Active Aging, Volunteering and More…

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Celebrate Active Aging Week Kick-Off and Walk Maryland Day at Brookside Gardens
Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 10:00 am
Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, Maryland 20902

Take a stroll around the grounds of Brookside Gardens and celebrate our official state exercise--walking! Doctors from “Walk with a Doc” will inspire you to through movement and conversation! In honor of Active Aging Week, participate in one or more demonstrations including Zumba, Yo-Chi, and others! Food trucks will be available on-site for purchase. FREE to attend but advanced registration is encouraged: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/montgomery-county-active-aging-week-kick-off-event-tickets-67772981813

50+: Vital Living Through Volunteering- An Active Aging Week Event
Tuesday, October 1, 2019 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Twinbrook Library, 202 Meadow Hall Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20851
240-777-0240

Attend this FREE special event and learn about:
* The Montgomery County Volunteer Center’s rich resources for exploring volunteer opportunities
* The 50+ Volunteer Network that offers personal consultations and guidance in finding an opportunity that’s the right fit
* Actual volunteer experiences and the nonprofits where they have made a great match  

Receive your free copy of the 50+ Vital Living Networker packed with helpful resource information.  No registration necessary. 

Questions? Email 50plus@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov
 or call 240-777-2600.  To request sign language interpretation or other deaf/hard of hearing services for library-sponsored programs, email
 MCPL.DeafAccess@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov, preferably with three business days’ notice.

* To find all the Active Aging activities during the first week of October, click on the Senior Calendar here.

Simple Remedies for Loneliness
Tuesday, October 1, 2019 from 10:00 am to 11:15 am
Olney Library 3500 Olney Laytonsville Road, Olney, Maryland 20832
240-773-9545

Loneliness is a serious public health issue that impacts the well-being of older adults. In fact, researchers say loneliness might even be a bigger health risk than smoking or obesity! During this seminar, you’ll learn how loneliness and social isolation affect the mind and body. More importantly, you’ll discover how you can help yourself and others prevent and alleviate loneliness to enjoy a happier life.

Presented by Mary Ann Buckley, Executive Director of Care Management, Corewood Care
Please register with Marsha Weber at 301-605-3248 or webermarsha@grmail.com.

Dementia vs. Normal Aging
Tuesday, October 29, 2019- 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center
14906 Old Columbia Road, Burtonsville, Maryland 20866
240-777-4970

Come and learn the difference between forgetfulness and the signs of more serious memory problems which interfere with daily life.  Everyone experiences occasional forgetfulness, but when does it cross the line from normal aging to a more serious concern? What does and does not indicate possible signs of dementia?

FREE program presented by Christine Bitzer, LCSW at Seabury Resources for Aging
Contact:  cbitzer@seaburyresources.org or 202-364-0020

Dealing with E-Scooters Found on County Sidewalks
A six-month pilot program to allow electric bikes and battery powered e-scooters launched Jun
e 1, 2019.The County’s agreement with approved scooter companies states that e-scooters must not be parked in the right of way and cannot: interfere with traffic operations including driveway access or crosswalks, ADA ramps, pedestrian access, bus stops, fire hydrants. In addition, they cannot impede access to private property or businesses.

Residents are free to move inappropriately parked vehicles out of the way, if they are able. The vehicles may chirp or beep.

To report an abuse of the parking policy, residents can:

  1. Contact the vendor directly (Phone and website info are on each scooter and e-bike.)
  2. Call 311.
  3. Contact Commuter Services directly at 240-777-8380, or  e-mail commuterservices@MontgmeryCountyMD.gov.

Seasoned Spellers Senior Spelling Bee Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 11:00 am Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Avenue, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20879

Adults, aged 55 years and over, are invited to participate in FOLMC’s 9th Senior Spelling Bee.  Free and open to the public to watch. Contestants are encouraged to invite friends and family to cheer them on.

Pre-registration and $50 non-refundable team fee required to participate. Teams are to be composed of three (3) members. Registration deadline: Friday, October 25.  https://www.folmc.org/events-calendar/seasoned-spellers/

Questions? Call 240-777-0020 or email office@folmc.org. For mobility or auditory accommodations, please contact us at least two weeks prior to the event.

Take Advantage of a Job Search Training Program for Job Seekers 50+
Are you over age 50 and frustrated by your job search?  JCA’s Career Gateway Program can help you hone your resume, polish your networking and interviewing skills, use Internet job search resources more effectively, and turn your age and experience to your advantage.  Each session of the Career Gateway features 30 hours of small-group classroom instruction over five days, comprehensive take-home materials, practical exercises, and a long-term mentor – all for only $75!  Sessions run from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.  Optional employment-related tech training available, as well.

New Sessions Available for 2019/2020!
2019 Sessions:  #2:  November 4, 6, 8, 11, 13
2020 Sessions:  #3:  January 21, 22, 24, 27, 29                          
                          #4:  March 2, 4, 6, 9, 11

                          #5:  April 20, 22, 24, 27, 29
                          #6:  June 8, 10, 12, 15, 17  

For more information, call Jodie Rasch at 301-255-4215 or email her at Jodie.Rasch@AccessJCA.org.

RSVP/AARP Tax-Aide Program Volunteer Opportunity
Montgomery County Residents: Provide an important service to your community during tax season (January – April). Spend your winter helping others! The RSVP/AARP Tax-Aide Program provides free tax preparation assistance for 5,000 low-to moderate income Montgomery County taxpayers, with special attention to those who are 60+. 
The program relies exclusively on volunteers and provides all training!

Tax Counselor:  Help taxpayers prepare their federal and Maryland State tax returns at one of our 20+ convenient sites throughout Montgomery County.
Facilitator:  Welcome taxpayers at one of our sites, help organize their paperwork, and manage the overall flow of service.
Scheduler:  Arrange appointments for clients who call our Scheduling Office at Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Drive, Wheaton, MD 20906

Come to one of our information sessions! No pre-registration necessary.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 10:00 am
Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Avenue, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20879

Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 1:00 pm
Wheaton Library – brand new library; good excuse to check it out!
11701 Georgia Avenue, Ste 1, Silver Spring, Maryland 20902

Questions?  Email MontgomeryCountyTaxAide@gmail.com or call Kathleen Meaney Stobie, RSVP Director, 240-777-2612. www.MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/taxaide

Seniors Today 

October Topics:  Amy Harbison interviews Marc Elrich, County Executive; Ginnie Kiesewetter, District Coordinator, Senior Corps RSVP/AARP Tax-Aide Program & Eduardo Mendes, Community Action Agency VITA Program Coordinator; and Ryan Rilette, Artistic Director, Round House Theatre

Program airs at the following times: Sunday - (6:00 pm) | Mon - (10:00 am) | Tues - (1:00 am, 12:30 pm, 6:00 pm) | Thurs - (2:30 am, 6:00 pm) | Fri - (10:30 am) | Sat - (2:00 am)  

Where to Watch: Comcast and RCN channel 6; Verizon channel 30; or On-Demand at the County's website by clicking here.  

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