Center information

Contact the Loffler Senior Activity Center at 301-737-5670, ext. 1658; the Garvey Senior Activity Center at 301-475-4200, ext. 1050; the Northern Senior Activity Center at 301-475-4002, ext. 1001; and the Ridge nutrition site at 301-475-4200, ext. 1050. For the most up-to-date information, see www.stmarysmd.com/aging.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day set for May 15

The 12th Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day ceremony will take place Tuesday, May 15, at 11:30 a.m. at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, located at 44219 Airport Road in California. This event occurs during National Police Memorial Week and will pay tribute to law officers who have died in the line of duty. The public is invited to attend the memorial ceremony and honor the officer of the year, selected from each department based on their outstanding service to the community.

Loffler to offer Living Well series

The Loffler Senior Activity Center will host the Living Well Take Charge of Your Health series on Tuesday evenings from 5 to 7:30 p.m., beginning May 22 and ending June 26. This evidence-based program for self-management of chronic conditions comes from Stanford University. Impressive statistics on health improvement, fewer medical expenses and hospitalizations and overall sense of well-being is the potential reward for those who are serious about taking control of their condition.

The St. Mary’s County Department of Aging and MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital Health Connections are making this program available to residents of St. Mary’s County at no cost. To sign up or for more information about this opportunity, call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658, or email Shellie at sheila.graziano@stmarysmd.com.

At least 10 participants must register in order to hold this workshop, so participants are asked to call as soon as possible. Deadline for signing up is Friday, May 18. Attendance at all six sessions is highly recommended.

Basic Middle Eastern belly dancing class offered

Learn the basic steps and movements of Middle Eastern dancing at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Tuesdays, May 15 to June 26 from 9 to 10 a.m. (no class on June 5). Students will learn correct body posture and alignment and basic body isolations. Learn to loosen and relax muscles with hip and pelvic movements, twists, shimmies and more. During the course, students will learn a simple choreography, integrating the belly dancing steps learned.

Payment is due at the time of registration. Space is limited, registration closes Friday, May 11. Cost is $18, payable to Geno Rothback. For more information, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1050.

Garvey unveils the ‘man cave’

The Garvey Senior Activity Center will host a variety of activities geared towards men on Tuesdays, beginning May 15, at 10 a.m. The room features a billiard table, a 42-inch television and a Wii gaming system. The room includes seating for socializing, talking over coffee or tables for playing cards, including a poker table. During the grand opening of the man cave on May 15, gentlemen are invited to partake in these activities, while snacking on traditional “man cave” treats.

For more information, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1050.

Garvey celebrates older Americans

In celebration of Older American’s Month, the Garvey Senior Activity Center will host jazz singer, Gretchen Richie, on Thursday, May 17, at noon. Richie has performed locally at numerous Washington, D.C., area venues, including Blues Alley in Georgetown. She has also performed nationally and internationally, including Boca Raton, Fla., Palm Springs, Calif., and France. Since 2000, Richie has been the featured entertainer at Café des Artistes in her hometown of Leonardtown. She’s recorded two CDs.

Prior to Richie’s performance at 12:30 p.m., the Garvey Senior Activity Center staff will serve a special staff-prepared meal of chicken alouette, rice, cranberry-strawberry salad, green beans, pineapple upside-down cake and a beverage. To make reservations, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1050.

‘Potting Shed’ event to be held at Loffler Senior Activity Center

On Friday, May 18, at 10:30 a.m., get together at the Loffler Senior Activity Center with friends and Toni Axtell for a “Potting Shed” event, to make a flower basket to can take home. Everyone brings different varieties of flowers, and you can pick and choose what you’d like to put in yours. We’ll supply the soil and you bring a container to plant your flowers, plus two six-packs or more of annuals. You may want to bring some garden gloves and your favorite potting tools.

Call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658, or stop by the reception desk to sign up by Wednesday, May 16.

Senior Matters group to meet

The Senior Matters group meets at the Northern Senior Activity Center the first and third Tuesday of each month at 10:45 a.m. Structured like a small study or focus group, participants explore issues and concerns related to aging as facilitated by Elizabeth Holdsworth LCSW-C.

Topics may include, but are not limited to, health care, challenges of rural living, emotional issues, advance directives, finance challenges, community resources and more.

For more information, call the center at 301-475-4002, ext. 1001.