Senior spotlight

Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Center information

Contact the Loffler Senior Activity Center at 301-737-5670, ext. 1652; the Garvey Senior Activity Center at 301-475-4200, ext. 1050; the Northern Senior Activity Center at 301-475-4002, ext. 1001; the Oakley nutrition site at 301-475-4200, ext. 1050; and Ridge at 301-475-4200, ext. 1050. Call the Vivian Ripple Adult Day Services Center at 301-373-6515.

For the most up-to-date information, visit www.stmarysmd.com/aging.

Community health fair to show ‘The Way to Wellness'

The St. Mary's County Community Health Fair, "The Way to Wellness," will be held today, Oct. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department at 24801 Three Notch Road. A limited number of flu and pneumonia inoculations will be available (Medicare card holders must bring their cards; $15 suggested donation accepted otherwise). Free health screenings will include skin cancer, podiatry, depression, vision (afternoon only) and hearing. All are encouraged to attend.

No COLA announced for Social Security recipients

The Social Security Administration has officially announced that individuals receiving Social Security benefits will not receive a cost of living increase in 2010. This decision was based on a lack of increase in consumer prices reported by the Consumer Price Index. As a result of no COLA, the Medicare Part B premium for individuals who have been receiving Medicare benefits in 2009 and prior years will remain $96.40 per month. For those who become entitled to Medicare Part B benefits in 2010, the premium will be $110.50 per month.

Housing Expo to focus on options

It's here — a one-stop shop to get all senior housing questions answered. The Housing Expo is designed for seniors or family members of a senior interesting in learning about housing options available in the tri-county area. The Housing Expo will be held Friday, Nov. 13, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Northern Senior Activity Center in Charlotte Hall. Senior housing providers from the tri-county area will have information on the services and facilities they offer for both independent and assisted living.

Gourd art taught

Instructor Kay Hall will teach a variety of gourd decorating techniques, including waxing, needle dying and wax linen threading at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Tuesdays, Nov. 3 to 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. Space is limited. A fee of $15 is due at the time of registration. For more information call the Garvey center receptionist at 301-475-4200, ext. 1050.

Class to include Italian quilting

Trapunto quilting, Italian for "to embroider", also called stuffed technique, is a decorative quilting technique that utilizes at least two layers and that is padded from the underside. This produces a raised surface on the quilt. This technique will be taught at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Tuesday, Nov. 3 and 10, from 2 to 3 p.m. Cost is $5. Sign up in advance by calling 301-475-4200, ext. 1050.

Garvey center to serve staff-prepared luncheon

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 12:30 p.m., the Garvey center staff will serve meat loaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas, corn, rolls, cranberry-pumpkin cookies and vanilla ice cream and juice, milk/coffee/tea. Participants are asked to sign up by today, Oct. 30, by calling 301-475-4200, ext. 1050. Cost for lunch is by donation for people 60 and older; $5 for those younger than 60.

Square dancing partners needed

Square dancing will start in the month of November on Mondays from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Northern Senior Activity Center in Charlotte Hall. Area seniors are encouraged to get into the swing of things and couple up for square dancing.

To sign up, call 301-475-4002, ext. 1003.

Cost will be $2.50 per person per session. Instructor James Loveless has many years of experience leading calls for traditional square dancing. This is a great way to have fun during the winter months. Sessions will begin when enough partners sign up to form a square.