Celebrate Older Americans Month in Howard County • May 2024

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The Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) Showcase kicks off Older Americans Month in Howard County, featuring art and fitness classes; interactive workshops; live music and entertainment; food, demos and mocktails; and more than 30 onsite exhibitors. View the full event schedule and shuttle bus information.

In addition to Older Americans Month, May also marks Mental Health Awareness Month and Mother's Day! Discover events to welcome Spring, honor mothers and more in the May issue of the 50+ Connection and our quarterly 50+ Center newsletters. Subscribe now or click below to view individual issues:

50+ Connection

Bain 50+ Center

East Columbia 50+ Center

Elkridge 50+ Center

Ellicott City 50+ Center

Glenwood 50+ Center

North Laurel 50+ Center

Mother's Day Luncheon

Glenwood 50+ Center

May 10, 12 p.m. / Register

Enjoy a catered lunch by La Madeleine while you connect with others to honor all mothers. Suggested donation for those 60+; $7 for those under 60.

Iris Music Project Concert Series: Sounds of Broadway

Elkridge 50+ Center

May 13, 2 p.m. / Register

Join the Iris Music Project for an exploration of chamber music featuring musicians Ruby Fulton (violin/composer) and Mary Ann Perkel (cello). The duo serves as the ensemble-in-residence for Winter Growth in Columbia. Free.

Sunset Supper and Dance

North Laurel 50+ Center

May 13, 4:30 p.m. / Register

Bring your appetite and your dancing shoes for a fun evening that includes a delicious meal from Three Brothers Italian Restaurant and dance music by Rearview Mirror. Reminisce about the past while also creating new memories. Get your tickets before it fills! Cost is $17.

Broadway: National Tap Dance Day

Bain 50+ Center

May 16, 2 p.m. / Register

To celebrate Older Americans Month and National Tap Dance Day, join Lisa Yanguas for an in-depth look at hoofin' vs. classical Broadway tap dancing. As a longtime hoofer, she will provide an insider look at both varieties. Free.

Healing Through Complimentary Therapies with Yoga Nidra

East Columbia 50+ Center

Fridays, May 17, 24 & 31, 1 p.m. / Register

Learn hands-on-body mind practices with short periods of reflection, through Healing Touch techniques, Art Journaling and Yoga Nidra meditations/visualizations. Bring props to get comfortable (yoga mat, blanket, pillow, eye mask, etc.) Journals, crayons, colored pencils, markers, and stickers will be provided. Cost is $34.

Stress to Success

Ellicott City 50+ Center

May 30, 1 p.m. / Register

For downsizing and rightsizing moving tips, join Ryan Burns to gain knowledge about your next move and how to navigate it smoothly. Free.

Get a fitness assessment on Senior Health and Fitness Day

Elkridge 50+ Center

May 29, 11:15 a.m.

Join Rachel Filar, OAI Exercise Specialist, to get a snapshot of your current fitness level by completing simple assessments of balance, and strength and flexibility for your age. Learn about resources to help you improve or maintain your fitness. Wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes. Free. Register in advance.

Are you an older adult looking for employment opportunities? The Howard County Virtual 50+ Employment Expo can help.

May 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. / Virtual via Zoom / Register

Sponsored by OAI and the Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington, D.C., the free Virtual 50+ Employment Expo offers opportunities for jobseekers age 50+ to:

Network with other jobseekers via Zoom chat.
Attend two virtual workshops relevant to your job search.
Listen to area employers talk about their organization and openings.
Ask potential employers questions and get answers in chat.

Complimentary registration is also open for potential employers; you must have at least three openings to participate. The employer’s section of the Expo opens at noon; take advantage of this chance to find the right candidates for your company. Register as an employer.

Hear more about the employment expo in the May episode of our HoCo Community podcast on Buzzsprout, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

An older couple following a Senior Planet program on a laptop

Senior Planet Presents: Google Basics Workshop

Glenwood 50+ Center / Thursdays, May 9, 16, 23, 30, 10 a.m. / Register

This beginner-friendly series walks you through a variety of free Google products. Explore Google workspace; get Gmail tips & tricks; learn how to use Google Drive and Google photos. Participants must have a Gmail account prior to attending class. Free, advance registration is required.

Lunch with SeniorsTogether at Konstantine's Greek Restaurant

12857 Highland Road, Highland / May 16, 11:30 a.m. / Register

Join us at for a delicious Greek lunch including homemade Baklava for dessert. Choose an entrée: Chicken Souvlaki skewers with crispy Greek potatoes; Pastitsio (layered baked pasta) with braised green beans; or, Falafel in pita with hummus, served with Fasolakia. All include a salad, coffee/hot tea/iced tea, dessert, and gratuity. Cost is $28.50/person. Register by May 6 to Elaine Widom at 410-313-7466 or ewidom@howardcountymd.gov.

An Age-Friendly Fitness lot will open n April at Centennial Park North.

Howard County's first Age-Friendly Outdoor Fitness Lot

Centennial Park North / 9801 Old Annapolis Road, Ellicott City, 21042

June 5, 11 a.m. / Free / Register

Join OAI and County Executive Calvin Ball for the ribbon cutting of Howard County's first Age-Friendly Outdoor Fitness Lot. Connect with others and improve your health while enjoying one of Howard County's ADA-accessible parks. Featuring state-of-the-art cardio and strength training equipment, the outdoor fitness lot adds to the recreational opportunities available at Centennial Park North, and is an important step toward creating a healthy Howard County for all ages and abilities!

How to Thrive Aging Solo

North Laurel 50+ Center

May 30, 10 a.m. / Free / Register

Solo Agers are older adults making decisions about their futures independently. Anyone can become a Solo Ager through choice, loss and distance of family members, or complicated relationship dynamics. This presentation will discuss techniques to age in place with home modifications, medical directives, building social networks, and creating your own care team.

Save the Date for OAI's World Elder Abuse Awareness Event!

East Columbia 50+ Center / June 14, 10 a.m. / Register

"Maintaining your Mental Health: One Piece of the Elder Abuse Puzzle" will bring together local experts and resources to shed light on topics related to the role of mental health in elder abuse and prevention, as well as how to seek interventions. Free. Lunch is provided; registration opens May 1.

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.

﻿In addition to Older Americans Month, May also marks Mental Health Awareness Month and Mother's Day! Discover events to welcome Spring, honor mothers and more in the May issue of the 50+ Connection and our quarterly 50+ Center newsletters. Subscribe now or click below to view individual issues:

In addition to Older Americans Month, May also marks Mental Health Awareness Month and Mother's Day! Discover events to welcome Spring, honor mothers and more in the May issue of the 50+ Connection and our quarterly 50+ Center newsletters. Subscribe now or click below to view individual issues: