January 2026

Virtual Programming Newsletter

Updates & Observances

January Holiday Closures

Anne Arundel County Senior Activity Centers will be closed:

• Friday, January 1-2 - New Year's Holiday
• Monday, January 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Monday, February 16 - Presidents Day

The Department of Aging and Disabilities Announces

Temporary - Winter Closure Schedule

for All Senior Activity Centers

All senior activity centers are temporarily closed and will reopen this January. Two centers will have an extended closure, to accommodate scheduled renovation improvements within the centers. The schedules are as follows:

Winter Closure Schedule

Wednesday, December 24, 2025 - January 4, 2026.

These centers reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026.

• Arnold Senior Activity Center
• Brooklyn Park Senior Activity Center
• O'Malley Senior Activity Center
• Pasadena Senior Activity Center
• Severn Senior Activity Center
• South County Senior Activity Center

Renovation Closure Schedule

Monday, December 22, 2025 - Friday, January 23, 2026

These centers reopen on Monday, January 26, 2026.

• Annapolis Senior Activity Center
• Pascal Senior Activity Center

The Senior Center Plus Program and transportation service to senior activity centers will not occur during the closures, but they will resume when the centers reopen. Lunch will not be served at the senior activity centers during the closures, but lunch will be served at all other congregate nutrition sites. Center members that routinely attend the Annapolis and the Pascal Senior Activity Centers are encouraged to visit other nearby centers for programs, activities, and Senior Nutrition lunches (contact your site aide for assistance).

During the renovation closure, arrangements have been made for Senior Center Plus participants, Senior Nutrition Program members, and those that rely on the Office of Transportation for transportation to the centers.

If you need assistance, please call 410-222-4257.

January Awareness Campaigns

There are many reasons to celebrate and awareness campaigns to advocate this month. All of these observances highlight the importance of community, health, military service, and a respect for all stages of life. They encourage us to learn from one another and to create a more inclusive and supportive society for people of all ages and backgrounds.

• National Braille Literacy Month
• Glaucoma Awareness Month
• National Birth Defects Prevention Month
• National Blood Donor Month
• Thyroid Awareness Month
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 19th)
• International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27th)
• American Legion's Mission - Be The One (observed all year long)

January Virtual Programming

These programs are available to all senior activity center members. Not a member? Call 410-222-4257 to learn about our free membership. 

Programs are offered by all county senior activity centers. All virtual programming will be canceled in the event of weather-related closures for senior activity centers. In case of a delay, programs scheduled after 10:00 AM will occur as scheduled.

Chair Yoga With Linda McGill

Mondays, January 5, 12 & 26 from 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Taught by Linda McGill, this class is designed for relaxation. You will experience deep, rhythmic breathing accompanied by simple stretches in a safe and comfortable setting.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82957814368

Meeting ID: 829 5781 4368

Questions? Contact the Brooklyn Park Senior Activity Center at 410-222-6847.

Chair Yoga with John Cochran

Mondays, January 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Enjoy relaxing Chair Yoga with John Cochran. Chair Yoga will help improve your balance and flexibility. The majority of the exercises will be done in a chair. All fitness levels are welcome. Click the link to join at the time of the event.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86801985138?pwd=bWlRNmVLdklhTjBBenhaMCthZjNzZz09

Questions? Contact the Annapolis Senior Activity Center at 410-222-1818.

Chair Tai Chi with Young Lee

Tuesdays, January 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Chair Tai Chi will help improve your balance and flexibility. The majority of the exercises will be done in a chair. All fitness levels are welcome. Click the link to join at the time of the event.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4754413258?pwd=UHE5SU9vVklKc0psMmFNWitaNlFIdz09&omn=83873650587

Questions? Contact the Annapolis Senior Activity Center at 410-222-1818.

South County Senior Activity Center's Tech Users Group

Friday, January 9 from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Computer, Tablet, and Smartphone users meet to discuss updates, news, and resources in the technology world. This group meets online only on the second Friday of the month. Click the link below to join the meeting at the specified day and time above.

https://aacounty.zoom.us/j/89749697301?pwd=0ngqb4r0lYVTQjBCYgnXY9srUb1AEB.1

Meeting ID: 897 4969 7301

Passcode: gvDh!T0a

Questions? Contact the South County Senior Activity Center at 410-222-1927.

Current Events

Thursdays, January 15, 22 & 29 from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Current Events returns for the winter class session. Join group facilitator Susann Felton to discuss what's happening in the world at this lively discussion group. This is a drop-in, hybrid class, so participants may attend in person or join via Zoom. Click the link below to join the meeting at the specified date and time above.

No sign up is required.

https://aacounty.zoom.us/j/83734233442?pwd=FHUBfGHtaACJJEaAT3rduHDXSXx2vQ.1

Meeting ID: 837 3423 3442

Passcode: dE4m4t$k

Questions? Contact the South County Senior Activity Center at 410-222-1927.

Questions? Contact the Arnold Senior Activity Center at 410-222-1922.

Questions? Contact the Arnold Senior Activity Center at 410-222-1922.

National Family Caregiver Support Programs

Anyone needing accommodations must contact the county's Family Caregiver Support Programs at 410-222-4375 or caregiver_support@aacounty.org at least seven days in advance of the event. TTY users, please call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1. 

If Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) are closed for the day, workshops are canceled. If AACPS schools close early or cancel after-school/evening activities, workshops are canceled.

Virtual Caregiver Support Groups - 2026

The Department of Aging and Disabilities will hold caregiver support groups both in-person and via Zoom platform. To receive the Zoom sign-in link, please email caregiver_support@aacounty.org or call 410-222-4375.

Virtual Support Group

Meeting Time: 6:00 PM- 7:30 PM

Online Caregiver Support Group

Family caregivers and military caregivers, living in or caring for someone in Anne Arundel County, are also invited to join our Facebook Support Group page. We hope this gives you the opportunity to connect with each other, share your concerns and your experiences and, hopefully, laugh in between meeting times. For those of you unable to attend the daytime meetings due to work schedules or other commitments, this format provides you with the opportunity to connect, share with, and support other caregivers.

To sign up and become a member of this group, sign in to your Facebook account and go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/855392901539600 and answer the questions. We look forward to seeing you!

Health Promotion Programs

Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence - Calendar of Workshops

6 weeks, 15 hours to better manage your health.

Online evidence-based workshops equipping you to manage health issues like diabetes, chronic pain, arthritis, and loneliness or depression. These virtual workshops promote lifestyle changes including healthy eating, exercise, stress management, and counseling. Register today for a free virtual class. 

https://mdlivingwell.org/HUB/

Check Out These

Other Newsletters!

Choosing to unsubscribe from a single Department of Aging and Disabilities newsletter will result in removal from all of the Department of Aging and Disabilities newsletters below. We advise you to consider adjusting your preferences by accessing the “Manage Preferences” option at the bottom of any email.

• Annapolis Senior Activity Center Newsletter
• Arnold Senior Activity Center Newsletter
• Brooklyn Park Senior Activity Center Newsletter
• O’Malley Senior Activity Center Newsletter
• Pasadena Senior Activity Center Newsletter
• Pascal Senior Activity Center Newsletter
• Severn Senior Activity Center Newsletter
• South County Senior Activity Center Newsletter
• National Family Caregiver Support Program Updates
• Veterans Services Coordination Center Newsletter

Noteworthy News

If you need emergency financial assistance for utilities, click HERE for resources.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Maryland DHCD's Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs, created by the Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024, helps Maryland tenants and landlords understand and navigate their rights and responsibilities under federal and state renter laws. The Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights must be included with all residential rental leases beginning July 1, 2025. Annually, the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs will update and release a new Tenants’ Bill of Rights by September 1, with an effective date of October 1. This annual release will include any major changes to federal or state renter laws, as well as updates based on feedback from tenants and housing partners. 

In addition to serving tenants, the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs staff are available to train landlords, property managers, realtors, and other housing industry professionals on requirements for the Tenants’ Bill of Rights and Right of First Refusal law, which gives tenants of certain rental properties the first opportunity to purchase their home when an owner moves to sell the property. 

CECS Newsletter Sign Up!

Stay Connected.

Stay Connected with County Government by subscribing to the Community Engagement and Constituent Services newsletter! The newsletter is delivered straight to your inbox every other Wednesday, and includes county news & updates, events around the county, programs & resources, and opportunities to engage with your government. Go to aacounty.org/newsletter to subscribe!

Civic Ready

To receive text, email, or automated call notifications about Senior Nutrition Program delays, postponements, or cancellations:

Text Join SNP to 38276

Or visit: alertannearundel.civicready.com

to sign up and join the group: AACo DOAD Senior Nutrition Program.

This notification system is used county-wide with the option of signing up for various notifications that may impact you.

Resource Guide

A Guide for Family Preparedness and Resources

The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) has created a Family Preparedness and Resource Guide. 

This guide is available online in Spanish and English and contains important phone numbers, safety information, and family preparedness tips regarding interacting with enforcement agents. This information is intended as guidance for use by the general public and is not intended to be legal advice or to be relied upon as legal advice. For legal advice about a personal case, one should consult with an attorney or authorized immigration representative.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at 410-222-0319 or OMA@aacounty.org.

Pittman & Friends Podcast - Season 2!

The County Executive's fun and revealing conversations are back for season 2, featuring staff, community leaders, and elected officials. This season, we're also introducing our new "Office Hours" call-in segment! Call 410-222-1800 and leave a county-related question - you might be featured in the show.

New episode released weekly on Tuesdays. Listen wherever you find your podcasts. Visit aacounty.org/PittmanAndFriends to learn more.

The events and services displayed in this section are not endorsed or guaranteed by the Department of Aging and Disabilities or Anne Arundel County.

Powerful Tools For Caregivers

New Class Meets Every Tuesday

January 20 through February 24, from 10 AM to 12 PM

Register today for this 6-week online class, and learn from trained caregiver leaders. Along with other community members like yourself who care for a loved one, you will gain invaluable ideas to manage your life while serving as a caregiver.

In Powerful Tools For Caregivers, caregivers develop a wealth of self-care tools. In the six 90-minute classes, caregivers learn to:

• Reduce personal stress
• Change negative self-talk
• Communicate their needs to family members and healthcare service providers
• Communicate more effectively in challenging situations
• Recognize the messages in their emotions and deal with difficult feelings
• Plus make tough caregiving decisions (re: placement, driving issues, or finances)

Consumer Advisory: Fake Health Insurance Sites Target Shoppers During Open Enrollment

Shopping for health insurance?

Use caution and make sure you are shopping from official sources! We are concerned about misleading marketing by unlicensed companies, scammers, and those selling limited-benefit health plans.

Scam Alert: FTC Announces Tips

on Avoiding Free Computer Security Scan Scams

Beware of tech support scams disguised as "free" computer scans, especially if they claim to find security threats on your computer. The FTC warns against companies like Reimage and Restoro that use deceptive tactics to convince users, including older adults, to pay for unnecessary software and services. Always be cautious and avoid clicking on suspicious pop-ups or responding to unsolicited contact from tech companies.

For more information on tech support scams and computer security scams visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at FTC.gov

The Sustainable Mindset:

Creating Lasting Change to Improve Your Mental Health

The New Year inspires us to set goals and embrace new beginnings. But most resolutions, especially those about health, often fade away by the spring. Sustainable health practices need more than just a goal; they need a practical plan and consistent support.

This year, be intentional about setting goals and welcoming change that improves your mental health. We’ll equip you with tools to shift from hard-to-attain resolutions to actionable mental health practices. Join MHA for this free, 60-minute session where we will:



• Discuss how to identify supportive changes that could have the greatest impact on your mental health.
• Explore strategies for creating goals that support long-term well-being.
• Review small, actionable practices that have a big impact over time.

The Veterans Corner

Virtual Nutrition Series for Women Veterans

Thursday, January 8, 2026

11:00am. – 11:30am

The food and drink choices you make every day affect your health now and later in life. Choosing healthy foods and drinks more often can help prevent or manage many health problems that affect women. 

That's why we're excited to offer a new 4-part nutrition series, specifically focused on women's health. Join our expert, Registered Dietitian Olivia Feaster, as she shares important tips in easily digestible 30-minute bites.

This class is virtual, so join us from the comfort of your home. Registration is required for the link.



Nutrition topics for each class

• Class 1: Jan.8--Heart Health 101: Understand how our food choices can impact our heart health
• Class 2: Jan. 15--Beyond Menopause: Changing nutrient needs throughout the lifecycle & Bone Health
• Class 3: Jan.22--Get Moving with Fiber: Adding Color to our Plates
• Class 4: Jan.29--Lifestyle Factors: Nutrition, Sleep & Physical Activity

Register now for this virtual nutrition series

Registration is easy. Simply call our nutrition team at 307-675-3663.

VA’s iRest™ Yoga Nidra Meditation phone-based classes help you relax deeply, release stress, increase resiliency, and more. This free class takes place every Tuesday at 5:00p.m. ET and every Thursday at 8:00p.m. ET. It is designed for all Veterans, along with their spouses and caregivers. Join as many classes as you wish. No registration required.

Tuesdays, 5:00p.m. ET

Phone: 404-397-1596 or 833-558-0712 (toll free)

Access code: 433 794 55

Thursdays, 8:00p.m. ET

Phone: 404-397-1596 or 833-558-0712 (toll free)

Access code: 199 731 6363

You can sign up for the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs newsletter at: https://veterans.maryland.gov

For 24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones.

Dial 988, then Press 1 or Text 838255 or Chat Online

Career Forward Information Session

Learn how you can earn a Google Career Certificate and level up your career with Career Forward, Hiring Our Heroes’ learner-to-earner program for eligible veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. Prior to joining the information session, watch the Career Forward Program overview here:

To sign up for a free, virtual webinar, visit:

Don't miss this opportunity to network, learn, and grow with other amazing women who have served our country.

Click the button below to sign up.

AARP Virtual Community Center

FREE interactive online events and classes designed for learning, self improvement, and fun.

Veterans Yoga Project Online Studio Schedule: Free, Available Daily.

Mindful Resilience is what we call the collection of mind-body practices that we teach: Breathing, Meditation, Mindful Movement, Guided Rest, and Gratitude.

These tools help us breathe easy, focus clearly, move freely, rest deeply, and remember what is working in our lives. As a result, we become more resilient in the face of both ordinary and extraordinary challenges.

VYP is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization

Anyone needing accommodations must contact the Department at 410-222-4369 or doad_events@aacounty.org. TTY users, please call Maryland Relay at 7-1-1. All materials are available in alternate formats upon request.