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OAI and Age-Friendly Howard County present:
Know Your Rights: A Renter’s Resource Forum
October 13, 11 a.m. to noon | Elkridge 50+ Center
Know Your Rights: A Renter’s Resource Forum features an engaging panel discussion to help older adults feel more confident about renting in Howard County. Connect with local experts; learn about your rights and protections; discover resources to help you navigate common challenges; and maintain safe, stable housing. Offered in partnership with the Horizon Foundation, the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection, and the Economic Action Maryland Fund, this free program is part of the Age-Friendly Howard County Action Plan which aims to create a community where people can thrive at every age. Register for the Renter’s Resource Forum.
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As Howard County residents live longer, planning ahead can help you stay secure and prepared. Also part of the Age-Friendly Action Plan, OAI’s Financial Wellness Seminar Series offers practical tips and trusted guidance to help you make informed money decisions for the future with confidence. Led by Michael Branthover, a Certified Financial Consultant, the three-part series includes:
Sessions are offered at no cost at the East Columbia 50+ Center. Register for one, two or all three by clicking on the individual title.
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Transit 101: Ride Along Group
The Mall in Columbia | October 31, 9 a.m. – noon
Email agefriendly@howardcountymd.gov to register
Join a group of new riders for a trip on Howard County transit. Sign up to ride the 404 Route with experts and trained volunteers. This experience will build your confidence and help you become more comfortable navigating public transit. Only 10 spots available. Halloween costumes are optional.
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Explore the Challenges of Menopause and Thrive
The Howard County Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) and the Commission for Women will host Thriving Through Midlife, a panel discussion for women experiencing peri-menopause, menopause or post-menopause challenges. Join us at St. John Baptist Church in Columbia on October 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a medical and wellness panel, roundtable conversations and resource stations to learn more about navigating midlife health decisions. Co-hosted by the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, and St John Baptist Church, the event aims to dismantle health taboos and empower attendees through straightforward, evidence-based guidance and peer support. Admission is free and open to all. Learn more and register for Thriving Through Midlife.
| | October Events at Howard County 50+ Centers | |
| Did you know October is officially celebrated as Walktober in Howard County? Walking is Maryland's official exercise and it's a great way for older adults to stay active, indoors and out. Many of thee Office on Aging and Independence's six 50+ Centers offer ongoing walking groups and have planned . Check them out and let's get moving! As the temperatures drop, remember you can keep your fitness regimen going indoors in our fully equipped fitness rooms and walking tracks at North Laurel and Glenwood. While you are there, enjoy a nutritious lunch and pick up information about OAI programs and services to help you age well. Find more ideas that promote healthy, active aging in the October issue of the 50+ Connection and in Fall issues of our 50+ Centers' quarterly newsletters, below. | |
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Cars, Coffee and Cookies Tailgate
North Laurel 50+ Center (Parking Lot)
October 9, 9:30 – 11 a.m. | #A06751.101 or call 410-313-0380
Whether you're a proud owner eager to show off your ride, love admiring classic, unique vehicles, or enjoy socializing with friends, this event is for you. If you are interested in showcasing your car, let the front desk know – we’d love to have you participate.
The Fire Museum of Baltimore
Glenwood 50+ Center
October 11, 1 – 2 p.m. | #A03920.100 or call 410-313-5440
A docent from the Fire Museum of Baltimore presents: “History of the American Fire Service,” sharing objects from the museum’s collection from the past 200 years of the American Fire Service.
Zumba® Gold Party-In-Pink
Bain 50+ Center
October 16, 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
Dress in pink, dance and have fun while showing support for our local Claudia Mayer/Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center. No prior dance experience required. Suggested $5 donation (cash, card or check). Payments will be collected by and directed to the Cancer Resource Center.
Lighthouse Mysteries and Hauntings
Elkridge 50+ Center
October 21, 1 – 2 p.m. | #A05613.100 or call 410-313-5192
Explore the mysterious world of lighthouses and uncover the legends, strange happenings and ghostly tales that surround these historic beacons and continue to captivate us.
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A Grand Day Out: Magical Memories with Turner Dean of Magic
Ellicott City 50+ Center
October 28, 10 - 11 a.m. | #A02744.100
Join us for a magical morning of wonder featuring magician Dean Turner! Children and their grandparents (or other adults) will be amazed by an interactive magic show filled with illusions, comedy, audience participation, and surprises. Best suited for children aged 4-11; $5 admission includes a goodie bag for each child. Advance registration is required.
Halloween Music Bingo
East Columbia 50+ Center
October 30, 3 – 5 p.m. | One card $5, extras $1 | #A04714.100
Enjoy Bingo with a twist – instead of numbers, listen to Halloween-themed music to mark your card(s). Dress as your favorite music artist or wear a Halloween costume.
| | Howard County Employee Recognition Awards | |
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Kami Bennett Honored with 1st Place Customer Service Award
At the 2026 Howard County Employee Recognition Awards, OAI's Kami Bennett, pictured left with Peters Omoregie and Ofelia Ross Ott, received first place in the Customer Service – Public category for her outstanding work supporting individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. As OAI’s Dementia Care Coordinator, Kami provides compassionate guidance, care navigation and connections to resources that help individuals and families navigate the challenges of dementia while supporting the ability to remain safely and meaningfully connected to their communities. Her expertise, responsiveness and commitment to families exemplify the customer service OAI strives to provide every day. Chris Ferraro of the Glenwood 50+ Center received second place in the Customer Service – Public category. She is often the first friendly faces members see, helping older adults navigate programs, activities and opportunities to stay active and connected. Her years of dedicated service and genuine commitment to creating a welcoming 50+ Center experience reflect the important role our frontline staff play in connecting residents to community and to one another. Congratulations to Kami and Chris on this well-deserved recognition!
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Malarie Burgess wins Howard County's Green Initiative Award
Also honored at the Howard County Employee Recognition Awards, OAI's Malarie Burgess received the first place Green Initiative Award for a simple but environmentally friendly solution to electronic waste. As OAI's Digital Equity and Engagement Manager, Malarie coordinated a Tech Device Donation Drive in partnership with PCs for People, a non-profit that refurbishes the equipment to responsibly recycle waste and provide reuseable devices to those in need. Congratulations to Malarie for her meaningful contributions toward making Howard County a digitally inclusive community. The next Tech Donation drive will be held October 5 - 9 (see below for details).
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Tech Device Donation Drive
DCRS Headquarters, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia 21046 and the Glenwood 50+ Center October 5 – 9 | 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Celebrate Digital Inclusion Week 2026 with our biannual Tech Device Donation Drive. Donations will go to our partnering agency PCs for People to be recycled or refurbished. View the Tech Donation flier for a list of accepted donations. Donations accepted ONLY during noted dates, times and locations.
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Senior Planet presents: Virtual Reality at a Glance
Elkridge 50+ Center
October 13, 10 – 11 a.m. | #A20673.113 or call 410-313-5192
Virtual reality (VR) technology is growing in popularity, with games, programs and apps to help you exercise, explore the world, connect with others and have fun! Learn what VR is, how it works, and explore a few of the most popular VR devices.
Investinfy's Digital Finance Seminar
Bain 50+ Center
October 16, 11 a.m. – noon | # A01628.100
Learn to navigate the digital aspects of finance such as cryptocurrency, online banking, artificial intelligence, and more. Led by Howard County student, Malvika Dhond, this intergenerational program bridges the gap to make modern finance collaborative and easy.
| OAI Programs to Support Healthy Aging | |
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Understanding Mental Health
Bain 50+ Center
October 9, 11 a.m. – noon | #A01132.100
Join Capital City Nurses to learn about mental health challenges that can affect our daily lives, how to recognize signs and symptoms and when to reach out for help. Get tips to improve and maintain good mental health and manage stress and anxiety.
Ask the Physical Therapist
East Columbia 50+ Center
October 9, 11 a.m. – noon | # A04100.100
Have questions about joint pain, balance, arthritis, posture, exercise, or staying active as you age? Dr. Renuka Jain, physical therapist and owner of Revive Physical Therapy, will offer practical tips on mobility, pain, injury prevention and when to seek professional care.
Aging with Grace
East Columbia 50+ Center
Fridays, October 16 - December 11, 1 – 2 p.m. | # A30123.612
In a weekly small group session, Aging with Grace explores how we can engage in aging deeply, with discussion based on the book, “The Gift of Years.” For more information contact: Karen Hull at 410-313-7466 (voice/relay or khull@howardcountymd.gov.
Care Planning: Having a Say in Your Care
Glenwood 50+ Center
October 22, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | #A03910.102
Dr. David Wu and Katie Nelson PhD, RN lead a statewide palliative care education initiative through Gilchrist to share important principles to consider when it comes to advance care planning and advance directives.
CVS Vaccine Clinic
North Laurel 50+ Center
October 23, 10 a.m. – noon | #A06201.101 or call 410-313-0380
Through a partnership with CVS Pharmacy, the Center will offer a Vaccine Clinic. Bring your insurance card or Medicare Part A & B (Part D if you have it) to receive your vaccine. Call the Front Desk for a list of available vaccines.
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Manage your Chronic Conditions with Living Well
OAI's Living Well program offers free evidence-based workshops designed for people living with one or more chronic conditions and/or caregivers. Weekly topics include nutrition, exercise, communication skills, stress management, action planning and goal setting. View the schedule of upcoming Living Well workshops.. For more information, email Heather Sites or call 410-313-3507 (voice/relay).
| | Home Sharing and Downsizing Information | |
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Home Sharing: A Smart Way to Age in Place
North Laurel 50+ Center
October 21, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
#A06625.101 or call 410-313-0380
HoCo Home Share helps older adults in Howard County remain in their homes while gaining financial stability and optional social connection. Join us to learn how homeowners with a room to spare can be safely matched with local residents seeking housing through a secure, supported process that prioritizes compatibility, choice and privacy. The program is operated by Bridges to Housing Stability, a nonprofit serving the community for 35+ years. Learn more about the HoCo Home Share program.
Decluttering and Estate Sales
North Laurel 50+ Center
October 9, 11 a.m. – noon | #A06610.101 or call 410-313-0380
Thinking about decluttering or downsizing and curious about how estate sales work? Explore the downsizing process, estate sale services and helpful resources to make life's transitions easier for you and your loved ones.
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SeniorsTogether needs Group Facilitators!
OAI's SeniorsTogether program relies on older adult volunteers to guide our small peer support and discussion groups, assist with program development, lead trainings or presentations. The groups offer a safe, confidential, comfortable setting where older adult men and women can share their concerns, insights, and ideas. Groups meet in a variety of ways - weekly, monthly, short-term, virtual and in-person. Creativity, flexibility, reliability, and good listening skills are vital. The next initial facilitator training runs October 9, 23 and 30, 2 – 4 p.m. at the Bain 50+ Center. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory; all materials provided at no cost. A background check may be necessary. For more information, please contact Karen Hull at 410-313-7466 or khull@howardcountymd.gov.
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Thursday, October 29, 6 - 7:30 p.m. | East Columbia 50+ Center
Topics include Orphans’ Court, guardianship, estate planning, housing, fraud, asset recovery, and AI technology. For full details, view the event flier.
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Coming Events in November: Save the Date | |
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Presented in partnership with OAI and the Office of Disability Services, the Mixed Vegetables Improv Group: Laugh, Learn, and Live Sustainably is an eco-educational experience not to be missed! Blending the energy of improv with practical sustainability education, this interactive program uses fun skits to spark learning, reflection and action.
Join us for an afternoon of laughter, learning, and connection — leaving you hopeful, empowered, and ready to act. Come laugh, learn and be inspired to make a difference as we share this journey with you! Register for the Mixed Vegetables Improv Group Show.
| | 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. | | | | |
