Meridy McCague named Howard County Employee of the Year
Congratulations to Meridy McCague, director of the East Columbia 50+ Center, who has been named Howard County Employee of the Year. In 2024, Meridy and her staff transitioned East Columbia from the Office on Aging & Independence’s smallest 50+ Center to the largest. Throughout the construction process, Meridy’s positive energy, creativity and leadership was evident on a daily basis, planning programs and events and sharing resources and services to meet the needs of older adults in the East Columbia community.
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Recognizing the "Power of My Voice" during Residents' Rights Month in October
During Residents’ Rights Month (RRM), residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities join family members, ombudsmen, facility staff, and other advocates to honor the rights of long-term care residents. The 2024 theme, The Power of My Voice, recognizes the impact that residents can have when they vocalize the importance of personal growth, their interests and their right to live full, enriching lives. The Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) Ombudsmen support residents’ rights and encourage all residents to use their voice to make their own choices.
Learn more about RRM in the October HoCo Community Chat podcast. Chris Hobbs, pictured, below right, an OAI ombudsman, and Paulette Chester, left, a resident of Lorien in Columbia, discuss the importance of voicing the rights of long-term care residents with host Jackie Scott, director, Howard County Department of Community Resources & Services.
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Doors open at 10:30 a.m. | Lunch served at noon
Tickets $17/person, on sale at all Howard County 50+ Centers
Seating is limited; all sales final, no refunds.
Bring non-perishable food items for the Howard County Food Bank
For more information, call 410-313-5400 (voice/relay)
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Stay in touch with OAI - read the 50+ Connection and our 50+ Centers' quarterly newsletters.
Check out these events happening at 50+ Centers this month:
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Reflections in the Garden: Making Sense of Life through Nature
Ellicott City 50+ Center
October 8, 15 & 22, 1 p.m. | Call Kim Flash at 410-313-3668 to register
Discover how nature can boost your mood and emotional wellbeing. Engage in guided activities to encourage reflection, mindfulness and a fresh perspective.
Walktober 2024
50+ Centers | Month of October
View the schedule and register
Participate in Walktober, a month-long celebration of walking and movement! Enjoy energizing outdoor walks for all fitness levels and embrace Maryland's official exercise—walking!
Pink October
50+ Centers | Month of October | View the schedule and register
Raise awareness of breast cancer with meaningful activities, including free fitness classes, walking events, morning tea, musical celebrations, and breast health seminars. Wear PINK to show your support!
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English Conversation Class
North Laurel 50+ Center
October 9 – December 18, 4:30 p.m. | Register
Improve your English language skills and meet new people! Open to all levels; no documentation required.
Spencer's Martial Arts Self Defense Class
Bain 50+ Center
Wednesdays, October 9 – December 18, 2 p.m. | Register
Boost balance, strength and flexibility while learning essential self-defense skills to protect yourself, in a supportive, engaging environment. Cost $59.
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Cars, Coffee and Cookies
North Laurel 50+ Center | October 11, 9:30 a.m. | Register
Connect with fellow car enthusiasts while enjoying coffee and cookies in the parking lot (weather permitting).
Ellicott City Ghost Tours
Elkridge 50+ Center | October 29, 3 p.m. | Register
Ellicott City, a resilient 250-year-old town, boasts great shops and vibrant nightlife. Some past residents, however, never left—and they're dying to meet you! Hear their eerie stories with Maryland History Tours.
Happy Tired Dog Enrichment Class
Glenwood 50+ Center
October 30, 11 a.m. | To register call 410-313-5440
Learn how to tire out your dog using puzzles, games and food-dispensing toys. Great for owners of high energy dogs, but also beneficial for older dogs. Our resident support dog Dempsey will be demonstrating the activities.
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Information & Resources to Age in Community | |
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Aging in Place: Your Home, Your Community, Your Choice
East Columbia 50+ Center | October 19, 9 a.m. – noon
To register, contact Margaret Fries 410-313-6029 (voice/relay)
Planning to age in place can be overwhelming, but acting now can help you stay independent in the home of your choice. Join us to discuss key topics like housing, health, transportation, finances, and staying connected.
Next Steps: Creating a New Future
East Columbia 50+ Center | October 25 – November 15, 10 a.m.
Register
An engaging, interactive program addressing common post-retirement challenges and aging transitions. Topics include overcoming barriers, identifying strengths, boosting self-esteem, making new choices, and fostering positive thinking.
Retirement Communities: Senior Living Options Discussion
Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Center | October 18, 1 p.m. | Register
Wondering which option is best for your next move? Get an overview of the amenities, activities, parking, meals, and more in retirement communities.
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Have Fun with Tech
North Laurel 50+ Center | October 10, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Curious about technology but not sure where to start? Explore new technologies with expert guidance, including virtual reality demos, AI creativity, tablet navigation for beginners, mobile games, and more! No registration.
Tech Device Donation Drive
North Laurel 50+ Center | October 8 – 10, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
During "Digital Inclusion Week" OAI will host a tech device donation drive. All donations are gifted to the nonprofit organization PCs for People to be recycled. Visit Digital Education for more information.
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Winter Coat and Cold Weather Gear Giveaway
Need winter coats or cold weather accessories for your family? The Howard County MultiService Center has you covered at the North Laurel Community Center, while supplies last. For more information, view the flier in English or Spanish, contact Valerie Mathis at 410-313-0242 (voice/relay) or email vmathis@howardcountymd.gov.
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Covid-19 Updates
Free At-Home Covid-19 Tests Now Available
The Maryland Department of Aging reminds residents that every U.S. household can now order four free at-home Covid-19 tests, including more accessible tests for people with low vision or low manual dexterity. The tests will detect the currently circulating Covid-19 variants and are intended for use through the end of 2024. The standard tests and the InteliSwab accessible test can be ordered online. You may also order by phone by calling the CDC Information line at 1-800-232-0233.
Howard County opens Covid-19 Memorial
In September, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, pictured below, cut the ribbon to open the County’s new Covid-19 Memorial at Meadowbrook Park in Ellicott City. The memorial grove, one of only a few in Maryland, features 44 native birch trees and a water feature surrounded by seating to offer visitors a calming place of reflection. View photos of the event.
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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. | | | | |
