Learn How Care Connects Us

Celebrated in November, National Family Caregivers Month is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country so they feel seen, supported and a little less alone. The 2026 theme is Care Connects Us. The Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) connects Howard County caregivers with resources and information through Maryland Access Point (MAP), a free caregiver app (Trualta, see below for details), as well as support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges. In-person groups are led by OAI staff at 50+ Centers and include the Alzheimer’s Support Group and the Memory Café Early-stage Social Engagement Program. The Caregiver Resources and Care Connections Support Group, led by MAP information specialists, meets monthly at the Loan Closet of Howard County, and OAI’s SeniorsTogether program offers a virtual Caregiver Support Group on the third Monday of the month. Virtual support groups provide opportunities for caregivers to connect without leaving home. Offered by OAI as well as community partners, these groups help caregivers and individuals living with mental illness, prostate cancer, stroke, brain injury, Parkinson’s and other conditions. Whether in-person or virtual, support groups enable caregivers to talk with others who understand their daily challenges, help reduce stress, combat isolation, and provide practical tips to handle real-life experiences. For a list of local Caregiver Support Groups, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/caregiversupport.

Trualta helps family caregivers build confidence, reduce stress and care safely for their loved ones, all in one easy-to-use app:

• Download for iOS: bit.ly/HoCo-TrualtaAppiOS
• Download for Android: bit.ly/HoCo-TrualtaAppANDROID

Wine, Women and Dementia Watch Party: Howard County

East Columbia 50+ Center

November 12, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

This November, during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, join us as we gather for an in-person screening of Wine, Women and Dementia, a documentary which explores the human side of dementia from the lens of family caregivers. The film exposes the isolation, financial stress, physical and emotional toll caregivers shoulder, for themselves and their loved ones living with dementia. Seeking healing and comfort, caregivers swap stories of love, humor, devotion, and death through their heartbreaking journeys. Register for the Wine, Women and Dementia watch party.

Congratulations to Walter Seymour, 2026 Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Inductee

Each year, 25 older adults are inducted into The Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame (MSCHF), in recognition of their outstanding volunteer contributions. OAI is proud to announce our longtime volunteer, Walter Seymour, was among the MSCHF honorees in 2026. Walter, pictured, second from right, serves as a Senior Planet Volunteer supporting the work of OAI's Digital Equity and Engagement Manager, Malarie Burgess, who says, "Walter consistently goes above and beyond what we ask of volunteers. He not only teaches Senior Planet classes around the county, he also provides one-on-one assistance and facilitates a tech support group at the Elkridge 50+ Center." Walter was nominated by Elkridge 50+ Center Director Danielle Carter, who said, "Over the past two decades, Walter has dedicated himself to improving digital literacy, promoting online safety, and bridging the technology gap for the 50+ community. His impact is felt throughout Howard County—a true testament to his generosity and dedication."

Transit 101: Ride Along Group

The Mall in Columbia

November 12 & 13, 9 a.m. – noon

Sponsored by Age-Friendly Howard County, take advantage of the opportunity to join other new riders for a trip on Howard County transit. Sign up to ride the 404 Route with experts and volunteers who will help build your confidence while navigating public transit. Ten spots available each day; email agefriendly@howardcountymd.gov to register.

Financial Wellness Series: Planning for Long-Term Care

East Columbia 50+ Center | November 3, 3 – 4 p.m.

As Howard County residents live longer, planning ahead can help you stay secure and prepared. 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. Free, but registration is requested.

Coin Investments

East Columbia 50+ Center

November 3, 11 a.m. – noon | #A04625.100

There are several considerations when investing in coins, particularly when it comes to avoiding questionable or potentially risky purchases. Join us to learn more.

Civil War Conspiracies and Mysteries: A Maryland Focus

Elkridge 50+ Center

November 5, 11 a.m. | #A04814.100 or call 410-313-5192

Authors Stan Haynes and Frank Gorman explore Maryland’s connection to some of the Civil War era’s most intriguing mysteries, including whether John Wilkes Booth is truly buried in Baltimore’s Greenmount Cemetery.

The Importance of Monitoring Bills & Credit Card Statements

Bain 50+ Center

November 6, 11 a.m. – noon | # A01619.100

Join Bonnie Blas Kashnow for a discussion on how and why we need to retain access to paper bills and statements and the importance of examining them on a regular basis.

Gary J. Arthur Community Center & Glenwood 50+ Center 20th Anniversary Open House

Glenwood 50+ Center

November 7, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | #A03722.103

Join us to celebrate our joint 20th anniversary! Get lots of information about the center, sample our programs and enjoy fun activities.

The ShowTime Singers

East Columbia 50+ Center

November 7, 1 – 2 p.m. | #A04814.100

The ShowTime Singers choral group is celebrating 23 years of entertaining audiences throughout central Maryland. Their high-energy performances feature beloved songs from Broadway, the Silver Screen, jazz, blues, pop, and rock’n’roll. Dessert reception follows.

Hearing Presentation

Elkridge 50+ Center

November 12, 11 a.m. – noon | #AO5671.100 or call 410-313-5192

Explore how the auditory system works, common causes of hearing loss and tinnitus, and treatment options—including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and emerging therapies.

Artificial Intelligence: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Bain 50+ Center

November 13, 11 a.m. – noon | #A01644.100

Learn what Artificial Intelligence (AI) is and how it is being used to make scams more believable and personalized. Presented by the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection.

Veterans Day Celebration: Army Field Band Evening Concert

Bain 50+ Center

November 18, 6 – 7 p.m. | #A01940.100 or call 410-313-7213

Enjoy an evening of live music featuring the United States Army Field Band Saxophone Quartet. Register now to join us to celebrate Veterans Day with these talented Army musicians and honor our veterans. Free; light refreshments available.

Maryland Invaded!

Ellicott City 50+ Center

November 20, 1 – 2 p.m. | #A02649.101 or call 410-313-1400

Join local author Stan Haynes for a discussion of the invasion of Maryland during the Civil War and how Marylanders reacted. His new historical fiction book, “And Slavery No More,” is set during those historic weeks in 1862.

Senior Planet: Meal Kit Services

North Laurel 50+ Center

November 24, 10:30 – 11 a.m. | #A20673.111 or call 410-313-0380

Answering the question, “What’s for dinner?” can be as simple as using a website or app to select meals on a weekly basis, delivered fresh to your door. Learn more about popular meal kit services, and discuss the pros and cons to help decide if they might work for you. 

Deck the Halls with Natural Materials

Ellicott City 50+ Center

November 17, 1 – 2 p.m. | #A02747.102 or call 410-313-1400

Gather materials found in nature, at the supermarket and in the winter garden and turn them into decorations to bring the warmth of the holiday season into your home. Master Gardener Heidi Mantzouranis shares tips to create a variety of holiday items.

Master Gardeners: December Deterring Deer & Other Critters

Glenwood 50+ Center

December 1, 10 – 11 a.m. | #A03611.103

This presentation addresses the four points Integrated Pest Management for deer – Population Control, Vegetation Control, Repellents and Fencing. Learn what is being done to control deer population growth; identify plants deer and other critters do and do not like; explore chemical and physical repellents and fencing options.

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.

Ellicott City 50+ Center Holiday Craft Show

December 11, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | $1 admission

Shop for one-of-a-kind items from 40+ vendors, including handcrafts, knitted items, jellies, jams, roasted nuts, stained glass, silver jewelry, embroidered towels, bags, beaded wares and more. $1 admission benefits Small Miracles Pet Rescue. Free shopping bags provided by the Bob Lucido Team. 

Pre-Black Friday Bazaar at the Bain 50+ Center

November 20, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Kick off the holiday shopping season at Bain's festive Pre-Black Friday Bazaar! Browse a variety of unique vendors, support local businesses and artisans, and enjoy performances by the Bain Tappers, KASA Line Dancers, and Soul Line Dancers. Box lunch available for purchase ($16). Call 410-313-7213 or stop by the front desk for details.

As the primary Federal consumer protection agency, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a broad mandate to defend consumers from unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the marketplace. Protecting older adults is one of the FTC’s primary objectives. The FTC's Protecting Older Consumers 2025-2026 Report. shows criminal syndicate scams continue to target older adults:

• The estimated losses for Americans of all ages was $261.5 billion for 2025 (compared to the $20 billion reported to the FBI)
• Reports of losses over $100,000 accounted for 70% of older adults’ aggregate reported losses in 2025, compared with 68% in 2024
• Older adults’ reported investment scam losses jumped 42% in 2025 and remained far higher than losses from any other fraud category
• Social media generated both the most loss reports and the highest aggregate reported losses among older adults
• Older adults’ aggregate reported losses from text scams increased 61% as compared with 2024

The Howard County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) reminds older adults to:

• Pause when an unexpected call, email or text reports an urgent situation. 
• Question the validity of the story and do your own research. 
• Protect your life savings, information and accounts by not engaging with people you don’t know in person. 

Have a consumer or tenant question? Contact the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection for assistance at 410-313-6420 or email consumer@howardcountymd.gov  

Join the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services and our community partners for free health screenings, fitness demos and community resources designed to support men and boys. The Health and Wellness Fair will be held at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, 8045 Harriet Tubman Lane, in Columbia, 21044. Admission is free and registration is not required. For more information, view the event flier in English/Spanish or contact Ovan Shortt at 410-313-1453 (voice/relay) or oshortt@howardcountymd.gov.