Celebrate National Family Caregivers Month with the Office on Aging & Independence | |
To mark National Family Caregivers Month in November, the Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) Caregiver Support Program will present its 2025 Caregiver Conference on November 14 at the East Columbia 50+ Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 2025 theme, "The Pillars of Brain Health," focuses on the latest brain health insights and overall well-being. Join OAI to learn from leading experts in the field, including keynote speaker Dr. William Mansbach, a renowned voice in brain health research and practice.
The conference also features breakout sessions tailored to the pillars of brain health. Learn about the Pointer Study; Traumatic Brain Injury and Aging; Mapping the Many Faces of Grief; Staying Social and Connected; Habits of the World’s Longest Living People; Hearing and Cognitive Decline; Wellbeing and Nature; and the Importance of Advance Directives.” A closing program, The Caregiver’s Brain: Mental Health, Stress, and Self-Preservation Along the Journey, will explore how emotional strain, chronic stress, and compassion fatigue reshape the mind—and what we can do to protect it. View the flier for details.
Pre-registration is required at bit.ly/HoCo-CaregiverConference25. A buffet lunch is included in the registration fee of $15.00. For more information, contact Kathy Wehr at 410-313-5955 (voice/relay) or kwehr@howardcountymd.gov.
| Take advantage of Medicare Open Enrollment | |
Howard County State Health Insurance program (SHIP). SHIP's Certified Medicare Counselors provide free, unbiased assistance with Medicare and can help you learn the difference between Medicare Parts C & D and Original Medicare, how to shop for Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap policies. Contact SHIP at 410-313-7392 (voice/relay) to schedule a one-on-one appointment, now through December 7.
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Longtime SHIP volunteer, Hyun Choi, inducted into the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame
Congratulations to Howard County’s 2025 inductee into the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, Hyun Choi. Pictured above, center, Ms. Choi has volunteered with OAI's State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) since 2012, providing invaluable Medicare information and counseling to the Korean community in Howard County. Thank you for all you do for older adults in the county!
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November 1 – December 6 Howard County 50+ Centers
As we enter the season of giving, OAI is calling on our community to come together to show support for older adults who otherwise may not receive a holiday gift. There are MANY ways for individuals, groups and organizations to get involved – fundraise, contribute money, donate items, refer a recipient or volunteer. Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/projectholiday for suggested items and a link to our Amazon Wish List to purchase. Donations of new, unwrapped gift items may be dropped off at any 50+ Center between now and December 6.
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Stay connected this Fall at OAI's 50+ Centers
From chair yoga to high energy Zumba, Howard County's six 50+ Centers offer group fitness options for all levels, with music, history, cultural and creative arts programs that highlight the best of the season. To find an activity that speaks to your interests, check out the November issue of the 50+ Connection and our 50+ Centers' fall newsletters:
Subscribe to have these publications sent directly to your inbox.
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Native American History - The Life of Hannah Freeman
Glenwood 50+ Center | November 5, 9:30 a.m. – noon | Register
Hannah Freeman, a Lenape woman who lived among the Quakers in 19th-century Pennsylvania, was known as “Indian Hannah.” Her life reveals how women from marginalized groups influenced economic and social change in American history.
Making the Best of the Holidays on My Own
Ellicott City 50+ Center | November 7, 1 – 2 p.m. | Register
Join SeniorsTogether for an interactive discussion on the impact of grief during the holidays. Learn to anticipate challenges and triggers and identify ways to cope. Questions? Contact Karen Hull at 410-313-7466 or khull@howardcountymd.gov.
Let’s Talk About Money in Plain Language: Part Two
Bain 50+ Center | November 14, 11 a.m. – noon | Register
Ellen Frank translates complex financial jargon into clear, everyday language. Gain a better understanding of the financial world and how it applies to your life.
The Maryland Air Guard in WW II
Elkridge 50+ Center | November 10, 1 – 2 p.m. | Register
Join Retired Colonel Wayde Minami to explore the Maryland National Guard’s role in the air war against Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. Comprised of World War I veterans and new recruits, Maryland airmen served on fronts around the globe.
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Burn Before the Bird
Bain 50+ Center | November 25, 8:45 – 11:45 a.m. | Register
Kick off the holiday weekend with a morning of Group Exercise Fun. Join us for one or all five 30-min Express classes to bring community together for some fitness fun before Thanksgiving. Bring a friend for FREE.
DIY Cooking Demo: Chocolate Truffles
Ellicott City 50+ Center | November 21, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Register
Join Michelle for a holiday homemade chocolate truffle class. You will design the chocolates in class and create sample treats to take home. Cost: $15.
Holiday Bazaar
North Laurel 50+ Center | November 22, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Register
Don’t miss the North Laurel 50+ Center Craft Club’s 1st Annual Holiday Bazaar! Shop for handmade crafts & unique gifts, with delicious snacks available for purchase and festive activities for all ages. No registration required.
Kick off the Holidays with the Showtime Singers
East Columbia 50+ Center | November 22, 1 – 3 p.m. | Register
Celebrate the joy of live music and enjoy a Saturday afternoon concert by the Showtime Singers. Always a hit, not to be missed. A reception follows the concert.
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National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month Program
Ellicott City 50+ Center | November 13, 11 a.m. – noon | Register
Join Cedric Amadi, Director of Community Outreach at Brightstar Care for an insightful and compassionate presentation to explore the latest in care strategies and tips for caregivers to make a difference, one family at a time. Whether you're a caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply want to learn more, this session is designed to inform, inspire, and empower.
Your Voice Matters: Create a Dementia-Friendly Howard County
East Columbia 50+ Center | November 3, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Ellicott City 50+ Center | November 7, 1 – 3 p.m.
Join a community listening session to share your views and help shape a more inclusive, dementia-friendly future for all. Those living with dementia, their families and care partners are encouraged to share their experiences, challenges and ideas. Community feedback will directly help shape Howard County’s first Dementia Plan, guiding programs, policies, and practices to improve dementia care and support. Register in advance at bit.ly/HoCo-DementiaFriendlyCLS.
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Age wisely with Maryland Access Point:
A guide to short-term rehabilitation stays
Glenwood 50+ Center | November 6, 11 a.m. – noon | Register
A hospital stay is often just the beginning of recovery. For many older adults, a short-term rehabilitation facility offers the care and therapy needed to regain strength and independence. But knowing what to expect—and how to prepare—can make a big difference in your experience and outcome. In this session, MAP staff will cover what a short-term rehab is, what services are provided, and share information on planning for discharge and transitioning back home.
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Start Living Well today - OAI can help!
Ongoing, six-week workshops at 50+ Centers and other locations
OAI's Living Well program offers free workshops to help adults manage chronic conditions, diabetes and chronic pain. Offered in English, Chinese, Korean and Spanish, workshops focus on chronic disease, diabetes and chronic pain self-management. View the upcoming schedule. For more information, email Heather Sites or call 410-313-3507 (voice/relay).
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OAI's Malarie Burgess receives the 2025 Maryland Digital Equity Champion Award
Congratulations to Malarie Burgess (pictured above, center) who received the Practitioner Champion Award from the University of Maryland Extension (UME) at the Maryland Digital Opportunity Summit held October 15. The award recognizes her steady commitment and innovation to inclusive digital education, which has transformed digital access for older adults across Howard County. As OAI's Digital Inclusion Specialist, Malarie partnered with Enterprise Residential to distribute over 400 Chromebooks to low-income seniors, bringing UME online digital navigators onsite to assist with the residents’ device setup. Malarie's inclusive approach incorporates language and social service support to ensure every learner feels seen and supported. "This recognition is a wonderful testament to Malarie's leadership in advancing digital literacy and access in Howard County," said OAI administrator Ofelia Ross-Ott. "She has been a true champion in helping older adults gain confidence with technology."
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Honor our Veterans at the 2025 Veterans Day Parade
The 11th annual Howard County Veterans Day Parade & Celebration will take place Sunday, November 9, starting at 9:30 a.m. in Downtown Columbia. The parade celebrates our county’s Veterans and honors their profound dedication and service to our country. The Howard County Veterans Foundation has announced the 2025 Grand Marshal will be Elza K. Redman Jr., a Veteran of the United States Air Force, who served from 1957 to 1962. To learn more about support for veterans in Howard County, visit the Office of Veterans and Military Families' website.
| | For more information about Office on Aging & Independence programs, visit our website or follow us on social media @HoCoCommunity. If you need assistance, contact Maryland Access Point of Howard County at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay) or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/map. | | | | |
