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News & Events for Older Adults in Howard County • April 2025

Save the Date for OAI's Showcase, The Art of Healthy Aging, May 9 at the Mall in Columbia

Join the Office on Aging & Independence (OAI) to celebrate Older Americans Month in May as we showcase the art of healthy aging! This FREE, all-ages event on Friday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mall in Columbia will feature health screenings, a keynote address on brain health by Dr. William Mansbach, a live cooking demonstration, cultural performances, interactive art displays and more. Dr. Mansbach is CEO and President of CounterPoint Health Services, specializing in geriatric behavioral health and dementia care, and co-author of Brain Health as You Age: A Practical Guide to Maintenance and Prevention. Register for the keynote. Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support, including AARP Maryland, Bob Lucido Team, Residences at Vantage Point, and The Beacon.

OAI Art of Healthy Aging event at the Maill in Columbia May 9

Showcase YOUR Artwork at The Art of Healthy Aging 

Calling all artists - don't miss the opportunity to have your artwork displayed at the Mall in Columbia during Older Americans Month (OAM), May 2 - 29 to celebrate The Art of Healthy Aging. Accepted mediums include paintings, watercolor, drawings, canvas, paper crafts (collage, scrapbook or card-art), or other creations that can lay flat. Artwork can be framed, matted or not. Bring your artwork to any 50+ Center by April 23 and be sure to complete the Artwork Loan Agreement, also available at the front desk. Questions? Email Malarie Burgess or call 410-313-6542 (voice/relay).

Age-Friendly Listening Session on April 8

Share Your Thoughts at a Community Listening Session

Join Age-Friendly and OAI staff at a community listening session to share your thoughts, concerns, ideas and experiences to help shape a more Age-Friendly Howard County! All are welcome; registration is recommended but not required. Register now to attend the final session on April 8 at 6 p.m. at OAI's offices, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia 21046. To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations to participate, email Morgan Spliedt or call 410-313-5952. If you cannot attend, email comments to agefriendly@howardcountymd.gov.

Register to attend the Listening Session on April 8
50Plus Exployee EXPO logo with silhouettes of job seekers

Howard County Virtual 50+ Employment Expo 

May 1, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. / Register

Are you age 50+ and looking for employment opportunities? Join us at the FREE Virtual 50+ Employment Expo, sponsored by OAI and the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) of Greater Washington. Job seekers can network with potential employers and learn about subjects relevant to your job search:

• Network with other jobseekers in Chat.

• Attend two virtual morning workshops on job search topics.

• Hear area employers talk about their organizations and openings.

• Ask the employers question in Chat.

Participating employers will discuss current full-time and part-time salaried job opportunities. Learn more about the employment expo and register to attend.

Hello April with spring graphics

See What's Happening in April at 50+ Centers

Join OAI as we welcome spring with an exciting array of activities and events at our 50+ Centers! From energizing fitness classes and engaging workshops to fun social events and creative arts, there are endless opportunities to make the most of the season. To find more options, view the April issue of the 50+ Connection or our quarterly center newsletters, below, or visit the Howard County ActiveNet registration site.

Subscribe to have these publications sent directly to your inbox. Here are some events coming up in April, highlighted by our 50+ Center directors:

Railways: Film and Chat

Elkridge 50+ Center / April 4, 10 a.m. - noon / Register

All aboard for railroading fans! Enjoy the camaraderie of other train historians, collectors and enthusiasts. View film and displays, and participate in discussions about railway history. 

Jack Burkert of the Baltimore Museum of Industry

Baltimore's Amazing Garment Industry

Glenwood 50+ Center

April 7, 11 a.m. / Register

Local historian Jack Burkert (pictured) will discuss how Baltimore's garment industry flourished in the late 19th century to become a dominant force in men's clothing nationwide. Employing over 20,000 workers in dozens of factories, the Baltimore industry produced men's suits, ties, shoes, hats, as well as some women's clothing.


Interactive Health Fair

East Columbia 50+ Center / April 7, 2 - 6 p.m.

Take advantage of free health screenings and onsite experts who will highlight resources in our community. Learn something new and take charge of your health! No registration required.

Live Guitar in the Lobby

Bain 50+ Center / April 23, 10 a.m. / Register

In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, join us for a morning of live guitar music in the lobby with Al Bracey! Listen to the soothing melodies while enjoying cookies and punch.

Lego Serious Play

LEGO® Serious Play®

North Laurel 50+ Center

April 25, 10:30 a.m. / Register

Howard County is designated as an age-friendly community - but what would it take to make it even safer, healthier and more livable? Use LEGO® bricks to design, build and share your vision for a more Age-Friendly Howard County! If online registration is full, call 410-313-0380 (voice/relay) for availability.

Stress Awareness Month Series: Sip & Paint

Bain 50+ Center /  April 30, 1 p.m. / Register

Instructor Mostafa Torabi leads this fun, social activity. Enjoy painting while sipping on a mocktail. Register by April 23; $15 registration fee. Contact the front desk for list of materials to purchase.

Living Well for Diabetes offered in Korean

Living Well: Diabetes Self-Management (Korean)

First Korean Presbyterian Church / 8430 Glenmar Rd, Ellicott City 21043

Tuesdays, May 6 - June 10, 9:30 a.m. - noon / Register

Offered in Korean, this FREE six-week diabetes disease self-management program is designed for people living with type 2 diabetes and/or their caregivers. Weekly sessions cover topics like glucose monitoring, skin and foot care, exercise, nutrition, healthy eating and balancing blood sugars. Email Heather Sites for more information or call 410-313-3507 (voice/relay).

Brain on a pillar

Six Pillars of Brain Health

Ellicott City 50+ Center / April 29, 1 p.m. Register

Scientific research shows maintaining a healthy lifestyle may support brain health. Sponsored by AARP Maryland & Alta at Regency Crest, this program explores how practicing the six pillars of brain health can help. The six pillars include: 


Be social: Maintain strong connections with friends, family and your community. 

Eat right: Get the nutrients your body and brain need. 

Manage stress: The way we respond to stress can make a difference. 

Ongoing exercise: Find ways to stay physically active. 

Restorative sleep: Getting quality sleep is a priority. 

Engage your brain: Each day offers an opportunity to learn.  

AARP tax aide program photo of a man helping a woman do her taxes

AARP Income Tax Preparation is offered through April 15 at Howard County 50+ Centers. To set up a free tax prep appointment, call 410-741-2373 and leave a message with your name and which 50+ Center you would like to schedule an appointment at. A scheduler will call you back to confirm the date and time. To schedule an appointment online, visit the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Locator and enter your location in the search box.

Transportation Options with cars and bikes

Getting There: Share Your Transportation Story

Tired of traffic? Want better transit options or safer streets? No matter how you travel—driving, biking, walking, or taking transit—your experience matters. The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board wants to better understand people's transportation needs. By taking this short survey, you can help shape future transportation projects that impact your daily life. Don't delay - responses requested by April 4.

Recreation and Parks Seeks Child Care Teachers

Howard County Recreation and Parks (HCRP) before and after school care programs provide a fun and safe experience for children, and peace of mind for parents. HCRP's licensed childcare section is looking for highly motivated teachers and qualified childcare team members to inspire the next generation. Staff receive paid training, with options for affordable health benefits and paid leave. Learn more about current opportunities. For more information, call 410-313-4717 or email RLCchildcare@howardcountymd.gov.

Celebrating 50 years of service to Howard County

The Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) is celebrating its golden anniversary this year, along with the creation of the original Office on Aging! Join the celebration at the Howard County MultiService Center (MSC) open house April 23, noon to 2 p.m. Get an inside look at the services provided by our MSC staff and onsite community partners. To learn more about upcoming 50th Anniversary events, visit DCRS' website.

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For more information about Office on Aging & Independence programs, visit our website or follow us on social media @HoCoCommunity. If you need assistance, contact Maryland Access Point of Howard County at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay) or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/map.