Don't miss OAI's Showcase, The Art of Healthy Aging, May 9 at The Mall in Columbia
Join the Office on Aging & Independence (OAI) to celebrate Older Americans Month and showcase the art of healthy aging! This FREE, all-ages event on Friday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mall in Columbia will feature health screenings, a keynote address on brain health by Dr. William Mansbach, a live cooking demonstration, cultural performances, interactive art displays and more. Dr. Mansbach is CEO and President of CounterPoint Health Services, specializing in geriatric behavioral health and dementia care, and co-author of Brain Health as You Age: A Practical Guide to Maintenance and Prevention. Register for the keynote. Hope to see you there!
Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support, including AARP Maryland, Bob Lucido Team, Residences at Vantage Point, and The Beacon.
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The Art of Healthy Aging 50+ Art Show
Stop by The Mall in Columbia May 2 - 26 to view the featured works of Howard County 50+ artists. Artists submitted artwork in the medium of their choice - oil and watercolor paintings, pen and ink drawings, paper crafts (collage, scrapbook or card-art) and more. Come celebrate their creativity!
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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, evidence-based workshops designed to help adults manage chronic conditions, diabetes and chronic pain. Participants meet weekly in small groups to learn practical self-management tools to improve their nutrition and exercise habits, manage stress and create an action plan for success. Select workshops are available in English, Korean and Spanish, and focus on chronic disease, diabetes and chronic pain self-management. View the upcoming schedule of workshops. For more information, email Heather Sites or call 410-313-3507 (voice/relay).
Virtual Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
Tuesday & Thursdays, June 3 - 17, 2 - 3 p.m. / Virtual via Webex
Cost (under age 59): $83 / Over 60 by donation / Register: 410-313-5440
Improve strength, flexibility and balance with this easy-on-the-joints class, which also helps manage discomfort with gentle range-of-motion movements. No class on June 5.
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Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC)
East Columbia 50+ Center / Fridays, May 30 - July 11, 1 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $30 / Register
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a six-week program comprised of weekly 90-minute classes.Offered in a supportive environment for caregivers, class discussions promote self-care and tools to better manage stress and improve communication skills. Registration fee covers the workbook cost. Interested in becoming a PTC trainer? Register to attend the next virtual training session, June 9 -13, from 9 a.m. to noon. Email Kathy Wehr at 410-313-5955 (voice/relay) for more information.
Dementia & Alzheimer's Education
OAI offers a full lineup of programs focused on Alzheimer’s, dementia and caregiver support! Whether you're a caregiver or simply want to learn more about brain health, we invite you to join us for these upcoming events:
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Hearing Loss and Dementia / May 20, 1 - 4 p.m. / Bain 50+ Center
- Alzheimer’s Education Series (in English & Korean) / May 28, June 11 and June 25, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. / Various locations
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Seminar / 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive / June 6 or 7, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
To learn more and register, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/dementia.
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See What's Happening in May at 50+ Centers
Happy Mother's Day to all the special mothers and grandmothers in Howard County who mean so much to all of us! In May we're celebrating not just Older Americans Month and Mother's Day but also hosting an exciting array of activities and events at 50+ Centers! From energizing fitness classes and engaging workshops to fun social events and creative arts, there are endless opportunities to make the most of the season. Learn more in the May issue of the 50+ Connection or our quarterly center newsletters, below, and visit the Howard County ActiveNet registration site to register.
Subscribe to have these publications sent directly to your inbox. Here are some events coming up in May, highlighted by our 50+ Center directors:
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Howard County Chinese Cultural Center presents National Xuejuan Dance Ensemble
East Columbia 50+ Center / May 3, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. / Register
Join us for a continental breakfast and entertainment sponsored by Chamber Music Maryland and the Howard County Chinese Cultural Center, featuring the Washington Chinese Traditional Orchestra and the Xuejuan Dance Ensemble. Registration is required; call 410-313-7680 for details.
Healthy Vision Month: A Treasure of Resources
Bain 50+ Center / May 6, 10:30 a.m. - noon / Register
Matthew Yannuzzi from Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) will share their mission of teaching skills for independence, building self-confidence and preparing blind/low vision individuals for everyday challenges. Sponsored by the SeniorsTogether Low Vision group. For more information, email Karen Hull or call 410-313-7466 (voice/relay).
Spencer's Martial Arts/Self-Defense Class
Bain 50+Center / Wednesdays, May 14 - July 23, 2 - 2:50 p.m.
Cost: $59 / Register
Learn the art of self-defense in our empowering martial arts program. Enhance your balance, strength, flexibility and learn skills to protect you and your family.
Ask The Dog Trainer
Glenwood 50+ Center / May 15, 1 - 2 p.m. / Register
Are you curious about why dogs behave the way they do? Join us for an interactive dog trainer session with Jody Broughton, CPDT-KA, of Social Tailwaggers Dog Training to gain insights into canine behavior and strengthen your bond with your furry friend (but please leave them at home).
History Talk: The Stamp Act Crisis of 1765
Glenwood 50+ Center / May 16- May 23, 9:30 a.m. - noon
Cost: $15 / Register
Enacted by England, the Stamp Act of 1765 was the first direct tax on the 13 American colonies to produce a violent colonial reaction. Explore the characteristics of the act and its implementation; why/how the colonies fought back; and the path to revolution: absolute authority vs. inalienable rights.
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AARP CarFit: Get the best fit in your vehicle
North Laurel 50+ Center / May 19, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Call 410-313-0380 to schedule your appointment.
CarFit is a FREE, interactive checkup program that teaches participants how to make their personal vehicle “fit” them to increase safety and mobility when they hit the road, including assuring adequate space from the steering wheel, proper seat belt use and properly adjusted headrests. Checkups take about 20 minutes. View the video to learn more. Free.
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AAPI Celebration
Elkridge 50+ Center / May 7, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. / Register
Kick off Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with Elkridge staff and the Chinese American Senior Association. Join us as we celebrate together with music and dance. Call 410-313-5192 for details.
Tai Chi Interactive Demo Classes
Ellicott City 50+ Center / Two Sessions / May 21,12:45 - 1 p.m. / Register
or May 21, 1 - 1:15 p.m. / Register
During AAPI Heritage Month, we are highlighting one of the oldest forms of movements, Tai Chi, which dates to pre-960AD. This ancient Chinese practice combines gentle movements, deep breathing and meditation. Watch and join in as Master Zongqi Xie and his team perform this beautiful art of movement.
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Tech Device Donation Drive
Elkridge 50+ Center & Glenwood 50+ Center / May 20 - 23
Bring your working (or not) tech devices to donate to PCs for People, a nationwide nonprofit that recycles and refurbishes devices to redistribute them to those in need. Donation boxes will be available during 50+ center normal operating hours. Acceptable donations include: computers, smartphones, game consoles, digital cameras, printers, laptops, and more! View the flier for details. Email questions to mburgess@howardcountymd.gov.
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Unity in the Community Resources & Wellness Fair
May 3, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. / Cradlerock Elementary School
The Howard County Office of the Local Children's Board kicks off its Unity in the Community Resource Fair series May 3, with activities for the whole family, including face painting, a moonbounce, a DJ & music plus student performances and mini workshops. The event also offers access to community resources and information, plus free food and groceries. Co-sponsored by HCPSS, Cradlerock Elementary School, Lake Elkhorn Middle School and the Judy Center Early Learning Hub. View the event flier.
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Celebrating 50 years of service to Howard County
The Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) is celebrating its golden anniversary this year, along with the creation of the original Office on Aging! Join the celebration at the Bain 50+ Center open house, "A Day in the Life of Bain," on May 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Located at 5470 Ruth Keeton Way in Columbia, the Bain 50+ Center was Howard County's first senior center. Bring a friend and join us as we showcase our diverse programs, with a few special surprises! Activities include dancing, classes, an HCC concert, live music, refreshments, and door prizes. To learn more about upcoming 50th Anniversary events, visit DCRS' 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. | | | | |