June 2013
HEALTH BITS
June 6 LEARN THE BASICS OF ADVANCE DIRECTIVES
A free program on understanding advance directives, determining who needs them and how to get them will be offered on Thursday, June 6 at 6 p.m. at the Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Dr., Suite 100, Columbia. For more information, call (410) 740-7601. Online registration is available at www.hcgh.org.
June 6+ EXERCISES FOR BRAIN FITNESS
An hour-long class of fun exercises and games to sharpen the brain will be offered at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 6 and Thursday June 20 at the Elkridge Senior Center, 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge. Fee is $4 per class. For more information, call (410) 313-4930.
June 11 CATARACT SYMPTOMS AND SURGERY
A free talk by ophthalmologist Melanie Sobel will include information on signs, symptoms and treatment of cataracts, including intraocular lenses and lens implant options, on Tuesday, June 11 at 7 p.m. at the Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Dr., Suite 100, Columbia. For more information, call (410) 740-7601. Online registration is available at www.hcgh.org.
June 27 HERNIA TREATMENTS TALK
Johns Hopkins general surgeon Kevin Pei will explain types of hernia, causes and latest treatment approaches in a free talk on Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m. at the Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Dr., Suite 100, Columbia. For more information, call (410) 740-7601. Online registration is available at www.hcgh.org.
EVENT BITS
May 30 AUDIENCE AND ACTORS INTERACT
Three vignettes on “Aging: Facts and Fiction” will be presented offering a fresh look on aging issues and their relevancy for the future on Thursday, May 30 at 6 p.m. at the Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia. Audience interaction is encouraged. For more information or to register, call the Bain Center at (410) 313-7213.
June 9 JEWISH FEDERATION GALA CELEBRATES FAMILY
The Jewish Federation of Howard County will celebrate the modern family at its fundraising gala featuring Jeffrey Richman, executive producer of the ABC comedy “Modern Family,” at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 9 at the Ten Oaks Ballroom, 5000 Signal Bell Ln., Clarksville. Tickets starting at $95 are available by calling the Federation at (410) 730-4976 or by visiting the web site www.jewishhowardcounty.org.
June 14 BENEFIT FOR DISABLED PETS
The fourth annual “Toast to Pets with Disabilities” will be held on Friday, June 14 from 6 to 10 p.m. The event benefits the nonprofit organization Pets with Disabilities, the only shelter in the country that exclusively cares for dogs and cats that are blind, paralyzed or missing limbs. Tickets are $65. The event will be held at Running Hare Vineyard, 150 Adelina Rd., Prince Frederick, Md. For more information and to buy tickets, see www.petswithdisabilities.org or call (443) 624-9270.
June 14+ THREE-DAY CELEBRATION OF ARTS
The annual free LakeFest celebration of the arts will held on Friday, June 14 from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday, June 15, from noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday, June 16 from noon to 7 p.m. The festivities center around Columbia Town Center, Lake Kitamaqundi’s lakefront grounds, and include street performances, a main stage, visual arts exhibits and assorted food and wine offerings. For more information and schedules of activities, visit www.columbiafestival.com or call (410) 715-3044.
June 27 FIDDLERS AND FIREFLIES IN WOODSTOCK
The Howard County Conservancy is sponsoring an evening of picnicking and fiddle music from the Steve Hickman band, all embellished by abundant fireflies starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 27 at the Howard County Conservancy’s Mt. Pleasant Farm, 10520 Old Frederick Rd., Woodstock. Bring your own picnic dinner and the grandkids, too, for special firefly facts and craft sessions, and to join the adults dancing to the fiddle music. Fee is $10 per car. For more information, visit www.hcconservancy.org, or call (410) 465-8877.
MONEY BITS
June 19 MEDICARE OPTIONS SEMINAR
Learn about factors to consider when choosing a Medicare Health Plan and how to protect yourself from healthcare fraud in a free program sponsored by the county’s Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program on Wednesday, June 19 at 11 a.m. at Kiwanis-Wallas Hall, 3300 Norbert’s Way, Ellicott City. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, call (410) 313-7391.
Ongoing+ ACCESSIBILITY TAX CREDIT AVAILABLE
Howard County homeowners who make qualified improvements in order to make their homes more accessible — such as ramps, stair glides, grab bars — may be eligible to receive a tax credit against their county tax bill under the county’s new Livable Homes Tax Credit program. Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/livablehomes for more information and downloadable forms. For information by phone, contact the Department of Finance at (410) 313-2062 or Maryland Access Point at (410) 313-5980.
ART BITS
June 3+ ARTISTS GALLERY MEMBERS SHOW
The Artists Gallery will feature of variety of media displaying the talents of its members from Monday, June 3 through Friday, July 26 at the gallery in the lobby of the American City Building, 10227 Wincopin Circle, Columbia. An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 14 at 5:30 p.m. During Columbia’s Festival of the Arts Lakefest weekend, the Gallery will be open on Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. until dusk and Sunday, June 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For further information, call (410) 740-8249 or visit www.artistsgallerycolumbia.com.
June 3+ ANTI-BULLYING EXHIBIT
A collaborative project with the American Visionary Art Museum and students from five Howard County National Art Honors Societies will be displayed through July 2 at the Howard County Arts Council Gallery, 8510 High Ridge Rd., Ellicott City. The artists created canvas quilts promoting kindness and courage as part of an effort to help end bullying in schools and social circles. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For further information, visit www.hocarts.org or call (410) 313-2787.
June 6+ ARTISTIC EXPRESSION CLASSES
Artist Carol Zika is offering two six-week painting and drawing classes for beginners as well as more experienced artists, starting Thursday, June 6 from 1:15 to 3:45 p.m. at the Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia; and on Friday, June 7 from 9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the East Columbia Library Senior Center, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. To register, call (410) 313-7275; for more information, call (410) 313-7311.
June 18 SUMMER CAMP FOR CREATIVE SENIORS
Encore Creativity for Older Adults will hold its sixth annual Summer Institute for Older Adults music camp at St. Mary’s College in St. Mary’s City from Tuesday, June 18 through Tuesday, June 22. Registration, including meals and housing, is $675. For further information, visit www.encorecreativity.org or call the Encore Creativity office at (301) 261-5747.
VOLUNTEER BITS
Ongoing FIND EMPLOYMENT AS A CAREGIVER
Home Instead Senior Care invites interested seniors to apply for caregiver positions on its website, www.homeinstead.com. A member of the AARP National Employer Team, the company reports that more than 60 percent of its caregivers are over the age of 50. For more information, visit the website or call the local office at (410) 349-1169.
Ongoing VOLUNTEER CENTER HAS OPENINGS
The Volunteer Center, a community-based organization that matches individuals and groups with volunteer opportunities throughout Howard County, lists current possibilities at www.volunteerhoward.org. The information is also available by calling (410) 715-3172.
Ongoing OFFICE ON AGING WELCOMES VOLUNTEERS
The Office on Aging invites enthusiastic volunteers interested in sharing some of their time with older adults to contact Celene Steckel at (410) 313-5951 or csteckel@howardcountymd.gov.
Ongoing HOSPITAL INVITES VOLUNTEERS
For persons interested in volunteering in a hospital setting, Howard County General Hospital offers opportunities to work in a number of areas supporting medical and administrative staff. For further information, visit www.hgch.org, email hcgh-volunteers@jhmi.edu or call (410) 740-7890.
Ongoing DO YOU LIKE TO BE OUTDOORS?
From gardening on Wednesday mornings to habitat restoration on Thursday afternoons, the Howard County Conservancy is looking for individuals or groups to spend some time outdoors improving nature sites throughout the county. Current volunteer needs as well as a schedule for the habitat restoration are posted on the website www.hcconservancy.org via the “Support” link. To schedule a session or for additional information, call (410) 465-8877.
Ongoing+ PART-TIME OPENINGS at REC & PARKS
Opportunities may be available to develop courses and to teach art, cooking, dance, drama, languages and other subjects included in the wide range of Recreation & Parks programs. For an up-to-date listing of possible job needs within the department, visit www.howardcountymd.gov and click on Recreation & Parks, or call (410) 313-4450.
TRAVEL BITS
June 4 ART MUSEUM EXCURSION
A bus trip sponsored by Howard County Recreation & Parks leaves at 9 a.m. and returns at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4 for a visit to the Baltimore Museum of Art to visit the new contemporary wing and other collections and exhibitions. Lunch is on your own at Gertrude’s, the museum’s restaurant. Tickets are $45. To register call (410) 313-7275. For further information, call Ginny Russ at (410) 313-7279.
June 8 WATERFRONT AT NATIONAL HARBOR BECKONS
Stroll the riverside, enjoy shops and eateries at National Harbor, Md. along the Potomac River. The Recreation & Parks bus leaves at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 8 and returns at 5 p.m. Tickets are $45. For further information, call (410) 313-7279 or to register, call (410) 313-7275.
June 12 AFTERNOON TEA AT DELAWARE ART MUSEUM
Explore the Delaware Art Museum’s collections with a docent-guided tour and then on your own via a Recreation & Parks bus tour from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12. The trip includes lunch at the Hotel DuPont’s “Artisan” afternoon tea. Tickets are $85. To register, call (410) 313-7275.or for more information, call (410) 313-7279.
June 26 DAY TRIP TO D.C.
The Howard Recreation & Park’s monthly bus tour to the National Capital leaves at 9 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26, affording an opportunity to share the sights with grandchildren during summer vacation from school. The bus drops off passengers for sightseeing on their own and picks up when it’s time to go home. For more details, call (410) 313-7279, or to register, call (410) 313-7275. Children should be at least six years old. Tickets are $45 each.
June 27 MUSICAL ABOUT PATSY CLINE IN ANNAPOLIS
New York’s Infinity Theater Company’s Always….Patsy Cline, featuring the country movie star’s big hits and lots of down-home country music, is the destination of a Parks & Recreation bus trip on Thursday, June 27, leaving at 11 a.m. and returning at 6 p.m. The $79 fee includes buffet lunch at Broadneck Grill and the show. For more information, call (410) 313-7279; to register, call (410) 313-7275.
