FEBRUARY 2012
HEALTH BITS
Jan. 23+ WEEKLY WII WORKOUTS
The Wii’s interactive video games — bowling, tennis, baseball and more — may improve hand-eye coordination and provide some good exercise as well. Participate in games on Tuesday, Jan. 23 and subsequent Tuesdays, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia. For more information, email cvigus@howardcountymd.gov or call Cathy Vigus at (410) 313-7311.
Jan. 25 NUTRITION COUNSELING
Registered dietician Rona Martiyan will be available to discuss your personalized nutrition concerns and specific dietary needs by appointment on Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the Ellicott City Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. For an appointment, call (410) 313-1400.
Jan. 25 WHEN MEDICARE ISN’T ENOUGH
The gaps in Medicare coverage and ways to cover them in Medi-gap plans, employer group coverage and Medicare Health Plan options (Part C) will be discussed in a program sponsored by the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) of the Howard County Office on Aging. The workshop will begin at 7 p.m. at the Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia. There is no fee, but call (410) 313-7391 to register.
Jan. 30 ASK THE PHARMACIST
Bring questions, drug lists and prescription containers to consulting pharmacist Don Hamilton on Monday, Jan. 30 at 11 a.m. at the Ellicott City Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. For more information, call (410) 313-1400.
Feb. 1 MEDICAL ADVOCACY
Dr. Bob Sheff, author of The Medical Mentor, will advise how to become your own medical advocate so you receive the healthcare you need. The program will being at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at the East Columbia Branch Library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. For more information, call (410) 313-7700.
Feb. 7+ SUPPORT GROUP FOR ADULT CHILDREN
Grieving the recent loss of a parent? Attend a free six-week program sponsored by Gilchrist Hospice Care. Pre-registration required. The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Gilchrist Hospice Care, Suite 433, 5537 Twin Knolls Rd., Columbia. For more information and reservations, call (443) 539-4086 or email GHC_bereavement@gilchristhospice.org.
Feb. 16+ WIDOWED PERSONS SUPPORT GROUP
Workshops for men and women who have suffered the death of a spouse or life partner will begin on Thursday, Feb. 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and continue through March 22 at Gilchrist Hospice Care, 5537 Twin Knolls Rd., Columbia. Sessions are free, but pre-registration is required. For more information and registration, call (443) 539-4086 or email GHC_bereavement@gilchristhospice.org.
Ongoing BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING
A registered nurse is available for free blood pressure screenings sponsored by the Howard County Hospital every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Ellicott City Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City.
EVENT BITS
Jan. 27 BRINGING AMELIA EARHART TO LIFE
Mary Ann Jung portrays Amelia Earhart in an 11 a.m. performance on Friday, Jan. 27 at the Glenwood 50+ Center in the Gary J. Arthur Community Center, 2400 Rt. 97, Cooksville.
Feb. 1+ ELKRIDGE LIBRARY LAUNCHES FILM NIGHTS
View newly-released DVDs of popular films on the big screen. The first film night is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Elkridge Branch Library, 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge. Email aryn.dagirmanjian@hclibrary.org or call (410) 313-5077 to receive announcements of upcoming titles and dates.
Feb. 2+ FILMS CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY
In recognition of Black History Month, free movies followed by refreshments are scheduled at the Bain Center, with The Great Debaters at 1 p.m. on Thursday Feb. 2; Jumping the Broom at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9, and Good Hair on Thursday, Feb. 23. The center is located at 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia. For more information, call (410) 313-7213.
MONEY BITS
Feb. 1+ ARE YOU THE NEXT SENIOR IDOL?
Auditions for the Maryland Senior Idol contest will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on both Wednesday, Feb. 1 at the Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia, and Thursday, Feb. 2 at the Ellicott City Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. Winners will represent Howard County in the Maryland Senior Idol contest on April 4. For details, call Tammy Wiggins at (410) 313-7213 or Vicki Stahly at (410) 313-1400.
Feb. 1+ PETS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEERS
Pets on Wheels is looking for volunteer teams of owners and their friendly and social pets. Evaluations will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 1 and the first Wednesday of every month. For more information, contact Ingrid Gleysteen at (410) 313-7461.
Feb. 8 BEEKEEPING IN YOUR FUTURE?
The Howard County Beekeepers Association will share information about honeybees and the benefits of beekeeping on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Glenwood Branch Library, 2350 State Rte. 97, Cooksville. For more information, call (410) 313-5577.
Feb. 8 HOW E-BOOKS WORK
Learn more about e-book content from OverDrive and how it works with a Nook, Kindle, iPad, Kobo, Sony Reader or Android device in a program on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Central Branch Library, 10375 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. Registration required. Call (410) 313-5077.
Feb. 14 TECH TALK FOR ONLINE RESEARCH
Howard County Library instructors will be available for conversations about the Internet, the library system’s catalog and other technical tools during a drop-in session on Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Glenwood Branch Library, 2350 State Rte. 97, Cooksville.
Feb. 15 LEGAL HELP FOR SENIORS
Howard County residents over age 60 are invited to participate in a legal help program that includes drawing up wills, powers of attorney, living wills, small estates and deed changes. The cost of the document preparation is dependent on income. The program will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia. To schedule an appointment, call (410) 313-7213.
Ongoing WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM EXPANDS
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, is extending its reach to financially stretched families through the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC). Residents interested in receiving weatherization services must meet certain income requirements and be able to prove home ownership. For more information, call (410) 313-1181.
ART BITS
Jan. 28 STRING QUARTETS COMBINE
The American String Quartet and Ariel String Quartet will perform separately and together for a concert featuring Mozart’s Quartet No. 17 in B-Flat Major and other works. The concert will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 8 p.m., with a pre-concert discussion at 7:15 p.m., at the Smith Theatre in the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center of Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia. Tickets are $30 for adults, $28 for those 60 and over. Tickets may be purchased online by visiting www.candlelightconcerts.org or calling (410) 997-2324.
Jan. 29 FLAMENCO DANCERS
Arte Flamenco Dance Troupe, a local group directed by Natalie Monteleon, will perform on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 5 p.m. at the Other Barn, 5851 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, $5 for students. For more information, call (410) 730-1129 or visit omcaorganizer@columbiavillages.org.
Feb. 13 AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE PROGRAM
For those who embrace their American Indian heritage or want to know more about it, a free program on American Indian traditions and folklore, art, history, literature and songs will be presented on Monday, Feb. 13 at the Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia.
Feb. 21 MARIAN ANDERSON LEGACY CELEBRATED
A singer and a pianist will perform in tribute to Marian Anderson as part of Black History Month at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at the Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia. The program is free, but reservations are suggested. For more information or to register, call (410) 313-7213.
TRAVEL BITS
Feb. 3 CLASSICAL CONCERT IN D.C.
The Department of Recreation & Parks is planning a trip to hear David Garrett, world class violinist, in performance at Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University on Friday, Feb. 3. The tour leaves at 6 p.m. and returns at midnight. Tickets are $93, including terrace seating at the concert. For more information, call Ginny Russ at (410) 313-7279.
Feb. 8 ANACOSTIA COMMUNITY MUSEUM
In celebration of Black History Month, the Department of Recreation & Parks is sponsoring a trip to the Anacostia Community Museum, a branch of the Smithsonian that documents local families and communities. A buffet lunch will be served at Phillips Flagship Restaurant overlooking the Washington Channel. The trip will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8. Fee is $69 per person. To register, call (410) 313-7275; for more information, call Ginny Russ at (410) 313-7279.
Feb. 15 TAVERN VALENTINE’S LUNCH
Join the Department of Parks & Recreation’s February Lunch Bunch and enjoy a great meal at the Elkridge Furnace Inn, established as a tavern in 1744. The trip will start at 11 a.m. and finish at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15. A fee of $69 covers transportation and a full meal. For more information, call Ginny Russ at (410) 313-7279, or call (410) 313-7275 to register.
Feb. 23 WHAT’S NEW AT THE RENWICK
The Department of Parks & Recreation is scheduling a bus tour to the Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C., where “Something of Splendor: Decorative Arts from the White House” is on display, along with old favorites that can be enjoyed with a tour guide or on your own. Lunch is on your own. Tickets for the trip on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. are $45 for persons 55 or older. To register, call (410) 313-7275 or for more information, call Ginny Russ at (410) 313-7279.
Feb. 29 BELIEVE IN LEAP YEAR LUCK?
No better day than this one to play the slots at Delaware’s Harrington Casino. Buffet is included in the $59 fee for the Department of Parks & Recreation outing on Wednesday, Feb. 29 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call Ginny Russ at (410) 313-7279, to register, call (410) 313-7275.