News & Events for Older Adults in Howard County • July 2025

Celebrate YOUR Independence and stay active with the Office on Aging & Independence (OAI)

July 4th, Independence Day, is a time to celebrate our nation's freedom, history and the continuing pursuit of happiness. Whether you plan to attend a local parade, host a backyard barbecue, or watch fireworks with friends and family, participating in 4th of July festivities can connect you to your community and our country. The holiday serves as a reminder that we are all part of a larger collective which values personal freedoms.

For older adults, participating in activities that promote independence also helps maintain physical and mental health and can improve your quality of life. OAI offers many opportunities to engage in meaningful experiences that reinforce the value of independence and help you create lasting memories. Read on to learn more about OAI activities coming to 50+ Centers in July, geared for older adults of all ages and abilities.

Good Neighbors Sought for New Intergenerational Community in Hickory Ridge

Currently under construction in Columbia’s Hickory Ridge Village, Patuxent Commons is a 75-unit apartment community that will offer both affordable and market rate units when it opens this October. The community is being developed by Mission First Housing Group and based on an intergenerational housing concept created by the Autism Society of Maryland. Older adults will have the opportunity to rent 40% of the units, 25% will be set aside for adults with disabilities, and the remainder will be for families and younger adults. OAI will co-host a Neighbor Recruitment Meeting for Patuxent Commons on Wednesday, July 23 at 5 p.m. at the East Columbia 50+ Center. Housing requests can be submitted August 1 - 10. For more information, visit www.patuxentcommons.com.

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. Offered in English, 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).

Virtual Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program

Tuesday/Thursday, July 8 - September 18, 2 - 3 p.m. | Virtual

For more information or to register, call Rachel Filar at 410-313-6073

Improve strength, flexibility and balance with this easy-on-the-joints class which features gentle range-of-motion movements to manage discomfort.

Partially funded under the Older Americans Act, the cost for those under 59 is $83 for the entire session. Individuals 60 and over are encouraged to make a donation to ensure the viability of the program.

Don't miss Howard County's 4th of July Celebration

Howard County’s annual July 4th Celebration will feature a grand fireworks display at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront. The event, a partnership between Howard County Government, the Columbia Association, and other local organizations, will kick off at 5 p.m. with food trucks, musical performances and more. The night closes with a fantastic fireworks display starting at dusk. Get all the details, including where to park, at Howard County's July 4th Fireworks | Howard County

Welcome Summer at Howard County's 50+ Centers

OAI's 50+ centers are hosting an exciting array of activities and events in July to keep you active and engaged all summer long. Energizing fitness classes, engaging workshops and social events, plus music and creative arts programs offer plenty of opportunities to help you make the most of the season. Learn more in the July issue of the 50+ Connection and quarterly 50+ Center newsletters! Visit the Howard County ActiveNet registration site to register.

Bain 50+ Center Summer
East Columbia 50+ Center Summer
Elkridge 50+ Center Summer
Ellicott City 50+ Center Summer
Glenwood 50+ Center Summer
North Laurel 50+ Center Summer

Subscribe to have these publications sent directly to your inbox. Here are some events coming up in July, highlighted by our 50+ Center directors:

Peruvian Dance: Kusikuy

East Columbia 50+ Center

July 1 to September 30, 6 - 9 p.m. | Register

Kusikuy Peru, a new Peruvian dance group, aims to preserve and share our rich and vibrant culture, fostering connections between our Peruvian Heritage and the community. Practices are open to all!

Baduanjin Fitness Exercise

East Columbia 50+ Center

Mondays, July 7 to September 29 (no class September 1), 5:30 - 7:15 p.m. | Register

Sponsored by CASA and led by Tang Fei and Yuping Wu, this is an ancient form of Chinese qigong exercise. Renowned for its health benefits, it combines gentle movements with breath control.

The Patapsco River: An Essential History

North Laurel 50+ Center

July 11, 11 a.m. - Noon | Register or call 410-313-0380

Explore the Patapsco River's journey to learn how the river shaped Baltimore, from its role in economic growth to the struggles of pollution and discover its lasting impact on the modern Baltimore region.

Gait Training

Ellicott City 50+ Center, Main Building

July 18, 11 a.m. - noon | Register or call 410-313-1400

Join physical therapist, wellness specialist, and former Olympian, Chinwe Okoro, DPT. Dr. Okoro is dedicated to helping active adults stay strong, independent, and vital through physical therapy and wellness services.

History of Broadway: When Musical Theater Misbehaves

Glenwood 50+ Center

July 21, 11 a.m. - noon | Register

Steve Friedman leads an entertaining discussion of Broadway’s rebellious side, sharing stories, songs and scandals that made musical theater shine brighter and bolder.

Mr. Charisma: A Versatile Entertainer

Bain 50+ Center

July 25, 11 a.m. - noon | Register

Enjoy the smooth sounds of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Elvis and more! Mr. Charisma performs selections from these iconic performers to kick off our Summer Concert Series.

Emotional Wellness in Communities of Color

Bain 50+ Center | July 15, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Register

In observance of National Minority Mental Health Awareness month, Ghonva Ghauri, BA/MA, will lead a discussion on how cultural experiences impact the mental health of different communities of color, including generational trauma, racial trauma and cultural stigma. Participants will get tools to navigate challenges and explore culturally relevant practices to support emotional wellness. Ghonva is currently a Doctoral student in Counseling at George Washington University.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

Looking for fresh, healthy food on a limited income? The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program helps eligible seniors purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs at participating local farmers' markets. Supplies are limited, so apply early!

Eligibility requirements:

Older adults aged 60+
Current resident of Howard County
Household income at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (e.g., $28,953 annually for a person living alone)

How to apply:

Visit mda.maryland.gov to apply. For paper or translated applications, contact Danielle Clifford-Earles, OAI Nutrition Program Manager, at 410-313-3506.

Senior Planet presents: Protecting your Personal Information

Elkridge 50+ Center

July 16, 10 - 11 a.m. | Register

Learn how to protect your personal information online. Get tips to stay safe in cyberspace like safe browsing, how to recognize online scams and when it’s OK — or not — to share your personal information online. Participants can bring a charged personal device (smartphone/tablet/laptop) to class, but it is not required.

Tech Support Group

Elkridge 50+ Center

July 28, 1 - 2 p.m. | Register or call 410-313-5192

Learn and practice all levels of technology with a trained facilitator in a group setting. Topics include social media, smartphone/computer use, cybersecurity, video chat, and more! Led by Walter Seymour and Pauli Kohberger.

Compras en línea (Online Shopping, presented in Spanish)

North Laurel 50+ Center

30 de julio (July 30), 10 - 11 a.m. | Registrar

Comprar productos en internet le permite hacer compras desde su computadora y recibirlos en su casa o en cualquier lugar. Las tiendas en línea frecuentemente tienen un inventario más grande y precios más bajos, lo cual le permite encontrar mejores ofertas. Esta presentación le dará una introducción general de las compras en línea usando un sitio popular, Amazon.com. Aprenderá cómo buscar productos, hacer comparaciones y añadir artículos a la canasta de compras.

Get the Age-Friendly Howard County Guide to Creating Readable Materials

If you create or edit educational and marketing materials, Howard County's Age-Friendly publication guidelines can help people of all ages read, understand and act on your messages. Whether you are a business owner, a government agency or a non-profit, faith-based or community organization, or just trying to communicate better, these guidelines can help you create more age-friendly and ADA compliant messaging. Download the FREE guide.

AARP's Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities recently featured the Age-Friendly publications guide in its webinar, Beyond Words: Developing Age-Inclusive Communication for All Audiences. The presentation received the highest rating in the series' history! View the recording to learn more.

We want your feedback for the Elkridge Survey

Take the Elkridge Arts for All Community Survey

Public art is coming to the new Elkridge Community & 50+ Center—and we want YOU to tell us what you think it should look like. What kinds of art would make you smile, pause to reflect or feel proud to be a member of the community? Let us know! Take the survey by July 31.

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.