion while my brother was in town. Though only there for a short time, it was enjoyable to see the camaraderie among the classmates (and a few visitors from other years) as they caught up on the time between graduation and the present.

And it reminded me of another approaching reunion of sorts.

I’m talking about Women’s Expo 2009, presented by Views & Voices magazine. Now in its fourth year, the annual regional event will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at the Hickory VFW inside the Normandy Banquet Center, 5550 E. State St., Hermitage.

Every year, vendors and visitors catch up on what has happened since previous expo. And every year, the staff of Views & Voices are told by expo guests that they appreciate the positivity the event provides to the region.

In light of the current economy, we also continue to give back to help those in need – our canned good donation drive for a discounted entry fee ($1) all goes toward the Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County.

We also give attendees a chance to win one of many prizes, such as a trip for two to see the Terra Cotta Warriors on display at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C. by Anderson Coach & Travel. Besides the 2,000-year-old Chinese statues, the winner and a guest will get to visit the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, the FDR and Jefferson Memorials as well as the World War II Memorial as well as free time to explore the Smithsonian Museums. The travel dates are Nov. 21 and 22 and the bus trip is valued at $500.

New this year is our Business Professional Giveaway. Drop off a business card at the Views & Voices table and win a night’s stay for two at Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa in Sharon. The $500 prize includes a limousine ride and dinner for two at Ashley’s Gourmet Dining Room, located at Tara – A Country Inn, Clark.

Other Expo giveaways include $50 gas cards provided by Rose Allison with Silpada Designs, Transfer; Snootie Patootie children’s consignment store, Hermitage; Backyard Bistro & Bakery, Hermitage; UPMC Horizon and Sharon Regional Health System.

Be sure to visit each of 80 vendor tables to sign up for prizes and to enjoy their offerings. Some of those giveaways include a $50 earth-friendly gift basket from Goodness Gracious in Volant, a $200 area rug from Fine Flooring Design, Sharpsville; a $50 Flynn’s Tires gift card; and three free days of care valued at $148 from Building Blocks Child Center, Hermitage.

There will also be craft, jewelry, makeup and funky boutique vendors selling items for those early Christmas gifts; many businesses providing important and useful information for visitors and many networking opportunities.

And for those home delivery subscribers to The Herald and Allied News, today you’ll find where Women’s Expo 2009 grew from – our October “Histories and Mysteries” edition of Views & Voices.

Readers who don’t subscribe can buy Views & Voices from area dealers that carry our magazine every month. Besides the newspaper offices in Sharon and Grove City, dealers include Classy Cat Boutique, Hermitage; Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce; Flowers on Vine in New Wilmington; Country Crossing Gifts & Collectibles, Leesburg; The Kitchen Shoppe, Volant; Handbags ‘n Hats, Hubbard; Organics and More, Sandy Lake; Down Under Consignments, New Castle; Susan’s Beauty Parlor, Greenville; Myrna’s Gifts & Flowers, Jamestown; Mary Turner Skin Care & Day Spa, New Castle and Grove Manor, Grove City.

So if you’re looking for a way to connect to this region and to the many amazing people that are part of region community, check out the October edition of Views & Voices.

The staff of Views & Voices invites you to join us for Women’s Expo 2009, and take part in this exciting annual community tradition. We look forward to meeting with each of you! Info: sherris@sharonherald.com or 724-981-6100