March-april 2016

New Beginning

Volume 29 Issue 2 march-april 2016 A publication of the St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services

New beginning

2

In This Issue…

The Wearin’ of The Green; For the luck of the

Irish, join us at our Annual St. Patrick’s Day bash!….......page 13

Medicare & Social Security; A detailed explanation

Of Medicare fees for the current year………………..…...page 6

Meditate; Meditation and mindful prayer help

the mind and body to relax and focus..……………...……..page 9

LIFE (Learning is ForEver); The Spring Semester

of the LIFE (Learning is ForEver) program is gearing

up for many interesting and enjoyable tours. .. ……….….page 10

New Staff Member; Introducing Rebekah Vos,

a Substance Abuse Treatment Specialist..……………..page 4

March-april 2016

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From the Director’s Desk...

By Lori Jennings-Harris, Director

Department of Aging & Human Services

New

Beginning

The Commissioners of

St. Mary’s County James R. Guy, President

Michael L. Hewitt Tom Jarboe

Todd B. Morgan John E. O’Connor

Publisher: Lori Jennings-Harris,

Director, Department of Aging &

Human Services Editor: Taylor Gregg

New Beginning is

published bi-monthly by the

St. Mary’s County Department of

Aging & Human Services.

Articles may be reprinted from

this newsletter but must be

attributed to the “SMCDAHS, New Beginning.”

To receive a copy of this

newsletter through the U.S. Mail,

call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050.

Editorial submissions should

be sent to: St. Mary’s County Department

of Aging & Human Services

P.O. Box 653

Leonardtown, MD 20650 or visit the website at:

www.stmarysmd.com/aging

Our Mission

To provide an array of programs

and services that foster

continued physical and mental

good health, and promote

healthy aging within the senior

community.

“Every year in March, the NWHP [National Women’s History

Project] coordinates observances of National Women’s History

Month throughout the country. The NWHP originated this widely

recognized celebration and sets the annual theme, produces

educational materials, and chooses particular women to honor

nationally for their work.” This year’s theme is Working to Form

a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and

Government. The theme recognizes “… women who have shaped

America’s history and its future through their public service and

government leadership.” This year’s honorees are:

Sister Mary Madonna Ashton, CSJ

Public Health Leader and Minnesota Commissioner of Health

Daisy Bates

Civil Rights Organizer,

Leader of the Little Rock School Integration

Sonia Pressman Fuentes

NOW co-founder, first woman attorney in the Office of the

General Counsel at the EEOC

Isabel Gonzalez

Champion of Puerto Ricans securing American Citizenship

Ella Grasso

Governor of Connecticut, First Woman Governor of any US State

Elected in Her Own Right

Suzan Shown Harjo

Native American Public Policy Advocate and Journalist

Judy Hart

National Park Founding Superintendent of Rosie the Riveter

World War II Home Front National Historical Park and Women’s

Rights National Historical Park

Oveta Culp Hobby

WWII Director of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps and first

Secretary of the US Department of Health, Education, and

Welfare

Barbara Mikulski

Longest Serving Woman in the United States Congress

(continued over…)

New Beginning

Women’s History

Month

New beginning

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New Staff Member

By Rebekah Vos

As a recent graduate of Binghamton University

with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development, I

am eager and excited to begin my career at the St.

Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human

Services as a Substance Abuse Treatment Specialist.

Prior to moving to Maryland, I worked for a number

of different non-profit organizations. After earning

my Associates degree in Human Services from

Tompkins Cortland Community College in New

York, I joined an AmeriCorps program and was

placed with the Cortland Community Action Program

in Cortland, NY. My primary task was the manage-

ment of the community clothing closet but I also

assisting with the Family Development program,

WIC, and Head Start. At the end of the year, I returned home to Owego, NY and assisted with a

flood relief program through Catholic Charities to service community members that were still

recovering from Hurricane Irene. My most recent experience comes from my practicum

completed at the Tioga Opportunities, Inc. Department of Aging in Owego, where I shadowed

the Aging Services Coordinator through all the working activities of the agency.

I married my husband Chris in August 2015 and moved to Lexington Park from Owego, a

small town near Binghamton in upstate New York. We are enjoying our time together after a

few years of long distance, and have begun building a life for ourselves and getting settled in

this beautiful area. After a busy few years completing my degree, I enjoy having more free

time to participate in the many things I love to do: learning how to cook and bake are top on my

list, but I also enjoy board games and puzzles, traveling, and volunteering.

(From The Director’s Desk; continued) Inez Milholland

Woman Suffrage Leader and Martyr

Karen Narasaki

Civil and Human Rights Leader

Nancy Grace Roman

Chief of Astronomy at NASA

Bernice Sandler

Women’s Rights Activist, “Godmother of Title IX”

Nadine Smith

LGBT Civil Rights Activist and Executive Director of Equality Florida

Dorothy C Stratton

WWII Director of the SPARS (Coast Guard Women’s Reserve), first full-time Dean of Women

at Purdue University, and Executive Director of the Girl Scouts of the USA

Betty Mae Tiger Jumper

First Woman Chairman of the Seminole Tribe and Presidential Adviser

To learn more about some of the women who have helped to shape our country and our world check

out the NWHP website at www.nwhp.org/womens-history-month/2016-theme/

Rebekah Vos

March-april 2016

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Nutrition Corner

Why Corporations Make it

Hard to Trust Nutrition Studies by Vince Dixon

Two words: funding bias.

When reports revealed that the Global Energy Balance Network, a

nonprofit that used obesity research to stress fitness over healthy eat-

ing, was actually quietly funded by Coca-Cola, many people felt misled.

The "Coca-Cola debacle," or as some have been calling it, the "GEBN

debacle," has also left many in nutrition research feeling embarrassed.

Coke's shifty involvement with the group reignited a longstanding

debate about corporate-sponsored science and "funding bias," the idea

that sponsors of research have an inherent bias that influences results.

It's a pervasive issue in nutritionist circles, but many folks might be

surprised to know how often the nutrition claims they read about have

roots in corporate sponsorship. Common claims like chocolate is good

for health, or that grape skins and wine have anti-aging properties, or

that the Mediterranean diet prevents heart disease have been touted

using research supported with funds or scientists closely connected to all

kinds of potentially biased organizations, from Mars, Inc. to California

Walnut Commission.

But the research community has been markedly at odds over the

amount of damage funding bias is bringing to people's understanding of

food and health, and what should be done to stop it. On one end, experts

have been highly critical of industry-funded studies and say that type of

research should almost always be avoided. On the other end, researchers

who accept corporate funds say funding is a very small part of a larger

issue, if even an issue at all.

Dubious Studies Dr. Marion Nestle, nutrition and food studies professor at New York University, falls in the

first group. "I worry a lot about the effects of industry sponsorship on public belief in the credi-

bility of nutrition science," Nestle, the author of Soda Politics: Taking on Big Soda (and Win-

ning), told (sic-) us. Just because a claim is supposedly backed by "clinical studies" doesn't

mean it can be trusted. Even if the research is scientifically sound, Nestle said, ultimately the

basis for many corporate-sponsored research is marketing, not just public health. And if there is

no scientific basis for the research, companies can make one up.

"The most cogent example is POM Wonderful," Nestle said. "That company spent a

fortune, reportedly $35 million, to demonstrate that pomegranate juice has antioxidant proper-

ties (really, I could have told them that up front) and other properties that they used for health

claims so absurd that the Federal Trade Commission got after them." The FTC acts on leads

from consumers, businesses, and the media to investigate misleading marketing claims, which

can result in litigation.

From www.eater.com/nutrition/research

Registered Trade Mark: Coca-cola Inc.

New beginning

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Medicare Premium Correction

In the November-December 2015 issue of New Beginning it was stated that the Part B

premium for 2016 would be $104.90. While this information is technically correct, it only

applies to beneficiaries who are enrolled in Medicare prior to 2016. For individuals who enroll

in Medicare in 2016 the premium will be $121.80. Since there was not a Social Security cost-

of–living adjustment (COLA) increase in 2016, Medicare beneficiaries are protected from the

increase due to the hold harmless provision if:

You are entitled to Social Security benefits for November and December of the current

year (2015);

The Medicare Part B premium will be or was deducted

from your Social Security benefits in November 2015

through January 2016;

You don’t already pay higher Part B premiums

because of Income-Related Monthly Adjustment

Amount (IRMAA) eligibility; and

You do not receive a Cost of Living Adjustment

(COLA) large enough to cover the increased premium.

The hold harmless provision does not protect you if:

You are new to Medicare in 2016. Hold harmless does

not apply to you because you have not been enrolled in Medicare Part B long enough.

You are subject to IRMAA.

You are enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program (MSP). However, the MSP should

continue paying for your full Part B premium.

You were enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program in 2015 but lost the program because

your income increased or you failed to recertify.

Note: If you qualify for the hold harmless provision but pay a Part B late enrollment penalty,

the penalty will not be waived, and may increase. This is because the penalty will be calculated

based on the new, higher premium even if you are not paying that higher amount. Thus while

your base Part B premium will not change, you’ll likely face a higher total Part B premium bill

due to the late enrollment penalty. (from federal government Centers for Medicare & Medicaid

Services)

Social Security Changes File and Suspend Going Away: if you are 66 or older, you can file for full benefits and then

turn around and suspend them. For each year you suspend your benefits up until age 70, you get

an extra 8% added to your check. By age 70, you could see a 32% increase in your checks.

But why file in the first place? Because it entitles the person’s spouse, provided the spouse is

the lower wage earner, to receive spousal benefits even if the beneficiary suspends his/her

payouts. Furthermore, if the person receiving spousal benefits also qualified for his/her own

benefits, that individual could wait until age 70 and get an 8% annual raise too.

But that’s going to change. Under the new law, starting May 1, 2016, if you file and

suspend, your spouse is no longer eligible for spousal benefits. Until that date, you and your

spouse may still be able to gain the advantages of this strategy.

Senior Information & Assistance By Debbie Barker, Senior I & A Manager

March-april 2016

7

No More Lump-Sum Payout: once you turn 66, you’re eligible for full retirement benefits. If

you choose to suspend your benefits, you can later collect those back benefits in one of two

ways: an increase on each of your checks or a lump sum payout for back benefits. As of May 1,

2016 this will no longer be an option. To learn more about these changes visit www.ssa.gov or

call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Property Tax Credit Available For Eligible Homeowners Each year the State of Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation provides a

credit for the real property tax bill for homeowners who qualify on the basis of gross household

income. Previous applicants must submit a new application each year.

To have your application considered for a tax credit the dwelling for which application

is being made must be your principal residence, where you reside or expect to reside for more

than six months of the tax year; have a legal interest in the property; have a gross household

income less than $60,000 and your net worth, excluding the value of the property for which

application is being made, must not exceed $200,000 as of December 31, 2015. If these

requirements are met, the amount of tax credit due, if any, will be calculated on the basis of the

gross household income for the calendar year 2015 and the 2016 property tax bill. Income

information must be reported for the resident home owner(s), spouse or co-owner, and all other

occupants of the dwelling unless these occupants can be claimed as dependents or unless they

are paying reasonable fixed charges such as rent or room and board.

The deadline for filing a 2016 Homeowner’s Property Tax Credit is September 1, 2016.

However, applicants are encouraged to file their applications prior to May 1, to receive a credit

directly on their August property tax bill. Eligible applicants, who file their applications after

May 1, will receive a tax credit certificate to be used toward payment of the tax bill or for a

refund if the bill has already been paid.

Applications for this program are available at each senior activity center. Assistance is

available for those 60 and over by calling Debbie Barker at the Garvey Senior Activity Center

at 301-475-4200, ext. *1064 or Melissa Craig at the Loffler Senior Center at 301-737-5670,

ext. *1654 or the Northern Senior Activity Center at 301-475-4002, ext. *1004.

Energy Assistance Program The Tri-County Community Action Committee Energy Assistance office is still receiving

applications for the 2015-2016 program year. Anyone who has not applied for the program

since July 2015 is encouraged to apply now. Energy Assistance provides grant funds to the

electric and heating supplier of your choice to help reduce energy costs. To be eligible an indi-

vidual’s gross monthly income must be less than $1,716 or $2,323 for a two person household.

To apply contact Tri-County at 301-475-5574, ext. 200. For individuals age 60 and over or

with a disability contact Melissa Craig at 301-737-5670, ext. 1654.

Our Extensions Have Changed

Please be advised; the phone extensions for the Department of Aging &

Human Services, Garvey Senior Activity Center, and Northern Senior

Activity Center have changed. Please make sure to add an asterisk (*)

before all the extensions in these locations..

New beginning

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Home & Community-Based Services

By Rebecca Kessler, Division Manager

Whether you are assisting with the care of a frail spouse, parent, friend or other relative,

caring for an older adult is a labor of love. Join us on April 22 for the annual Southern Mary-

land Caregivers Conference. Designed for the family caregiver, this one-day event is a wonder-

ful opportunity to enrich one’s knowledge and skills in caring for older people. The $30 confer-

ence fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch, conference materials, exposure to service pro-

viders in the exhibition area, and the opportunity to attend professionally presented educational

sessions on the following topics:

Planning for Successful Caregiving

Understanding Medicare

Oral Health Related to Total Health

Medication Management

Hospice

Coping with Challenging Behavior Associated with Dementia

Diabetes Care

Everyday Activities for People with Dementia

Body Mechanics and Safe Caregiving in the Home

Understanding Medicaid Coverage for the Aging and Disabled

Depression & Older Adults

Home & Community-Based Services

Mental Health First Aid and the Older Adult

Palliative Care

Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment

Fitness for Optimal Health

Mindfulness

For additional information, or to receive a registration brochure by mail, please contact

Cindy Olmsted at 301-934-0128 or DC metro (301) 870-3388, ext. 5128 or e-mail

olmstedc@charlescounty.org

24th Annual Southern Maryland Caregiver’s Conference Friday, April 22, 2016

Richard R. Clark Senior Center

La Plata, Maryland

Sponsored by:

The Geriatrics and Gerontology Education and Research Program,

University of Maryland, Baltimore

&

The Charles County Department of Community Services,

Aging and Senior Programs Division

In cooperation with:

St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services

&

Calvert County Office on Aging

March-april 2016

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To inquire about a Scholarship opportunity to attend this conference, please contact Rebecca

Kessler, HCBS Division Manager, St. Mary’s County Department of Aging by calling 301-475

-4200, ext. *1061, or email Rebecca.kessler@stmarysmd.com.

Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Announcement

The Home & Community-Based Services Division announce and welcome Taylor Gregg as a

Certified Tier I Volunteer Ombudsman effective January 13, 2016. Mr. Gregg has completed

all the requirements for Certification. His desire and dedication to the residents in long-term

care will make an excellent addition to the Volunteer Ombudsman Program in St. Mary’s

County. We are so pleased to welcome our newest teammate!

Five Healthy Techniques Psychological Research

Has Shown to Help Reduce Long & Short-term Stress

1. Take a break from the cause of the stress. It may seem difficult to get away from a big work

project, a crying baby or a growing credit card bill. But when you give yourself permission to

step away from it, you let yourself have time to do something else, which can help you have a

new perspective or practice techniques to feel less overwhelmed. It’s important to not avoid

your stress (those bills have to be paid sometime), but even just 20-minutes to take care of

yourself is helpful.

2. Exercise. The research keeps growing; exercise benefits your mind as well as your body. We

keep hearing about the long-term benefits of a regular exercise routine. But even a 20-minute

walk, run, swim or dance session in the midst of a stressful time can give an immediate effect

that can last for several hours.

3. Smile and laugh. Our brains are interconnected with our emotions and facial expressions.

When people are stressed, they often hold a lot of the stress in their faces So laughs or smiles

can help relieve some of that tension and improve the situation.

4. Get social support. Call a friend, send an email.

When you share your concerns or feelings with an-

other person, it does help relieve stress. But it’s

important that the person whom you talk to is some-

one whom you trust and whom you feel can under-

stand and validate you. If your family is a cause of

stress, for example, it may not alleviate your stress to

share your work woes with one of them.

5. Meditate. Meditation and mindful prayer help the

mind and body to relax and focus. Mindfulness can

help people see new perspectives, develop self-

compassion and forgiveness. When practicing a form

of mindfulness, people can release emotions that

may have been causing the body physical stress.

Much like exercise, research has shown that even

meditating briefly can reap immediate benefits.

(American Psychological Association)

New beginning

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Focus On Fitness

By Alice Allen, Division Manager, Senior Center Operations

Welcome to March, Spring is on its way!! It’s time for

new growth and time to celebrate Women’s History Month. In

the United States, women have played an important part in

history. In more recent history, some important women in-

clude Astronaut Sally Ride, Supreme Court Judge Sandra Day

O’Connor and Anthropologist Margaret Mead. You might be

wondering what these women and Women’s History Month

have to do with an article about fitness. Well, each of these

women shares a common characteristic, intelligence. And, did

you know that being physically active increases your brain-

power? In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, Type

2 Diabetes and cancer, being physically active is the best thing

you can do for your brain. Physical activity increases the flow

of blood and oxygen to the brain, feeding the growth of new

neurons and connections. According to John Medina, affiliate

professor of bioengineering at the University of Washington

School of Medicine, being physically active “slashes your

lifetime risk of Alzheimer’s in half and your risk of general

dementia by 60 percent” (AARP Bulletin/Real Possibilities September 2013).

It doesn’t take much physical activity to reap the many benefits it affords. Just 150 minutes

a week will enhance your brain health. Anything that gets you moving is key. So, whether it’s

walking for half an hour 5 times during the week, attending fitness classes at your local senior

activity center (see pages 32-33 for a complete list of available classes), gardening or dancing,

just get up and get moving. Your body and your brain will be glad you did!! To learn more

about fitness classes at the senior activity centers, call Alice at 301-475-4200, ext. *1063.

Pickleball Leonard Hall Recreation Center

Wednesdays, April 6–May 25, 8-10 a.m., cost: $32

Pickleball is the up and coming sport in the United States for older

adults. The game has grown in popularity in St. Mary’s County over

the past couple of years and offers a great way to exercise while having

fun. Equipment is available for use. Fees should be paid in advance at

the Garvey Senior Activity Center. Register early because space is

limited; registration opens March 7. To learn more call 301-475-4200,

ext. *1050.

(NOTE: New phone system requires a * before extension)

March-april 2016

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Wanted: Older Adults Who Like to Eat!! Did you know that St. Mary’s County has three sen-

ior activity centers open to independent older adults

Monday through Friday where lunch is served? In

addition to many fun, exciting activities available,

the senior activity centers serve a delicious, nutri-

tious, catered lunch each weekday. Adults age 60

and over can enjoy lunch among friends, and dona-

tions are accepted. Continued social involvement and

good nutrition are key to healthy, independent aging.

By joining your friends for lunch at the Garvey,

Loffler, or Northern Senior Activity Centers, you are taking a positive step, and enjoying these

benefits:

Good nutrition to maintain or improve health

An opportunity to socialize

Healthy, tasty, fresh food

Stretches your food dollar if your budget is tight

Try lunch at your local senior activity center. Call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050 by noon the day

before to make a reservation. The monthly menu is available at the centers or on-line at

www.co.saint-marys.md.us/docs/agingmonthlymenu.

St. Mary’s County Public

School

Athletic Passes A complimentary pass is available

to all senior citizens who are age

55 or older. The pass allows the

pass holder free admittance to

regular season high school athletic

events in St. Mary’s County Public

Schools. Passes can be picked up

Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

at the Garvey Senior Activity Center in

Leonardtown. Proof of age is required.

To learn more call 301-475-4200,

ext. *1050.

Passes Available for you to attend

Athletic Events

New beginning

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GARVEY Senior Activity Center

Kickboxing Garvey Senior Activity Center

Wednesdays, March 2-April 13, 8:30-9:30 a.m., $30

Kickboxing tones muscles through punching and kicking using focus and

target pads and mitts. Participants may notice an improvement in overall balance and

flexibility. The aerobic moves of kickboxing have been shown to improve circula-

tion and offer great stress relief. This specialized class is geared towards

active men and women ages 50 and above and has great energy without the high

impact exercises that are done during a mainstream kickboxing class.

Instructor Geno Rothback is an RN, senior fitness instructor, black belt

in Taekwondo, and certified Martial Fusion and Kickboxing instructor.

Sleep Problems and Disorders Garvey Senior Activity Center, Wednesday, March 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Sleep is essential to feeling refreshed and rested, and is an indis-

pensable part of a healthy lifestyle. Beginning March 6, the Na-

tional Sleep Foundation will celebrate Sleep Awareness Week, its

annual event to raise awareness regarding the health benefits of

sleep and its importance to safety and productivity. The Garvey

Senior Activity Center is participating in this year’s event with a

presentation given by the SLEEP! Testing and Treatment Center

in California, Maryland. The presenter will provide information

about sleep disturbances, sleep disorders and changing sleep pat-

terns. Register by calling 301-475-4200, ext. *1050.

Book Discussion Group Garvey Senior Activity Center

Wednesdays, March 9, 2 p.m., April 13, 10:30 a.m.

The Garvey Book Discussion Group is looking for more members.

Do you ever find that after reading a book you need to talk about it

with others? This is the perfect opportunity to review and share with

a group of people who share the same passion. In March, the group

will discuss The Famine Ships: The Irish Exodus to America by Ed-

ward Laxton. The Famine Ships tells of the courage and determina-

tion of the Irish potato famine immigrants who crossed the Atlantic

in leaky, overcrowded sailing ships and made new lives for them-

selves; among them the child Henry Ford and the twenty-six year old

Patrick Kennedy, great-grandfather of John F. Kennedy. In April the

group will discuss The Painter by Peter Heller, a suspenseful page

turner about the life of a famous artist trying to outrun a past of

violence and loss. To learn more, call 301-475-4200, ext. *1072.

(NOTE: New phone system requires a * before extension)

In Leonardtown, 301-475-4200, ext. *1050

March-april 2016

13

Key Basket-weaving Class Garvey Senior Activity Center

Mondays, March 14 & 21, 1-4 p.m.

This handy basket can hang on a hook or doorknob to hold keys and

other small items. Learn to make a wrapped handle as part of a basket.

There will also be some choice of colored reed to add decorative rows,

if you would like, as well as a choice of tie-ons. The finished product

measures approximately 6" L x 4" W x 8" H. The cost for the kit and in-

struction is $35, payable in advance. Make checks out to Pam King. To

learn more, call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050.

Tai Chi for Arthritis: The Extension Movements Garvey Senior Activity Center

Mondays, March 14-April 18, 8:15-9:15 a.m.

Medical studies confirm Tai Chi for Arthritis relieves pain,

reduces falls and improves quality of life. This class is a

continuation from Tai Chi for Arthritis: The Core

Movements. Students will learn new movements and learn

how to incorporate the Tai Chi principles into practice.

Prerequisite: Students must have taken Tai Chi for Arthri-

tis: The Core Movements for at least one 6-week session prior to signing up for this course. To

register for this class, call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050.

Spring Gardening Garvey Senior Activity Center

Tuesdays, March 15, 22 & 29, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

The University of Maryland Extension; St. Mary’s County Master Gardeners will present a series

of gardening topics to help you get your garden ready for spring. There is no fee to attend the

presentations. Advance registration is required by calling 301-475-4200, ext. *1050. When regis-

tering, indicate which session(s) you will be attending.

March 15: Attracting Birds and Bees to Your Garden

March 22: Designing Your Container Garden

March 29: Introduction to Pruning

Wearin’ of the Green Bash at O’Garvey Garvey Senior Activity Center

Thursday, March 17, Lunch at Noon; music 12:30-1:30 p.m.

For the luck of the Irish, join us at our Annual St. Patrick’s Day

bash! Enjoy a traditional meal of Irish Stew, Irish Soda Bread,

Steamed Cabbage and a Fruit Tart in a Graham Cracker Crust, milk/

coffee/tea. Irish tunes to be performed by John Pomerville, singer of

traditional Irish pub tunes. Cost for lunch is by donation for those

ages 60 and above and $6 for those under the age of 60. To make

reservations, call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050. Remember to wear

your lucky green!

New beginning

14

Spring Break “Spring Into Spring” Celebration: Bring Your Grandkids! Garvey Senior Activity Center

Wednesday, March 23, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Calling all grandparents! St. Mary’s County Public Schools are

on Spring Break and what better way to spend some time with

your grandkids then at the Garvey Senior Activity Center. For

this special event, planned with grandparents and grandkids in

mind, you will play Easter Bingo (prizes for adults and kids),

make a spring craft together, eat a pizza lunch, and

partake in a spring gardening project facilitated by the

St. Mary’s County Master Gardeners. Grandparents

and kids will each receive a printed photo to take

home to remember their special day together. We

anticipate this event will fill quickly so register early.

Registration opens March 1 and runs through March

11 or until filled. Payment is due at the time of registration. Cost is $12 per grand-

parent/child pair. Each additional child is $6. Activities are designed for preschool

through early elementary age children. To learn more, call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050.

Registration fee is due on or before March 11.

Living Well... Take Charge of Your Health Garvey Senior Activity Center

Mondays, April 4–May 9, 1:30-4 p.m.

This program is an evidence-based Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop developed by

Stanford University. The workshop is for any person who has one or more chronic conditions

and who wants to learn to live more healthfully. It helps people learn everyday skills to manage

chronic health symptoms and get the most out of life. Caregivers of a person with a chronic con-

dition are also invited to attend. In the Living Well… Take Charge of Your Health workshop, you

will learn how to manage symptoms, how to communicate effectively with doctors, how to

lessen frustration, how to fight fatigue, how to make daily tasks easier, and how to get more out

of life. To ensure that you get the most out of the program, attendance is recommended at all six

sessions. Registration is limited, so sign up now by calling 301-475-4200, ext. *1050

SMART Medicine Garvey Senior Activity Center

Tuesday, April 5, 9-10 a.m.

SMART Medicine is a local media campaign

designed to generate awareness for the rising

issue of opioid misuse and abuse in addition

to providing information and resources

regarding the safe management and disposal

of prescription medications. This program is

committed to ensuring that prescription

medication is used only to help, not harm.

Contact Maryellen Kraese at maryellen.kraese@stmarysmd.com or

301-475-4200, ext. *1681, to learn more or register.

March-april 2016

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AARP Smart Driver Course Garvey Senior Activity Center

Friday, April 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers

A lot has changed since AARP Driver Safety first began as “55 Alive.” The roads have

changed, cars and the technology inside them have changed, even the people behind the wheel

have changed. As drivers, if we don’t keep up with those changes we put others and ourselves

at risk. As a result of evidence-based research findings, the course has been adjusted to include

a focus on areas where older drivers could benefit from additional training, including: rounda-

bouts, pavement markings, stop-sign compliance, red-light running, and safety issues such as

speeding, seatbelt and turn-signal use. Membership card required to get the member rate.

Advance sign up is required. Lunch is available at the Center; cost is a donation for ages 60 and

above and $6 for others. Call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050 to register for the class, to get the lunch

menu, and to make lunch reservations.

Author Readings Garvey Senior Activity Center

Tuesday, April 12, 1-2 p.m.

Author readings offer a rare and exciting opportunity to hear authors

reading their works. Ellynne Davis, author of Ellynne's Top Tomato

Cookbook will read selections from her cookbook and talk on writing

your favorite family recipes with illustrations and publishing through

local printers. Linda A. Stewart will also be present with her Snow's

Rest; A Maryland Mystery series. She will speak on the use of historical

research in fiction and the process of self-publishing with Createspace,

an independent publishing platform. Register in advance for the read-

ings by calling 301-475-4200, ext. *1050.

Friday Morning Softball Miedzinski Park, Leonardtown (field in front of Leonard Hall Recreation Center)

Fridays, beginning April 22, 10 a.m.

Spring is in the air and it’s time to dust off that bat and glove and head out to Miedzinski Park

for a pick-up game of softball. Men and women ages 50 and above are welcome. Call the Gar-

vey Senior Activity Center at 301-475-4200, ext. *1050 to learn more.

5th Annual Book Sale: New This Year… Super Sale Day! Garvey Senior Activity Center

Tuesday, April 26 & Wednesday, April 27, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Donate your used books to the Garvey Senior Activity Center’s used book sale fundraiser. All

funds raised will go towards special events and entertainment at center events. Books for all

ages are welcome. Hardcovers, paperback, and books on CD in good condition are appreciated.

Please, no encyclopedias, textbooks, outdated computer/software manuals, magazines or very

worn books. To make a donation, drop off your items at the Garvey Senior Activity Center

Monday – Friday, April 6-17 from 8-4:30 p.m. The public is invited to shop the book sale on

Tuesday, April 26 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Costs are $0.50 per paperback and $1 per hardback. On

Wednesday, April 27, shop the super sale! Fill a grocery bag (we’ll provide) for $5! To learn

more, call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050.

New beginning

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LOFFLER Senior Activity Center

Art Classes by Jamie Naluai Loffler Senior Activity Center

Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-noon

Cost: $85 each month (4 sessions)

March: “Drawing,” April: “Faces”

In March learn some drawing techniques using pen and ink,

pencil and charcoal. April will be the month to learn how to

draw portraits. Cost of art classes includes enough paint and

supplies to get you started. Classes are appropriate for be-

ginners as well as intermediate level. Payment made to in-

structor on the first day of class. Call 301-737-5670, ext.

1658 to sign up or to learn more.

Open Studio Art by Jamie Naluai Loffler Senior Activity Center

2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, 10 a.m.–noon, Cost- Supplies

Jamie offers Open Studio Art two Fridays per month for no cost other than any supplies you

might need. You may bring in independent work, or you can work on a project that will be

directed by Jamie. Sign up for these sessions by calling 301-737-5670, ext. 1658.

Dollar Bingo at Loffler Loffler Senior Activity Center

Tuesdays (Except for Lunch Connection Tuesday), 12:30-1:30 p.m., and the Wednesday after

Tuesday Lunch Connection, 10:30-11:30 a.m., COST: $1 per card, up to 3 cards

Play Bingo to win household items for an hour every week. Usually played on Tuesday from

12:30 to 1:30 p.m. except for Lunch Connection day in which case it will be played on the

following Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. To learn more call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658.

Strength Training with Dave Loffler Senior Activity Center, Tuesdays

10-11 a.m., Fitness Card required

Dave Scheible leads this class that is designed to improve your

level of fitness and well-being. Working out with resistance

bands and lifting weights will lead to stronger bones, better flex-

ibility and increased strength. What’s not to love about that?

Check out this class for free on any Tuesday. Subsequent classes

will be by fitness card-(Fitness cards are $30 and are good for 10

fitness classes of any type at any of the St. Mary’s County

Senior Activity Centers). To learn more call 301-737-5670,

ext. 1658.

In Great Mills, 301-737-5670, ext. *1658

March-april 2016

17

Puzzles and Table Games Loffler Senior Activity Center

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Sometimes it’s nice to just hang out, enjoy a cup of coffee

and work on a puzzle or play a game. We have many

puzzles and games available at Loffler. Generally we like to

have three people to a puzzle and there is quite a selection.

Do you like to play Scrabble or Dominoes? Pull a favorite

game or a deck of cards out of the closet, someone there is

likely to play if you invite him/her.

Volunteer Opportunity Loffler Senior Activity Center

Thursdays 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Flexible)

At Loffler, we want to reinvent our sewing

program. Classes are popular and many

people love making something special and

bringing it home. In the past we’ve had

tote bag and apron classes that were well

received. We are looking for someone who

would like to teach and coordinate pro-

jects. At this time, an activity room is

scheduled every Thursday morning for our

sewing program. If you are someone who

loves sharing the joy of sewing, please

contact Shellie at 301-737-5670, ext. 1655

or e-mail

Sheila.graziano@stmarysmd.com.

History and Educational Video Series Loffler Senior Activity Center

Wednesday, March 9, 10 a.m., A Fierce Green Fire, Free

Spanning 50 years of grassroots and global activism, this Sundance

documentary brings to light the vital stories of the environmental move-

ment where people fought, and succeeded, against enormous odds.

Narrated by Robert Redford, Ashley Judd and Meryl Streep, etc., this

timely video is sure to inspire those who care for our earth (101 minutes).

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION Loffler Senior Activity Center

Thursday, March 17, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Ticket Required, $7 Donation

Faith and Begorrah, we’ll be celebrating the luck of the Irish on St. Paddy’s Day!

Wear your green and be ready for a few shenanigans. During the lunch hour we will

enjoy Irish music by David Norris and speaking of lunch, it will be Irish Stew, Irish

Soda Bread, Steamed Cabbage and a Fruit Tart in a Graham Cracker Crust.

Advance tickets needed from Loffler; call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658 to learn more.

New beginning

18

Loffler’s LUNCH CONNECTION Tuesday, Mar. 8/Thursday, March 24, and Tuesday, April 12/Thursday, April 28

Entertainment on Tuesday begins at 11:30 a.m., lunch is served at noon. Advance reservations

are required, preferably at least 2 weeks in advance. Call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658. There will be

an appreciation basket for our performers and a 50/50 raffle at each luncheon.

Tuesday, March 8: Tommy Alvey and his bluegrass band will

get your feet tapping with their music from days gone-by. Enjoy

lunch of Cranberry Juice, Pork Roast, Gravy, Mashed Potatoes,

Green Beans, Applesauce with Cinnamon, WW Dinner Roll, and

Pound Cake with Cherry Topping served to you at your table.

Thursday, March 24: Tossed Salad, Spaghetti Noodles

with Meat Sauce, Roasted Cauliflower, Italian Bread,

Apricots, Parmesan Cheese and Lemon Meringue Pie

will be served to you this day.

Tuesday, April 12: Mickey

Ramos and the Lounge Dogs

will get the place jumping with their popular brand of old time

rock & roll! As you listen, your taste buds will be treated to a

lunch of Orange Juice, Roast Beef, Gravy, Mashed Potatoes,

Stewed Tomatoes, WW Dinner

Roll, Mandarin Oranges and a

scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream.

Thursday, April 28: Finish out the month of April with

some Chicken Salad! Add on Fruit Juice, Cottage Cheese,

Peaches, Pineapple. WW Bread, and an Oatmeal Cookie

and you have a lunch made to welcome Spring!

Monthly Crafts Loffler Senior Activity Center

Fridays, March 11 & 18 (2 sessions), 10 a.m. “Hand-Decorated Picture Frames,” Cost $3

plus your old wooden picture frame for photos

This two-part class will start with making distressed paper flowers. Leave them at the center to

dry and return the following week to decoupage beautiful scrapbook paper onto your picture

frame, then hot glue the flowers onto it. You may want to bring your favorite photograph!

Friday, April 1, 10 a.m.; “Succulent Gardens for Small Spaces,” Cost TBD

You don’t need to live in the desert or have a big yard to have a succulent garden! You just need

a glass bowl, some dirt, gravel and, of course, the plants. We will supply everything you need to

design your own little garden. For questions about either of these projects call 301-737-5670,

ext. 1658 or sign up at the Loffler reception desk.

March-april 2016

19

Pain Management Exercises for Arthritis Loffler Senior Activity Center

Thursday, March 24, 10 a.m., Free

Mike O’Brien, a physical therapist and the owner of Freedom Physical Therapy in Mechanicsville

will be at the Loffler Senior Activity Center to discuss specific ways to deal with arthritis. He will

cover proper warm-up exercises for activity, proper stretching and strengthening exercises to main-

tain and improve range of motion and strength without causing injury. Proper exercise is a great way

to improve blood circulation to stiff, painful arthritic joints for improved function. There will also be

a question and answer period related to arthritis. To sign up for this free presentation call 301-737-

5670, ext. 1658 or stop by the reception desk.

History and Educational Video Series Wed. March 9, 10 a.m. “A Fierce Green Fire” Spanning 50 years of grassroots and global activism, this Sun-

dance documentary brings to light the vital stories of the environ-

mental movement where people fought, and succeeded, against

enormous odds. Narrated by Robert Redford, Ashley Judd and

Meryl Streep, among others this timely video is sure to inspire

others who care for our earth (101 minutes).

Wed. April 6, 10 a.m., “Renewable Energy” In keeping with National Earth Month and following on the heels

of March’s video about the environmental movement, we will

take a look at ways air, water, earth, and fire are transformed into

clean, reliable sources of heat, electricity, and even automobile

fuel. This 50-minute video looks at several implementations of

renewable energy that are already in place including a solar roof

by FedEx at a regional sort facility in Oakland, Calif., a wind

power project in central New York using fewer, larger turbines,

and the widespread use of geothermal energy in Iceland plus

much more. Register for either of these videos by calling 301-737

-5670, ext. 1658 or stop by the reception desk to sign up (Seating

is limited).

“I can hear, I can’t understand.” Loffler Senior Activity Center

Thursday, April 21, 10 a.m.

Hearing Loss, Daily Effects & Treatment Options: Learn to

identify the signs of hearing loss and the treatment options

that can potentially provide long-term benefits to your

quality of life. An Audiologist from Hearing Professionals

will discuss how hearing loss affects your relationships,

emotions and overall physical wellbeing. Information on

the latest technology, treatment options and communication

strategies will be covered at the conclusion of the presenta-

tion. Please have your questions ready, answers will be provided. To sign up for this free presenta-

tion call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658 or stop by the reception desk.

New beginning

20

In Charlotte Hall 301-475-4002

NORTHERN Senior Activity Center

CSM Wellness Clinic Northern Senior Activity Center

Tuesday, March 1, 9-11:30 a.m., Free

The College of Southern Maryland’s Nursing Program will provide

a free wellness clinic at the Northern Senior Activity Center. Health

checks include blood pressure, height and weight, heart rate, and

memory assessment. Presentations on Shingles, Lyme Disease,

Memory Loss, Indicator to Consider Giving Up Driving (causes and

why/when to give up), and Seasonal Affective Disorder will be

provided. Drop-ins are welcome; prior sign up is not required.

Wii Bowling Tournament Northern Senior Activity Center

Fridays, March 4-May 13, 8:30-11:30 a.m., $10

The Northern Senior Activity Center Council will

manage our Wii Bowling League starting on March

4 and continuing for six consecutive Fridays

(excluding 3/25, 4/22, and 5/6). Participants will be

paired up and can play with their partner anytime

between 8:30-11:30 a.m. Cost for the tournament is

$10 and is collected at signup. All monies will be

used for the recognition day following the end of

the tournament on May 13. For more information,

call 301-475-4002, ext. *3101.

SMART Medicine Presentation Northern Senior Activity Center, Monday, March 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Free

St. Mary’s County Department of Aging and Human Services would like to invite the 50+ year

old community to the Northern Senior Activity Center for a SMART Medicine presentation on

Monday, March 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m. SMART Medicine is a local media campaign designed to

generate awareness for the rising issue of opioid misuse and abuse in addition to providing

information and resources regarding the safe management and disposal of prescription medica-

tions. The Department of Aging and Human Services looks forward to meeting with communi-

ty members to share our knowledge and resources.

We are committed to ensuring that prescription

medication is used only to help, not harm. Please

contact Maryellen Kraese at

maryellen.kraese@stmarysmd.com or

301-475-4200, ext. *1681, to learn more.

(NOTE: New phone system requires a * before

extension)

March-april 2016

21

Northern Breakfast Café

What a wonderful way to start your day! Make your reserva-

tion for a delicious staff prepared breakfast with friends and

let us do the cooking and cleanup. Space is limited so advance

sign-up is required. The cost, $2 is due at sign-up.

Wednesdays at 9 a.m.

Mar. 16: Sausage Gravy, Biscuits, Home Fries, Fruit

Apr. 13: Pancakes, Sausage, Fruit

Jewelry Workshop Northern Senior Activity Center

Mondays, March 7, 21 & April 4, 1-3 p.m., $5 per class

Learn how to make custom, stylish pieces at a jewelry workshop taught

by Sue Peters. Sue will provide instruction and materials on how to make

a new piece at each class. Pieces will include: memory wire bracelet,

earrings, and necklace. The cost of each class is $5 and is due at sign-up.

Advanced sign-up is required as space is limited. To learn more or to

check class availability, call 301-475-4002, ext. *3101.

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Northern Senior Activity Center

Tuesdays, March 8-April 12, 10 a.m., Free

This evidenced-based program is designed to help reduce pain,

improve balance, and promote total body wellness. It is beneficial

for people with all levels of Tai Chi experience and is ideal for

those who are interested in learning more about this art. Clas-

ses are on six consecutive Wednesdays. Space is limited so

advanced sign-up is required. To sign up for this free class,

call 301-475-4002, ext. *3101.

Beauty Bazaar Northern Senior Activity Center

Friday, April 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Vendor Items for Sale

Spring is the time to revamp your beauty regimen and bring

out those bright pastels of the season. Come join us for a day

of pampering and beauty. See all of the newest spring trends in

clothing, makeup, and skin care. The bazaar is free to attend

and will feature beauty vendors with special deals, samples,

and demos for participants. There will also be a fashion show

using volunteer models. Lunch for the event will consist of

Tossed Salad with Dressing, Chicken Parmesan with Tomato

Sauce, Spaghetti Noodles, Broccoli, Italian Bread and

Margarine, Fresh Orange Slices, and 1% Milk. For lunch,

donations are accepted from seniors 60 and older; $6 for

others. To sign up call 301-475-4002, ext. *3101.

New beginning

22

AARP Smart Driving Course Northern Senior Activity Center, Tuesday, April 5, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Lunch at 11:30 a.m.

$15 AARP Members, $20 Non-Members

This course includes proven safety strategies that mature drivers can use to compensate for

changes as they age allowing them to drive more safely and confidently for as long as possible.

The fee for the class is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members with cash or check

made payable to AARP. Class is 4 hours with a break for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Payment to

AARP is required at advanced sign up to secure a place in class. Lunch is to be reserved in

advance and donation made the day of class. Lunch is a donation from seniors 60 and older; $6

for others. To learn more or sign up for lunch, call 301-475-4002, ext. *3101.

Natural Lighting Photography Workshop Northern Senior Activity Center

Monday, April 11, 10:30-11:30 a.m., $10

Some Camera Knowledge Required

Have you always wanted to learn how to take high-quality

portraits, but don’t have expensive lighting like the pros?

No need! Learn how to take portraits using natural lighting

both inside and outside with your camera. Professional

photographer Beth Graeme will teach you how to use the

settings on your camera and the lighting of the environment

to take high-quality portraits. Some camera knowledge is

required so that you can navigate the settings on your de-

vice. Please no cell phones or smart devices; class is intend-

ed for cameras only. Space is limited so advanced sign up is

required. The cost of the class is $10 and is due at sign-up.

For more information, call 301-475-4002, ext. *3101.

EFT Workshop Northern Senior Activity Center, Monday, April 18, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Free

EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques (sometimes called Tapping); it is used to stimu-

late certain meridian points on the body by tapping on them with our fingertips. This innovative

tapping tool has proven useful in clinical settings for a variety of emotional, physical, and

performance issues. Come join us to learn the basics of using EFT to reduce symptoms and

enhance performance. Step-by-step instruction will be provided about how to incorporate tap-

ping into your life. Workshop is led by Gini Webster, LCSW-C, who has been trained by the

Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP) in Advanced Levels of EFT. Space

is limited so advanced sign-up is required, by calling 301-475-4002, ext. *3101.

Paper Tray Basket Northern Senior Activity Center

Monday, April 18 & 25, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., $35

Whether it is holding papers or a casserole dish, this 9” x 12” basket offers

a stylish and functional solution to your organizing woes. The colored

reeds will help personalize this basket so it can fit with any décor. The

cost of the kit and instruction is $35. Instruction to make the basket is

covered in a two-session class on Monday, April 18 and Friday, the 22nd.

Advanced sign-up is required and payment is due at signup. To learn more

call 301-475-4002, ext. *3101.

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23

Stewards of the Earth As part of the Northern Senior Activity Center’s efforts to be ‘Stewards of the Earth,’ we are

celebrating Earth Day with a variety of activities.

“Planet Earth” DVD Series Northern Senior Activity Center

Friday, April 22, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Free

To celebrate the beauty and wonder of our planet, we will

show BBC’s award-winning series “Planet Earth” all Earth

Day for drop-in viewings in our Craft Room. Natural

snacks will be provided at the beginning of the day for

viewers and can be taken on a first-come basis, therefore

quantities are limited. Drop-ins are welcome; prior sign up

is not required.

Earth Day Bingo Friday, April 22, 10-11:30 a.m., $3

Win environmentally-friendly prizes

during Earth Day Bingo! Prizes will

feature gardening supplies, organic foods, and other natural, biodegrada-

ble products. Be part of the solution and have fun at the same time! Space

is limited so advanced sign up is required. Payment of $3 is due at sign-

up; advanced sign-up required. To learn more call

301-475-4002, ext. *3101.

Lunch for Earth Day will be Chicken Caesar Salad with

Romaine Lettuce and Grilled Chicken Strips, Chick Peas,

Caesar Dressing, Whole Wheat Dinner Roll, Fresh Apple

Slices, Orange Juice, and 1% Milk. Lunch cost is a donation

from seniors 60 and older, $6 for others. To sign up for

lunch call 301-475-4002, ext. *3101.

Tai Chi Reunion Friday, April 22, 1-2 p.m., Free

Come feel the healing energy that can only come from doing

Tai Chi with friends. This Tai Chi Reunion is open to all par-

ticipants that have learned the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall

Prevention Core Movements and Extended Movements. Brush

up on your Tai Chi skills and meet new people. Drinks and

natural snacks will be provided to enjoy during the mid-session

break. Space is limited so advanced sign up is required. To

sign up, call 301-475-4002, ext. *3101.

(Northern Senior Activity Center Continues, over)

New beginning

24

Garvey Senior Activity Center Council, Inc. The Garvey Senior Activity Center Council was formed in July 2015 to

support the Garvey Senior Activity Center. Its purpose is fund-raising to

support the Garvey Senior Activity Center and to serve as a public

advocate to promote the general interest, healthy mind, body and spirit,

welfare and social interaction among seniors (50 and older) of St. Mary’s

County at the Garvey Senior Activity Center. Anyone interested in learn-

ing more or becoming involved should contact the Garvey Senior Activity

Center at 301-475-4200, ext. *1050 or attend a council meeting. Upcom-

ing meetings are held on Wednesdays, March 2 & April 6 from 1-3 p.m.

at the Garvey Senior Activity Center.

LIFE (Learning is ForEver) The Spring Semester of the LIFE (Learning is

ForEver) program is gearing up for many interesting

and enjoyable tours. Join us for a trolley tour of

Fredericksburg, tour the College Park Aviation

Museum, enjoy a walking tour of Arlington National

Cemetery, Brookside Gardens, Annapolis and

more!! Booklets are now available on-line at

stmarysmd.com/docs/Brochure.pdf or at a senior

activity center near you. Register soon as many

tours fill quickly. For more information, call

Alice Allen at 301-475-4200, ext. *1063.

Northern's Arthritis Exercise Class

Schedule Changes

Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10-10:45 a.m., Free

The Northern Senior Activity Center will have the

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP)

classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Great

Room at 10 a.m. effective March 2016. The 10 a.m.

time remains the same as in the past, but day and

room changes have been adjusted to better accommodate this growing class. Both sesions will

have a range of motion, posture, and some endurance exercises. In addition to these, the

Wednesday class will feature a strength training component and Thursday's class will feature

additional endurance exercises. To learn more about this program, call 301-475-4002, ext.

*3103.

March-april 2016

25

“Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring

Women in Public Service and Government”

The St. Mary’s County Commission for Women will host the 2016 Woman of the Year and

2016 Tomorrow’s Woman awards event. Winners will be announced and nominees recognized

at the Commission’s annual Women’s History Month Banquet on Wednesday, March 16, 2016,

at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center,

44219 Airport Road, California, Maryland.

The Woman of the Year award is for exemplary com-

munity service while the Woman of Tomorrow award

recognizes a high school-aged, young woman for

exemplary community service.

Tickets to the March 16 banquet are $30 per person and

includes dinner. Reservations must be made by March

8, 2016.

In addition to recognizing women in the community, the

banquet benefits the Jane Hale Sypher Scholarship at

the College of Southern Maryland and other educational

endeavors within the community. The scholarship supports a non-traditional student who is a

single parent or displaced homemaker.

For more information contact Chairwoman Diane Danaher at 301-475-4200, ext. *1680 or via

email to commissionforwomen@stmarysmd.com.

The way to a healthy heart

is as close as your local

Senior Activity Center… (see page 35 to contact us)

New beginning

26

role RSVP women volunteers play, they are making important, valuable, and significant contributions to our community. So let’s take time to thank the women in our lives for all they do to make our world a better place to live!

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program By Norine Rowe, RSVP Project Manager

NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

In honor of National Women’s History Month in March, we want to honor all the women volunteers who serve with RSVP throughout the year. Did you know that almost three-quarters of RSVP volunteers are women? That’s a testament to the tradition and legacy of service so many women exemplify in our homes, families, churches, and community at large. RSVP women volunteers serve in so many ways. Whether helping to distribute groceries at a food pantry, caring for Hospice patients, or visiting Veterans, RSVP women volunteers are on the front lines of service. Many also serve behind the scenes, working hard without fanfare to get the job done. They knit hundreds of handmade items to give to persons in need. They answer office phones and help with administrative tasks. They plant gardens, maintain outdoor spaces, and install beautification projects. Others are at the forefront, leading exer-cise classes and educational tours, training volun-teer tax aides, or chairing committees. Whatever

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

April 10-16, 2016

In April, we celebrate National Volunteer

Week and all the wonderful volunteers

who are part of RSVP, both men and

women. Where would we be without all

of our senior volunteers who keep local

non-profits running, our Senior Activity

Centers humming with activity, our offices operating, our museums

open? So much that happens in our community would not be possible

without our senior volunteers. We thank you for your service!

March-april 2016

27

Thursday, March 10, at the Dr. James A. Forrest

Career and Technology Center in Leonardtown,

directly across from the county fairgrounds. Doors open

at 10 a.m. for registration, the awards ceremony begins at 11 a.m., and the luncheon banquet

follows directly afterward. We look forward to seeing you there!

Another Successful Year for RSVP Volunteers! RSVP volunteers served more than 34,000 hours

in 2015 valued at more than $900,000! Pictured

here is Commissioner President Guy proudly dis-

playing the large check we presented to him last

year at our Volunteer Awards Banquet. All we can

say is, he better make room in his office for

another big check this year!

Remember the Date: Volunteer Recognition

Ceremony & Awards Banquet March 10

We want to remind all our volunteers who

registered for our RSVP Volunteer Awards

Banquet that this year’s event is being held on

Special Notice Regarding Parking at Awards Banquet

Our Volunteer Banquet takes place during the school day while students are still at the Tech

Center and parked in the front parking lot. Awards Banquet attendees will need to park in the

rear parking lot of the Tech Center. We will have directional signs and parking lot attendants

to help direct attendees to our event parking location. Vans staffed by Department of Aging &

Human Services personnel will also be available to provide transportation services from the

parking area to the event entrance.

Awards Banquet and Possible Wintry Weather

There is a chance snow could affect our Volunteer Awards

Banquet as this year’s event is being held earlier in March than

usual. If we do have a snow event and public schools are closed,

our Banquet will have to be rescheduled. However, if there is a delay in

public school openings, it’s possible our event can take place. In the case of

snow, please check the Public Schools website for information. Also, you can

visit our Department of Aging & Human Services website at www.stmarysmd.com/aging/ for

event status, or you can call 301-737-5670, ext. 1653, for a voice mail

message with event information. Here’s hoping we have

bright, sunny skies and we’re able to proceed as scheduled!

To learn about volunteer opportunities for seniors 55+, call RSVP at 301-737-5670, ext. 1653, or e-mail

Norine.Rowe@stmarysmd.com.

New beginning

28

TRIPS:

Summer

New York City Tour July 14-17, 2016

$1,565 per person,

(double occupancy)

Having visited NYC several times in December, this time we’ll take on “The Big Apple” in

July! Join us for four days/three nights as we explore some famous areas of the city in the

summertime. This trip includes: 3 nights accommodations at the Holiday Inn North Bergen,

New Jersey or similar hotel, just outside of New York City; 3 dinners; Carmine’s, Katz Deli

and Virgil’s BBQ; breakfast buffet at the hotel each morning; Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty

Tour, including ferry to Ellis Island and audio tour and admission to the “pedestal” of the

Statue of Liberty; Broadway show; Guided East Village Walking Food Tour; Luxury coach

Guided Bus Tour of NYC, including Ground Zero; all taxes, tips and gratuities; snacks on the

bus both ways, and 2 bottles of water per day/per person to help you stay hydrated in the sum-

mer heat. Optional travel insurance is available for an additional $125. Call Shellie Graziano at

301-737-5670, ext. 1655 to learn more, including payment options. This trip is limited to 18

travelers. Your spot is reserved when your $565 deposit is received.

*Please note this trip includes activities which require a strong degree of mobility.

The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Food & History Tours are all walking activities.

March-april 2016

29

Location Title Instructor Day(s) Time Cost

Garvey Senior

Activity Center

Leonardtown

301-475-4200,

ext. *1050

Intermediate

Quilting

Louise Park 1st & 3rd

Fridays

9:30 a.m. Supplies

Loffler Senior

Activity Center

Great Mills

301-737-5670,

ext. 1658

Needle

Crafters

Audrey Hanie Mondays &

Thursdays

10-11:30

a.m.

Free

Decorating

Committee

Shellie Graziano 1st & 3rd

Mondays

2 p.m. Free

Appliqué

Jewelry

Judith Nelson

Sue Peters

Mondays

Call for dates

1 p.m. Free

Independent

Art

Art Classes

Jamie Naluai

Jamie Naluai

2nd & 4th

Fridays

Tuesdays

10 a.m.-noon

10 a.m.-noon

Supplies

$85/4 wks

Honey Bee

Quilters

Jan Goings 1st & 3rd

Wednesdays

10 a.m.-noon Free

Needle &

Thread

Self-directed Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon Free

Project Linus

Monthly Craft

Wood Carving

Debbie Rumple

Audrey Haynie

W. & M. Brown

3rd Fridays

1st Fridays

Tuesdays

10 a.m.

10 a.m.

1 p.m.

Free

Supplies

Supplies

Northern Senior

Activity Center

Charlotte Hall

301-475-4002,

ext. *3101

Form-A-Line

Cards

Linda Wright Mondays 1 p.m. $5

Simply Crafty Self-directed Daily Open Free

Whimsie

Works Pottery

Pam King 2nd & 4th

Mondays

1:30 p.m. Fee

Quilting Gina Alexander 2nd & 4th

Wednesdays

12:30 p.m. Free

Dynamic

Ceramics

Nancy Norris Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.-

noon

Fee

Open Pottery

Studio

Self-directed Mondays &

Fridays

9 a.m. Free

Northern Stars

Theater Group

Rachel Mowatt (Coming in

2016)

1 p.m. Free

Ongoing Creative Expressions

New beginning

30

Ongoing Social Events at the Northern Senior Activity Center

Location Title Day(s) Time Cost

Northern Senior

Activity Center

Charlotte Hall

301-475-4002,

ext. *3101

“Bring Your Buddy”

Billiards

Mondays, Tuesdays

Wednesdays

Thursdays

No Fridays

Before 11 a.m.

Before 1 p.m.

After 3 p.m.

Free

Hand & Foot 4th Tuesday 12:30 p.m. Free

“Oh, Heck” Tuesdays and Fridays 9:30 a.m. Free

Double Pinochle Tuesdays

Fridays

11 a.m.

Noon

Free

Breakfast Café Varies (see pg. 23) 9 a.m. $2

Western Mahjong Wednesdays 1 p.m. Free

Eastern Mahjong Thursdays 1 p.m. Free

Pitch Tournament TBD 5 week sessions 12:30 p.m. $10

Bridge Thursdays 10 a.m. Free

Bingo Fridays 10 a.m. $2

Wearing of the Green: A St. Patrick’s Day

celebration will be held from 11a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Thursday,

March 17 at the Loffler Senior Activity Center. Wear your

green; enjoy an Irish lunch and a hour of live IRISH

music by David Norris during the lunch hour. For your

Irish Lunch, enjoy Irish Stew, Irish Soda Bread, Steamed

Cabbage and a Fruit Tart in a Graham Cracker Crust. There

may be a bit of Tom Foolery after the entertainment ends, so bring your

sense of humor! Advance tickets are required, $7 suggested donation. A

limited number of tickets will be sold, and only ticket holders will be able to

have lunch at Loffler on this day. Tickets are on sale at the Loffler Senior

Activity Center. Call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658.

March-april 2016

31

Ongoing Social Events at the Garvey and Loffler Senior Activity Centers

Location Title Day(s) Time Cost

Garvey Senior

Activity Center

Leonardtown

301-475-4200,

ext. *1050

Bingo 1st & 3rd Mondays 10 a.m.-noon $1-3

Billiards Call for availability 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Free

Pitch Mon., Wed. & Fri. 10 a.m.-noon Free

Senior Vibes 1st Tuesday 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free

Bridge Club Thursdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

(call for info)

Free

Loffler Senior

Activity Center

Great Mills

301-737-5670,

ext. 1658

Pinochle Mon., Wed. & Fri. 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free

Canasta/Pitch Club Tuesdays 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free

Contract Bridge Tuesdays 10 a.m.-noon Free

Bingo

Wednesdays

Mar. 9 & Apr. 13

12:30-1:30 p.m.

$1 per

card to 3

Bingo Tuesdays

Mar. 1, 15, 22, 29

Apr. 2, 19, & 26

12:30-1:30 p.m. $1 per

card to 3

Canasta & More Wednesdays 1-4 p.m. Free

Puzzles Daily 9-Noon Free

Polish Poker & Pitch Wednesdays 10 a.m. Free

Hand & Foot Every Thursday 2 p.m. Free

New beginning

32

Ongoing Physical Fitness Activities At Garvey and Loffler Centers

* F.C. = Fitness Card,

available at all Senior

Activity Centers. The

first session of activities

is a free trial, with F.C.

required thereafter.

*F.C. = Fitness Card,

available at all Senior

Activity Centers. The first

session of activities is a

free trial, with F.C.

required thereafter.

Location Title Day(s) Time Cost

Fitness Equipment Daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free

Wii Sports Call for availability 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free

Men’s Strength

Training

Mondays &

Thursdays

9:30-10:30 a.m. F.C.

EnhanceFitness Mon., Wed., Fri. 10:45-11:45 F.C.

Open Table Tennis Tuesdays except 1st.

Thursdays

10 a.m.-noon

2:15 p.m.

Free

Arthritis Foundation

Exercise

Tuesdays &

Thursdays

8:45-9:20 a.m. Free

Yoga For Everyone Tuesdays & Fridays 1:05-2:05 p.m. F.C.

Line Dancing Wednesdays 1:30-2:30 p.m. Free

Exercise for

Parkinson’s Disease

Thursdays 1:15-2 p.m. Free

Zumba Thursdays 10:45-11:45 a.m. F.C.

Zumba Toning Fridays 9:30-10:30 a.m. F.C.

Video Aerobics Fridays 8:30-9:30 a.m. Free

Loffler Senior

Activity Center

Great Mills

301-737-5670,

ext. 1658

Fitness Equipment

Available

Daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free

Wii Sports Daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free

Zumba Mondays Noon F.C.

Walking Club Mon., Wed. & Fri. 9 a.m. Free

Arthritis Foundation Mondays & Fridays 1-2 p.m. Free

EnhanceFitness Mondays & Fridays

Wednesdays

2 p.m.

1 p.m.

F.C.

Strength Training Tuesdays, Thursdays 10-11 a.m. F.C.

Yoga Mon.,Wed., Fri. 9:50-11 a.m. F.C.

Yoga Thursdays 8:50-10 a.m. F.C.

Line Dance Fridays 11 a.m. Free

Tai Chi for Arthritis Mondays, Thursdays 11 a.m. Free

Garvey Senior

Activity Center

Leonardtown

301-475-4200,

ext. *1050

March-april 2016

33

Ongoing Physical Fitness Activities At The Northern Senior Activity Center

We’ll Read to You; Audio Version of the New

Beginning Newsletter and Calendars are Online Thanks to volunteer reader, Barbara Homan, an audio version of

this bi-monthly New Beginning newsletter is available on the Depart-

ment of Aging website. To have New Beginning read to you, go to

the web page www.stmarysmd/aging. Click on Community

Programs, or click on “Bi-monthly Newsletter” under “Quick Links.”

This will take you to past newsletters, and you can click on the issue you want to read, or

click on the speaker icon to the right of the monthly edition you want to have read to you.

Call 301-475-4200, ext. *1073 to learn more about this audio availability.

Additional volunteer readers and those proficient in other languages are particularly

welcome; the time commitment is approximately two hours on a bi-monthly basis.

You can also view the Senior Activity Center monthly calendars by going to

www.stmarysmd.com/aging and clicking on the “Loffler Activities Calendar,” the

“Northern Activities Calendar,” or the “Garvey Activities Calendar.”

* F.C. = Fitness

Card, available at all

Senior Activity

Centers. The first

session of activities is

a free trial, with F.C.

required thereafter.

Location

Northern Senior

Activity Center

Charlotte Hall

301-475-4002,

ext. *3101

Title Day(s) Time Cost

Fitness Equipment

Available

Daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free

Wii Sports Daily Noon-5 p.m. Free

Walking on

Three Notch Trail

Daily Open Free

Yoga For Everyone Mondays &

Alternating Fridays

9 a.m.

8 a.m.

F.C.

Total Body Strength Mondays 2-3 p.m. F.C.

Zumba Tuesdays 10-11 a.m. F.C.

Arthritis Foundation

Exercise

Wednes

days &

Thursdays

10-10:45 a.m. Free

EnhanceFitness Tues. & Thurs.,

Saturdays

9-10 a.m.

9:30-10:30 a.m. F.C.

Line Dancing Wednesdays 1-2:30 p.m. Free

Regular Bike Riding Daily Open Free

YES cycling Appointment Scheduled Times Free

Regulation Horseshoes (Call)

Tai Chi for Arthritis Wed. & Fri. 10 a.m. Free

New beginning

34

Ongoing Education Classes

Sign Up Online to Receive New Beginning

You can sign up to receive a notification when the newsletter

is available online in PDF format via stmarysmd.com/citizen/signup.asp

This link will also allow you to sign up for news releases and emergency

alerts. The newsletter can also be viewed on the Department of Aging

website, stmarysmd.com/aging/.

If you choose to receive the newsletter via e-mail or view online rather

than mailing, contact Community Programs and Outreach at 301-475-4200,

ext. *1073.

Location Title Instructor Day(s) Time Cost

Garvey Senior

Activity Center

Leonardtown

301-475-4200,

ext. *1050

Book Discussion Kathy Mather 2nd Wednesday 10:30 a.m. Free

Loffler Senior

Activity Center

Great Mills

301-737-5670,

ext. 1658

Current Events Dave Spore Mondays 10 a.m. Free

Scripture Study Solomon Olumese 2nd & 4th Fri. 10 a.m. Free

Computer Tutor Volunteer Daily By appt. Free

Northern Senior

Activity Center

Charlotte Hall

301-475-4002,

ext. *3101

Page Turners

Book Club

Gloria Fusco 4th Monday 1 p.m. Free

Lyme Disease

Support &

Discussion Group

MarieNoelle

Lautieri

TBD 1 p.m. Free

Book Chatter Joyce Summers 4th Thursday 11 a.m. Free

Senior Matters Rita Blyler 1st & 3rd Tues. 10:45 a.m. Free

March-april 2016

35

St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services At A Glance Lori Jennings-Harris, Director

Aging & Disability Resource Center/Maryland Access Point-Your link to health and support

services, providing older adults, persons with disabilities and caregivers with a single point of

entry. Access to information and referrals to services, options counseling, support for care-

givers, and more, are provided through the ADRC/MAP. Call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050 for

information.

Senior Information and Assistance (Senior I&A)-Provides important updated information

as it relates to senior services, benefits, and assistance programs. You may reach Debbie

Barker, Program Manager, at 301-475-4200, ext. *1064 or Melissa Craig at 301-475-4002,

ext. *1004, or 301-737-5670, ext. 1654.

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)-Consists of multiple programs providing the

following services: Guardianship for individuals age 65 and over, Medicaid-funded community-

based services, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Senior Care Program, Respite Assistance and

Caregiver Support. Call Rebecca Kessler, Division Manager, at 301-475-4200, ext. *1061.

Senior Activity Centers-The three county senior activity centers are places where adults age

50 and over who are independent and active can participate in activities, events, exercise

programs, and group meal programs. Call Alice Allen, Division Manager, at 301-475-4200,

ext. *1063.

Home Delivered Meals-A service for seniors 60 and over who are homebound and have a

moderate to severe disability which prevents them from shopping or cooking for themselves,

and who have no one to prepare meals. Program Coordinator Monika Williams can be reached

at 301-475-4200, ext. *1060.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)-Offering persons 55 years of age or older an

opportunity to donate their time, talents, enthusiasm, and expertise in the local community. Call

301-737-5670, ext. 1653.

Senior Rides Program-A program which connects individuals who meet certain criteria and

need transportation to important events and appointments with pre-screened, trained volunteer

drivers. Call 301-475-4200, ext. *1066 for more information.

Community Programs & Outreach-Communicates timely and topical information to the sen-

ior community through a bi-monthly newsletter, website updates, local and state-wide events,

and local media. To receive the bi-monthly newsletter, call 301-475-4200, ext. *1073.

Human Services-Areas of responsibility of the Division of Human Services include: services

provided to citizens with mental health needs; substance abuse treatment and prevention options

including outpatient and residential options; supportive services for children and youth; and

social, educational, and recreational activities to children and families. Call 301-475-4200,

ext.*1849.

Website: www.stmarysmd.com/aging Fax: 301-475-4503

Phone: 301-475-4200, ext. *1050

Address: 41780 Baldridge Street, P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650 (Please send donations and correspondence to the Post Office Box.)

Senior Activity Centers:

Garvey Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4200, ext. *1050

41780 Baldridge St., Leonardtown, MD, 20650

Loffler Senior Activity Center, 301-737-5670, ext. 1658

21905 Chancellor’s Run Rd., Great Mills, MD 20634

Northern Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4002, ext. *3101

29655 Charlotte Hall Rd., Charlotte Hall, MD, 20622

New beginning

36

St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services 41780 Baldridge Street P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID Leonardtown, MD

20650 PERMIT NO. 102

Holiday Closings... (Also, no Home-Delivered Meals)

Good Friday, March 25, 2016